Lewisham Life Summer 2022

A party fit for a Queen! A party fit for a Queen!

How we celebrated the Platinum Jubilee

People’s Day – find out what’s on and where with our handy map

Staying active this summer –get fit and have fun

Our new Catford Library is coming soon!

Message from the Mayor

In May, Lewisham had elections for the Mayor of Lewisham and your 54 local councillors. I’m honoured to have been re-elected to serve as your Mayor for another four years –alongside a fantastic team of councillors – and I’m excited about delivering the ambitious manifesto I was elected on.

Lewisham is such a special place; we are proudly diverse, with values of kindness, compassion, tolerance and respect. We have strong communities, fantastic local town centres and businesses, beautiful green spaces and parks – and, as the pandemic showed, together we can do so much more.

I spoke to hundreds of residents during the election campaign, and I know that this is a really difficult time for many people, with the cost of living crisis and the ongoing impact of the pandemic. My priorities, working with my new Cabinet team, are around protecting what’s great about Lewisham, with a focus on supporting people during the difficult months and years ahead.

Some of my key priorities include:

l Delivering 800 new social homes and investing in housing repairs

l a brand new 7 day a week library

l hireable new community space with kitchen

l a brilliant children’s section with homework space and digital access

l resources to help residents find work and get online

l innovative pods for hybrid working

For more information and updates visit lewisham.gov.uk/libraries

l Making our streets cleaner, with more work done to prosecute fly-tippers

l Supporting all of our schools to be good or outstanding, so that every child is able to succeed

l Creating 4,000 local jobs and expanding our apprenticeship programme

l Working with the NHS to improve access to GPs

l Making sure we continue to have the best parks in London, with new play areas and rewilding to support wildlife

This is, of course, just a snapshot of what’s to come, and I look forward to sharing more details of my priorities and how we’re going to achieve them.

I hope you find this issue of Lewisham Life useful, especially the information about the brilliant events and opportunities going on throughout the summer of our year as London Borough of Culture.

As ever, if you have any questions or issues you wish to raise, you can email me at Damien.Egan@lewisham.gov.uk

Based in the heart of Catford we’ll be opening:

Damien Egan, Mayor of Lewisham and Brenda Dacres, Deputy Mayor

Damien Egan, Mayor of Lewisham

In this issue you can find out the latest news and what events are happening as part of our year as London Borough of Culture. Meet our Speaker, find out who your local Councillor is after the recent elections, and whether your ward has changed. Why not explore some fun new ways to get fit this summer and take a trip to Lewisham Market to save money, buy fresh healthy food and enjoy the atmosphere!

We’re also sharing some news from our schools, including an update on their work to tackle race inequality.

9

5

‘Good’ news for Deptford Green School

Deptford Green School has been given a rating of ‘Good’ after its latest Ofsted inspection. Inspectors praised the leadership and said that staff are proud to work there. Pupils said that disrespectful behaviour was simply not tolerated, and spoke positively about the range of services available at school to help them with their mental health and wellbeing. Inspectors noted that pupils have many opportunities to nurture their talents and interests, especially in the creative arts.

Headteacher Emma Thurston said: “We are absolutely delighted with the judgement the inspectors agreed upon. The staff, students and families in our school

community have known that Deptford Green is a good school for some time, although the external validation is certainly helpful.

We are excited about what the future holds for our school community and look forward to becoming the leading arts school in Lewisham and beyond.”

Get information about your neighbourhood, what’s on and how to

Headteacher Emma Thurston with pupils of Deptford Green School

New playground at Sayes Court

Excited pupils from Deptford Park Primary School joined Mayor Damien Egan to celebrate the opening of the newly refurbished playground at Sayes Court Park in Deptford. They were joined by Cllr Brenda Dacres, Deputy Mayor, Cllr Andre Bourne, Cabinet Member for Culture

Booster doses

A booster of the COVID-19 vaccine is available to people aged 75 and over, people who live in a care home for older people, or people aged 12 and over who have a weakened immune system. You can find more information on the NHS website at nhs.uk/covid-booster

and Leisure, and the Lewisham Mayoresses.

The refurbishment at Sayes Court includes some exciting new play equipment including a large wooden Golden Hind ship which pays tribute to the area’s maritime history near the Thames. There is also a brandnew sandpit area, new climbing

frames and upgraded swings and springers.

All this was made possible by local development funds from Section 106 and NCIL and is part of a larger £700,000 project to upgrade play areas in three popular Deptford parks –Sayes Court, Evelyn Green and Folkestone Gardens.

Rushey Green School receives UNICEF Award

Rushey Green School in Catford has been awarded the Silver Rights Respecting School Award by UNICEF UK.

UNICEF is the world’s leading organisation working for children and their rights. The Rights

Respecting Schools Award is granted to schools that show commitment to promoting and realising children’s rights and encouraging adults, children and young people to respect the rights of others in school.

World class ‘mathlete’

at Grinling Gibbons School!

Eight-year-old Michelle from Deptford has been named the best “mathlete” (UK Year 3 category) at this year’s World Maths Day Global Challenge. Michelle goes to Grinling Gibbons Primary School and is the only girl to have won gold in the 10

categories this year. The Challenge has around 10 million entrants from 160 countries.

Read more news from our schools throughout this issue, including page 28 where we share an update on our schools’ work to tackle race inequality.

Adult Learning open day

Our adult learning service is holding an open day on Thursday 21 July from 1–7pm at the Granville Park Adult Education Centre, SE13 7DU, just a few minutes from Lewisham station. Visit the facilities, talk to subject specialists, take part in free drop-in activities and demonstrations, and enrol for courses starting in September.

If you are thinking about

retraining for a new career, preparing for your next steps in education, or want to take up a hobby, this is the perfect opportunity to discover more about the wide variety of courses on offer at our adult learning centres.

If you can’t make the date, you can browse the full programme of autumn term courses at lewisham.gov.uk/

adultlearning

Come to the Beckenham Place Park Show!

The much-loved BPP Show returns on Sunday 31 July. This free, fun community event includes a flower and produce competition, an art exhibition and a dog show, plus market stalls, food and drinks traders and live music. It’s a fun day out for all ages!

See beckenhamplacepark.com/events for more information.

Mayor Damien Egan, Deputy Mayor Cllr Brenda Dacres, Cllr Andre Bourne and the Lewisham Mayoresses with pupils from Deptford Park Primary School

Supporting refugees

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in March, we have been working with residents and community groups across Lewisham to support those fleeing the violence in Ukraine.

As the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, we will always be a welcoming and safe home for those in need and Lewisham residents have been extremely generous with offers of assistance and donations.

As the crisis in Ukraine unfolded, we were incredibly proud to help the Lewisham Polish Centre with their appeal for donations, using space in our Council offices to store donations ready for collection. Since then, we have been supporting residents to welcome new

arrivals as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme, with nearly 200 Ukrainian refugees welcomed to Lewisham in recent months. We will continue to do everything we can to support those affected

A perfect Platinum Jubilee

In June we saw the whole country come together to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Lewisham was no exception, and we enjoyed a weekend of celebrations involving beacons being lit, open-air concerts and picnics, and over one hundred street parties across the borough. Here are some of our highlights!

by the war in Ukraine, building on our track-record as London’s leading borough for refugee resettlement.

Help us create a Cleaner Lewisham WORKING TOGETHER FOR A

Despite the hard work of our incredible street sweepers and cleansing teams, cuts from central government have made it harder to keep our streets clean. That’s why we’re bringing together residents, businesses and community groups for a series of community litter picks over the coming

months, as part of our Cleaner Lewisham campaign. Last year, over 200 residents from across Lewisham got involved with our community litter picks, collecting more than 190 bags of rubbish in the process.

We’re also cracking down on littering and fly-tipping, using CCTV to catch offenders and

handing out more fines. We’ve handed out over 1,600 fines for littering and fly-tipping since August 2021, as well as prosecuting professional fly-tippers in the borough. To find out where your nearest litter pick is taking place, visit lewisham.gov.uk/ CommunityLitterPicks.

The Mayor of Lewisham, Damien Egan, helping out at the Lewisham Polish Centre

Images: Tariq Chaudry

The Mayor of Lewisham, Damien Egan with Rosanna Campbell, Young Mayor and Ed, bugle player from Trinity Laban at the lighting of the beacon on Blackheath

Hearts of Steel at the Picnic and Proms in Mayow Park

Lewisham Concert Band in Mountsfield Park

Evelyn Green Jubilee Mayoresses event

Evelyn Green Jubilee Mayoresses event

Heathlee Road street party

Picnic and Proms in Mountsfield Park

The local elections were held on Thursday 5 May and Damien Egan (Labour) has been re-elected as Mayor of Lewisham for another four-year term with 39,966 votes (58.05%).

Labour won all 54 seats in the London Borough of Lewisham. See the map below to find out if your ward or local councillors have changed.

Lewisham’s directly elected mayor is Damien Egan (n Labour) who represents the whole borough.

1 Bellingham

a Cllr Rachel Onikosi

(n Lab and Co-op)

b Cllr Jacq Paschoud (n Lab and Co-op)

2 Blackheath

a Cllr Juliet Campbell (n Lab)

b Cllr Amanda De Ryk (n Lab)

c Cllr Luke Warner (n Lab)

3 Brockley

a Cllr Sian Eiles (n Lab)

b Cllr Ayesha Lahai-Taylor (n Lab)

c Cllr Stephen Penfold (n Lab)

4 Catford South

a Cllr Natasha Burgess (n Lab)

b Cllr James Royston (n Lab and Co-op)

c Cllr Eva Stamirowski (n Lab)

5 Crofton Park

a Cllr Tauseef Anwar (n Lab)

b Cllr Chris Barnham (n Lab)

c Cllr Carol Webley-Brown (n Lab)

6 Deptford

a Cllr Brenda Dacres (n Lab and Co-op)

b Cllr Stephen Hayes (n Lab and Co-op)

c Cllr Rosie Parry (n Lab and Co-op)

7 Downham

a Cllr Andre Bourne (n Lab)

b Cllr Coral Howard (n Lab)

c Cllr Oana Olaru (n Lab)

8 Evelyn

a Cllr Will Cooper (n Lab)

b Cllr Rudi Schmidt (n Lab)

c Cllr Hau-Yu Tam (n Lab)

9 Forest Hill

a Cllr Peter Bernards (n Lab and Co-op)

b Cllr Sophie Davis (n Lab and Co-op)

c Cllr Billy Harding (n Lab and Co-op)

10 Grove Park

a Cllr Suzannah Clarke (n Lab)

b Cllr Mark Jackson (n Lab)

c Cllr Hilary Moore (n Lab)

11 Hither Green

a Cllr Yemisi Anifowose (n Lab)

b Cllr Mark Ingleby (n Lab)

c Cllr Kim Powell (n Lab)

12 Ladywell

a Cllr Bill Brown (n Lab)

b Cllr Laura Cunningham (n Lab)

c Cllr Liz Johnston-Franklin (n Lab)

13 Lee Green

a Cllr Ese Erheriene (n Lab and Co-op)

b Cllr Eva Kestner (n Lab and Co-op)

c Cllr James Rathbone (n Lab and Co-op)

14 Lewisham Central

a Cllr Edison Huynh (n Lab)

b Cllr Aliya Sheikh (n Lab)

15 New Cross Gate

a Cllr Aisha Malik-Smith (n Lab)

b Cllr Liam Shrivastava (n Lab)

16 Perry Vale

a Cllr John Paschoud (n Lab and Co-op)

b Cllr Sakina Sheikh (n Lab and Co-op)

c Cllr Susan Wise (n Lab and Co-op)

17 Rushey Green

a Cllr Louise Krupski (n Lab and Co-op)

b Cllr John Muldoon (n Lab and Co-op)

c Cllr James J Walsh (n Lab and Co-op)

18 Sydenham

a Cllr Chris Best (n Lab and Co-op)

b Cllr Liam Curran (n Lab and Co-op)

c Cllr Jack Lavery (n Lab and Co-op)

19 Telegraph Hill

a Cllr Paul Bell (n Lab)

b Cllr Joan Millbank (n Lab)

c Cllr Luke Sorba (n Lab)

Councillors n Labour

n Labour and Co-operative Party 21

Total 54

Message from The mayor of London

We created the London Borough of Culture programme to showcase the amazing art and culture that exists at the heart of our communities.

Meet the Speaker

Lewisham has a directly elected mayor instead of a council leader, so the role of Speaker fulfils many of the ceremonial and public duties traditionally associated with a civic mayor. This includes chairing full council meetings, attending community events, welcoming visitors and new citizens to Lewisham and liaising with other civic mayors and dignitaries across London and beyond.

Cllr Anwar was first elected as a Crofton Park ward councillor in 2018, where he has lived for over 15 years. He is passionate about the environment, and in 2019 he proposed a motion which led to the Council declaring a climate emergency, which has helped to shape the Council’s environmental work. He represented Lewisham Council at last year’s COP26.

This is the third year Cllr Anwar has taken on the post, with the pandemic restricting much of what he was able to do during the last couple of years. This year he’s planning to make up for lost time by getting out in the community as much as possible.

“It was strange being elected as Speaker

during the lockdown, as it meant that unfortunately I wasn’t able to get out and about in the way I’d hoped,” he said. “I attended lots of online events, but it wasn’t the same so I’m excited to have a full year ahead of community events, meeting residents and businesses, fundraising for the Mayor’s charity and welcoming people to the Council Chamber.”

With the usual municipal calendar scrapped, Cllr Anwar found different ways to make a difference during the pandemic – most notably working with volunteers to set up a soup kitchen at the Lewisham Islamic Centre, which at its busiest was serving over 120 meals a day to people in need during the lockdown.

“I wanted to find a way to help people at a very difficult time,” he said. “The role of Speaker is about representing the Council, and this felt like an important way to do that. Lewisham is a special place, with great community spirit – I’m very proud to be the Speaker and to see all of that every day.”

To invite the Speaker to an event or for more information about his role please email civicevents@lewisham.gov.uk.

We wanted to celebrate the power culture has to bring people together, to unlock positive opportunities for our young people, and to shine a light on the character and rich diversity of London’s boroughs. Lewisham’s incredible spirit has certainly shone through its special programme over the past six months – bringing music, art and joy to inclusive initiatives and exciting events such as the fantastic, critically acclaimed concerts of Revolution Through Music.

The power arts and culture possess to inspire action and effect positive change is immense and it’s been great to see how We Are Lewisham has boldly seized this opportunity to focus attention on the most pressing issues facing London and the world - including the climate emergency. Breathe:2022, for example, movingly reminds us that air pollution is a matter of life and death and that every Londoner should have the right to breathe clean air, while Sun & Sea provokes us to think about the delicate relationship we have with our precious planet. Hope 4 Justice was a powerful call for change, as well as a truly spectacular performance.

The Creative Change Fund has supported huge numbers of local and grassroots organisations and, by giving residents the chance to skill up and access new jobs and training opportunities, Creative Futures is helping to cultivate the next generation of creative thinkers, activists and change makers – precisely the people who will lead Lewisham and London into the future.

Through capitalising on the success of this programme, embracing all that makes Lewisham such a dynamic and energetic place to be, and by raising awareness and inspiring change on the biggest issues facing our communities today, We Are Lewisham is helping to build a better London for everyone. I can’t wait to see what more is to come over the rest of the year, and the enduring legacy that Lewisham’s London Borough of Culture year will leave for residents and for our great capital city.

Sadiq Khan Mayor of London

Lewisham is a special place, with great community spirit – I’m very proud to be the Speaker

Image: David Parry / PA

Cllr Tauseef Anwar has been re-elected to the borough’s top civic post – the Speaker of Lewisham

We Are Lewisham is helping to build a better London for everyone

The story so far...

We are halfway through our year as the Mayor’s London Borough of Culture, and what a year it’s been so far.

We’ve got stuck into creative challenges, been inspired by free public art and celebrated Lewisham’s proud activist and musical heritage with 8,000 of you joining the Lewisham Sound System Trail in May. From gardening challenges to Vogue Balls, there’s been so much happening across the borough. We’ve rounded up some highlights below but make sure you check out @WeAreLewisham on social media to catch everything.

Artists of Change

Lewisham Sound System Trail

Breathe: 2022

Creative Careers Fayre

Vogue Ball at The Rivoli Ballroom

Proms in the Park Jubilee Celebrations

Climate Programme Launch

Creative Challenge, Walrus making

Images: Abigail Joanne, Sophie Waddy, Christa Holka, Matt Grayson

12 noon to 9pm

Last entry is 7.30pm

The much-loved People’s Day returns to Mountsfield Park on Saturday 16 July for the first time in four years. We’re excited to welcome everyone back with a unique mix of artists across five stages celebrating the very best of Lewisham.

This FREE outdoor music festival has a line-up to rival any of this summer’s ticketed outdoor concerts. Grammynominated reggae singer, Tippa Irie, shares top billing on the main stage with music royalty, Hollie Cook. While other confirmed acts include the brilliant Novelist, Unit 137, Nina Rose and All Day Breakfast Café.

As well as music there will be circus, street theatre fitness activities, workshops and great food and drink.

The Flying Seagull Project will take over the Kids Stage, bringing laughter, fun and play to Lewisham’s youngest audiences. You can also visit our community stalls to find out more about local jobs, services and opportunities.

Important Information

l To help you navigate the festival, the site has been laid out in four colour coded areas (see map). If you need help finding your way around once there, please speak to a steward

or visit the information point.

l There will be plenty of security staff on hand at the festival.

l No glass bottles.

l All bags will be searched

To help plan your visit, please go

wearelewisham.com/peoplesday

on entry so please travel light.

l There is no parking and a number of road closures will be in place around the event so please walk or use public transport.

by:

Tippa Irie

Hollie Cook

The Flying Seagull Project

Let’s Talk!

Shahlaa Tahira grew up in Lewisham. She was the co-host on BBC Radio 1Xtra ‘Talks’ and currently hosts ‘Badass Mums The Podcast’. We catch up with her as she curates the Blue Borough Stage at People’s Day 2022.

What does People’s Day mean to you?

People’s Day holds many happy memories for me. When I was a teenager, it was the most exciting thing to happen in Lewisham all summer. Back then it was about what you were going to wear. My friends and I would spend weeks planning our outfits – lots of matching colours and hairstyles going on.

Tell us about the Blue Borough Stage

I was delighted to be asked to curate it. There’s something special about working in your hometown. I’ve picked a mix of artists to represent the local scene. I’ve included some Lewisham musical royalty – Novelist and Don Strapzy – alongside gems that people may not know yet. There’s Nina Rose and also Casskidd, who’s getting played on BBC Radio 1 and if you like being two steps ahead, they should be on your playlist.

Do all the artists you’ve chosen have a connection to Lewisham?

Everyone I’ve picked either lives, has previously lived or went to school here. From Sydenham, to Brockley, to New Cross, I’ve tried to make sure each part of Lewisham is represented. Some of the artists I met while growing up and others I’ve met through working in the music industry – you know when you get chatting to someone and then realise you’re from the same place? There’s nothing like that ‘blue borough’ bond - I love it!

What’s ON

There are hundreds of events happening across the year. Here are some highlights to look forward to from live music and dance to family fun for all ages.

From babies to great-grandparents – there’s something for everyone

Are there any acts you’re particularly looking forward to seeing?

There’s an artist called Koder. I’ve loved watching his journey – he’s not just a rapper, he is a visual artist and is planning a very dramatic and exciting set. I can’t wait to see how that comes together!

What’s the best thing about People’s Day?

Obviously fantastic music is top of my list. But I also love that it’s inclusive and free. From babies to great-grandparents – there’s something for everyone. How many other festivals can say that? I can’t wait to soak it all up – see you there!

Until 10 July

T M Sun & Sea

Watch from above as a day at the beach unfolds into a musical exploration of our relationship with our planet. This award-winner from the 2019 Venice Biennale transforms the Albany into an indoor beach, with audiences watching from the balcony above.

The Albany, Douglas Way, SE8 4AG £.

Until 10 July

Va Airbourne and Drawing Air

Drop in to see two free artworks from artists Sarah Stirk and Gina Allen, exploring the damaging effects of air pollution in London. The Albany, Douglas Way, SE8 4AG FREE.

16 July

F FF M O People’s Day

South East London’s longest

running FREE outdoor festival is back with its biggest line up yet. Expect great music from headliners Tippa Irie, Hollie Cook, Novelist and more; plus art, food and family fun.

Mountsfield Park, Catford, SE6 1AN. FREE.

18 July

Va WS Community Mural

Join other residents to paint a mural at Lewisham Local’s community space at PLACE/Ladywell. Contributions to the mural have come from people of all ages to represent our wonderful diverse borough. Contact Bettina@lewishamlocal. com to sign up.

Lewisham Local, Unit C, Place/ Ladywell, 261 Lewisham High St, SE13 6NJ. FREE.

24 July FF M O Flower Power Family Rave with Big Fish Little Fish Dance in the Horniman Gardens with your whole family surrounded by butterflies, bees, beats and bubbles. London DJs spin the best in acid house, hip hop and drum n bass in a family friendly environment with food, bars, craft activities, storytelling, bubbles and more. The Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Rd, SE23 3PQ. £.

Images: Elon Shoenholz, Andrea Avezzu

The We Are Lewisham programme is presented with the Albany

Liberty Festival

22–24 July

22 July

1–9 September

T O Moving Day

Performed on the streets of Lewisham, this sitespecific performance asks how we can be supported to grow older as valued members of a community. Devised and performed by Glorious Age – an Entelechy Arts performance company made up of local residents aged 65+. Locations to be confirmed. FREE.

16–25 Sept

F FF Deptford X Festival

artist Dryden Goodwin invites us to imagine a clean air future for all. Across the borough. FREE.

F FF

A free festival of creative experiences by D/deaf, disabled and neurodiverse artists, presented by the Mayor of London. Expect music, dance, theatre and art, indoors and outdoors, in an accessible and inclusive environment. Drop in and make a day of it. Everyone is welcome. Multiple locations, FREE.

O C Touretteshero: Stand Up Comedy Comedy from Jess Thom –writer, performer and part time superhero. Jess has Tourettes Syndrome and co-founded Touretteshero as a creative response to her experience of living with the condition. Jess has written for The Guardian, The Observer and Disability Now. Giffin Square (Deptford), FREE.

22 – 24 July

O FF Captioning Lewisham

A series of sound captions by Nina Thomas placed in public spaces. Follow the trail to explore and uncover the local history of Lewisham. Maps for the trail will be available to help you explore. Deptford High Street, FREE.

Climate Home: Festival of Action & Resistance

11 July – 20 August

F YP O Young people aged 8–25 take centre stage at Lewisham’s new pop-up venue, Climate Home. This six-week festival features creative workshops, performances, adventure play, art, music and talks on creativity and climate justice.

Richard MacVicar Deptford Adventure Playground, New King St, SE8 3JB. FREE and £.

13 July – 10 August

YP WS O

Fashion Futures: Workshops

Free workshops for ages 10–16. Join Climate Home’s resident fashion designer every Wednesday 4.30–7pm to learn new skills and create new designs for the catwalk, leading up to the festival fashion show on Saturday 13 August. FREE.

6 August

YP SW O Triple Bill: Words An evening of work in progress text-based performances exploring issues facing young people today from cancel culture to navigating the online world. FREE.

10 September

F FF M O

Naked City Festival

Mark the end of summer with a day out in an idyllic setting. Five stages with a diverse line-up of music from jazz and house to afro, dub and disco. Plus food, cocktails and a kids’ area with storytelling, face-painting and more.

Beckenham Place Park, BR3 1SY. £.

Ten days of art, performance and community centred activities taking over Deptford’s vibrant high street. Check out deptfordx.org for details of the exciting line-up. Deptford High Street. FREE.

Until November

O Va Breathe: 2022

Look out for this striking public artwork appearing on walls and bridges close to the South Circular Road. Featuring over 1,000 drawings of six local activists, Lewisham resident and

Beyond Borders

12–27 August

M FF Discover this series of global music gigs, suitable for all ages. Join us to celebrate how Lewisham’s diverse communities have influenced its musical output – from the borough’s explosive jazz scene to South East Asian and West African contemporary music. Multiple venues. £.

21 August M FF Jerk Cookout Family activities, live music and jerk, vegan and vegetarian food cooked by top Caribbean chefs take over the Horniman Gardens to celebrate Jamaica’s 60th anniversary of independence.

The Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Rd SE23 3PQ. £.

Until 31 Dec

Va FF Taking Care of Business

From the food we eat to the clothes we wear, our lives wouldn’t be the same without migrant entrepreneurs. Bring the whole family to this immersive exhibition and hear hundreds of personal stories brought to life in creative ways.

Migration Museum, Lewisham Shopping Centre, SE13 7HB, FREE.

27 August M FF Global Local Present Daytimers: Going South

The legendary Daytimers collective curate an afternoon of free music celebrating contemporary South Asian music in the grounds of the Horniman Museum and Gardens. With dance, DJs and food. The Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Rd SE23 3PQ. FREE.

Images: Roswitha Chesher and Donkey Studio, Scallywag Fox, Ro Murphy

Touretteshero

Partner & Community Events

9 July

M Cloudburst!

Lewisham Choral Society presents a lively summer concert reflecting the themes of Lewisham’s year as London Borough of Culture, such as music from celebrated choral composer Eric Whitacre inspired by our changing climate. St Mary the Virgin, 346 Lewisham High St, London SE13 6LE. £.

24 July

M FF Contemporary Music Proms

Gigs celebrating the rich diversity of music talent across every section of Lewisham’s community at the beautiful, part-open-air space of AMP Studios. Children welcome when accompanied by an adult. AMP Studios, 897a Old Kent Rd, SE15 1NL. Free.

Until 31 August

Va Cult Hair

A photography series which celebrates hair unrestrained

Get involved

Register your event

5 1 3

by mainstream beauty standards – ordinary people with extraordinary hair. Devised by INFRINGE, this ongoing project captures London’s unique and diverse hairstyles.

The Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Rd, SE23 3PQ. FREE.

Until 29 September

F O Peckish

Are you ready for a summer filled with good grub, great music, DJs whilst

things to celebrate about Lewisham

2

Our culture

Move over the West End, Lewisham is bursting with creativity. The borough is home to over 3,000 visual artists, not to mention an amazing street art scene. Our year as London Borough of Culture is showing the power of creativity to connect us and create positive change in our communities.

Our vibrant foodie scene

Lewisham is proudly one of London’s most diverse boroughs, with over 170 languages spoken. Nowhere has this melting pot of cultures had more influence than our vibrant food scene – with cafes, restaurants and markets serving up authentic favourites from all over the world.

4

Our musical heritage

Planning to put on a creative event in 2022? You can submit the details on wearelewisham.com.

Remember to check the website regularly for more community events as they are announced. There is load shappening across the borough, all year round, for all ages!

watching the sunset? Come along to this weekly food festival, every Thursday throughout the summer, 3–10pm.

Beckenham Place Mansion, Beckenham, BR3 1SY. FREE to enter.

Until December

WS Yoga for Everyone – Free Community Class

A weekly free community class suitable for all levels, including beginners. The classes will be Hatha or Vinyasa Flow based. Booking is essential as places are limited.

Blackheath Yoga, 35 Tranquil Vale, Blackheath SE3 0BU. FREE.

Our parks and green spaces

From large, wild spaces like Beckenham Place Park to a huge concentration of micro, community-led gardening projects – we’re proud of our award-winning green spaces.

5

Our people

It really is the energy and creativity of our residents that make our borough what it is. Lewisham has a proud history of standing up for equality, with local trailblazers past and present leading the way. As the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, we are proud of our diversity and welcoming spirit.

From Sound System pioneers Saxon Sound to Blur and Kate Bush, from afrobeat to punk and jazz, the music that has sprung from Lewisham has gone on to shape and influence the music scene in London, the UK and internationally.

Get involved

Discover something new this summer!

Lewisham has so many distinct neighbourhoods to explore, brimming with hidden gems – from top nights out to great places to take the kids.

Thinking of a day trip this summer? The answer may be closer than you think. From Downham to Deptford, why not stay local and explore one of our borough’s lively neighbourhoods (it’s better for the climate too!)

Welcome Home –London School of Muralism

Neil Willis Sky Power, Ro Murphy

Inspiring Climate Action

Have you spotted the striking Breathe:2022 artworks popping up around the borough, produced by Invisible Dust? Featuring over 1,000 drawings of six local activists, Lewisham resident and artist Dryden Goodwin invites us to imagine a clean air future for all. Look out for the art on walls and bridges and share your photos @WeAreLewisham.

A cast of over 1,000 school pupils gathered in Mountsfield Park in June to perform a call to climate action with dance and music. Young people are at the centre of the climate conversation. If you are near Deptford, pop into Richard MacVicar Adventure Playground to check out Lewisham’s new low-carbon creative space, Climate Home, designed and led by local young people.

Coming to People’s Day? Look out for a climate takeover featuring an inspiring programme of talks and workshops to get involved in. Come along, share your ideas and be part of the conversation!

See page 22 for details of climate-focused events coming soon.

Meet Muse

We have teamed up with Muse as Climate Programme Partner – their support makes it all possible.

Muse is a national developer, delivering some of the largest regeneration schemes across the UK that change lives within communities. In November 2021, Muse revealed its industry-leading sustainable delivery strategy, which has been behind its activity for some time. ‘Our Sustainable Future’ is Muse’s approach, setting

minimum sustainability and social value standards for its developments going forwards.

Muse’s vision is to create sustainable developments that build brighter futures for generations, with five key objectives that are the cornerstone for all projects: Net zero carbon; enhancing biodiversity; circular economy; health and wellbeing; and social value.

The climate emergency is the most pressing issue facing the planet today. We’re working with local artists and climate organisations to bring you lots of events so we can work together to inspire real change locally.

Images: Lidia Crisafulli, Matt Grayson

Hope 4 Justice

Breathe: 2022

Climate Programme Launch

Market leaders

Want to save money, eat fresh, healthy food and help small businesses? Head down to Lewisham Market this summer for a spot of bargain hunting

Based in the heart of Lewisham town centre, this much-loved market offers a range of fresh and healthy produce, fashion items, household goods and several delicious takeaway food options every day of the week – so you’re sure to find something that’s up your street.

While shops come and go over the decades, Lewisham Market has been trading for over one hundred years! Many of the market traders have worked on their family-owned stalls for generations, giving local communities access to a variety of affordable goods and providing a lifeline for people needing fresh and affordable food throughout lockdown.

The market’s cultural history

The market has stood in Lewisham town centre since 1906 when the population of Lewisham was 100,000 – compared to today’s 300,000!

Back then, according to the book Markets of London by Alec Forshaw and Theo Bergstrom, it was one of the liveliest markets in South London. However, the market was tragically destroyed in 1944 during World War 2 by a V1 rocket, which landed 100 metres from Lewisham’s historic clock tower. The blast reportedly killed over 50 people, and demolished some of the high street shops. By 1950, the market had bounced back and in 1994 the Council created the pedestrian thoroughfare which houses it to this day.

Jean Hogg’s family have run a fruit

More information

Read more about the market improvements at: lewishammarketregeneration.commonplace.is

Opportunities at Lewisham Market

Are you a local trader looking to expand your business, or to try different market locations? If so, applications are now open for permanent and flexible trading permits at Lewisham Market!

Whether you’re interested in holding a six-day weekly pitch or would just like to be on our records for special events, we welcome all applications and have a variety of flexible options available.

If you’d like to find out about pricing and/or request an application form, please email markets@ lewisham.gov.uk or phone 020 8314 2050.

and vegetable stall on the market since the market began. “When you shop in supermarkets, often you don’t talk to a soul. We have a chat with our customers, whether they are regulars or not,” says Jean. “I give people advice about cooking and using the vegetables and how to make their money go further. Compared with supermarkets, you get great value for money here.”

and our

Compared

you get great value for money here

Pledge for CHANGE

Windrush Day was the first anniversary of the launch of our pledge to tackle race inequality in our schools. We look at what’s happened so far, and what’s next.

June 22 is Windrush Day, when we remember and recognise the leading role the Windrush Generation and their descendants have played in making Britain stronger, culturally richer and more inclusive. Last year on Windrush Day we launched our pledge to tackle race inequality in Lewisham schools.

In Lewisham, we are committed to building an inclusive, high-achieving system of local comprehensive schools, rooted in and trusted by our community, in which all our children can succeed. As part of that, we are supporting our schools in an ambitious programme to improve outcomes for Black Caribbean heritage and Black and Minority Ethnic pupils, with schools coming together to work in new ways and to share good practice to embed race equality in our school cultures and curriculum.

We’re excited about the work that has started, and we know that it’s already starting to have an impact. Over these two pages we have highlighted some of the achievements. We know this is just the start and are looking forward to sharing more as this work develops.

Cllr Chris Barnham Cabinet Member for Children and Young People and Community Safety

Since signing the pledge, the students of Bonus Pastor have been very actively engaged in tackling race inequality across the borough. Some of the projects we have introduced include the ‘Diversity Mural’ project, ‘Cultural Dress Day’ and the signing of the HALO Code. I have seen a real growth in confidence in our young people to ask questions and there’s a desire from the whole school community to learn more about the rich and diverse cultures across our borough.

Jonathan Ronan, Headteacher Bonus Pastor Catholic College

100% of schools and colleges have signed the pledge

66% of school leaders attended an event on transforming the curriculum

I enjoy coming to Young Leaders Academy because I get to learn new skills every week and also about Black history, which is something we don’t really learn about in school at the moment. It’s nice to come here and finally learn more about my heritage and where my ancestors are from. It makes me look forward to coming here every week.

Over 50 young people attending the Lewisham Young Leaders Academy

Year 5 pupils at Myatt Garden loved exploring the theme of Migration with Peoplescape Theatre. After watching a performance, the children were inspired to find out more about other people’s journeys. Two journeys, one escaping the dictatorship in Chile and the other from Trinidad to Saville Row, provided the starting point for the children developing their own performances about Lewisham’s history and the stories of its people.

Sally Williams,

Headteacher Myatt Garden

lewisham.gov.uk

100 parents are taking part in ‘Community Conversations About Race’ workshops

our schools.

Grinling Gibbons pupils holding pledge alongside Cllr Chris Barnham

Rathfern Primary School headteacher Naheeda Maharasingam holding the pledge with pupils

Lewisham Young Leaders Academy is a new programme aimed at supporting Black Caribbean and dual heritage (Black Caribbean/White) pupils.

Charlei, attendee of Lewisham Young Leaders Academy

Have fun and get fit

We have some fantastic leisure centres in Lewisham – they are more than just gyms and there is something for everyone this summer!

Being active is directly linked to wellbeing and mental health as well as the many physical health benefits. Lewisham residents have access to a large range of fitness activities at six leisure centres across the borough.

Ladywell Arena is open to the public!

Now open to the public for Pay and Play sessions, Ladywell Arena is a multi-use sports venue in the heart of Catford, including a six lane floodlit athletics track and floodlit grass pitch. It’s an outdoor hub for sports, training, events and home to many local community sports teams.

Physical Activity Referral Scheme (PARS)

Physical activity plays an essential role in preventing and managing a wide range of health conditions. Health professionals, including GPs, can refer patients to these low-cost programmes in Lewisham to help improve, manage or prevent health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and depression. Please speak to your GP or nurse who will be able to provide a referral form for our leisure centres.

A HEALTHIER LEWISHAM STARTS HERE

Whether you’re taking your first steps on your fitness journey or you’re looking to stay in shape, you’ll find everything you need at:

• Bellingham Leisure & Lifestyle Centre

• Forest Hill Pools

• Glass Mill Leisure Centre

• Wavelengths Leisure Centre

• Ladywell Arena

Join

Swimming for all ages

There are swim classes for all ages and abilities at many of our leisure centres. For a holiday atmosphere, visit the newly-renovated Wavelengths Leisure Pool with its tropical palm trees and brand-new changing facilities.

Fun for the kids

From trampolining in Downham to Aqua Splash inflatable sessions in Deptford, fun activities and holiday clubs for kids of all ages are on offer this summer.

Some centres also offer soft play facilities so you can take advantage of the café whilst your little ones burn off steam!

Junior Gym is for 11–15 year olds or you could try our Adult and Child sessions for whole family exercising.

For details about our leisure centres at Glass Mill, Forest Hill Pools, Wavelengths, Bellingham, Ladywell and Downham, please visit lewisham.gov.uk/leisure

Ladywell Arena

FREE FESTIVAL

SATURDAY 16 JULY

MOUNTSFIELD PARK

Brownhill Road, Catford SE6 1AN 12pm to 9pm • Last entry 7.30pm

wearelewisham.com/peoplesday

TIPPA IRIE • HOLLIE COOK

NOVELIST • UNIT 137 SOUND SYSTEM

ALL DAY BREAKFAST CAFÉ • NINA ROSE

KODER X UNDENIABLE RECORDS • SHAHLAA TAHIRA

DON STRAPZY AND SE DONS • THE FLYING SEAGULL PROJECT PLUS

My Aerial Home • Climate Conversations • The Hell Bus

Teatro Vivo • Other World Arts • RosieRiot! • Afro Classics Register

People’s Day is a free festival to bring the community together. Featuring an eclectic mix of music, dance, spoken word, circus and children’s entertainment across five stages, as well as great food and drink – there’s something for everyone.