Southwark
Life Autumn 2016
His name is Rio‌ and he still loves Southwark
Hearty, healthy, here in Southwark Eat well near where you live
Air quality Do your bit to breathe fresh air back into the borough
Black History Month Find out what’s on this October
Your magazine from Southwark Council
Intro
Autumn 2016
Contents Focus 4
All the news What you need to
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Cycle happy Find out how to
know in Southwark keep peddling
10 Rio talks to us Peckham,
football, health and wellbeing
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Healthy minds How to keep your chin up when things get tough
Life 15 20 22
Black History Month Special pull-out
Sir Harold Moody Historical health game-changer
Get fit for free Southwark’s outstanding fitness offer
Info 24 Good stuff How to eat healthily in the borough
26 Breathe in Do your bit to reduce pollution
28 What’s on Stay busy in Southwark 30 Sexual health How to protect
welcome... If you asked people what they want for themselves and their families, most would say health and happiness. Good health is something we all take for granted at times, but the impacts of poor health are hard to ignore. In Southwark we’re taking steps to reduce the health inequalities that lead to poor physical and mental health, but we know there are many health-related issues that concern you, our residents. This edition looks at health from different angles including the food we eat, the stress we manage, and the air we breathe. Poor air quality affects us all, and equally it needs a joint effort in Southwark, across London and beyond to tackle it. We examine some of the small changes we can all make in our lives to help reduce pollution and what the council is doing to effect change more widely. Obesity and lack of exercise are also putting pressure on our bodies, with coronary heart disease being one of the top three causes of death in Southwark (alongside cancers and respiratory diseases). It’s why the council has provided free healthy school meals for all primary school pupils since 2011 and why we have just launched free swim and gym sessions for all our residents. This edition is jam-packed with ideas and inspiration, including an exclusive interview with local boy turned England footballer Rio Ferdinand, to help motivate you to get active. I hope you all enjoy this autumn in Southwark. It’s a great time of year to enjoy our parks, and I hope to see lots of you at our free fireworks display on Saturday 5 November.
yourself
Peter John Leader of Southwark Council
Contact us
The Southwark Life team
Do you have something to say about Southwark Life? Write to: Your letters, Southwark Life, Second Floor, Hub 5, Southwark Council, 160 Tooley Street, SE1 2QH or email southwark.life@southwark.gov.uk
Editor Louise Neilan
Our cover star is England football star and pundit Rio Ferdinand. All information correct at time of going to press.
Assistant editors Catherine Simonds, Meredith Tucker-Evans Contributors Subira Massell, Asha Budhu, Florence Igbokwe, Miriam McGrath, Laura Fitzsimmons, Daniel Thomas, Patricia Dark, Louise Timms, Rio Ferdinand, Mike Allport. Photography Thinkstock Design Whatever Design Ltd, Westco Print brokered by Swiss Post
Keep in touch Southwark Life is a quarterly magazine and the next issue is due out in winter 2016. You can contact the magazine at southwark.life@southwark.gov.uk but for more regular updates on council news and events, follow us on social media at facebook.com/southwarkcouncil @lb_southwark
Printed on 100% recycled paper Distribution London Letterbox
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Focus
Autumn 2016
Need to know... Southwark Fireworks Night 2016 From free fireworks to art trails and a council question time, this autumn is an exciting time in Southwark with lots of news and events to get involved with locally.
Southwark’s annual free fireworks extravaganza will be back once again on Saturday 5 November at Southwark Park. Visit London has named Southwark as one of the best displays in London and to help keep everyone safe and make sure that as many people as possible can enjoy the show, we’ll be issuing free tickets to this year’s event. Tickets will be released to Southwark residents first on 3 October, with general release on 10 October. For more details visit www.southwark.gov.uk/fireworks
For news and events follow us on Facebook and Twitter or find out more at southwark.gov.uk/enews
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Fight the floods Like much of London, Southwark is at risk of flooding, particularly in the Herne Hill and Dulwich area, Camberwell and Peckham Rye. We’re putting measures in place to reduce the risk – but you can also take action by making sure your insurer is signed up to Flood Re. Flood Re is a government scheme that works with insurers to make sure that qualifying properties that are at risk of flooding or have been flooded can get affordable insurance. You just need to check your insurer is signed up to the scheme. If not, you might want to consider shopping around to make sure your home is covered. To find out more, visit www.floodre.co.uk
Your chance to quiz the Leader Tackling obesity, breathing cleaner air, supporting our more vulnerable residents – what are the burning issues you are concerned about locally? If you have a question you’d like to ask the Leader of the council, especially around these sort of topics, now is the time. On the evening of Wednesday October 19 the council is giving members of the public the opportunity to put their questions directly to Cllr Peter John and his cabinet colleagues responsible for health and social care, at the Culture Space at Canada Water Library. More details, including how to submit your questions, will be available soon at www.southwark.gov.uk/asksouthwark and you can tweet your questions to @lb_southwark if you include the hashtag #asksouthwark 4
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Don’t miss the dates for school admissions
Are you looking after someone else’s child?
Is your child starting secondary or primary school in September 2017? Applications close 31 October 2016 for secondary and 15 January 2017 for primary school admissions. Make sure you apply online for a school place for your child before the deadline, visit www.southwark. gov.uk/schooladmissions. The online application process is quick, easy and available 24 hours a day.
Some parents arrange for their children to live with another family – this may be just for a few days, or a longer period of time. If your child is living with someone other than a parent or close relative for a period of 28 days or more, the law requires you to notify us of such an arrangement. Our role is not to disrupt the arrangement, but we have a responsibility to ensure that children are being properly cared for. We can also make sure that you get the help you need. For more information visit www.southwark.gov.uk/ privatefostering
Do you use Tower Bridge? From 1 October to 30 December 2016, Tower Bridge will be closed to all vehicles, including bicycles, for essential major maintenance work. These works will ensure this 122 year old iconic landmark continues to serve as a vital London crossing. Bus routes RV1 and 78 will be diverted during the closure, while route 42 will stop running when it reaches the south side of Tower Bridge. Journeys on other services throughout the area may take longer than normal. For detailed travel advice, please visit tfl.gov.uk/ tower-bridge-closure
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Want to #cyclehappy?
Nunhead Art Trail Nunhead welcomes art lovers and the merely curious to its annual Art Trail on the weekend of 24 and 25 September. Artists will open their studios and homes, exhibit in shops, pubs, and cafes around Nunhead. This year there will be performances by Cossall Cabaret Social on the Cossall Estate, Clive Niall’s wry observations in You can’t take it with you and Harriet Hill’s witty installation H. Other attractions include Andrew Ekins’ 10 drawings in 10 different venues, Joan Byrne’s specially curated show Mum before me and don’t miss the four artists, including model-maker Nick Cobb, who will exhibit in their cars.
Help a local family If you like the idea of fostering but can’t look after a child full time you might want to consider offering short break care to children with a disability. Southwark family link matches disabled children living with their families with carers who can provide short breaks on a regular basis at weekends, during the day or overnight. The breaks are often in the carer’s home for one weekend each month. The short breaks give disabled children the opportunity to benefit from new experiences in the community. Family link carers can be single, couples or families of all ages and backgrounds. Carers need to be available for two days a month. We provide carers with training, support, and an allowance to help with costs. To find out how to become a carer visit www.southwark.gov.uk/familylink phone 020 7525 5316 or email familylink@southwark.gov.uk
Autumn 2016
Cycling is an ideal way to get around, but many of us have worries that stop us from trying it out. They might be about safety, whether you fit the cycling stereotype or if you can cycle with children
Protecting the public purse Southwark Council believes every penny of public money should be carefully spent on excellent services. There is no room for fraud in Southwark, and we take action against anyone trying to con the council as we are required by law to protect the public funds we administer. We may share information provided to us with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds, law enforcement agencies, or to undertake local anti-fraud initiatives. If false or inaccurate information is provided and fraud is identified, details will be passed to fraud prevention agencies for the prevention of further fraud and money laundering. For further information, visit the Southwark Council website at www.southwark.gov.uk/fraud and click on National Fraud Initiative.
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hile these are legitimate concerns, we want to encourage people to give it a go at a level and pace that feels right for them. In this article we talk to three Southwark cyclists who show you don’t have to be a lycra clad pro to have a great time getting around on two wheels. There are so many benefits in terms of fitness, fun, finances and getting around much faster than other modes of transport. And never fear, you don’t have to find your cycling wheels alone. We have loads of options to gain experience and confidence in a safe and supportive environment.
These include: • FREE on road cycle training which is open to all those living, working or studying in Southwark. If safety concerns are holding you back, why not give this a try and see how you feel afterwards? • Guided rides that give you the chance to learn in a supportive, safe and social environment. • Quiet routes, like the Rotherhithe trail, that are a great way to explore the borough and build your confidence away from busy roads. Make sure you check out our map feature for some fun cycling stops and quiet routes where you can build your confidence away from the main road. Just make sure you know about any road works or disruptions to the routes before you go.
Are you on the electoral register? Being on the register of electors is really important for everyone. This means you can vote in any election, and will also help you with your credit rating. Each year, we check that the electoral register is up to date by carrying out a canvass. You will shortly receive a letter asking you to confirm your details – please respond to this, even if the details are correct. Between 16 September and 6 November 2016 we’ll also have canvassers knocking on doors to check people who haven’t responded or are new to the area. Call 020 7525 7373 for any further information.
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Go to southwark.gov.uk/cycleridesandmaps for more info on quiet routes and guided rides and southwark.gov.uk/cyclesafety for cycle training.
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TAKE IN THE SIGHTS ON THE ROTHERHITHE TRAIL
Sophie and her mum Charlotte are frequent visitors to Dulwich and Peckham Rye parks
Quietways Riverside
Sophie says: ”I LOVE my purple trike, it is my favourite and best. I love the basket and purple bell. I love riding FAST and it gives me a healthy heart“. Charlotte says: “Sophie always loved all things with wheels. This progressed to desperately wanting to ride bikes but finding the right machine and place for her took a few years. She has balance and motor difficulties making many bikes impossible. Eventually we found her current super cool trike and great parks, especially Dulwich Park and Peckham Rye where she can safely ride around freely. Riding her trike is instant happiness for Sophie and helps keep her really fit and healthy which is often a difficulty for people with disabilities (as well as many without them!). The trike has been worth its weight in gold. Running around with her has also helped keep me fit as well!”
All London and National Cycle
The Albion channel
The Mayflower Pub
The Brunel Museum
Lavender Pond Nature Park
The Angel Pub and the King Edward III Manor House
Autumn 2016
Ecological Park
ROTHERHITHE
CANADA WATER
Surrey Docks Farm
“ I LOVE my purple trike, it is my favourite and best. I love the basket and purple bell. I love riding FAST and it gives me a healthy heart”
ROTHERHITHE South Dock Marina
Southwark Park Cafe Southwark Park
Greenland Dock
SURREY QUAYS
Independent Travel Training Bus
Alastair, Dulwich resident I’m lucky to be able to cycle at 90. I’m very grateful. Cycling enables me to get to places more quickly than walking and more conveniently than by bus. I cycle to my local station, North Dulwich, to get to town. Dulwich Park is a favourite destination, where I mix with the recumbent bikes. I’ve always liked the feel of the wind on my face. The exercise is better than medicines. Why wouldn’t you cycle, if you could?
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If you want to feel safer and more confident travelling round the borough, watch out for the Independent Travel Training Bus. The team offer training for young people and adults with learning difficulties, disabilities or to people who need extra support getting used to travelling alone on public transport. The bus will be out on 14 September, 12 October and 9 November, with morning and afternoon sessions available. To book and find out more, call 0207 525 5544 or email transport@southwark.gov.uk
Olivia Loko, lives and works in Southwark I have been cycling since February this year. I rented a bike for a month and quite enjoyed it, so I decided to continue. At first I was a bit nervous on the roads because I had not cycled in a good while so I found myself a nice quiet route and it takes me around 25 minutes to get to work. I enjoy cycling now, there are so many perks, it keeps me fit, it saves me money, it is very refreshing cycling through my quiet route and it is actually quicker than public transport.
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Autumn 2016
The road to Rio Hero to many, and famous around the world, footballer Rio Ferdinand has trodden the pitches of some of the planet’s most iconic football grounds. But his love of football began here in Southwark, kicking a ball around the parks of Peckham as a boy. In this exclusive interview for Southwark Life, Rio tells us about his journey from Peckham to sporting success, his hopes for the future, and his tips for Southwark’s next generation of footballers and fitness fanatics. Your life has been an amazing journey from Peckham boy to international footballer and commentator. As a child did you dream of fame and fortune? I dreamt of football. As a young kid growing up in Peckham I thought about little else. I was totally set on wanting to play professionally. What was it like growing up in Peckham? Do you think there’s something about Peckham that propelled local lads like yourself and John Boyega into such successful careers? I grew up on the Friary Estate in Peckham and while yes it was tough at times I had a much more positive experience than people might expect. There’s a stigma around estates – but there’s also great community spirit and a sense of belonging that’s fairly unique. The support of my family kept me on the straight and narrow but growing up in Peckham had a huge influence on me – it taught me to be resilient and work hard for what I wanted – which was to be a professional footballer. You wouldn’t have made it to where you are today without exceptional talent and drive, but who/what else helped you in your career? My mum and dad instilled the drive in me and I guess that’s what’s helped me most in my career. Football isn’t the only string to your bow – tell us a bit more about Legacy. Legacy is a new property group I’ve set up with Mark Noble and Bobby 10
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Zamora. We all had similar upbringings and following our successes on the pitch want to help make a difference to other families and kids growing up in similar circumstances. We’ve got the profile and resources, but also the understanding of the issues that face these families every day – it was us once!
day is a great start – and find something you enjoy.
What really matters is good quality housing and living in a united community. So we’re talking to councils, including Southwark, to work with them and deliver new communities with up to 50% affordable housing, integrated sports and community facilities and skills and apprenticeship programmes for local young people. It’s early stages – but really exciting stuff. www.legacyfoundation.co.uk
You recently spoke to Prince Harry about the impact of grief on young people. Do you have any advice for children locally who are struggling with loss or sadness? The most important thing is to talk about things. If you have a friend or family member you can trust, talk to them about your emotions. It also helps to keep busy – try taking up a new hobby to occupy your time and keep your mind busy.
What advice would you give to children in Southwark who want to progress in sport? Just play as much as you can. No matter what your sport just get out there and take part. Sign up with local clubs – it’s great fun and really makes you feel part of something. That’s exactly what we’re hoping to do with Legacy – when kids have somewhere they can go that encourages and inspires them and is fun too, it’s a great foundation for success.
What’s your favourite place in Southwark, and why? It has to be the Friary Estate in Peckham because that was where it all started. The dreams that were born there as a kid laid the foundations for where I am today – so that place holds a special place in my heart.
What do you think about Southwark Council’s new free swim and gym offer for all residents? It’s a great idea. Anything that encourages people to be more active is a winner in my book.
Obesity is a huge health problem in the UK. How can people motivate themselves to get active? Everyone has to start somewhere. Just being a bit more active each southwark.gov.uk
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Life
Autumn 2016
Children’s mental health matters If you’re worried that school work and exams are affecting your child’s behaviour and mental health, find out what you can do to help.
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ith the holidays over and children back at school, the pressure to do their best, get good exam results coupled with managing the stresses and strains of school life can sometimes get on top of them. Too often we hear about how there is more pressure on children and young people in schools than there was ten years ago, and many teachers themselves say they are dealing with more children and young people with emotional wellbeing or mental health issues than ever before. When a child or young person is struggling with every day life it can sometimes be difficult for them to manage at school and feel good about themselves. This can understandably be a worrying time for parents. About one in ten children and young people are affected by mental health and emotional wellbeing issues which can include depression, anxiety and behavioral problems. Children and young people’s mental health and emotional wellbeing are just as important as their physical health. Having good mental health allows them to cope better with the ups and downs of life.
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If you are worried about your child’s stress levels around school work or exams, or think that your child is dealing with an emotional or mental health issue, bullying at school or on social media you can: • Listen to your child, talk to them and take their feelings seriously. Reassure your child they have your support and you want to help them do their best. Make sure they know you are proud of them, even if they don’t get top marks. • Talk to your child’s teachers about your concerns. They should be able to tell you how your child behaves at school and any help they may need. • Speak to your GP or health visitor. They may refer them to specialist child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). Visit localoffer.southwark.gov. uk for more information about CAMHS and other health and mental wellbeing services in Southwark. • There are a number of websites you can visit and helplines you can call for free, confidential support: youngminds.org.uk or call 0808 802 5544; familylives.org.uk or call 0808 800 2222.
“ About one in ten children and young people are affected by mental health and emotional wellbeing issues” ”Back to school is a stressful time for many. Children who are developing more serious anxiety about school may get headaches or tummy aches in the morning, feel sick or cry before school. They may feel too anxious to go in to school at all, which can be extremely difficult for the child and their parents, and can have a serious effect on their education and friendships. If you think your child’s anxiety is getting in the way of their day to day life, slowing their development, or having a significant effect on their schooling or relationships, it is best to try and access further support.“ Nick Harrop, Media and Campaigns Manager, YoungMinds
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Life
BLACK HISTORY MONTH OCTOBER 2016
Exploring the heritage and history of Southwark’s African, Caribbean and diaspora communities
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facebook.com/southwarkcouncil
Autumn 2016
Turn ov er for a tea ser of th is year’s e vents a nd visit southw ark.gov .uk/bhm 2016 to down load the full brochu re and event li stings.
Once again Southwark is proud to be celebrating the heritage and contributions of black people through our jam packed programme of storytelling, poetry, music, film, exhibitions and performance.
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uring Black History Month, we also remember the life of Sam King MBE, who sadly passed away this year. As well as being a Second World War veteran, an Empire Windrush migrant and co-founder of the Notting Hill Carnival, he was a Southwark resident and was elected as our first black mayor in 1983.
The Black History Month programme features events and activities throughout October for adults, children and events for all the family. Visit southwark.gov. uk/bhm2016 to read or download the brochure, or you can pick up a copy in your local Southwark library.
Check out a few of the events taking place, and read an excerpt of our exclusive interview with Jamaican poet, Jean ‘Binta’ Breeze MBE, where she talks to us about her latest poetry collection and her experiences with mental health issues.
Jamaica, The Mad Woman’s poem became very popular. Young people were reciting it and it was on the radio a lot. It touched home in Jamaica. In England, mental health associations asked me to speak and asked me to read. When I went to live in Leicester, Lydia Towsey from the NHS made me a patron of what they were doing for mental health, especially in relation to young black men in England (Showcase Smoothie). I worked very closely with the NHS in Leicestershire and, based on my own mental health issues and what I understood, I was able to help the process in that community. I also became a patron of Soft Touch Arts and a few years ago, was an ambassador for Time To
Interview with
JEAN ‘BINTA’ BREEZE Jean ‘Binta’ Breeze MBE is a Jamaican poet and mentor, whose varied life and colourful personality have shaped a voice that demands attention, whether speaking of poverty in the developing world, the Caribbean, music, family, or themes that chart the human experience. Her new poetry collection The Verandah Poems was published in March to mark her 60th birthday. Q: We are really looking forward to
become a writer and performer?
hearing you perform some of the
A: Not until a long way in, about 1978. I had been reciting poems at political rallies in Jamaica right through the 1970s. At the end of the 1970s I went to drama school and met Dennis Scott and that’s when I seriously started trying to write what was in my head, with his guidance. When he left Jamaica, he sent me to Mervyn Morris who I showed my poems to and he helped me with the early work.
poems from your new book The Verandah Poems. Can you tell us a bit about how your latest collection came about? A: It came about because I got ill and decided to spend a year in Jamaica recuperating. When I got back to Jamaica I realised how much I’d missed my verandah. My bedroom opens out to the verandah, so first thing in the morning I sat out there with my cup of coffee. I spent most of the day sitting. It was sitting there that the poems came in my head and I started writing them down. And they are all true. It all happened just as it is in the book. Q: Was there a particular moment when you knew that you would 16
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Q: Do you have an all time favourite or favourites of your books? A: I am very close to Riddim Ravings and Other Poems because that was the first time I satisfied myself with the quality of poems that I had written and it was a great debut in England. Later, when I got Third World Girl: Selected Poems I felt very close to it as it held all my treasures in the one book. The
Change, which involved speaking to audiences and communities in Brixton and Birmingham. What was great was that Time To Change had so many people who had suffered mental health issues who were performing. So I wasn't the only person on stage who had that history. For example, they had a band of singers and songwriters and musicians. They were so good that they deserved to be on any stage. Q: What does Black History Month mean to you? A: Living in England for almost thirty years when Black History Month came about, it was a culmination of a lot of things that black people in Britain wanted to accomplish. How we wanted
EVENTS LISTINGS Check out our full Black History Month programme at southwark.gov.uk/bhm2016. But here’s a teaser of some of the events on offer.
Verandah Poems was such a departure from anything I’d ever done, and right now it’s what I'd call my ‘wash belly book’! Q: You’ve talked openly about your battle with mental health throughout your life; to what extent has this battle impacted on or informed your work? A: The poetry let me know when I was well. When I was battling with the illness or having to go into hospital, or suffering through it for a couple of months at time, I lost the ability to write and I lost the ability to read. So the writing of the poetry made me know I was getting better. Q: Could you tell us a bit about your work as a mental health champion? A: I have done lots of things. In
to come together, and speak to each other, and to also speak to England. As a citizen in England, in Britain, I thought that Black History Month was a great development of that society.
Jean has performed in our libraries before so we are very pleased to welcome her back to Southwark on 4 October 2016 where she will be performing at Canada Water Library, with fellow Caribbean writer Sharon Millar. Book your free place to see Jean 'Binta' Breeze at Canada Water Library on Tuesday 4 October, 7pm via southwarkjeanbreezesharonmillar. eventbrite.co.uk
All events are FREE unless stated otherwise
MONDAY 10 OCTOBER
TUESDAY 11 OCTOBER
FRIDAY 14 OCTOBER
Telling tales: African and Caribbean
Southwark’s Black History:
Evelyn Dove: Britain’s black
storytelling
an overview by S I Martin
cabaret queen
An evening of storytelling for adults, featuring tales of wonder, magic, mystery and suspense. Rediscover the joy of being told tall tales and embark on a spellbinding journey in the safe hands of acclaimed storytellers Eli Anderson, Griot Chinyere, Carol Russell and Sandra Agard.
For the last 400 years the growth and development of Southwark's black population has offered fascinating insights into cultural changes in London and throughout the country. This illustrated presentation by S I Martin introduces key players, from Mary Seacole to Marcus Garvey, and demonstrates how they impacted on the borough we know today. S I Martin is an acclaimed author, historian, journalist and teacher, specialising in black British history and literature.
For adults. Free, but advance booking is essential via: southwarklibs.eventbrite.com Time: 7pm Venue: Canada Water Library, 21 Surrey Quays Road, SE16 7AR Contact: southwarklibs.eventbrite. com, southwark.libraries@southwark. gov.uk
For adults. Free, no advance booking required Time: 2pm Venue: Dulwich Library, 368 Lordship Lane, SE22 8NB Contact: southwark.gov.uk/libraries, southwark.libraries@southwark.gov.uk southwark.gov.uk
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Life Stephen Bourne presents his new biography on the life of Evelyn Dove, a Black British pioneer who thrilled audiences around the world in the booming cabaret age and was a BBC Radio & TV star. Advance booking is essential via: www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/evelyn-dove-britains-blackcabaret-queen-tickets-27123076853 Time: 6pm to 7.30pm Venue: Camberwell Library, 48 Camberwell Green, SE5 7AL Contact: office@ jacarandabooksartmusic.co.uk
TUESDAY 18 OCTOBER Meet Mike Gayle: bestselling author of My Legendary Girlfriend
THURSDAY 20 OCTOBER
TUESDAY 25 OCTOBER
Dr Moody interpretive sign unveiling
Back in the day: reggae vibes and memories with David Katz
Dr Harold Moody, one of Southwark’s first black GPs in the 1920s to 1940s, strove for equal rights for black people in Britain and the Colonies. The event, at his former residence, unveils a sign and portrait dedicated to his memory, life and work. Time: 12pm Venue: Open air outside 164 Queens Road, Peckham, SE15 2HP Contact: southwark.gov.uk/drmoodyboard, 020 7525 0867
THURSDAY 20 OCTOBER A Lindy Hop salute to Sam King
Autumn 2016
Author and journalist David Katz discusses his books Solid Foundation: An Oral History of Reggae and People Funny Boy: The Genius of Lee 'Scratch' Perry, in an illustrated reading featuring the music covered in the books. Further musical support will be provided by fellow journalist Angus Taylor, playing original vinyl reggae. Food from Rye Wax bar and Taco Queen will also be available. For adults. Time: 7.30pm Venue: Rye Wax, CLF Art Café Basement, 122 Rye Lane, SE15 4ST Contact: southwark.gov.uk/libraries, southwark.libraries@southwark.gov.uk
THURSDAY 27 OCTOBER Half term cartoon sketch class
Bestselling novelist, journalist and former agony uncle, Mike Gayle will be talking about his career and reading from his superb new novel The Hope Family Calendar. It’s a bittersweet tale of a father struggling to raise two daughters after the loss of his wife which is guaranteed to have you sobbing and laughing in equal measure. For adults. Free, but advance booking is essential via: southwarklibs.eventbrite.com Time: 7pm Venue: Camberwell Library, 48 Camberwell Green, SE5 7AL Contact: southwark.gov.uk/libraries, southwark.libraries@southwark.gov.uk
Galleywall School invites you to learn the joyful Lindy Hop dance of the 1940s and celebrate through dance, music and the children’s wonderful art, the life and times of the late great Sam King. Advance booking essential via office@galleywall.co.uk. Time: 2.30pm to 5.30pm Venue: Galleywall Primary School, Galleywall Road, SE16 3PB Contact: www.galleywall.co.uk, office@galleywall.co.uk
Learn how to draw black heroes and heroines from history at this black history cartoon workshop; a must for history enthusiasts and aspiring cartoonists. Advance booking is essential via tfatunla@hotmail.com or 07802 970 511. Time: 1.30pm to 3pm Venue: Damilola Taylor Centre (DTC), 1 East Surrey Grove, Peckham SE15 6DR Contact: tfatunla@hotmail.com, 07802 970 511
Visit southwark.gov.uk/bhm2016 for more great events. 18
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Life
A history of health and human rights: Celebrating the life of Dr Harold Moody
As part of o ur Black His tory Month celebration s, we will b e unveiling and portra a sign it dedicated t o t he memory life and wo , rk of Dr Ha rold Moody centre pag (see es for deta il s ). H ere we lear more abou n t his lifelon g c o m mitment to improving our boroug h’s health, race relatio and ns across th e country.
H
arold Arundel Moody was born in Kingston, Jamaica, on 8 October 1882; his parents, who had a drug store, were part of Jamaica’s middle class. Harold was active in Christian Endeavour (one of the first organised youth ministries, founded the year before his birth) and the Congregational church from a young age – this work gave him early useful training in public speaking, as well as grounding his personal philosophical beliefs. Edwardian Jamaica had few opportunities for him to further his education, however, so on 1 September 1904, he left Jamaica to study medicine at King’s College, London. Moody qualified as a physician in 1912. Despite his excellent record as a student – including multiple prizes – his career was blighted by racism. King’s College Hospital refused to consider him for posts in ophthalmology or cardiology because of his colour. Similarly, although the borough of Camberwell acknowledged that he was the best qualified candidate for the post of medical officer to the Board of Guardians, they refused to give him the job because they believed poor people would refuse to be treated by a black man. Eventually, however, he was appointed as Medical Superintendent to the Marylebone Medical Mission, and opened a private practice in Peckham. His final surgery, at 164 Queen’s Road, is marked with a blue plaque. Moody proved the Camberwell Board of Guardians wrong – he was an extremely popular GP, with people coming from all over south London for treatment. Patients remember him as a quiet, softly spoken, elegant man with an excellent bedside manner and mothers
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particularly appreciated his skill as a paediatrician. His diagnostic work was impressively thorough and meticulous, and he spent a good deal of time in research. Most importantly for many locals (and like the Bermondsey GP Alfred Salter), he charged what his patients could afford, which often was nothing. He was a fundamentally holistic doctor, who sought to understand and assist his patients as complete people, not just bodies or collections of symptoms. To a significant degree, this view of medicine stemmed from Moody’s religious faith, the bedrock of his life. He was deeply involved with his local Congregational church, which had welcomed him to Peckham in 1913, and in 1921, he was elected chair of the Colonial Missionary Society (CMS). As chair, he had the opportunity to travel the country; the stories he heard made it clear that his experiences were not unique. Edwardian England had a deeply entrenched colour bar, which made it difficult for black colonial immigrants – who held British passports and considered the UK their mother country – to take up opportunities because they lacked basic amenities like housing. It was obvious and natural for Moody to address these problems in his role as chair of CMS, and to use his network of contacts to provide practical support.
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Later Moody became the first – and only – chair of the League of Coloured Peoples (LCP) in 1931. Moody’s initial vision was for a Christian social and welfare organisation; however, the invasion of Ethiopia in 1935, and the advent of the Second World War more generally, shifted its focus to civil rights. The LCP created a national community of black immigrants, helping to bridge the divides between African and Caribbean communities. While younger activists often viewed the LCP as too timid, the League made it clear to white British natives that black immigrants saw Britain as the motherland and that they wanted to be treated on an equal footing. To this end, the LCP was, for two decades, the country’s leading civil rights organisation. Harold Moody’s home became a networking centre and salon for black intellectuals and activists like Paul Robeson, CLR James, Kwame Nkrumah, Jomo Kenyatta, and Learie Constantine. Moody himself addressed audiences all over the country and provided advice to a plethora of government departments. After a particularly punishing tour of the West Indies and USA in the winter of 1946-7, he died of influenza in April 1947. The LCP wound up four years later, as divides between various interest groups grew, but his legacy lived on through the impact of his work, and his children. His son Charles became the second black officer in the British Army in 1939; after the end of the Second World War, he stayed in the army, retiring as the first commanding officer of the Jamaican Territorial Army. His daughter Christine trained as a physician and served in the Royal Army Medical Corps in India, before becoming the Chief Medical Officer of Health in Jamaica. southwark.gov.uk
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Loving my free Sunday swim
Info
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my experience that the following week I managed to convince Emilio to sign up too. Our families are big cooks and we’ve now got a new Sunday routine of an afternoon swim to help us burn off all that yummy food. Emilio didn't grow up in a gym or swim household, so didn’t feel he could justify paying to go before, but it seems all he needed was the option and now it’s something we can do together.
Frances, 27, is a community midwife living in Camberwell. She went along to the free swim and gym launch at her local leisure centre and here she tells Southwark Life what she made of her experience... More information Southwark Council’s free swim and gym scheme launched on 29 July and is available at all Southwark leisure centres, all day Friday, and weekends from 2pm to close. For more information and to sign up visit www.southwark.gov.uk/ freeswimandgym
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W
hen I first heard the council would be offering free swim and gym to residents I was really excited – I have been a Southwark resident for seven years now and I couldn’t wait to make the most of the opportunity. I used to really like doing exercise when I could, but since I broke my ankle last year I haven’t felt as able to, even after I’d finished physio. I live with my boyfriend Emilio and for a young couple just starting out money can be tight. Plus with our busy, conflicting work schedules, days off at weekends always feel like such precious time together, we have big families too and I just wasn’t keen to sacrifice that family time. I signed up to free swim and gym the day it launched, it was super simple and easy to do and by the Sunday I was making the most of my first swimming session in a very long time. In fact I was so impressed with
I have no doubt that free swim and gym will open up opportunities for lots of other people in the borough too. For me it’s also motivated me to get active more often, not just on a Sunday. I have even told my sisters about it and as a community midwife, I’ll definitely be telling some of my clients about it. Keeping healthy and active during pregnancy is especially important and we often advise swimming as a part of our pregnancy plans especially for pelvic pain. So it really is fantastic that cost won’t be a barrier for them and they can now do this for free if they live in Southwark with their partners and families as well. From free swim and gym I expected just a free swim, but what I actually got was even better! It’s given me a new resolve that I feel really positive about and it’s so nice to be able to enjoy this with my partner too. I really would encourage everyone to sign up and discover what it could be worth to them and their family.
“ It’s given me a new resolve that I feel really positive about and it’s so nice to able to enjoy this with my partner too”
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Info
A feast of international delights Mamuska
In the colder months, food is something we turn to for comfort. The good news is, delicious, freshly-cooked and balanced food is available at eateries across Southwark, so you don’t always have to cook it yourself.
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ating well doesn’t have to mean rabbit food. A balanced diet, which doesn’t restrict or omit food groups and includes protein, good fats, carbohydrates and plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, is what is recommended by health professionals. Southwark Council, as part of its Healthy Weight strategy, has pledged to ensure that all of its park cafés comply with the Healthy Catering Commitment standard, which aims for food to be cooked using better quality fats, reduced salt and sugar, and to offer a larger percentage of food that is considered healthy. As well as this, a move towards restricting the opening of fast food restaurants within 400m of any high school will assist in helping residents to eat well.
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Boulangerie Jade Dulwich Lined with cafés spilling onto the pavement and British and French brasseries, Dulwich is your place to go for tempting, lazy breakfast options. Boulangerie Jade on Lordship Lane, East Dulwich sells divine smoked salmon platters, and the French Café on Forest Hill Road features breakfast styles from across Europe. The Duck Egg café is popular or try the Picture Gallery café in Dulwich Village.
Walworth
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For some fine dining and white table-clothed elegance, get a taste of West Africa at 805 on Old Kent Road, and restock your pantry with a super range of healthy foods at the iconic Baldwin’s which has been on Walworth Road since 1844.
Borough
Elephant and Castle Fill your boots at Mamuska with hearty Polish fare – freshly cooked and great for cold days and when you’re really hungry. Expect delicious dumplings, freshly cooked stews, pickled vegetables and lots of filling spuds. Don’t miss the array of Hispanic and Latin American places to eat in London’s Latin Quarter either.
Peckham Now the centre of the arts universe with some fabulous new restaurants appearing. Try Banh Banh and Mr Bao, on opposite sides of Rye Lane. Expect healthy broths and tasty steamed buns. The originals might still be the best though and Ganapati remains a firm favourite for South Indian delights – light, spiced fish and delicious thali platters.
Druid Street Market on Saturdays has a great selection of stalls selling delicious food from chargrilled oysters to Thai street food delicacies. Dim T in London Bridge offers classic dim sum throughout the day – steamed dumplings of loveliness with your choice of filling as well as fresh salads, steaming rice bowls and spicy noodles.
Piccalilli Caff
Rotherhithe The Salt Quay – what’s good for the soul is good for your wellbeing. Enjoy hearty pub fare including whitebait and other seafood delights with a drink overlooking the river. The Mayflower is one of the oldest pubs on the Thames but their food is modern and tasty – don’t miss the Sunday roast with a great vegetarian option. Pop into Piccalilli Caff at Surrey Docks Farm for good food with a side of frolicking lambs and quacking ducks, or opt for an Italian inspired meal at Canada Water Café.
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Info
Air quality
the Facts
• The main cause of air pollution is traffic fumes from cars, buses, lorries and other vehicles.
Which one thing will you do? It’s easy to forget how important the air we breathe in is. Living in London, we’re all used to traffic jams and the associated fumes. But with nearly 9,500 Londoners dying prematurely each year due to exposure to poor air quality, it’s time things changed.
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ir pollution is now considered one of the most pressing public health challenges of the day. High levels of pollutants, mainly caused by road traffic, can cause health problems, particularly for people who suffer from lung and heart conditions.
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Air pollution also damages our environment, destroying the ecosystem in our green spaces and even corroding the bricks of our buildings. We sometimes switch off when a problem seems too big to solve, but the good news is this isn’t a helpless situation. In fact, there
are loads of things we could all be doing to make a tangible difference. This is exactly what our #Onething campaign aims to do. We want everyone to think about what one action or change they could make to improve air quality. From local residents, community groups, businesses and even central
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• The greatest problem is with nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a pollutant that inflames the lungs, stunting their growth and increasing the risk of respiratory diseases such as asthma and lung cancer. • There are a number of poor air quality hotspots in the borough including Old Kent Road, especially by Rotherhithe New Road junction, Jamaica Road by the entrance to Rotherhithe Tunnel, Queens Road/ Peckham High Street junction, Elephant and Castle and Tower Bridge.
government, we want everyone to get involved.
What are we doing to improve air quality? It’s important for us as a council to lead by example and ensure air is prioritised across all teams. Here’s a snapshot of what we’re working on at the moment. • We’re making it easier and safer to walk and cycle across the borough. • We’ve teamed up with Lambeth, Croydon and Wandsworth councils to combine supplier deliveries to reduce delivery traffic. • We’re working with developers to retain as many mature trees
place, instead of 50 vans across the borough.
What’s the #Onething you could do?
• Turn off your engine when the car’s not moving. Save fuel and reduce the impact of your nitrogen dioxide emissions – they’re 21% higher inside a static car with the windows closed than outside.
• Swap the car for walking; just one day a week to get healthier while reducing pollution.
• Try cycling instead of sitting in traffic for a quicker journey that doesn’t pollute.
• Get your package delivered to a local shop then one driver drops all the local deliveries in one
• Shop local to boost the local economy and reduce the distance you and purchases travel.
Don’t worry if you don’t know where to start. We’ve got plenty of handy tips for you. Here’s a few to get you started….
as possible and we've invested millions into our parks and open spaces. We also hold the second most Green Flags in London. • We hate smog. Last year, with the support from the Mayor of London’s Office, we launched an anti-idling scheme to encourage drivers to switch off their engines on the approach to Tower Bridge when the bridge was up. • We're supporting the extension of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) further south.
AirText (www.airtext.info) is a free service that gives information on air pollution, UV, pollen and temperature forecasts for Greater London. It’s particularly useful if you or your children suffer from heart and lung conditions such as asthma or bronchitis. You can sign up to receive these alerts by visiting the AirText website or contacting the environmental health team on 020 7525 2000 or email at environment@southwark.gov.uk
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Events calendar
A Man of Good Hope
FIREWORKS Free Southwark Park Southwark’s annual free fireworks extravaganza is back on Saturday 5 November at Southwark Park. Tickets will be released to Southwark residents first on 3 October, with general release on 10 October.
The Nest Parents-to-be Kurt and Martha just want the best for their baby. A fable about the moral and environmental cost of our materialistic nesting instincts, directed by Ian Rickson.
www.southwark. gov.uk/fireworks
28 October – 26 November 2016
Herne Hill Music Festival Classical, jazz, blues, folk, and community music, ranging from Mozart’s Don Giovanni to Greenhouse Blues and family concerts. 7 – 16 October 2016
The Greater Game tells the fascinating true story of the 41 men who swapped the football fields of London for the battle fields of the Somme in 1916. 15 September – 15 October 2016 £16 - £20 Southwark Playhouse www.southwarkplayhouse. co.uk
Paul Carter – Municipal For Paul Carter’s largest solo show to date, ‘Municipal’ is a commissioned installation developing Carter’s ongoing interest in the unifying concept that every building designed for public use is a kind of hotel. Until 25 September 2016 Free CGP LONDON 1 Park Approach, Southwark Park SE16 2UA www.cgplondon.org
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28 October 2016 Free Camberwell Library www.southwark.gov.uk/ info/437/libraries_and_ locations/990/camberwell_ library
6 October – 12 November 2016 £10 - £35 Young Vic Theatre www.youngvic.org
Orca “One girl, against the happiness of the whole village. Can you not see it has to be done?” Orca is an incisive, unflinching insight into what makes a community tolerate the unthinkable. The winner of the eighth Papatango New Writing Prize, Orca was chosen from a record-breaking 1053 entries.
See website for ticket info Venues around Herne Hill www.hernehillfestival.org
Scandi Market Come experience the festive atmosphere at the Scandinavian Christmas Market, taking place on Albion Street between the Finnish and Norwegian Churches in Rotherhithe. 18 – 20 November 2016 Free Albion Street, Rotherhithe SE16 7HZ www.scandimarket.co.uk
Jerwood Drawing Prize 2016
Jerwood Open Forest This group exhibition brings together work by the five artists selected for the R&D stage of Jerwood Open Forest in 2016: Rebecca Beinart, Magz Hall, Keith Harrison, David Rickard and David Turley. 2 November – 12 December 2016 Free Jerwood Visual Arts, Jerwood Space, 171 Union Street SE1 0LN www.jerwoodvisualarts.org
Chatterbooks Book Fun
The largest and longest-running annual open exhibition for drawing in the UK, presented in collaboration with Bath Spa University.
Do you love reading? Talk about your favourite books and authors and make creative arts and crafts about your favourite book characters. For children 7 to 11 years.
14 September – 23 October 2016
22 September 2016
Free Jerwood Visual Arts, Jerwood Space, 171 Union Street SE1 0LN www.jerwoodvisualarts.org
Free Peckham Library www.southwark.gov.uk/ info/449/childrens_library_ service/1005/reading_ activities_for_children
Rastamouse is Here!
2 – 26 November 2016 £16 - £20 Southwark Playhouse www.southwarkplayhouse. co.uk
£10 – £25 Young Vic Theatre www.youngvic.org
Art Licks Weekend 2016 Back for its fourth year, the annual Art Licks Weekend festival celebrates the contribution that emerging artists and grassroots projects make to the cultural life of London. 29 September – 2 October 2016 Free Various venues – see website for more information www.artlicksweekend.com
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stories and props. For children 3 to 8 years.
The true story of one refugee’s epic quest across Africa, brought to life with music from the worldrenowned Isango Ensemble. A collaboration with the Royal Opera House.
5 November 2016
The Greater Game
Info Life
Autumn
Michael D’Souza – Rastamouse creator and author – presents a Rastamouse workshop with interactive brainteasers, poems, stories and props. For children 3 to 8 years. 27 October 2016 Free John Harvard Library www.southwark.gov.uk/ info/437/libraries_and_ locations/996/john_harvard_ libraryRastamouse is Here! Michael D’Souza - Rastamouse creator and author - presents a Rastamouse workshop with interactive brainteasers, poems,
Real to Reel: A Century of War Movies IWM London presents Real to Reel: A Century of War Movies, a major exhibition that goes behind the scenes of some of this century’s iconic war films that have captured the imagination of cinema-going audiences across the generations. Until 8 January 2017 £10 Imperial War Museum www.iwm.org.uk/exhibitions/ iwm-london/real-to-reel-acentury-of-war-movies
IWM Contemporary: Mahwish Chishty This will be the first UK exhibition for Mahwish Chishty, who was born in Pakistan and now lives and works in the USA. She will be showing 15 objects from her Drone Art series, which comprises drone silhouettes painted in the style of colourful Pakistani folk art. 19 October 2016 – 19 March 2017 Free Imperial War Museum www.iwm.org.ukv
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Info
Do it online
There’s hardly anything you can’t do online these days: track your taxi, chat to your favourite celeb, meet the love of your life…or order an HIV test.
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exually transmitted infections (STIs) are on the increase and can happen to anyone, but young people and men who have sex with men are most at risk. It can be difficult to find the time to get to a sexual health clinic. That’s why in Southwark we have introduced SH:24 which provides free and confidential STI testing 24 hours a day. You can go online and order your test to be delivered to your home in a plain, unmarked envelope. The process is completely confidential and offers testing for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV. Results are communicated in a confidential and sensitive manner. Visit www.sh24.org.uk to find out more.
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Of course, it’s best if you can protect yourself in the first place. Always use a condom with a new partner and remember that the pill only protects against pregnancy, not against STIs. Condoms will also help prevent you passing on an infection if you have one. Before deciding to stop using condoms, you and your partner should be tested for STIs including HIV. Don’t forget that your risk of contracting an STI increases if you have more than one sexual partner at a time or if you have a lot of partners.
Young people under 25 can get free condoms in Southwark by registering for the Come Correct (C-Card) scheme to get free condoms, advice and guidance at outlets across the borough to help you have safe sex. You will get reminders of when to see a health professional, or make an appointment with a GP or clinic. Visit www.comecorrect.com to register and find out more.
Many people with STIs have no symptoms. Most infections can be cured easily but if untreated they can lead to serious health conditions including infertility, pregnancy complications and some cancers.
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WHY GET TESTED?
IGNORE THE EXCUSES We’ve all heard the excuses about why the condom remained in the bedside drawer. “We were really drunk.” “It was in the heat of the moment.” But with STIs on the rise, and condoms easily, and often freely, available don’t take the risk.
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