1. Art and Diseño

Lambethtalk
MONTHLY INFORMATION • DATES • CONTACTS • EVENTS • FEATURES • PEOPLE • PLACES
FEBRUARY 2015
FREE TO YOUR DOOR
TACKLING HOUSING FRAUD PAGE 6
UPDATE ON VAUXHALL PAGE 8
MOSAIC CLUBHOUSE PAGE 10
GET INVOLVED IN YOUR COMMUNITY PAGE 12
MAKE A DIFFERENCE – FOSTER 15
FREE TRAINING FROM TREE SHEPHERD PAGE 18
WHAT’S ON PAGE 20
A cooperative council
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Welcome
ADVERTISEMENT
to the February edition
of Lambeth talk
in this issue...
Regulars
News
Youth Mayor’s positive
stories
Lambeth Living
What’s on
4
14
16
20
Features
Tackling housing fraud
6
Lambeth Council has a zero
tolerance attitude towards theft
and deception. Find out how
one fraudster paid the price and
how you can help stop others.
Update on Vauxhall
8
Vauxhall is changing and you
can be involved in its future.
Mosaic Clubhouse
10
Meet Mosaic Clubhouse, a
Brixton based organisation
providing support to adults
living with mental health
conditions.
Get involved in your
12
community
Hear from two very different
groups looking for the help of
local people.
Make a difference – foster 15
A new foster parent shares her
motivation to foster and how
she and her foster son have
been getting on.
Free training from Tree 18
Shepherd
A chance for local businesses
and budding entrepreneurs to
develop the skills needed to
deliver services for Lambeth’s
parks and open spaces.
Libraries are special places where anyone
and everyone can be inspired, learn and
dream but a library service has to be about
more than books and buildings. Between
now and April we want to know your views
on how to make our library service better.
We’ve ambitions for a brand new digital learning
space in Brixton Rec, we’re planning to sell Minet
and Waterloo libraries and use the money raised to set up a £10 million
endowment fund for Lambeth’s community libraries that will provide
between £350,000 to £450,000 a year for future generations and a new
community led library in Waterloo. With a 50 per cent cut to our funding
we have to find imaginative ways to keep such important services going.
Following the success of the book borrowing scheme at The Railway pub
in Streatham Vale, we’d like to see similar schemes in community spaces
around Tulse Hill and Vassall. After all, there’s nothing to stop books being
borrowed from GP surgeries, train stations, pubs and community and
leisure centres.
Should libraries be open longer and could space be rented out to bring
in valuable income? Is there enough WiFi and digital access? How could
you help? I hope you’ll let your imagination run free – after all, that’s
what libraries are for.
To have your say, visit www.lambeth.gov.uk/culture2020consultation
Councillor Lib Peck, Leader of the Council
Let us know what you think about any of the features in this edition on our
blog love.lambeth.gov.uk or join in the conversation @lambeth_council.
To contribute stories, events or advertise in Lambeth talk, email
[email protected]
For our monthly enewsletter, sign up to love.lambeth.gov.uk/newsletters
For council services:
Visit www.lambeth.gov.uk
Email [email protected]
Call 020 7926 1000
Sign up www.lambeth.gov.uk/mylambeth
CONTRIBUTORS: BARRY NORRIS,
CHARMAINE FANNIS, GILL YORK,
HELEN MANNION, JACQUELINE
GOMES-NEVES, JO PHILLIPS,
KAREN SMITH, LAWRENCE CONWAY,
MARESA NESS, MAUREEN JULIANAHARVEY, SARAH LUCK
DESIGN: STEPHIE ROLFS
EDITOR: CHRISTINE LOUM
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NEWS
Improving
air quality
in
Lambeth
Lambeth target
spitters after
successful
prosecution
In January, Lambeth Council
were vindicated in their first
prosecution of a man found
spitting in the street after
he was fined £120 by the courts.
Now, officers will be quick to
issue fixed penalty notices to
those seen spitting in public.
London, like most major cities,
suffers from poor air quality.
Recent studies have established
the link between poor air quality
and health in urban areas. Because
of this, we are working to monitor
and improve air quality throughout
Lambeth.
We have three Air Quality Monitoring
Stations which measure harmful
emissions. The stations are based in
Vauxhall, Brixton and Streatham and
data from each can be viewed via
www.londonair.org.uk
Measuring air quality allows us to
compare current levels of pollution in
the borough with air quality standards
and to identify potential impacts on
the health of those who live, work
and travel through the borough.
The main threat to clean air comes
from traffic emissions and we can all
do our bit to reduce the amount of
pollution on our roads. We have a
number of initiatives already that can
help. These include the promotion
of sustainable transport such as
walking and cycling, the introduction
of green walls and roofs at pollution
hot spots and controlled parking
Tough on anti-social behaviour
Lambeth Council issued almost a thousand fixed penalty notices
in 2014 and more than half were for littering. Other offences, tackled
by the council, included illegal street trading, spitting, breaches of
regulations for skips and obstructing the highway.
Councillor Imogen Walker, Deputy Leader of the Council, said: “These
are just a snapshot of the sort of problems council officers deal with on
a daily basis, keeping Lambeth safe, clean and pleasant for everyone.
We will continue to be tough on people that don’t play by the rules,
whether that’s a quiet word or pursuing people through the courts.
Anti-social behaviour, in all its forms from littering to aggressive begging,
noise and unlawful house conversions has an impact on the quality of
life of local people.”
zones where permits are priced
according to the emissions of your
vehicle.
We recently applied for Cleaner Air
Borough Status which will allow us
to bid to the Mayor’s Air Quality Fund
of £14 million. We would like to hear
from you if you have an idea for
an air quality project in your local
area. Please email
[email protected]
New cinema
coming to
West Norwood
Councillor Jennifer Brathwaite,
Cabinet Member for Environment
and Sustainability, said: “Most
people find spitting extremely
unpleasant – both as an act and
the mess it leaves on our streets.
Offenders need to know that if our
enforcement officers see anybody
spitting in public, they will be facing
a big fine.”
Pop Brixton makes its home
in Pope’s Road
Pop Brixton is a new community
campus for start-ups and small
businesses. This innovative
incubator project will be delivered
in partnership with Lambeth
Council. Affordability is key and
the project will re-purpose used
shipping containers combined
with a keen awareness of
environmental issues and values.
The project has received planning
approval; construction has started
with the first units being delivered
in January. Pop Brixton will make
Pope's Road its home for three
years before moving to another
meanwhile space. The campus is
built from low-cost, low-energy,
shipping containers, playfully
designed, with a focus on
sustainability and efficiency by
award-winning architects.
In addition, apprentices from
Lambeth College’s general
maintenance course will begin work
on the Pop Brixton scheme. The
apprentices will be on site for four to
six months getting Brixton’s exciting
new destination up and running.
And they’ll all be paid the London
living wage of £9.15 per hour –
working two and a half days a week.
Visit www.popbrixton.org or follow
@popbrixton
Lambeth Council officers are
now on the lookout for spitters
as they begin to clamp down on
this unacceptable behaviour.
A new cinema in West Norwood
has taken a step closer with
contracts recently exchanged
between Picturehouse Cinemas
Ltd and Lambeth Council.
Picturehouse will lease the old Nettlefold Hall in Norwood High
Street and turn it into a four-screen cinema, with bar and café. As
part of the deal, West Norwood Library will also be improved with
a £1 million investment.
Councillor Jane Edbrooke, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods,
said: “The area is seeing some really positive changes with the brand
new West Norwood Health and Leisure Centre opening in the summer,
West Norwood Feast happening every month and now a new cinema
and refurbished library opening by 2017.
“West Norwood is fast becoming yet another vibrant Lambeth town
centre that people will thoroughly enjoy visiting.”
Following the signing of the Agreement to Lease, designs are being
developed that Lambeth residents will be asked to consult on in
the near future.
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www.lambeth.gov.uk
Social housing is one of our most valuable assets, providing
homes for many low income households and families in the
borough. Demand for social housing outstrips supply and
with temporary accommodation for homeless families costing
around £18,000 per family, per year, the public purse is being
depleted by millions of pounds. In addition to this, the Audit
Commission estimates that housing fraud costs the public
purse a minimum of £900 million each year. The Commission
also estimates that in Lambeth alone there are in the region
of 2,500 social housing properties that are subject to fraud.
Protecting
the public
purse
Tackling housing fraud
BY CHRISTINE LOUM AND GILL YORK
Lambeth Council has high numbers
of people on its housing waiting list
and has a zero tolerance attitude
towards theft and deception. We
employ a Counter Fraud Team to
tackle various types of fraud, with
housing fraud being the most
widespread single type of fraud
dealt with by the team. Since April
2012 the team has recovered 216
tenancies from fraudsters. Every
property the team recovers provides
a decent home for a family previously
in temporary accommodation.
The team receives allegations of
fraud from a number of sources,
but the most effective referral type
comes from neighbours or other
residents who let us know where
fraud is taking place. One phone
call or email to us may make a huge
difference to a family in temporary
accommodation and may prevent
unscrupulous tenants from making
money from social housing.
If you know that housing fraud is taking place please do the right thing and let us know so that we
can put a stop to it. Visit www.lambeth.gov.uk/forms/report-fraud or call 020 7926 9111.
A 54 year old woman has been
jailed for 18 months after claiming
a £38,000 discount on a Lambeth
Council property.
In 2003 Judy Thomas bought a property in Heath Road from
Lambeth Council under the Right to Buy scheme. Under
Right to Buy legislation, the person purchasing the property
has to confirm that it is their only or principal home.
Thomas was also not paying the council tax on the property
and was being pursued by the council for outstanding
arrears. As part of her defence she provided evidence
including copies of a tenancy agreement and bank
statements showing that she’d been receiving rent on the
property since 2001.
The case was referred to the Counter Fraud Team, who
established that this wasn’t her principal home and she
had in fact been living in Ilford with her husband since 1994.
The case went to trial and Thomas was found guilty of two
offences under the Theft Act.
ADVERTISEMENT
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ADVERTISEMENT
An update on
Vauxhall
BY BARRY NORRIS
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the Transport for
London (TfL) and Lambeth Council consultation about the principles
of our plan to transform Vauxhall Cross.
The consultation closed last month and we received over 2,000 responses.
A report on the consultation will be available later on this month. Once the
report is released proposals will be worked up in more detail. If you missed
the consultation don’t worry a second consultation is currently scheduled
for the autumn. To get involved and to be the first to hear about future
consultations, sign-up to Love Vauxhall at www.lovevaux.com or follow
us on Twitter @LoveVaux
Books help
pupils prepare
for future
Last month every Lambeth
primary school pupil from
Years 5 and 6 received a
personal copy of a school
book called Vauxhall and
Nine Elms: Past, Present
and Future.
The books are about the history
of the Vauxhall area and also
how it is changing. The books
also highlight the types of job
opportunities there will be in
Vauxhall in the future when the
current pupils will be leaving school.
Stephanie Stevens, Humanities
Subject Leader at Wyvil Primary
School, said: “The books are
excellent – children can use them
for guided reading and literacy
activities as well as history and
geography. The children appreciate
having an almost personalised
book – which is all about their own
local area. It will make history and
geography learning in particular
more accessible and meaningful
for them.”
Newport Street Gallery
to open this year
It was announced last month that
a major new art gallery will open in
Vauxhall later this year. The Newport
Street Gallery will house over 2,000
pieces of Damien Hirst’s personal
art collection: works are expected
to range from Pablo Picasso and
Francis Bacon to Tracey Emin and
Banksy. For more information,
visit www.lovevaux.com
You can find
out more,
download
suggested
lesson
plans for
teachers
and purchase
your own
copies at
www.lovevaux.com/school_book
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Mosaic Clubhouse
supporting adults affected by mental health problems
BY MARESA NESS
“
I still struggle with my
mental health, but I can now
ask for support from others.
Over all I am doing OK. I still
have a long way to go, but
I know I will get there.
L
www.lambeth.gov.uk
FROM THE COMMUNITY
Mental health problems can affect the
way you think, feel and behave and can
affect any of us at any time. Mental health
problems are very common, affecting
around one in four people every year,
yet mental illness is still surrounded by
prejudice, ignorance and fear. If you are
affected by mental health problems there
are places in Lambeth that can help.
“
Mosaic Clubhouse, in Brixton, provides
support to adults living with mental
health conditions. They will work with
you to help you regain confidence and
self-esteem and realise your potential
through work and the support of a
caring community. We found out more…
Mosaic Clubhouse is part of a
worldwide network of clubhouses
and is one of only ten training bases
in the world training other clubhouses
(over 300 in 32 countries) to work
alongside people on their recovery
journey. Membership of the
clubhouse is voluntary so members
choose how often they attend and
what they contribute. We believe
that being part of a community that
encourages everyone to participate
and re-discover their talents, dreams
and skills is key to supporting
individuals on their recovery journey.
We offer members opportunities in
three departments: The business
and administration department runs
reception, pays invoices, updates
our database, books rooms, types
up information and prepares
slideshows to keep everyone
informed of the opportunities on
offer. The hospitality and horticulture
“
department maintains the garden,
prepares and cooks all meals, runs
the café and maintains the building.
The education, employment and
information department runs the
information service which is open to
anyone with a mental health related
query. Staff work side-by-side with
members to complete all the tasks
necessary to run the service.
We run free courses in partnership
with Lambeth College, City Lit,
South London and Maudsley
Recovery College and the Workers
Education Association. We also
have 18 transitional employment
placements with a range of
employers giving members the
opportunity to be employed directly
for six to nine months whilst being
supported by the clubhouse.
Many members move on to
external courses, supported or
independent employment so their
confidence grows.
Well, it is here that I have been able to feel part
of a community, not isolated and drowning in the lonely
quagmire of my own thoughts.
MP
In 2014 we celebrated our 20th
anniversary in our newly refurbished
premises in Brixton. We now have
70 people a day starting courses
learning new skills and building their
social circles and self-confidence
in order to take the step to a healthy
and independent life. Our move to
Brixton in 2013 signalled another
chapter in our history when Lambeth
Council asked us to expand our
service to incorporate an information
service, run by staff and members
in collaboration with Lambeth and
Southwark Mind. Lambeth residents
can walk-in, email or telephone for
information on any issue associated
with mental health.
Becoming a clubhouse
member
“
Most people are referred to us
by a mental health professional
or G.P. but we also accept
self-referrals and referrals from
other sources. Joining is free for
Lambeth residents aged 18–65
who suffer from an enduring
mental illness. We are open
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
If you’re suffering from mental health difficulties, or you have a friend or family member who is,
call 020 7924 9657 or email [email protected] for advice and information.
Mosaic Clubhouse,
65 Effra Road, SW2 1BZ.
Visit: www.mosaic-clubhouse.org
Email: infohub@
mosaic-clubhouse.org
Call: 020 7924 9657
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FROM THE COMMUNITY
Hundreds of people in Lambeth are contributing their skills
and time to improve their local community. These people
make a real difference and you could too. There are many
ways you can get involved locally – from community
associations and groups, to helping others or shaping local
services. Getting involved is also really rewarding. You can
gain new skills, meet new people, discover more about
yourself and have a lot of fun! So why not give it a go?
Here are a few examples of some great projects in Lambeth
that you could get involved in.
Give it a go! Get involved in your community.
My Guide
BY SARAH LUCK
My Guide is a service provided
by Guide Dogs to support people
who are visually impaired to
get out and about. A My Guide
partnership matches a person
who is blind or partially sighted
with a trained volunteer who
guides the individual so that they
can reach their mobility goals –
this could be going to the gym,
joining a local coffee group or
just walking in the local park.
Alan and sighted guide Lynette go
on weekly outings together around
Lambeth. Their meetings so far
have included walking to Streatham
Common and going to the cinema.
Alan is growing in confidence as a
result of their meetings, and after
Lynette’s last visit he commented:
“This has been a great day, better
than I could have ever imagined,
not only have I walked to the
common, I directed us there.
I am so proud of myself.” Alan is
Lynette’s first My Guide partnership
and she says: “Being a My Guide
is such a fulfilling experience.
I feel I make a difference to Alan’s
progress to becoming self-sufficient.”
Get involved
There are a number of people with
sight loss in Lambeth waiting for
a My Guide partnership, so Guide
Dogs are actively looking for
volunteers (over 18) in the local
area. Volunteers gain skills including
how to act as a sighted guide,
greater knowledge of the effect
of a visual impairment and how
to support a disabled person
experiencing these conditions.
Certified training is also provided
Recreating the historic
White Garden in The
Rookery
BY KAREN SMITH
giving volunteers the skills and
confidence to be a guide, and
volunteers will have a good time
exploring London and the
community with their partner.
To find out more, visit
www.guidedogs.org.uk/services/
my-guide or contact Sarah Luck
on 0118 983 0189 or
[email protected]
In July 2013, The Rookery
in Streatham celebrated its
centenary as a public park. To
mark the occasion, the Friends
of Streatham Common launched
a project to restore The Rookery
to its past glory, to give local
residents new reasons to be
involved, and to learn about its
history and horticultural heritage.
During 2014, the Friends of
Streatham Common worked with a
team of more than 40 volunteers to
research and recreate the historic
White Garden, originally created
in 1913 when The Rookery first
opened. They undertook a series
of community days that saw 230
plants and 1,200 bulbs, representing
about 40 species, planted.
Volunteers were led by Charlotte
Dove, a student at the unique landbased Capel Manor College, and
worked alongside Kew-trained
garden designer, Alison Alexander,
to create a new planting scheme.
Volunteers visited libraries and
archives across London including
the RHS Lindley Library, where they
used the library’s extensive
collection of horticultural journals to
find out about planting trends in
1913. The design group also visited
gardens of the period and other
white gardens for inspiration.
Kate Daly, a member of the design
group, said: “I have been visiting
The Rookery since a child and have
always loved it here. I found it very
sad to see the White Garden in a
poor condition and I’m glad that
local people have been given the
chance to make a change. I hope
our design will help people to see
The Rookery with fresh eyes and
rediscover just how beautiful it is.”
Get involved
Rookery volunteer mornings:
Friday 20 February and Friday
20 March, 10am to 12pm.
Community planting day in the
White Garden: Saturday 25 April,
10am to 4pm. The garden is due
to be fully planted by May.
For more information, visit
www.streathamcommon.org
or email rookery100@
streathamcommon.org
The restoration has been supported
by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Lambeth
Council and local partners.
Get in touch with Volunteer Centre Lambeth who will help you find opportunities to suit your availability and interests. Call 020 7326 5480 (10am–4pm, Monday to Friday) or email [email protected]
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www.lambeth.gov.uk
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FROM THE COMMUNITY
Youth Mayor’s
Positive Stories
Want to make
a difference this
year? Foster
Each month I receive many
amazing stories about
outstanding young people.
Please carry on sending me
your stories and inspiring
other young people to create
their own.
BY JACQUELINE GOMES-NEVES, LAMBETH YOUTH MAYOR
20 years old, from
Brixton
Isaac is a former
Lambeth Academy
student with a passion for boxing.
On 31 January he made his
professional boxing debut at the
London 02 arena in front of 20,000
fans. Isaac has always been a
positive and dedicated young man
and it is great that all of his hard
work has finally paid off. His journey
goes to show that once you have a
dream and decide to dedicate
yourself to your craft, anything
is possible.
Richard
Asomugha
19 years old, from
Kennington
Richard delivers a
series of motivational
talks in and around Lambeth. He
started his ‘Here with Richard’ talks
in 2014 at his former school, Lilian
Baylis Technology School, because
he believes there is an element of
inspiration and motivation missing in
My positive story
Every December my school raises money to provide
elderly people living in the area with Christmas
hampers. I had the privilege of delivering some of these
hampers on my estate, the Loughborough Estate. One
of the hampers was given to an elderly neighbour of
mine that I knew wouldn’t be having a big Christmas.
He gave the warmest and most genuine thank you and
we were all extremely humbled by his reaction. It made
me realise just how powerful the gift of giving can be
and how important it is to keep those less fortunate
than us in mind.
If you’re a young person who has a positive story to
share, email [email protected] with the
subject ‘Positive Story’. You can also follow Jacqueline
@lamyouthmayor
the educational curriculum. Not only
is Richard highly thought of amongst
students, the experience
is also remembered for its
celebrity guest speakers.
For example, he recently
brought in artist Stormzy,
who won Best Grime Act
at the 2014 MOBO awards.
By the end of 2015 Richard
plans to have toured all
secondary schools in Lambeth
and have spread the message
that regardless of background
or circumstance all individuals
were created for greatness!
Lambeth’s foster carers work
diligently and passionately to
build strong foundations for
Lambeth’s younger residents,
giving them the stability,
confidence and encouragement
they need to help them succeed
later in life.
time to take on a foster child. That’s
when I decided to finally do it,”
says Charmaine.
New foster parent, Charmaine
Fannis, 38, shares what motivated
her to foster and how she and her
foster son have been getting on.
“I’ve been helping a nine-year-old
boy since July 2013 and it’s going
really well. I think I’ve been able to
make a positive contribution to his
life, by settling him into a routine;
improving his diet and making
him part of our family. He seems
happy and his school results have
improved since he’s been here.
“
I’d been interested in
fostering for years because
I know foster carers and saw for
myself the difference they make
to those kids. I wanted to do the
same for a child who needs me.
It wasn’t until my children had left
home, that I felt I had the room and
“A lot of children need help, so I’m
glad I became a foster parent. It
makes you feel really good to help
a child who needs you because you
can make a real difference to them!
“He was apprehensive when he first
moved in because it was his first
time away from his home. I was a little
nervous too, if I’m honest! But over
the
Over 100 Lambeth children will
need a safe, caring, temporary
home this year. If you care
about children, live in or near
Lambeth, and have a spare
room you can help too.
To find out more, visit
www.lambeth.gov.uk/
fosteringandadoption/
fostering or call
020 7926 8710.
the past year we’ve grown close.
He’s part of my family and I’m part
of his. As far as I’m concerned,
he’s no different to my biological
children. He’s a welcome addition
to the family whether he’s here
for one more day or for another
10 years.
“
Isaac
Chamberlain
BY CHARMAINE FANNIS
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www.lambethliving.org.uk
www.lambethliving.org.uk
Lose a few
unwanted pounds
in 2015
Madeira Road
blooms after LHS
works
Madeira Road residents celebrated
Lambeth Housing Service (LHS)
refurbishments by working with
contractors, Keepmoat, to plant
new flower beds.
If you’re concerned about your rent arrears and would
like to propose an arrangement to clear you arrears, get in touch.
Our Income Officers are on hand with advice and options to
discuss with you how you can clear your debt.
We can:
• provide you with financial budgeting advice
• support with applying for Housing Benefit
• give advice on how to clear your arrears.
Make clearing
your rent arrears your
priority for 2015.
Email [email protected] or call 020 7926 3713, 020 7926 0262 or 020 7926 0282
Community in action
Housing course
The course, accredited by the
Chartered Institute of Housing,
gives residents an overview of
all aspects of housing including
finance, equalities and diversity
and effective community organising.
Residents contacted us in their
droves about signing up for the
course. So many of you were
interested that we had to hold
two open evenings to make sure
everyone interested could come
along and find out more. We now
have 36 students, studying in the
day or two evenings a week.
The students will have to complete
assignments as a part of the 20
week course and successful
candidates will gain a Level 2
Community Action in Housing
Award, the equivalent of gaining
a GCSE.
In October we launched
our free accredited
Community Action
in Housing course for
tenants looking to be
more active in their
community or get back
into work.
We hope to run the next programme
in April. If you’re interested in getting
a qualification to help you become
a more effective community leader
or to help you into a career in
housing get in touch.
Call 020 7926 3401, email
gettinginvolved@lambethliving.
org.uk or visit
www.lambethliving.org.uk/getting
-involved
The refurbishment works make the
block (14 homes in a mix of flats
and maisonettes) warmer, dryer
and safer as well as improving its
appearance. Works include a new
roof, double glazed windows and
doors – all helping to keep the
temperature comfortable in both
winter and summer.
Inside, the block not only looks
more welcoming, it’s safer: the
stairwells have been redecorated
using a fire retardant paint.
Concrete repairs, replacing
damaged bricks, and repointed
brickwork all help to improve the
building’s life expectancy and
looks.
Resident Louise Rowntree explains
the planting plans: “We thought,
why not freshen up the front too?
A half day's planting, even in
winter, was really good fun!
“It wasn't just about making the
block prettier, but to create a sense
of ownership and community.
“In my ideal world, we'd have a
gardening day every summer when
adults and children get together to
spruce up their gardens and feel a
real sense of community spirit.”
And it’s working, the garden is
already bringing together residents.
One resident, Quincy, stopped to
show people how to cut rose bush
It pays to be a Christmas cracker
Our Christmas Cracker prize draw, ran from 1 December to 5
January, and entered all tenants who improved or kept a clear rent
account over this period. Each entrant had the chance to win a first
prize of £500 of Love2Shop vouchers and runner-up prizes included
a HP Pocket PC, a microwave, and a portable DVD player.
Congratulations to our winners: Miss G (Ebenezer House);
Ms I (Fern Lodge); Ms N (Norman House); Mr P (Kelvedon House).
stems in a way that encourages
them to grow roots.
Keepmoat site manager, Chris
Homer, said: “It was good to see
the community come together
to help with the planting event.
With the refurbishment works,
Madeira Road is a brighter, more
welcoming place to live.”
18 Lambeth talk february 2015
february 2015 Lambeth talk 19
www.lambeth.gov.uk
www.lambeth.gov.uk
Lambeth has 60 of London’s best parks and open spaces,
each providing a variety of opportunities to get you out
and about and enjoying the natural surroundings of your
local neighbourhood.
Helping local people
set up businesses and
services for their local
parks
Lambeth Council currently manage and maintain the
borough’s parks and open spaces, making sure they are
safe, clean and well maintained. However, cuts in central
government funding mean we have to start exploring
new ways of looking after our parks.
We have commissioned Tree
Shepherd, a social enterprise
promoting employment and
business growth in Lambeth, to
deliver a free training programme
for local residents. They are
offering budding entrepreneurs
and existing local businesses the
chance to develop the skills and
knowledge necessary to deliver a
range of services for Lambeth’s
parks and open spaces.
Instead of stopping services, we have developed the
Cooperative Parks Programme. A first of its kind, the
programme will enable local communities and parks groups
to work alongside the council to improve local parks,
take decisions about where money is spent and influence
how parks and open spaces in Lambeth are designed.
Aimed at people and businesses
interested in enhancing the
appearance of Lambeth’s parks
and open spaces, this course
provides a unique opportunity
for you to be directly involved
in improving Lambeth’s parks.
The course is free to Lambeth
residents with an eligible idea.
It includes a total of eight full day
sessions (10am to 4pm) delivered
over a period of two months
commencing on 25 February
through to 8 April.
Lambeth’s parks require a wide
range of services from grounds
maintenance to litter picking and
building services to horticulture.
So, if you aspire to setting up your
own business, or are an existing
business that provides relevant
services then this programme
will support you in developing the
skills you will need to win contracts
to maintain Lambeth’s parks.
The course will take place at
Brockwell Hall, Brockwell Park,
SE24 and will cover all aspects
of business including business
planning, business registration,
sales and marketing, winning
tenders, people management
and financial management.
breaking Cooperative Parks
Programme, aimed at creating
community-led and jointly
managed parks and open
spaces, each with their own
set of distinctive identities and
a reflection of the communities
they serve.
Interested? Please contact
Monique Tomlinson on
020 3697 1541 or email
[email protected]
These training workshops form
part of Lambeth Council’s ground
For more information, visit www.treeshepherd.org.uk
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Take the
lead in your
local park
BY MAUREEN JULIANA-HARVEY
20 Lambeth talk february 2015
february 2015 Lambeth talk 21
www.lambeth.gov.uk
www.lambeth.gov.uk
CELEBRATING LGBT HISTORY MONTH 2015
There are lots of interesting
things to do and places
to visit in Lambeth. In this
section you’ll find a few
suggestions to suit a range
of interests. If you would like
to have your event listed
in this section, email us at
[email protected]
A guide to
what’s
on
in Lambeth
Penny Lecture: The
Unfinished Battle for LGBTI
UK Rights
Thursday 26 February, 6.30 to 8pm
(doors open at 6pm), 1p
Peter Tatchell, leading human rights
campaigner, explores the questions
surrounding LGBTI (Lesbian Gay
Bisexual Transgender and Intersex)
Happy Birthday RVT!
How was it for you? Coming
rights in the 21st Century. After
Wednesday 18 February, 7pm
out stories
same-sex marriage is there anything
(doors open at 6.30pm), FREE.
Wednesday 25 February, 7pm
left to fight for? Has equality been
For The Happy Birthday RVT! Project, (doors open 6.30pm), FREE.
won? Are equal rights sufficient?
artists documented Royal Vauxhall
Women from all generations are
Peter Tatchell has been campaigning
Tavern’s 60 years for innovative
invited to an open discussion
for human rights, democracy, LGBT
entertainment and an influence
about female sexuality, specifically
freedom and global justice since
on wider British popular culture.
about the experience of ‘coming
1967. Visit www.morleycollege.ac.
Film-maker Tim Brunsden and
out’ as a gay or bisexual woman.
uk/pennylectures
guests, will introduce and discuss
Share your coming out story, how
Morley College, 61 Westminster
the project’s film of reminiscences by different was it before Google?
Bridge Road, London, SE1 7HT.
RVT performers and visitors. Robin
Is the internet an improvement
Whitmore will show and discuss his
on community notice boards
giant hand-drawn map of the area
and newspapers, or do you miss
with references over three centuries
picking up the Pink Paper from
filled in with help from local people.
your local library and scanning the
Call 020 7926 0705.
personals? Call 020 7926 1056.
Tate South Lambeth Library, 180
Brixton Library, Brixton Oval,
South Lambeth Road, SW8 1QP.
SW2 1JQ.
VAULT Festival 2015
Wednesday 28 January to
Sunday 8 March, shows fall into
four price bands: £5, £8, £12
and £15.
As well as over 70 shows, live
music and late night parties, for
the first time VAULT will present
Mini VAULT, a magical world for
under 11s which includes three
festival weekends of spectacular
underground shows, events and
free activities for families. VAULT
2015 also presents its biggest
ever programme of events and
activities for adults. For more
information and a full programme
listing, visit www.vaultfestival.com
The Vaults, Leake Street, SE1 7NN.
Creative Sparks sewing club
Every Thursday, 11am to 3pm,
FREE.
Get creative at this weekly
community arts and crafts
needlework group – come and join
us! Teas and coffees provided and
bring a packed lunch. All abilities
welcome, age immaterial. For more
information, call or text Sylvia on
07890 987 586 or email
[email protected]
Chandler’s Hall, 15 Lambeth Walk,
SE11 6DU.
Tulse Hill singing group
Folk of the Wood
Every Tuesday, 7 to 9pm, FREE.
Everyone is welcome to join,
whether you have any experience
of singing or not. The group are
very supportive of each other and
are currently led by David Dellaire
through Morley College. Call
Lesley on 07840 628 290 or email
[email protected]
Jubilee Hall (opposite Ellacombe
House), Tulse Hill Estate, SW2 2LX.
Friday 13 February, from 7pm,
£5–£9.
Jig away those winter blues with
our ceilidh dancing and blues night.
Featuring foot stomping fiddles, and
a guest caller to show you the moves.
Special guests are bluesman Simon
Prager and harmonica maestro
Kevin ‘Doc’Stenson.
Visit www.folkofthewood.co.uk
The Portico Gallery, 23a Knights Hill,
West Norwood, SE27 0HS.
Cinderella – Streatham
Theatre Company
Friday 20 February, 7pm and
Saturday 21 February, 2pm and
7pm, tickets £10 and under.
The traditional pantomime is
aimed at all the family at the end of
half-term week it’s a great chance
to enjoy a fun show. Visit
www.streathamtheatre.org.uk/
cinderella
Dunraven School, Leigham Court
Road, SW16 2QB.
Above The Stag
Above The Stag is the UK’s only
purely LGBT-focused theatre.
Now in its second year in Vauxhall
the theatre is getting stronger and
stronger with rave reviews and
impressive audience figures.
To find out what’s on and to book
tickets, visit
www.abovethestag.com
Above The Stag Theatre, Arch 17,
Miles Street, SW8 1RZ.
22 Lambeth talk february 2015
february 2015 Lambeth talk 23
www.lambeth.gov.uk
www.lambeth.gov.uk
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A guide to what’s on in Lambeth
VOLUNTEERING
Volunteer Centre Lambeth
drop-in sessions
Every Tuesday and Thursday,
10am to 12pm and 2 to 4pm.
First Wednesday of the month,
6 to 8pm.
Weekly drop-in sessions where
an advisor will help you look for
interesting and suitable roles and
answer all your questions about
volunteering. Call 020 7326 5490.
Visit
www.volunteercentrelambeth.
noisyspace.com
Volunteer Centre Lambeth, 35
Brixton Station Road, SW9 8PB.
The coffee lover’s fl cafe
Every Friday, 6 to 8pm, FREE.
Open to people suffering
with mental health
problems. Offers support
and information and a
place to meet local people.
268 Wandsworth Road, SW8 2JR.
B£ conference
Tuesday 10 March, FREE.
The Brixton Pound is hosting a
conference which will bring together
B£ users and businesses, Community
Currencies in Action partners, and
Lambeth Council staff to discuss
the story so far and where it might
go next.Visit www.brixtonpound.org
Black Cultural Archives, 1 Windrush
Square, SW2 1EF.
NHS Health Checks
Monday to Friday, Free.
Aimed at adults aged 40 to
74, the NHS Health Check
aims to detect potential
health problems before they
do real damage.
For more information and
to find out where to go, call
020 3049 5257.
To find out more about volunteering opportunities in Lambeth, get in touch with the Lambeth Voluntary
Action Centre (LVAC). Call: 020 7737 1419 Email: [email protected] Visit: www.lambethvac.org.uk
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Lambeth talk is published by Lambeth Council. All information in this magazine is correct at time of going to print.
For enquiries, please email [email protected] or phone 020 7926 0023. This magazine is printed on recycled paper.
Please recycle it when you have finished with it.
PRODUCED BY LAMBETH CAMPAIGNS AND COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT
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