Next Forum meeting
The next full Forum meeting will be the Annual General Meeting, when we present our annual report and accounts for the past year, review priorities for the year ahead, and elect a committee to steer the Forum through the next year.
This will be on Thursday 6 June from 7 pm at the Vida Walsh Centre, 2b Saltoun Road, SW2 1EP (entrance faces Windrush Square).
If your group wishes to present its work or highlight a forthcoming activity or service, at this or a future meeting, please contact the Forum Secretary at apiperbrix@aol.com
Local News
Time is running out to save Brixton from Council plans
As we reported last month, Lambeth Council planners are pushing their Site Allocations Plan document, which highlights 3 sites in Brixton (and 2 more at Loughborough Junction) for high-density rebuilding. It’s now clear that – despite past objections – they want taller buildings on the Tesco site, while slightly scaling back ambitions for the Effra Road site (so the Mosaic Clubhouse at least is saved).
Residents in Arlington Lodge, Baytree and Porden Roads and the Trinity Gardens conservation area are organising both a petition and professional objections to the Tesco development, which actually appears to be driven by HSBC. One result of building taller is that costs increase, partly due to more stringent fire precautions after the Grenfell Tower fire. Developers can then avoid any obligation to provide affordable housing, while those who buy the flats will face higher service charges.
The draft plan is only open for objections until Friday 3rd May. If you have specific concerns, we urge you to share them with other local groups, and with us, or with the Brixton Society at planning@brixtonsociety.org.uk
For more about the campaign, see the website https://www.bit.ly/brixtontesco or to support the petition, go to https://change.org/p/no-brixton-tesco-high-rise
The full package of Council documents can be found on the Lambeth website at: https://www.lambeth.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-policy-guidance/site-allocations-development-plan-document
Community Conversations
As announced in our February issue, the Brixton Project last month led 3 days of discussions and workshops at International House, supported by Impact on Urban Health and many supporters and contributors. The emphasis was on involving local people more actively in community research and gathering insights into services provided by public authorities and potential funders.
If you missed that one, here comes another chance, this time a joint effort between the Brixton Project and Transition Town Brixton to present a series of discussions and provocations over several months, leading up to a People’s Assembly and Community Action Plan to create alternative solutions to Brixton’s most pressing issues.
It all kicks off on Friday 26 April, 6-30 to 9 pm at International House with Spaces of Hope.
There will be further sessions on Food, Health, Housing, Youth issues, Education, Policing and Money, 4-6 weeks apart. Enquiries to info@transitiontownbrixton.org
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour
Action on ASB hosted a meeting with Police and Council representatives on 27 March, but many present were disappointed that what was proposed fell far short of being a joint plan for action. The Council have been slow to understand the impact of the 24-hour economy on life for Town Centre residents.
The campaign continues to press for a plan which is more Specific, with Measurable targets, Achievable, Resourced and with set Timescales. The recent survey received 450 responses, now being analysed.
A website is up and running, to report progress and advising how to report issues – the Police have been clear that more complaints help them attract more resources.
See www.ACTIONonASB.org or enquiries to aoasb@outlook.com
Arts, Culture, Leisure
Brixton Blog & Bugle Art Show
A reminder that entries close on Monday 13 May for the ever-popular Brixton Blog & Bugle Summer Art Show. The show is open to any artist – professional or self-taught – who is at least 16 years old and is based in or around Brixton.
You can submit up to TWO works. They must be no larger than one metre square and capable of being hung safely and securely on a wall. To enter, all you have to do is send up to three digital photos of each work to arts@brixtonblog.com
Please entitle the email ‘Summer Art Show’ and include your name, address, contact number, social media, the title and a brief description of the work including its dimensions.
All selected works will be exhibited in the Summer Art Show in the Brixton Tate Library throughout July 2024. The winner will be decided by a people’s vote.
Supported by the Arts Council of England and local businesses.
198 Gallery Exhibition Extended
Reel: Dyke Hands is a group show which showcases 8 short films by black lesbians. It has been extended to run until 12 May, open Wednesday to Sunday 10 – 5 pm (from 11 am at weekends). 198 Gallery is at the corner of Railton Road and Hurst Street, SE24 0JT.
Art in De Alleyway – Carnival Dreams
Sunshine International Arts at Loughborough Junction are showcasing their carnival designs over 3 weekends:
3 & 4, 10 & 11, 17 & 18 May, 12 till 6 pm.
Free but please book via https://siabigweekends.co.uk
Other Coming Events
Advocacy Academy returns
The Advocacy Academy have been signing up young people aged 16-18 who live or study in SW or SE postcodes for their 2024 programme
This was due to close on 21 April but you might just scrape in – the link is https://mj5ulgub.paperform.co or contact assemblies@theadvocacyacademy.com
Mayor and Assembly Elections
These take place on Thursday 2nd May. Although thegovernment has removed the option of voting for a second choice for London Mayor or GLA members, there will still be a number of GLA members elected in proportion to the number of votes cast for each party. These are additional to those elected for each area.
Remember too that your polling station may be different to the last time you voted.
Ecosystem Coldharbour celebrates!
Thursday 23 May will see a Celebration Ceremony at ML Community Enterprise (Marcus Lipton Youth Centre) Minet Road SW9. Presentations of Changemaker Community Awards will be accompanied by a market showcase for local goods and businesses, live music, entertainment and food. Times 5-30 to 8-30 pm, tickets are free but please book in advance via www.ecosystemcoldharbour.org
Black Culture Market returns
This popular event returns to Downstairs at the Department Store, 248 Ferndale Road SW9 on Saturday and Sunday 1st & 2nd June, open 11 am to 5 pm each day. Support Black-owned businesses and makers in Brixton. Admission free but please book in advance via the website, www.blackculturemarket.co.uk
If you want to trade at these events, please e-mail to hello@blackculturemarket.co.uk
Local Job Vacancies
Healthy Living Platform have a few jobs open and would prefer to employ local people: https://healthylivingplatform.org/vacancies
Age UK Lambeth have been seeking a part-time events worker for their MYSocial events programme. Enquiries to dolores@ageuklambeth.org
Sunshine International Arts are seeking a part-time Centre & Artistic Support person to assist with their events and art activities. Closing date 26 April: send your CV and a short cover e-mail to admin@sunshinearts.co.uk
Health and Social Care
Community Connectors Wanted!
Project Smith aims to recruit volunteers within the community who can help people find their way through the health system to reach the care that they need. The next round of four training days will be held within Lambeth over 6,12,13,20 June – for more details contact emma@rbeassociates.com
Wednesday 15 May at 6-30 pm.
Longfield Hall is hosting boxing/ boxercise fitness classes for adults with type 2 diabetes on Mondays from 29 April, 6 pm to 7 pm, over 24 weeks. Free and open to adults of all ages – see https://longfieldhall.org.uk
Green spaces, Green issues
Events at Brockwell Park
Community Greenhouses
The next big thing is their May Fete on Bank Holiday Monday, 6th May with an appearance by the Brixton Tatterjacks Morris Dancers and pizzas from the hand-built cob oven, with local craft beer, botanical cocktails and organic wine on sale. More details on their website at https://www.brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk/events
On Your Bike
Brixton BID continues to sponsor monthly sessions by Dr Bike mechanics for cycle safety checks and essential maintenance, 12 to 3 pm at various sites:
- Wednesday 24 April, outside F Mondays, Brixton Hill (near corner of Blenheim Gardens).
- Wednesday 29 May, outside British Heart Foundation, Acre Lane (across the road from Tesco).
Events in Myatt’s Fields Park
Sunday 9 June: Conduct me! (Pico Players)
Saturday 15 June: Pride Picnic.
Saturday 22 June: Windrush Celebration.
Sunday 23 June: A Midsummer Night’s Dream Saturday 29 June: Fiesta del Sol
For information about the park and these events, see www.myattsfieldspark.info
Events at Brixton Windmill
Guided tours of the windmill are now taking place on at least one weekend a month.
There are also a number of regular weekly activities in the education centre alongside.
For all events in Windmill Gardens, please see the website for details and booking, www.brixtonwindmill.org
Funding, Training & Support
Lambeth Charity Networking Event
Thursday 9th May, 4 to 6 pm at High Trees Hub, corner of Tulse Hill and Upper Tulse Hill, SW2. A chance to compare notes with other community groups, forums and networks, with the emphasis on sharing learning and finding ways to work better together. Enquiries to anna.coffey@high-trees.org
Grant deadlines approaching
Once again, a reminder of grant schemes already notified by Integrate – if you missed the original alerts, contact them at: eoin.heffernan@integrateagency.co.uk
AB Charitable Trust – grants up to £90,000 over 3 years for charities dealing with human rights abuses, closes on 26 April.
Thomas Wall Trust – grants up to £5,000 for projects helping disadvantaged people into employment, deadline Monday 29 April.
Shared Endeavour Fund (Mayor of London) – up to £100,000 to deliver social projects, deadline Sunday 5 May (round 5).
Innovate Now (City Bridge Foundation and Do It Now Now) – up to £12,000 and other support for black-led charities and enterprises, closes Thursday 9 May.
Youth Music Catalyser fund – grants between £30,000 and £300,000, deadline 10 May.
Making London More Liveable (City Bridge Foundation) – grants up to £200,000 to reduce social isolation, deadline Friday 31 May.
UnLtd Funding for Social Enterprises – start-up grants of £8,000 and scale-up grants of £18,000, closing date 30 June.
Training Opportunities
Social enterprises and small businesses within the Brixton BID area should be able to join their free training courses. Next up are:
- First Aid (level 2), Tuesday 23 April, 10 am to 4 pm.
- Fire Safety (level 2) Tuesday 7 May, 10 am to 4 pm.
- Conflict Management, Thursday 23 May, 10 am to 4 pm.
These 3 sessions will all be at International House. Enquiries to admin@brixtonbid.co.uk
Your Forum Bulletins
If you are doing something around the Brixton area, you are welcome to use these bulletins to tell other Forum members. We aim to circulate about the 10th of each month – but things can go wrong! So, send items to the Forum Secretary at apiperbrix@aol.com by the 3rd of the month.
Keep in Touch
We want to be inclusive and ensure that these bulletins reach all community organisations, social enterprises and activists in the wider Brixton area. Please contact us at admin@brixtonneighbourhoodforum.org
- If you want to be added to our mailing list, or to add a colleague or neighbour.
- If you want these bulletins sent to a different e-mail address, so that you see them more quickly or reliably.
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