Tag Archives: Community

News

July 2019 Bulletin

Next Forum Meeting – Monday 22 July

We have been able to fit in an extra meeting before the summer break. It’s at 6-45 for 7 pm at the Vida Walsh Centre, 2b Saltoun Road, SW2 1EP (facing onto Windrush Square).

First of all, this is a chance to hear from the Integrate Agency, who have been appointed by Lambeth Council to continue the programme of support and training for community groups that was until February provided by Community Southwark.

We would also like to hear your comments on:

– Traffic around Brixton. Of course we urge you to use the on-line consultation (see below) but is there anything you want to share or query with other Forum members?

– Lambeth Country Show – how was it for you? Whether as a visitor or a stallholder, how could arrangements be improved?

If there is anything else you want to raise or present, please contact us as soon as possible so we can firm up the agenda – to the Forum Secretary, Alan Piper, on apiperbrix@aol.com

We have another Forum meeting booked for Thursday 24 October at the same venue.

Lambeth Country Show, weekend 20/21 July

Open from 12 noon to 7-30 pm each day (last admission 6-30 pm). There are some layout changes, including the main music stage returning to the field above the Lido. Once again the Show will be in a fenced enclosure within Brockwell Park, but this year there will be more gates:

– Entrance A – approach from Brixton Water Lane or the Lido (23 queuing lanes);

– Entrance B – approach from Herne Hill gate (40 lanes);

– Entrance C – approach from Rosendale Road or Norwood Road gates (10 lanes);

– Entrance D – approach from Tulse Hill or Arlingford Road gates (10 lanes).

Lambeth Forum Network

As we said in last month’s e-bulletin, the 14 different forums in and around the borough form the Lambeth Forum Network (LFN). LFN will have a spot at the Show, on Van Gogh Way – look for us about 200 yards downhill from Brockwell Hall, to the right of the path to the Herne Hill gate, beyond the portaloos. Staffing the stall is a shared effort, so if you don’t find a Brixton member when you turn up, there may well be somebody from a nearby forum like Tulse Hill, Vassall or Loughborough Junction.

Local groups taking part

We hear that Friends of Windmill Gardens, the Brixton Society, Friends of Brockwell Park and Age UK Lambeth will have stalls at this year’s show.  If there are any more of you taking part, please take the opportunity to introduce yourselves.

More news, events and activities around Brixton

Consultation on Traffic Around Brixton – Act Now!

We contributed to planning improvements to Atlantic Road a couple of years back, but Transport for London have now asked for ideas for improvements over a wider area, to create “low traffic neighbourhoods”.  The emphasis is on encouraging walking and cycling, and discouraging cars from “rat-running” through residential streets to get to somewhere else. 

The current on-line consultation aims to pick up problems and suggestions within a fairly wide area around Brixton. It is bounded by Brixton Water Lane, via Brixton Hill and through Blenheim Gardens to Lyham Road, thence northwards via Bedford Road to Clapham North Tube Station, then via Landor Road, crossing Stockwell Road to Robsart Street, across Brixton Road and along Loughborough Junction, then via Milkwood Road to Herne Hill Station.  Curiously, Dulwich Road is omitted.

Publicity has been patchy – it’s not on the Consultations page of the Lambeth website, and the closing date is unclear.  So we urge you to get your comments in soon – see the website https://brixtonlnmap.commonplace.is

And remember to share local issues with us too, so we can add our weight to local concerns.

Dexter Playground Decision

In January we flagged up that Lambeth was inviting proposals for running the Dexter Adventure Playground on Railton Road.  Despite tight deadlines, 19 organisations expressed interest, including the Moorland Community Development Group.  Lambeth announced on 4th July that it would sign a 10-year lease with BIGKID, who already run a programme based in Stockwell.  From Autumn 2018, the playground was operated 3 evenings a week by Play at Heart, on a temporary basis, but it’s recently been dormant again.

Services should resume on site once formalities are completed between the Council and the new operators. 

200 Years of Brixton Prison

Friends of Windmill Gardens tell us that they will have a presence at an event in Jebb Avenue, outside the prison, to mark its 200th anniversary. It will be on Friday 26 July, from 2 to 5 pm.

Events in Windmill Gardens

Other events within Windmill Gardens include Art in the Park on Sunday 11 August.  Funding from the Mayor’s National Park City Fund has enabled FoWG to offer 4 free Tai Chi sessions this month – Saturday 20th, Tuesday 23rd, Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th.  Each starts at 11 am and lasts 90 minutes maximum.

The Windmill itself is open for tours at least one weekend a month until October – for dates or to book a place on a full tour, see www.brixtonwindmill.org/visit

Security Survey for Brixton BID

We Rise has been collaborating with the Brixton Business Improvement District to survey local business views on security priorities.  Responses were being collected this week, and will then be analysed to report to the BID in September.

We Rise conducted the last of its Summer series of Careers Networking events on 9th July.  Each event focuses on a specific field of business, and this one covered Marketing and Enterprise.  A new series will start up again in the Autumn. Enquiries to hello@werise.org.uk

Night-Time Economy update

Three workshops were held locally in May and June, including residents, businesses, key venues and other stakeholders.  Night Time Economy Solutions Ltd. have been commissioned to report back in September with proposals based on techniques which have been applied in other town centres around the country.  We will keep you informed as the situation develops.

Lambeth Community Solar Energy Project

Lambeth Community Solar, Lambeth’s first borough-wide energy co-op, is proposing to install community-owned solar panels on schools, community buildings and businesses across the borough. Not only will this generate clean green electricity, but the profits from the sale of electricity will not only refund the investors, but also support energy advice, education and innovation projects within the borough.

Already there are plans to install solar panels on Elm Green and Norwood Schools in the south of the borough.  To fund this, a community share offer will be launched in September, seeking investments from £100 upwards and offering an average 3% interest.  At this stage, the focus is on raising awareness, but we may ask LCS to come to our October meeting to tell us more.  That would still fall neatly within the timeframe of the share offer.

LCS is supported by Repowering London, www.repowering.org.uk

Longfield Hall update

Bear in mind that some of the regular classes and exercise sessions take a break over the summer – please check with class leaders or see the website, www.longfieldhall.org.uk

Meanwhile there are a couple of shows coming up – 

Space in the City, a free show at 6 pm on Wednesday 24 July, to showcase the work of resident dance and drama groups.

The Merry Wives of Windsor, at 7 pm on Saturday 27 July, tickets £5 (£3 concessions), Shakespeare’s play presented by Open Bar Theatre.

Longfield Hall recently received a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for a project recalling the Dark and Light Theatre Company, who were based at the hall in the 1970s.This will include an 8-week drama course for people over 50, running from September, and a 3-day drama course for the 8-14 age range in the October half term.

Look ahead to the Celebrating Age Festival

October will once again offer a series of events for older people.  If you are considering an event or activity, contact Age UK Lambeth to get the details included in their programme and other linked publicity – e-mail to info@ageuklambeth.org

20 years of Art4Space at Stockwell

It’s 20 years since Art4Space was established, and they have been in Stockwell ever since.  They are putting on a festival on Friday 26 July, 4 pm to 10 pm, at the Art4Space Art Centre, 31 Jeffreys Road, SW4 6QU.  All welcome – but particularly if you have a project in mind with scope for mosaic or ceramics, whether an installation or some hands-on activity for your members. Enquiries to jewels@art4space.co.uk or see their website, www.art4space.co.uk

Sexual Health Services

King’s College Hospital launched South London’s first sexual health service for trans-gender and non-binary people in April.  This is funded by the 3 boroughs of Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham, and the Health Innovation Network, in partnership with CliniQ. The walk-in clinic runs every Tuesday from 4 pm to 7 pm, at the Caldecot Centre within the King’s College campus, off Coldharbour Lane, SE5. More information from www.cliniq.org.uk

Funding, training and support

Finding Volunteers

A common concern among community groups is finding more volunteers to help out. It’s more difficult when you need somebody with particular skills, such as a treasurer or book-keeper who can add up.  The first step is probably to take stock of who you are looking for, and think about how you will brief and support them.  Lambeth Council has adopted a scheme for Council staff to contribute up to 3 days a year to voluntary or community groups based in the borough, supported by Paxton Green TimeBank.  Lambeth Forum Network will be represented at an open afternoon for potential Council volunteers on Wednesday 17 July.  We will be happy to canvass on your behalf – but you need to send us information about what you do and who you need NOW – to Alan Piper at apiperbrix@aol.com

Rethink the collection box

With more people using card or contactless payments, rather than cash, maybe the traditional charity collecting box needs to move into the 21st Century?

ECL Plastics have launched a range of hybrid donation boxes and contactless donation devices to suit – more information at www.direct-fundraising.co.uk or contactcontactless@eclplastics.co.uk

Business Support

Sometimes it’s hard to distinguish between grass-roots business start-ups and small community groups, but there are resources out there which can be useful to both…

Linking up with Impact Brixton

You don’t have to be based in Impact Brixton (at the back of Pop Brixton) to get some of the benefits of membership. 

Open Project Nights continue, free, in the Impact Hub on Monday evenings, 6-30 pm (with free food if you get there promptly).  More effective though if you plug-in to the on-line discussions or set up your own meet-up or talk as part of the evening.

Connect Membership is available for non-resident individuals or enterprises, providing most of the full membership benefits.  Sign up before the end of this month for £18 a month (fixed forever they say) or leave it till 1st August and it will be £29.99 a month (inc. VAT).

Apart from plugging-in to regular news of up-coming events, there’s a Tea and Cake session on Wednesdays at 4 pm – great for informal networking. There’s also a free Members Lunch Club on Fridays at 1 pm, which seems to be working its way through a list of all the local cafes and cuisines.

The Designer Showdeck on 15 August, 7 to 10 pm, is a chance for freelancers to connect with South London businesses looking for designers in VFX, film, architecture, graphic design and more – but apply now.

Black British Bloggers Co-Working Day will be on 17 August, from 11 am to 5 pm. A chance to mingle with fellow on-line content creators, fine-tune your skills and attend a series of workshops.  Also another opportunity to sign up for Impact Brixton membership at a discount rate.

Get into Film, VFX and Animation on Saturday 27 July, 12 noon to 4 pm, for the 13-19 age group. Free but you need to register. Culture in the Craft is taking over Impact Brixton for a “chop and chat” with a team of industry pros.

All enquiries to team@impactbrixton.com or see their website.

Moving into the Food or Drink Business?

Is your start-up a brand of the future? How would you pitch to a big retailer? UK Future Brands is a strand of Food Matters Live, an industry exhibition devoted to food, drink and sustainable nutrition.  It takes place at Excel on 19 & 20 November.  Applications are now being invited from innovative enterprises – for more details seehttps;//fulreg.wufoo.com/forms/q1lqyk7m179zphb or general enquiries to(020) 3735 5960 or info@foodmatterslive.com 

Trade Shows

Trade Shows are useful opportunities to see what the competition is doing and to spot emerging trends, even gaps in the market.  Before you consider exhibiting, it’s worth checking out what sort of customers a particular event will attract, and how many of them could be potential customers for your own enterprise.

The Business Show at Excel on 27 & 28 November is rather generic, with the emphasis on business-to-business support, but it offers lots of short free seminars. If you are looking for a particular business sector, get in touch in case we can suggest events of interest – some really obscure events come to our notice!

Keep in Touch

Spreading the Word

We aim to issue these bulletins each month – even in August – so if you want something included then, please ensure it reaches us by 5th August , and send to apiperbrix@aol.com

We will give priority to Brixton items, and please remember it takes a few days to compile the bulletin and distribute it, even digitally, so there’s no point now in telling us about an event planned for the 7th!

Money Matters

We want to develop other funding sources for the Forum, in addition to our grant through the LFN. As a first step, we are encouraging local groups to pay a membership subscription.  You may receive an invoice in the month ahead, as we work our way through the contact list.

Subscription 2019
There is an annual subscription fee of £5 for individuals £2 for concessions, and £25 for community organisations. This is to cover basic costs without full reliance on external grants. 
Subscribe online at www.brixtonneighbourhoodforum.org Follow the Membership link to the Paypal facility BACS Co-operative Bank Acc. 65560051 Sort code 08-92-99

The Mailing List

We want to be sure we are reaching as many groups and activists as possible. Please tell us if:

– You want to add a colleague, or another group, to the mailing list;

– You want to change your e-mail address so you receive news more quickly or reliably, instead of through a half-forgotten mailbox;

– You have moved away or are no longer interested.

Please advise all such changes to admin@brixtonneighbourhoodforum.org 

News

April 2019 Bulletin

News, Events and Activities

Windmill Gardens – Beer & Bread Festival 

This will be the next major event in Windmill Gardens, open between 1 pm and 5 pm on Bank Holiday Monday, 6 May.
Brixton Windmill itself will now be open for tours one weekend a month until October – for dates and bookings, see the Friends website, www.brixtonwindmill.org 

Events at Impact Brixton

The Hub at the back of Pop Brixton has an ongoing programme of training sessions and workshops, mainly to support those getting small enterprises underway.  Free or discounted rates for those who are already members of the Hub. Two notable sessions are coming up on Thursday 25 April:

Overcoming barriers on the way to success, 2 pm to 3-30 pm, non-members £5, free to members, workshop led by Vegard Olsen as part of the Business Helpdesk series.

The Mom Test – How to talk to customers and learn if your business is a good idea when everyone is lying to you,6-30 to 8 pm, non-members £15, members £5, a talk based on Rob Fitzpatrick’s bestseller. Register athttps://themomtest.eventbrite.co.uk

For more events, see their website, www.brixtonimpacthub.net or enquiries to Tamara Amarquaye on (020) 7926 3032 or e-mail tamara@impactbrixton.com

Creative Community Placemakers Network

A network covering Creatives, Artists, Performers, Designers, Placemakers and Community groups is being developed by Jacqueline Bleicher of Global Urban Design.  She has organised a meeting to explore the idea on Tuesday 30 April, 6 pm to 7 pm at the Basement level of Lambeth Town Hall, 1 Brixton Hill SW2. If interested, please register via Eventbrite on www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/creative-community-placemakers-network-tickets-59300768194
or e-mail to enquiries@globalurbandesign.org or call 07 570 438 977.

Brixton Community Base

Under the banner of Common Ground, Brixton Community Base has launched a new series of classes for over 55s.  All Classes are free and held at Brixton Community Base in Talma Road, SW2 1AS.  To sign up, contact Jane on 07 941 624 247 or e-mail to brixtoncommunitybase@gmail.com
Topics include:
Drama Workshop, Saturdays 20 & 27 April, 10-30 am to 12-30 pm, Arts & Crafts, Thursdays from 2nd May, 2 pm to 3 pm;
Yoga, Thursdays from 30 May, 2 pm to 3 pm.

Youth Connect Careers Event

A reminder that We Rise is holding monthly careers events, each focussing on a different field of work, in conjunction with Business Launchpad.  Each is at International House, Popes Road, SW9, between 5 pm and 7 pm.  These are aimed at Lambeth-based 16-18 year-olds, to help them explore different careers and build conections with professionals in those fields.  Enquiries to: hello@werise.org.uk
Next up are:
– Tuesday 14 May –  Health & Sport, 
– Tuesday 4 June – Finance & Tech.

Support the Remakery!

A familiar story around Brixton these days is of landlords jacking up rents and thereby pricing out familiar traders and community organisations.  More disappointing though when it’s Lambeth Council adopting the greedy landlord approach. The Remakery, below Council flats on the corner of  Lilford Road and Paulet Road, is facing a rent review in July, with the threat of its annual rent increasing from £6,000 to £40,000 a year – hardly realistic when the whole turnover of the organisation is only £28,000 a year.  It looks unlikely that a commercial business would want to take over this remote location.


The Remakery – or Lambeth Re-use Centre –  was set up a few years ago, with Council support, to encourage recycling of unwanted objects into resaleable goods, and to help people learn practical skills.  Once again a grassroots project appears to be the victim of the Council losing interest once the novelty wears off.

Were you around back in 1971?

An unusual request from a documentary film company, On The Corner Films:  They are producing a documentary series focussed on the music, culture and politics of the year 1971. They are particularly keen to track down home movie footage, particularly of people playing or listening to music, or at music festivals or carnivals. See also their website, www.onthecorner.tv


If you (or your granny!) have anything to share, contact Natalie Fiennes on 07 986 559 115 or e-mail to natalie@onthecorner.tv

Community Business Weekend – 16/19 May

Do you run a Community Business? Want to find new customers, volunteers or members? This event can showcase your impact and provide free marketing support (and some bunting).  Word came to us via Locality but the event is organised by Power to Change – more details at their website, www.powertochange.org.uk

Your Views on Events in Parks and open spaces – reminder

We discussed this at our last meeting on 1st April, and the main concerns expressed were:

– Large areas of public open space are being taken out of use for long periods so commercial events can be staged on them.

– Although this is supposed to be to raise money, finances are not transparent about how much comes back to that park, or to Lambeth parks generally.

– These events cause damage to grass and paving from heavy vehicles, concentrated footfall and temporary structures. There is not enough time between events for the ground to recover.

– Noise disturbance to people living around the park, particularly from entertainment events.

– Community-based events are discouraged by the demand from commercial events, and by cumbersome booking arrangements designed for bigger events.

Have we missed anything?  We encourage you to respond directly to the Council – see www.lambeth.gov.uk and follow the links to the Consultations page. The closing date for comments is Sunday 5 May.

Funding, Support and Training opportunitiesLambeth Wellbeing Fund projects

Last year we published details of this grant programme, and it’s good to see several local projects now being supported from Round 3, including Brixton Community Base, Community Education Foundation/ Lyncx, Moorlands Community Development Project, The Remakery and Ubele.  A few examples are mentioned in this bulletin, or the previous one.  More recently, Friends of Brixton Tate Library were awarded funding for a series of Tai Chi sessions at the Library on Saturday mornings, starting in May.

Introduction to Computer Skills Course

Just about to start at Mosaic Clubhouse, 65 Effra Road, SW2 – assessment session on Wednesday 24 April, 11 am to 1 pm.  Course will run from Wednesday 1 May until 10 July, 11 am to 1 pm at Mosaic Clubhouse.  The course will cover key computer skills including e-mail, web search and basic Microsoft programs Word and Excel.  You will gain a City & Guilds Functional ICT qualification.  This course is free to Lambeth residents on benefits.  Enquiries to Sinead on (020) 7924 9657 or s.obrien@mosaic-clubhouse.org

Tech Mates at Pop Brixton

For older residents, Pop Brixtonhosts introductory sessions on computers, smartphones and IT on Thursday mornings, 10 to 11 am.  Equipment is provided but feel free to bring your own phone, laptop or tablet – particularly if you are struggling with how to make it work! This free class is led by Pop member, KHK Technology, who supply refurbished IT equipment to schools and other organisations.  NB – limited to 6 places per session, sign up through the Pop Brixton website or enquiries toinfo@popbrixton.org

First Aid Skills Day for over 50s

Another event at Pop Brixton in Brixton Station Road – St. John’s Ambulanceare holding a free First Aid Skills session (with lunch!) on Thursday 23 May, 11 am to 2-30 pm. The aim is to build up a network of first aid champions among local community groups.  For enquiries or bookings, contact Rosie on 07 896 969 869 or e-mail to rosie.mcgloughlin@sja.org.uk

Achieving Life Balance Workshop

Wise Women Wellness presents a free self-development programme, Sista Self-care Coaching Circle, for a small group of women to learn the 6 life domains, set goals and boost confidence in a supportive coaching group.  Sessions over 7 weeks at the Eurolink Centre, Effra Road, SW2, the first on Saturday 27 April, 9-30 am to 4 pm, then on Tuesday evenings.  Supported by the Ubele Initiative and funded via LCF.  To book, call Sharon Brooks on 07 973 825 255 or e-mail toinfo@wisewomenwellness.org.uk

Lambeth Larder Resources Directory

Lambeth Larder started with a church-based group in Kennington in 2015, trying to map community food resources. When the pilot scheme ended, they decided their online map was too useful a resource to let go, so they managed to find more funding to expand the project and also publish paper copies of their Directory, a 20-page free guide to food banks, advice centres and other support groups.  Lambeth Larder now works in partnership with Brixton Advice Centre, and last year its resources reached 35,000 people around the borough. Enquiries to info@lambethlarder.org or to download the directory, go to the web pages below.

In fact there are several strands of information about health services, advice and community contacts to be found by exploring the revamped Public Health web pages within the Lambeth Council website: Start from www.lambeth.gov.uk/adult-social-care-and-health/your-health

Volunteers Wanted!

Loughborough Farm (on Loughborough Road, opposite Wyck Gardens) is hosting a Welcome session for new and prospective volunteers on Saturday 27 April from 1-15 pm. This will include a tour of the space and an introduction to how it is run. The session will last about an hour, but you are welcome to stay for the tea-break afterwards. Regular volunteering is an opportunity to pick up or refresh basic gardening skills, such as sowing, transplanting, composting and harvesting. Please book your place by e-mail to Emily at loughboroughfarm@gmail.com

If your project needs volunteers for certain tasks, why not advertise your needs in our next bulletin?

Measnwhile, national charities are not hesitating to ask.  News just in from Keep Britain Tidy that they are seeking volunteers (over 18) for their Litter Heroes Ambassador Programme, for people who want to get their communities involved in litter-picking and improving public spaces for all.  Applications are open until Monday 6 May. For more information contact LHAmbassador@keepbritaintidy.org

Directory of Social Change

We continue to receive occasional updates from the Directory of Social Change about their funding directories, charity management handbooks and training courses. For more details about all of these, see their website at www.dsc.org.uk 

Keeping in Touch

Forum Meetings

We are currently trying to firm up a couple of informal meetings to plan Forum activities through 2019.  You are all welcome to attend the next General Meeting of the Forum – it has been booked for Thursday 27 June, 6-45 pmat the Vida Walsh Centre, 2b Saltoun Road, SW2 (facing onto Windrush Square).

Future Bulletins

We aim to issue these bulletins each month, so if you want to include something in our next issue, please send it to us before11 May.We are often short of time, so earlier is better – and after allowing for editing and distribution, there’s not much point in telling us about events happening much before the 18/19 May weekend. Please send direct to apiperbrix@aol.com

Stay Connected!

It looks impressive if we build up a long list of contacts, but we much prefer if the information is reaching people who are still active and in a position to make use of some of it.
Please respond to this e-mail to tell us if:
– You have moved away or are no longer interested in Brixton affairs;
– You want to add a colleague or a related group to the contact list;
– You want to change your contact details so you get these bulletins sooner or more reliably.