Local News, Events and Activities Last-minute Reminders: Saturday 7 December -The Voice Black Business Fair 10 am to 6 pm at Lambeth Town Hall, Acre Lane, SW2. Part of the newspaper’s ongoing campaign to support black business, hot on the heels of their recently published Black Business Guide. Free tickets through Eventbrite – see www.thevoiceblackbusinessfair2019.eventbrite.co.uk Saturday 7 December – Winter Farm Market, Loughborough Farm 11 am to 3 pm at the Farm and Café on Loughborough Road (opposite Wyck Gardens). See more about project progress and upcoming events at www.ljworks.com Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 December – Black Culture Christmas Market: An indoor event at 3Space, International House, from 11 am to 5 pm – come along for an inspiring showcase of black businesses. Entrepreneurs will be displaying high quality products including food, clothing, stationery, books, jewellery, hair and beauty etc. Free registration on Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.come/black-culture-market-christmas-tickets-80938101039 Saturday 7 or Sunday 8 December – Wreath-making Workshops Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses have 2 more wreath-making workshops, 11 am to 3 pm each day, but you can drop in or sneak off if you can work faster! For more information and tickets, contact Kate Sebag, Director, on 07 834 343 664 or director@brockwellgrenhouses.org.uk Community Carols at Longfield Hall, Sunday 8 December 3 pm at Longfield Hall, corner of Burton Road SW9 and Knatchbull Road SE5, free event with with contributions from McAlpine Dance, Longfield Voices and The Nest Pre-School. Enquiries to enquiry@longfieldhall.org.uk More Events this month A Christmas Carol at Longfield Hall, 12 & 15 December The Dickens favourite, presented by Open Bar Theatre on Thursday 12th at 11am and 3 pm, and on Sunday 15th at 11 am and 3 pm. Advance tickets £9 or £7. Enquiries to enquiry@longfieldhall.org.uk 14 December Frost Fair at the Ruskin Park Bandstand Saturday 11:00 am – 4:00 pm Santa’s Grotto, Christmas market, live music, arts workshops, and delicious food and drink. 14 – 21 December – Art Exhibition at Stockwell Park Community Trust A display of residents’ work, based on art workshops led by Jason Gibilaro during 2019, at the Stockwell Park Community Trust, 21 Aytoun Place, SW9 0TE. Enquiries to info@thetrust.org.uk or see www.inclusion-arts.com Sunday 15th – Brixton Windmill Festive Bake-off A follow-up to the notice in our November bulletin. Remember, your festive bake must use Brixton Windmill flour, and bring it (with the recipe) to the Windmill at 2 pm for judging. There are 3 categories, Adults (over 16), Children 11-15, and children under 11. Santa will also be visiting the windmill, and there will be free family craft workshops and carol singing to round off the afternoon. Enquiries to info@brixtonwindmill.org.uk Sunday 15th – Youth Market at Pop Brixton South London’s brightest designers, creatives and makers show and sell their wares. More information on all Pop Brixton events at www.popbrixton.org/events Sunday 15th – Winter Fair in Myatt’s Fields Park Stalls will be operating from 10 am onwards, Christingle making starts at 4-30 pm, and the event is rounded off by carol singing around the bandstand at 5 pm. Enquiries to enquiries@myattsfieldspark.info Looking Ahead to 2020 Wednesday 1st January – Wildflower Plant Hunt Find yourself at a loose end on this bank holiday? Meet by the Clock Tower at 11 am, for a plant hunt led by South London Botanical Institute. Sunday 12 January – Friends of Brockwell Park AGM 11 am in the 1st floor meeting room, Brockwell Hall in the centre of the park. Saturday 18 January – The Windrush Scandal The Black Cultural Archives continues to stand alongside those affected by the Windrush Scandal by holding a public meeting to address their concerns, to be followed by a series of free legal surgeries. The meeting will be at the Town Hall at 2 pm on Saturday 18 January. Legal advice surgeries will be on Wednesday evenings between 6 pm and 8 pm from 22 January and on Saturday mornings, 10 am to 12 noon, until 29 February, all at the Black Cultural Archives, Windrush Square, SW2. Enquiries and ticket requests to marketing@bcaheritage.org.uk Friday 31 January – a Longfield Celebration From 7 pm at Longfield Hall, an evening showcase of music, theatre, comedy and dance, showcasing many of the talented companies and performers who use the hall for their rehearsals. Tickets available soon. Brixton Liveable Neighbourhood The next round of consultations is due to kick off during January, with detailed conversations about routes along and around Loughborough, Ferndale and Railton Roads. In the meantime, 3 short films are being produced by the Independent Film Trust to highlight issues on those routes, with assistance from a small group of residents. Enquiries about the films to enquiry@independentfilmtrust.org quoting Community Street Design Project. Enquiries about the overall Safer Streets project to brixtonln@email.lambeth.gov.uk The Council is separately consulting on cycle storage proposals for some of its estates, but none of them appear to be in our core area. Make the Most of Your Forum We are relieved to report that we have finally received funding approval for another year’s work from the Lambeth Forum Network. We are currently scoping out our meetings programme for 2020. If you want to present your group’s work to a Forum meeting, or if you would like us to invite speakers on a key topic, it would help us to hear from you within the next month. Maybe you want to offer or suggest a different venue for a Forum meeting? Is there a training need that is not being met from other sources? We are also at the early stages of planning a showcase event for our local groups for early Summer 2020. All enquiries/ suggestions to Alan Piper at apiperbrix@aol.com Building Young Brixton This time last year, Building Young Brixton, a consortium of Lambeth-based charities and social enterprises, secured £850,000 from the Mayor’s Young Londoners Fund to help young people over a 3-year programme. Services include schools and community coaching, sports and wellbeing activities, estate-based after-school provision, careers education and employability support. The 6 original partners were High Trees (at Tulse Hill), the Baytree Centre (on Brixton Road), Spiral Skills, IRMO, Ebony Horse Club (at Wyck Gardens) and ML Community Enterprise. The Grove Adventure Playground, Juvenis and the Advocacy Academy are now also involved. More information at www.buildingyoungbrixton.co.uk Craft Wednesdays at Brixton Tate Library The Craft Group is continuing on Wednesday afternoons, 1-30 to 3-30 pm, offering the chance to have a go at a range of crafts in a supportive setting – sewing, embroidery, bead-work, macramé and more. Materials are provided and there is a volunteer tutor to help. At present the sessions are still free, and light refreshments are provided. Enquiries to foftlbrixton@gmail.com Mosaic Classes If you prefer to craft with something more substantial, Art4Space are re-starting their Mosaic classes from the week beginning 6th January. That’s Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-30 to 9 pm at their Jeffreys Road studio, SW4 – enquiries to jewels@art4space.co.uk Tunnelling on our Western fringe National Grid is using the vacant site at the corner of Acre Lane and Kings Avenue as a base for tunnelling works. Part of the electricity grid will be carried in tunnels between Wimbledon and Crayford. Preliminary works are being carried out until 20 December, and will then continue in the New Year between 2nd January and 14 February. The major works are due to begin in March 2020. Any problems or enquiries, contact the project team on 0800 783 2855 or e-mail to nationalgrid@londonpowertunnels.co.uk Funding, Training and Networking Next Events from Integrate Agency If you are quick, there is another session on Consortia & Partnership Development on Tuesday 10 December, 11 am to 3 pm at the Streatham Space Project, near Streatham Hill Station. There is an ongoing series of 1:1 Fund-raising surgeries, at different venues around the borough. The next is on Tuesday 17 December, 2 pm to 4 pm at BOST/ Living Space in Waterloo. To book for either event, e-mail to richard.davis@integrateagency.co.uk Lambeth Community Fund deadline approaches We have mentioned this before, but must remind you that the deadline for applications is midday on Monday 16 December. For more information, visit the London Community Foundation’s website,  https://londoncf.org.uk/grants/lambeth-community-fund Early Years and supporting young families – deadline 13 January LEAP are awarding “seed money” grants of £500, £1,000 or £2,000 to help create safer and healthier spaces for families with young children, but the next funding deadline is Monday 13 January. If you are quick off the mark, there’s a Workshop on Wednesday 11 December to explain the grant criteria, at the Liz Atkinson Children’s Centre, 9 Mostyn Road, Brixton SW9 6PH. For more details call (020) 7582 4132. Current Crowdfunding Campaigns We Rise We Rise empowers young people by connecting them to professionals, employers and work experience, This is crucial if young people are to get successful futures. We Rise aim to raise £12,000 to run their 2020 programme of YouthConnect careers networking events and Skills Masterclasses, to up-skill hundreds of youngsters and connect them with local professionals from different career sectors. This work is complemented by the Access All Areas programme, Youth Engagement and Mentoring programmes. Enquiries to abigail@werise.org.uk Impact Brixton Help Impact Brixton continue to support local businesses and strive for social impact! Many groups and campaigns have benefitted from taking part in Open Project Nights at Impact Brixton, at the back of the Pop Brixton site. Support this campaign so that Open Project Night can continue as a free resource for the community! Read more about our Crowdfunder campaign at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/impact-brixton Other Charity Channels The Thrale Almshouse & Relief in Need Charity This is a localised fund, originally set up to cover the old Parish of Streatham, which would include Brixton Hill south of Upper Tulse Hill on the east side, and from Morrish Road southwards on the west side, though the trustees may consider applications from nearby parts of SW2. Small grants of £500 to £4,000 are on offer from their Relief in Need fund, to strengthen communities facing hardship. Deadline for the current round of applications is Wednesday 8 January. To discuss if your group or project ie. eligible, please contact info@thralealmshouses.org.uk Charities Management magazine It may be worth checking out this magazine from Mitre House Publishing if you are involved in running a group organised as a charity. For a specimen, see www.charitiesmanagement.com/Magazine-No127/ABQ57/index.php Health & Social Care Social Prescribing Social prescribing is about doctors being able to refer their patients to local organisations, either for specialist support, or for simple social activities within a friendly community setting. Local NHS services have been slowly moving to build networks between voluntary and community groups, GP practices and the recently introduced Primary Care Networks (PCNs). Age UK Lambeth is involved through its Safe and Independent Living Service (SAIL). They are hosting an event for front-line staff and volunteers in West Norwood on Wednesday 18 December, and more are likely to follow on a regular basis. We have also been following wider discussions about collaboration in providing community-based health services, and will share more information with you in the New Year. Make Yourselves Known! The MyCommunity online directory is designed to help people find information on social care and health services, including support for disabilities. There are opportunities for groups to join the directory if they provide relevant services. The site is administered by the Independent Living and Carer’s Partnership at 336 Brixton Road – enquiries to (020) 7095 5720 or e-mail to directory@ageuklambeth.org Community Connectors As flagged up last month, the next Community Connectors Course begins on 29 January, with further sessions on 5, 6 and 12 February. Sessions will run from 9-30 am to 3 pm each day, and you must be able to attend each session. Enquiries and applications to the Project Manager, Emma Corker, on 07 734 670 300 or e-mail to emma@rbeassociates.com Mental Health First Aid Course Once again, Art4Space is hosting another Mental Health First Aid Course at their Stockwell Studio, to be conducted by It’s A Playground, on 3 & 4 February. Bookings/ enquiries to jewels@art4space.co.uk Living Well Centres have been launched as bases for new joined-up teams of clinicians, social workers and support workers for adults with mental health issues. The Living Well Alliance is made up of the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust (SLAM), Lambeth Council, Lambeth Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), Certitude and Thames Reach. See also www.lambethtogether.net/living-well Senior Citizens Project at St. John’s, Clapham Road A long time since we mentioned this group, but it’s well-placed for residents at the western end of Ferndale and Landor Roads. Activities are currently on Tuesdays and Thursdays – enquiries to (020) 7819 9498 or info.stjohns@yahoo.com Help with Walking and Cycling TfL has so far awarded £400,000 to encourage more people to take up walking and cycling, shared between 60 groups in the past year. That was the first year which included walking in addition to cycling, with 26 of the groups focussed on walking projects. For more information on the grants scheme, see www.walkingandcyclinggrants.london/ More Training Courses from the FSI Further courses are in the pipeline from the Federation for Social Improvement. Developing your fund-raising strategy will be on Wednesday 15 January, at the Grayston Centre, 28 Charles Square, N1 6HT, fee £25. 4/5 February sees a clutch of 14 short courses being offered over 2 weekdays in Central London, at fees from £12.50 to £25 per course. For full details, see their website, www.thefsi.org and don’t leave it too late to book your place! On-line Masterclass on Writing for Publication – 12 December Whether you have ambitions to write a great novel, or just need to make your blog or press releases punchier, the time to prepare is now! At 7 pm, Mindy Gibbins Klein – the book midwife – presents an online masterclass with 20 top tips for better business success in 2020. Produced by WinTrade Events Ltd. for Women in Business, in association with 7 TraitsLeadership Learning Ltd., 16 Trinity Gardens, SW9 8DP. Enquiries to Yvonne.thompson@wintradeweek.com Make Use of Pop Brixton This project has turned disused land into a creative space for local independent businesses. The focus is on small owner-operated businesses, employing local people. Applications are now open for office spaces (from £550 a month) and restaurant units (from £2500 a month). If this could be of interest, contact joinus@popbrixton.org with your questions. If you have an opportunity or event that you feel will benefit young people, please contact Bayo Obasaju at bayo@popbrixton.org for your information to be included in their next e-mailing. Please note that Pop Brixton will be closed for the week Monday 23 to Friday 27 December. New Shoots programme, The next programme starts on the 28th January 2020. We have now incorporated a Launch Evening so people can visit the farm informally to reduce any uncertainties, nervousness or reservations they may have before entering the experience. Should you wish to discuss the programme further then please do not hesitate to contact me. Alternatively we can arrange for our Outreach Worker Greg Hale to come and visit you and any prospective participants at a time that is convenient to you. We hope that this may be helpful in matching the appropriate participants to the programme in order to make for the most fruitful outcomes. Thank you for your time and consideration in our quest to help this specific group of young people. Education and Events, Vauxhall City Farm  020 7582 4204 education@vauxhallcityfarm.org Groundswell Jobs Three workers needed with lived experience of homelessness https://groundswell.org.uk/get-involved/jobs/ Keep in Touch We have had to keep entries brief this time, in order to get word round about several imminent events and opportunities, and a few items have been held over. If you want something to be included in the January issue, please send it in before New Year’s Eve – to apiperbrix@aol.com Christmas Eve would be better but we know you will probably be too busy then! Mailing List Updates Please contact admin@brixtonneighbourhoodforum.org – if you want to add a colleague to our e-mail list; – if you are changing your regular e-mail address or other contact details; – if you have moved away or are no longer interested.

News, Events and Activities

Quick Reminders

Walcot Foundation – funding opens 18 November But you need to get your expression of interest in to them during the week commencing 18th – more details below in our Funding & Support section.

Brixton Christmas Lights switch-on is Friday 29 November

Brixton BID have confirmed timings as follows:

4.30 pm Winter Windows, a collaboration between Lansdowne School pupils and Squire & Partners, will be switched on at  Department Store, Ferndale Road.

7 pm – The Mayor of Lambeth will switch on the Town Centre Christmas Lights by the Christmas Tree in Tunstall Road, opposite the Tube Station.

Supported by Brixton Chamber Orchestra and special guests.

Living Well Open Morning, Thursday 28 November

11am – 1pm at Mosaic Clubhouse, 65 Effra Road, SW2. This session will focus on support for young people. For more details see www.lambethcollaborative.org.uk/15401 or e-mail to youngadults@mosaic-clubhouse.org

A Gospel Christmas 2019 Saturday 7 December 
7pm – 10pmEnjoy an evening of award-winning gospel music, choirs, spoken word and join the chorus in a way you’ve never done before! NTCG Brixton Community Church Lambert Road, Brixton SW2 5BB Adult early bird tickets £15 before 15 November! Make it a wonderful gift for friends and family and support mothers living in poverty this Christmas.
Buy tickets at agc19.eventbrite.co.uk or 020 7523 2321    
For discounted group bookings: london@christian-aid.org
 

Black Culture Christmas Market 7th & 8th December 
11am – 5pm at 3Space Brixton (This used to be called International House)


The Voice Black Business Fair, Saturday 7 December

The Black Business Fair returns to Lambeth Town Hall from 10 am to 6 pm, providing a platform for black-owned businesses to showcase their products and services. To trade at the Fair or book a stall, e-mail to blackbusinesses@thevoicemediagroup.co.uk

To reserve your free ticket to attend, visit www.thevoiceblackbusinessfair2019.eventbrite.co.uk

Brixton Windmill Festive Bake-Off

Brixton Windmill is hosting its own Festive Bake-off on Sunday 15 December. To enter, just make a festive dish using Brixton Windmill flour. Then bring it, along wityh the recipe, to the Windmill at 2 pm for judging (by Richard Scroggs of the Old Post Office Bakery).  There will be 3 categories:

– Adults (age 16+) non-professional bakers only;

– Children, 11-15 years;

– Children, 10 and under.

A festive hamper will be awarded to the winning bake in each category.

Santa will also be visiting the windmill that day, and there will be free family craft workshops and carol singing to round off the afternoon.

Any queries to info@brixtonwindmill.org.uk

Winter Fair at Myatt’s Fields Park, Sunday 15 December

From 10 am on into the evening, by the bandstand in the park. More details expected soon, or contact enquiries@myattsfieldspark.info

Events at Brixton Tate Library

We the People – Tuesday 26 November Free film screening at 6-15 pm of a short film by Virginia Nimarkoh & Fan Sissoko. We the People features Brixton Housing Co-op, Cressingham Gardens Estate, Race Today Collective, Loughborough Farm, Remembering Olive Collective and others. Commissioned by Museum of London.

Somewhere in-between – until 30 November An exhibition of 50 books and 48 artworks, curated by artist Foster Spragge – for more info, see www.fosterspragge.com

Kanopy Streaming serviceThis video streaming service was founded in Australia 11 years ago, and Lambeth was one of the first councils in Britain to sign up, earlier this year. The service offers access to 15,000 films, mainly shorts, documentaries and educational videos, but there’s also a World Cinema category. Films can be checked out on a standard library card, and are then available for home viewing for 3 days. another reason to join (or rejoin) your local library. (Previously mentioned in our September e-bulletin.)

A Place to Meet?

Clapham Park Community CubeThe new community centre for the Clapham Park Estate was completed a few months ago, and already has a diverse programme of regular activities 6 days a week. Strictly speaking, this is just beyond the south-west corner of our catchment area, but worth considering if you need somewhere for a series of day-time or evening sessions. It’s at the corner of Kings Avenue and the South Circular Road – enquiries to Hannah Moody of Metropolitan Thames Valley,hannah.moody@metropolitan.org.uk

News from Longfield HallLongfield Hall Trust signed a 39-year lease with Lambeth Council last month, so work can soon start on enhancements to the Hall which were given planning permission in July last year. These will include a wheelchair lift and a new ground floor main entrance on Burton Road, opposite the Minet Library.

The Annual Community Carols event will be on Sunday 8 December at 3 pm, led by Longfield Voices and with contributions from the McAlpine Dance School and The Nest pre-school.     All enquiries to enquiry@longfieldhall.org.uk

Space to spare?   Moorland Estate Community Development Group have set up the Lambeth Co-operative Enterprise Group to support small businesses among estate residents. They are looking for a meeting place not too far away, for training and advice sessions. If you can assist, contact Dorothy Bell on 07 940 038 438, or e-mail to belldorothy16@yahoo.com

Free Creative Workshops for Young People, 11-19, at Stockwell  Drop-in sessions for 11-19 year-olds continue until 19 December on Thursdays, 3-45 to 5 pm. Those attending 5 or more sessions will gain an Arts Award. Enquiries to Julie at jewels@art4space.co.uk

Green Corner

Blooming Lambeth Awards

Good to see some organisations from around Brixton among those recognised at the Awards presentations last month. Congratulations to:

–Landor Garden Project for Best Community Garden;

–The Greenhouse Market Stall at Myatt’s, Highly Commended in the Innovation Award;

–Loughborough Farm, Highly Commended in the Ivor Picardo Best Veg Garden category.

News from Brockwell Park

Making more of Brockwell Hall  Plans are being developed by Lambeth, working with Brockwell Park Community Partners, using the first stage of Lottery funding, to produce a viable package to attract second stage funding – the serious money. Groups with ideas for using space within the enhanced complex should contact Emily Keenan of CFP at emily@cfpuk.co.uk

For individual residents with views, comments or ideas, there is a survey at http://bit.ly/BrockwellHall

Police in Parks  Lambeth Council has agreed a deal with the Metropolitan Police, similar to that made by Brixton BID, for extra police resources. In this case, a small police team will cover Lambeth’s parks, including being able to enforce the parks’ by-laws.

Paths and Trees Work is underway in Brockwell Park on repairing several sections of paths within the park, including some damaged during commercial events in the past 2 years. Selected trees are to be felled or cut back where damaged by disease, to avoid dead branches falling on park users.

Steering Myatt’s Fields Park – AGM on Sunday 1st December If you are on the North-East side of Brixton, do you want a say in how your local park is run? The Annual General Meeting of the Myatt’s Fields Park Project will be held from 4 pm to 6 pm in the Greenhouse, next to the Park Depot. More committee members and volunteers are welcome – contact enquiries@myattsfieldspark.info

Great North Wood Photography Competition   London Wildlife Trust is inviting entries for its annual competition, to illustrate the monthly pages of its 2020 calendar. The overall winner will win a meal for two at the Great North Wood pub.

Photos should be from the Great North Wood area, which extends from Streatham Common, across Tulse Hill and through Dulwich to New Cross and Honor Oak.

Photos can be of wildlife, fragments of the natural world in an urban setting, or simply people enjoying nature. Camera-phone photos are quite acceptable.

Deadline for submissions is 30 November, which can be sent by e-mail to greatnorthwood@wildlondon.org.uk or post on Twitter with #GreatNorthWood and tag @GreatNorthWood.

Funding, Training and Support

Lambeth Community Fund – closes 16 December  This is open to Lambeth-based organisations with annual income less than £250,000. £150,000 is available for this round, but each grant will be between £1,000 and £10,000, for projects running between May 2020 and April 2021. Proposals must address at least one of 4 themes:

– Stronger Together: bringing together people from diverse parts of the community.

– Feeling Fine: focussing on health and wellbeing, including meeting specific needs or supporting vulnerable groups.

– Learning for Life: developing skills, experience and knowledge, either for career purposes or simply to keep the mind active.

– Strengthening Organisations: building the capacity of Lambeth groups to support local residents, including volunteer development, staff training and developing business plans or working procedures.

More information on the LCF website at https://londoncf.org.uk/grants/lambeth-community-fund.

Walcot Foundation – funding round opens 18 November  Walcot offers revenue grants of up to £25,000 a year for up to 3 years, for organisations working with low-income Lambeth residents. Projects need to be focussed on the Governors’ current priorities. If you think you have a project that fits their criteria, please contact Walcot by telephone in the week commencing 18 November with your verbal expression of interest. For more information and how to apply, see their website, www.walcotfoundation.org.uk/grants-orgsschools.html

Funds Online via Directory of Social Change

DSC offers access to its online funding database on a subscription basis. Different subscription packages are available depending on the types of funding that you are looking for, such as:

– Company giving, in cash or in-kind, for organisations, worth £330 million a year;

– 3500 Trusts and charities able to make grants for individuals in need;

– £4.9 billion given annually to organisations via grant-making Charities;

– £2.4 billion of funding from Government and public sector sources.

See the DSC website at www.dsc.org.uk

Consortia and Partnership Development, Thursday 28 November

Another event organised by the Integrate Agency, to be held 11 am to 3 pm at Streatham Space Projec t(close to Streatham Hill Station), SW2 4PA.. Consortia arrangements should achieve economies of resources through shared delivery and shared risk, but this is easier said than done. For example, you need to agree on mediation arrangements in case of disputes between the collaborating parties. This event will explore ways to collaborate better, rather than compete. Enquiries to Richard.davis@integrateagency.co.uk

Recognising Modern Slavery, Thursday 21 November

As part of National Safeguarding Adults Week, the Lambeth Safeguarding Adults Board is hosting an event for voluntary and community groups, to raise awareness. 2 pm to 4 pm at 336 Brixton Road, SW9 7AA. To sign up, register at www.eventbrite.com (search modern slavery Lambeth) or e-mail LSABAdmin:lambeth.gov.uk or phone 020 7926 6902.

Community Connector Training, January/ February 2020

It’s now possible to book a place on the next round of Community Connector training, starting near the end of January. Venue still to be confirmed but will be within Lambeth. Sessions will run from 9-30 am to 3 pm on 29 January, and February 5, 6 and 12. You must be able to attend all the sessions to complete the training.

Enquiries and applications to the interim Project Manager, Emma Corker, on 07 734 670 300 or at emma@rbeassociates.com

Mental Health First Aid Course, 3 & 4 February

If you missed the recent course, there is another coming up in February, based at Art4Space, 31 Jeffreys Road, SW4 6QU. Organised by It’s a Playground and Studio Moross. Bookings/ enquiries to jewels@art4space.co.uk

Looking Ahead

Our Next Bulletin

We will issue another bulletin in early December, so if you want anything included, please send it before the end of November to apiperbrix@aol.com

If urgent news arises in between times, we try to circulate brief extra bulletins, but overall we try to follow a monthly pattern.

Planning for 2020  We hope that, by the time you read this, our funding from Lambeth Forum Network will finally be approved and we can make firm plans for the rest of 2019/20. We will shortly set our main Forum meetings for the year ahead, so if you want to offer a venue or suggest a topic for discussion, tell us soon!

Among other things, we want to put on a Showcase event for local groups in early summer 2020, to make ourselves and our member groups better known.

Keep in Touch

To make sure you don’t miss anything, please report any changes in your contact details to admin@brixtonneighbourhoodforum.org
– if you need to update your e-mail address, so information doesn’t go to an old in-box;

– if you want to add a colleague or neighbour to the mailing list;

– if you have moved away or are no longer interested.

Next Forum Meeting – Thursday 24 October

6-45 for 7 pm at the Vida Walsh Centre, 2b Saltoun Road, SW2 1EP

(facing Windrush Square and just across the road from the Black Cultural Archives)

So far, the agenda includes:

– Repowering London, including energy-saving hints and the borough-wide energy co-op and share offer;

– Brixton Recreation Centre update;

– Windrush Square proposals.

We always try to give member groups a chance to report progress or announce upcoming events, but to avoid running out of time on the night, it helps if you can tell us in advance if you want something added to the agenda – contact the Secretary, Alan Piper at apiperbrix@aol.com

News, Events and Activities

198 Gallery is Growing

198 Contemporary Arts and Learning is expanding its building on Railton Road, to add two floors above for studio space and offices. In the meantime, they have relocated to temporary offices on the 6th floor of International House, Canterbury Crescent, SW9 7QD. The phone number is unchanged as 020 7978 8309, e-mail info@198.org.uk 

Performing Arts

Back to the Future – two free performances telling the story of Brixton’s trail-blazing Dark and Light Theatre, the country’s first black-led theatre company, active in the 1970s:

Friday 25 October, 7 pm at Longfield Hall, Knatchbull Road, SE5 9QY (opposite Minet Library).

Thursday 31 October, 7 pm at Brixton Tate Library, Windrush Square SW2.Thursday 31 October, .Brixton th

Junior Open Mic Sessions

Following last month’s festival event in Brockwell Park, Andy Gray has told us of two upcoming events for young performers:

Brixton Youth Open Mic will be on Saturday 9 November, 1 pm to 3 pm at the Mezzanine, Brixton Ritzy Cinema, organised by Reuben. Just turn up to take part.

JOM Session 18 will be on Sunday 10 November, 2 pm to 4-30 at Off the Cuff Music Bar, Railton Road (Herne Hill end).  If your child is interested in performing, please arrive at 1-45 pm to register – ideally e-mail Andy beforehand to help him organise the session: andyg.coms@gmail.com

The previous session on 6 October attracted 26 performers (13 acts) and an audience of 70-80, as part of the Herne Hill Music Festival.

Building an Edit Box on Wheels

We Rise has partnered with Clapham Film Unit to improve the delivery of its media output by building a dedicated Edit Box.  Together they obtained funding from Locality to build a self-contained editing suite on wheels.  This allows We Rise to edit its film projects without relying on external editors or equipment, while teaching young people editing skills and helping them create content.  The result is a 3m x 3m box on wheels, that can be partially opened for film screenings, situated on the 6th floor of International House.

Enquiries to Abigail at Abigail@werise.org.uk

Focus on Mental Health

Every Mind Matters is the first mental health campaign to be launched by the NHS.  The campaign encourages adults to be more aware of their mental health and helps them to discover simple steps to look after their wellbeing.

A dedicated website provides practical self-care tips, on-line tools and links to resources and advice – see https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/

Mosaic Clubhouse is inviting members and friends to join them for their Annual General Meeting on Thursday 14 November, when they mark their 25th anniversary and showcase their work over the last year.  It’s at 65 Effra Road, SW2 1BZ from 6-30 pm.

More information on their website at www.mosaic-clubhouse.org

Art4Space is hosting a 2-day Mental Health First Aid Course next month, on 6 & 7 November, in partnership with Studio Moross and It’s a Playground. The course provides an in-depth understanding of mental health issues, and practical skills to offer help to a person in distress and to support their recovery.  If this is short notice, there will be a repeat course on 3 & 4 February, again at Art4Space, 31 Jeffreys Road SW4 6QU (5 minutes walk from Stockwell Tube Station).  Enquiries to jewels@art4space.co.uk

Looking Ahead to 2021

Discussions are continuing on developing an arts-led programme of events inspired by the 40th anniversary of the original Brixton Riots or Uprising of April 1981, under the banner of 81 Acts of Exuberant Defiance.  Current thinking is that it may run through April to October 2021.  Meanwhile, funding is being explored and there is likely to be a pilot programme of research and activity during 2020. For more details, see the website https://www.81actsofexuberantdefiance.com 

If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Tony Cealy or Chloe Osbourne at 81radicalactsofdefiance@gmail.com  

Funding, Training and Networking

Support for Small Charities

We have flagged up training events run by the FSI in earlier bulletins, and another batch of training modules is returning to London for 12-14 November, 9-45 am to 4-30 pm each day (registration from 9-15 am).  Courses will be at Amnesty International, 25 New Inn Yard, EC2A 3EA, and cost £10 to £20 each.  More details on their website, www.thefsi.org – and remember to book before the end of this month.

The Charity Commission puts out regular news bulletins advising of good practice, and flagging up problems that charities need to guard against. See www.gov.uk/government/publications/charity-commission-news-issue-64

Working with Children or Young People?

The Integrate Agency have partnered with the Early Intervention Foundation to offer a one-day workshop on Evaluation, so you can explain to funders not only what you do, but how you measure success.  It will be on Wednesday 27 November, 10 am to 3 pm at Roots and Shoots, Walnut Tree Walk, Kennington SE11 6DN.  Free, but book with laura.bassett@integrateagency.co.uk

In Business?

For small and start-up businesses, trade shows and exhibitions can be useful to pick up on new technology, emerging products and an overview of market trends.  Here’s a few upcoming events – contact Alan Piper for links to get tickets to the most relevant one for you: apiperbrix@aol.com

Caffe Culture, 28-29 October, Business Design Centre, Islington, for the coffee and café bar industry.

Food Matters Live, 19-20 November, at Excel, for food and drink products generally.

The Business Show, 27-28 November, at Excel, for small business generally, see www.gbbs.co.uk

Festival of Construction/ London Build, 27-28 November, Olympia.

Community Business Trade-up Programme

Run by the School for Social Entrepreneurs and Power to Change, this programme offers a Match Trading grant of up to £10,000 and a learning programme to help you grow. The deadline to apply is 27 November – register now for more info (and a deadline reminder) at http://bit.ly/2klzGysf

Our thanks to Impact Brixton for sharing this.

Coping with Brexit

The situation seems to change from day to day, but there are some sources of advice out there.  If you are in business in Brixton and facing Brexit-related issues, contact the Brixton BID at admin@brixtonbid.co.uk

If you are involved with a community group or local charity, LOCALITY has produced an information pack, pulling together key information about the implications.  There are a couple of webinars next week too.  For the links, e-mail Alan Piper at  apiperbrix@aol.com

Keep in Touch

Spreading the Word

A reminder that we welcome news from local groups to include in these bulletins.  We occasionally add extra bulletins to share urgent information, but for the routine November bulletin, we need your news by 5th November, though a week earlier would be helpful – send to apiperbrix@aol.com

Thanks to all of you who sent in material for this issue – we started out thinking this would be another short edition, but it grew as we discovered more reports, a good sign of how much is going on around Brixton these days.

Mailing List updates

To make sure that you are kept in the picture, please report any changes to your contact details to admin@brixtonneighbourhoodforum.org

– if you want to add a colleague or another organisation to the mailing list;

– if you need to update your e-mail address, so information is not sent to an old in-box;

– if you have moved away or are no longer interested.

Keep up the good work – and keep networking!

Quick Reminders

Brixton Town Centre plans – 50 years on – Thursday 12 September

Two related events hosted by Photofusion are now fully booked but there is still space at this event to find out about the ambitious Town Centre plans which cast a long shadow over Brixton 50 years ago.  7 pm at the Vida Walsh Centre, 2b Saltoun Road, SW2 1EP, a talk by Nick Weedon (who happens to be the Forum’s Treasurer) hosted by the Brixton Society.

Part of the Lambeth Heritage Festival, which continues through the rest of September – for other events see bit.ly/HeritageFestival2019

Commemorating Local Heroes – Wednesday 18 September

For a third year, a celebration of individuals connected to Brixton, some achievers you may already know, and others who have quietly contributed to their community.

6-30 pm at Brixton Tate Library, Brixton Oval, SW2 1JQ, organised by Friends of Tate Library Brixton, as part of Lambeth Heritage Festival.

Next Forum meeting – Thursday 24 October

Finally in this section, just in case you are too busy to scroll down to the end of the bulletin, let’s remind you now that the next Forum general meeting will be on Thursday 24 October, 6-45 for 7 pm at the Vida Walsh Centre, 2b Saltoun Road, SW2 1EP (just across the road from the Black Cultural Archives).

If you want something included in the agenda, please contact the Forum Secretary, Alan Piper, at apiperbrix@aol.com

You may want to raise a local issue, or you may want to share with us what your group is doing – but if we know in advance, it’s easier to allow enough time during the meeting. 

These Consultations are closing this month!

Livable Neighbourhoods – more walking and cycling, less motor traffic?

Lambeth Council is currently consulting on ideas for safer and healthier routes for walking and cycling, and for reducing motor traffic.  This now covers an extensive area around Brixton Town Centre, much expanded from the original Atlantic Road/ Coldharbour Lane focus.  The effective closing date for comments is 30 September, so that the team can spend the next few months digesting your inputs and drafting a plan.

When we last looked, there was still no link from the Consultations page on the main Lambeth Council website, so to input your comments, please go direct to https://brixtonlnmap.commonplace.is/

Cycle Hangar installations (phase 4)

In advance of the Livable Neighbourhoods project, Lambeth is rolling out another batch of cycle stores on local streets. The latest phase includes clusters sited:

– between Acre Lane and Ferndale Road (10 in total);

– between Acre Lane and Brixton Hill (north of Blenheim Gardens/ Windmill Gardens, 14 in total);

– another cluster of 6, between Brixton Prison and New Park Road;

– between Effra Road and Atlantic/ Railton Roads (16).

Another 10 are proposed between Brixton Hill and Tulse Hill (so within the territory claimed by Tulse Hill Neighbourhood Forum).

Also another 6 between Landor Road and Clapham Road, which I think falls within Stockwell Neighbourhood Forum.

So far, over 220 hangars have been installed on Lambeth streets.

Closing date for any comments is next Sunday 15 September – see the Consultation page on the Council website and follow the links.

Rush Common Improvements

A reminder that Lambeth Parks Department has invited ideas for improving the parkland walk alongside Brixton Hill, between Brixton Water Lane and the Brixton Orchard.

Closing date for comments is 30 September – see the Consultation page on the Council website and follow the links.

News, Events and Activities around Brixton

Settled Status for European Union Citizens – advice sessions

Lambeth Council have reminded us that they have organised advice sessions for EU citizens seeking “settled status”. The next two locally are: 

Thursday 12 September, 5-30 to 7-30 pm at Longfield Hall, 50 Knatchbull Road, SE5 9QY and

Saturday 12 October, 2 pm to 4 pm at Stockwell Community Centre, 1 Studley Road, SW4 6RA (behind Stockwell Underground Station).

For more information on how to apply, see also www.gov.uk/eusettledstatus 

Junior Open Mic – Micro Music Festival – Sunday 15 September

A free music festival in Brockwell Park, alongside Brockwell Hall, from 1 pm to 5 pm.  That’s 4 hours of live music in 32 acts with performers aged from 5 to 17, from all over London.

Nearly all of the performers have attended a local Junior Open Mic event in Brixton or Herne Hill, and the final performers will be the Honey Hahs (3 young sisters from Peckham) and Sam Wilkinson from Lewisham, this year’s winner of ITV’s The Voice Kids.

Tickets are free but please book via eventbrite to help with final planning – www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/jom-micro-music-festival-ii-tickets-60523894598

Other enquiries to Andy Gray, andyg.coms@gmail.com

Road works resume on Brixton Road

Another phase of work has started up, to continue renewing the gas mains along Brixton Road.  SGN aim to maintain 2-way working over the next 4 months, as they move south from Normandy Road towards Loughborough Road, but the junction of Mostyn Road will be closed as excavations pass that section.

New services from Lambeth Libraries

Time was when libraries just loaned out books, but two new services are being introduced by Lambeth Libraries:

Firstly, a free film streaming service started last week. Kanopy is a film streaming platform offering mainly independent films, shorts, documentaries and world cinema – in short, items you are less likely to find via Netflix or Amazon.  You will need to register and download the App, then just add your library card to use the service. Enquiries about this and other library services to TODell@email.lambeth.gov.uk

From this week, Brixton Library is offering the loan of smart clothing for interviews.  Yes, if you are unemployed or on low income, you can borrow clothing for up to 4 days to attend an interview.  You will need to show proof of an appointment, such as a letter or e-mail.  For more details, contact Abibat at aolulode@lambeth.gov.uk

Black Culture Pop-up Market – 28 & 29 September

A reminder about this showcase event for entrepreneurs from the African and Caribbean diaspora, running in the Impact Hub at the back of Pop Brixton from 11 am to 5 pm on both Saturday and Sunday.  Expect food, clothing, stationery, books, jewellery, cosmetics and hair care products.  Enquiries to team@impactbrixton.com 

Art4Space sessions in Brixton Village arcade

We have mentioned Art4Space before, but maybe their Stockwell studio location seemed a bit remote? For the next few months they will also have a presence in Brixton Town Centre!

Starting this week, they will be based in Unit 12 in Brixton Village, on Tuesdays between 10 am and 4 pm for drop-in sessions, followed by Tuesday evening classes in mosaic and tile work. Thursday sessions continue in the main studio in Jeffreys Road, Stockwell. All enquiries to jewels@art4space.co.uk or pop in on a Tuesday and have a word. 

Calling Actors and Creatives!

Brixton has been a base for performers and musicians for well over a century.  Maddy Anholt is launching the Academy of Dramatic Change to run low-cost masterclasses and networking nights for actors and creatives, with most of its sessions to be held in Brixton.  The aim is to help creatives get onto the next career rung.  Coming up will be a panel of top casting directors as well as a 4-week intensive evening course in scriptwriting in a Brixton railway arch.

Maddy Anholt is a comedian, actress and broadcaster, who has just finished filming Jerk, a sitcom for BBC Three.  She has also appeared on BBC One, ITV, Channel 5, BBC Radio 4, in Sunny D and in shows at Underbelly, Latitude Festival and the Soho Theatre.  Local sessions will be held at Arch 504 in Ridgway Road SW9, close to the Platform cafe alongside Wyck Gardens, off Loughborough Road. Enquiries to maddyanholt@gmail.com or tel. 07 514 983 730 or see www.maddyanholt.com 

News from Longfield Hall

This community hall on the north-east side of Brixton continues to nurture new generations of performers. Their regular weekly sessions have resumed after the summer break, with McAlpine Dance Studio back in action from Saturday 14th.  A showcase event featuring many of their regular users and artists is taking place on Saturday 27 September at 7-30 pm. Tickets for a Longfield Celebration are £5 (£3 concessions).  Enquiries to enquiry@longfieldhall.org.uk 

Love Knitting? It’s not just performing arts on their programme – Sue Addo is running a 10-week course for knitters, ideally with some experience, collaborating on creative projects that benefit the community. The course starts on Thursday 19 September, and costs £25 (£15 concessions). 

Book via the website: www.longfieldhall.org.uk/events or contact Catherine: catherinehamilton@longfieldhall.org.uk and pay on the first session.

Could you be spending less on gas or electricity?

Repowering London is a Lambeth-based independent charity that gives free energy advice and promotes renewable energy projects for schools and community buildings. Repowering can help you:

– find a cheaper tariff or payment method;

– access grants and benefits like the Warm Home Discount;

– sign up to the Priority Services Register;

– apply for a Smart Meter;

– generally save energy in the home.

We hope to have a presentation from them at our October Forum meeting. In the meantime, you can contact them at 020 3674 7519 or support@repowering.org.uk

Funding, Training and Support

Disability Support at 336 – Wednesday 18 September

Do you have a personal or professional interest in disability or other related issues? Then come and find out what is going on at London’s largest disability hub.

336 Brixton Road is opening its doors from 10 am to 3 pm on 18 September.  To book your free tickets, please visit www.weare336opendoor.eventbrite.com or phone 020 7274 2299.

An evening of Flash Consulting – Thursday 26 September

At a recent Town Hall event, we encountered Link UP London, who provide a channel for professionals to offer their services to local voluntary organisations. They are offering an evening of “Flash Consulting” – a bit like Speed Dating – which sounds like a great opportunity to get expert advice on making your work more effective. Ideally come with a 2-minute pitch about your organisation, and a 5-minute (max.) description of a challenge or problem you are facing.  The event runs from 5-30 to 7-30 pm at Tripod in the basement of the Town Hall. Enquiries to Tom Stannard at Age UK Lambeth, tom@ageuklambeth.org or we can forward the link to you if asked (there is a short Googledocs form to complete). 

London City Airport Community Fund – bids close 25 October

Lambeth is under the flightpath of airliners on their way in to London City Airport, so it’s just as well that it’s among several boroughs covered by this grant scheme. Bidding rounds are quarterly, and for more details see their website: www.londoncityairport.com/corporate/responsible-growth/community-fund

Training for small charities – 12-14 November

Another batch of courses is being provided in Central London by the Foundation for Social Improvement, with 14 courses fitted into a 3-day timetable.

Although these short courses are charged for (£10 to £20 each), the prices are more affordable than some we have seen advertised by other providers – the key is to choose what will be most useful for what you want to do.  Book before the end of October to secure a place – more details on their website at www.thefsi.org

Introduction to Computers

If you are struggling to read this, or if you have colleagues or clients who would like to learn how to use a computer, Mosaic Clubhouse in Effra Road is hosting an Introduction to Computers course, starting 18 September.  Sessions will be every Wednesday, 11 am to 1 pm until 4th December.  This course is open to all Lambeth residents and free to those receiving benefits.  Students must be able to attend all sessions, at Mosaic Clubhouse, 63 Effra Road, SW2.  To sign up, call Sinead on 020 7924 9657 or e-mail s.obrien@mosaic-clubhouse.org

If you think you have mastered the basics, there are also monthly TechClub sessions, usually at Tripod in the Town Hall Basement, offering a presentation on a key topic, a tech clinic and networking.  Drinks and snacks are included in the pay-what-you-can ticket.  Next session is on Cyber Security for Individuals, Tuesday 24 September from 6-30 to 9 pm. 

Sessions are provided by AGT UK (based at Loughborough Junction) in association with Impact Brixton. More info at https://techclub3.eventbrite.co.uk or contact Shanise Lewis at 020 3745 4303 or shanise@agt.uk.net 

Are you providing services for older people?

Age UK Lambeth has started a Resilient Ageing project to encourage innovation and joint working with other local groups, to offer better support and services for older people within Lambeth. If you are attempting to help older people in your part of the community, maybe there are ways to link up or develop new ideas? Contact their project facilitator, Paul Springer at paul@ageuklambeth.org or phone him on 07 785 365 294.

Desk space at Longfield Hall

A couple of desk positions are becoming available in a shared four-person office at Longfield Hall, on the corner of Knatchbull Road and Burton Road, opposite Minet Library.  They can offer decent wi-fi and shared use of a printer.  They are looking for upwards of £100 a week for the space.  Other rooms can be booked for meetings as required, and there is some storage space.  All enquiries to Will Ollard, Chair of Trustees, 07 530 529 130 or willollard@longfieldhall.org.uk

Meeting Room hire at Carnegie Library

The Carnegie Community Trust is now able to offer rooms for hire, for either commercial or community events, within the old library building.  There is a choice of a large room (capacity up to 150), medium room (capacity 60 seated) or a small meeting room (capacity 25 seated).  Spaces can be booked by the hour, half-day or whole day.

For further information, terms and conditions, see their website, https://carnegiehernehill.org.uk/project-documents/  or e-mail to info@carnegiecommunitytrust.org.uk

Integrate Agency comes on stream

You should already be aware that the Integrate Agency was appointed by Lambeth to take over the support role for community groups that was previously provided by Community Southwark.  Regular bulletins have begun to circulate and training events are being offered, so maybe it’s OK for us to say less about grants and training opportunities in future Forum Bulletins?  If you are not already on their circulation list, contact them on contact@integrateagency.co.uk

And look out for an event on Volunteering on 15 October.

Team London and Thrive LDN Small Grants

A reminder that these schemes to support young people in volunterring re-opened for applications this month, but deadlines are only in October – see www,london.gov.uk/what-we-do/volunteering

New fund-raising guides

This month the Directory of Social Change is launching new editions of its various funding guides and directories of grant-givers – more details on their website, www.dsc.org.uk

There are also several handbooks covering different aspects of running a small charity or community organisation.

Keep in Touch

Spreading the Word

We welcome news from our member organisations to include in these bulletins – ideally in concise form so we can just drop it into place without spending too much time on rewrites!Items for the October issue should reach us by 5th October, though a week earlier would be helpful – to apiperbrix@aol.com

Mailing List updates

Remember to tell us about any changes, to ensure that you and your group are kept in the picture – report all changes to admin@brixtonneighbourhoodforum.org

– if you want to add a colleague or another local organisation to the mailing list;

– if you need to update your e-mail address, instead of messages going to an old inbox;

– if you have moved away or are no longer interested.

Last-minute Reminders

Summer Youth Project at 198 Gallery – 12-16 August

Lost Legacies of the British Black Panthers is the theme for the free project for the 13-19 age group at the 198 Gallery in Railton Road, SE24 0JT.

A chance to learn new skills in T-shirt design and printing, photography and ‘zine making. 10-30 am to 4-30 pm daily, limited spaces, e-mail to book:kareen@198.org.uk

The Freelancer Showdeck at Impact Brixton, 15 August 

An evening showcase for local freelancers, from 7 – 10 pm at Impact Brixton, at the back of Pop Brixton, 49 Brixton Station Road SW9 8PQ. Aimed at designers, marketers, creatives, writers, suppliers and agencies. If you provide services to businesses, and want to connect with more companies in South London, last chance to apply – team@impactbrixton.com

Black British Bloggers Co-working Day, Saturday 17 August

Work, network, chill – Black British Bloggers are hosting a co-working day where you’ll get to mingle with fellow online content creators, fine-tune your skills and attend a series of workshops.  Attenders get 25% off Impact Brixton membership if you sign up on the day.  Enquiries again toteam@impactbrixton.com

Current Consultations

More Walking and Cycling, Less Cars?

A couple of years back, there was a lot of discussion about making Atlantic Road safer by reducing through traffic, while ensuring that deliveries could still take place to the arcades and shops, including Electric Avenue and Popes Road.  Transport for London asked for proposals for a wider area around the Town Centre, to include safer and healthier routes for walking and cycling, as well as reducing motor traffic.

Lambeth is currently seeking ideas for what is now called Brixton Livable Neighbourhoods.  Sadly, this got off to a bad start because nothing appeared on the Consultation pages of Lambeth Council’s website, no closing date was stated and only cycling interests were informed at the outset.  People even questioned if it was genuine, because a non-UK website was quoted for responses.

The team have now begun meeting with local groups, and a more concentrated effort is to be made during September, including some public events and calling on most traders in the Town Centre.  Plans will then be developed between October and April, with an overall timescale of 3 years to carry out the work.  There is an interactive map on the website for you to input comments – great for identifying “hotspots” and hazards, though less suited to broader concepts.  So far, comments from cyclists dominate, so let’s hear more from pedestrians and businesses too, before the end of September – seehttps://brixtonlnmap.commonplace.is/

Rush Common improvements

One consultation that really is on the Council’s website invites ideas for improving public open space on Rush Common, alongside Brixton Hill.

Lambeth Parks Department is focussing on the section between the Brixton Orchard and Brixton Water Lane, which last received attention nearly 25 years ago.  However, if you think other sections need more urgent attention, it’s worth saying so – and do share your comments with us too. 

 Closing date is 30 September – e-mail to parks@lambeth.gov.uk

A new memorial in Windrush Square?

The Government recently announced an intention to set up a memorial to the Windrush Generation, to recognise the contribution that Afro-Caribbean people have made to the UK.  Present intentions are for this to be at Waterloo Station.

Councillor Sonia Winifred, Lambeth’s Cabinet Member for Equalities and Culture, recently launched a petition to persuade the Government to site the memorial instead in Windrush Square, in the heart of Brixton.  Brixton certainly seems more relevant than Waterloo.

The difficulty is that Windrush Square already contains several features, scattered around. It was not easy to find a suitable spot for the African & Caribbean War Memorial, finally unveiled a couple of years ago.  We don’t know what form of memorial the Government had in mind, though the supposed £1 million budget suggests more than a wall plaque.  Are there other sites around Brixton with more elbow room? Let us know your views.

To sign the petition, go to www.lambeth.gov.uk and follow the links. 

News, Events and activities around Brixton

More delay in re-opening Atlantic Road railway arches

Just as it looked as if all the shops would soon be open again, Network Rail has propped up half the London-bound platform of Brixton Station with a forest of scaffolding. Repair work looks likely to continue to the end of August, with limited access along Atlantic Road.  Some of us pointed out the need for repairs to the viaduct when Network Rail first proposed refurbishing all the railway arch shops 3 years ago, but these comments were brushed aside.

Ups and downs of Brixton Cafe trade

Two recent closures in Atlantic Road – the Brixton Pound Café at No.77 had to close due to rising rents, which meant this community-based effort was no longer sustainable.  The Brixton Pound team would like re-open if an affordable location can be found.

Across the road, the Dip and Flip burger bar closed its doors in late July, though the chain still runs 4 other sites in South London.  There have been several short-lived restaurant/bar venues at this location on the fringe of the Town Centre.  The next tenant is expected to be Tequila Mockingbird, which already has 3 other bars in south-west London, though this will be the first to serve food.  Refurbishment is now underway for a September opening.

Franco Manca started in Brixton’s Market Row arcade in 2008, and now has 47 sites around the country for its pizza offer, with up to 10 more likely to open in the year ahead.

The Platform Café, Ridgway Road

Back at grass-roots level, the former public toilet block in Wyck Gardens continues to host a series of guest cooks to run the café,  though openings are reduced during August. Brian of Soulfuel Vegan will be keeping the space open every Wednesday, selling home-made vegan lunches, snacks, puds and cakes.

LEAP Lambeth’s Food Ambassadors take over the Lunch service on Friday 16 and Monday 19 August, 12 noon to 2-30 pm, with eat-in and take-away options.  Then on Sunday 1st September there’s a chance to learn how to make the Korean staple, Kimchi, from 2 to 5-30 pm with Heather – to sign up e-mail her at xoidclothing@yahoo.co.uk

Enquiries about future openings and training sessions to ljcommunitycafe@gmail.com

Mosaic workshops at Stockwell

Free summer workshops are being offered on 12, 14 and 16 August, 10-12 and 2-4 pm. Mosaic classes also run every Tuesday evening, at 31 Jeffreys Road, SW4 6QU. All enquiries/ bookings to jewels@art4space.co.uk

…and Art workshops at Mosaic!

The Perspective Project are currently running a series of artist-led creative workshops for individuals affected by mental health issues, hosted at Mosaic Clubhouse, 65 Effra Road, SW2 1BZ.  These are on Tuesday evenings, 5 – 7 pm, until 3rd September.  These will be followed by an exhibition at Pop Brixton on 15 September.  Sessions are free, but to join e-mail Maz at m.duble@mosaic-clubhouse.org or phone (020) 7924 9657. 

Lambeth Heritage Festival runs through September

A series of events linked to local heritage, culture and history will run through the whole month of September.  Too many to list here, but there is a fat little booklet, listing all 60 events, which you can pick up at a local library.

A Brixton highlight is the Local History Fair at Brixton Tate Library on Saturday 7 September, 10-15 am to 4-15 pm. The Black Cultural Archives, Brixton Windmill, Photofusion and the Van Gogh House are among those hosting events.  See also www.lambethlocalhistoryforum.org.uk

Black Culture Pop-up Market at Impact Brixton, 28 & 29 September

Join Impact Brixton for an inspiring showcase of black businesses. This is an indoor event presenting entrepreneurs from across the African and Caribbean diaspora, displaying high-quality products including food, clothing, stationery, books, jewellery, hair and beauty products. Come down and support them between 11 am and 5 pm each day.

If you want to trade at the market, please e-mail team@impactbrixton.com and include a link to your website/products info. Due to limited space, not all applications can be accepted.

Gearing up for Oxjam Brixton, 13 October

Oxjam is a grass-roots music festival that raises money for Oxfam projects.  Their team are currently planning a one-day festival across 3 Brixton venues – the Prince of Wales, the Market House, and Blues Kitchen on Acre Lane.  The present team is all volunteers, and they are keen to recruit more, to manage fund-raising, donations, promotion, tickets, and the stages. Volunteers must be over 18 – enquiries to Lowri Ellcock, production manager, atproduction.oxjambrixton18@gmail.com

Refill your water bottle

Transport for London recommends carrying water with you during hot weather, but there is a growing concern about single-use plastic bottles for spring water, and how to dispose of them.  A more sustainable approach is to use a refillable container, and suitable water points are beginning to appear in our public open spaces so you can refill them.  There’s one in Windrush Square (between BCA and the War Memorial) and another was recently installed inMyatt’s Fields Park outside the cafe.

Funding, Training and Support

We had a useful discussion with Richard Davis of the Integrate Agency at our 22 July meeting. We look forward to more news from them over the next few months about training and funding opportunities, Meanwhile, here are a few more leads:

Small Grants from Team London and Thrive LDN

To encourage young people into volunteering or social action, such as sports, arts, media, environment, inter-generation activities or music, the Mayor is offering grants of £5,000 to £10,000 for projects working with the 10-20 age range.  Priority will be given to projects supporting young people at risk of mental health issues or being drawn into crime.  Applications open in September, in partnership with Thrive LDN – see the website for more details:www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/volunteering

Grants to Boost Walking and Cycling

If you cannot wait for Lambeth’s Livable Neighbourhoods bid, or you are just outside the target area, maybe there is still something you can do locally.  The Mayor has a small grants scheme offering £5,000 to £10, to support diverse communities to walk and cycle more often and more safely. The scheme is administered by Groundwork, and projects can run for up to 3 years.  See their website for case studies and application forms:https://walkingandcyclinggrants.london

If Air Quality is a major concern on your patch, the London Sustainability Exchange is organising a sharing and networking event at City Hall on Tuesday 10 September from 6 – 9 pm – enquiries to Alice Vodden at LSX, A.Vodden@lsx.org.uk

Crowdfunding Accelerator

Word just in via Lambeth Forum Network: A new Crowdfunder Accelerator programme is being launched, to run from 11 September to 2nd October. Hosted on Facebook, the Accelerator is an on-line experience to help you turn your ideas into a successfully-funded project. The 3-week programme will include live discussions, peer-to-peer feedback and advice from the Crowdfunder team.  For more information, or to sign up, see the website:https://welcome.crowdfunder.co.uk/accelerator/

Places to Meet

One difficulty that groups face is finding places to meet that are local, affordable and accessible. It can be a challenge when you want to start up a new activity that needs more space or particular facilities.  If you have specific needs, tell us and we will share what we know.  Of course, if you run a venue or community hub, we will be keen to publicise your availability too – respond to apiperbrix@aol.com

WinTrade – for women in business

Potentially a useful network for women in business or striking out on their own, with a database of 25,000 contacts and occasional eventsand webinars. For more information, contact Yvonne Thompson of 7 Traits Leadership Learning Ltd. at yvonne.thompson@wintradeweek.com

Keep in Touch

Next Forum Meeting

Our next general meeting is set for Thursday 24 October at 6-45 for 7 pm at the Vida Walsh Centre, 2b Saltoun Road, SW2 1EP (facing onto Windrush Square).  If you want something included on the agenda, please contact the Forum Secretary, Alan Piper, at apiperbrix@aol.com

A Home of our own?

We are in discussions about an office base for the Forum within Brixton Town Centre.  In recent times we have struggled when forum officers have been out of action through illness or injury, so the aim is to provide some continuity and a central contact point for leaving mail. More news once arrangements have been tied up.

Spreading the Word

We welcome news from our member organisations to include in these bulletins – and if there is something else you want to see in future issues, please tell us!  Items for the September issue should be sent by 6th September, though a week earlier would be helpful, to apiperbrix@aol.com

Mailing List updates

Please report all changes to admin@brixtonneighbourhoodforum.org

– If you want to add a colleague or another group to the mailing list;

– If you have moved away or are no longer interested;

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

 
Forum Meeting on Thursday 27 June
Time again for us to come together, review the past year, and discuss what we want our Forum to do in the next 12 months – 6.45 pm at the Vida Walsh Centre, 2b Saltoun Road, SW2 (the Effra Road end, facing Windrush Square). 
This is the time to tell us if there is a cause that the Forum should take up, or help you need, or topics that you would like covered in future bulletins. If you cannot make this date, e-mail to apiperbrix@aol.com


News, Events and Activities around Brixton
 Windrush Commemorations, Saturday 22 June
The Black Cultural Archives are hosting a Family Fun Day between 1 pm and 6 pm at BCA, Windrush Square – see  www.blackculturalarchives.org

Pop Brixton is holding a Black Culture Pop-up Market over the weekend, 11 am to 5 pm both days, with featured stalls in the Pop Box and Impact Brixton.

Brixton Village is hosting a programme of live music, poetry and other performances on its Coldharbour Lane forecourt this Saturday 22 June, between 12 noon and 8 pm.

In Lambeth Town Hall, one of the ground floor rooms will be open 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday 22nd, and 9 am to 6 pm on weekdays until 5th July, with a free exhibition Before and After Windrush: 350 years of Black People in Lambeth.  Lambeth Archives have drawn on records of black people active in Lambeth before 1948, as well as a repeat showing of some of the work of the photographer Harry Jacobs, whose studio in Landor Road was popular with the black community in the 1950s and 1960s. 

Memories of Loughborough Road shops, 22 June
LEAF Tenants & Residents Association have been researching the variety of shops near the Brixton Road end of the street, and their changing uses over the past 150 years. If you have memories of the changing street scene, they would love to hear from you – drop in to Azawala at 55 Loughborough Road on Saturday 22 June between 11 am and 4 pm for a drink and a chat.  If you can’t make this date, they would still love to hear your stories or see any old photos – get in touch at leaftra@gmail.com
Look out for an exhibition at the San Mei Gallery (the old Loughborough Hotel) in September.
 
Rapport Festival, 28-30 June
The ultimate arts festival celebrating the African Diaspora returns to Brixton for its third year.  Over the three days 28-30 June, Brixton’s streets, cinemas and arts venues will provide the stage for this unique arts festival.  Rapport will showcase the enormous contribution of the African Diaspora to British culture.  Highlights this year include Brixton-based DJs One Nation, photographer Eddie Otchere, Two Gents Productions with their South African-inspired theatre, artist Morris Thompson and master tailor Jahmale Ukson with his Denim Recon London brand, plus an eclectic selection of films across an inspiring weekend.  More details on the website, https://rapportfestival.com  
Thanks to funders and supporters including Arts Council England, Lambeth Council, Brixton BID, the National Theatre, Whiled Cinema, Impact Brixton, Azawala Café Gallery, Pop Brixton, San Mei Gallery, Pure Vinyl, Renaissance Studios.
 
Encouraging Women in Business – Impact Brixton
Discoaching Workshop, Wednesday 3 July, 6-30 to 9-30 pm at Impact Brixton, at rear of Pop Brixton, Brixton Station Road. A fun, energetic and creative workshop to help you get some Direction, Inspiration, Success, Confidence and Optimism (DISCO) into your life.  Discoaching is the brainchild of Suzanne Willems, based on her 24 years of working in creative and music industries and coaching. Fee £7 + VAT – book via Eventbrite. 

Fe-Fest 2019: As part of their Female Founders series, Impact Brixton are launching a festival in September to celebrate the ways women in our community are impacting Brixton through entrepreneurship. The festival will showcase women who are creating change in art, business, culture and their community, through workshops, keynote speeches and an exhibition.  If your company/ organisation is female-led, or focused on empowering women, they would love to hear from you – contact news@impactbrixton.com

Remaking the Remakery
Since the Remakery was founded in 2012 in a disused Brixton car park, this not-for-profit maker-space has fostered a community of makers, artists and enterprises, mainly drawn from local people.  They have breathed new life and creativity into objects previously destined for dumping in landfill.  Now they are preparing for the next chapter, continuing their mission to rethink, resource, re-use and redeistribute materials, skills and lifestyles.  Meanwhile, you can still visit them at 51 Lilford Road, SE5 9HY.  If you have questions, suggestions, or to arrange a tour, contact them at hello@remakery.org

Lambeth Country Show, weekend 20/21 July
Time again for another show in Brockwell Park, open from 12 noon to 7 pm on both Saturday and Sunday.  Once again it is expected to be a fenced event, but there will be some layout changes, including the main music stage returning to the field uphill from Brockwell Lido.
 
Neighbourhood Forums Networking at Lambeth Country Show 
We are part of the Lambeth Forum Network.  This network (LFN) is a collaborative group of area-based community forums, working voluntarily to ensure that local voices are heard by the Council and other services, and working with a range of groups and services to improve the lives of everyone living in our area.
Once again the LFN will have a presence at the Country Show – look for us about 200 yards downhill from Brockwell Hall, towards the Herne Hill gate. 
Representatives from the 14 member groups will share staffing the stand, so don’t expect Brixton to be present all the time, but you may well find members from adjacent areas like Tulse Hill, Loughborough Junction or Stockwell to compare notes with.  Our colleagues from the Brixton Society will also be nearby.

Live Music in another Brixton Park
The Bandstand in Myatt’s Fields Park is now hosting performances by a range of live bands and performers on two Sunday afternoons each month until October.  Actual dates are 30 June, 14 & 28 July, 25 August, 8 & 22 September, 6 & 20 October.

Army Reserves at Tulse Hill
The old Territorial Army and associated cadet forces have scaled back considerably over the past 30 years, but there is still an active unit of what are now the Army Reserves at 132 Upper Tulse Hill, SW2 2RS.  This is a detachment of the Royal Military Police, 253 Provost Company, which is the reserve company for London and the South East.  Parade nights are on Wednesdays 7-30 to 9-30 pm, plus occasional weekends and a 2-week training camp in October.  They are currently recruiting people between 17 and 50 years old, who must be physically fit.  Enquiries to Captain Steve Hall, steven.hall479@mod.gov.uk 
 
Funding, Training and Support
Support at last for Community Groups across Lambeth?
News has finally emerged of which organisation will provide advice and support for community groups around the borough.  This will be The Integrate Agency CIC, a social enterprise agency providing training, advocacy and support.  For the past several months, we have tried to fill the gap by sharing news of funding and other resources in these bulletins. So far, we know very little about how the new scheme will work, but for more information, contact laura.bassett@integrateagency.co.uk 

Publicity through Pop Brixton
If you have an opportunity or event that you feel will benefit young people, please contact Bayo Obasaju at Pop Brixton, bayo@makeshift.org and they will try to include it in their next e-mail bulletin.

Mosaic Clubhouse

This Friday 21st June we are hosting a CV & Interview Workshop. Everyone is welcome! It will run 1.30 – 4pm at Mosaic Clubhouse, 65 Effra Rd, Brixton, SW2 1BZ. 
The workshop will be run by KPMG Book your FREE place here: cvinterview123.eventbrite.co.uk

Restart Project  london@therestartproject.org

Tuesday 25th June from 6.30pm-9pm

Get electrical goods such as toasters and laptops fixed.
https://therestartproject.org/parties/brixton/

Sourcing Volunteers
Link UP London operates by linking charities and community organisations with qualified professionals willing to volunteer their skills pro bono.  If you have a specific project or task where you could use some expert help, then it’s worth seeing what they have on offer.  Recent offers included career coaching, secretarial support, architectural design, accounting, human resources, and organisation planning.  You can find them athttps:www.linkuplondon.org

Asset Sharing Network
Asset Sharing Networks are a way for charities and community organisations to meet and network, building relationships based on the Time Bank model of exchanging skills and resources.  If you work in the Voluntary Sector and have skills you would like to trade to improve your work and the wellbeing of your community, maybe you should get involved.
We hear there is a meeting taking place on Wednesday 19 June at Black Prince Trust Community Hub, Beaufoy Walk SE11 6PT.  I know this is short notice but there may be another event a month later – all enquiries to time4lambeth@pgtimebank.org

Focus on Adult Social Care
Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board
The Board is trying to raise awareness about different forms of abuse, and how to deal with them.  Their next event will be on Monday 1st July between 12 noon and 2 pm, to focus on self-neglect, one of the less-recognised forms of abuse.  Attendance is free (lunch included) but please register beforehand, either phone 020 7926 6902 or e-mail LSABAdmin@lambeth.gov.uk

MYCommunity Directory 
The Directory is a service provided by the Independent Living and Carers Partnership, to make access to information as simple as possible.  Services featured include advice on benefits, finding help at home, community services such as social activities, and help with health and well-being.  There is also a simple Eligibility Checker to show if you or a family member or neighbour may be entitled to help from Adult Social Care.  See the websitewww.mycommunity.directory

London City Airport – Community Fund
At last some payback for those low-flying aircraft circling over Brixton!  London City Airport has launched a £75,000 community fund to support community organisations and charities across the eastern half of London.  Individual grants will be from £300 to £3,000 maximum. 
Lambeth is included in the list of eligible boroughs, and grant priorities are:
– Building stronger, healthier and safer communities;
– Creating more sustainable and greener communities;
– Creating pathways into employment.
The deadline for the current funding round is 5 pm on Friday 19 July, with results to be announced in September.  There will be 4 funding rounds a year, the next in the Autumn. Further details from the website, www.londoncityairport.com/corporate/responsible-growth/community-fund

Early Years Awards for Kids
If you are working with children under 3 in Central Lambeth, grants of up to £2,000 are available from Lambeth Early Action Partnership (LEAP).  Currently this is limited to 4 Council wards, Stockwell, Vassall, Coldharbour and Tulse Hill, and aims to encourage either better diet and nutrition, or social and emotional development, or communication and language development.
The latest funding deadline fell while we were putting this bulletin together, but there will be 4 quarterly rounds, with the next round in August so start planning now. The grant scheme is run by Groundwork London so for further details, see their website, www.groundwork.org.uk/sites/london where you may find a couple more funding streams worth exploring.

Help with Reducing Energy Bills
For Residents
Repowering London is a Lambeth-based charity which gives free energy advice and promotes community energy projects.  They provide a free service for individuals, including an energy audit.  Referrals for individuals are welcome, or the organisation can arrange a visit to your group to explain their work and discuss the scope for greener energy sources or a local project. Enquiries to Helen Shears, tel. (020) 3674 7519 or support@repowering.org.uk

For community groups, enterprises and businesses
If your main concern is the utility bills for your organisation’s own premises, there are a number of advisers out there who can review your costs and help you get better rates. One such is Energy Prices Direct Ltd, enquiries to Peter Smith, tel. (020) 8144 3803, peter@energypricesdirect.com

Charity Shops and Stalls
If you run a charity shop, or base or just a regular market stall, you can now put your operation on the map for people to find you. What Charity claims to have 42,000 users and has recently upgraded its website to enable more specific searching by good cause and location.  The aim is to attract customers, volunteers and bequests, though there is a subscription for putting your organisation on the site – see www.whatCharity.com
Enquiries about the site and services to shona@whatcharity.com

Affordable Computer Software
We have reported before that Tekgia can supply charities, schools and churches at discount prices.  Programs available through them include MS Office 2019 (Professional Plus, Standard or Mac versions), MS Publisher, MS Outlook 2019, MS Access 2019, MS Visio 2019 (Standard or Professional), MS Project 2019, MS SharePoint Server, MS Windows Server 2019, Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Adobe Premiere Elements (for video editing).  For more, see their website, www.tekgia.com 

Printer Refills – for free!
Keeping your computer printer or copier topped up with ink can be a drain on resources, so if any of these ink refills/ cartridges would fit your machine, they are free to the first group to respond!  Cluttering the office corner right now we have:
– Brother 1100 series (lots, but mostly black or blue);
– Hewlett-Packard HP950 (black) and HP951 (colours);
– A few other odd HP inkjet refills (tell us what you need!).
You will need to arrange collection – all enquiries to Alan Piper, apiperbrix@aol.com 

Keep in Touch
We aim to issue these bulletins each month, but it helps if we receive items for the July issue by 8 July.  Please send to apiperbrix@aol.com

Special thanks for information feeds from Age UK Lambeth, Impact Brixton, Myatt’s Fields Park Project, Locality and Lambeth Council.  Always remember that information received on line may not be accurate or reliable!

Don’t hesitate – tell us today if:

• – You want to add a colleague or another local group to the distribution list;
• – You want to change your contact details so you receive bulletins sooner or more reliably;
• – You have moved away or are no longer interested.
• Please advise all such changes to admin@brixtonneighbourhoodforum.org 

Our June Forum meeting

Just 4 weeks until the Forum’s next General Meeting – it’s on Thursday 27 June, 6-45 pm at the Vida Walsh Centre, 2b Saltoun Road SW2 (near the Effra Road end, facing Windrush Square).  We are due to present the Annual Report and Accounts, and elect committee members for the year ahead.

If your group would like to make a presentation to the meeting, please contact the Secretary by Monday next, so we can settle the agenda for the evening – to apiperbrix@aol.com

Welcome to New Members

Thanks mainly to our Treasurer, Nick Weedon, and the assistance of Friends of Windmill Gardens, 50 new members were signed up during the Windmill Beer and Bread Festival on 6th May.  Our contact list has continued to grow over the past year and we look forward to seeing more of you at our meetings and events this year.

Keeping in Touch

We aim to issue these bulletins each month, but publication has slipped a week due to time pressures. Thanks for the quantity of items received since last time – we cast our net widely but try to give priority to Brixton-centred items and those which could be useful to our many local organisations.  Please send material to us before 10 June if you want it to appear in the June issue – to apiperbrix@aol.com

Remember to tell us if:

– You want to add a colleague or another local group to the contact list;

– You have moved away or are no longer interested;

– You want to change your contact details so you receive bulletins sooner or more reliably.

Please advise all changes to admin@brixtonneighbourhoodforum.org 

Current Consultations

These don’t always tie in neatly with our bulletin dates or meetings schedule, but we highlight them whenever possible. 

Brixton at Night

If you thought you had missed it, the deadline for comments has been extended by another week, until 31 May.  This has been a frequent topic at our Forum meetings over the past few years, so make sure you feed in your views to the survey – see the Council website, www.lambeth.gov.uk/consultations 

Waste and Recycling Collections

Lambeth is updating its Waste & Recycling Strategy and inviting comments from residents and organisations.  The previous version dates from 2011 but Lambeth needs to increase the proportion of rubbish that is recycled above the present 30%, and ideally reduce its disposal costs for general rubbish.  Although householders could be more diligent, to make real progress the big targets surely should be flats and shops?  A summary of the strategy and a survey questionnaire can be found on the Consultations page on the Council website, www.lambeth.gov.uk

Comments can also be e-mailed direct to wastestrategy@lambeth.gov.uk but the closing date is 10 June.

Dementia Action Plan

Lambeth Dementia Action Alliance is a network of local organisations trying to make the borough more user-friendly for dementia sufferers and their carers. They have drafted a 3-year plan and are now inviting comments from the community.  Completing the survey online takes about 5 minutes – visithttps://bit.ly/2w2RyXi

Alternatively contact Age UK Lambeth on (020) 7346 6800 or info@ageuklambeth.org and request a paper copy (Freepost return).  Closing date for responses is 14 June.

Lambeth Gambling Policy

The Council is obliged to review its policy every few years on premises licensed for gambling such as betting shops and casinos.  The law gives Lambeth limited scope for restrictions, though it can ban them from vulnerable or over-provided neighbourhoods.  The Council currently has a ban on Casino operations in the borough, but Lambeth receives 500-800 applications a year for other gambling operations, mostly amendments to existing licences.  The policy adopted after this consultation will run for 3 years (i.e. until 2022).  The consultation launched on 23 May and runs until 20 June – for the survey questionnaire, go to the Consultations page on the Council website, www.lambeth.gov.uk

Government Aviation Strategy

This subject could be over our heads in more ways than one, but this is topical both for climate change implications and the projected increase in flights over London due to a third runway being added at Heathrow Airport.  Closing date is 20 June. For more details of the Aviation Strategy consultation, plus a briefing from HACAN, see https://hacan.org.uk/?p=5068

News, Events and Activities around Brixton

Roads to Avoid!

If you are heading south from Brixton, a reminder that work starts on renewing Water mains in Norwood Road, West Norwood, from 27 May and continues into November!

Meanwhile, Gas main replacement is ongoing in Brixton Road, currently affecting the section between Loughborough Road and Vassall Road.

In addition, various closures are planned near Brockwell Park in connection with the Mighty Hoopla and Cross the Tracks Festivals in the Park over the weekend 8/9 June.

At the Herne Hill gate, the link road from Norwood Road into Dulwich Road may be closed between 30 May and 16 June to enable access for vehicles setting up and taking down the festival staging.

Most other restrictions should only apply around the Festival weekend, but include closing Dulwich Road, Morval Road and the eastern arm of Brixton Water Lane to private vehicles. Vehicles will also be banned from entering Arlingford, Brailsford and Trelawn Roads.  Look out also for parking and turning restrictions in the area.

Some changes have been made this time from experience of the previous year’s events, but please tell us about any problems that arise from these Park-based events so we can feed back to Councillors and to bodies like Brockwell Park Community Partners and the Lambeth Parks Forum.

Common Ground – Friday 31 May

Sixteenfeet Productions are presenting Common Ground at Brixton Tate Library on Friday at 7 pm. Following a series of free writing workshops at Brixton Community Base, this will be a sharing of the pieces created by Lambeth Elders, hosted by spoken word artist Wordplay (Elliott Ajai-Ajagbe Daley).  Free entry but book via Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom–london/common-ground/ – enquiries tobrixtoncommunitybase@gmail.com

Cecile Nobrega plaque unveiling – Saturday 1st June

The Nubian Jak Foundation, who were instrumental in installing the African-Caribbean War Memorial in Windrush Square, have arranged a memorial plaque to Cecile Nobrega, to be unveiled on Saturday.  The ceremony takes place between 12-45 and 1-45 pm outside Lee Samuel House, 10 Nealden Street, SW9 9QX, and marks the centenary of her birth in what is now Guyana.  Cecile was an educator, poet, playwright and composer, and one of her poems inspired the creation of the Bronze Woman statue that now stands in Stockwell Memorial Gardens, near Stockwell Tube Station.  She died in 2004 at the age of 84, but the statue, long-planned, was only finally unveiled in 2008, as part of the 60th anniversary commemorations for the arrival of the Empire Windrush, with the first migrants from the Caribbean.

Enquiries to info@nubianjak.org or pr@acmemorial.com

Visit Brixton’s Windmill

During the Summer season, the Windmill is open for tours one weekend each month – the next dates are 8 & 9 June, between 2 pm and 5 pm. Tours are still free but prior booking is advised if you want to see every floor – see www.brixtonwindmill.org/visit

This Week’s Theme…

These can sometimes be useful opportunities to highlight what your group is doing.

Volunteers Week takes place between 1st & 7th June each year – see https://volunteersweek.org for events, ideas and how to get involved.

Carers Week is the following week and we are aware of 3 local events organised by Lambeth Carers Hub.

Tuesday 11 June – Carers Walk and visit to the Garden Museum: Meet 10-45 am at We Are 336, 336 Brixton Road, SW9, for a walk to the Garden Museum at Vauxhall (next to Lambeth Palace). Booking essential – phone (020) 7501 8970 or contact connect@carershub.org.uk

Thursday 13 June – Get Connected Information Event, 11 am to 2 pm at We Are 336, 336 Brixton Road, SW9.  Lambeth-based community organisations will provide information and workshops about their work.  Lunch available (but please advise any dietary requirements). Booking arrangements as for 11 June. 

Friday 14 June – Carers Coffee Morning, 10 am to 12 noon at Brixton Pound Café, 77 Atlantic Road, SW9.  A great chance to meet other carers, no need to book.

Small Charity Week runs from 17 to 22 June – enquiries to (020) 7324 4777 or info@smallcharityweek.com

Wake up to Tai Chi

Friends of Brixton Tate Library are launching Saturday morning Tai Chi sessions at the library from 15 June.  Sessions will run from 9-30 to 10-30 am each week, thanks to support from the London Community Foundation.

Funding from the Mayor’s National Park City programme is helping to sustain additional Tai Chi sessions at Windmill Gardens off Brixton Hill – seewww.brixtonwindmill.org for timings.

Knit and Natter

The latest regular session at the Brixton Pound Café, 77 Atlantic Road, SW9.  Free on Monday afternoons between 2 and 4 pm. Enquiries to Christina Ballard, info@cballardphoto.com

Photo Exhibition – Brixton 1973-95 

Chris Steele-Perkins travelled widely as a photographer for eminent agencies such as Magnum, but Brixton was his home base for over 20 years, and he recorded the changing local scene in between his global assignments.  His Brixton photos are now the basis of an exhibition at Photofusion’s new location in International House, Pope’s Road, until Saturday 29 June. Open 10-30 am to 5-30 pm daily (closed Sundays) with free entry.

Junior Open Mic Sessions

For budding young performers, it’s free, local, parent-organised and well-supported, with 39 performers at the last event in March. The next JOM session will be on Sunday 23 June 2 pm to 4-30 pm at the Off the Cuff Music Bar in Railton Road, Herne Hill end.  From 1 pm to 2 pm is a pre-jom session for new kids to try out before appearing in front of an audience of 120-180 at the main session.

As a follow up, there will be a JOM Micro Music Festival in Brockwell Park for 30 Junior Open Mic acts, on 15 September.  Last year’s festival was enjoyed by an audience of 400, with sound engineering by Radiohead. 

Enquiries to Andy Gray, 16 Trinity Rise SW2, e-mail andyg.coms@gmail.com 

Dr Bike in Brixton

On the last Wednesday of every month, a bike mechanic will be carrying out FREE repairs and maintenance for anyone between 11 am and 2 pm.

Sessions take place on Brixton Station Road, supported by Brixton BID and Cycle Confident.  Next dates are 29 May and 26 June.

Vintage Fair at Vida’s – Saturday 15 June

Sale of vintage vinyl, clothes, jewellery, household items and refreshments, 11 am to 3 pm at the Vida Walsh Centre, 2b Saltoun Road, SW2. Turn up on the day and give a donation to Age UK Lambeth for entry.

Summer Fair in Myatt’s Fields Park – Saturday 22 June

Plans are underway for the Summer Fair, to run from 1 pm to 5 pm.  If you would like to run a stall – or offer help on the day – contact Tori on community@myattsfieldspark.info

Longfield Hall Highlights

Movers and Shakers on Friday 21 June at 7-30 pm will showcase work by dance groups who use the hall regularly.  It forms part of the Camberwell Arts Fringe Festival.

The hall’s artistic director, Laura Harling, is developing a new production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream to be performed in nearby Myatt’s Fields Park on Saturday 29 June.

Their Lottery-funded Space in the City summer holiday course for children 8-14 runs from Monday 22 to Wednesday 24 July, with a performance at 6 pm on the 24th.  They will also be hosting young people on the National Citizen Service “Challenge” over the summer holidays.

For further details of activities, see their website www.longfieldhall.org.uk 

Green Corner

 Last Call for Blooming Lambeth Awards

Once again this year’s awards are being organised by Incredible Edible Lambeth, but 1st June is the closing date for nominations in the 7 categories.  Gardens will be visited during July, with an award-giving event at the Town Hall on 15 September.

Full details on their website at www.incredibleediblelambeth.org

Better Fridays – Garden Therapy at Brockwell Greenhouses

Feeling a bit low? Like to get out and enjoy nature? Fancy helping to grow some tasty veg?  Join Cathy and Cat for some gentle gardening, chat and tea, every Friday between 1 pm and 4 pm (Shared lunch at 1 pm, tea break at 3-30 pm).  The greenhouses are in the middle of Brockwell Park, between the tennis courts and the old walled garden.

Contact Cathy at edu.assistant@brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk or phone 07 834 343 664.

Brixton Orchard

The site on the corner of Brixton Hill and St. Matthew’s Road depends on local volunteers to keep it looking green and flourishing. Gardening sessions take place on Thursday afternoons, between 1 pm and 2-30, and more volunteers are welcome.  Tools are supplied but please book in advance so they know how many are coming – call Seb on 07 715 656 665 or e-mail to woods@urbangrowth.london or via Eventbrite.

Pocket Park on Brixton Hill

Another of our member groups, Community Education Foundation & Lyncx, based at the Eurolink Centre, has been helping Brixton Hill tenants rescue a neglected estate garden space.  Hyperion House on Brixton Hill is now managed by Roupell Park Residents Management Organisation.  Residents were keen to restore and reclaim the unloved open space behind the block, and collaboration between the RMO and CEF Lyncx over a 5 year period led to funding from MHCLG and Veolia Environment Trust for creating a “pocket park”, due to complete in October.  However members of both groups are well aware that the final challenge is setting up a sustainable strategy and capacity-building so that the park is preserved for community use in the years ahead.

Loughborough Farm News

Despite the building work going on around them, they will be selling a mix of edible and ornamental plants, and freshly harvested salads, at a Farm Market on Saturday 1st June, between 1 pm and 3 pm.

The following Saturday, 8th June, there will be a free training session on Composting, starting promptly at 1-15 pm. Enquiries toloughboroughfarm@gmail.com

Funding, Training and Support

Igniting Change in Lambeth – Wednesday 29 May

A series of six free workshops at Impact Brixton spread over June and July, but first you need to attend the information/workshop session on 29 May at the Portico Gallery, Knights Hill, West Norwood SE27 from 6 pm to 8-30 pm.  (A similar session in Brixton will have happened before you read this.) Organised by the School of Social Entrepreneurs and funded by Lambeth Council and Capita. Enquiries to Helen Animashaun on (020) 7089 9120,helen.animashaun@sse.org.uk or see website www.the-sse.org/courses/igniting-change-in-lambeth

Community Tree-planting Grants

Applications are now open for the third round of the Mayor of London’s Community Tree-planting grants, part of the Greener City Fund.  Planting can be on estates, in parks or community gardens, but not on streets. Application deadline is 24 June, for planting to take place between September 2019 and March 2020.

Full details are at www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/environment/parks-green-spaces-and-biodiversity/greener-city-fund 

Trust for London – last call

The latest round of grants from the Trust closes for applications on 4th June.  The Trust offers grants of up to £150,000 over 3 years for work which tackles the root causes of poverty and inequality in London.  Work must fit within any of 7 themes: Good Homes & Neighbourhoods, Better Work, Decent Living Standards, Shared Wealth, Pathways to Settlement, Stronger Voices, Connected Communities.  There will be a further funding round in the Autumn.  See the website www.trustforlondon.org.uk

Health & Wellbeing Trade-up Programme

This is another programme run by the School for Social Entrepreneurs, with Guys & St.Thomas’ Charity.  They are keen to support projects which tackle childhood obesity or that slow progression from a long-term condition in working-age adults.  Projects must be active in Lambeth and/or Southwark, and have an income of at least £15,000 in the last financial year.

The programme offers 10 days of free training, a match-trading grant of up to £10,000, and a full year’s membership of a supportive network. Again see their website, www.the-sse.org

Our neighbouring forum, the Stockwell Partnership, are already signing people up for this, so we suggest you contact them for some pointers,john@stockwell.org.uk or steve@stockwell.org.uk

YouthConnect Careers Events

Two more YouthConnect early evening events are lined up for June and July. Tuesday 4th June (5 pm to 7 pm) will focus on careers in Finance and Information Technology,

As before, these careers networking events for young people will be in 3Space, International House, corner of Popes Road and Canterbury Crescent, SW9.  Organised by We Rise – Brixton, enquiries to hello@werise.org.uk

We Rise are also looking for work experience opportunities for young people, and for senior staff in larger firms willing to act as mentors or coaches. Enquiries to Abigail@werise.org.uk

Start-up Help from your Library 

Help is now available through Lambeth Libraries if you are starting a business – or still thinking about it. A number of free services are available, and there is also access to low-cost training.  Contact Rachel Samuels, on 07 944 733 172 or RSamuels1@lambeth.gov.uk  

Rachel is based at Brixton Tate Library but has regular sessions at other Lambeth libraries.

Support for Small Charities

If you want to turn your small group into a Charity, the Small Charities Commission has set up an online tool to lead you through the process.  There are different types of charitable status and structure, depending on what you want to do, but the site provides checklists to help you choose.

See https://charitysetup.org.uk

Workshops at the Remakery

For more hands-on training, upcoming training workshops at The Remakery include a sign-making session this Saturday, 1st June, at a cost of £5.  Make outdoor signs from recycled materials, to suit your community garden or outdoor event.

An introduction to Woodwork hand tools is running over three weekly sessions, on Tuesdays 4, 11 and 18 June – cost £42 in total.  

For the more confident, there is an introduction to the machine tools on-site on Saturday 8th June, cost £16.

The Remakery is at 51 Lilford Road, SE5 9HY.  All enquiries to hello@remakery.org

New Boilers for Business Premises

Small businesses based in Lambeth could be eligible for up to 40% cashback when replacing an old boiler with a cleaner and more efficient version. After all, 40% of carbon dioxide emissions in London come from non-domestic buildings, commercial gas consumption accounts for 7% of London’s Nitrous Oxide emissions.

The Cleaner Heat Cashback scheme has a £10 million fund open to firms of up to 250 people, based in London and with a heating system of at least 70 Kw. An existing gas, oil or LPG boiler must be at least 10 years old, or an existing coal or biomass boiler can be any age. Further details athttps://love.lambeth.gov.uk/cashback-cleaner-heating-may19/