Southwark Life Autumn 2012

Life
Southwark
Autumn 2012
There’s never been
a better time to be
educated in Southwark
t
u
o
k
c
Che
to
e
d
i
u
our g
Apply for your child’s school place
Raising the bar with
excellent exam results
Reach your potential
with youth funding
and adult learning
Find out how to
become an apprentice
Your magazine from Southwark Council
www.southwark.gov.uk
Contents
welcome...
Focus
4
News adult swimming,
Heygate regeneration update,
new markets and adoption
information sessions
6
8
Exam results find out about
Southwark’s young achievers
Youth funding our
commitment to supporting
young people
Life
10
Scenes of great
literature check out our
literary map of Southwark
12
Events fireworks night,
exhibitions, charity runs and more
14
The future’s bright for
Southwark students
meet Sahyma Shaid-Hussain
16
Apply for a school
place how to get started
Info
18
How to...find an apprenticeship
20
Adult learning find out
In this Southwark Life we focus on learning opportunities
across the borough. From helpful step by step advice to
parents applying for a school place; to post 16 education and
apprenticeships; to the possibilities of adult learning. Whatever
your age there are opportunities for you right across Southwark
to extend your education.
We meet Sahyma Shaid-Hussain, one of the first Southwark
scholars. Sahyma is one of six students who last year won
university tuition fees paid by the council. She is a great student
who has achieved well academically and given a huge amount
back to her community.
This year thanks to additional support from the St Olave’s and
Bermondsey United Charities, seven more students will become
Southwark scholars and have their university tuition fees paid in full.
At a time when young people too often get negative press it is right
that we as a council and a community celebrate the achievements
of those who not only excel academically, but also demonstrate their
commitment to our borough and the people who live here with
voluntary work.
We are also supporting young people in the borough to continue in
post 16 education with the Southwark educational maintenance supplement
and for those who want to get ready for work, the Southwark employment
training scheme.
Our Black History Month supplement features a packed
programme of events to celebrate the life, work and
contribution of the Black community to our fantastically
diverse borough. So please learn, enjoy and be inspired
by the opportunities which Southwark has this autumn.
what’s on offer
27
Black History Month
your guide to Southwark's
celebration
Peter John
Leader of Southwark Council
Contact us
The Southwark Life team
Do you have something to say about Southwark
Life? Write to: Your Letters, Southwark Life,
Communications, Southwark Council, 160 Tooley
Street, Second floor, hub 5 SE1 2QH or email
southwark.life@southwark.gov.uk. We will print a
selection of letters but will edit those that are long.
We won’t print anonymous letters but can withhold
your name and address if you request it. We print
letters of a general nature. If you have a specific
query or problem with a council service, contact our
customer service centre – see page 22 for details.
Editor Nazarine Aiken
2
Contributors Florence Igbokwe, Kim
Bowers, Louise Grace Timms, Miranda
Clarke, Fariah Nanhoo, Kim Hooper,
Elizabeth Rust, Liz Bolton,
Maria Valdivia, Wendy Foreman.
Design Whatever Design Ltd
Print Pitney Bowes
Printed on 100% recycled paper
Distribution London Letterbox
Keep in touch
Southwark Life is a quarterly magazine
with the next issue due out in the winter.
You can contact the magazine at
southwark.life@southwark.gov.uk. For more
regular updates on council news and events
sign up for our enewsletter by visiting
www.southwark.gov.uk/enews or receive
info at facebook.com/southwarkcouncil and
at twitter.com/lb_southwark
Intro
Autumn 2012
www.southwark.gov.uk
Southwark’s Olympic
and Paralympic legacy
An outdoor disability multi
sports court for Peckham Town
Football Club – £85k
9
An outdoor sports area in
Camberwell – £30k
10
Find your local leisure centre www.southwark.gov.uk/leisure
Multi use games area in Bethwin
Road – £95k
8
Check out your Southwark Olympic and Paralympic timeline
www.southwark.gov.uk/olympictimeline
BMX track in Burgess Park
– £150k
7
For more information on our Olympic and Paralympic legacy fund,
visit www.southwark.gov.uk/london2012
Athenlay Football Club’s
sports ground in Homestall Road
– £175k
6
NEED To kNow
Upgrade to Peckham Rye pitches
and changing rooms
– £200K
5
Hopefully the London 2012
Games have inspired you to
take up a new sport or embrace
an old one. Keep your Olympic
and Paralympic spirits going by
taking advantage of the inclusive
first class leisure centres and
sporting clubs in the borough.
Contribution towards the
redevelopment of the Southwark
Park sports complex – £370k
4
To help people be inspired by
the Games we gave deserving
We want you to know that there
is a strong Games legacy left for
our Southwark community. The
Olympic and Paralympic legacy
has been a priority for us well
ahead of the Games, with £2m
awarded to ten local projects. We
plan to create inclusive leisure
and sporting opportunities well
beyond this exciting Olympic
year. We have strengthened our
leisure facilities to welcome
anyone inspired to get involved
in sports.
Development of in field
track facilities at Herne Hill
Velodrome – £400k
3
In preparation for the Games
we worked with organisations
and individuals from across
the borough to improve
cultural activities, coordinate
volunteering opportunities,
encourage healthy lifestyles,
promote sport and prioritise
promoting inclusive sport
activities for all abilities.
residents free tickets to some
of the Games events. See
their stories and add yours
on our Olympics timeline
at www.southwark.gov.uk/
olympictimeline
Further refurbishment to the
Camberwell Leisure Centre
sports hall – £490k
2
T
he excitement grew
as the Olympic
Torch Relay came
to Southwark with
161,000 of you
taking to the streets to support
our Southwark torchbearers.
The London 2012 spirit swept
through Southwark with a
range of inspiring sporting
and cultural events. From the
volunteers, frontline staff to local
community groups and sports
clubs, each person contributed
to making Southwark’s Olympic
experience fantastic.
10 LEGACY ProjECTS
1
We are determined to leave a true
Games legacy for future generations
A disability pool hoist for
Peckham Pulse Healthy Living
Centre – £5.6k
For more information on voluntering visit www.southwark.gov.uk/volunteer
www.southwark.gov.uk/london2012
3
Adult swim school
News...
For more news and events sign up
for our monthly enewsletter at
www.southwark.gov.uk/enews
Have your say on
improvements to Camberwell
£75m is being dedicated to regenerating the Camberwell area.
We need your thoughts and ideas on what you would like to
see at Camberwell Green so they can be woven into our initial
concepts for further consultation. The regeneration will include;
new homes at Elmington Estate, a new library and civic square,
safer pedestrian and cycling facilities, new green space and park
layout, a new school for Sacred Heart and St Michael and All
Angels and much more. To have your say visit www.southwark.
gov.uk/consultations by 5 October 2012.
Poppy Appeal
With the ever increasing demand
on the Royal British Legion's
services, volunteers are needed
to take to the streets with
collecting boxes to raise money for
veterans and their families, from October
27 to November 11 2012. Poppies will be
delivered to local shops, businesses, schools
and wreaths and tins will also be delivered
to local churches to raise money. Contact
Alice Fisher for more information 0207 863 3347. For details
of local remembrance services, visit www.britishlegion.org.uk
Shadow Health and
Wellbeing Board
Tackling mental health, obesity and alcohol misuse are among
the challenges set out at the Southwark Shadow Health and
Wellbeing Board. Council chiefs, the NHS and other experts
have joined forces to tackle the borough’s health inequalities
with four core priorities; prevention or reduction of alcoholrelated misuse, coping skills, resilience and mental wellbeing, early intervention and families and healthy weight
and exercise. Meetings are open to the public visit www.
southwark.gov.uk/healthandsocialcare for more information.
4
It’s never too late to learn
to swim. Your local leisure
centres run comprehensive
learn to swim programmes
for people of all ages and
all abilities. We also offer
one to one swimming
lessons, allowing you to
brush up on techniques, learn
new skills and benefit from
personal tuition. For more information visit
www.southwark-leisure.com
Heygate estate
regeneration update
The Heygate is at the centre of the £1.5bn
regeneration of the Elephant and Castle area.
It is currently mostly empty with some areas
demolished. When complete, 2,400 affordable,
bright and brand new homes as well as a vastly
improved public realm will surround the largest
new park created in central London for 70 years.
To progress the regeneration, the council will now
purchase the three remaining leaseholder homes.
Barriers have been put in place to prevent flytipping issues and graffiti removal on the empty
estate. Pre-demolition works will begin early next
year on the vacant Kingshill, Swanbourne and
Wansey Street blocks. Visit www.southwark.gov.uk/
heygate for more information.
Burgess Park reopened
On Sunday 2 September 2012, 3,000 people visited
the newly transformed and fully re-opened Burgess
Park. Over £8m has been invested in Burgess Park
including more than half from the council so
that users and future generations can enjoy the
beautiful surroundings including the wonderful
lake and existing and newly planted trees. The next
phase of the redevelopment will be the works on
the national standard 400-metre BMX track, due for
completion in 2013. Visit www.southwark.gov.uk/
burgesspark to find out more.
Focus
Love your local market
Are you considering
adoption?
With two new markets recently opening
in the borough, there’s no excuse not to
shop local. South Dock Marina’s Saturday
market offers delicious foods from around
the world, homemade delights, arts and
crafts, every Saturday from 10am to 6pm.
You can also pick up some essentials at
Canada Water Plaza market including
delicious coffee, food and flowers, open
Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm. Find
out more about Southwark’s markets at
www.southwark.gov.uk/markets. If you
are interested in having your own stall at
any of our Southwark markets please call
020 7525 6000 for more information.
Apply for the CGS fund to improve your local environment
by making it cleaner greener or safer today. There are two
types of funding: CGS capital funding for permanent, physical
improvements and CGS revenue funding for small, one off
schemes. Previous successful applications have been awarded to
plant trees and flowers in the local area, improve street lighting,
improvements to children’s playgrounds and many more. All
ideas are considered by Southwark’s five community councils.
The deadline for completed applications is Friday 30 November
2012. To find out more about the fund and apply, visit
www.southwark.gov.uk/cleanergreenersafer
Refurbished Peckham
library floor now open
The next information session will take
place at Peckham Library, SE15 5JR at
11am on Saturday 10 November 2012 and
Saturday 12 January 2013. For further
information call 0800 952 0707, email
adoption@southwark.gov.uk or visit
www.southwark.gov.uk/adoption
What’s your journey?
We want to hear 1,000 stories and journeys
about family life in Southwark. We're
holding a range of events throughout
October to gather the experiences of
living, working and growing up in the
borough from children and families. These
stories and journeys will influence the
priorities of the council and its partners,
like schools and health, and help shape
the future of local services for children
and families. If you would like to share
your experiences at one of our events
please email childrenandfamiliestrust@
southwark.gov.uk or visit www.southwark.
gov.uk/1000stories for more information.
n't
I did
realise how hard it
wo
uld
b
eh
avi
ng
my
se
cond
chi
ld,
the m
idwife really h ed me
elp
throug
h when
toug
Il
ere
w
h my
tm
os
to
ho
es
ther
clu
uth
yo
ar
dancescho
be
ols
MO
RE
ava
ilable
to
e
d th
y an
gue d about mone
bs
an
dc
om
mu
nity
child
ren
wo
ul
d
pre
gna
nc
y
COM
PLA
IN
ul
d
e
.W
ob
yj
I go
The newly refurbished
fourth floor at Peckham
library is now open with
over ten thousand new
books and self service
technology. There are
improved study facilities
and a new seating
area for reading and
relaxing. A computer
upgrade has improved
access to the internet
and increased facilities
for Wi-Fi users. To find out more about
libraries or sign up for free library membership,
visit www.southwark.gov.uk/libraries
If you are interested in adoption, why
not join us at one of our upcoming
information days? Our experienced
members of staff will be there to answer
your questions and help you decide
whether adoption is right for you.
Th
ing
s
Cleaner greener safer funding
(CGS)
www.southwark.gov.uk
Autumn 2012
use for free
5
Getting the grades
What’s your next move?
Secondary school
students across
Southwark are
raising the bar with
excellent GCSE and
A level results
6
S
tudents across Southwark
celebrated as GCSE and
A Level results were
announced at the end of
August. Results for both
have improved, compared to last
year with a significant rise in the
number of GCSE pupils achieving
five A* to C grades, including
English, maths and the English
Baccalaureate.
Cllr Dora Dixon-Fyle, cabinet
member for children’s services,
said: “I would like to offer my most
sincere congratulations to all of
Southwark’s GCSE and A Level
pupils this year. They have done
exceptionally well, once again lifting
the bar and showing the rest of
the country the commitment they
have to their education and their
futures.”
Whether you achieved the grades
you were expecting or not, there
are a range of education options
available to you in Southwark. For
example, there are two universities
and three colleges based in
Southwark offering a variety of
courses ranging from design to
chemistry. Visit them online for
more information about open days,
courses and how to apply.
Southwark Life went along to
capture the exciting atmosphere as
St Thomas the Apostle School for
boys received their GCSE results
and found out what their plans for
the future were.
!
t
n
e
l
e
c
x
e
Focus
Autumn 2012
www.southwark.gov.uk
CoLLEGES AND
uNivErSiTiES
iN THE borouGH
Mark
Camberwell College of Arts
www.camberwell.arts.ac.uk
London College of Communication
www.lcc.arts.ac.uk
Morley College
www.morleycollege.ac.uk
Liam
Southwark College
www.southwark.ac.uk
Goldsmiths, university of London
www.gold.ac.uk
London South bank university
www.lsbu.ac.uk
Liam Solomon achieved nine
A*s, two As and two Bs. Liam
will be moving onto study A
Level chemistry, biology, maths,
philosophy and history. “My
advice to students going into
year 11 is to calm down, revise
early and do the work. Oh and
don’t forget to make time for
some fun.”
Mark Obom was very pleased
with his GCSE results. Having
achieved three A*s, four As
and three Bs Mark will begin A
Level studies in maths, biology,
chemistry and psychology. “I’m so
relieved. I worked really hard and
put in a lot of extra study.”
Whatever
you decide
to do
there are
many educ
ational
opportunit
ies availab
le. Take
advantage
of them
and enjoy
your first
step into
post 16
education
.
Emmanuel
Head Boy, Emmanuel Kwake
wants to be an engineer and
achieved one A*, seven As
and three Bs. Emmanuel is
off to study A Level physics,
maths, psychology and one
other subject still to be
decided. “It feels surreal.
I will miss being at
St. Thomas’. I will miss the
ethos and the togetherness.
It has a family mentality.
I hope it never changes.”
NEED To kNow
Check out these online resources
to find out about educational
opportunities further afield.
London colleges
www.londoncolleges.com
Study London
www.studylondon.ac.uk
Learndirect
www.learndirect.co.uk
Floodlight
www.london.floodlight.co.uk
7
Helping young people
fulfill their potential
Did you know we
are committed to
supporting our young
people achieve
their educational
potential?
8
I
n August 2011 we announced
the introduction of a £3m
youth fund package to assist
young people who want
to remain in post sixteen
education but are unable to do
so due to financial hardship. The
fund which is being given out over
three years is one of the measures
being undertaken by the council to
deliver on its Fairer Future promise
to champion improved educational
attainment for the borough’s young
people.
youth fund will ensure promising
students from low income families
get the opportunity to go to
university in the first scheme of
its kind in the country. The fund
can also help with the costs of
books, travel and other expenses
for students from low income
households and those taking up
work placements and training.”
Cllr Dora Dixon-Fyle, cabinet
member for children’s services,
said “We are committed to ensuring
our young people get the help and
support they need to achieve their
best and fulfill their potential. Our
•Southwark’s Educational
Maintenance Supplement (SEMS)
The funds are available through
three schemes
•The scholarship scheme
•The Southwark Employment
Training Scheme
Focus
Autumn 2012
www.southwark.gov.uk
Thanh
Scholarships
The scholarship scheme is designed to pay university tuition fees for up
to seven talented young people who are facing financial hardship. The
application process begins in January 2013. In April applicants will be
required to confirm that they have been offered a university place. A final
decision will be made once A Level results have been received. This year
nearly 90 applications were received.
To be eligible for a scholarship you must
•Not already have a degree, this must be your first degree
•Have an annual household income less than £21,000
•be a Southwark resident for a minimum of three years
•Have undertaken community or voluntary work
Southwark Educational Maintenance Supplement (SEMS)
The Southwark Educational Maintenance Supplement (SEMS) was one of
the first schemes of its kind to be introduced in the country following the
government’s decision to phase out the national Education Maintenance
Allowance (EMA).
In 2011/12, over 1,000 students in need of financial support benefitted
from the £300,000 that we allocated to SEMS. The supplement is designed
to be used to cover the cost of academic books, travel expenses and any
other necessary costs.
I have been looking for a job for
a while. The employment training
scheme is excellent if you want
to go straight into employment. I
want to work with software but
didn’t have much experience. It is
really practical so I get hands on
experience. We have been taking
computers apart and learning how
to put them back together. I’ve also
had help doing a CV and preparing
for interviews.
To be eligible in 2012/13 for SEMS you must be
•16 to18 years old
•A Southwark resident
•Eligible for free school meals
•Not in receipt of the £1,200 entitlement under the national 16 to 18
bursary scheme
SEMs applications can be made throughout the year. It is advised to apply
at the start of the course.
Southwark employment training scheme
The employment training scheme helps young people improve their
job prospects by offering valuable work placements and training in
conjunction with local businesses.
To be eligible for the employment training scheme you must be
NEED To kNow
Scholarships www.southwark.gov.uk/
scholarship-scheme
SEMS www.southwark.gov.uk/educationmaintenance
Employment training scheme www.
southwark.gov.uk/employment-training
Elephant Jobs www.elephantjobs.org.uk
•16 to 24 years old
•A Southwark resident
•Actively looking for work
You can join the employment training scheme throughout the year.
9
Learn more about Southwark’s
amazing literary heritage
I
n a borough with a host
of extraordinary literary
connections, Southwark
libraries have created a map
to help capture as many of
them as possible. The map highlights
the places in Southwark that have
been featured in novels, or that have
links to famous authors. There are
currently nearly 80 different literary
locations featured, with just a few
selected in the map opposite.
Explore the literary
map of Southwark
and discover a borough
with an inspiring
written heritage
The map features both past and
present authors who have been
inspired by Southwark's landscape.
This includes a special section
dedicated to the borough's links to
the work of famous writer Charles
Dickens. Southwark played a hugely
important role in the early life of
Dickens and this is reflected in
ur
Help us with yo
literary knowledge
If you are aware of other books that feature
Southwark, we would love to hear from you.
Ideally they will be books that are currently in print
as we want to encourage other readers to try them
too. Email southwark.libraries@southwark.gov.uk
with the following information
• Titleofbook
• Author
• PlaceinSouthwarkthatrelatestothebook,so
that it can be plotted on the map
• Averybriefdescriptionofthebookanditslink(s)
to Southwark
10
his books, the majority of which
have Southwark connections. From
Pickwick Cottage in Dulwich featured
in Pickwick Papers, Little Dorrit’s
Church in Borough High Street
where Little Dorrit was christened
and married, to Jacob Street in
Bermondsey which is traditionally
known as the location of Bill Sikes’
house from Oliver Twist.
Cllr Veronica Ward, cabinet member
for culture, leisure, sport and the
Olympics said “Southwark has been
home to some of the greatest talent in
the history of English literature. The
map is recognition of the importance
writers such as Charles Dickens have
and continue to have to the borough.
It is also a great tool, to use to gain
an insight into how Southwark has
changed over the years or escape into
a page-turning mystery. If you’d like
to find one of the featured books, or
would like another suggestion, just
ask one of the friendly staff in your
local library.”
Elizabeth
I found the online literary
map really interesting. I knew
Shakespeare and Dickens were
linked to Southwark, but I had
no idea there were so many
other authors both past and
present who set their books in
the borough. I will definitely
be visiting my local library,
Grove Vale, to borrow some of
these featured books.
Focus Autumn
Life
Autumn2012
2012
Bankside
Complete Works by William
Shakespeare – Shakespeare’s
Globe on New Globe Walk is a
modern replica of the original
Globe Theatre built in 1599 by
Shakespeare’s playing company,
the Lord Chamberlain's Men.
Borough
Bermondsey
Walworth
Tipping the Velvet
by Sarah Walters –
Nancy Astley and
Kitty Butler appear
as a double act
for the first time
in a ‘Camberwell
hall’ in 1889. Music
halls of the time
included ‘The Father Redcap’
next to Camberwell Green.
Walworth
Rivers of London by
Ben Aaronovitch –
Southwark, London
and Tower Bridge all
get name-checked
in this endearing
fantasy romp.
BERMONDSEY
Camberwell
Last Orders by Graham
Swift – Friends gather
in a Bermondsey pub to
honour a dead friend
then head down the
Old Kent Road and
out along the A2 in a
memorable journey to
fulfil his dying wish.
Peckham
Nunhead
East Dulwich
Dulwich
Right Ho,
Jeeves by
P.G.
Wodehouse
– P.G.
Wodehouse
attended
Dulwich
College
along with other famous
authors including Raymond
Chandler and C S Forrester.
Borough
Rotherhithe
The Distant Hours by Kate
Morton – In this romantic
thriller Edie’s mother, Meredith,
grows up on Barlow Street
near Elephant and Castle. As
a young teen she is evacuated
to the mysterious Milderhurst
Castle during the Blitz.
Camberwell
www.southwark.gov.uk
Dulwich
PECKHAM
The Ballad of Peckham
Rye by Muriel Spark
– Scottish migrant
Dougal Douglas moves
to Peckham and
asserts a diabolical
influence on the lives
of the local residents.
NEED To kNow
For more information about libraries, opening hours or
to sign up for free library membership call 020 7525 2000
or visit www.southwark.gov.uk/libraries
11
Events calendar
Family friendly
Ahoy there!
Date: Sunday 21 October, Sunday
18 November
Time: 2pm to 4.30pm
venue: Design Museum,
28 Shad Thames, SE1 2YD
Admission: £4.50 per child
(5 to 11 years old)
Tel: 020 7940 8783
web: www.designmuseum.org
info: Design a model boat inspired by
the Designed to Win exhibition and
the array of yachts, tall ships and speed
boats that pass by on the Thames.
Booking is essential.
Fireworks Night
Date: Monday 5 November
Time: 7pm
venue: Southwark Park, SE16
Admission: Free
Tel: 020 7525 2000
web: www.southwark.gov.uk
info: Southwark Council's annual
firework display.
Date: Thursday 18 October
Time: 6pm to 8pm
venue: The Cuming Museum, The Old
Town Hall, 151 Walworth Road,
SE17 1RY
Admission: Free
Tel: 020 7525 2332
web: www.southwark.gov.uk/
cumingmuseum
info: Enter into another world at
this performance of a new work of
storytelling and music by Vanessa
Woolf and Nigel of Bermondsey.
Date: Tuesday to Saturday until
24 November 2012
Time: 10am to 5pm
venue: The Cuming Museum, The Old
Town Hall, 151 Walworth Road, SE17 1RY
Admission: Free
Tel: 020 7525 2332
web: www.southwark.gov.uk/
cumingmuseum
info: This family friendly exhibition,
explores Dickens' experiences of the
Borough area
of Southwark
during his time
there in 1824
whilst his father
was imprisoned
in the Marshalsea
debtors' prison.
Embark on
a cryptic trail of discovery
in Southwark
Date: until Monday 31 December
Time: 9.30am to 1.30pm
venue: Starting at Dilston Grove,
Southwark Park, Gomm Road, SE16 2DD
Admission: £16 per team
web: www.inthehiddencity.com
info: In conjunction with Hidden City,
the trail starts in Southwark Park, and
will embark on an exploration of the
local community, with clues sent to you
by text message.
12
Charities
Read for RNIB Day
Date: Thursday 18 to Saturday
20 October
Time: various
venue: Hibernia Wharf, SE1
Admission: Free
Tel: 0303 123 9999
web: www.rnib.org.uk
info: Royal National Institute of Blind
People will be celebrating this year’s
Read for RNIB Day with a unique
Wonderland experience.
Tunnel 2 Towers Run
Fact into fiction –
A Southwark childhood
Flickering Lights: Charles
Dickens reimagined
Autumn 2012
Date: Sunday 21 October
Time: 9.30am
venue: Southwark Park, SE16
Admission: Free
Email: info@tunnel2towersrun.org
web: www.tunnel2towersrun.co.uk
info: The run to raise money for
various charities will pass through
Rotherhithe Tunnel, then onto
Wapping and end with a street party
in Billingsgate Market.
Exhibitions
The Sketchbook Project
Date: Friday 12 October to Friday
19 October
Time: various
venue: Culture Space,
Canada Water Library, SE16 7AR
Admission: Free
web: www.southwark.gov.uk/
sketchbookexhibition
info: 2,000 artists have contributed to
The Sketchbook Project from across
the globe. Having toured America, it
now comes to London featuring 1,900
handmade artists’ books from across
Europe. Come and be part of this very
special project.
Focus Autumn
Life
Autumn2012
2012
The Body Adorned:
Dressing London
Over 60?
You can still get active
As part of our Silver Active
programme, your local leisure
centres have a range of exercise
activities for older people in
Southwark. Designed specifically
for people over 60, these classes
cater for a range of fitness
levels and abilities with aqua
aerobics, swimming, aerobics,
gym and circuit sessions. For more
information on activities and how
to get involved, pick up a leaflet in
your local leisure centre or visit
www.southwark-leisure.com/getactive
Urban Portrait © Horniman
Museum & Gardens
Date: until Sunday 6 January 2013
Time: 10.30am to 5.30pm
venue: Horniman Museum,
100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ
Admissions: Free
Tel: 020 8699 1872
web: www.horniman.ac.uk
info: You are invited to look at
how you dress your body and why.
The exhibition considers how the
movement of
people, objects
and ideas
influenced
London dress
in the past and
explores body
adornment in
today’s world city of London.
Theatre
Little pieces of gold
Date: Sunday 18 November
Time: 8pm
venue: Southwark Playhouse,
Shipwright Yard, SE1 2TF
Admissions: £10
Tel: 020 7407 0234
web: www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk
info: Come along and see six, 20
minute plays from up and coming UK
writers and directors. It is a regular
showcase for bold, thought provoking,
entertaining new drama.
www.southwark.gov.uk
The Gambler
Date: Tuesday 20 November
Time: 7.30pm
venue: Canada Water Culture Space,
Canada Water Library, 21 Surrey Quays
Road, SE16 7AR
Admissions: £10, £8 concessions
Tel: 020 8692 4446
web: www.canadawater
culturespace.org
info: Come along to an enthralling
visual tale combining movement and
live music. The story of Edgar, an old
man trapped in his past. Watch as he
confronts his addiction, and wonders
if his decisions were truly his own.
The F Word – a public conversation
Come along to a public meeting of hearts and minds discussing alternatives
to revenge and responses to wrong-doings against the backdrop of The free
F Word exhibition at Tooley Street. (The exhibition examines forgiveness in
the face of atrocity. Monday 5 November to Friday 9 November). Speakers
will include The Rt Rev Christopher Chessun (Bishop of Southwark), Erwin
James (Guardian columnist and former 'lifer'), Marina Cantacuzino (founder
and director of The Forgiveness
Project), and Grace Idowu (mother
of stabbing victim David Idowu).
The David Idowu Youth Choir will
perform and refreshments will be
served. Thursday 8 November 2012
from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at 160
Tooley Street SE1. Admission is free
but advance registration is essential
michael.cleere@southwark.gov.uk
or 020 7525 5645.
other
World War 1 burial site
rededication
Date: Sunday 4 November
Time: 12.30pm
venue: Nunhead Cemetery, Linden
Grove, SE15
Admission: Free
web: www.cwgc.org
info: The original WW1 burial
site became over grown and
unidentifiable. The Commonwealth
War Graves Commission have
restored the original WW1 burial site
and Southwark Council's cemeteries
team will hold a rededication
ceremony with the help of the
Friends of Nunhead Cemetery and
the British Legion.
Exploring the onset of
mental illness – mental
fight club
Date: Every Monday
Time: 10am to 8pm
venue: The Dragon Cafe,
The Crypt of St George the Martyr
Church, Borough High Street, SE1 1JA
Admission: Free
web: www.mentalfightclub.com
info: Get involved in open access group
meetings and share creative interests,
including: poetry, photography,
writing, short sessions in mindfulness,
Tai Chi and non-contact boxing.
13
The future looks bright for
scholarship students...
Meet Sahyma ShaidHussain, one of
Southwark Council’s first
scholarship students now
in her second year of a
criminology and sociology
course at City University
14
Focus Autumn
Life
Autumn2012
2012
www.southwark.gov.uk
“investigate all the opportunities open to you and
don’t rule anything out until you’ve tried it.”
what difference has the council’s
scholarship scheme made to your
university life?
It’s really made a difference. It’s just
less stressful because I’m not worrying
about money and I can concentrate
on my studies and know I won’t come
out with a load of debt, particularly
as I want to do a conversion degree
later. It’s also given me the motivation
to do well because I know I’ve got
someone who believes in me. I want
to prove that my scholarship was
money well spent.
How did you hear about the
scholarship and how did you find the
application process?
I first heard about the scholarship on
A Level results day when people were
giving out flyers. It was the first year
the scholarship was running so there
wasn’t as much information as there
is now but my teachers encouraged
me to go for it so I applied the next
day. The application process included
writing a personal statement, so
I looked at the one I did for my
university application and used it
as a basis. I was shocked to get the
interview, even more than being
offered the scholarship, as I thought
there were more people out there
who would have a better chance, but I
was really happy to be offered it. It all
happened very quickly.
Did you always know you wanted to
go to university?
I always knew I wanted to go to
university; it was a dream of mine.
I just needed to get the grades. But
I didn’t want to spend three years
doing something I wouldn’t enjoy. At
school we had taster days and would
do things like visit the Old Bailey court
and I spoke to lawyers who offered
me lots of advice, like you didn’t have
to go straight into a law degree but
could try different subjects first, which
I thought sounded really interesting.
what’s your favourite thing about
university life?
I think my favourite part is socialising
and making new friends. You get
to meet people who share the same
interests and passions as you and you
get to really enjoy learning about
your chosen subject. That’s the other
thing I like, there is lots of choice. You
have the responsibility for choosing
your modules and you can pick topics
and do your own research into what
interests you. It does require a lot of self
motivation though so you should make
sure you choose subjects you like.
what advice would you give students
who are now making their choices
about going to university?
Investigate all the opportunities open
to you and don’t rule anything out
until you’ve tried it. I think there is a
culture in young people to think in the
back of their mind that things won’t
work out or they won’t like it. But you
never know until you try.
SAHYMA’S
SouTHwArk
Southbank
I love it on the Southbank, it’s a
great place to take a walk and soak
up the atmosphere.
The Globe Theatre
I’ve been to lots of plays here
and even taken part in some, like
Richard III, through their schools
programme.
Burgess Park
It’s close to home and much nicer
than it used to be. It’s not just new
greenery; it’s now a really nice
place for families.
NEED To kNow
Under the Southwark scholarship scheme – the first of its kind
in the country – the council funds at least seven students a year
studying for an arts, science or vocational degree from October
onwards for the duration of their course. This year an extra
student has been sponsored by St Olave’s and Bermondsey
United charity.
The council spent £50,000 in 2011/12 from its £3m youth fund to
pay for the scheme, which will rise to £150,000 in 2013/14.
Applications for students wanting to start university in autumn
2013 will be open in January 2013. Visit www.southwark.gov.uk/
scholarship-scheme for more information.
15
Apply
for a
school
place
I
f you’re applying for a school
place for September 2013, the
good news is that Southwark
schools continue to improve
with over three quarters of our
primary schools being rated as good
or outstanding by Ofsted.
If your child is due to
start school or transfer
to secondary school in
September 2013, you
need to start applying for
their school place now
Southwark primary schools
are continuing to make steady
improvements in national testing at
the end of Year 6, improving on last
year’s results and continuing a six
year upward trend. This year, schools
have exceeded the 2011 national
average of 74 percent. Our secondary
schools saw record levels of pupils
gaining A* to C grades in GCSE
results this year and A Level results
are improving year on year.
It is vital to start thinking about
your application now. Make sure
you carefully review each school’s
admissions criteria before listing a
school as one of your six preferences to
ensure your child meets the criteria.
You must apply for a primary or
secondary school place for your child
online. If you do not have a computer
at home or do not have access to
the internet, please visit one of our
Southwark libraries or one stop
shops where there is free internet
access and staff available to help
you. You can ask your child’s current
school to assist you in completing
an online application if you feel
you need help. You can also call the
school admissions team for further
information about their ‘Apply online’
sessions which will be held during
the autumn term.
16
Focus Autumn
Life
Autumn2012
2012
www.southwark.gov.uk
Cllr Dora Dixon-Fyle
Cabinet member for
children’s services
Research and choose your schools
Start finding out about schools now. Visit as many schools as possible, talk to
teachers, other parents and read each school’s admissions criteria.
You can find useful information in our online admissions brochures which
you can view on the Southwark website at www.southwark.gov.uk/
schooladmissions. Each school will also have their own brochure and website
where you will find more detailed information.
There has never been a better
time to be educated in Southwark.
Results in English and maths in
our primary schools are among
the very best across the whole of
London. I’m proud to say I went to
both primary and secondary school
in Southwark and it has provided
me with the best foundations
for my education and learning
experiences. I am pleased to say
secondary school GCSE results for
2012 saw 75 percent of pupils
achieving five A* to C grades,
including English and maths,
which is higher than last year’s
national average.
You can choose up to six schools in order of preference. Remember to check
that your child meets each school’s admissions criteria before selecting your
six preferences. A summary of the school’s criteria can be found in our online
admissions brochure or you can ask schools directly.
Get your application in on time
Southwark residents need to apply to Southwark Council even if their
preferred schools are outside the borough by 31 October 2012 (secondary
schools) or 15 January 2013 (primary schools).
Apply online at www.southwark.gov.uk/schooladmissions now.
Some schools require a supplementary form which must be collected from
and returned to the school directly. Please contact the school for further
information.
What happens next?
Free healthy
school meals
You will be sent a letter by first class post on 1 March 2013 (secondary) or
17 April 2013 (primary) informing you of which school your child has been
offered a place. You can check the website on the evening of the same day
to view this information online.
Every Southwark primary
school offers free healthy
school meals to pupils
in reception, year 1, 2, 3
and 4 that sign up to the
scheme. The scheme will also be
available to pupils in year 5 and 6 from
September 2013. To find out more visit
www.southwark.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals
You have until 15 March 2013 (secondary) or 2 May 2013 (primary) to reject
the offer of a school place. No action is required if you are a Southwark
resident and want to accept the school offered to your child. If your child
is a Southwark resident and we are unable to offer them a school of your
listed preference, we will offer an alternative place at a school with capacity.
If it was not possible to offer a place at one of your preferred Southwark
schools and we have allocated an alternative school, your child’s name will
automatically be put on those schools’ waiting lists. If you are unhappy with
your offer, you can appeal. Details will be included in your offer letter.
Liam
School preference adviser
Always research and visit
schools you wish to list as your
preferences to help you decide
whether the school suits you
and your child. Carefully read
each school’s admission criteria
to understand the chances
of your child being offered
a place. Listing only one
preference will not improve
your child’s chances of getting
into that school so make use of
the six preferences available.
NEED To kNow
For more info and to apply online, visit www.southwark.
gov.uk/schooladmissions call 020 7525 5337 or email
school.admissions@southwark.gov.uk
Contact the special educational needs team on
020 7525 4278 or email sen@southwark.gov.uk if your
child has a statement of special educational needs
Southwark libraries and one stop shops offer free internet
access call 020 7525 2000 to find your local one
Contact the school preference adviser for impartial
advice about the school application process on
020 7525 5211 or email schoolpref@southwark.gov.uk
17
How to...
secure an
apprenticeship
An apprenticeship
can help you to
gain precious work
experience while
you study towards
a qualification
18
W
e have a number of
apprentices working
across the councils
departments. Since
the launch of the
apprenticeship programme in 2006,
139 apprentices have completed a
full qualification.
There are more than 200 types
of apprenticeships available,
across various industries ranging
from adult social care, plumbing,
veterinary, construction and
nursing. Apprenticeship placements
can begin at any time of the year,
so there’s no need to wait for term
time. According to the National
Apprenticeship Service there are
more than 1500 apprenticeship
vacancies this year.
Gavin started his apprenticeship at
Southwark Council in business and
admin in February 2009. “I was provided
with the support that I needed to
really demonstrate my potential. It was
amazing to deliver a speech to the senior
management team within my first week.
When my apprenticeship ended I secured
a job in corporate strategy and now
work on improving services to meet the
needs of local people.” Gavin has now
completed a foundation degree in public
administration with merit.
Although a permanent role is not
guaranteed after an apprenticeship,
many go on to secure employment at the
council or similar organisations. This
year we had 40 apprenticeship places
available, visit www.southwark.gov.uk/
jobs. Check out our top tips on taking the
next steps to securing an apprenticeship.
Info
Hollie
Hollie O'Shea won apprentice of the
year in 2011 and has completed a NVQ
Level 2 and 3 in customer services and
a NVQ Level 3 in national tax benefits.
She is now employed in the events
team working on community projects.
“I never saw myself going to university. I had been
working since I was 16, so I was used to having my
own income. Being an apprentice has allowed me
to achieve qualifications and earn an income at an
organisation I like working for, which is why it was a
good decision for me.”
Autumn 2012
www.southwark.gov.uk
Summer
Summer started her apprenticeship at
the council as a collections officer in
August 2011 and has been short-listed
for the London regional final of the
National Apprenticeship Awards and
National Training Awards 2012. Summer
said “The apprenticeship programme has
been amazing and I can’t thank it enough. I would advise
anyone to go for an apprenticeship as I ended up with a
permanent job and lots of experience and new life skills.”
Our top tips for securing an apprenticeship
1
2
3
4
5
Decide what area you would like to work in
There are many different apprenticeships to choose from so make some
time to do some research into the industry and type of work you are
interested in to help you decide.
Think about what type of qualifications you
would like to work towards
As an apprentice you can work towards NVQ qualifications to Level 4, and
could then progress onto foundation degrees and bachelor degrees.
Visit the National Apprenticeship
Service website
This website is full of information on apprenticeships as well as
apprenticeship vacancies www.apprenticeships.org.uk
Research potential employers
Find out about the benefits of working with potential
employers. Look out for apprenticeship fairs as this is also a
good way to meet potential employers.
Prepare applications
Start applying, make sure you understand what you need to do to
apply. For example, you may need to submit GCSE results or a CV.
19
ENJOY
EXPERIENCE learning
SOUTHWARK
Adult learning
Learn something new
at one of our adult
learning classes
20
S
outhwark’s adult learning
service delivers a wide
range of courses, that
teach and develop a
range of skills across the
borough. As well as numeracy and
literacy classes, there are courses
in pottery, fashion and even fitness
courses in Zumba, Pilates and
more. Joining a course can help you
progress into work, explore your
creativity, give you the confidence to
help your children with their school
work, improve your fitness and
much more.
well as during the evenings and
weekends. Course fees are listed in
the brochure and range from free to
£5.50 per hour.
Last year, 4,500 people took part in
the 547 courses on offer. Courses
range from one day to 24 weeks
and are tailored to individuals. Our
classes are filled with a variety of
people from all backgrounds and
we welcome all who wish to attend.
Courses take place in the day as
So whether you want to improve
your English and IT skills, learn
how to design and make clothes and
furniture or need help to apply
for jobs and interview preparation,
there is something for you.
Visit www.southwark.gov.uk/
adultlearning for more information.
Cllr Veronica Ward, cabinet member
for culture, leisure, sport and the
Olympics said “It is never too late to
start learning something new and
improve your skills. From fashion,
fitness, dance and pottery to creative
writing and learning English, our
adult learning courses offer a range of
interesting opportunities across the
borough.”
Info
Autumn 2012
www.southwark.gov.uk
r
Help you ICT
h
child wit
Dionne
The course was very good
and educational. Parents
can really learn how to do
educational activities that
are fun and it also taught
me how to keep my child
safe on the internet. I
would love to learn about
health and social care.
COURSE
highligh
tS
Customising fashion
Learn how to
breathe new life
into your old
clothes
Family Zumba
Get the whole
family joining
in with the new
fitness craze
Gonzalo
I am doing the ESOL (English
for Speakers of Other
Languages) for a work course
because I’m living in England
and I want to speak good
English. I’m looking for a better
job so it’s helping me with my
interview skills. I also want to
go on to do business studies
at my university so my English
needs to be excellent.
Help your child
with homework
Get support and
fun ideas to help
your child with
English and
maths
NEED To kNow
You can find out more about all
the courses on offer by visiting,
www.southwark.gov.uk/adultlearning
21
Getting in touch
Your guide to contacting Southwark Council
our top web addresses and numbers are:
Main switchboard
tel: 020 7525 5000
web: southwark.gov.uk
Adoption and fostering
recruitment
web: southwark.gov.uk/adoption
web: southwark.gov.uk/fostering
tel: 0800 952 0707
Benefits (housing and council tax)
web: southwark.gov.uk/benefits
tel: 020 7525 1880
Building control
web: southwark.gov.uk/
buildingcontrol
tel: 0845 600 1285
Business rates
web: southwark.gov.uk/
businessrates
tel: 020 7525 5505
Customer service centre
web: southwark.gov.uk/csc
tel: 020 7525 5000
Environment
(recycling, rubbish, parks)
web: southwark.gov.uk/
environment
tel: 020 7525 2000
Online payments
web: southwark.gov.uk/payforit
Family information service
web: southwark.gov.uk/familyinfo
tel: 0800 013 0639
Online reporting
web: southwark.gov.uk/reportit
Fraud
web: southwark.gov.uk/fraud
tel: 0800 052 1010
Housing repairs
web: southwark.gov.uk/housing
tel: 0800 952 4444
Libraries, museums and
leisure centres
web: southwark.gov.uk/culture
tel: 020 7525 2000
Parking
web: southwark.gov.uk/parking
tel: 0800 138 9081 / 0844 800 2736
Education and learning
web: southwark.gov.uk/education
tel: 0845 600 1284
Registration services
web: southwark.gov.uk/registrar
tel: 020 7525 7651
Textphone/minicom
tel: 020 7525 3559
Elections and voting
web: southwark.gov.uk/elections
tel: 020 7525 7373
Planning
web: southwark.gov.uk/planning
tel: 020 7525 5403
Online applications
web: southwark.gov.uk/applyforit
Consultations
web: southwark.gov.uk/consultations
By post
Southwark Council
PO Box 64529
London SE1P 5LX
By email
csc@southwark.gov.uk
Online
details on all other services,
latest news and events at
www.southwark.gov.uk
Face to face
visit one of our one stop shops
Walworth one stop shop
151 Walworth Road SE17
Peckham One Stop Shop
Ground floor
Peckham Library
122 Peckham Hill Street SE15
If you would like a copy of Southwark Life in large
print or audio format please ring 020 7525 5000 or
visit www.southwark.gov.uk/southwarklife
22
E
E
S
ENJOY
EXPERIENCE
SOUTHWARK
culture
black
Histor
y Mon
1 to 3
th
1 octo
ber 20
12
For black History Month
2012 information and
events flip over and check
out the supplement at the
back of this Southwark
Life magazine.
www.southwark.gov.uk/blackhistorymonth
Time: 7pm to 8.30pm
venue: Culture Space, Canada Water
Library, 21 Surrey Quays Road, SE16
Cost: Free, but booking is essential
info: ‘Precious’ is a tale of mothers
and daughters, of a struggle with
racial identity and a journey to find a
sense of belonging. Precious Williams
was just ten weeks old when her
Nigerian mother arranged for her to
be fostered by a 57 year old white
woman, beginning a story of growing
up black in a white community, of
struggling to find an identity that
fits, of deciphering a childhood full
of secrets and dysfunction. Precious’s
talk will include readings from her
acclaimed autobiography and an
audience Q&A session followed
by book signings. To book, email
southwark.libraries@southwark.gov.
uk, or telephone 020 7525 1570.
Time: 7pm to 8.30pm
venue: Culture Space, Canada Water
Library, 21 Surrey Quays Road, SE16
Cost: Free, but booking is essential
info: Pauline Black, lead singer with
the platinum-selling band The Selecter
will talk about her life and read from
her acclaimed autobiography Black by
Design. Adopted by a white working
class family in the 50s, the book traces
Pauline’s escape into the world of music
and her recent search for her birth
parents. Pauline (the queen of British
ska) will also perform some of her classic
songs during the evening. There will also
be an opportunity to ask her questions,
followed by book signings. To book,
email southwark.libraries@southwark.
gov.uk or telephone 020 7525 1570.
Wednesday 24 October
Monday 22 October
Author event:
Precious Williams
Author event:
Pauline Black
Talk:
African musicians
and Renaissance royal
celebrations
Tuesday 23 October
Time: 7pm to 8.30pm
venue: Adult pod, Peckham Library,
122 Peckham Hill Street, SE15
Cost: Free
info: Dr Miranda Kaufmann delivers
an insightful talk on the musical
contributions to royal celebrations
during the 1500s, of Africans such as
John Blanke, an African trumpeter who
performed at the Tudor royal courts,
and the ‘More taubronar,’ drummer to
James IV of Scotland.
Bass culture: the influence of
reggae on British music
Friday 26 October
Time: 7pm to 10pm
venue: The Bussey Building,
133 Rye Lane, SE15
Cost: Free, booking is essential
info: Join in the discussion charting the
progression and influence of reggae
music on mainstream music. From ska,
rocksteady and bluebeat, dub, roots,
dancehall, lovers rock to UK reggae,
jungle, and dub step; with guest panel
speakers, and performances from a live
roots band, and emerging artists.
To book, visit www.southwark.gov.uk/
blackhistorymonth or telephone
020 7525 3415.
Caribbean ancestry research
Saturday 27 October
Time: 11am to 2pm
venue: John Harvard Library, Borough
High Street, SE1
Cost: Free, but booking is essential
info: Delve deep into your Caribbean
family history through building and
developing your family tree with
genealogist and family historian
Sharon Tomlin. Join the session for
tips and tools to help you on your
journey of discovery as you gather
information on your family history
and understand your family’s place in
the community and in the history of
the Caribbean. Further sessions will
happen in December 2012, February
and April 2013. To book, visit www.
southwark.gov.uk/blackhistorymonth
or telephone 020 7525 3415.
Jamboree
Saturday 27 October
Time: 12pm to 6pm
venue: Thomas Calton Centre, Alpha
Street, SE15
Cost: Free
info: A mixing pot of live bands,
performances, workshops, talks,
screenings and stalls in celebration
of this year’s events - Jamaica and
Trinidad and Tobago’s 50 years of
independence, the Olympics and
the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
Visit www.southwark.gov.uk/
blackhistorymonth for the line up of
performances and workshops.
Silver sounds
Saturday 27 October
Time: 8pm to 11pm
venue: InSpire, The Crypt at St Peter’s,
Liverpool Grove, SE17
Cost: Free, but tickets must be
collected from Southwark Pensioners’
Centre or InSpire
info: An evening for the older clubber
to enjoy a selection of soca, reggae,
ska, and rocksteady hits.
7
NJOY
XPERIENCE
OUTHWARK
Talk:
celebrating
black British culture
Thursday 11 October
Time: 6.30pm to 7.30pm
venue: Peckham Library, 122 Peckham
Hill Street, SE15
Cost: Free
info: S.I. Martin will present a historical
talk celebrating black British culture.
This exciting talk will use archival
materials to demonstrate the meaning
of celebration within the context of
black history.
The Krios of Sierra Leone:
celebrating heritage
and discoveries
Friday 12 October
info: A screening of films ‘Temporary
Sanity: The Skerrit Boy Story’ that feature
Jamaican dance culture in New York,
followed by ‘Ebony Goddess: Queen of
Ile Aiye. The screening will be followed by
an open discussion with guest speakers
to include Southwark’s youth mayor,
Cllr Charlene White, campaigner Jennifer
Black, Tyreece Asomoah, Black Poppy,
and George the poet. Hosted by the
‘I can be Project’.
Film and talk:
performing black
bodies in white spaces
Saturday 13 October
Time: 6pm to 9pm
venue: Peckham Plex, Rye Lane, SE15
Cost: Free, but booking is essential
Time: 6pm to 10pm
venue: The Crypt at St Peter’s,
Liverpool Grove, SE17
Cost: Free, but booking is essential
info: An event celebrating the heritage
of Krio people and the discoveries by
two, illustrious Krio doctors in relation
to sickle cell disease and the structure
of human insulin. Using performance,
film, an exhibition and discussions to
chart their work and the history of
Krio people. To book, email secretary@
kdulondon.org.uk or telephone
07841 558 611.
Film and discussion:
Why black people don’t vote
Saturday 13 October
Time: 5pm
venue: Bells Gardens Community
Centre, 19 Buller Close, SE15 6UJ
Cost: Free
Afrikan yoga
Wednesday 17 October
Time: 6.30pm to 7.30pm
venue: Dulwich Library, 368 Lordship
Lane, SE22
Cost: Free, but booking is essential
info: With rhythmic movements and
a focus on breath, Afrikan yoga is
noted as a system of healing and
transformational self-development
with its origins rooted in ancient
Egypt. Its emphasis is on movement,
dance, and the awareness of
muscles and internal organs. To
book, visit www.southwark.gov.uk/
blackhistorymonth or telephone 020
7525 3415.
Steal away:
the story of Harriet Tubman
Saturday 20 October
info: A screening of films ‘Temporary
Sanity: The Skerrit Boy Story’ that
features Jamaican dance culture in New
York. Followed by ‘Ebony Goddess:
Queen of Ile Aiye’, about Brazilian
women resisting European beauty
standards with dance. The talk will be
delivered by Dr Nathalie Montlouis and
guests who will explore the perception
of African/Caribbean traditional and
modern dance and their portrayal
in the mainstream media; followed
by discussion and performances by
Caribbean dance group Zil’Oka and
Capoeira dance group. Delivered in
association with IBW Film Festival
and Black History Walks. To book,
visit www.southwark.gov.uk/
blackhistorymonth or telephone
020 7525 3415.
Time: 3pm to 4pm
venue: Peckham Library, Peckham Hill
Street, SE15
Cost: Free, but booking is essential
info: A monologue from acclaimed
storyteller Sandra Agard for adults and
children. The dramatic story of Harriet
Tubman is told through the eyes of
runaway slave in a compelling mixture
of slave narrative, poetry and song. To
book, telephone 020 7525 1570 or
email southwark.libraries@southwark.
gov.uk
Through Southwark’s Eyes: the
greatest black sporting heroes
Saturday 20 October
Time: 6pm to 9pm
venue: Culture Space, Canada Water
Library, 21 Surrey Quays Road, SE16
Cost: Free, but booking is essential
info: Sporting legends take the stage,
joined by future young sporting talent,
to talk about their achievements,
inspirations and celebrate - using film,
photography and spoken word - the
journeys travelled by past and present
sporting heroes. To book, visit www.
southwark.gov.uk/blackhistorymonth or
telephone 020 7525 3415.
6
Events calendar
This is the year of celebration and we have cultivated a range of events that celebrate
our heritage with this year’s major events in mind from jamaica and Trinidad and
Tobago 50th independence celebrations, London 2012 to the Queen’s Diamond jubilee
while also celebrating the contributions that black African and Caribbean people have
made in shaping british literature, music, science, and sport. read on for the complete
listing of events that are taking place in Southwark for black History Month.
Trish Cooke
Wednesday 3 October
Time: 1.45pm to 2.45pm
venue: Culture Space, Canada Water
Library, 21 Surrey Quays Road, SE16
Cost: Free
info: Trish
Cooke author of
‘So Much’ the
popular, multiaward winning
picture book
will provide an
entertaining
afternoon of
storytelling and rhyme, for children
aged seven to ten years. To book, email
southwark.libraries@southwark.gov.uk
Diverse voices:
celebrating black
LGBT authors
Wednesday 3
October
Time: 7pm to 9pm
venue: Woolfson and Tay,
Bermondsey Square, SE1
Cost: Free
info: Through spoken
word, readings, and poetry,
celebrate the creativity and
work of both old and new
black lesbian, gay, bisexual,
and transgender authors.
Talk:
the motherland calls
Thursday 4 October
Time: 7pm to 9pm
venue: Camberwell Library, 17-21
Camberwell Church Street, SE5
Cost: Free
info: An
illustrated talk by
local historian,
Stephen Bourne,
on his recent
publications,
‘Esther Bruce – A
Black London
Seamstress’, and
‘The Motherland
Calls – Britain’s Black Servicemen and
Women, 1939 to 1945’, which features
Sam King MBE, WW2 RAF serviceman
and Southwark’s first black mayor.
Historical
re-enactment
walks
Sunday
7 October
Time: 11am to 12pm
and 3pm to 4pm
Meeting: Outside the Cuming
Museum, The Old Town Hall, 151
Walworth Road, SE17
Cost: Free, but booking is essential
info: On this walk of discovery, led
by historian S.I. Martin, historical
re-enactors will recreate scenes from
the lives of black people from over
200 years of Southwark’s history.
Children under 16 years must
be accompanied by an adult. To
book, visit www.southwark.gov.uk/
blackhistorymonth or telephone
020 7525 3415.
Author event: Bernardine Evaristo
Friday 12 October
Time: 6.30pm to 8pm
venue: Camberwell Library, 17-21 Camberwell Church Street, SE5
Cost: Free, but booking is essential
info: Bernardine Evaristo is the award-winning author of six books
of fiction and verse fiction. Her work includes ‘Blonde Roots’ – a
re-imagining of the slave trade with Africans as the masters and
Europeans their slaves. The Telegraph called it “a bold and brilliant
game of counterfactual history. Evaristo keeps her wit and anger
at a spicy simmer throughout”. Bernardine will talk about her life,
and read from her work. This will be followed by an audience Q&A
session and book signing. To book, email southwark.libraries@
southwark.gov.uk or telephone 020 7525 1570.
5
NJOY
XPERIENCE
OUTHWARK
Spotlight on black authors
we asked and they answered...
During black History Month we will be shining the spotlight
on some of britain’s finest black authors with a series of events
in Southwark libraries. bernardine Evaristo, Pauline black
and Precious williams will talk about their lives, work and
inspirations. See the event listings for author event dates and
venues. we asked Pauline black and Precious williams some
questions, this is what they said...
when did you decide you wanted
to be a writer? I decided I wanted to
be a writer as soon as I started primary
school. A teacher asked us all to write
a short story and just like that I was in
love (with writing not with the teacher).
what were/are your inspirations?
Chaucer, Hanif Kureishi, Alice Walker,
Charles Dickens, and countless others.
I went through a phase where I was
obsessed with Chester Himes’ writing
and Walter Mosley’s Easy Rawlings
series are among some of my favourite novels
ever, ever, ever.
what book are you reading right now?
A novel called Swallow by Sefi Atta.
what one book do you wish that you had
written? Devil in a Blue Dress.
what advice do you have for someone
who would like to become a published
writer? Read as widely and as often as is
humanly possible. Realise that you need
self-belief as well as talent.
Do you hear from your readers much?
what kinds of things do they say? I receive
lots of wonderful emails from readers. My
favourite emails have been from people who
say reading my book encouraged them to
pursue their dreams in some way.
when did you decide you wanted
to take up writing/performing?
I decided to take up performing in
1979 by joining The Selecter. I have
been writing since 1991, but ‘Black by
Design’ is my first published work.
what were/are your inspirations?
Toni Morrison and Alice Walker.
what book are you reading right
now? The Line of Beauty by Alan
Hollinghurst.
what one book do you wish that
you had written? Beloved.
what advice do you have for
someone who would like to
become a published writer
or performer? Know what
you want to say about your
particular view of the human
condition and work hard to
be heard.
what does black History
Month mean to you? The
chance to tell all people
about our particular view
of things.
what does black History Month mean to
you? Recognition.
4
Building the archive
Taking a snap shot of Southwark’s black African
and Caribbean communities
‘Building the archive’ is taking a snap shot of black African and Caribbean communities in
Southwark, now.
This will build the current collection held at the local history library and archives service, which
has photographs, film, and information on the present and changing history of the borough.
Black African and Caribbean communities are part of the fabric of Southwark. We want to
recognise and celebrate the contributions and achievements that these communities continue
to make by recording this information, leaving a legacy for future generations.
who’s helping to build the archive?
Ahmed Sheriff Jalloh carried the Olympic torch through
Southwark. He was chosen in recognition of his work coaching
youth football as a way of keeping young people away from
crime and to continue with their education. Submitted into the
archive is an interview with Ahmed which was featured in the
summer issue of Southwark Life.
Sunny Lambe DipM, FCIM, MBA, PGCEFE, Chartered Marketer,
founder and executive director of Black Business Initiative (BBI)
Limited, Peckham, submitted a photograph taken at the BBA
(Black Business Awards) 2009 at the Hilton London Tower
Bridge hotel.
Ahmed Sheriff jalloh
How you can contribute
Are you part of a community group, do you own
a business, or meet in a social group locally? If so,
help us build the bigger picture of Southwark.
For more information on how to get involved visit,
www.southwark.gov.uk/buildingthearchive
From left to right: robbie Gee, Sunny Lambe and
Eddie Nestor
3
NJOY
XPERIENCE
OUTHWARK
Foreword
The theme of this
year’s black History
Month is celebration
Cllr veronica ward,
cabinet member for
culture, leisure, sport
Cllr The right reverend
Emmanuel oyewole,
deputy cabinet member
Cllr Althea Smith
The Mayor of
Southwark
and the Olympics
Whilst every Black History Month is
for Southwark’s faith
communities
about celebrating African and Caribbean
communities, this year with 50 years of
independence for Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, the Jubilee and the Olympics, 2012 has indeed been a
year to celebrate. Within the supplement you will see a range of events which explore all of these areas, in a
cultural and historical context.
The exceptional success of the African and Caribbean communities also reminds us that these groups have
made significant contributions to this borough in so many different areas throughout our history. People of
African and Caribbean descent have done much to make Southwark the culturally diverse, compassionate
and prosperous borough we know today.
It is because of this significant year that we would like to take a snapshot of the community, by working
with the council’s local history library and archives service to start a year long project to collect information
from African and Caribbean community groups and businesses in the borough. This will enable us to show
in years to come the impact that the African and Caribbean communities have had upon Southwark. More
information can be found on page three of this supplement.
Credits
Photography
Hannah Maule-ffinch
Front page
Samson Oni, Southwark
high jumper
back page
Craig Brown, Southwark
Taekwondo champion
Photographs taken from
‘What’s luck got to do with it?’
a Southwark commissioned
exhibition. Visit www.southwark.
gov.uk/luckexhibition
Look out for...
Ebony Steelband performances
The sound of Trinidadian steel pans will
be heard across the borough throughout
Black History Month. The Ebony Steelband,
founded in 1968 and winners of the Panorama
competition 16 times, will bring the sounds of
carnival to the streets of Southwark. For dates
and locations of performances visit
www.southwark.gov.uk/blackhistorymonth
Tracing your Caribbean family
A guide on how to get started plus information
on family history resources can be downloaded
from the website. To download your copy, visit
www.southwark.gov.uk/blackhistorymonth
2
NJOY
XPERIENCE
OUTHWARK
culture
th
y Mon
Histor
12
black
ber 20
1 octo
1 to 3
Check out
the free
events
www.southwark.gov.uk/blackhistorymonth