RCDT ENEWS/EVENTS LISTING 11 APRIL 2008

From Riverside Community Development Trust, 20 Newburn St, SE11 5PJ. 020 7820 0555. info@rcdt.org. www.rcdt.org

Previous ENews/Events Listings can be seen on www.rcdt.org

Highlighted event of the week:

Vauxhall Area Supplementary Planning Consultation at  Roots & Shoots - Thursday

Job Opportunity at Roots & Shoots – see News Section

Contents inc:

Alford House Endz-2-da-Hood Project

Review of Lambeth Police Structure

Council Consults on Car Pool Network

Forthcoming events at Museum of Garden History and Oval House Theatre

NEWS

Books Alive. Inside stories from Tim O’Dell. Tim runs Lambeth’s Readers & Writers festival (and much else) to promote reading. Friends of Durning Library. Monday 21 April. 6.45 for 7.15pm. AGM 8pm. Everyone welcome. Suggested donation £2. Refreshments. During Library, 167 Kennington Lane.

Museum of Garden History To Change Name. The Museum of Garden History will be closed from 4 August 2008 until October 2008, when it will open under its new name ‘The Garden Museum’.  During this period the Garden Café and Shop will be open. Please see www.museumgardenhistory.org for up to date information about the exact re-opening date of the Museum.

Local Robber Gaoled. A 25 year old Kennington resident has been gaoled for seven-and-a-half years, along with fellow gang members living in other parts of London who are believed to have stolen an estimated £300,000 in cash from more than 30 premises across London and the south-east.

Son Gaoled For Murdering Mother. A 20-year-old has been gaoled for killing his mother in her Kennington flat in July 2007.

St Agnes Place Rastafarians Freed. Prosecutors offered no evidence in court on Friday 4 April against five Rastafarians arrested in raid on the St Agnes Place temple last year has collapsed. The police had claimed at the time of the raid that it had been a major victory against drug crime. The temple has been demolished. For further detail see Guardian newspaper website.

Part-time Job at Roots & Shoots. Roots and Shoots wants to employ a part-time (20 hours a week : 9am – 2pm Monday to Friday) administrative-assistant until October as maternity leave cover. Salary £15,000 – pro rata, and 25 days annual leave – pro rata. R&S is looking for a friendly, reliable person who enjoys working with people and thrives in a busy environment. Key responsibilities include: Being proficient with office tasks such as typing, filing and answering the phone; Assisting with receptionist duties for visitors, clients and students; Providing administrative support and client liaison duties for the busy conference/meeting facilities in the eco hall. Send CV to:  Linda Phillips, Roots and Shoots, Walnut Tree Walk, SE11 6DN.  020 7587 1131. E-mail: admin@rootsandshoots.org.uk. Deadline for applications:  Tuesday 23rd April 2008.

Kate Hoey and Zimbabwe.  Local MP Kate Hoey is Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Zimbabwe. She regards Robert Mugabe as a brutal dictator.  In 2003, 2004 and 2006 she entered the country under cover. 

ALFORD’S ENDZ-2-DA-HOOD PROJECT TEAM GOES TO NEW  YORK

What does Lambeth have in common with the New York borough of Brooklyn? A group of local young people are now in New York finding out with help from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the British Council. Endz 2 Da Hood is a project being run by Vauxhall/ Kennington based Alford House Club. Club members aged 16-19 are looking at the differences and similarities between their lives, culture, education, fashion and crime in south London and that of their contemporaries who attend the Madison Square Boys and Girls Club in Brooklyn. Co-incidentally, both clubs were founded in 1884. They will also be working with members from Red Hook’s Youth Court and the Council for Unity in New York. The project was dreamed up by the young people of Alford House who felt that their lives were heavily influenced by the US in terms of music, fashion and street culture. The group of eight young people have been involved in an extensive research, filming and personal development project here in the UK including; black heritage of Lambeth from the earliest settlers, to the Windrush generation and up to the present day, film and edit training, workshops fashion and fads, education and crime. For Alford House, Senior Youth Worker Jo Dempster said: “Influenced by America, UK youth culture is vibrant, exciting and sometimes destructive. Derived from conversations about aspirations to live in America the Endz-2-Da-Hood project presents a fantastic opportunity for young people to understand more about their own culture and heritage and to experience that of their peers in New York in order to critically examine similarities and differences between growing up in two of the worlds most captivating cities” The first part of their DVD has been produced here in London and explores the themes of; Crime, Education and Fashion in relation to youth culture and heritage. The second part of the DVD is being  filmed in New York and will compare and contrast the two vibrant and exciting cultures. Comment: I have been assisting the project in my capacity as RCDT worker. 

REVIEW OF LAMBETH POLICE STRUCTURE

The Community/Police Consultative Group for Lambeth, which is chaired by local resident Anna Tapsall, has circulated the following message from Chief Superintendent Sharon Rowe, of the Lambeth Police.

Lambeth has enjoyed six years of continuous success in achieving crime reduction and making the communities of the borough safer – this is an immense achievement, sustaining performance over an extended period of time in very difficult circumstances.  On 1^st April 2008 we commenced year 1 of a new performance regime based on tiers of crime reflecting a renewed emphasis on serious violence.

There are several factors that directly influence the way Lambeth delivers performance in the future namely;

¨                   Increase in demand for policing counter terrorism and serious violence

¨                   Health and Safety issues in relation to current accommodation on the Borough

¨                   Reduction in management costs

¨                   A current shortfall in police officer and police staff numbers

¨                   The MPS Asset Management Plan that will redefine what policing looks like in the future,

¨                   Safer Neighbourhood Bases, Patrol Sites and Custody Centres

In order to continue delivering on performance, Lambeth Police will need to work differently - we cannot remain configured, as we have been for the last six years 

            Change Management – Project Walrus II

In order to address these issues the Lambeth Command Team (LCT) has decided to manage a borough re structuring process that will be delivered in three phases

·         Immediate (within the next 3 months) - This will be lead by BBM Diane McNulty and Supt Alistair Sutherland and will create some new units (i.e. GBH Unit) and will focus upon increased corproracy across the borough.

·         Medium Term (within 3- 6 months)  - Supt David Musker and Ch. Insp. Suzanne Wallace will examine the structure of the borough and implement any necessary changes to make Lambeth fit for purpose until new facilities are available. Ch. Insp. Wallace will involve partners, community leaders and staff, especially staff associations from across the borough to participate in shaping change to make the way we work more efficient and effective. This process will be built upon the experience and knowledge of us all and the learning from Project Walrus I, the previous borough re structuring in 2001/2.

·         Long Term (6 months – 3 years) – BBM Diane McNulty and Mark Rowland will lead on implementing the Lambeth Asset Management Plan.

            Summary

Lambeth needs to change to meet the demands of the future. I invite you all to become involved in this process and to share your ideas and opinions. The LCT leads will keep staff, partners and community leaders informed over the next few months as we shape Lambeth Police to meet the needs of policing Lambeth fit for the 21^st Century.

Comment by C/PCGL: Clearly, Project Walrus II has the potential for substantial impact on policing and community safety in the borough and CPCG shall endeavor to ensure that our members, the Safer Neighbourhood Panels and the wider community generally have every opportunity to be fully informed of these proposals and to make their views known. We have yet to determine the best methods and timescale for doing this and would, of course, welcome your views. We shall keep you updated as the project, and the opportunities for public engagement, develop.

COUNCIL CONSULTS ON CAR CLUB NETWORK

Councillor Rob Banks (Oval Ward) has asked for this note from Tim Wedmaier, Projects Manager, Transport Planning and Strategy, in Lambeth’s Environment, Culture and Community Safety, to be drawn to readers’ attention.

‘The Council is about to undertake a further expansion of the borough’s on-street car club network – to be known as Phase 3 (after a successful Phase 1 in 2006 and Phase 2 in 2007) – a total of 33 bays (about 60 cars) are now operating on-street across Lambeth and are available for residents and businesses to hire by the hour, reducing the need for people to own their own vehicles. Phase 3 aims to more than double this network to over 70 bays/ 140 vehicles. If you have any suggestions about possible bay locations in your ward, please do let me know in the next 2 weeks, as we aim to finalise the short list of bays by the end of April with a view to going to public consultation in May. For more information on car clubs please see the council’s webpage. www.lambeth.gov.uk/Services/TransportStreets/CarClubs.htm. Or visit the following generic, impartial website on car clubs which was developed for Lambeth and Carplus (the national car club charity) with Transport for London funding. www.carclubs.org.uk . ‘ - Tim Wedmaier:  020 7926 9004. email: tjwedmaier@lambeth.gov.uk. website: www.lambeth.gov.uk. 1st Floor Blue Star House, 234-244 Stockwell Rd, SW9 9SP

CHILDREN’S CENTRES IN AREA

The KOV area now has three Children’s Centres. These centres bring together a range of services for children under five and their families. Services include childcare, family support services and health and advice about employment. They also offer integrated care and learning and development for children from birth to five. Chilfdren’s Centres replaced the former Sure Start schemes and extned the geographic coverage.

Ethelred Nursery School and Children's Centre, 10 Lollard Street, Kennington SE11 6UP. 020 7582 9711. admin@ethelred-nursery.lambeth.sch.uk

Henry Fawcett Children's Centre, Clayton Street, London SE11 5BZ. 020 7735 2764
admin@henryfawcett.lambeth.sch.uk

Vauxhall Primary School, Vauxhall Street, London SE11 5LG. 020 7735 4535
headteacher@vauxhall.lambeth.sch.uk  

FORTHCOMING MUSUEUM OF GARDEN HISTORY EVENTS

FORTHCOMING OVAL THEATRE PRODUCTIONS

First Bites is Oval House Theatre’s highly successful programme of works-in-progress which gives artists the space to try out new ideas, and audiences the chance to be the first to see possible hit plays of the future and be a part of the creative process through post-performance discussions.

The One You Love, By Michael Twaits. Tuesday 29th April & Wednesday 30 April, 8pm. Echo loves Narcissus. Narcissus only notices his own reflection. And who is the man in the shiny suit? Ancient myth encounters modern day ambiguity, with a tip of a hat to vaudeville, in an evening exploring transformations through love. Following the success of Confessions Of A Dancewhore Michael Twaits returns to the Oval House to explore the watery multimedia world of his new performance, The One You Love.

Biggerthan ME Productions presents Rage and Breathe. Wednesday 7 May, 7.45pm. This piece depicts the rise and fall of a gay love affair in a modern, multi-ethnic, urban environment. A challenging and highly ambitious multi-media performance/art piece incorporating choreographed live dance, live and recorded music, song, poetry, spoken-word and projected film.

Odd Man Out Productions presents The Maid. Directed by Vernon Douglas. Performed by Carol Moses. Produced by Sarah Sayeed. Dramaturg: Irma Innis. Thursday 8 May, & Friday 9, 8pm.  The Maid looks at the world of Sue, a single mother working within the sex industry. Today the phone won't stop ringing. The punters are demanding bizarre requests. Sue's mind is not on her work; she is preoccupied with matters closer to home and may lose her livelihood. Her world comes crashing down around her and she is forced to make a decision, which could change the course of her entire life.  A dark, graphic, hard-hitting yet comical tale of one woman's survival in a world where women sell women.

Kala Phool presents MOTHER INDIA - 21st CENTURY REMIX in partnership with The Drum. Saturday 10 May, 7.45pm.  A dynamic live audio/visual project to re-score and re-visualize the groundbreaking 'tour-de-force' of Indian cinematic history Mother India. Winner of the Oscar for best Foreign Film in 1957, the film came to symbolise the post-colonial Indian psyche interpreted through the ambitions, struggles, compassion and sheer will to survive of the central Mother character Radha. Profoundly influential, Mother India was lauded for its stunning cinematography, indelible soundtrack and powerfully dramatic storyline. KALA PHOOL has brought the film together with one of the world's leading turntablists and electronic composers; British Asian DJ Tigerstyle (former World DMC and ITF champion) to reinterpret the score through a unique live electronic performance to commemorate India and Pakistan's Independence. Tigerstyle uses turntables and electronics, accompanied by the prodigious talents of cellist Matt Constantine and drummer David Shaw, to present the film for a contemporary audience. Experimental, yet true to the source, the film has been specially recut and remixed exclusively for this performance. An extraordinary film and an extraordinary reimagining. After the performance, the audience is invited to comment on the performance 

Tickets for all First Bites performances are £4 (includes post-show discussion with the creative team). Box Office 020 7582 7680 www.ovalhouse.com.

Oval House Theatre, Kennington Oval.

LOCAL PLANNING APPLICATIONS & NEWS

Planning Applications

30 March –  5 April (additional to 3 April ENews listing)

63 Kennington Oval. To crown reduce 1 x Ash tree and 1 x Sycamore tree to rear of property back to previous reduction points. Ref: 08/01368/TCA

10 Pascall St. Roof extension over workshop to provide access and escape staircase from first floor offices. 08/01066/FUL.

66 Walnut Tree Walk. Demolish existing ground floor rear extension and rebuild with a larger three storey rear extension. (Town planning and Listed Building Consent) Ref: 08/01235/FUL & 08/01234/LB.

1-8 Wigton Place. Change of use of premises from Office [Use Class B1] to Residential/Office [Use Class C3 and B1] with office and residential on the ground floor and the creation of first and second floor levels to provide 8 self contained units comprising 1 x 3 bedroom, 4 x 2 bedroom and 3 x 1 bedroom units. Ref 07/04162/FUL

6-12 April. None

Details can be seen on:

http://planning.lambeth.gov.uk/publicaccess/dc/DcAplication/weeklylist_searchform.aspx. If this link does not work then go to www.lambeth.gov.uk and track through to Planning and Public Access database. And to go and see any plans is easy from the KOV area as the Town Planning Advice Centre is at Phoenix House, 10 Wandsworth Road, at Vauxhall Cross. 020 7926 1180. tpac@lambeth.gov.uk. Plans can also be seen at Durning Library, 167 Kennington Lane. You can also send your comments on applications through the Public Access data base. Kennington Association’s Planning Group blog is accessible via http://journals.aol.co.uk/kenningtonnews/KenningtonNews/

Planning Decisions

30  March –  April (additional to 3 April Enews)

75 Heywood Ave. Alterations to windows and doors at ground floor level to the rear and side elevations at flat A.

55 Kennington Oval. Tree pruning. Permitted.

30 Orsett St. Conversion of ground floor bedsit to housing association office at 32 Orsett Street, with new external entrance, replacement of windows, and external doors with white polyester powder coated aluminium. Conversion of existing  HMO's at 34/36 with 4 x 1 bed flats and 2 x studios, together with associated works to properties  including replacement windows, removal and installation of windows and doors, and demolish and rebuild front boundary wall. Permitted. Also permitted demolition of front boundary.

16 Vauxhall St. Conversion of upper floors of existing public house and the erection of a 3-storey rear extension to provide 9 self contained flats (4 x 1 bed, 4 x 2 bed and 1 x 3 bed) with the retention of existing public house use at ground floor and basement floor levels and off street parking spaces for 3 cars. Applicant: Metropolitan Housing Trust. Permitted.

6-14 April

60-66 Brook Drive. Alterations to ground floor flat. Permitted.

25 Dryden Court, Renfrew Rd. Conversion of existing ground floor social club at rear of Dryden Court to provide a 1 x 2 bedroom self-contained flat. Permitted

17 Newport St. Redevelopment of the site, involving the demolition of the existing building and erection of a five-storey building with roof terrace to provide five self-contained flats  (one x 1-bedroom and four x 2-bedroom units), together with associated works. (Revised scheme to approved application 07/00150/FUL/FUL to include changes to the external appearance and positioning (in part retrospective) of the building.) Permitted.

LOCAL LINKS – see www.rcdt.org

More information about your local Labour Councillors on: www.lambethlabour.com

More information about your Lib Dem Councillors on: http://lambethlibdems.org.uk

ART GALLERIES

ENews/Events Listing compiled and edited by Sean Creighton, RCDT

Unless stated editorial comments do not reflect the views of the RCDT Board.

RCDT is supported by London Development Agency, and part-funded by Pedlar’s Acre Trust - Lambeth Council