Southwark

LifeWinter 2017

#TalkSouthwark Join the Conversation about our changing borough Festive Fun A look at what’s going on this Christmas Top of the Class Why Southwark’s schools are standing out

Your magazine from Southwark Council Winter 2017 Contents

4 Need to know – All your Southwark news and festive information this winter welcome... 8 Southwark Conversation As 2017 draws to a close, it’s natural to look back over the year – Find out how to make your that’s passed. For Southwark, and , 2017 was a year where voice heard as part of the we faced true tragedy on our doorsteps, with terrorist attacks in Southwark Conversation London Bridge and Borough, Westminster and beyond, as well as 10 Top of the class – Read why the awful fire at Grenfell Tower that claimed so many lives. We Southwark has some of the best learned a huge amount from these heartrending incidents, not schools in London least about how resilient we are as a borough and a city, pulling 12 Building a healthy together in the face of horror, offering our help and support to borough – What can we do to help people be healthier? strangers, refusing to give in to hate, but love instead.

15 Conversation – Our pull out Of course, we won’t ever forget those who lost their lives, or pages for you to complete and join in the conversation were hurt or scarred by these events, and we are working with Southwark Cathedral, Borough Market, the police, and anyone 20 Is Universal Credit else who wants to get involved on plans for a permanent memorial working? – We speak to people affected by the to those harmed on June 3rd. But it’s right that we also look to the proposed changes to the future, and consider how we take what we have learned and use benefit system it to make Southwark an even better place to live, work and play. 22 Borough of Culture – Back our bid to be the London One thing that stood out following the Grenfell Tower incident Borough of Culture was how disconnected local communities felt from their council. 24 Southwark Presents – I don’t think Southwark is out of touch with our residents, as All the festive fun and activities our article on Universal Credit demonstrates, but as a council we around Southwark this need to be sure, and that’s why we have launched the Southwark Christmas Conversation, which you can find out more about in this edition 28 History of the borough – of Southwark Life. Please do tell us what you think about the way See just how Southwark has our borough is changing and how we can make sure no resident changed over hundreds of years is left behind. Change isn’t new of course - you can also see how Southwark has changed over time in our brilliant history piece.

Christmas is a wonderful time in Southwark and the events pages are brimming with ideas of fun things to do. I hope you and your families have a very Merry Christmas.

Peter John Leader of Southwark Council

Contact us The Southwark Life team Keep in touch Do you have something to say about Southwark Life? Editor Louise Neilan Southwark Life is a quarterly magazine and Write to: Your letters, Southwark Life, Assistant editor Kim Hooper the next issue is due out in Spring 2018. You Fourth Floor North, Southwark Council, Contributors Jane Evans, Terri-Anne 160 Tooley Street London, SE1 2QH or Powell, Emma Moseley, Louise Timms, Aine can contact the magazine at southwark. email [email protected] Gallagher, Patricia Dark and Judith Aitken. [email protected] but for more regular Front page photo kindly supplied by Design Whatever Design Ltd updates on council news and events, follow us Emergency Exit Arts. Print brokered by Swiss Post on social media at Page 11 Charter School CGI provided by FCBStudios. Printed on 100% recycled paper facebook.com/southwarkcouncil London Borough of Culture (P22) Image kindly Distribution London Letterbox supplied by Printworks. All information correct at time of going to @lb_southwark Southwark Presents pages: press. Instagram.com/southwarkcouncil Jerwood Gallery – Lua Ribeira, from the series Noises in the Blood, 2016. Image courtesy of the artist. South London Gallery – Photo by Zoe Tynan-Campbell. southwark.gov.uk 3 Winter 2017 Aylesbury MUGA Camberwell Library celebrates sees transformation its Library of the Year award

Southwark’s Camberwell Council urges Need to know... Library celebrated its businesses to pay Bookseller Magazine, Library of the Year a living wage award, at an event on 30 October. Cllr Johnson Southwark Council has written Situ, was joined by to local businesses, urging them Winter may be upon us but that celebrated author Sophie to pay all staff the London Living The council, a developer, some Hannah, proud library Wage as part of Living Wage Week. hasn’t slowed things down. Take artists and some local children, staff and a crowd of a look at what’s been going on have transformed the Multi-Use more than 60 people to Southwark is one of only 16 Games Area (MUGA) on Portland mark the honour. councils in London that are around Southwark, and what is Street on the Aylesbury estate. accredited Living Wage employers, The MUGA was looking pretty sorry The new building has transformed library use in Camberwell, where meaning we pay a real living wage coming up. for itself, so the team started with visits have nearly doubled, issues have more than doubled and new to all our staff. But we want to use improvements to the pitch, walls borrowers have nearly tripled, since it opened in 2015. our contacts with local businesses and fencing. Next came the creative to spread the positive impacts of phase, which was scheduled during paying a real living wage to many For news and events follow us on Facebook and Twitter half-term so local children could get more people. or find out more at southwark.gov.uk/enews involved. Art group Positive Arts National HIV Testing Week worked with the community and a At the moment, only 108 Southwark Follow us on good number of children from the As HIV often has no businesses are accredited Living Facebook facebook.com/southwarkcouncil estate, and together they painted a symptoms, getting tested is Wage Employers, while 22% of mural on the internal walls. the only way to know your employees in Southwark earn below Follow us on HIV status. National HIV the London Living wage - higher Twitter @lb_southwark Testing Week runs from 18 to than the inner London average of 25 November and promotes 19%. Why not add your business Follow us on Laptop donation HIV awareness and testing. to the list? You can find more Instagram Instagram.com/southwarkcouncil information at livingwage.org.uk appeal to help Early detection and accessing treatment of HIV 1,000 homeless is key to preventing damage to your health, living longer people and healthier with HIV as Repairs Fabulous new play area well as reducing the risk of A social enterprise is appealing to the transmitting the virus to Inspectors opens in Brunswick Park public and businesses to donate their your partner. old laptop computers so that they can Southwark Council is enhancing We’ve re-opened a be refurbished and given to people who Visit doitlondon.org and southwark.gov.uk/kingscollegehosphiv its communal repairs inspection fabulous new play have experienced homelessness. for more information. scheme. The council has a well area in Brunswick established regime of estate Park with an event Donation bins are springing up across inspections - led by resident that welcomed London including one in the new services officers and communal local residents Camberwell Library. Donated laptops repairs technical officers. In the first with face painting, will be distributed by homelessness What’s hatching on East Street? quarter of this financial year, 524 refreshments and charity Thames Reach to the people estate inspections took place. An entertainment. using its services. To donate email We are delighted average of 240 residents a month [email protected] or visit socialbox. to present took part in these inspections. The The quarter biz/homeless-support Hatch, one of council is now collating contact of a million the UK’s leading information for all those who take pound project community part in order to establish a ‘pool’ is the result of enterprise of resources who can be updated local resident charities, which with training opportunities and Claire Walker’s just launched in potentially any specific projects application to our Cleaner Greener Safer (CGS) programme. Walworth’s historic East Street. 55 East is a new council and GLA they could get involved with, if Further to the exciting new play area, a carved wooden funded community and enterprise hub that includes a combined co- they wish. If you would like to sculpture of ‘Boris the Squirrel’ is to be commissioned working and training space; a community café and a retail and event get involved, and make a positive and the local community will be invited to decide where space for local designers and community groups. 55 East is available contribution to improving services his home should be. Find out more at southwark.gov.uk/ for the whole community to use and the public are welcome to drop for everyone, contact your resident NewBrunswickplayArea in anytime. Find out more at www.55east.co.uk services officer.

4 southwark.gov.uk southwark.gov.uk 5 Winter 2017 Free salt giveaway Have you had your flu jab yet?

Don’t miss out on your chance to Flu is highly infectious and can affect anyone but certain collect your FREE bag of salt, for conditions can make it worse. Vaccination is the best way to spreading on your path, drive or protect yourself and your family against flu. walkways, to reduce the chance of dangerous, slippery ice forming. You should have the free flu vaccine if you are over 65, pregnant, or have a long term health condition such as a heart or lung In early December last year, we handed disease, or have a weakened immune system. All children aged out over 700 free 5kg bags of salt to between two and eight years are also eligible for a free vaccine local residents. This year, you can as well as carers and health and social care staff. collect a free bag of salt on Saturday 2 and Saturday 9 December. Find out The flu vaccine is provided free by the NHS – just call your the eight locations you can collect GP for an appointment or visit your local pharmacy. Adults your free salt from on our website who are not eligible for a free vaccination can have it privately at southwark.gov.uk/street-care/ from a pharmacist. You can find a participating pharmacy here gritting londonflu.co.uk

Full details about who should get vaccinated can be found at nhs.uk/staywell

Christmas recycling

We produce more waste over Christmas than at any Christmas tree by the bin for collection. other time of the year. Please do your bit for the Simply remove any decorations and its pot environment by reducing, reusing and recycling as or stand and place your tree next to your bin. much as you can this Christmas. Top tips include: 5 Don’t forget all of these items can be included 1 Give away unwanted presents to a local hospital, in your recycling: bottles and jars (including play centre, charity shop or school. This will clear wine / beer bottles, jam / mincemeat jars), clutter from your home and may help raise money food tins and drink cans (including sweet for a good cause. and biscuit tins), food and drink cartons (such as Tetra Paks), all plastic bottles, plastic Use old cardboard boxes as new boxes for gifts. 2 containers and food trays, paper and cardboard. Simply decorate them with old wrapping paper, biodegradable glitter or magazine cut outs, and Any items that cannot be thrown away using your disguise presents for a true surprise. household collection service can be taken to the Reuse and Recycling Centre (RRC) on Devon Street, off Old Avoid buying some types of wrapping paper. 3 Kent Road. See southwark.gov.uk/bins-and-recycling Those coated in foil, or plastic cannot be recycled. for times and details of who can use the centre. If you have a brown food and garden waste 4 Your waste collection dates may change over the collection, don’t forget all food waste and plate Christmas period. You can check your collection dates scrapings can be placed in your brown bin. If you on the council’s website at southwark.gov.uk have a brown bin you can also leave your real 1 2 3 4 5

6 southwark.gov.uk southwark.gov.uk 7

Winter 2017 As a pensioner I love “ Facts about Southwark. I have lived here for 3 years and think this is one of the best change

“ boroughs I have lived in

While I appreciate in Southwark Southwark’s efforts on housing, I think you are “ Southwark has the most council missing a big trick by homes of any London borough “ and is building thousands of new not raising the level of join the Southwark council tax on the more council homes, but in the last five expensive properties. years has lost an average of 234 homes a year to Right to Buy.

Have lived in the Regeneration helps subsidise Conversation today “ the council’s budget. Over the borough for 36 years. I consider Southwark my last 5 years, £390m of additional Time waits for no man (or woman), as the saying goes, and home. I have seen many revenue has come into the “ council through things like changes in those years Southwark is undergoing many changes at a pace that both and it has been positive. increased council tax and business rates helping to maintain front excites and concerns local people. line services.

The new Castle leisure centre, I am generally favourable to the with its free swimming and gym ut Southwark has current regeneration projects,

use for local people, has been never stood still, and especially since they are showing

paid for through developers’ as our history article How to get involved to be prioritising sustainable “ “ financial contributions, and about our changing transport (pedestrians and You can fill in the questionnaire in the middle of the magazine nine new theatres will open in borough (pages 28- cyclists) and public transportation and send it back to us, or come along and talk to officers and Southwark by 2018, as well as B31) shows, without the progress councillors at many events around the borough in November over private vehicles. Clean air new music venues and affordable and evolution it’s experienced, has to be Southwark Council’s and December. Look out for us at: business space. number one priority. most of us wouldn’t want to live • East Street Market: 16 November in Southwark today. The key to Despite many changes, Southwark successful change, is making sure • Southwark Tenants’ Conference: 18 November remains an incredibly diverse it works for everyone, particularly • Christmas Lights Switch: 1 December borough with over 100 different more vulnerable residents, and • East Dulwich Christmas Cracker: 2 December languages spoken and many that’s why the council has launched • Baby and Toddler sessions at all libraries, community council different religions practiced. the Southwark Conversation.

meetings, area housing forums I can see a lot of new housing being Demand for school places is

With an ambitious target to talk built but the infrastructure is not in place for the numbers of people growing and the council is to more Southwark residents, and “

expanding schools across the visitors, than ever before, this moving into Southwark – my doctor’s

“ surgery have lost four doctors in the borough, with 4000 new places conversation will find out how you last couple of months and booking being created (see P 10/11) feel about our changing borough, “ and what the council, or other Nice to see the improvements an appointment now takes a As a borough we struggle organisations, could do differently and regeneration in Southwark minimum wait of eight weeks. with some ingrained health to address your concerns. We’ve but I have concerns about the inequalities, like high rates of already heard from hundreds of “ amount of social housing being childhood obesity (see feature on local people and you can see some built – it’s not enough. P 12/13), and air quality is a major of their comments on these pages. challenge as it is across most of We really want to hear from you London.

too, so please fill in the form in

the centre of this magazine and There have been major The Old Kent Road is one of

return it to us. Be part of the improvements to the housing I think there are some wonderful changes, “ central London’s Opportunity

Southwark Conversation and parks, gyms, places to eat and shop in the stock in recent years, plus the “ Areas and the planned

#TalkSouthwark borough. But I am very concerned about upgrading of local cultural and regeneration will create three the housing issue in the borough. The “ “ leisure facilities – in particular new town centres, parks and There are lots of brilliant “ rents are so high for people to stay here the leisure centre and the new infrastructure, including the innovations going on in and I worry about whether my son and his brilliant new library. Bakerloo line extension. the area, but also some friends will be able to afford to stay here. “ people who feel left behind by the changes.

8 southwark.gov.uk southwark.gov.uk 9 Winter 2017 Charter School East Dulwich

Ivydale Primary School

The school expansion programme is about much more than numbers Grange Primary School – building design has a huge impact on the wellbeing of pupils and their capacity to learn. In the words of parent Tanya Moodie: “Environment is crucial. I think sometimes the focus is always on just what’s in the Charles Dickens Primary School child and what is expected of them and to answer those needs, without understanding that environment plays a huge part.” Pupil Lola from Ecuador class agrees too, “I like the fact that it’s based around woodland things and forests. It’s got this Southwark comes special pattern that makes it unique. It’s got this really nice touch that just makes you want to learn.”

It is not just primary schools that top of the class have benefited from investment. The recently opened Charter Dickens Primary School, Cassie School East Dulwich will soon As London grows, and more and more people Buchanan, understands this as well Over in , Grange involved for their commitment move into its brand new site, and choose to call the capital home, making sure as anybody; “Charles Dickens is built Primary School has also benefitted to improving opportunities for provide a new co-educational right in the centre of London on from expansion. As of September Southwark children.” Diana secondary school. The school we have enough school places for current a really tight site. Whilst we were 2018, the school will have the space Valcheva, Co-Headteacher, added: recently celebrated the completion growing as a school, we wanted to welcome sixty children in every “The new development of the school of its ground floor, which will and future generations has become a priority more classrooms, but we also wanted teaching year. Alongside renovation is fantastic. We are all thrilled that have capacity for 1,680 pupils. to hold onto their play space.” The of the existing Victorian school, our children will be able to enjoy the The school gates are expected to for councils like Southwark. To help address school was able to retain its much the site now boasts new satellite exciting and stimulating learning open to the first crop of students valued outside play areas and build classrooms, and a brand new environment they deserve.” in early 2019 and will serve the this, Southwark Council has invested £200m a large new hall. This has given building with a new school hall, communities of East Dulwich, into schools across the borough to provide teachers the freedom they needed to state of the art kitchen, a nursery, In the south of the borough, South Camberwell and Peckham. expand the curriculum by moving library and offices. The new nursery Ivydale Primary School has also 4,000 additional school places and create the playground to the roof, raising and reception classrooms open out been extended onto a new site. In addition the council continues children above the street level into a new dedicated playground The new Ivydale site is dedicated to invest more than £3m per modern and exciting learning environments pollution. The additional space for that will be specifically designed to Key Stage Two education with annum in repairs to all its schools creative activities that the new hall for younger children, perfect for classrooms clustered by year to ensure that the buildings are for local children. provides has had a dramatic effect creative play. group around the central hall and properly maintained to support on pupil engagement. Teacher Tom staircase, offering opportunities teaching and learning. When the new school year began Charles Dickens Primary, just off Young said: “This year with our new Maddy Webb, Co-Headteacher not only for the whole school in September, hundreds of pupils Borough High Street, is one school hall we’ve had so much fun and the said: “I know I speak for the whole community to congregate but also For information about all the across the borough were welcomed that has been transformed through children have been so engaged with Grange community when I say that for community events. The new schools included in our current into brand new school buildings, investment. Space, as everyone the topics we’ve been doing because we are all thrilled with the work playground and outdoor areas investment programme visit and many more are in the pipeline to knows, is a rare commodity in we have had more space to open up that has been done on the school provide plenty of opportunities for www.southwark.gov.uk/ meet the growing demand for places. London and headteacher of Charles their learning.” and we wish to thank everyone children to learn and let off steam. schoolsinvestment

10 southwark.gov.uk southwark.gov.uk 11 Winter 2017

More of us are happier and fewer No-one left behind What can you do? are anxious than we were four years As Southwark has evolved ago, possibly because considerably The council and NHS encourage over time, most residents have more of us are in education, local people to lead healthy seen improvements to living employment or training, and 7 in 10 lives, but only you can make it standards, transport links, parks, of our children achieve a good level happen. Southwark is brimming shopping and leisure facilities. of development at age 5. with opportunities for healthy Regeneration has brought with it activities. Why not: job opportunities and economic Deaths from major diseases vibrancy. Over the last ten years Sign up to the council’s Free like heart disease and cancers or so, Southwark went from being Swim and Gym offer today are falling, infant deaths have the tenth most deprived borough at everyoneactive.com/ reduced year on year, and teenage a healthy borough southwarkfreeswimandgym in the country to the 41st. Yet some pregnancy rates have fallen by 66% economic and health inequalities over the last decade. Get out into one of our 28 stubbornly refuse to change. It’s Southwark has a rich history The successes and Green Flag award-winning parks important that we tackle this When we think of ambition and innovation in And we are much more energetic the challenges for a brisk walk, jog or cycle – because areas that are deprived are health. In the early 1900s, local as a borough, with 15% of us about how places beneficial for mental as well as more likely to have poorer quality politicians Alfred and , The good news is that we are living using outdoor space for health physical health. housing, fewer healthy eating pioneered ground-breaking ideas longer. On average Southwark men and exercise, compared to 7% in change over time, options and higher crime rates. for urban development, converting live until they are 78 and women Make a Change4Life by finding 2011/12. The number of smokers The council is determined to make Bermondsey from an area with 83 – an increase of 3 years over out how you can eat a healthier is reducing and fewer people drink we often think sure that all its residents benefit poor housing and sanitation into a a decade. However, both are still diet, get active, and inspire your alcohol. But less than half of adults from the changes going on around about the physical garden city with healthier housing lower than the London average, and family to be more healthy. Visit in Southwark eat the recommended them. In addition to improving and surroundings. Since that time there is a ten year life expectancy www.nhs.uk/change4life “5-a-day”, and 42% of our 10 and 11 the physical environment we are environment – the Southwark’s health has continued gap between men from our most year olds are overweight. also implementing policies such as to change, both in terms of and least deprived areas. skyline for example, restricting fast food takeaways near improvements and new challenges schools, limiting alcohol licences that have emerged. or our parks and 1 234 5678910 in high-risk areas and promoting open spaces. But Southwark men smoke-free spaces. live until they are There is a ten year life more of us are in Regeneration for all something that 78 expectancy gap between and women education, employment The council is developing plans to never stands still and men from our most deprived or training make sure that its regeneration 83 and least deprived areas plans work for everyone, helping is hugely important to create healthy, resilient and connected communities. This has to us all is our health already been happening – new council homes are built to the of our children More of us are happier highest quality while existing achieve a good and fewer are anxious homes have been brought up to than we were decent standards, community 7 in level of development benefits have been funded as part 10 at age 5 four years ago of major regeneration schemes including the new Castle leisure early centre at Elephant and Castle, yr investment in parks and the 10  creation of thousands of jobs, and A garden city with healthier of our 10 and recent programmes have focussed 11 year olds on the health of local people, housing and surroundings Deaths from major % are overweight including the free swim and gym 4 diseases like heart disease offer and the provision of free, Alfred and Ada and cancers are falling healthy school meals for all primary pupils. However we know there is less than half of more we can do, and this is why we have launched the Southwark adults in Southwark Conversation to understand how eat the recommended change is affecting you. Please join “5-a-day” the Southwark Conversation today.

% #T rk of1 us using outdoor space alkSouthwa for health and exercise

12 southwark.gov.uk southwark.gov.uk 13 Southwark is changing. The council wants this change to work for everyone – to help you and your families enjoy life, be healthy and do well in Southwark.

We have been bold in our plans to encourage home We will report back initial results by February 2018. building and, with rapidly reducing budgets, finding ways to make sure private developers help pay for the Please take a few moments to complete this quick survey. thousands of new council homes we are building, the Your opinion and thoughts are very important to us. new leisure centres and libraries we have opened, and new cultural and open spaces. n the Sout onversation We are also helping residents to take advantage of the Joi hwark C opportunities around them, and have helped 5,000 people into work, as well as creating nearly 2,000 # apprenticeships for local people. TalkSouthwark We’re also ensuring that as our population grows, we have the new schools, health services and transport improvements that our residents need. Fill But we don’t want to make assumptions – we want to out th s e survey online: build on previous consultations to make sure we’re getting outhw ark it right for you and for future generations. ark.gov.uk/ talksouthw or c We want to hear direct from our residents about how all 020 7525 3326 the changes are affecting you, how you feel about the future, and whether there’s anything you think we can do differently.

southwark.gov.uk 15 Please take a few moments to complete this quick survey. If you prefer to complete this online, 7. Do you think you have personally benefitted from 8. How do you think local people could become go to: southwark.gov.uk/talksouthwark. changes in your area? more actively involved in the changes that are happening in their communities? Yes No 1. On a scale of one to five, how positive/ 4. What would help you and your family to lead a Partly Undecided happy do you feel about change in Southwark? healthier life in Southwark? Please tell us why ...... 5 is very positive, 1 is not positive at all ...... 5 – Very positive 2 – Not positive ...... 4 – Somewhat positive 1 – Not positive at all ...... 3 – Mixed Undecided ...... Please tell us why ......

......

...... About you 11. Ethnicity ...... To help us make sure we are reaching all of our What do you consider to be your ethnicity? communities, please complete the equalities White British English ...... 5. Thinking of young people and future generations, information below.* Completing this section is optional. Scottish Welsh what support do you think they will need to ...... succeed in life? Why do we ask for this information? Northern Irish Irish It is important to us that we speak to as many people as we 2. What are some of the ways you are personally Gypsy, Roma or Irish Traveller Other European ...... can that reflect the diverse communities in Southwark. This involved in contributing to life in Southwark? will ensure that everyone’s needs are addressed through the Other White Black British ...... plans we develop as a result of this survey. Caribbean Nigerian ...... Ghanaian Sierra Leonean ...... 9. Age ...... Under 16 16 – 17 18 – 24 Somali Other African ...... 25 – 34 35 – 44 45 – 54 Other Black Asian British ...... 55 – 64 65 – 74 75 – 84 Indian Bengali ...... 85 – 94 95+ ...... Chinese Pakistani ...... 10. Disability and health Vietnamese Filipino ...... Are your day-to-day activities limited because of a health ...... White and Black Any other Asian problem or disability which has lasted, or is expected to Caribbean 6. In general, what do you think makes a place a last, at least 12 months? ‘good neighbourhood to live in?’ White and Black African White and Asian 3. What can the council do to improve your Yes, limited a little Yes, limited a lot No, not limited Other mixed background Arab experience of living in Southwark? ...... Please tick the box or boxes below that best describe Latin American Any other ethnicity the nature of your impairment(s): ...... Please specify further if you wish: Hearing / Vision (e.g. deaf, partially deaf or hard of ...... hearing; blind or partial sight) ...... Physical / Mobility (e.g. wheelchair user, arthritis, ...... multiple sclerosis etc.) 12. Religion or belief Mental health (lasting more than a year. e.g. severe ...... Christian Sikh Hindu depression, schizophrenia etc.) Muslim Jewish Buddhist ...... Learning difficulties (e.g. dyslexia, dyspraxia etc.) Memory problems (e.g. alzheimer’s etc.) No religion Other ...... If you wish to specify your impairment, please do so here: If you selected Other, please specify if you wish: ......

16 southwark.gov.uk southwark.gov.uk 17 13. Sex 18. What is your relationship to Southwark? Female Male Please tick as many as apply. I live in the borough 14. Gender reassignment I work in the borough Is your gender identity the same as the gender you were assigned at birth? I visit the borough Yes No 19. How long have you been in Southwark?

15. Sexual orientation Less than a year 1 – 5 years Hetrosexual/straight Lesbian/Gay woman 5 – 10 years 10 – 20 years Gay man Bisexual 20 years or more If you prefer to use your own term, please specify 20. What is your housing situation? if you wish: I own my home outright ...... I am buying my home with the help of a mortgage Shared ownership 16. Household income I rent from the council under £20,000 £20,000 to £30,000 I rent from a private landlord £30,001 to £40,000 £40,001 to £50,000 I live with family/friends/rent free £50,001 to £60,000 £60,001 to £70,000 over £70,000 21. What is the highest level of education you have completed? 17. Please let us know which part of Southwark Secondary school College/further education you live in Graduate level Postgraduate level Bermondsey and Borough, Bankside and Walworth Camberwell Please tick this box if you would like to receive Dulwich updates on the Southwark Conversation Peckham and Nunhead Email address:......

k you for you an r ti h completed the for me u’ve m*, you ! T n yo he can he post to t address W free below it by ur local lib or nd n to yo rary. se d it i han Freepost RSCE-TGHU-CUZB Southwark Council Community Engagement (2/4) 160 Tooley Street *By sending us your form you give us permission London, SE1 2QH to include your response in our results. All personal information is treated sensitively and in accordance with data protection principles.

18 southwark.gov.uk Winter 2017

Cllr Fiona Colley, cabinet member for finance, modernisation and performance What is Universal Credit? • Universal Credit is a new “As cabinet member with responsibility benefit system which combines for welfare, I have been pushing six benefits (including housing government to make urgent changes benefit, Jobseekers’ Allowance to Universal Credit. I believe it is and child tax credits) into one unacceptable that people are waiting single monthly payment for so long to receive their first Universal Credit payment without any benefits, so • If you get help with your rent, I have called on government to reduce this will be included in your the six week wait, as well as allowing monthly payment – you will rent payments to be made directly to the then pay your landlord directly landlord if the tenant wants. • Universal Credit is paid monthly in arrears, so it can “It is so important that the council stands up for Southwark residents on this take up to six weeks after you issue, which is why I was pleased to give evidence in Parliament to the Work make your claim to get your and Pensions Select Committee, highlighting the impact that Universal Credit first payment is having on Southwark tenants. The Select Committee has supported our recommendations to government and the Department for Work and Pensions, • You will need to make your which administers Universal Credit, has confirmed they will be looking closely at claim for Universal Credit the findings of our report. Only central government has the power to make the online at www.gov.uk/apply- necessary changes to Universal Credit, so I will continue to stand up for residents universal-credit and push for change nationally.”

Together with Croydon Council and Peabody housing association, Shirley, Peckham Southwark commissioned Shirley, from Peckham, claimed Universal Credit for the first time in July this independent research on the rollout year when she moved home. “I had to wait 8 weeks before I got my first of Universal Credit, which is set out Universal Credit payment. I was claiming ESA (Employment and Support in a new report, Safe as Houses. Allowance) but it was stopped the day I put in my claim.”

The findings of this report confirm Although Shirley found the online application process manageable, she the council’s concerns that more said that a lack of face to face contact made things more difficult. “There is tenants are falling into rent arrears, no one to ask questions, you just have to sit and wait so if something goes or getting further into debt, under wrong with your claim you don’t know until you don’t get paid.” Universal Credit than under the Is Universal Credit working previous housing benefit system. By October, three months after claiming Universal Credit, Shirley was in Universal Credit claimants currently £1,500 debt. “The debts pile up, not just rent but Council Tax, TV, etc. It have to wait six weeks after their wasn’t one thing, it was everything.” Shirley said she was scared of losing claim before they receive a payment, her flat; “I had been homeless before so I knew what that was like.” for Southwark residents? with many waiting even longer. This leads to difficulties for some “I got so depressed I stayed at home and didn’t eat for days. I knew I had tenants who struggle to pay their to ask for help.” Shirley sought help from Citizens Advice, who gave her a rent during that time, which has voucher for Pecan Food Bank in Peckham. Although Shirley was glad to get Southwark Council commissioned the Smith Institute caused understandable distress for help, she said “I have never been in that situation in my life where I had to people who find themselves in debt. go to a food bank; it was soul destroying.”Citizens Advice also put Shirley to carry out a study to find out what Universal The increase in rent arrears also has in touch with the council, which was able to provide her with a cooker, Credit will mean for local people, and the council. a significant impact on the council’s fridge and emergency gas and electricity. “The council have been really housing budget, with over £5m helpful”, Shirley said. “It was a load off my shoulders as the council knows I debt already owed to the council am trying to pay my rent. since the beginning of the rollout, veryone has heard of Universal Credit – the government scheme which may never be paid back. Most to roll all benefits into one payment – but with its rollout about “Speaking out has really helped. I feel more confident just by knowing that worryingly, Pecan Foodbank, which to start across the country, not everyone is clear what it means I have the council’s support.” operates in Southwark, has reported for them. a significant increase in the number of people being referred to them for The council will not take eviction strongly making the case for change EUnlike the previous housing benefit system, Universal Credit is administered help, mainly as a result of welfare proceedings in any cases where a nationally to prevent Southwark by national government through local job centres, so the council has no reform and Universal Credit. tenant has claimed Universal Credit residents from being adversely control over when or how much of the benefit is paid to residents. An early and finds themselves in rent arrears affected by the new benefit system. pilot in Southwark, testing out the direct payment element of Universal The council offers support to through no fault of their own. But Credit, found that claimants fell into rent arrears, and so the council wanted residents who are struggling ultimately only central government Read the full report on the council to establish what impact the full rollout would have. financially through the Southwark can make changes to Universal website at southwark.gov.uk/ Emergency Support Scheme. Credit, so the council is also SafeAsHouses

20 southwark.gov.uk southwark.gov.uk 21 Winter 2017 There’s £1m at stake for culture in Southwark Please... back Southwark’s bid for London Borough of Culture

uirky, hidden, Guardians of the Galaxy, Luther mainstream, vibrant, and the last two Bond movies, all diverse, exciting, filming on our streets. edgy...the list of words to describe The council’s bid for Borough QSouthwark’s heady mix of cultural of Culture is a celebration of all riches is almost endless. But of this, alongside the diverse with £1million on offer from the communities, incredible heritage Mayor of London for the London and talented creatives, evident Borough of Culture in 2019 and here in Southwark. It builds on 2020, we want to go even further our cultural strategy, Creative in establishing Southwark as THE Southwark, which puts creativity place to go for culture and the arts at the heart of everything we do. for everyone. So please, wherever you live in Theatre, carnival, film, music, Southwark – Peckham, dance, art...whatever culture means Nunhead, Camberwell, to you, Southwark has an amazing Walworth, Dulwich, story to tell, and a strong base Rotherhithe, through our cultural heritage, Borough, Bankside contemporary arts scene and wealth and Bermondsey – of diverse and creative talent. get involved, create, celebrate and come This is the home of established, together to back the bid. international centres like the Tate Modern, White Cube, Shakespeare’s Globe and the new Bridge theatre, developed by Nick Starr and Nicholas Hytner as the home of the London Theatre Company. But fresh So what happens next? new talent from up-and-coming Southwark Council will submit a bid by 1 December on behalf of the artists can also be found at the borough. In February we will find out which two London boroughs have Hannah Barry Gallery, Southwark been awarded the title of London Borough of Culture; one for 2019 and Playhouse, Theatre Peckham, the other for 2020. Each winning borough will receive more than £1million Omeara, CGP London and other from the Mayor of London and will run a huge and exciting programme vibrant, burgeoning hubs of art and of cultural events that will feature the talents of both global superstars creativity across Southwark. and local people, within its year. A handful of boroughs will also receive a smaller amount to support one outstanding project from their bid. Southwark is also home to some of the most sought after film locations It only takes a moment to pledge your support for Southwark’s bid. Just go nationally. We’ve seen the cast of to southwark.gov.uk/southwarkpioneers and click on the button. Bridget Jones, The Night Manager,

22 southwark.gov.uk southwark.gov.uk 23 Winter 2017 calendar Winter 2017 Events The Velveteen Rabbit The Velveteen Rabbit is a heart-warming Cinderella story about a very shy toy rabbit who longs for nothing more than to become real. First Shoeshine published in 1922, this classic American tale Follow Cindy and her little brother loses nothing of its power, magic and charm in from sunny Jamaica to 1940s this bold and adventure-filled adaptation for London and on to the Art Deco the Unicorn stage. Ages 5 – adult. glamour of Hollywood’s golden 17 Nov – 31 Dec 2017, various times, era, where even a shoeshine gal please see website can see her name in lights! Set £10 - £24 inside our beautiful new theatre, you’re guaranteed a fairy-tale Unicorn Theatre ending with Theatre Peckham’s unicorntheatre.com/The-Velveteen- magical Cinderella Shoeshine. Rabbit-2017 East Dulwich 5 – 23 December (not 9, 11, 20) Christmas Cracker times vary from day to day; check website for details East Dulwich will be the place to be on Saturday 2 December when the fabulous Christmas £10 / £8 Under 16 / Family of four Cracker returns supported by Southwark Council £30 and presented by the Dulwich Festival. Now in Theatre Peckham, 221 Havil Street, its sixth year, the 2017 East Dulwich Christmas London SE5 7SD. Caravantomime Cracker will offer even more to get everyone Wheelchair access throughout This festive season, catch a pantomime with a difference. Bankside, in the festive spirit. This year’s street festival venue. Assisted listening London SE1 will be playing host to a travelling anti-pantomime programme will include an exciting array of system available. hosted in The Caravan Theatre… niftily named Caravantomime. entertainment from local choirs and performance theatrepeckham.co.uk An intimate re-imagining of classic pantomime stories, the groups, exclusive offers from the fantastic local performance will see a clash of panto’s favourite characters; expect traders, a wonderfully seasonal North Cross to see Snow White, Cinderella and Widow Twanky presented in Road market with tempting gifts and delicious The Caravan Theatre. Produced by Robin Linde Productions, the festival food and the return of the delightful 20-minute performance will be showing from Friday 1 December Children’s Christmas Treasure Hunt developed and throughout the rest of the month at lunchtimes and evenings with participation from Link Age Southwark. (full timetable below), with tickets costing just £7.50. This year will see the advent of an art trail with local artists exhibiting throughout spaces in 1 – 2 December, Prices Street (by Hilton London Bankside), Lordship Lane and beyond. The East Dulwich SE1 0UG Christmas Cracker will take place throughout the 6 – 9 December, 90 Southwark Street, SE1 0HX area from 11am to 5pm. Make a date in your 13 – 16 December and 20 – 22 December, 1 Flat Iron Square, diary to come along and join in the festive fun! Union Street, SE1 0AB The East Dulwich Christmas Cracker is funded by Southwark Council with contributions from local 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 6pm, traders and produced by Dulwich Festival. 7pm, 8pm Saturday 2 December, 11am to 5pm £7.50 FREE St Giles Church, SE5 8RB North Cross Road and Lordship Lane, East Book online at www. Dulwich. brownpapertickets.com/ event/3125237 www.southwark.gov.uk/southwarkpresents Subject to availability, tickets may be available on the door. A Concert For Winter A Concert For Winter is our free annual showcase and celebration of the past, present and future of Southwark. Complete with song, dance, poetry and performance, the event celebrates the borough’s rich talents. Thursday 7 December, 1pm Free Globe Theatre www.shakespearesglobe.com/education/ events/productions/concertforwinter

24 southwark.gov.uk southwark.gov.uk 25 Winter 2017 Frozen in Time London Bubble weekly In 2016 Emergency Exit Arts brought the flames of the Phoenix to the Blackfriars Drama classes Mile. This year the waters of the Thames will feature in our celebration of the Open access drama classes for ages 6 upwards. people and places of this historical part Sessions are playful and build confidence and of Southwark. With help from schools communication. They also provide opportunities to and the local communities EEA will bring create and act out participant’s own imaginative the history of the Blackfriars Mile to life stories. as it flows from the streets and open spaces to the waters of the Thames. Led Spring term w/c 15 January 2018, times are by a gigantic mechanical animation, evenings and weekends Old Father Thames, you are invited to Fee paying join the procession and follow him on a London Bubble, 5 Elephant Lane, London SE16 4JD voyage of discovery through different londonbubble.org.uk/projectpage/ neighbourhoods around Blackfriars participatory-groups Road. Throughout the centuries Old Father Thames has stood guard over the riverbank. No one knows quite how long ago the figure of Father Thames was first invoked. It’s likely that people have always Organoke Apreès London paid tribute to the river in one form or Instead of Silent Night, why not don that Christmas Please join us in welcoming the inaugural year of another. Treasures found in its waters jumper, grab a beer or two and party in the pews Après London, London’s first ever teleportation might have been offerings to the river. or dance down the aisle belting out that most device. Transporting you from the South Bank to the Would Old Father Thames come looking traditional of Christmas tunes: from Slade’s “Merry Southern Alps. A fabulous, wooden ski chalet adjacent for them? Could they have been frozen in Christmas Everyone” to “Fairytale of New York”. to Borough Market located in the fabulous cultural time in the Thames’ icy waters? The inimitable Ida Barr returns in all her faded hotspot, Flat Iron Square. 1 December, 4pm Edwardian grandeur to get you on your feet Free using that beer bottle as a microphone like you’re December 8 to 31 March, Open from 5pm Freddie Mercury on tour. weekdays and noon weekends Starts Mint Street Park FREE southwark.gov.uk/southwarkpresents 16 December, Bar opens 7pm £15 Flat Iron Square St Giles Church, SE5 8RB www.flatironsquare.co.uk brownpapertickets.com Jerwood/ Photoworks The Sunday Spot Awards 2018 Join us on Sunday afternoons for hands-on New photographic works by activities led by artists. Bring your children three early career artists, aged 3-12 years for workshops which are Alejandra Carles-Tolra, Sam fun, playful and different every week. Laughlin and Lua Ribeira, enabled by the second, biennial, Every Sunday (excluding 24 & 31 Photo: Tom Leighton Jerwood/Photoworks Awards. Boing! December), times are 2 to 4pm Jerwood/Photoworks Awards This piece of dance-theatre Free, no booking required were established in response to captures the delirious excitement South London Gallery a need for opportunities that of two boys waiting for Father support early career artists in southlondongallery.org Christmas to arrive on the most making and presenting new magical night of the year. There Keep the spirit of work with sustained support are beds to be jumped on and from established professionals. pillows to be fought with, let Christmas alive your imagination soar right up to Come and see the switching on of the Christmas 17 January – 11 March the stars. Ages 2 to 6 tree lights in Peckham Square by the Mayor of 2017 Monday – Friday, Southwark and local schools and shops. Choirs 10am-5pm; Saturday and 22 Nov – 31 Dec, various singing Christmas carols and Free light refreshments Sunday, 10am-3pm times, please see website donated by Morrison’s supermarket. Theatre Free £12 – £20 Peckham will be singing for the event this year. Jerwood Space, 171 Union Street, Unicorn Theatre Friday 1 December, 4pm to 7pm Bankside, London, SE1 0LN unicorntheatre.com/ FREE www.jerwoodvisualarts. Boing-2017 org/exhibitions/ Photo: courtesy of the artist 26 Pioneer Street, Peckham jerwoodphotoworks- awards-2018

26 southwark.gov.uk southwark.gov.uk 27 Winter 2017 Southwark:

The ‘Borough’, near London Bridge Station The Early Years MEDIEVAL From the Roman period onwards, an important settlement has SOUTHWARK existed in the northern part of what is now the modern London The name Southwark is first recorded in the 10th century during Borough of Southwark. the period of Saxon settlement. The word Southwark comes from “Suthringa geweorche” which means the defensive work of the cathedral in 1977. These objects had men of Surrey. Roman been broken and apparently thrown Southwark down the well and possibly suffered Evidence of these defensive works burning at some stage. It could have has been found at Hibernia Wharf in The history of the north of the been part of a ritual but more likely Montague Close. borough has always been closely a sign of the changing occupation linked with that of the City of of Southwark. With the Roman In the 900s the area became known Old London Bridge circa 1750 London across the . influence fading and the Christian as the South work or the South influence increasing, these items burh referring to fortifications built Londinium was an area of London were no longer required. to repel Viking invaders. that today we call the square Tudor and Elizabethan Southwark mile or The City of London, and Archaeologists have excavated a Southwark might best be described During this period Southwark skeletons were also found in a pit SAXON large ditch that drained into St as its first southern suburb. was famous for its many “stews” nearby in Skinmarket Place. Mary’s Overie Dock and several pits or brothels, its inns, taverns SOUTHWARK in which a Saxon paddle and a coin The first extensive settlement of In the Saxon period, Southwark and alehouses. These activities There were also four open-air of Alfred (AD 871-899) were found. Southwark began not long after was apparently deserted until were frowned upon in the City of playhouses on Bankside during AD 43, when the maintenance soon after AD 900 when a small London but flourished in the less the 16th century. The most famous Although William the Conqueror of communications and supplies fortification was made which controlled area of Bankside. were the Rose and the Globe – burned Southwark during his would have been vital for the army became the southern defense for where many of Shakespeare’s invasion in 1066, in 1089 the and it was probably early in the the rebuilt London Bridge. Archaeologists have uncovered plays were first performed. Both Doomsday Book records that there period that Southwark and the the foundations and the brick playhouses have recently been were 40 households, a church on future Londinium were established. By the time of the Domesday Book cellars of many of the inns and found by archaeologists. The Hope Hunter God statue the site of the current Cathedral, in 1086, Southwark was prospering taverns, including the Bull, the has also now been located on the St Mary Overie docks and many This was because they lay at the Major roads were built to other and growing as a settlement. Peacock and the Ostrich Feather, eastside of Bear Gardens. The Swan mooring places along the shore. first place upriver on the Thames Roman cities in the south of The Cluniac priory and later under Borough High Street is known only from documents and that could be reached by roads England, including Watling Street abbey of St Saviour Bermondsey, during the building of the old maps and there is little chance By the 1500s Southwark had from the major entry points on to Canterbury (present day Old known as Bermondsey Abbey, was Jubilee Line. that any of it survives. expanded along the riverfront the coasts and where it was Kent Road) and Stane Street to founded in the 1080s. During eastward to Horsley-down, now possible to provide a harbour Chichester (Newington Causeway the years following Domesday, The other great attractions of As well as an entertainment known as Tooley Street, and and build a bridge. and Kennington Park Road). many important lords and senior Southwark were its bear baiting centre Southwark was the home westward along Bankside and south Remains of large and prestigious members of the church built town arenas and playhouses. to many industries such as the as far down as St George’s church. Archaeological discovery would stone buildings with mosaic floors, houses in Southwark, most notably tanning of leather, shipbuilding and suggest that the first Roman hypercaust heating systems and in Winchester Palace, built in the There were at least five animal ship-breaking, clay pipe making constructions in Southwark were one case, elaborately painted wall 12th century for the Bishops of baiting arenas located around and the production of Delftware the two major roads that they frescos have been found. Wooden Winchester. The remains of the the Park Street area of Bankside. and tin glazed earthenware. built which approached the jetties, warehouses and other hall, and the Rose Window Wall, Archaeologists have uncovered River Thames. remains of waterfront activities show can be seen on Clink Street the timber piles and foundations Underneath the yard of the old that the Southwark riverside was a of a bear baiting arena at Benbow Sarson’s Vinegar factory on Tanner Timbers that date from the Roman centre of trade, with close links to After the Norman Conquest, House in Bear Gardens as well as Street archaeologists found wooden period have been discovered at the rest of the Roman Empire. Southwark grew into a small but mastiffs bones, a breed of dog that casks set into pits and filled with various points along the line of thriving community, a suburb of would have been used to attack slaked lime dating to the 17th what are now Great Dover Street Six objects were uncovered in an the City, but with an independent a chained bear or horse in the century. These wooden-lined pits and Borough High Street. old well site underneath Southwark life of its own. Monastery Gate Bermondsey pits. Two European brown bear were used to tan sheep skins.

28 southwark.gov.uk southwark.gov.uk 29 Winter 2017

Peckham Rye, 1871

Carter Street police station Ada Salter

20th Century and 21st Century The old Elephant and Castle, Newington Newington workhouse Southwark Perhaps no period in Southwark’s long history has seen as much GEORGIAN AND VICTORIAN SOUTHWARK change as the past century. The settlement movement bred another The Georgian era saw many of other specialty was large-scale housing charities emerged that generation of reformers, who this Southwark’s neighbourhoods take public spectacles of scale re- built and rented flats at rates time embedded themselves in local on yet another identity: upscale enactments – like of the eruption working people could better government, determined to harness suburb. With the opening of of Mount Vesuvius, the Great Fire afford, funded by investments its power to improve life for local Westminster Bridge in 1750 and of London, or famous naval battles from better-off Londoners. Many citizens. Perhaps the fullest example Blackfriars Bridge in 1769, people – using sets, fireworks, and the of these new estates were of this was in Bermondsey: Ada and wealthy enough to have access to a gardens’ lake. tenement-style multi-storey Alfred Salter were both alumni of private coach could live away from blocks, like the Douglas Buildings Peckham Rye, 1863 the Bermondsey Settlement – by the the City of London and commute The advance of public development in Marshalsea late 1920s, Ada was a councillor, into work. The borough’s surviving transportation – Thomas Tilling’s Road, but Octavia Hill’s Redcross Alfred was MP, and their colleague Georgian terraces, including the horse bus in 1850, trams in 1870, Cottages showed it was possible and friend Eveline Lowe was the Register Office on Peckham Road and the Underground in 1890 to afford single-family homes as LCC councillor, enabling them are testament to the pull of greener, – meant that even more people well. In fact, some of the most to bring forward a pioneering, less crowded spaces. could afford to live further away well-known of London’s housing progressive platform that stressed from the centre of London. These associations, like Peabody, Octavia , leisure opportunities, Changing times and fashions newcomers pushed the upscale Housing, and the Guinness and decent housing for everyone affected leisure as well as homes. suburbs further out into what Partnership, trace their roots back in Bermondsey. This “Bermondsey People now flocked to pleasure had previously been farmland to this pioneering work. Revolution” was a model for local gardens, often some distance from – Dulwich, for instance – and government all over the world. the City, which combined elements the mansions of the well-to-do Other changes followed on from of cafés, botanical gardens, and were subdivided or replaced with Octavia Hill’s work in particular. forced further changes. concert venues; visitors strolled more modest Victorian terraces. Octavia’s system of rent collectors/ Hundreds of local people were in the gardens, enjoyed music, However, as the Victorian era wore housing managers also helped killed, and tens of thousands of dancing, and refreshments. The St on, new commercial and industrial promote local children’s groups, houses were destroyed or damaged. Helena Gardens in Rotherhithe (in development ate into the housing which was a model for the The Elephant and Castle, one of what’s now Eugenia Road), which stock in areas like Bermondsey, settlement movement that housed South London’s biggest transport opened in 1770, featured evening Walworth, and Camberwell. The and nurtured activities for local hubs, was a major target – the bulk fireworks and a rural oasis with remainder often fell into disrepair, children for decades afterwards. of the area’s redevelopment took spectacular views over the river. causing overcrowding, poor She also founded the Southwark more than a decade and radically hygiene, and health problems. Army Cadets, and her concern for altered the local landscape, but the The Royal Surrey Gardens, which open spaces for working Londoners last bombsite was only redeveloped opened in 1831, began its life as Reformers seized the opportunities to enjoy was instrumental in the in 1991! a zoo to rival Regent’s Park and to improve conditions, causing protection of Hampstead Heath and became the largest music venue another wave of change. New Parliament Hill Fields as well as Peckham Rye 1983 in London about 20 years later. Its housing models were created: the creation of the National Trust.

30 southwark.gov.uk southwark.gov.uk 31 Southwark is changing. The he Southwar council wants this change to in t k Co Jo nver work for everyone – to help sation you and your families enjoy : Fill out the urvey online life, be healthy and do well s rk so uthwa in Southwark. uthwark.gov.uk/ talkso o 26 r ca 5 33 We want to hear from you ll 020 752 about how the changes are affecting you, how you feel about the future, and whether #T rk there’s anything you think alkSouthwa we can do differently. southwark.gov.uk/talksouthwark

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