A Seasonal Magazine for Churchill Gardens and Neighbours

NEWS, VIEWS & VOICES BY RESIDENTS, FOR RESIDENTS WWW.CHURCHILLGARDENS.ORG.UK ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Churchill Hall, Wednesday October 18th at 7pm EVERYONE WELCOME!

AUTUMN 2017 LITTLEHAMPTON HERE WE COME! Saturday 26th August saw two 53 seater coaches Families have enjoyed events like the one on take to the road to Littlehampton. Families Ebury Bridge and Peabody Ave/Close which from Peabody Avenue were joined by many from offered planting art activities and the one and Churchill Gardens and other local estates. It was only ‘Safari Pete’, which was lead by The Pimlico such a success and the families really enjoyed Toy Library and funded by Pimlico Million. the beach and crab fishing. The weather was amazing which was a bonus and a great time Jane Buttigieg. was had by all.

One of the coaches was funded by Pimlico Million which in its first year has given over £25,000 to THE BIG LUNCH local organisations and individuals in Churchill Gardens, Peabody Ave/Close, Chelsea and The Churchill Gardens Residents’ Association, Wellington and Ebury Estates. We have also put Community Champions and the Pimlico Million on training in First Aid and look to offer much joined together for The Big Lunch in June. more in the second year of funding. If you would Neighbours brought food to share and enjoy, the like to find out more or have an idea which will local police weighed in and got busy colouring help make the area an even better place to live, and chatting, and the square came to life with contact our co-ordinator on 020 7828 9614 or laughter and balloons. Next year, the Big Lunch email: [email protected] might just get bigger - your Gazette will keep you informed We will be working with Community Champions to set up Walking Football and Fishing groups. We have identified mainly young people who would like to set up a business and are looking into how we can support them. We have brought many of the youth organisations together to help form a Youth Forum which will look at how we can all work together and share resources to help offer the best opportunities to young people.

Gardening groups have been very successful and residents are really engaged with making their estate look brighter and inviting; we would like to bring groups across the area to help one another and form an open spaces group which will offer much more to our community. Dates for the first meeting TBC

2 A letter from the Chairman of the From the Editor Residents’ Association We’ve grown the Gardens Gazette by four pages Dear Neighbours, this time, which shows that there’s plenty to say, lots of news to share and exciting events Welcome to the Autumn edition of the Gardens to promote. Here’s a few answers to frequent Gazette. I am pleased to announce that the questions: Annual General Meeting of the Residents’ Association will be held on Wednesday 18th • Yes, there is a Residents’ Association. October, 7pm in the Residents Hall. As well as • Yes, it is open to EVERYONE - even if you providing and supporting activities and groups in are only living on Churchill for a few the Residents’ Hall, your committee have worked months, if this is your home, then come tirelessly over the last year monitoring the major along and take part. works program, PDHU heating, estate repairs • Yes, the Gazette is written by and the performance of CityWest Homes and residents and for residents. Westminster Council in general; many residents have reported their dissatisfaction with all the So if you have a grumble, a question, a funny above and unfortunately, we tend to agree with story, a photograph, a recipe, a poem - whatever, their opinion. send it along. All the views that are fit to print are welcome here. A major concern to us all should be the uncertainty of the rejuvenation of the Ebury Autumn means long winter evenings - plenty of Bridge Estate. As the agreed plans to only time to curl up and enjoy the Gardens Gazette. partially demolish the estate appear to have And maybe think about contributing to the next been thrown out of the window and the Council one. now wish to demolish the entire site for yet Jo Hines another luxury development, I think we all must acknowledge that Westminster City Council are solely motivated by financial incentives; it would The views expressed in this magazine are not appear the needs of their Residents are of no necessarily those represented by the Churchill consequence. Gardens Residents’ Association.

We should not be complacent on Churchill Every effort has been made to trace copyright Gardens. Whilst the issue of rejuvenation of holders and to obtain their permission for the use of our estate has gone for now I doubt it has copyright material. gone away for good. We all need to be working together to let the Council know how proud we are of our community and that we will campaign Printed by: DMPS Printers, relentlessly to preserve our wonderful estate. Membership of a strong residents’ association has never been more important than it is now. Please do your best to attend the annual meeting and support the work being done on your behalf. We are always looking to increase membership What’s Aladdin doing on of the association and would welcome more residents to join the committee and assist in Churchill Gardens? supporting your neighbours. Turn to page 19 to find out! Kindest wishes,

John Wyatt, Chairman CGRA

3 PARKER MORRIS AND CHURCHILL

Sir Parker Morris was an iconic figure in the history of social housing. Here his grandson, Charles Parker was born in Manchester in 1891, the Jenkins, who recently visited Churchill Gardens, youngest together with a twin, of a family reveals that this estate is perhaps his most lasting of nine children. As his father died when he legacy was ten his mother was left to bring up the family on her own with a limited income. She In the 1970s I learnt that my grandfather, Sir considered Parker the ablest and somehow paid Parker Morris (1891-1972) who was town clerk of for a private education (there was then no free Westminster at the time, had taken the initiative secondary education) and for him to study law in choosing and preparing the site for Churchill at Manchester University. Throughout his life Gardens. He also persuaded Westminster he retained a strong sense of obligation to keep Council to select the architects Powell and Moya. in touch with his siblings and their families and help them if he could. However although he lived till I was 23 I only heard about it from other family After university and the First World War, he was members. Parker hardly ever spoke of his own articled to the town clerk of Salford. Then, as achievements. As an old man he was friendly, if town clerk of Chesterfield in the early 1920s, formal, and interested in other people and the he established a reputation for commissioning present, talking very little about himself. He did council housing (then a new concept). It must not come across as someone who would have have been in part this reputation that led him in taken the bold decision to choose then unknown 1929 at the age of only 38 to be appointed town young modernist architects for the largest clerk of Westminster where he remained until he project of his career. retired.

4 I am not aware of any major housing projects he was involved in before the Second World War, probably constrained by the availability of land, but his son David remembers the borough surveyor complaining that he was always giving him extra work by buying land when it became available. He did pursue other projects such as libraries and swimming pools and had good working relations with Herbert Morrison when he was Labour leader of the London County Council from 1934 to 1940 and then when as home secretary Morrison had responsibility for tackling the bombing of London.

Late in his career Parker established a reputation as a housing activist who would “set alarm bells ringing” whenever he visited the Ministry of Housing and Local Government. Undoubtedly Churchill Gardens, as by far his biggest project played a big part in establishing that reputation.

It was after he retired as town clerk that he was appointed by the Central Housing Advisory Committee to chair a group to make recommendations on standards of design for residential building. The committee worked for two years before publishing Homes for Today and Tomorrow in 1961. The report made detailed Parker had a clear idea as to what government recommendations covering space, heating, should do that might be described as a form safety and outside amenity space. Probably the of municipal socialism, but he never revealed most important were internal space both overall to anyone, even his closest family, whom he and for key rooms—it considered that as far as voted for at any election throughout his life. possible children and teenagers should have His conservative manners, style of dress and their own rooms. Particular attention was given use of language would probably have helped to kitchen design to make them practicable to reassure mainly Conservative Westminster for cooking and provide space for informal councillors about what he was doing. eating there as was becoming more common. It also prioritised space for then relatively new The Parker Morris standards were adopted as equipment such as washing machines and legal requirements for council house building refrigerators and for storage. But it tried still from 1967 but they were abolished in 1980 to give wide range for architects to be creative. under Mrs Thatcher. While raising the bar, it paid close attention to the affordability and practicability of its Nevertheless they have always remained as proposals. His son remembers that he worked guidelines for social and private housing and particularly closely with one member of the have enjoyed something of a revival in the last committee, Norman Wates, from the Wates ten years. Although in need of updating, I think Construction company. they remain relevant to the challenges of today.

5 PARKING THE PROBLEM Local resident Mr Clayton has drawn attention to the danger caused by illegal parking on Churchill. Here he describes a day spent trying to get this problem taken seriously by various officials.

A couple of weeks back I had a one to one meeting with Mohammad from CityWest Homes pointing out several dangerously parked vehicles blocking fire access on our estate. Mohammed took on board my concerns and committed to doing something about it. He said he could instruct his Westminster handyperson to paint yellow highlights on the road. It was very fortuitous as we were walking around Churchill Gardens estate that we bumped into our local Police officer who agreed that although he couldn’t enforce badly parked cars on our private estate, he did condemn the selfish and dangerous parking I was pointing out to Mohammed. We had no sooner said farewell to Pc Donaldson when we turned a corner to see a big red fire engine parked at the corner of Chaucer House. I asked one of the firemen if he could spare five minutes with us to use his skill and judgement and confirm that vehicle access was impeded by badly parked cars parked on double yellow lines directly in front and down from two sets of fire access gates. The fireman did confirm he would not be able to get his vehicle round and past the fire gates with cars parked on the double yellow lines. I just turned to Mohammed and said, ‘There you go, you’ve heard it from the horse’s mouth.’ It seemed like the universe was in my favour that day. Following several complaints from residents who Anyway, I can confirm that CityWest Homes are have paid for parking on the estate but see many taking the issue seriously and did paint yellow cars parked without any permit, and apparently no parking boxes as promised. I would like to see all residents challenge badly escaping any penalty, the Residents Association parked or illegally parked vehicles on our estate wrote to Jonathan Cowie, Chief Executive of and take pictures if appropriate and pass them CityWest Homes asking them to clarify the on to CityWest Homes. situation as regards parking on Churchill. If there This will flag up residents who are in breach of is no penalty for parking without a permit, why parking regulations on my estate, but will have no legal address for those who are not residents should residents bother to apply for one? Mr Cowie on my estate and are abusing the ill enforced passed the queries on to members of his team, and parking here in Westminster. Anyway, I can promised a speedy response, but at the time of going confirm that CityWest Homes are taking the to press, the RA has still not heard anything. issue seriously and did paint yellow no parking boxes as promised. Send your views to [email protected]

6 NOISE POLLUTION FROM A SONG FOR PIMLICO BATTERSEA HELIPORT Battersea Heliport regularly run tourist helicopter tours and this means that there are around 26 flights per day during busy periods. That’s 13 flights out of the heliport and 13 flights in. So, what can you do if the noise really is upsetting and annoying you?

The London Heliport takes any environmental issues, such as noise pollution, very seriously and operates a “Fly Neighbourly” policy. So, if you are affected by noise pollution from helicopters flying above or around your block then call them on 020 7228 0181 (8am to 7pm) to report your feelings on the level of noise disturbance. The call will take less than 5 minutes of your time but could help the whole Estate in the long run especially if enough people affected pick up the phone to complain.

At times, there may be more flights than usual but these may not necessarily be helicopters from Battersea. It could be that there is an air The Pimlico Musical Foundation, a local charity show at Biggin Hill or other parts of London that founded in 2015, aims transform the lives mean more flights than usual. You can only of children through the joy of singing. Since complain to Battersea Heliport about the flights its formation PMF has been working in local from their centre, all other flights would need to schools, running choirs and leading curriculum be taken up with the Civil Aviation Authority on sessions. It’s delighted to now be forming the 020 7453 6524 or email [email protected]. Pimlico Children’s Choir, an opportunity for children who love to sing aged 8-12 (academic Christina Walsh years 4-8). The choir works towards termly performances leading the other schools involved with the Musical Foundation, and singing with the Adult Foundation Chorus.

Members will be taught vocal technique If you’d like to make a alongside more broader musicianship with all children learning to read and understand music. comment, or get involved They will be given an opportunity to explore a in future issues, contact the wide range of music from a variety of different Gazette by emailing: cultures and styles. Rehearsals start at 4.00pm at St Gabriel’s [email protected] School, Churchill, SW1V 3AG. Fruit and drinks will be provided from 3.30pm. We’re always welcoming new members - so if you’re interested please email the Choir Manager, Chloe on [email protected].

James Day, Director of Music

7 JOHNNY ROGAN AND THE BYRDS

Johnny Rogan is Pimlico through and through. Raised in Colchester Street, he attended school at St Vincent’s, Buckingham Gate, Pimlico and Oxford, as well as doing a paper round for Syd Staplehurst and working part time in local vinyl mecca Recordsville. He still lives in Page Street and is now better known as probably the world’s foremost music biographer. He has written the definitive tomes on The Byrds, Van Morrison and The Smiths, the latter resulting in death threats from Morrissey himself! His other books feature, among others, Neil Young, Ray Davies, John Lennon, Roxy Music, CSN&Y and Wham! His “Hitmakers & Svengalis” about rock managers was adapted for a TV series.

His latest opus is the final part of a weighty trilogy featuring his favourite band, The Byrds, Requiem For The Timeless Volume 2, and to celebrate its release Johnny threw a low key home town launch in The King William IV Pub on 23rd July. Backed by a Byrds related ’60s soundtrack, Johnny treated us to evocative readings from the book, ranging from Gene Clark’s childhood in Kansas to Gram Parsons and Keith Richards going cold turkey in Cheyne Walk just up the road from the William. A great Sunday afternoon was had by all and if you have any interest in the music of any of the artists mentioned then seek out Johnny’s book on them.You wont be disappointed.

Colin Staplehurst

Do you have any memories of Pimlico that you’d like to share with readers? If so, get in touch by emailing [email protected] or phoning the Residents Association on

020 7834 5177

8 CAVE REPORT

Pimlico Pop at the Cave

Anyone lucky enough to visit the Cave, at the corner of Tatchbrook Street and Moreton Street, in June this year, was treated to a feast of Pimlico pop memories. Colin Staplehurst, who writes for the Gazette on Pimlico and Pop among other topics, has been collecting photographs and memorabilia for years. It all came together in the exhibition Pimlico Pop. Once the show had opened, people kept bringing more material. Karen Turner - of the Cave called it ‘the show that just kept growing’. The images of the Small Faces were popular, local people enjoyed seeing themselves in younger days and visitors from all over London were reminded of evenings at the Caxton Hall.

Jo Hines COMING UP IN THE AUTUMN AT THE CAVE

‘I Don’t Do Art But … ’ The ETAT annual exhibition the last week of September.

To coincide with the London Frieze Art Fair, the Cave will be running their very own, aunti-freeeze Art Fair, 5-8 October - something for everyone.

For full details go to https://www.cavepimlico.co.uk

To find out more about ETAT - Encouragement Through the Arts and Talking - go to their website, https:// After last issue’s focus on balconies, Churchill resident encouragementthroughtheartsandtalking.org Lorraine King sent in some photos of all the pot plants that or phone Jane Buttigieg on 07903 955624 frame her view. Who needs a garden?

9 CHURCHILL GARDENS RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION are holding their ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Churchill Hall, Wednesday October 18th at 7pm

Mark Field MP, local councillors, representatives from City- West Homes and the local police will be attending. We will also be electing the committee and office holders for the year ahead.

This is your chance to help make Churchill an even better place to live, and to work with the Residents Association to deal with any problems quickly.

Come along on October 18th, join your Residents Association and together we can make Churchill wonderful!

Everybody is welcome, even if you are only living here for a short time. We need a strong RA so our voice can be heard.

10 CHURCHILL GARDENS RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION are holding their ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Churchill Hall, Wednesday October 18th at 7pm

Do you have any issues the RA could help you with?

Are you worried about anti-social behaviour?

Do you have feedback on Major Works?

Have you had any experience of the new CityWest call centre?

Any problems with leaks, repairs or illegal parking?

Come along on October 18th, join your Residents Association and together we can make Churchill wonderful!

Everybody is welcome, even if you are only living here for a short time. We need a strong RA so our voice can be heard.

11 A BRIDGE TOO FAR? investors. Pimlico’s rich, historic physical and social tapestry must not be slashed apart. If we allow it to be, the developers’ wrecking balls will Just as the Garden Bridge bites the dust, plans for swing next above Pimlico itself.” a pedestrian and cycle bridge between Nine Elms and Pimlico seem to be back on the agenda. The “The whole process so far has demonstrated the promoters claim that this will be an environmental total arrogance of Council, and their agents mounting the process. They have ignored and much needed link across the Thames; the impact of such a bridge on Grosvenor Road opponents say it will destroy the unique charm of and the proposed location for the ‘landing point’. Pimlico. What do you think? Grosvenor Road is already very heavily trafficked by all kinds of commercial and private vehicles; The developers say: “Nine Elms Pimlico Bridge and for the several peak hours of cyclists. To would be a vital new transport artery for our contemplate an additional load of cyclists from growing city, closing the biggest gap between the bridge and just how such could join into the existing river crossings in central London. Part two directional flow is as yet to be explained.” of the next generation of car-free bridges, it aspires to become a London landmark, heralding the growth that is taking place south of the river and facilitating a shift to more sustainable modes of transport. With London’s population and transport demand reaching new peaks, the bridge provides a vital new connection demonstrating that London is open for business and committed to enabling a shift to zero- emission sustainable transport.”

Local residents say: “Both St George’s Square and Churchill Gardens are conservation areas, with beautiful trees, gardens and paths. If the bridge were to land near either of these points, cyclists using the bridge would be attracted to these small roads to take short cuts or use these quiet areas for petty crime.”

“Not only will building the bridge disturb the ecology of the river, but the daily invasion of cyclists and pedestrians will inevitably diminish the tranquility of Pimlico - and for what? A maximum of three minutes cycling or ten minutes brisk walk in either direction to existing bridges!”

“Pimlico bustles. It is a destination within its own right, easily accessed by car, foot and cycle from the two extant bridges of Chelsea and , which frame Pimlico’s almost peninsular position The promoters claim that the new bridge is “designed to on the Thames. Pimlico will not benefit from this become a new landmark for the whole of London.” proposed bridge cutting into its fabric, dicing it and dividing it, turning it into a rat-run to Victoria What do you think? Send your views to and the West End for Nine Elms’s wealthy [email protected] 12 VICTORIA’S CARBUNCLE?

Britain’s ugliest new build is right on our doorstep, according to magazine. The Nova building at Victoria has been awarded the Carbuncle Cup; it has been described by the judges as ‘one of the worst office developments London has ever seen’, and as ‘having the look of a particularly obnoxious Argyle sweater’. The Carbuncle Cup was started in 2006 to draw attention to some of the architectural horrors that are blighting our cities.

Do you agree with the judges, or do you like the new building? And what does this say about the competence of Westminster’s planning department?

Send your views to [email protected]

! ! READING ROUND ! a reading group with a difference! ! ! Weekly meetings to enjoy stories, prose and poems. JOKES TO TELL AT SCHOOL Explore how writers catch our attention, make us laugh, make us cry, in a group led by local But make sure you keep them for the author Jo Hines. playground! No pens, no paper, no prep - like a book club without the Q: What did the ground say to the earthquake? ‘homework A: You crack me up! ! Every Wednesday evening through the autumn at Q: Why did the music teacher need a ladder? the Churchill Hall. Come along to a taster session A: To reach the high notes. on Wednesday 27th September 6.30-8.00. ! ! Q: What do elves learn in school? ! A: The elf-abet! ! £1.00 a week Q: What did you learn in school today? everyone is welcome but places are limited. A: Not enough, I have to go back tomorrow! ! To find out more, or book your place, phone ! 07947 019690! Q: What vegetables to librarians like? ! A: Quiet peas. supported by 13 There’s more going on in and around Churchill Gardens than many people realise. Here are a few NOTICE activities - something for everyone.

BINGO OPEN AGE

In the Garden Room (1st floor, lift) - Every All activities for the over-50s are Wednesday evening at 7.30, £1.00 and last one hour unless Friday afternoons at 2.30 and Sunday otherwise stated. There are no evenings at 8pm. All are welcome. classes over half term.

MONDAY Pilates: 11.45, 12.45 (two classes) Pilates focuses on stability, balance, All Human Life Is Here flexibility, posture and wellbeing a A small open minded group discuss how popular activity. philosophy, history and hidden knowledge relates to the current world. WEDNESDAY If the prospect of an afternoon talking Boxing Fitness, 3.30 pm about Philosophy and History sounds scary, think again! Sonia has been part of Come and try this fun and interactive the History and Philosophy group for some boxing fitness class designed to time and she loves it. improve your heart health, strength and co-ordination. They meet at Darwin House every Monday from 2-4 and there are definitelyNo Entry Requirements. FRIDAY Zumba, £1 - 10.00 am All sessions are free. Not just a dance class but a party atmosphere! Have a 10 minute break and join us for Latin Dance afterwards.

Venue: Churchill Gardens Hub Best Foot Forward (the Youth Club) A Walking for Health group meets every Churchill Gardens Road SW1V 3AJ Saturday at 11 am sharp outside Pimlico Library. The walks are two hours and free, open to all.

If you have a group or an event you’d like to publicise in the next Gardens Gazette, drop us a line at [email protected] 14 BOARD

WOMEN ONLY!

An exercise group for women is running in the Churchill Residents’ Hall, Wing Tsun Kung Fu has grown in popularity every Monday 11-1. All due to its practicality in the modern world. It sessions are free and can be learned in a relatively short period of everyone is welcome to time and is practiced by people of all sizes, try it out. shapes and degree of athletic ability.

Classes are held at The Churchill Gardens Club on Monday, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6.30pm through to 8.30pm.

ACTIVITIES AT THE CHURCHILL HALL Beginners are welcome and a FREE trial lesson is available. If you are not sure, you are Open to all - come and try it out! welcome to sit in and watch a class.

TAE KWON DO To get a better understanding of Wing Tsun, 8.30 pm Monday and Friday visit www.wingtsun-london.com or contact Si-Hing Gabor Spenger (2nd Level Master) on 07932 401520 or email him at BOXING [email protected] 5 pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday

For more details, phone 020 7834 5177

CHURCHILL GARDENS RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM I wish to become a member of the Churchill Gardens Residents Association All residents of Churchill Gardens and Russell House are eligible to apply for membership of the Name …………………………………………………… Residents Association. Address Membership is free ……………………………………………………

If you wish to join and participate in our various Postcode …………………………………………………… activities and enjoy the facilities available in the Resident Hall please complete this application Signature form and deliver it to the Hall. ……………………………………………………

Date …………………………………………………… 15 WELFARE LADIES MY MOTHER’S IRISH SODA BREAD How many people living on Churchill now remember the Welfare Ladies? One of the first Welfare Ladies explains when they were set up, and how they prevented people who lived alone from feeling isolated.

Years ago, I was on the Residents Association. We had what we called an Elderly Residents Committee which looked after the older people. We used to give them an outing once a year and a Christmas dinner, and those that were With 8 children and at 82, my Mum still cooks housebound got a Christmas parcel. for us all on a regular basis and soda bread is a staple in our household to accompany all her When the Residents Association first started, delicious Irish cooking. So, I’ve tempted her to we used to pay to become a member. So we had give away her secret recipe so you can all enjoy a one person from each block to collect the money. little taste of Ireland. After we stopped collecting the money, that person became the Welfare Officer. If any person INGREDIENTS in that particular block became ill, or went 250g plain white flour into hospital, and had nobody to visit them, we 250g plain wholemeal flour arranged that we’d go to see them. If they were 1tsp bicarbonate of soda ill indoors and needed anything like special fruit 1tsp salt or anything else, we’d buy it and give it to them. 25g butter, cut in pieces The welfare ladies didn’t do a lot. But you can’t 500ml buttermilk check on people now because people would think you were interfering. METHOD Preheat the oven to 200c/gas 6/fan 180c and We knew everybody when we first moved on dust a baking sheet with flour. Mix the dry the estate, because we had all the different ingredients in a large bowl, then rub in the committees: one for the elderly, one for looking butter. Pour in the buttermilk and mix it in after children, we had a Social and Outings quickly with a palate knife, then bring the dough Committee and a Drama Group. 60 years ago together very lightly with your fingertips (handle the estate was half the size it is now, like a little it very, very gently). Now shape it into a flat, village. I did once think of moving away, but I round loaf. changed my mind. Now I wish I’d moved away. It’s all changed so much. It changed when people Put the loaf on the baking sheet and score a bought their flats, and it went down when they deep cross in the top. (Traditionally, this lets the took the porters away. We used to have one fairies out, but it also helps the bread to cook porter for each block and we had a rota pinned through). Bake for 30-35 minutes until the up for cleaning the stairs. bottom of the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. If it isn’t ready after this time, turn it upside There was always some sort of meeting going on down on the baking sheet and bake for a few because of all the committees. When we opened minutes more. the small bar in the club, it was one day only - and I was the barmaid! Transfer to a wire rack, cover with a clean tea towel (this keeps the crust nice and soft) and Do you think Churchill blocks should have welfare leave to cool. To serve, break into quarters, ladies again? Comments and memories to info@ then break or cut each quarter in half to make 8 gardensgazette.org.uk wedges or slices.

16 Christina Walsh TOP 5 BOOKS FOR UNDER 11s (WH Smith)

5. The Faraway Tree – Enid Blyton At the top of the tree there is a ladder that leads the children up to a magical land which is different every time. Young readers love to read about each new land and to explore them along with the characters.

4. The Gruffalo – Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler The book children can grow up with, perfect for reading to a baby, reading together with a young child and for independent reading as your child grows older.

3. Horrid Henry – Francesca Simon & Tony Ross Kids love reading about the naughty things that Henry gets up to, but equally there are good messages to be taken from Francesca Simon’s stories and little ones learn that being naughty doesn’t always get you what you want.

2. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – J. K. Rowling The world of Harry Potter is one that many parents eagerly anticipate sharing with their children.

1. Diary of a Wimpy Kid – Jeff Kinney A fantastic character that children can relate to. Greg’s adventures are imaginative and fun and the simple diary structure makes these books ideal for readers of all levels to engage with.

These top 5 books were voted by readers on the WH Smith website. We’d really like to hear from you about and the books you’ve read or our reading. So if you’ve just read your first book or you are aged up to 11, we’d love to hear from you. Let us know the name of the book and the author plus a short brief synopsis of what you thought of it. Send this through to [email protected] and we may publish this in the next issue of The Gazette.

After last issue’s focus on balconies, Churchill resident Lorraine King sent in some photos of all the pot plants that frame her view. Who needs a garden?

17 PEREGRINE UPDATE After readers sent in images of birds of prey for the At the top, a nest box designed to appeal to the peregrines was installed, at exactly the same Summer Gazette, we asked Simon Cawte to tell us height as the old one. what the development company at are going to make sure their feathered Luckily, the new tower turned out to be a residents are catered for. triumph. The peregrines moved in straight away and have bred there every year since, The first peregrines moved in at Battersea Power successfully raising more than a dozen young Station in 2000 – some 17 years before the first birds. human residents, now just arriving. This was one of London’s first peregrine nesting sites: Everyone on the building site is involved in evidently the birds knew that it would be a watching and helping the birds, in particular desirable address. during the crucial fledging stage when young falcons are learning to fly and sometimes wind In fact it has been more desirable than they up down on the ground, unable to get back to could have realised. The peregrines’ original the nest. nesting site in one of the old Power Station’s wash towers – at the base of one of the building’s If that happens, all personnel on the Power mighty chimneys – was ideal from the birds’ Station site have been briefed on the falcon point of view. It was high up, sheltered, difficult recovery plan. Workers guard the fallen bird, for ground based predators to reach, and offered making sure it doesn’t fall victim to foxes or an excellent position for keeping a watch out for other threats. Once a specially trained individual prey and rival falcons. is on scene, they will carefully move the juvenile falcon to a high position where its parents can The problem was that work needed to start on feed it until it is able to fly back to the nest the Power Station building in 2013, including again. the careful dismantling and rebuilding of all four chimneys, and this would be illegal if the The peregrines won’t live in their tower forever. A peregrines were breeding in the wash tower new permanent nest house will be built into the northeastern wash house, and when work on the The solution was to provide the birds with an building finishes in 2020 the current tower will alternative, attractive nest site in a location be taken down and the birds will be encouraged nearby where they wouldn’t interfere with the to move back in to the Power Station again. construction programme or it with them. At a cost of more than £100,000, a tower of the same For more information on Battersea Power Station kind used to support large cranes was erected. please visit www.batterseapowerstation.co.uk

18 2 pm at the Churchill Hall, Saturday 9th December £2 per child, includes a party pack Adults Free 15