Fireworks in Brockwell Park

This his year’s LIGHT themed firework display will to be bigger and better than before, promising to thrill visitors with activities and entertainment for all ages. Alongside the amazing fireworks display, visitors will be treated to a bonfire, a first for the Brockwell Park event; a funfair with both adult and kid’s attractions; bars and a variety of  concessions serving both cold and hot food to keep you warm on what is normally a chilly November night. 

This year will be our first ticket-only event, with Lambeth residents given the opportunity to purchase tickets for £6 per adult (there is no charge for children under 16 years of age). Visitors who are not residents of Lambeth can buy tickets for £7.

Tickets will go on sale in mid-September and all tickets need to be purchased in advance of the event. They can be bought in the following ways:

– From your local library
– Online at www.lambeth.gov.uk/fireworks
– By calling the Box Office on 0871 220 0260 (calls cost 10p per minute from landlines, plus standard network charges)

This past weekend Max, Anna and Fred were out across the ward supporting a number of community events. While Max attended his surgery session Anna was helping residents on Guernsey and Hawarden roads with their very successful Freshview event. Joining up we then headed off to a scrub clearance at the West Norwood cemetery before handing out some councillor information cards to local business on Norwood road.

On Sunday all three of us took it turns to speak to residents at our table at the Norwood Feast, while further supporting residents later that afternoon at the excellent Romola road Freshview event. It was enjoyable talking to residents as we took note of specific issues people wanted us to be aware of, and hope to see /speak to more residents next weekend…

Ardlui and Chatsworth to get a green upgrade

Ardlui Road and Chatsworth Way sit above the old River Effra, one of London’s lost rivers which runs through south London. This can put the streets at higher flood risk – In the past, when there were fewer paved surfaces, this wouldn’t cause a problem because the earth would slow down the water’s progress and there was time for it to drain away. However, the tarmac and concrete in London mean rainwater enters sewers and underground waterways very quickly. At times of heavy rainfall, this can mean that they overrun and flood the street.

To tackle this in Ardlui and Chatsworth, Lambeth, with Sustrans, will be putting in “sustainable urban drainage” – on the surface, these will look like beautiful new green pavements with flower beds and plants. However, below the ground, they will be deep enough to slow down the progress of water, giving it time to drain away without flooding.

You can also help reduce flood risk by “depaving” your garden. The council can help you do with by providing tools, support and waste clearance. A number of local residents depaved their front gardens recently and we would be happy to put you in touch with the council officers running the programme if you’re also interested in this.

Edible Living – free gardening sessions support food growing – Lambeth Living talk Thurlow Park’s Lairdale estate

New food gardens are growing in Lambeth estates with a little professional help from Ruth Arnott, who has been hired by Lambeth Living to help residents make their gardens sustainable. One estate to benefit is Lairdale Estate, where Andy Begley is the resident with ‘green fingers’. “You blink and the tomatoes grow,” he says with a big smile. “People on the Estate really enjoy gardening, we have been taking turns for watering and we had weekly meetings in the garden.”

Do you want to be a Street Champion?

Does your street suffer from litter, dumped watse or dog fouling? Would you, and your street, be willing to work with the council to be a stop to it?

We know from speaking to residents that living in a clean street encourages a sense of belonging and pride is important to lots of people. We are comitted to maintaining clean streets and we want to work with you to riase the standards and ensure you can be proud of where you live.

By working with your neighbours and the council to find the best solution for your street you can have a direct impact on these issues.

As a Street Champion you will have access to:
1. a number of courses such as Gardening Advice /Engaging with your neighbours and DIY skills
2. Receive publis recognition for your contribution with a meet the Mayor day
3. Become part of our ‘Do the Right Thing’ campaign
4. Receive a free Street Champion pack to identify you as a Stree Champion

Getting involved in your community can bring real benefits, so if you like to know more please contact us or you can email the council on streetchampions@lambeth.go.uk

The Tulse Hill Tavern’s licence was approved on Tuesday 12 August as the Licensing Committee discussed the proposal. Residents were concerned about possible noise levels and we are pleased that the licence has been taken back to 1am when it was originally licensed until 3am, and that recorded music will be restricted to internal play only. A noise limiter will also be installed. Though some questions were raised about the lack of door staff the Licensing Committee were satisfied that this was sufficiently addressed by the representatives from Green King.

We are pleased that residents, business and the Council have worked together and listened to each other to bring a ‘high end’ establishment that will also hopefully see locally recruited staff. We look forward to the pub opening in November 2014.

Portico Gallery hosts the ‘The Happening’

Max and Fred spent yesterday morning with Rheanne Gonyou, the West Norwood Business Manager, as we talked to residents about their wishes and wants for Norwood Road. Cash points, cleaner streets, tackling unused shops, road improvements and the need for better, more child friendly cafés were some of the issues discussed.

Jamal of the the Norwood Community Group was pleased to be involved and share some of his expertise and experiences with those from the local community visiting the Portico Gallery interested in discussing youth work.

The Open Works: Re-imagining how we live our everyday life

The aim of the Cooperative Council is to forge a new relationship with citizens, placing local residents at the heart of all its work to make Lambeth a good place to live.

The Open Works is an experimental project aiming to transform how residents live their every day life. They involve citizens and professionals from across the council and partners, working with the local community.

The first stage of The Open Works began in February 2014. Some of the projects include; a community borrowing shop where local people can lend and borrow things they need; a Trade School where anyone can teach something they are skilled at, or passionate about. They can even pay for class with a barter item (like food, supplies, or advice), and there is a project where people come together to batch cook meals and take home potions for the week.

These are all excellent projects. If you have a project idea please see – http://www.theopenworks.org/tell-us-your-project-idea

For further information or contact entails of those at The Open Works please see – http://www.theopenworks.org/contact/