The Road Worrier
Matthew writes:
The large convenience store off Brockley Rise in-between Chandos and Le Querce seems to have been halved from two units into one, with some work going on in the other unit. Does anyone have any idea what it’s destined to be? The shop owners don’t seem to have any idea, only that the landlord is changing it.
Posted by Brockley Nick on 31.7.15
Labels: Brockley Rise
Oskar Jakobsen at fourFold
Babur Gourmandized
Posted by Brockley Nick on 30.7.15
Labels: Art, Brockley Rise, Restaurants
Never look back, walk tall, act fine
In the beginning there was only Chaos. Then out of the void appeared Erebus, the unknowable place where death dwells, and Night. All else was empty, silent, endless, dark. Then, Love was born bringing along the beginning of order.
- Greek Creation Myth
Lewisham was magicked into existence with the creation of Lewisham Borough Council on April 1st 1965 and so Lewisham Council is asking for the public's help to celebrate its golden jubilee. They say:
What might you have in common with musician Jimi Hendrix, the Archbishop Desmond Tutu and actor Jude Law? These celebrities are just three of many well-known people that were born or have lived in Lewisham and are part of our borough's history.
I'll stick with you baby for a thousand years - Bullock Rex |
With the Heritage Lottery Fund, who have funded this important project; we have been busy gathering artefacts such as old photographs, theatre programmes and school uniforms that represent the last 50 years in Lewisham.
Come along to one of our participating libraries with your memorabilia. Anything you bring along will be photographed so that the images can be added to the Lewisham archives for future generations to discover.
Saturday 8 August - New Cross Learning
Saturday 15 August - Crofton Park Community Library
Posted by Brockley Nick on 30.7.15
Labels: history, Lewisham Council
Little Nan's hilltop hangout
I wanted to let you know that I will be popping up at the Hill Station on Telegraph Hill for 2 weekends from 14th August - 23rd August and will be spoiling New Cross with Cocktails served from Teapots, Jerk Shack Street food, Gina's Cabaret show and a Sunday Roast Lunch.
We are now taking bookings which we recommend for those of you who plan to come for your Birthday, but walk in's are totally okay too as we will have an outside seated area for those of you who want to enjoy a Cocktail at Sunset looking over Telegraph Hill park.
Do let me know if it is your Celebration and Little Nan will name a cocktail in your honour!
Full info can be found here.
Posted by Brockley Nick on 29.7.15
Labels: events, Telegraph Hill, the hill station
Introducing: Honeybourne's
"I’m taking over everyone’s favourite gift-shop, Slater & King on Ladywell Road. I’ve lived in Ladywell all my life, so I was delighted when Jason brought a new lease of life to the village by opening his lovely shop four years ago.
I’ve been popping in for cards, gifts and gossip ever since! I want to keep the spirit of Slater & King that I loved. But, when we re-open in early August, expect tweaks inside and out, and new lines next to existing favourites – along with a new name, Honeybourne’s.
I won’t be a replacement for Jason but I will build on the fabulous legacy he’s left behind. I hope to do Ladywell, and Jason, proud. To keep up to date with progress, you can Like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter, or Instagram."
Coulgate clearance catches cars
Coulgate Street is being improved as part of the redevelopment of 180 Brockley Road. If you have a car parked there, come and move it quickly, before its car-napped.
Excitement on Coulgate street! Con ways moving the cars that didn't listen to the road closure! @BrockleyCentral pic.twitter.com/THXUWKm6KX
— Broca Foods (@theBroca) July 28, 2015
Posted by Brockley Nick on 28.7.15
Labels: Cars, Coulgate Street
Gogi and Magogi - Brockley Road apocalypticism hits Midtown
The furniture pushers have vacated this shop, freeing it - and the pavement - up |
With the redevelopment of St Cyprian's Church as housing with a ground floor restaurant space now well-underway, the composition of this part of the high street could soon look very different.
Thanks to Jennifer, who wanted to recognise the end of an era with Gogi's departure - although it should be noted that Gogi's is a Brockley superbrand, with an empire of other businesses scattered about. Gogi's is dead, long live Gogi's.
Posted by Brockley Nick on 28.7.15
Labels: Brockley Road, shops
The Rock up for another award
"Blood, Sweat & Respect. First two you give, last one you earn."
- The Rock
Brockley's Rock is one of only four fish and chip shops in London and the South East to have been nominated for the prestigious 2016 National Fish & Chip Awards. It will be battling with 59 other venues in the Independent Takeaway category.
A message from Oscars' new owner
The new owner of Oscars cafe in Ladywell writes:
My name is Saner (san-air) and I will be taking over the delightful Oscars and replacing the irreplaceable Petra from the 25th July.
Oscars will be closed between Saturday 25th July - Tuesday 28th July, reopening on Wednesday 29th July to allow time for me to prepare, and ensure everything is tip-top.
A little about me:
I’ve lived in the area for just under 10 years, and I know what it means to have a nice cosy cafe on your doorstep. So don’t worry! There’ll be no major changes to the style or fascia, just a small change of layout and a bit of ‘personal flair’ (which is nothing to be afraid of...)
I create and bake a wide variety of flavoured cakes, pastries and biscuits, and I also understand the importance of gluten & dairy free options, so there will always be something available if desired.
If you would like to come say hi and have a chat, pop down on Wednesday between 11am - 1pm and grab a cup of coffee and a slice of cake for £3 (what a bargain).
We look forward to meeting you!
Brockley Road - the new normal
Having 'normalised' Brockley Cross and Lewisham Way with persistent targeted raids and interventions, local police now have the junction of Brockley and Wickham Roads in their sights.
In recent weeks, the police have contacted local residents asking for witnesses to reported cases of anti-social behaviour and drug dealing in the area while last week, police were conducting a large scale stop and search operation in the same spot.
This kind of action eventually succeeded in reducing violent crime in Brockley Cross - which used to serve up gang-related incidents on a regular basis each summer - and the police must hope to pull off the same trick here.
Posted by Brockley Nick on 21.7.15
Labels: Brockley Road, Crime, police
How to attain your dragon
In May we took part in an annual event for non-motorised boats in Venice and paddled 30kms.
We're holding an open day to attract new paddlers and give people affected by cancer the chance to try their hand at paddling. We're a friendly and supportive team and spend as much time talking about food as we do paddling technique!
Open day: Sunday 9 August, 9.30am-noon. Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre, 235a Westferry Rd, Docklands, London E14 3QS.
Model Actress Whatever
Sarah Jane Crawford |
Posted by Brockley Nick on 20.7.15
Labels: Lewisham College
New art gallery and studios opening in September
The Deptford development has been through many incarnations and the gallery was demoted from a location at the front of the building to a side street entrance, but it is now confirmed to open in September, incorporating seven artist studios and serving as a permanent home for the Deptford X arts festival.
The Deptford X team explains:
The gallery and project space will open on 25th September 2015 for the launch of the 18th annual Deptford X festival of contemporary arts.
The gallery’s inaugural exhibition ‘Deptford Conversations’ will bring together work by an exciting group of contemporary artists in Deptford, South East London. Janette Parris, Lead Artist for Deptford X 2015, has invited a selection of local, British and international contemporary artists to create and showcase work that they feel is relevant to Deptford and its residents, as well as to the many thousands of additional visitors who come to the area each Autumn to attend Deptford X: London’s Contemporary Art Festival.
The site will also house Brookmill Studios, with seven purpose-built workspaces for artists. The studios are available to rent from July 2015 at a monthly rental of £110 - £300 per month. Artists interested in viewing Brookmill Studios are invited to attend viewings at 10-11am or 6- 7pm on Friday 10th July.
Time is a flat circle - now with Instagram!
Paul Doyle: There is life after death. Of that, I am sure. But I'm also pretty sure dead people no longer need their stuff.
- Pain and Gain
Don't talk to me about sacrifice, I'm missing Ant-Man for this |
So let's show those old piles of dust and bone who's in charge now - and how much better the vitamin-enriched, artisan-fed, digitally-filtered population of today looks. Our forebears probably never even heard of type II diabetes!
Meet on the slopes next to the cricket pitch from 2pm today. Details here.
Posted by Brockley Nick on 19.7.15
Labels: Brockley Society, history
Straight Outta Crofton
Posted by Brockley Nick on 18.7.15
Labels: Art, Crofton Park
The Chandos redux
There is a new team at The Chandos (56 Brockley Rise) and it's no longer that pub you don't want to go in.
Since taking over ten weeks ago Peter and Anna have turned it into a friendly, welcoming boozer with live music every Saturday. Karaoke and Djs on Fridays.
There's loads of TVs to watch all the different sports a pool table a great selection of beers and real ales. They even have a wine list now!
Last weekend they raised £1600 for charity a total is expected by the end of this week of £2500. Who would have thought it?
Posted by Brockley Nick on 18.7.15
Labels: Brockley Rise, Pubs
The job description of the chef at the pub The Telegraph at The Earl of Derby
The team in charge of The Telegraph at The Earl of Derby pub (87 Dennetts Road, SE14 5LW) are looking for a new chef. Here's what they say they're looking for:
The usuals - Hard working, reliable, punctual, able to work as a team and on own, good under pressure. More specific - experience required as will be in charge of the kitchen at least one evening a week, and will be responsible for every aspect of service. Must meet our expectations for consistency and high standards.
Must be able to work evenings and weekends, and Christmas Day and New Years Eve.
A little bit about us. We are a small business, ran by Malcolm and Catherine Paterson. We are proud to offer fresh, homemade food, using produce from our local businesses wherever possible. Our menu is British, very much pub food, but better than your average pub.
We offer a selection of specials which changes daily and often features some more exotic and inventive dishes. We also hold regular events where we offer a 5 course fine dining experience, This gives the chefs a great opportunity to show off their skills.
Hours are 5 or 6 days a week. 30 - 40 hours. We may consider part time. Pay starts at £9.00 per hour, but we are willing to raise this having found the right person.
Contact Malcolm or Catherine Paterson: 0207 207 3449, telegraph.eod@gmail.com
And the Oscar for best supporting customers goes to...
Tony writes:
Cafe Oscars, which has been run as Ladywell's neighbourhood cafe since 2008 by local resident Petra Reekers, has been sold. The new owner Saner Gursel, who lives in Brockley and is a baker, will take over after Saturday July 25.
Petra said: "Running the cafe has been great fun. But after seven years - and most of that seven days a week - it is time to try something else. I shall miss many of the regular customers ... but to be really honest I'm looking forward to a Sunday lie-in!"
Oscars was set up when Ladywell's high street was at a low point. Geddes, the hairdressers, had just opened but many of the other shop units were boarded up or empty. "I think Oscars helped bring a bit of life back to the high street. I wanted a neighbourhood cafe where people could come and chat. I think it worked," says Petra
Since 2008, El's Kitchen, now the Larder, has opened, Slater & King moved in next door to Oscars, Delice took over Masons, and the Tavern has had a new lease of life. The new shops and cafes combined with the streetscape improvements have helped give Ladywell a much needed lift. Long may it continue.
439 Brockley Road on the market
Posted by Brockley Nick on 16.7.15
Labels: Crofton Park
Save Lewisham Hospital again
We notice that the latest South East London healthcare strategy document uses arguments for reconfiguring NHS services in south east London that are very similar to those used by the Trust Special Administrator- who in 2012 proposed closing essential services at Lewisham Hospital: A&E, maternity, intensive care, medical, surgical and children’s wards.
To date, there is no specific mention of Lewisham Hospital, but that is exactly how the TSA discussed the issue at first – he talked generally of reconfiguration, care closer to home and concentrating hospital care in fewer sites, before he announced that to achieve these goals Lewisham Hospital would have to close.
We are on high alert, like we were before the TSA announcement in 2012, and we want to use this petition to show that the people of Lewisham are ready and willing to defend their hospital again should our fears be proved right and a further closure plan materializes.
It's really important to share our petition as much as you can and tell all your friends to keep an eye on savelewishamhospital.com / Twitter / Facebook, where we will post information about how to get involved.
Gina Cabaret, August 22nd
Posted by Brockley Nick on 16.7.15
Labels: Art, events, music, Telegraph Hill
Lewisham seeks diverse next generation leaders
Lewisham Council has again teamed up with Operation Black Vote (OBV) to launch a search for community leaders of the future.
The Council wants to encourage talented individuals from black and minority ethnic communities to take on leadership roles in organisations such as schools, voluntary organisations, safer neighbourhood panels and the Council itself. These are all areas where black and minority ethnic communities are under-represented.
Joshua Payne, 30, from Bellingham, took part in the programme in 2011 and said: “I applied for the Civic Leadership Programme in 2011 because I wanted to get more involved in helping the community. We learned about some key areas of public life and I got to shadow a councillor, undertook training in public speaking and went on a tour of the House of Commons. Thanks to the scheme I now have a mentor who sits in the House of Lords.
“I think programmes like this are really important because they help to address the under-representation of black and minority ethnic people in public life. I think I was one of the youngest people on the scheme and it was a huge privilege to have experienced something like this. It gave me confidence and insight into what is expected in public life.”
Cllr Janet Daby, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Equalities, said: “Lewisham is a borough with a large black and minority ethnic population and the civic leadership programme is one way in which we seek to raise the number of BME people in key public roles to a more proportionate level. We want the diversity in our borough to be fully reflected on school governing panels, on trusteeships or board memberships, safer neighbourhood panels and in our elected officials so that we are a borough that is representative of all of our residents.”
Taking part in the civic leadership programme will give participants the chance to get first-hand knowledge of a variety of roles and responsibilities and an insight into the systems and procedures of public bodies.
If you are over 18, from a black and minority ethnic background, live in Lewisham and feel you have the conviction, enthusiasm and determination to be part of this unique opportunity, call OBV on 020 8983 5430 or email civicleaders@obv.org.uk for an application form.
Deadline for applications is Friday 21 August.
Posted by Brockley Nick on 15.7.15
Labels: Lewisham Council
The Brockley New Cross Jumble Trail, July 25th
Jumble Trail is a way of crowd-sourcing willing jumblers and the organiser of this one has already found five participants, on Foxberry, Brockley, Endwell and Drakefell Roads.
If you want to get involved, register your details on the site. Or head along between 11am and 5pm to buy stuff. The highlight so far is Leor's comics and graphic novels sale.
The Wrought Fox
Make Brockley History
Spanish fly by
We’re really excited to announce that during the month of August we’ll be running our first London based pop-up at Number 57, Loampit Hill.
We’ll be introducing London’s best selection of artisan Spanish cheeses, including one-off guest cheeses, plus lots of deli treats not usually found on our weekly market stalls.
We’ll also be creating a space where you can sit back, relax and enjoy some pintxos, cheese, charcuterie boards and other tapas, alongside some carefully selected small-producer wines (if all goes to plan).
Follow them here to learn more.
Duke slammed for angry rant
With special guest, Bird Radio performing from 7:15pm. The event is free.
West side restaurant plan on track
The appearance of a "To Let" sign outside the Broca Food Market on Mantle Road has caused widespread panic among BCers desperate to see the plan to turn it into a restaurant come to fruition. But the sign is actually for the unit next door, the dry cleaner, which is now available, with use class A1.
The new tenants of the BFM did suffer a setback when their chef pulled out a few months ago, forcing them to pivot away from an antipodean fusion restaurant towards an equally ambitious bakehouse / pizzeria concept. They plan to open in September.
Meanwhile, if anyone has been thinking of opening a shop in the area, the unit next door is now available...
Posted by Brockley Nick on 11.7.15
Labels: Restaurants
Slater & King says goodbye
Slater & King opened in 2011, becoming a beloved fixture on the high street, but the owners are leaving London to move closer to family and have found a new, locally-based, buyer to take it on and ensure that the area doesn't suffer a gift shortage.
Bread and Jam pop-up exhibition
I am a painter and curator and I am putting on an exhibition in our yet to be refurbished house where 11 contemporary artists will be given a room to make work for two weeks. The whole house will become an open exhibition. At the end there will be a series of brunch openings so that the public can come and see the works of art.
The project is called 'Bread and Jam' and will be one of a series to be held at the house. The main aim is to give artists the time and space to make new and exciting work in an environment which is free and free from constraints.
We will be serving bread (courtesy of Cooper's Bakehouse who have agreed to support us!) and jam (courtesy of Wild Brockley wonderful foraged jam!) at the series of openings, as part if the theme to break bread together and share something fresh and exciting.
Campaigners bid to save Honor Oak Community Centre
It currently provides facilities for community activities and private parties, including wedding and funeral receptions. Its facilities include a Main Hall for up to 200 people and regular activities include sports, parent and toddler clubs and food bank services.
To sign the petition now and prevent this community space being lost, click here.
People Before Profit: La Rupture
In the down time between elections, local political party People Before Profit like to keep themselves busy and in the headlines with a range of madcap antics. This summer's crossover event is a split between rival factions. The News Shopper reports:
Five members of the party - including founder member Tobias Abse, 2015 election candidate Helen Mercer and secretary George Hallam - have left after a rift between Mr Hallam and stalwart John Hamilton.
In a scathing Facebook post last week, Mr Abse criticised the way the party was run and made a number of allegations about Mr Hamilton and a property he rents out in Nottingham - allegations the party says are unsubstantiated.
He wrote: "The organisation has degenerated into an authoritarian leader cult similar to various other left organisations and I could not in all conscience continue to be part of it when all the opposition forces were walking away.
Full the full story, click here. We look forward to the details of Real People Before Real Profit.
Asda opens on Deptford High Street
Full disclosure: Asda is a client of my employer.
Posted by Brockley Nick on 8.7.15
Labels: Deptford, supermarkets
Car flips on St Asaph Road
@BrockleyCentral On St Asaph Road right now. pic.twitter.com/BbRGnlU6Nj
— Healy (@Healosh) July 7, 2015
How do you flip a car on a narrow road with a 20mph speed limit?Chips 4 Churches
On July 30th the Brockley's Rock will be putting on a fundraising Quiz night to raise money for the St Andrew's youth club, who sadly lost their funding from the council due to austerity cuts. It's been a fantastic summer for Brockley so far and while we've sponsored some great events, we're looking forward to finally putting on our own one.
The Fellowship of the Ring Road
The Lower Hall of The Fellowship Inn |
Phoenix Community Housing is a not-for-profit housing association that has just begun a public consultation for its Heritage Lottery Funded plans to restore The Fellowship Inn in Bellingham and they are inviting residents in Lewisham to visit their pop-up shop to find out more give their views. The story of the pub is told in this video:
To find out more and get involved with the consultation, click here.
Tales of the riverbank
I've been collaborating with the London Bubble Theatre to stage this event. It's not specifically designed for young children but is great for all ages, teenagers and adults alike, telling an engaging story of the Ravensbourne Naiad and other creatures as you move with the storyteller along (but not in) the river...
Tickets are free but London Bubble appreciate and encourage the audience to reserve your place by emailing tajender@londonbubble.org.uk
Posted by Brockley Nick on 6.7.15
Labels: Ladywell, ladywell fields
Two killed in Ladywell fire [UPDATED]
After some Ladywell garages burned down in April, there are reports of another Ladywell garage fire this morning, with one BCer reporting that two homeless people were killed in the blaze, though this is unconfirmed. The fire brigade is still at the scene.
UPDATE: The London Fire Brigade has now confirmed that two people were killed by the fire. They say:
Firefighters attended a fire at a row of eight garages on Malyons Road in Ladywell, this morning.
One man left before the arrival of the Brigade and was treated for smoke inhalation by London Ambulance Service, before being taken to hospital. Sadly two other people were pronounced dead at the scene.
Most of the garage was damaged in the blaze and a gas cylinder that was inside the garage was cooled down by crews.
Firefighters from Greenwich and Lewisham fire stations attended the incident.
The Brigade was called at 0828 and the fire was quickly under control. The incident was over at 1029.
The Talbot garden
The remodelled garden now accommodates much greater numbers of customers, despite the perplexing decision to accommodate a driveway, and the overall effect is a much more sociable space than the old concrete forecourt.
Probably would have been helpful to publish this before the hottest weekend of the summer so-far.
Brockley Acoustic at The Deli, July 10th
Phoebe writes:
Following the lovely time we had last month we continue with the next Brockley Acoustic night - an intimate candlelit live music night featuring original music from local artists and beyond.
A very special line up for you this month...
Penniless Cove will be singing brand new acoustic songs of apathy, a solo Phoebe set with a guitarlele. Penniless Cove perform dark quirky pop folk, songs that tell tales of everyday life… details that are often forgotten. www.pennilesscove.co.uk
Adrian Johnson has lived 2 doors down from me for years now, and we finally get to play together!!! You do not want to miss the intricate songs of this enchanting performer. www.adyjohnson.co.uk
Pandorasdiary is a world folk duo based in London, with Sarah on guitar and vocals and Maya on flute and bvs. www.pandorasdiary.com
Festival in the Forest
Hello all, This Sunday Devonshire Road Nature Reserve is hosting a family friendly music festival. If you know The Reserve you'll know how deceptively large, peaceful and safe it is. If you don't, come on down, and find out!
The live music covers most flavours of country: traditional, bluegrass, acoustic and rock. Food and drink will be available. Tickets are available here or you can pay on the door. Hope to see you there!
Posted by Brockley Nick on 3.7.15
Labels: events, Forest Hill
Pink Sinks
Posted by Brockley Nick on 2.7.15
Labels: Art, Crofton Park
Lewisham People's Day 2015
Legendary UK reggae star Tippa Irie heads stellar line up for People’s Day 2015
Grammy nominated music star Tippa Irie leads a unique mix of musicians and artists set to thrill thousands at south east London’s biggest free festival.
People’s Day, in association with L&Q Housing, returns to Mountsfield Park, Catford on Saturday 11 July. Gates open at 12 noon and the entertainment runs until 8pm.
Now in its 31st year, festival goers can once again expect to be well entertained throughout the day by a succession of some of the best talent to be found in Lewisham and south east London. They will be performing a range of music from folk, jazz and funk through to rock, reggae and classical across seven stages. Artists include UK Garage star Oggie who hails from Lewisham, Kodar, South London Samba and Drumheads, The Divettes, Mogadiso, Felix’s Rock Choir and the Rude Vandals.
Other attractions include international food stalls, refreshment tents, a craft market, a kid’s zone, community garden, funfair and a big new playground. There will also be bread baking (to take home), swing dancing at a gramophone disco, racquet-making followed by a game of tennis, a Zumba class, summer seeds pot planting, the chance to join a Samba procession, make a giant flower sculpture, meet a massive meerkat and pose in a photo booth.
Full details here.
The Brockley Open Studios 2015
From the series "The Cars of Manor Avenue" by Reuben Thurnhill |
July 6th - 5-8pm
The Brockley Open Studios takes place this weekend.
A little smaller than in recent years and without the participation of Biddy Bunzl, whose house is a work of art in its own right, the event nonetheless has 30 participating artists and is always a summer highlight.
This year, St Peter's Church will also be showcasing artists' work on Saturday and Sunday.
Click here for the details of the event, including a map of participating artists.