Festiball, July 15

Crofton Park Ryan writes:

"I’m hosting a family fun day and a dads football tournament down at St Dunstan’s in Catford called Festiball. It’s an urban fete with stalls of kids clothes, toys, books and local crafts.

"Then there’ll be a bakeoff competition judged by a local VIP. We’ll have big family picnic while the dads play football with a BBQ and a local craft beer tent.

"We’re putting on entertainment for the kids, face painters, magicians, balloon blowers and a penalty shoot-out competition.

"The Football Tournament is World Cup competition, with up to 20 teams involved, all getting a national team from the real World Cup to play for.

The reason we’re doing this is to raise money and awareness for mens cancer. We’re supporting Prostate UK and a smaller local charity called Ballboys that educates younger boys about the perils of Tesicular cancer.

We want teams to sign up for the football tournament and families to come to the event to enjoy. It’s on the 15th July and we’d love it if you could help us out in any way possible.

www.festiball.net

Catford Food Market opens March 25

A new monthly Council-backed street food market starts in Catford on March 25. The Catford Food Market team writes:

The Market, which kicks off on Sunday 25 March from 10am–4pm, will take place on the last Sunday of every month.

By implementing recommendations submitted at catfordtowncentre.commonplace.is – the online engagement platform collecting people’s aspirations for the town centre – Catford Food Market aims to create real opportunities to develop and sustain new businesses, that complements the existing offer and meets local people needs.

International flavours offered by local traders include Caribbean fayre from Jerk Off BBQ, north east Indian delights from Raastawala, Japanese delicacies from Fuse Love and Italian inspired sourdough pizza from Van Dough.  There’ll also be cakes from Brett & Bailey and Miss Flits Vegan Bakes, and bread and pastries from Claude’s Boulangerie. Non-food treats include multicultural children’s books from This is Book Love and work by local Catford artists and designers including Hazel Nicholls.

You can also get your hands on Catford’s newest custom beverages including: Catford Cream Soda and Catford Cola as well as Tom Cat Six gin and Catford Pride pale ale, both of which launched popular drinks festivals last year.

For further information visit www.catfordfoodmarket.com or email hello@catfordfoodmarket.com

South Circular to move south

At a meeting this week, Lewisham Council decided to move the stretch of the South Circular that snarls up Catford approximately 50 metres further south. The News Shopper reports:

The road will be moved to the south of Laurence House on Catford Road (through the car and lorry park).

The gyratory will also be removed to create a simpler road layout at the junction of the A21 and A205. The works will take place in 2020 and 2021.

Steve Bullock, Mayor of Lewisham, said: “Moving the South Circular road will transform Catford and make the town centre a better place to live, work and visit.

“Our decision ends 50 years of uncertainty over the route of the South Circular road and the benefits will be felt for generations.

“The simplified road layout will make it easier for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers to travel by removing the gyratory."

The decision was based on a report that has been kept confidential and no maps have been released. Anything that alleviates congestion and enhances the public realm at this end of Catford has to be worthwhile, but it would be good to see the detail.

The Catford Bridge Tavern reopens

After being ravaged by fire in 2015, the Catford Bridge Tavern has reopened. The pub is a local institution that endured a turbulent few years and many feared it would never reopen, so this is very welcome news.

We are open for business! #Catford #fancyapint #almosttheweekend pic.twitter.com/t3DHxUhegx

— Catford Bridge Tav (@CBTavern) March 30, 2017

Iconic cat to be borough's anchor tenant

As the Council ponders the future of Catford, a petition has been doing the rounds, demanding that the iconic model cat, which sits on top of the shopping centre, must play a prominent part in whatever master plan emerges.

Today, the Council has responded, assuring worried residents that they will not do to the cat what they did to Deptford's beloved anchor. That act of cultural genocide will not be repeated.

As we bring new homes, new jobs, new shops & open spaces to the area the Catford Cat WILL STAY in Catford for generations to come

— Lewisham Council (@LewishamCouncil) March 20, 2017

Little Nan takes Catford

Little Nan, the local bar group, has been selected to run the bar space in Catford's Broadway Theatre, which is good news for all concerned. Time Out writes:

Little Nan's Broadway Theatre Saloon is coming to Catford, taking on the space of the Catford Broadway Theatre bar. 

Not only will the team be bringing the Little Nan's formula to the ground floor space – with cocktails in vases and spirits in cut glass – but they'll also be taking over the theatre's bar spaces too, so those in for a show can enjoy it with a leopard-print mug of cocktail in hand.

Thanks to Peter for the link.

Run The Broadway Theatre Cafe & Bar

The Broadway Theatre's bars and cafe are tired and worn, harming the venue's appeal to public and producers alike. Now Lewisham Council is looking for a partner to help rejuvenate them. They write:

Lewisham Council writes:

Lewisham Council is seeking a new operator to run the café and bars in the Grade II listed Broadway Theatre in Catford.

This marks the beginning of an ambitious wide-scale regeneration plan for Catford that will see over 1000 new homes built in the area, the redevelopment of the Council offices and Civic Suite, new retail outlets and public spaces.

Councillor Chris Best, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Older People, said: “The Broadway Theatre café and bars are highly valued by a wide range of visitors including residents, theatre goers and local groups. We’re looking for the right operator to work with the theatre staff to realise the huge further potential of the café and bars so that they become thriving, important assets that benefit the growing local community and visitors from beyond Lewisham.”

The Broadway Theatre is itself set to undergo minor works in the short term, with more extensive works planned for the longer term to safeguard the future of this important asset with the help of external funding.

The new operator for the cafe will be selected by the end of 2016 and should be installed by spring 2017. The successful candidate is expected to designate the café a south London destination.

Expressions of interest are still being received, with a proposal deadline of 5 December. Interested parties should contact Louise Brooks & Nicky Chambers at broadwaytheatrecafe@bakelondon.co.uk

Lewisham consults on two possible traveller locations

In keeping with a trend spotted by The Economist a while back, the Council is seeking to shove the problem to its borders. Lewisham Council writes:

"Lewisham Council is preparing a planning policy document called the Gypsy and Traveller Site(s) Local Plan. It will identify a site to meet the local accommodation needs of the borough’s travelling community.

"We have found that the travelling community needs at least six pitches in the borough over the next 15 years. Following our consultation in March/April 2016 on site search parameters and criteria for assessing sites, we are seeking feedback on two potential locations for a new residential site. Only one of these sites will be needed.

"The sites we are looking at are:

"New Cross Social Club and adjoining land in Hornshay Street, New Cross, SE15 1HB
Land next to Pool Court, Catford, SE6

"It’s important that we get your comments and suggestions about these sites. We will take into account your views when we make our final selection. You can comment until Wednesday 30 November 2016.

"To tell us what you think, please read the on-line consultation documents and then complete a short survey. www.lewisham.gov.uk/travellingcommunity"

The Catford Cap

Four years ago, BC discovered that Catford and the Antarctic share more than just an inhospitable nature, they are linked by the fact that one of Scott's Antarctic crew, Captain William Colbeck lived on Inchmery Road. Now, Lewisham Council has erected a plaque at his old house, to commemorate the fact.

Colbeck's career included a year in the Antarctic with the Southern Cross expedition (1898-1900) and a successful rescue mission for Scott's ship, the Discovery in 1904, which he helped to blast free of the ice.

The plaque was funded by the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT) and the Culverley Green Residents’ Association. It was unveiled by Dr Kevin Fewster, Director of the National Maritime
Museum.

Mountsfield Park cafe plan seeks Greater Brockley support

An artist's impression of the new cafe

The Friends of Mountsfield Park in Catford are trying to rally support for their scheme for a new cafe, which risk being blocked by the Council, despite the fact that the group stepped in to rescue the situation when the Council's own plans fell through. They say:

We have been campaigning for a cafe for years, and have been promised one by Lewisham Council – including as part of the Council redevelopment of the park that created the Community Garden and revamped the play area. But the Council were unable to follow through on their plan to build a cafe at that time.

Since then, we have worked with them to identify some funding – £50k – to launch a tender process to encourage an outside investor to build a cafe in the park.

A viable and attractive cafe plan is in front of Lewisham Council for approval right now – made by a local businessman who has worked closely with the Friends of Mountsfield Park. You can see the plans and some pictures of the new cafe here.

But the planning department at the Council is making unreasonable demands:

Firstly, they are demanding that the new design have a ‘biodiverse living roof’ to replace what they claim is a living roof on the existing, abandoned container units. In fact, the current ‘living roof’ is around a dozen unmaintained planters. We have offered to move these and add them to the Community Garden, so there is no loss of natural habitat, but the Council says this isn’t good enough.

Secondly, they are demanding that the new design meet the ‘BREEAM’ environmental rating of ‘excellent’, even though the Council was prepared to waive this requirement for the cafe they planned to build in Mountsfield Park! In other words, had the Council actually managed to deliver the cafe they promised in 2014, we would now have a cafe that didn’t meet these very high standards. The current proposal meets the ‘BREEAM’ environmental rating of ‘good’ with an aim to achieve ‘very good’. This means the current plans exceed mandatory standards by some margin.

If Lewisham Council turns down the current proposal – for what we think are spurious reasons – it could be years before another option is available and the money we fought to get the Council to commit to support the project – £50k – will be at risk.

We want the Council to take an intelligent approach, to look at the benefits a cafe would bring to Mountsfield Park: it will bring in revenue, encourage people to stay in the park longer and enjoy the Community Garden and play area, improve security by making the park more attractive to families, provide a place for dog walkers to get a cup of coffee, and it will mean that maintained toilet facilities are available in the park. These are far more important than a handful of planters!

We have until August 3rd to make our voice heard, so please add your signature to this petition. You can also email mountsfieldpark@gmail.com by 3 August 2016 with any further comments, thoughts, and experiences. All evidence is good evidence and will help us to make the case.

SoLo and thanks for all the swish

Rebecca writes:

Introducing SoLo Craft Fair - a makers market showcasing some of the best local creative talent in makers and creators.

SoLo Craft Fair will be debuting their first event at the iconic Catford Constitutional Club in South East London on Saturday 30th April 2016.

We have searched long and hard for some of the best small businesses in South London. We'll have stalls ranging from art prints, jewellery, handmade notebooks to vintage fashion to Bowie broaches!

This is a market with a difference as well as our creative stall holders we will be giving our guests the opportunity to pamper themselves with our mini manicurists and masseuses. There will also jewellery making and printing workshops for those who are feeling creative.

Folks singers to Irish bands will be performing throughout the day, so guests are encouraged to buy a drink and the bar and enjoy all the musical talent whilst browsing our stalls.

Children will also be kept entertained with face painting and balloon animals.
SoLo Craft Fair will be supporting the charity, Advocacy for All with a stall 'pay what you think it's worth' with 100% of proceeds going to the charity.

Free entry, Saturday 30th April 2016, 12 - 5pm. Catford constitutional club. SE6 4SP

The Dark Lady, Catford-Upon-Avon

The Dark Lady is being staged at the Broadway Theatre as part of the excellently-named Catford-Upon-Avon Festival, which is produced by the Action to the Word company. A moment of rare cool. Thanks to Peter for the suggestion.

The future of Catford Theatre

© Copyright Mike Quinn and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

Lewisham Council has launched a consultation on the future of Catford's Broadway Theatre. They say:

The Broadway Theatre is a Grade II listed building in the heart of Catford. It was built in 1932 and is an outstanding example of Art Deco design. The magnificent curve of the building frontage, fascinating gargoyles, imposing, grand main auditorium and rare Compton theatre organ give the Broadway its unique charm.  It was originally built as a multi-purpose civic hall for activities including dancing and wrestling and now has a main auditorium with a capacity of 800 seats and an 80 seat studio theatre.

In 1999 the theatre underwent a £2million refurbishment but 75% of this investment was needed for major remedial works including a full rewiring and roof repairs. Funding was not available to tackle the challenging and complex needs surrounding the backstage area or the interiors of the two auditoria. The combination of the 1930s design of the building not meeting modern standards and the deterioration of some aspects of the building mean that the Broadway needs investment in a number of areas.

At the end of 2015 the main auditorium had to be closed for a period to allow for repairs to the ornate plaster ceiling.  The main house is operational again with a reduced programme whilst the Council prepares a capital plan to bring the theatre back to its former glory.   In the longer term the capital investment needed will require external funds to be secured.  The Council is committed to ensuring that the theatre can remain a vibrant focal point for cultural activity.

Lewisham Council is currently seeking views on how the Broadway Theatre can be best used in the future and what type of venue would be of most value to the local community.

Click here to complete the survey. With thanks to Tamsin.

The Catford Bridge Tavern to reopen next year

The Catford Bridge Tavern is due to reopen next Christmas, after Lewisham Council approved the planning application by the new owners. Ambitious plans to renovate the pub stalled when the pub caught fire earlier this year.

The Solitaire team confirmed that they have received approval for their post-fire plans and are aiming to reopen the pub by Christmas 2016.

Catford Town Hall to become home to up to 60 artists

Tilt's design for Club Workspace in London Bridge

Lewisham Council has found the partners it needs to run the largest of its enterprise hubs, in Catford Town Hall. The Art Newspaper reports:

Catford, once considered a cultural backwater, will gain 10,000 sq. ft of new artists’ studios in April 2016, thanks to Bow Arts. The educational arts charity has won the tender to create workspaces, for between 35 and 60 emerging artists, on the fourth floor of Catford Town Hall. Designed by the Hackney-based practice, Studio Tilt, the project is being funded by Lewisham Council and the Greater London Authority’s High Street Fund.

Bow Arts is also partnering with the London Small Business Centre to develop the fifth floor of the town hall into a space to support creative start-ups. “Catford is one of those places to watch in London,” says Marcel Baettig, the chief executive of Bow Arts. “It is growing in reputation and confidence really fast and is becoming an exciting place to be in the arts.”

With thanks to Peter for the tip-off.

8-a-side football

A different kind of local octopush... David writes:

I'm looking for players of all abilities – ideally 30 + but all ages welcome really (we have players from age 13 to er, 60!) who are interested in a friendly kick-about (8 a side) at Catford St Dunstans ground on the astroturf on a Weds nights at 7pm for an hour followed by a beer after in the shabby chic Catford Constitutional pub.

If anyone's interested, please email me.

Pre-school tenant needed in Catford

Please spread the word: we're looking for new preschool to be our tenant @CatfordWI @BrockleyCentral @catfordcentral pic.twitter.com/Wi61yxeHud

— GoldsmithsCommCentre (@GoldsmithsSE6) September 1, 2015

The Fellowship of the Ring Road

The Lower Hall of The Fellowship Inn

Being on the other side of the Catford one-way system means that Bellingham may as well be on Mars, as far as accessibility from Brockley is concerned, but this is an exciting project.

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:

The Fellowship Inn is a grand space and initial ideas for its future use include a cinema, a live events venue, a restaurant, a bakery or a brewery - any one of which would be worth the trip for.

To find out more and get involved with the consultation, click here.

Lewisham People's Day 2015

Lewisham Council writes:

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.

Save Lewisham Toy Library

The Lewisham Toy Library is a toy-lending service based in Catford. Open to all children who live in the Lewisham Borough. At the moment 210 families, 19 child minders and 4 groups use their services.

Council cuts mean that the service is now under threat and they have launched a petition to demonstrate the scale of public support for their service. They say:

We think that the Lewisham Toy Library is worth saving. After dealing with many years of Lewisham Council’s cuts to our core funding (which are continuing), we are now being asked by the Council to pay commercial-level rent, thereby increasing our cost base.

We have lost enough already – chilcare services, the playbus and many other services that help with the development of children in the Borough. Join us in telling London Borough of Lewisham that we think they could offer more support – either by giving us lower rent, or maintaining funding, or both.

Show your support here.