Updated 20th October 2011

This page aims to note all the latest news about the Russia Dock Woodland, Stave Hill Ecological Park and other parts or Rotherhithe if thought to be of interest to local residents. 

In the page below the recent of the news items are listed first. This page shows only the news items from the current and previous months.  A News Archive Page is available to enable visitors to see older news items that were posted here since mid 2008.

For more detailed local news about Southwark as a whole the best resource is our local newspaper Southwark News. It is published weekly on a Thursday. The newspaper also has a good website.  In addition there is the local free newspaper The Docklands 24, which sometimes has useful and relevant articles.  For a broader look at south London The South London Press may be of interest.

This page is maintained by Andie (andie@oddthing.co.uk) so any news items or objections to any comments or unintentional errors should be directed to me alone.

20th October 2011

Wetland areas saved from drying up

Southwark News reported that one of the woodland areas, the stream beds of which were bone dry, have now been rescued by the replacement of faulty water pump gear to draw water from more than 60m below the surface of Stave Hill. The Friends of Russia Dock Woodland worked with Southwark Council to recognize and provide a solution to the problem.

7th June 2011

Sad News: Barry Mason

The Friends of Russia Dock Woodland would like to join the Management Committee of Surrey Docks Farm Provident Society in extending condolences to Barry’s family and friends.

It is with deep regret that the Management Committee of Surrey Docks Farm Provident Society announces the untimely death of the Farm’s Manager, Barry Mason, who died in a tragic swimming accident whilst on holiday in Spain.
Barry will be sorely missed and the Committee joins the Staff in extending their deepest sympathy to Cheryl, his partner in her sad loss.

Alan Chadborn
Chairman, Management Committee

 

20th May 2011

FRDW mid-term meeting 26th May

The FRDW are holding a mid-term meeting on Thursday 26th May @ 7.00pm in Holy Trinity Church, Rotherhithe Street opposite Surrey Docks Farm (NOT the Church Hall)

We’re half way through the year and ~ as we promised at our AGM ~ we’re holding a meeting to let you know what’s gone on, is going on and all the news to bring you up to date about the future of Russia Dock Woodland.

• Tim Cutts from Southwark Council will be there to explain the Council’s proposal to designate three new SINCs (Site of Importance for Nature Conservation) ~  at Kingstairs Gardens, Durand’s Wharf (next to the Hilton) and Deal Porters Way which runs from Albatross Way to Surrey Water ~  and give an overview of the nature conservation values which justify these.
• Alan Camp Architects also will be there to display and talk about their proposed development for the Quebec Way Industrial Estate ~ an important development that backs on to the edge of the woodland.
• We will give an update of what we planned to achieve in 2011 and where we are today. Already there’s plenty to be proud about!
• There are lots of exciting events planned for the woodland in the coming months and we‘ll be telling you all about these too.

And, of course, we’d like to hear your views on the Woodland and its future.

Remember, any Woodland user can be a Friend ~ there are no membership forms or fees.

We are a non-political group whose purpose is to protect and enhance, promote and enjoy Russia Dock Woodland.

So, please come along and show your support and interest.  We are so lucky to have such a great natural asset on our doorstep. Let’s keep it that way!

John Wills, Secretary
May 2011
 

23rd March 2011

Two Southwark parks win Safer Parks Awards from the Mayor of London

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson revealed that Southwark parks, Burgess Park and Russia Dock Woodland have won awards for their hard work to combat crime and improve green spaces.

The parks were selected at the Mayor of London’s announcement of the 31 parks across the capital chosen to receive a Safer Park Award. London boasts thousands of beautiful parks; however some can attract anti-social behaviour including gangs, vandalism, drug taking and dangerous dogs. The Mayor’s Safer Parks Award is a new and exciting way to celebrate our best social spaces.

The awards are being presented to Friends of Parks groups who have worked in partnership with councils and the police to target anti-social behaviour and revitalise local parks. The parks have received three different standards of excellence gold, silver and bronze. Russia Dock Woodland won a Silver award whilst Burgess Park achieved a Bronze award.

Since Russia Dock Woodland’s steering group was set up in 2004, the woodland has been transformed. Anti-social behaviour has been banished and it is now popular with thousands of users.

The Friends of Burgess Park - an association of local people and other interested groups - are concerned with protecting, promoting and enhancing this important, inner-city park which crosses Camberwell, Peckham and Walworth. Substantial work starts on the park in April 2011, partly funded by the Mayor and also Aylesbury NDC to help raise the profile of the park.

The Mayor, Boris Johnson said: “London boasts some of the most sublime green spaces in the country, and everyone deserves to enjoy their local parks without fear of crime. The scheme recognises the tireless work many unsung local heroes put into making green spaces more pleasant for everyone. I congratulate all 31 parks for their outstanding efforts. I hope this inspires others to get involved to deliver real change to run-down areas. Each one has found its own way to turnaround the often low level crime and antisocial behaviour that scares people away.“

Working with boroughs, the Mayor’s Safer Parks Award scheme provides opportunities to revitalise public space, making a big difference to London’s quality of life and helping create a safer city.

14th March 2011

News round-up

From Steve Cornish:
1...MEDITATION IN THE  PARK... will take place on Sunday 26th June 2011. (times to be announced later)  We 'the friends of Russia Dock Woodland' are pleased to announce that we have  been successful in our bid for £10,000 of funding from 'Awards for All'. This is  a massive boost to carrying on our aim to hold a fantastic 'free event'  in Russia dock woodland for the third year running. This is one of three events  for this coming year, the other two being' Photography in the Park' and also  'Art on the Hill' PITP will be held on Saturday 7th May (times to be arranged)  and AOTH will take place sometime in September. We already have a couple  of professional photographers who will be lending their expert knowledge and  skills to anyone who has a camera that wants to learn how take a landscape or  wildlife photograph properly.
We have one  well known artist, and are expecting more local Artist's to be part of a team  that will lend their expertise to teach anyone who fancies a days free painting  tuition in and around Russia Dock Woodland and Stave Hill Ecological Park. (date  to be arranged)

2...RUSSIA DOCK  WOODLAND...The Natural Ribbon Project currently being undertaken throughout the  wetlands spine of RDW is moving along nicely. There are newly laid wildflower  turfs along the length of Watermans Walk just below the dock wall, between St  Johns Bridge, and Alfred Salter Bridge, and also in other parts of the wetlands  stretch around Globe Pond, look out for a fantastic spray of colour along the  length of the Natural Ribbon throughout the spring and summer month's . All this  work is costing £50,000 in total, gained by Southwark Council funding  avenues. 
Our green Flag Award 2010  Flag is now flying. 
New interpretation boards  are to be erected in the woodlands shortly.
Our new information Board  is in place at the Redriff Road entrance to the woodlands. More to  come. 
There are also hundreds of  'wild berry bushes' that have been planted along the length of Watermans Walk  close to the residents back gardens.
50 Black poplar trees were  planted in Russia dock Woodland last week by the children of St Johns School.  These are slower growing trees that are at home in a wetlands  environment.

3...RETENTION OF WATER IN  RUSSIA DOCK WOODLAND...Residents will will have noticed that water retention  along the southern edge of Watermans Walk has improved recently, this is due to  the ongoing work carried out by The Trust for Urban Ecology. Some willow trees  were cut out of this section recently, because there were too many' and were  competing against one another for nutrients. Also on the pond section closest to  St Johns Bridge T.R.U.E. have checked the pond lining and it's ok. They will be  adding some special 'hard setting clay' plus 'railway sleepers' onto the ends of  the lining to aid individual retention of the ponds that will hopefully stay  full all year round, attracting more wildlife to the area.

4... QUEBEC WAY INDUSTRIAL  ESTATE...We are pleased to announce that the land owners of the Quebec Way  Industrial Estate that adjoins RDW on it's south west boundary, have met with  the FORDW Committee (on site) and are in talks with us and our local  environmental experts regarding protecting the wildlife, and it's habitat in  that particular part of the woodlands. This is a vast improvement on the 'take  it or leave it attitude' that residents were left with on the Downtown Site back  in 2002, that ended up with a long drawn out legal battle between residents and  developers. The landowners have agreed in principle to a buffer strip between  their land and the woodlands edge, with gardens backing onto the woodlands as  well, in much the same way as the rest of the woodlands perimeter. There is an  issue on the density range (urban or sub-urban) that the land owner has to build  within. This has yet to be decided. We will keep residents updated on this as  things progress. This could mean 'in the not to distant future' that FORDW hold  a meeting so that the landowners and their consultants can show their plans to  local residents and woodlands users.

the Friends of Russia Dock  Woodland are not an action group. We are here to serve the best interest's of  the Woodlands users. We will work with the landowners at every level but it is  up to woodlands users to decide whether the land owners plans are' appropriate'  or 'inappropriate' for the long term future of our wildlife  environment.

5... .DOWNTOWN SITE...A Local Resident and  Downtown Defence  Campaign member took out a legal challenge to stop the planning application  granted by Southwark Council last year. This was Refused by Sir Michael Harrison QC in November 2010 but the local residents lawyers have appealed his decision  and are awaiting the results of the appeal. We will keep resident's  informed.
 

9th January 2011

Update following the Friends of Russia Dock Woodland AGM

From Steve Cornish:

Following the release of the Minutes from The Friends of Russia Dock Woodland AGM 2010 you can see there was a lot of ongoing good work carried out in 2010, and there's even more in the pipeline for 2011. Speaking of pipelines, the newly replaced 'pond feed pipe' from the Stave Hill Wind Turbine means that we now have total control of the woodlands waterways, which was vital in retaining the substantial and varied wildlife in RDW. More and more people and their families are enjoying the woodlands which is  also vital. RDW won the coveted Green Flag Award for the second year running which means that we have to work even harder to achieve the hat trick in 2011. There are many people to thank for all their hard work in achieving this Paul Highman (head of parks) Ben Dewhurst and Rebeka Clark (Trust for Urban Ecology) @ Stave Hill.  Carlton and Simon (Quadron Evironmental Services) Jim Broadrib (Southwark Councils Works Dept) Jon Best (Southwark's Ecology Officer) to name just a few, plus all the thousands of volunteers in the private and public sector.
 
The newly laid 'Natural Ribbon' throughout the woodlands has now started, with the wildflower turf's already laid along the length of Watermans Walk. This  will produce a 'giant line of colour' along the dock edge between Alfred Salter, and St John's Bridges, this will also attract more butterflies and insects to the area, which will likewise attract more rare birds to the woodlands.
 
There were unfortunately some arson attacks in RDW during the summer months. This was brought to the attention of the SNT and The Fire Services by Woodland Users and I am pleased to say the problem was resolved immediately.
 
The Meditation In The Park Event was once again a great success with over five hundred people attending ( mainly families), even though it was on the same day and time as the England Vs Germany world cup game.
 
An update on development sites that directly affect RDW is in the attached minutes.
 

8th January 2011

Minutes for the Friends of Russia Dock Woodland AGM

From Steve Cornish:

Please see Minutes from The Friends of Russia Dock Woodland AGM 2010, on the minutes page of this website.
 

23rd December 2010

Public Consultation re Dockland Settlements

People across London are being asked to go Bats with the new London Green City Bats scheme. The scheme is run by The Bat Conservation Trust and is providing free bat information packs, training and events to community groups in the city that look after parks and greenspaces. In 2010 over 45 ‘Friends Of’ groups have joined the project in greater London. The work is funded by London City Bridge Trust and the Heritage Lottery Fund supported Count Bat Project.

The scheme has already run many bat walks this summer for local residents and trained over 35 Friends groups’ members in the city in how to lead bat walks, use bat detectors and identify some of the 10 bat species present in London. It is now contacting all community groups across the city to sign up and receive a free pack with information on London’s bats, bat-friendly park management and running batty events.

Project officer Xavier Hamon says “London is a great place for bats. Ten out of the 18 UK species can be seen and many of the city’s parks and greenspaces being hotspots for foraging bats. As a result bat walks in the area have proved extremely popular. We’re keen to help local groups involved with the management of parks and greenspaces learn about their local bats, how they can help them and how they can run batty events for local people to get them out and active in their local parks. Bats are an excellent way of getting people out and about, planting bat friendly allotments and flower beds, building homes for bats or simply learn more about these amazing and misunderstood mammals.

The scheme can loan out bat detectors, free of charge, to the registered Green City Bats and is running training workshops on how to use them and run your own batty events. Want to join the scheme? Simply go online at www.bats.org.uk/greencitybats or contact Xavier at xhamon@bats.org.uk / 07549 834 442.

It’s not just the community groups though who are being asked to go batty. The project is keen for all London residents to watch the skies this next spring/summer and give wings to bats for the International Year of the Bat 2011-2012. Xavier says “We want to build up a big picture of bat hotspots in the capital and are hoping that people will look out for bats and log them on our Big Bat Map at www.bats.org.uk/bigbatmap.

19th November 2010

Local Action

From Mairi Mills:

The Urban Forum and bassac have published Local Action - a handy guide for communities working with councillors.     http://www.urbanforum.org.uk/files/ufpublic/local_action_2010_07.pdf

The guide includes a series of case studies and top tips to help community groups collaborate with their local councillors.   A local success story features on pp 34-35, where the Bellenden Residents group's work with local Councillors resulted in helpful changes to Peckham Community Council meetings.

Although new Councillors have now been in post for several months, it is still good advice to get to know your Councillors and update them on the work and interests of your organisation and community, and this guide should help.
 

17th November 2010

Public Consultation re Dockland Settlements

Text from the Dockland Settlements flyer:

Public Consultation, November 2010. 

The Dockland Settlements is bringing forward proposals for the regeneration of its facilities in the Rotherhithe Peninsula.

Please come along to one of our public drop-in sessions to view the proposals, discuss the plans with a member of the team and give your feedback.

DATES & TIMES
Wednesday 24th November 2010 4:30pm - 7:30pm
Saturday 27th November 2010 10am - 12pm

VENUE
The Dockland Settlements, Rotherhithe Street, SE16 5LJ
[map can be found, mared as “Comm Cen” with a black dot on the corner of Rotherhithe and Elgar Streets, at http://tinyurl.com/358kq7o]

The proposals for the Rotherhithe Settlements site will include:

• New community facilities, including youth club, multi-use outdoor games area, gym, children’s
• play area and multi-purpose hall (providing space for health clubs, dance groups, martial arts,
• sports clubs, children’s parties, scout groups and local youth services);
• 28 new homes with a variety of new houses and apartments (with associated car parking), to
• be managed by Family Mosaic Housing Association;
• Regeneration of public communal green space along Salter Road.


Further Information
If you have any questions or comments about the event, please contact Lorraine Cavanagh
e: lorraine.cavanagh@docklandsettlements.org.uk 
t: 020 7538 3292


 

16th November 2010

Low-cost exercise for women

From Laura Harvey, Sort and Physical Activity Development Officer (Southwark)

I work in the Leisure team at Southwark and I am trying  to spread the word about a great value new exercise class that we are running at  Surrey Quays Watersports Centre on a Saturday morning. It costs just £1.50 per  session. 

Great value Aerobics class
We’re making it easier to get fit and feel fabulous

Every Saturday
9.45am-10.45am
Only £1.50 per class
Surrey Docks Watersports Centre, Rope Street, off Plough Way, Greenland Dock, Rotherhithe, SE16 7SX

Minimum age for all classes is 16 years old.
The class is for WOMEN ONLY

Remember
Check with your Doctor before you begin exercising.
Bring plenty of water and wear loose comfortable clothing.
Call for more information or just turn up

Thanks
Laura

Laura  Harvey
Sport and Physical Activity  Development Officer
Leisure and  Wellbeing
Tel:  020  7525 0884
Mob:  07985  640627
www.southwark.gov.uk/getactive

 

7th November 2010

Winter Bird Walk, Surrey Docks Farm

Saturday 20th November 10.00am – 11.30am
Farms can be ideal places to watch birds in winter, feeding flocks of starling, finches and tits can all be seen along with birds from Scandinavia and the Arctic. Join RSPB field teacher David James for a stroll around the farm and a look at birds on the Thames.
Meet at the duck pond.
Please book in advance. Contact Tracey Neil on 020 7231 1010 or education@surreydocksfarm.org.u                                                                                        
Donations welcomed
Surrey Docks Farm, South Wharf, Rotherhithe Street, London, SE16 5ET
www.surreydocksfarm.org.uk



 

4th November 2010

Saving King’s Stairs Gardens

From Donna Spedding:

Please join in the fight to save King's Stairs Gardens and gather as many people as possible for the protest @ Time and Talents, St Marychurch Street, Rotherhithe @ 5.30pm, Friday 5th November. This is the last chance for the community to voice their opposition at a local Thames Water consultation. Time is running out - don't let them get away with the planned destruction of a much loved local riverside park.

Thank you,

Donna Spedding
Save King's Stairs Gardens Action Group
www.saveksg.com


 

19th October 2010

Round-up of recent news

Apologies for lack of news updates on the site over the last  few weeks but Friends Chairman Steve has kindly updated me with some of the recent news:

GOOD NEWS - Russia Dock Woodland has once again been successful in securing the coveted national Green Flag Award for 2010. Last year was the first time that RDW won the Green Flag award which means that even more work has to be done to keep up the standards required to be successful in 2011. So well done to Southwark's parks dept, and also the Trust for Urban Ecology at Stave Hill Eco Park and Quadron Services. As soon as we receive our new 2010 Green Flag, we will arrange a small celebration ceremony.
 
SOME MORE GOOD NEWS - New pipework feeding the northern sections of Russia Dock Woodlands Waterways was laid last week. This feeds Globe Pond through to Joe's Pond. The old pipework was crushed by the tree roots in much the same way has the southern section of the waterways, which was renewed just a year ago. I am pleased to say that the dried up northern section is now full of fresh water which is being pumped up from the wind turbine at stave hill. We now have 'full control' of 'all'  the woodlands waterways. Many thanks to Paul Highman and the parks dept for their quick response to this potentially disastrous situation. I have some photos of the new pipework being laid which I will send to you separately.
 
NOT SO GOOD NEWS- Many woodlands users would have noticed a number of burnt trees and shrubs throughout the woodlands over the dryer periods that we had in June and early July. These fires have been started deliberately. The FoRDW group met with Southwark's chief fire officer in July, he was keen to visit the woodlands and give us his expert knowledge on how to minimize and hopefully stop this potentially disastrous situation from escalating  further. We also discussed improvements to access for emergency services in particular parts of the woodlands. Since then we have thankfully had no recurrence of these arson attacks. Some excellent A4 size posters were placed in certain areas of the woodlands by Rebeka Clark (Stave Hill Eco park) showing the effects to wildlife from fires, and also posters explaining to the public what to do in the event of seeing a fire being started, or one that has already taken hold.
 
NEW PLANNING APPLICATION ADJOINING RUSSIA DOCK WOODLAND - We have been contacted on several occasions by Mr Kenneth Jassby and his son David regarding their "preliminary plans" for their land in Quebec Way (Quebec Way Industrial Estate) - This is a very large piece of land (8.5 acres?) which runs the length of Quebec Way. This will undoubtedly impact on Russia Dock Woodlands south west boundary, if not treated delicately, and with total respect, for the woodlands wildlife and bio-diversity in that particular area, which many regard has the most beautiful and diverse part of Russia Dock Woodlands. It is good that the land owners and their architects want to speak to The Friends of Russia Dock Woodlands Group prior to any planning application. We will be seeking our own expert advice on the minimising of any adverse impact on the woodlands ecology and bio-diversity.
 
A meeting between the land owners and the FoRDW committee members is imminent. We will keep our members and local residents informed as soon as a date is arranged between both parties.


 

Annual AGM
 

FRIENDS OF RUSSIA DOCK WOODLAND

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING THURSDAY, 4^TH NOVEMBER,2010 TO BE HELD AT THE YHA, SALTER ROAD @ 7.00pm

AGENDA

• Minutes of the 2009 AGM held 16^th December 2009
• Approval of the minutes
• Matters arising
• Election of Officers
• Report from the Chair & others
• Treasurer’s report
• Planning applications
• Looking forward to 2011
• Any other competent businesss

John Wills
Secretary.


 

Removal of pages from the Friends of Russia Dock Woodland website

I have taken down the gallery page for the time being but it will be back up in the next couple of weeks. Due to technical problems I had to delete  the entire page so I will be looking for replacement photographs from local residents.

The Downtown Defence Campaign pages have been deleted and will soon be moved to their own website address.  I’ll post the address when the move has been successfully made.
 

30th May 2010

Stave Hill Saturday on 12th June

This month the Trust for Urban Ecology team at Stave Hill Ecological park are doing dry stone walling! As part of the Stave Hill Gateway Project they are able to offer our local volunteer team free training in this activity.

They have brought in an expert, who will be teaching all the tricks of the trade. By the end of the day, they will have created a beautiful wall to our Gateway area.

If you would like to be part of the wall team, and get some free training, please let Rebeka know via email or phone. Contact numbers are at the foot of this mail.

Rebeka Clark
Site Manager,
Stave Hill Ecology Park,
Timber Pond Rd,
London SE16 6AX.

Tel: 0207 237 9175
email: r.clark@btcv.org.uk
web: www.urbanecology.org.uk 

 

March 24th 2010

Meditation in the Park Sunday 27th June 2010 - News Release
 

A Truly Free Day Out with Many Surprises

 

Southwark, London (Mar 2010) – Following the successful inaugural event in 2009, Meditation in the Park continues this summer, on Sunday 27th June, as a free community event with picnics, prizes and a chance to relax in peaceful green spaces and learn techniques to de-stress, improve health and enjoy life more.

Meditation is something that people in every society throughout history have used to deal with stress, to calm and strengthen their minds and to feel better physically and emotionally.

Last summer, on a fortuitously beautiful and sunny day, people convened on the Russia Dock Woodland Green – the home of nearest kingfisher and pyramidal orchard to Central London - from the local community and across the city with appetising delights in their picnic baskets. Friendly teachers greeted the picnickers and gave free tuition in the basics of breathing and meditation while children imitated animals in the children’s area and everyone tasted new delights at the free smoothie booth. Meanwhile, judges surveyed the green in order to find the most worthy homemade and healthy delights. Fresh local fruit and juice, homemade breads, exquisite olive oils, blenders and smoothie makers were kindly donated by Tesco Surrey Quays, Surrey Quays Shopping Centre, and Borough Market stallholders, and were awarded by co-organiser Steve Cornish to the winners. The surplus was then distributed along with goodie bags and no one went away empty handed.

This year’s event will take place Sunday, 27th June and will include the best bits of the previous year - free smoothie tent, children’s yoga, walking meditation tours and picnics and prizes – along with many new features to allow everyone to enjoy new sensations and understand how some very simple techniques can reduce stress, heal their bodies and help them enjoy life more.

“Meditation isn’t just something that you do sitting crossed-legged on the floor. It’s about how you live every aspect of your life. There are some very simple things that everyone can easily incorporate into their daily lives that will greatly improve their health and wellbeing. It doesn’t cost anything to do, and it’s a fantastic thing to learn along with your children,” says Guru Kaur, co-organiser, internationally acclaimed yoga and meditation teacher and local resident of Rotherhithe for over 20 years.

Meditation in the Park is also about using the green space of this beautiful woodland to its best advantage. The event is part of Friends of Russia Dock Woodland (FRDW) and is co-organised by local residents Steve Cornish, FRDW’s chairman, Rebeka Clarke of Stave Hill Ecology Park and Guru Kaur and Hari Karam Singh of RegallyGraceful.com, all of whom view the park as their backyard. The event will support maintaining the prestigious Green Flag status awarded to the park last year.

“The more people are seen to be using the local green spaces such as Russia Dock Woodland, the more strength it gives us to ensure that they remain safe and untouched for the future,” says Friends of Russia Dock Woodland Chairman, Steve Cornish.

Tesco Surrey Quays and Surrey Quays Shopping Centre have very kindly pledged their financial support again for this year. Meditation in the Park currently is seeking other local businesses who wish to become affiliated with the positive values of this community wide, cross cultural, family friendly and free event.

The event is completely free. There will be nothing to buy but much to be had. No previous experience meditating is necessary. Those wishing to attend need only to bring their own picnics. For up-to-date information, visit www.MeditationInThePark.com.

Meditation in the Park is part of a series of local events including Photography in the Park and Painting in the Park which will also take place this summer. For more info contact info@meditationinthepark.com.
 

Quotations

"Thank you to all of you for organising such a great event last Sunday. You all helped to create a real community spirit event and this is really precious nowadays." – Beatrice Leung, SE16

“It was a lovely relaxing way to spend a Sunday afternoon with a great vibe, great food and like minded people. See you in June!” Ellie Wilson, SE14
 

Media Information

Website: http://www.MeditationInThePark.com Rebeka Clarke, Stave Hill Ecology Park, 0207 237 9175, R.clark@btcv.org.uk Hari Karam Singh, Regally Graceful 0207 394 8587, sacredstudio@amritvela.com Steve Cornish, FRDW, 07947 275386, stevecornish49@hotmail.com 

Notes to Editors

Friends of Russia Dock Woodland

Friends of Russia Dock Woodland (FRDW) is a group of residents who help to protect and enhance the woodland and the Stave Hill ecological park, which together run through the middle of the Rotherhithe peninsula. We are proud of our oasis in this busy corner of London. It supports a huge variety of plant, animal and bird life, some of it rare. It is used and enjoyed by local residents of all ages, many of whom are very active in promoting its interests and are partly responsible for its ongoing improvements. Membership of the Friends is free of charge and is open to everyone. Visit http://www.russiadockwood.ukfriends.com .
 

About Regally Graceful & Guru Kaur

Guru Kaur embodies spiritual values, a professional background and an English upbringing. She is renowned for giving very straight talking guidance in highly practical terms giving people unique insight into their challenges.

She founded Regally Graceful™ along with business partner Hari Karam Singh, as an outlet to teach the common wisdoms of antiquity that have been so important to the success and happiness of her life. These teachings are full of practical, common-sense advice that is sadly no longer so common. In January 2008, Regally Graceful launched the online course and social community Be the Woman You were Born to Be... For more information, visit http://www.RegallyGraceful.com and http://www.GuruKaur.com.

March 9th  2010

News from Surrey Docks Farm

I’m sure you will be delighted to learn that the Farm’s Shop and Café is now open again at weekends on Saturdays during January and February. The shop will be selling a range of toys, the farm’s produce and crafts ( when available) and the café will provide hot & cold drinks, snacks and sweets. Please go along and say hello. They are glad we are able again to provide a place for you to meet and sit down, away from the winter cold weather. They look forward to seeing you.

Videos: The Beauty of Rotherhithe Peninsula by Gary Williams and
Greenland Dock

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2yECPCJk7s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZ3U9rDEzuk
Two videos made by a local resident which displays many of the attractions of Rotherhithe. The Beauty of Rotherhithe runs for just over five minutes, the Greenland Dock video runs for nearly two minutes.  Many thanks to Gary!

December 19th 2009

Green Flag for eco-friendly school

Southwark News reports that Rotherhithe school St. John’s Catholic Primary School in St Elmo’s Road has been awarded Green Flag status due to its ecologically friendly approach.  The school has been recycling, compositing, practicing energy saving strategies, encouraging children to walk to school and teaching children about food miles.

This is Rotherhithe’s second Green Flag award.  The first was awarded to the Russia Dock Woodland in July 2009.

The photograph to the right, by Kam Hong Leung, shows the child of St. John’s with MP Simon Hughes.

December 17th 2009

The Friends of Russia Dock Woodland AGM

Thanks to the Rotherhithe YHA for providing us with a meeting room in which to hold our annual AGM.  There was a very good turnout and some excellent discussions were held with some good suggestions and agreements confirmed.  The Minutes of the meeting will be published shortly on the Archive section of this website and details will be posted when this has been done.  Thanks to everyone who took the time to attend on a very cold and miserable evening! 
 

December 3rd 2009

The Friends of Russia Dock Woodland wins London Tree and Woodland Award

The Friends of Russia Dock woodland celebrated the winning of a prestigious award at the London Tree & Woodland Award 2009 Ceremony at the London Living Room of London City Hall yesterday.  We won the award for “the most successful woodland project  by a Friends or Community Group”. 

Steve Cornish, Ben Dewhurst, Rebeka Clark, Jerry Hewitt, Kam Hong Leung, and Bea Leung were all in attendance.  As well as a large framed certificate the award winners were were also given a lovely wooden bowl made of elm, and a book written by the Award’s host.  In introducing the Friends and giving the award particular reference was made to the bird boxes project.

We were in some very illustrious company, and it was a real pleasure to see all the awards being given.  There is some excellent work being carried out, both by individuals and by teams.

This is the second award won by the Friends of Russia Dock Woodland this year.  We were recently the recipients of the coveted Green Flag award. 

I was particularly interested to hear some accounts after the event of the difficulties involved not merely with the planting of trees but the costs of maintaining them once they are planted. 

There are also, of course, different types of habitat which need to be encouraged as well as woodlands.  I am glad to say that between the Russia Dock Woodland and Stave Hill Ecological Park we seem to have most of the bases covered!

As a venue the London Living Room at night is a terrific location.  A balcony which runs the length of the room gives terrific views out over the surrounding area.  Tower Bridge is immediately outside, and Canaray Wharf shines in the distance.

Bus routes of Rotherhithe
 

I was sitting on the 381 bus talking to a friend yesterday and the subject of travel by bus around the Rotherhithe peninsula came up.  I live a 10 minute walk from Tesco and have a car as well so the issue of how to get to the shopping centre and carry all your shopping home if you live further afield on the peninsula had never actually occurred to me.  But Caroline has to take three buses to take heavy shopping home if she wants to shop at Surrey Quays.  Three!  Neither the C10 nor the 381 stop at the shopping centre itself, which seems crazy.  Apart from the inconvenience and the expense it scarcely seems consistent with the government’s stated enthusiasm for reducing cars on the road and encouraging travelers to use public transport.

Quite coincidentally I saw this article on the London SE1 website about the C10 - apparently the second most complained about bus route in London, which is quite an accolade.  Here’s a short extract:

Val Shawcross, Labour London Assembly member for Lambeth and Southwark, asked Boris Johnson to list the ten London bus routes with the highest number of passenger complaints about overcrowding or poor performance.

The Mayor's answer shows that the C10 bus route – which links Canada Water with Victoria via Elephant & Castle – attracted 98 complaints to Transport for London in the first eight months of this financial year.

Another table shows that the C10 is the tenth least reliable bus route in London.

December 2nd 2009

Russia Dock Woodland - AGM

FRIENDS OF RUSSIA DOCK WOODLAND
 
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (WED 16TH  DECEMBER 2009)

VENUE: YOUTH HOSTEL ASSOCIATION
LONDON THAMESIDE,  nr Old Salt Quay public  house (formerly Spice Island)
20 SALTER ROAD.
ROTHERHITHE SE16  5PR

7.00PM  START

1st December 2009

Proposed development at Surrey Quays Leisure Park (09-AP-1999)

 

From: Adams, Gordon [mailto:Gordon.Adams@southwark.gov.uk]
Sent: 01 December 2009 14:46
To: undisclosed-recipients:
Subject: Proposed development at Surrey Quays Leisure Park (09-AP-1999)

Dear Sir/Madam,

I write in respect to the proposed development at Surrey Quays Leisure Park to which you have previously made a submission to the Council on.  You should also have been notified that the application was to be determined by Members at Planning Committee tonight.  However, I wish to advise that the application has been withdrawn from the agenda for tonight - it is likely that it will now be determined by Members in January and you will be re-notified of any new meeting date.

If you are aware of anyone who planned to attend this evening for this application, it would be appreciated if you could let them know that it is no longer being presented.

Thank you and regards,

Gordon Adams
Senior Planning Officer
Major Applications

 

 

25th November 2009

Site A  09-AP- 1870 ( site by bus/tube station)

Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:54:16 +0000
From: canwatcan@aol.com
Subject: RE: Planning Committee dates + GLA consultation
To: canwatcan@aol.com


Site A  09-AP- 1870 ( site by bus/tube station)  ..
Scheduled to go before committee Tuesday 1/12/09 .
 
Scheme proposes a 26 storey tower, 668 residential units and the felling of around 170 trees which currently provide a green buffer zone for Albion Estate / Christopher Place and is the home to lots of wildlife. If you have not already done so please send your comments to planning.applications@southwark.gov.uk  and copy in local councillors  Columba.blango@southwark.gov.uk , Wilma.Nelson@southwark.gov.uk  Jeffrey.hook@southwark.gov.uk 
 
Surrey Quays Leisure Park  09-AP-1999(cinema, bingo etc)
Scheduled to go before committee Tuesday 1/12/09
 
This application is different to 09-AP-0725 .. which was withdrawn.
You must therefore re submit you 09-AP-0725 comments against 09-AP-1999
 
LONDON MAYOR CONSULTATIONS
 
Transport consultation www.London.gov.uk/shaping-london ‘til 12/1/10

And air quality www.London.gov.uk/mayor/environment/air_quality/index.jsp ‘til 30/11/09

 

November 23rd 2009

http://www.southwarknews.co.uk/news/00,news,16653,440,00.htm

Southwark said to be one of worse recyclers

By Oiver Pugh (see the above page for the full story):

Southwark Council is one of the worst recyclers in the country, according to the latest government figures released this week.

The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has revealed that Southwark recycles 20.89 per cent of household waste it collects.

Only five other boroughs in England had lower rates in 2008/09, including neighbouring Lewisham and Tower Hamlets.

However, the council has pointed to an increase from just 3.5 per cent in 2002 as evidence of its improving service.
The council has a stated aim of reaching 30 per cent recycling in 2010/11, and with an improvement of less than one per cent from the previous year, concerns have been raised it  will not hit this.

Southwark Labour's Environment and Transport spokesman, Cllr Barrie Hargrove, said: "Progress on recycling in Southwark has been painfully slow and we've been warning for some time that the Lib Dems risked breaking their pledge if they didn't take urgent action.

It's one thing for them to break that promise, but to drop to sixth worst recycler in the country is criminal.

Oyster pay as you go now available on Thames Clippers boat services

London - SE1

The Mayor of London confirmed on Monday that Oyster pay as you go can be used on Thames Clippers river services with immediate effect.

Thames Clippers services run daily between Embankment and Woolwich and serve three SE1 piers: Waterloo Millennium Pier, Bankside Pier and London Bridge City Pier.

    one of the most reliable and relaxing commutes in the country

"Travelling on the Thames is one of the great pleasures of London and I believe Oysterisation of the river will encourage more people to enjoy what must be one of the most reliable and relaxing commutes in the country," says Boris Johnson.

"Our aim is for the Thames to become an integral part of London's transport network, which is why we're also working to provide clearer signage to the piers and services that are available, in order to make using the river much easier for Londoners and visitors to the capital."

To use Oyster pay as you go on Thames Clippers, passengers should place their Oyster card on the ticket inspector's hand held reader, confirm which discount applies and then the fare will be taken from their pay as you go balance.

A cash fare of £5.30 will be reduced to £4.80 for Oyster pay as you go passengers.

However, travel on Thames Clippers does not count towards the daily Oyster price cap, so some passengers may find it cheaper to buy a paper One Day Travelcard in order to obtain the better discount.
 

See the above page for full details.

November 14th 2009

Live Planning Applications 16th November Alfred Salter School

 
PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR YOUR INFORMATION.
 
THE FUTURE OF ROTHERHITHE, ALL DECIDED BEFORE CHRISTMAS.
 
FORGET EASTENDERS GET ALONG TO ALFRED SALTER SCHOOL AND GET INVOLVED BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE.
 
STEVE
 

 CWCF    MONDAY 16th November   7.00 at Alfred Salter
 
Site updates and update on Air Quality in the area 
 
********
LIVE PLANNING APPLICATIONS
 
Site A ... 09-AP-1870
 
Site C .... 09-AP-1783
 
SQLP .... 09-AP-1999
 
DOWNTOWN  ... 08-AP-1563
 
******************
London Mayor Consultation
 
Transport .... london.gov.uk/shaping-london
 
Pollution   ....london.gov.uk/mayor/environment/air_quality/index.jsp

4th November 2009

Canada Water extension of consultation period
 

From: The manager of 'All Stakeholders'
Sent: Tuesday, November 03, 2009 6:15 PM
Subject: Canada Water Extension of consultation period


 3rd November 2009


Dear Sir or Madam,

HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE CANADA WATER AREA ACTION PLAN:


Extension of consultation period

We are consulting on the Canada Water Area Action Plan (AAP).  The AAP is a document that will ensure real change within the Canada Water area over the next 15 years. It aims to create a genuine town centre which is distinctive and reflects the area's heritage, an area which is renowned for its great open spaces and leisure facilities and a place with great schools and homes which are attractive to families. The plan area is focussed on the area where change will be the greatest. This core area includes the Surrey Quays shopping centre, Albion Street and the Hawkstone estate. To ensure that the impacts of development in the core area are addressed, the wider AAP area also includes Russia Dock Woodland, Greenland Dock, South Dock Marina and St Mary's Church and the surrounding conservation area.

When it is finally adopted by the council, it will be part of our Local Development Framework (LDF) and will be used to make planning decisions in the area as well as guide investment.


How to comment on the Area Action Plan

We are now at the second stage of consulting on the Area Action Plan.  We have taken the comments we received at the first stage into consideration and produced the Preferred Options which sets out our preferred approach to growth within the area.


What is the period for consultation?

The Preferred Options Report is available for you to comment on from 1 September 2009 until 6th November  2009.   The consultation period has now been extended.

All representations should be received no later than 5pm on 6th November 2009.

 How do I view the Canada Water Area Action Plan Preferred Options Report?

 You can download the Canada Water AAP and supporting documents from
http://www.southwark.gov.uk/canadawateraap
The documents are also available to view at the locations listed in this letter and on request from the Planning Policy team by phoning 020 7525 5471 or by emailing canadawateraap@southwark.gov.uk  


How do I submit my comments?

To comment on the Preferred Options report, please fill in the online questionnaire available at
www.southwark.gov.uk/canadawateraap or send your completed questionnaire to us at:

Freepost SE1919/14 
Planning Policy
Southwark Council
PO Box 64529
London SE1P 5LX
canadawateraap@southwark.gov.uk 


Further information

If you require any further information about the Preferred Options Report, including details of the council's translation service, please contact us on 020 7525 5471 or by email at canadawateraap@southwark.gov.uk  

We look forward to receiving your comments


Council offices (Opening times 09:00 - 17:00 Monday - Friday)

Town Hall - Peckham Road, SE5 8UB
Libraries (Opening times listed individually below)

Blue Anchor Library - Market Place, Southwark Park Road, SE15 3UQ
(Monday; Tuesday & Thursday 09:00 - 19:00, Friday 10:00 - 18:00, Saturday 09:00 - 17:00)

Brandon Library - Maddock Way, Cooks Road, SE17 3NH
(Monday 10:00 - 18:00, Tuesday & Thursday 10:00  - 19:00, Saturday 10:00 - 17:00)

Camberwell Library - 17-21 Camberwell Church Street, SE5 8TR
(Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 9:00 - 20:00, Friday 10:00 - 18:00, Saturday 09:00 - 17:00)

Dulwich Library - 368 Lordship Lane, SE22 8NB
(Monday, Thursday & Friday 09:00 - 20:00, Tuesday 10:00 - 20:00, Saturday 09:00 - 17:00, Sunday 12:00 - 16:00)

East Street Library - 168-170 Old Kent Road, SE15
(Monday & Thursday 10:00 - 19:00, Tuesday 10:00 - 18:00, Saturday 10:00 - 17:00)

Grove Vale Library - 25-27 Grove Vale, SE22 8EQ
(Monday & Thursday 10:00 - - 19:00, Tuesday 10:00 - 18:00, Saturday 10:00 - 17:00)

Kingswood Library - Seeley Drive, SE21 8QR
(Monday & Thursday 10:00 - 14:00, Tuesday & Friday 14:00 - 18:00, Saturday 13:00 17:00)

Newington Library - 155-157 Walworth Road SE17 1RS
(Monday, Tuesday & Friday 09:00 - 20:00, Thursday 10:00 - 20:00, Saturday 09:00 - 17:00, Sunday 10:00 - 14:00)

Nunhead Library -  Gordon Road, SE 3RW
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 10:00 - 19:00, Friday 10:00 - 18:00, Saturday 10:00 - 17:00)

Peckham Library - 122Peckham Hill Street, SE15 5JR
(Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 09:00 - 20:00, Wednesday 10:00 - 20:00, Saturday 10:00 - 17:00, Sunday 12:00 - 16:00)

Rotherhithe Library - Albion Street, SE16 7HY
(Monday & Thursday 10:00 - 19:00, Tuesday 10:00 = 18;00, Saturday 10:00 - 17:00)
 

Area Housing Offices (Open 09:00 - 17:00 Monday - Friday)

Nunhead & Peckham rye - 27 Bournemouth Road, SE15 5TY
Dulwich - 41-43 East Dulwich Road, SE22 9BY
Borough & Bankside - Library Street, SE1 0RG

Camberwell - Harris Street, SE5 7RX
Rotherhithe - 153-159 Abbeyfield Road, Rotherhithe, SE16 2LS
 

One Stop Shops (Open 09:00 - 17:00 Monday - Friday)

Peckham one stop shop - 122 Peckham Hill Street, SE15 5JR
Walworth one stop shop - 151 Walworth Road, SE17 1RY
Bermondsey one stop shop - 17 Spa Road, SE16
 

Yours faithfully


Juliet Seymour
Planning Policy Manager

 

3rd November 2009

Stave Hill Ecological Park News
 

----- Original Message -----
From: Rebeka Clark
Sent: Friday, October 30, 2009 12:31 PM
Subject: Stave Hill Saturdays


Stave Hill Saturdays.......Autumn in the Eco Park.

Hello to you all...
We've had an amazing summer here in the Park! In conjunction with Russia Dock Woodland, we were entered for the Green Flag Award. We were visited by the Green Flag Judges, who gave valuable feedback, and said very nice things about our park. And we won! We are now planning our strategy for retaining the flag, which is awarded annually. A lot of the credit for this award belongs to the volunteers, who have worked so hard at keeping both Stave Hill and Russia Dock Woodland looking good. The judges were particularly impressed at the level of community involvement. Well done the Stave Hill Saturdays, and Kids@StaveHill!

The summer has flown past, with lots of projects being undertaken. Parts of the park have been completely re-modeled, and we've been clearing back a lot of the scrub woodlands. One project was Toad Hollow, a new habitat in the south end of the park..... This is a beautiful chalk pool and bank, which we hope will provide a valuable refuge for amphibians, increase the chalk grassland flora, and be an attractive feature for visitors.

We are getting an increasing number of drop in visitors to SHED, especially at weekends. For a building that's not complete yet, this is very promising. We are arranging for the Buildings Inspector to visit in the next month, and we hope that the recommendations from the visit will enable us to move on to final completion. A fully functional visitor centre for 2010 would be fantastic. We are already planning visitor activities for the SHED, for example interactive trails.

Our final bat walk of the year was amazing, with thirty people attending. Having heard that Southwark Park had recorded Leisler's Bat, we wondered if it might be present here...and we picked it up twice with the bat detectors! Great news, as this brings our bat count to four species. What will turn up next....?

Upcoming events:
Saturday November 14th.
Stave Hill Saturday and Kids@StaveHill
Hedgelaying, making wind chimes and mini beast models.

Saturday December 12th
Stave Hill Saturday and Kids@StaveHill
Hedgelaying, Christmas decorations and art for the park.

Every Wednesday, 10am-4pm
Stave Hill Regulars meet to carry out a variety of projects, ranging from SHED works to woodland management. Keep fit, have fun and make a valuable contribution to the management of this great green space!


Rebeka Clark
Site Manager,
Stave Hill Ecology Park,
Timber Pond Rd,
London SE16 6AX.

Tel: 0207 237 9175
email: r.clark@btcv.org.uk
web: www.urbanecology.org.uk 

Downtown Development Update

Please see the Downtown Defence Campaign News page by clicking here.



 

25th September 2009

Planting days at Durand’s Wharf

There are two planting days for local community coming up at Durand’s Wharf on Rotherhithe Street (click here to see a map showing the exact location).  All ages area welcome. Volunteers will be under the guidance of an experienced team from the Trust for Urban Ecology:

Wednesday, September 30, 10am - 4pm: Bulb planting

Tuesday, October 13, 9.30am – 4pm: Coppice in nature area

Everybody welcome, just turn up.

If you would like more information please contact Agnese Appleby on 020 7525 0895 or email
agnese.appleby@southwark.gov.uk

 

More volunteers in the Russia Dock Woodland

Southwark Council have another group of volunteers working at the Russia Dock Woodland to deliver more preliminary works for the Natural Ribbon Project.  There will be around 25 of them.  This time they are from the Carlyle Group, in partnership with the Time Bank.



 

23rd September 2009

Online resources re living with and caring for foxes

RSPCA
 

Animal Care - Foxes
http://tinyurl.com/mxtj8h

Living with Foxes (PDF)
http://tinyurl.com/mzt5rq

RSPCA Cruelty Line
0300 1234 999
Cruelty Line checklist (please read before phoning)
http://tinyurl.com/f34er

The Fox Website

http://www.thefoxwebsite.org/

The Fox Project

http://www.foxproject.org.uk/

The above photograph was taken in Stave Hill Ecological Park and shows a lovely fox stretching and yawning on a warm sunny day last summer.  I had watched him sunbathing lazily for around 10 minutes before he got up, stretched and left.  He was perfectly aware of my presence, but quite unconcerned.  A lovely moment.

22nd September 2009

Fox cruelty in Rotherhithe

I really hate to report on something so horrific, but the facts of the matter do need to be communicated to the public so that we can all keep a sharp eye out on behalf of our local wildlife.  Steve Cornish (Chair of the Friends of Russia Dock Woodland) has had the Wildlife Crime Officer down in the Woodlands this week and he agrees that this should be made public information.

Steve rang me last week and told me a terrible story about the torture of a fox in the Russia Dock Woodland.  This is not hearsay - it was observed and has been photographed.  A fox was found shackled in the undergrowth next to Lavender Pond. Local residents could hear the chain jangling for days on end but couldn't work out where the noise was coming from. Then it must have unshackled itself and was seen by a local resident in her garden with the chain hanging from its leg (the resident took the photo). She then called the Fox Project who contacted their local volunteer. She took four hours to find the fox which was shackled to the ground unable to move and in distress. She stated to the Wildlife Crime Officer that "the other end of the chain was buried into the ground and the earth replaced so that it couldn’t move. They had to dig down deep to remove the chain. The (fox cub vixen) was taken to the Fox Project headquarters in Tonbridge where they managed to save the foxes leg and released it into a woodland in Kent. A good ending to an horrific story.

I haven’t posted the photographs on this page in case children stumble across this page.  You can, however, download a photo of the fox chained, with the chain pierced through its Achilles tendon by clicking here.  It is not a pretty sight, but it happened and we need to be aware so that we are alert to other situations which might arise. 

The recent articles in Southwark News and Sky News have highlighted other problems about foxes being trapped for the purposes of dog fighting.  Whilst the dog fighting has not been confirmed independently, the capture of foxes recently has been witnessed. 

If you see anything that might be a problem please call the RSPCA Cruelty Line: 0300 1234 999.

 

21st September 2009

Village Choice - a Financial Times article about the benefits of living in Rotherhithe

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/b42023ba-71a1-11de-a821-00144feabdc0.html

This is a bit late (the article was published in the FT on July 18th) but for reasons unknown I didn’t post about it then.  As it is still very much of interest I am posting it now - better late than never, I hope!  Here’s a short extract but see the above page for the full story which took up three quarters of a full FT page (by Jenny Wiggins):

“One of the joys of moving to a new city is that you have no ingrained prejudices about where to live. You can settle in a neighbourhood simply because it is likable, not because it is close to family or friends or because of the social signals the choice sends out.

On moving to London four years ago I landed in a temporary flat chosen by my employers in an unfashionable neighbourhood named Rotherhithe on the south bank of the Thames. I spent several frustrating weekends travelling west, north and south searching for a permanent home before a radical thought struck me. What was wrong with staying put?

Located in a crook of the river between Bermondsey and Deptford in the borough of Southwark, Rotherhithe has an illustrious history, mostly due to its seafaring connections. It was once known as Redriff, which, according to historian Peter Ackroyd, might refer either to “red reef” or derive from redhra, the Saxon word for sailor, and hythe, for haven. “In that case it has been connected with sailors and shipping for more than a thousand years,” he writes in his book Thames: Sacred River.

The area was one of the departure points for the Mayflower in 1620 as the Pilgrim Fathers sailed off to begin new lives in the New World and three of the ship’s four owners are buried on the site of the first local church, St Mary’s.

During the second world war much of Rotherhithe was bombed and destroyed and, after its docks were closed in the 1960s and 1970s, extensive rebuilding by the Docklands Development Corporation left it riddled with bland brick houses and apartment blocks. But hasty development has not erased all traces of its charm. Although I ended up settling in Bermondsey and have now lived in London long enough to have visited many of its nicest neighbourhoods, I think parts of Rotherhithe hold a genuine village atmosphere that is hard to find elsewhere in the capital.

While much of the Thames’s southern bank swarms on weekends with non-locals visiting the London Eye and Royal Festival Hall, shopping for food at Borough Market and dining at the restaurants that sit in the shadow of Tower Bridge, Rotherhithe remains very much a hidden treasure.”

See the above page for the full story.  With photos, a map and details of local estate agents.

Financial Times, July 18/19 2009, House and Home section, p. 2.


 

19th September 2009

The Time to Change Roadshow

The Time to Change Roadshow is coming to Surrey Quays Shopping Centre.
Time to Change is England’s most ambitious programme to end the discrimination faced by people who experience mental health problems.
 
10am – 4.30pm    Friday 25th September, 2009
 
Marian Farrugia, Community Involvement Coordinator
Bermondsey and Rotherhithe Area Management
South Bermondsey Parents' and Children's Centre
Tenda Road, London SE 16 3PN
 
Tel:          020 7525 1780
E-Mail:     Marian.Farrugia@southwark.gov.uk
Mobile:    07951 519 661
Fax:        020 7237 0616
Web:       http://www.southbermondseypartnership.org.uk 

 

BARGEs Meeting 28th September

 

From Mairi Mills:

Dear All,

The next meeting of BARGEs is to take place on Monday 28th September at Stave Hill Ecology Park from 6.30pm.   The location for the meeting is the Stave Hill enclosure, more or less north of the Hill itself and the turbine.
For more directions, please phone Rebeka on 7237 9175.  If you wish to meet up and walk over together, please meet me near the kiosk at Canada Water Bus Station at 5.55pm.

Items on the Agenda include discussions around two current topics.   There have been conflicting views about developments to the Southwark Park Sports Centre, and this has shown that BARGEs needs to be clearer about input to the Planning process.   This also applies to the Canada Water Area Action Plan ("The Preferred Options report has now been published and will be subject to full public consultation until 13 October 2009. The results will be used to produce a draft AAP" - http://www.southwark.gov.uk/YourServices/RegenerationSection/canadawater1/ )

Unfortunately, Officers working on the Southwark Park Sports Centre plans will not be available on the 28th, and we are looking for another date for a detailed discussion about this development.  However, we hope to have a Planning Officer attend, and to have useful discussions about the AAP and bigger picture for Open Spaces and associated issues, on the 28th.   Do get back to us if you can make any input in advance.

The other main topic area is feedback from Friends groups to take forward to the Conference on 10th October (please scroll down for details).   Do let us know if you plan to attend.   Please get back to me or to Barry with any
other agenda items for the night, or with apologies.

All the best,
Mairi
 

The London Tree and Woodland Photographic Award

You have up until 25th September to enter the above competition, full details of which, including an application form, are available on the following website (see copied details below).
http://www.forestry.gov.uk/website/IntExp.nsf/LondonTreePhoto?OpenForm 
 

The award will be presented for the most outstanding photograph illustrating 'The value of Trees and Woodlands to Londoners'

• Nominations are open to all comers of any age group - except full time professional photographers.
• The original photograph must have been taken in the last 2 years.
• The photographs must have been taken within the Greater London area.
• Digital images must be submitted by CD-Rom in full size jpeg format or by email (maximum size 6MB) to the address given below.
• Each image must be titled electronically to facilitate judging.
• This nomination form containing your name and contact details must accompany the images when submitted.
• Only 5 (five) entries per person are allowed.
• The judges reserve the right to select photos for exhibition at the Award Ceremony on merit.
• You agree to the credited use of your photograph in any future Forestry Commission publicity.
• All entries must be received no later than Friday 25thth September 2009. No late entries accepted.


The 2009 awards will be presented at the London Living Room in City Hall on the 2nd December.

18th September 2009

Pearson’s Park Steering Group

From Emma Ellis: Cleaner, Greener, Safer
 

Sent:   17 September 2009 17:22
Subject:        Pearson's Park steering group

Dear all
As a key stakeholder in Surrey Docks, I would like to invite you to be a part of the Pearson's Park improvements steering group.  £50,000 playbuilder funding plus £45,000 Cleaner Greener Safer funding has been awarded this year for a natural play scheme and other improvements. 

As part of the steering group, you would be responsible for signing off the final designs following public consultation. 
Our public consultation event is due to take place in Pearson's Park on Thursday, 8th October between 4pm and 7pm.  Our design consultants will be onsite to showcase 'mood boards' and with questionnaires to find out how people use the park now and what changes they would like to see.  I attach a poster we have for the event and I would be grateful if you could email or distribute as you see fit and encourage people to come along.

If you would like to be on the steering group, we expect our consultants to have final design ready for sign off in the week commencing 26th October and we would hold a meeting that week with you to discuss the designs in more detail before appointing a contractor. 

Please do come back to me to confirm if you would be willing to be on the steering group.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,
Emma

Emma Ellis
Project Manager, Rotherhithe
Cleaner Greener Safer
Public Realm
Southwark Council
PO Box 64529
Third Floor, Hub 1
London SE1 5LX
T: 020 7525 0729


 

Canada Water Site A Exhibition

From Anna

Fund raising for Holy Trinity Church - September Music for the Riverside

Thanks to Kam Hong Leung for forwarding the following information.

Fund Raising Concert on 26 September 2009 (Saturday).
 
The theft of part of the roof of Holy Trinity Church at the end of July has caused serious and costly structural damage . Holy Trinity Church has worked very hard to serve the Rotherhithe Community over the years - including its generous offer of the free use of the church hall and other facilities for local meetings.  If you wish to attend the special repair fund-raising concert, 'September Music for the Riverside', on 26 September 2009 (Saturday) or offer other help, please contact Father Andrew Doyle direct using his contact details as follows:
 
Postal Address :  Holy Trinity Church, Rotherhithe Street, London  SE16  5HF 
Email Address :  andrewdoyle763@btinternet.com
Telephone Number :  020 7237 4098
Holy Trinity Church Website :  http://www.holy-trinity-rotherhithe.org.uk (with information on how to make donations in the 'Financial Section' on the left of the Home Page).
 

Canada Water Site A Exhibition

From Anna Devlet

The planning application for  Site A has now been submitted.

A detailed planning application for Site A,  the final stage of regeneration of Sites A and B, has now been submitted to  Southwark Council and is expected to be heard at planning committee at the end  of the year.

Consultation on the detailed proposals for Site A began in March 2009.  The  results of the consultation have now been fed back to the design team and  incorporated into the revised proposals. 

The mixed use scheme has been designed by  architects Glenn Howells.  The proposals include: the reintroduction of a 26  storey tall building adjacent to the Canada Water tube, new retail, community  space and 668 new homes.

Please come and find out more about the  proposals in one of the following ways:

Visit www.canadawater-southwark.co.uk

or visit us at one of our following exhibitions:

Saturday 19th September:  Surrey Quays Shopping Centre  11am - 3pm
Monday 21st September:  Albion Primary School, Albion Street  3:00pm - 5:30pm
Tuesday 22nd - Wednesday 23rd September: Seven Islands  Leisure Centre, 7:00am - 10:00pm daily
Exhibition staffed:
Tuesday and Wednesday, 11am -  4pm
Tuesday, 5 - 8pm


Please contact me directly if you would  like any further information, and do please forward this message  on
 
Many thanks
Anna Devlet
BL Canada Quays
info@bl-canadaquays.org.uk
Tel: 020  7394 7849
 

A garden to remember - Simplicity

Lawrence Lingard, head chef at the excellent Rotherhithe restaurant Simplicity has written a short but entertaining article in the “Food for Thought” column in The Dockland newspaper, about the small corner of land that sits next to the restaurant and is used to grow vegetables and herbs.  Lingard’s friend Leo, who set up and managed the garden sadly passed away recently, leaving Lingard and his friends to work out how to run the garden on their own.  I know how he feels having gone through that particular learning curve when I took over a patio garden, complete with herbs, flowers, dwarf fruit trees and vegetables some 15 years ago.  If you haven’t tried Simplicity I can recommend it.
 

14th September 2009

Photo-report on the Orange RockCorps Big Tidy Up day

Thanks to Kam Hong Leung for posting his latest photo report on his Rotherhithe Community Safety Forum website at the following address:
http://cid-810e9c86bbce804e.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!810E9C86BBCE804E!1051.entry

I was over at the woodland the day before yesterday and was truly impressed at the results of all that work. The whole area seems much more open at shrub level, with a lot more light coming in.


 

13th September 2009

Canda Water Consultative Forum  MONDAY, 14th September. 7.00 at Alfred Salter Primary School

From Steve Cornish:

 
ALL WELCOME
 
Agenda items include recently submitted applications for :
 
Site C  (Decathlon)         ( 09-AP-1783)
Downtown                     ( 08-AP-1563)
 
Also CW AAP is out for further consultation, which relates in a number of ways to Southwark Park (08-CO-0117) and the new swimming pool that was included in the original BL-CQ Master Plan.
 
It is unfortunate that all three of the above very important matters have suffaced at the same time and all are subject to limited consultation periods. I therefore request your understanding regarding the rather full agenda.
 

Updates from Southwark News, Thursday 10th September 2009
 

Locals celebrate Green Flag
David Rees describes how the Russia Dock Woodland changed from being a home to abandoned shopping trolley and vandals but became, instead, one of the country’s finest green spaces and a haven for wildlife, particularly birds.  Various local politicians joined the local community members who have supported the redevelopment of the park over the last few years.  Stephanie Lodge of the Southwark Friends of the Earth said that she hoped that other people would be inspired by the Russia Dock Woodland.  An photograph accompanies the story, showing Steve Cornish, Kam Hong Leung, Antony Eaves, and many local park supporters and visitors.

Concerns about local foxes and cats
Southwark News has highlighted possible concerns about foxes being trapped and cats being hurt by fighting dogs in the Russia Dock Woodland.  Anyone who sees any evidence for deliberate abuse of local animals should report in to the RSPCA and can also let the Friends of Russia Dock Woodland know so that they can pass it on to the local authorities.

Concerns about sports centre to be built over meadow
The News reports that residents of Rotherhithe’s Hawkestone Tenants and Residents’ Association have decided to fight the creation of a sports centre that will take away their green view and put a coach park on their road.  In opposition are the Friends of Southwark Park who believe that the sports facilities are in the interests of the public.

Recycling plant gets go-ahead
A planned recycling plant has received the go-ahead by Southwark Council for a site on the Old Kent Road.  It will have facilities for waste treatment and recycling.  There is also the possibility of a visitor centre.

Southwark Council councillor’s expenses released for year
The allowances and expenses paid to Southwark councillors for the 2008/09 tax year have been released and are detailed in Southwark News this week.

Invitation for applications for funding from voluntary sector organizations
Funding is available for the financial year beginning April 2010.  in the following areas:  Community Support and Culture Services Small Grants Programme.  Application packs can be downloaded from:
www.open4community.info/Southwark
or requested from Triumphant Oghre on 020 7525 7418 / Sevia John on 020 7525 7321



 

12th September 2009
 

Nomination for London Tree and Woodland Awards

Good news. Yesterday Kam Hong Leung, a Rotherhithe resident and the founder of the Rotherhithe Community Safety Forum entered a Category (4) Nomination of 'The Friends of Russia Dock Woodland - Bird and Bat Boxes Project' for this year's London Tree and Woodland Awards (2009).   As photographic evidence and testimonials were requested last year to support the nominations Kam has specially prepared the attached 7-page Photo-Report to support his nomination, which has received independent support from a number of other residents. 



 

11th September 2009

Relocation of wildflower meadow in Southwark Park and the creation of floodlit sports courts

 

Thanks very much to Jerry Hewitt from the Hawkestone TRA for letting me know what is happening with regard to the relocation of a wildflower/life meadow in Southwark Park.   The meadow concerned is currently out in the open in full sun. The Council plan to move it to a location that will be shaded under trees which are themselves already the home to the spring bulbs and crocus it is by no means certain that any of the flowers and wildlife will survive the transplant because moving sun-living vegetation into partial shade beneath trees is likely to put them into an inappropriate environment, where they will impose on the existing flora. The area where the meadow is now located will be grubbed out and leveled. Then three floodlit sports courts will be built, complete with high power floodlights.  

Here’s a comparison of how the area looks now and how it might look in the future (thanks again to Jerry):


As it is now, with a view across the park:





As it could become:






As well as the threat to the areas of the park mentioned the plans will have serious impacts on the residents and on the surrounding infrastructure. From the point of view of local residents it is predicted that over 1000 visitors will come and go on event days and that coaches will be parking, picking and setting down in a residential street where residents and visitors currently park. The prospect of the noise and pollution is not welcome.  Increased levels of traffic could also be detrimental to the area.  Here’s an extract on the subject from a recent BARGEs update (duplicated below):

“Although Planning Permission for the Sports Centre has now been granted, some residents have expressed concern about the siting of the proposed Multi Use Game Areas, with the plan being for the MUGAs to be sited between the existing Centre and the 'Yellow House'.    FoSP have been involved in the plans from an early stage, and had considered the MUGAs to be a worthwhile amenity, but there will be a loss of green space in this part of the Park.   There are some questions BARGEs members might wish to consider, about the Planning applications system, and the extent to which we collectively can and wish to influence planning applications where there are competing needs, for example community space versus green space.   Come along on the 9th if you can, to hear more details of the plans, and if there is interest, the wider discussion can be part of the next BARGEs meeting, date to be confirmed later in the month.”

It is also a great concern that all areas of park (or any other land) that has an existing use for sport can be treated in the same way. That is a large part of Southwark Park. Such was also the fate of the playing fields at Bacon's School. Some local residents  now have concerns for the future of other green and open spaces due to Council plans for development in the Rotherhithe area.

Click here for a Hawkestone Road Coach Park update (JPEG, 465 KB)



 

Extracts from BARGE’S Update 4th September 2009

Thanks to Mairi Mills and apologies that some of these dates are in the past - the newsletter was sent out on the 4th but I’ve only just seen it.

Canada Water Consultative Forum
Monday 14th September 7pm  at Alfred Salter Primary School, Quebec Way, SE16.   The Agenda includes an update on the Canada Water Area Action Plan.
http://www.southwark.gov.uk/YourServices/RegenerationSection/canadawater1/
"The Preferred Options report has now been published and will be subject to full public consultation until 13 October 2009. The results will be used to produce a draft AAP.  The draft AAP will then be submitted to the Secretary of State for examination-in-public, leading to the production of the finished AAP which, we envisage, will be ready for implementation by the autumn of 2010. "

Rotherhithe Community Council
Tuesday 15th September 7pm venue to be confirmed after Monday on -
http://moderngov.southwarksites.com/mgCommitteeDetails.aspx?ID=179
 or contact Rebecca on 7525 1768. 
The agenda is expected to include Downtown proposals, Lighting, and Highways.

Bermondsey Community Council
Wednesday 16th September 7pm,  Shortwave Cinema, 10 Bermondsey Square, London SE1 3UN.
Theme: Regeneration and the future of Bermondsey, with a short film on the past, present and future of Bermondsey Square.  There will also be a crime surgery with police and wardens to take place at 6.30pm before the main meeting commences on the day.

Friends of Southwark Park Meeting
Wednesday 9th September 2009, 6pm. 
Meet at the Cafe/ Park Managers Offices Gomm Road SE16, for a walk around the South End of the Park that we missed out in July.  Followed by a meeting in the Cafe Gallery with Refreshments and Sandwiches at around 7.15pm.  to include an update from the Parks Manager, a Future Projects update, a Sports Centre update, a Grounds Maintenance update and updates on the Kingstairs Garden issues and Community outreach.

Although Planning Permission for the Sports Centre has now been granted, some residents have expressed concern about the siting of the proposed Multi Use Game Areas, with the plan being for the MUGAs to be sited between the existing Centre and the 'Yellow House'.    FoSP have been involved in the plans from an early stage, and had considered the MUGAs to be a worthwhile amenity, but there will be a loss of green space in this part of the Park.   There are some questions BARGEs members might wish to consider, about the Planning applications system, and the extent to which we collectively can and wish to influence planning applications where there are competing needs, for example community space versus green space.   Come along on the 9th if you can, to hear more details of the plans, and if there is interest, the wider discussion can be part of the next BARGEs meeting, date to be confirmed later in the month.

Stave Hill Saturdays
Saturday 13th September: Stave Hill Saturday and Kids@StaveHill. The scythes will be out for the first hay cut of the year. Junior volunteers will be making teepees and kites.   Meet at Stave Hill SHED, from 11am.

FREE TRAINING
Section 106.
29 September 2009, 10am–3pm at Community Action Southwark (CAS), 8th Floor, Hannibal House, Elephant and Castle, London SE1 6TE
This one-day course will provide an understanding of the planning system in London, how planning policy is made via the London Plan, Local Development Framework and the Sustainable Community Strategy.  The training will also enable participants to understand methods of getting involved with planning policy formulation and local area agreements, and the role of the Local Strategic Partnership. Participants will explore the legislative background to Section 106 agreements, including the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, as well as looking at what ‘planning gain’ is and how local authorities could – and can – use these to improve the quality of developments. This one-day introductory workshop is aimed at all levels of staff and management committees.

This training will cover:
What is a planning obligation?
What are planning obligations used for?
Introduction to Planning in London
How to get involved
Section 106 Agreements
Community Infrastructure Levy
Social Impact Assessment 

Trainer: Sharon Mathew, Community Matters London Development Officer.
Sharon is a Community Development Practitioner. She is legally trained and has worked in facilities management and community development for eight years,

For further information please contact Teklu Haile, CAS Property Development
Officer, Tel: 020 7358 4831    Fax: 020 7703 9393    Email:
Teklu@casouthwark.org.uk






 

10th September 2009

Green Flag Award Ceremony

Apologies that I am so late reporting that the Green Flag Award, which was awarded to the Russia Dock Woodland in July was recognized in a ceremony at the Woodland.  I have been away for several weeks without web access and am just playing catchup with all the news. 

The ceremony took place on 3rd September 2009 green flag and all reports say that it went of very well indeed.  It looks as though a great time was had by all!

We  now have our very own public information board which is situated next to the  flag near St Johns bridge.

Steve has already placed some information leaflets plus  some recent photos of events in the cabinet which we can change as we  see fit (Steve has the key).

The coveted green flag status will allow us to bid from more funding avenues, plus Southwark councils parks department will have to keep up to very high standards to maintain this status. along with our help of course. As Steve says, it's amazing what a community can do when they all stick together, especially when their backs are against the wall.

You can see our dedicated page on the Green Flag website:
http://www.greenflagaward.org.uk/winners/GSP003454/

Thanks to Kam Hong Leung and Jerry Hewitt for the photographs accompanying this story, and for a great photo report by Kam which you can see on our new Green Flag Ceremony page on this website.


 

Grantscape Funding for Russia Dock Woodland

It is great to be able to provide the news that the Russia dock Woodland has successfully bid for a Grandscape Fund.
 
Amount: £50,000
Project period 2 years.
From Grantscape a landfill tax charity
Fund Name: Inner London Biodiversity Fund.
Focus on key London Priority Habitats and species as set out in the London Biodiversity Action Plan.

Money to be spent on wet woodland creation, reedbed creation, wildflower meadow creation and management of trees and shrubs.

Partners TRUE and the Friends of Russia Dock Woodland with a large emphasis on youth volunteering with the Youth reparation and Orange Rockcorps interested in volunteering.

The grant was set up in response to the problem that Inner London Boroughs had of successful bidding for money against national competition including rare and important habitat in places such as Sherwood Forest or the limestone pavement in Yorkshire (we didn't stand a chance).
 
Link to Grantscape for more info.
http://www.grantscape.org.uk/home/grantscapenew.htm  


 

Illegal fox netting

It has come to the attention of the friends of Russia Dock Woodland group, that unfortunately an orchestrated group of young men have been seen with vicious dogs in the woodlands, and around the old Fisher Athletic football ground, trying to flush out our foxes into nylon capture nets presumably for illegal dog fighting purposes.

The Safer Neighbourhoods team have been informed, and also the 'fox project team' who have put notices in the local area warning these gangs that this is illegal and they will be prosecuted if caught.

 

Orange RockCorps in the Russia Dock Woodland

Thanks to Kam Hong Leung for posting photographs of the 'Orange RockCorps' on their highly successful Volunteers' Big Clean Up Event in Russia Dock Woodland on 3rd September 2009 via the Orange RockCorps' Website on his Flickr pages:

 

(Part 1 of 2) :   http://www.flickr.com/photos/16999050@N00/3894896448/
(Part 2 of 2) :   http://www.flickr.com/photos/16999050@N00/3894196435/

28th July 2009

Russia Dock Woodland now on the Green Flag website

Thanks very much to Paul Todd (Green Flag Award Scheme Manager) for letting me know that the Russia Dock Woodland now has its own page on the Green Flag website. You can see it at the following web address:
http://www.greenflagaward.org.uk/winners/GSP003454/


 

27th July 2009

FABULOUS NEWS - Green Flag status for the Russia Dock Woodland

We are pleased to announce that Russia Dock Woodland was successful in its bid to be awarded Green Flag Status this week. The woodlands was officially awarded this coveted honour on the 23rd of this month at the awards ceremony in Bournemouth.
 
This is all due to the combined hard work and commitment of Southwark Councils Parks Dept, the Friends of Russia Dock Woodland group, Stave Hill Ecological Park (managed by the Trust for Urban Ecology), Quadron services, and of course the general public.
 
The Friends of Russia Dock Woodland is in its sixth year. Many woodlands users will remember back in the early days when the ponds were bone dry with no natural water supply. Now instead of bed spreads, bike frames and Tesco supermarket trolleys in the ponds, we have, fish, turtles, frogs, toads, newts, which attract the kingfishers, herons, and bats. This is all due to the refurbishment of the wind turbine back in 2003 which now pumps fresh underground water from the Aquifer 200 feet below Rotherhithe.
 
There are well over 100 bird and bat boxes in the woodlands that have been made and erected by the pupils of bacons school.
 
plus as reported in the Southwark news over the last three years all the five footbridges throughout the woodlands have now been named after the five junior schools on the peninsula - .Redriff, Peter Hillls, Alfred Salter, Albion Street, and St Johns. All these school's have made their own sculptures with the help and guidance of Kevin Boys the local surrey docks farm blacksmith.
 
We now have hundreds of new visitors to the woodlands every week which we feel is simply because it is a place of tranquillity where the wildlife comes first and people can relax with their families.

25th July 2009

Regeneration boss resigns

Thanks to Southwark News (Thursday July 23rd 2009) for the news that the head of Southwark’s regeneration projects has left his post.  John Prendergast reports that Stephen McDonald, Strategic Director of Major Projects, who looked after both the Elephant and Castle and Canada Water projects has stepped down from his position. The Southwark News article gives no ideas as to why Mr McDonald has resigned.
 

Downtown award prompts fresh row

Chris Mullany reports in the Southwark News (Thursday July 23rd 2009) that the controversial proposal for the Downtown site by Barratt Homes has won an award in the 2009 Housing Design Awards, which is designed to recognize planning schemes that have full planning permission but are yet to be completed.  But as the article reports, two applications are still being contested with Southwark Council having conceded that the planning process had been seriously flawed - and was quashed by the High Court. In short, as Steve Cornish points out in the article, the Downtown project does not have any planning permission. In fact, the planning application by Barratt Homes is not due to be heard until November 2009.

Rotary Club in Surrey Quays

A series of meetings to launch the new Surrey Quays Rotary Club will take place at the Moby Dick public house (6 Russell Place, SE16) in July, August and September 2009 between 7pm and 8.30pm on the following dates: Tuesday 28th July, Tuesday 11th August, Tuesday 25th August and Tuesday 8th September.

24th July 2009

Serious residential arson attack in Rope Street last night

Thanks to a resident of Rope Street for reporting to Kam and to the local police that at 4am last night a stolen scooter was set alight next to a residential building in Rope Street.  The position it was parked could only have been with the intention to also set the building ablaze and the fire spread to the building awaking residents who tried in vain to put it out and called the fire brigade.  Luckily nobody was seriously hurt but the building is a mess from the damage.
 
Clearly this could have resulted in deaths and I am sure the police are investigating it fully with the intention to bring those responsible to justice.  However I would hope you could cascade this to all and assure the local residents that all that is being done to deal with this ongoing scooter theft/burning issue in the area as this has now taken a very dangerous and sinister turn, where we are no longer safe in our homes.

 

20th July 2009

Canada Water Forum and Surrey Quays Leisure Centre demolition meeting

There is a Canada Water Forum meeting tonight starting at 7.00 pm @ Alfred salter school. Quebec Way, Rotherhithe.
 
On the CWF Agenda is the planning application plans for the Surrey Quays Leisure Centre demolition (Mast Leisure Centre) to make way for a much smaller leisure centre, plus of course over 500 new flats, up to ten storeys in height. It is vitally important that local residents turn up to air their views.
 

Trust for Urban Ecololgy and Deutsche Bank hard at work

The Trust for Urban Ecology and volunteers from the Deutsche Bank were hard at work in the ecology park and the Russia Dock Woodland last week, clearing back the laurel, tackling the duck week and generally improving conditions.  Thanks to Rebekka and all of the volunteers for doing such a great job.  Here are some of the photos of the activities, taken by Steve Cornish:

13th July 2009

Meditation in the Park

The Meditation in the Park event on Sunday, 28th June went really well according to all reports.  Over 200 people attended, with most of them being in family groups.
 
The theme for the event was healthy food, healthy living, and healthy minds.
 
There were many prizes donated by: Surrey Quays Shopping Centre, Tesco, and various shop and stall holders at Borough Market.
 
Prizes were: smoothie makers donated by Tesco, a variety of food donated by Borough Market including freshly baked bread, bottles of fresh organic fruit juice, cartons of Turkish olives, and different cheeses,
 
All the fruit for the smoothie's was donated by Tesco,  with many children tasting mango, raspberrys and fresh pineapple for the first time.
 
The event was totally free and plans are already underway for a repeat event next summer.

Thanks to Steve Cornish for the photograph above showing children making smoothies with different fruits in the park on the day.
 

Leisure Park plans submitted

Thanks to Southwark News for reporting on the plans to develop the Surrey Quays leisure park in their July 9th issue.  John Prendergast has summarized the main points made in the submission, shown below in the July 4th Planning Application notification. 

The article says that a spokeswoman for developers Frogmore has said that following feedback the height of the landmark building has been reduced from sixteen storeys to ten storeys and residential car parking provisions have been increased. 

Further information about the development can be found on the website
www.surreyquaysleisure.com.  

Duckweed update

The duck weed that is choking globe pond at the moment will be removed later this week by Rebeka’s Stave Hill Ecological Park volunteers. it is a shame that we have this back, but it is only because there are more ducks, moorhens, and coots etc that are bringing in the weed shoots on their feet and wings from other areas.

 

Restored stone drinking trough installed on Surrey Quays Road

David Yuill reports in Southwark News that a fully restored stone drinking trough has been installed to replace one which was stolen in 2006 in the spot where it had been located for 150 years.  The trough was funded by the Cleaner, Greener, Safer fund, thanks to an application by local resident Dr Amanda Squires.  The original trough was provided for the benefit of haulage animals in the Surrey Commercial Docks. 
 

4th July 2009

Southwark News updates (2nd July 2009 issue)

Thanks as usual to Southwark News for another great issue.  Here are some of the news items which might be of interest to Rotherhithe residents.

Vote backs Downtown Defence Campaign
“A packed public meeting on the controversial Downtown development in Rotherhithe voted overwhelmingly to back the call for ‘appropriate’ development last Thursday night” reports Chris Mullany.  Over 100 residents turned out to discuss the plans proposed by Barratt Homes.  The meeting, held last Thursday night, was chaired by Val Shawcross (Southwark and Lambeth London Assembly member).  Contributors included Steve Cornish (Chair of the DDC, Simon Hughes (MP for North Southwark and Bermondsey), Andrew Boff (London Assembly member) as well as Barratt representatives.  The News reports that 92 people voted for an appropriate development, ten for no development and only one for the current Barratt Homes plan.  As Steve says “You accept development - but only in a suitable context, with appropriate levels”.  The vote seems to reflect that belief.  [See the Downtown News page on this website for the minutes of the meeting].
 

Major Planning Application and Environmental Impact Assessment: Surrey Quays Leisure Park Site, SE16 7LL
Comments to be received within 21 days of the notice, dated 2nd July 2009
(Gary Rice, Head of Development Management)
Application with an Environmental Statement seeking Outline permission for demolition of all existing buildings and erection of buildings ranging from 2 to 10 storeys (up to 30m) comprising 11,105sqm leisure floorspace (including cinema) (Class D2), 2,695sqm retail floorspace (Class A1-A3), 52,275sqm of private and affordable residential accommodation (approximately 540 flats) (Class C3), 502 parking spaces (152 for residential and 350 for leisure uses and associated housing (123 bedrooms (Class Sui Generis), 2,500sqm commercial floorspace (Class B1), 86 residential units (Class C3) (included in the 540 flats referenced above), and the external appearance of any elevation facing Harmsworth Quays Printworks. (The application is made under the provisions of the Environmental Impact Assessment [England and Wales] Regulations 1999). (Ref. 09-AP-0725) (Case officer Gordon Adams tel. no. 020 7525 5906)

Brunel’s underground fairground
I always enjoy the Southwark News history column. This week John Prendergast is talking about Marc Brunel’s Thames Tunnel.  He has mixed up father and son (Isambard was the son, Marc the father) but apart from that it is a fascinating insight into the tunnel’s history.  Not only a foot tunnel for people to walk between north and south banks of the Thames, it had an underwater shopping arcade and was home to pickpockets and prostitutes, and a fairground was launched in 1852.  Today it is operated as part of the East London Line (or will be again when it re-opens)

Rotherhithe Festival
The Festival will take place on 4th July 2009 at King Georges Fields between 11am and 9pm.  Activities will be free.  The main concert will take place in St George’s  Fields but other activities will be taking place all over Rotherhithe including a fishing competition outside Decathlon and open days and events at St Mary’s Church, the Swedish Church, Norwegian Church, Finnish Church, Surrey Docks Farm, Lavender Pumphouse, Brunel Engine House, Docklands Settlement, Time and Talents, Sands Films and Stave Hill Ecological Park and Greenland Dock.  There’s a map in the Southwark News but I can’t find a reference to a web address. Buses will be available to take people from one venue to another.

Traffic notice - London Bridge will be closing for a party
To celebrate its 800th anniversary London Bridge will be closed for a day for a free party on July 11th 2009.

6th June 2009

Sovereigns, Sailors, Shipwrights and Skulls: Diving into Deptford

Thanks to Caroline of the Caroline's Miscellany blog for posting about a guided walk in Deptford. It runs for over two hours so there should be plenty to see and learn. It takes place on Sunday the 7th June and is called Sovereigns, Sailors, Shipwrights and Skulls: Diving into Deptford. It is run by qualified Bluge Badge Guide Jackie Stater. Details for meeting are shown on the walk's web page. Meet at the appointed place and pay £7.50 for the guided tour. No booking necessary.

It is one of lots of events featured on the Story of London website operated by the London City Hall website (amongst many other London walks). The best way to find walks in your area is to use the website's postcode search facility.

Caroline has also posted about the Ian Visits website, which has a dedicated London events page. More fascinating stuff!! You can even sign up to a free email newsletter about upcoming events,

Update from Bermondsey and Rotherhithe Green Enthusiasts (BARGEs)

Thanks to Mairi Mills for the following comprehensive update
The BARGEs website can be found by clicking here.

Lots on this Saturday June 6th, with the BBC Breathing Spaces DIRTY WEEKEND!  Roll your sleeves up and help with digging, weeding, path building and pond clearing at ASPINDEN ROAD Nature Garden from 11am - 5pm.  Gloves and picnic lunch provided.   There will be art activities for children in the afternoon.   For more info, please contact Terry on 7237 3881. In SOUTHWARK PARK from 2.30pm London Wildlife Trust will be installing a new stag beetle loggery and are looking for willing volunteers to get their hands dirty and get digging!   From 3.30 - 4.30pm you can take part in a Family Nature Trail in Southwark Park's wildlife area.  Please contact Julie Lummis, Young Friends of the Parks co-ordinator on  020 7525 0873 www.bbc.co.uk/breathingplaces  


ALBION STREET - Café Conversations. Albion Street was once a thriving, bustling thoroughfare in Rotherhithe but today it is in decline. What do we want it to be like, in all our tomorrows? Come along to the two remaining Albion Street Café Conversations at Deli Felice, 40 Albion Street - from 4pm to 6pm on: Tuesday 9th June - Arts, Culture and Visitors and Tuesday 16th June - Vision for the Future. Admission free. Please note the café toilet is not wheelchair accessible.  Enjoy a coffee or a cup of tea, and an informal and fun chat with local people talking about how they would like Albion Street to become a place for the whole community over the next few years.  A thriving Albion Street is many people's vision for tomorrow. We will look at what was best from yesterday, essential today and desirable tomorrow. All the ideas will be gathered together into a report for Southwark Council to take forward.  Space in Deli Felice @ Albion is limited so don't delay in booking! Contact: Ann Clayton on 020 7231 7845 or email canadawater@timeandtalents.org.uk.  Or drop in at Time & Talents at The Old Mortuary, St Marychurch St


If a bit of intrepid after-work gardening is more your thing, initial help is sought in preparations for the new BRUNEL MUSEUM HANGING GARDENS, on Tuesday 9th and Thursday 11th June from 5pm.   Gloves, tools, guidance and refreshments provided. This new garden will be sited on the top of the Brunel lift shaft, and is being designed by Trust for Urban Ecology to be laid out like a giant compass, with benches, and flowers for bees and butterflies.  Robert says: "The garden opens officially for Open Garden Squares Weekend 13th-14th June when we hope you will all celebrate with us."   
RSVP robert.hulse@brunel-museum.org.uk. The Brunel Museum, Railway Avenue, Rotherhithe, London SE16 4LF, commemorates Brunel's first and last projects: the Thames Tunnel as birthplace of the tube system and the Great Eastern Steamship as the first modern ocean liner. Company limited by guarantee No. 2488877 Registered Charity No. 1003287 Registered Museum 1961. Telephone: 020 7231 3840 or 07740 203119


Peter Wright has sent an update on the East Walworth Green Links project submitted by the community: "GREEN LINKS NEEDS YOUR VOTE AT THE COMMUNITY COUNCIL. East Walworth Community Council will be holding a public vote on the Greener, Cleaner, Safer projects submitted on WEDNESDAY 10th JUNE, 7.pm - venue TBC. We need you there to support the Green Links Application. If we can get the £40,000 we have asked for, the project can start and I will be able to use it as match funding to get £500,000 from Access to Nature."  If you can't make the meeting, please contact Peter to see how you can give support to this proposal: pj.wright1@ntlworld.com


If you're planning your Sunday 14th June around visits under the Open Garden Squares Weekend, you can probably also make it to a FAMILY FUN DAY & DOG SHOW at BERMONDSEY SPA GARDENS, on Saturday June 13th from 12pm – 5pm.  Entries for the Fun Dog Show should be made by 1pm, with judging at 2pm, and a Local dog trainer available for advice and tips on responsible ownership.  The Community Wardens will be offering a Free Micro-Chipping service, and there will be a range of other free family activities including Healthy walks, Line dancing, Football, Face painting and stalls.  For more information contact Agnese Appleby, Parks Service Community Outreach Officer on 020 7525 0895 or Southwark Community Wardens on 020 7525 0051.


"Please support Love Parks Week in London. The Love Parks Week campaign is gaining momentum and, with two months to go before it begins, nearly 200 events are already registered on the website.  This year we are asking as many people as possible to get into parks to join our campaign for continued investment and support for these valuable assets.
For this reason, if you hold an event in the park between 25 July and 2 August and register it on the Love Parks Week website, you will be helping to send the message that parks are an essential part of every community.  If you're planning an event and haven't got round to registering it yet then visit the website today - not only will you get free publicity by appearing in the What's on guide, but you'll also be making a vital contribution towards our campaign for continued investment and support for parks. What's more, you'll be ensuring the region is well represented and that those using the guide know what's happening in parks in London during the week.  Pass it on! This year we want as many people as possible to hear about the campaign and visit the website to find out what's going on during the week. You can help us to spead the word in a variety of ways, for example by adding the Love Parks Week logo to your email signature, forwarding this email to your friends and colleagues, or by using social networking sites. We're on Facebook and Twitter, so it would be fantastic if you could invite your friends and contacts to follow the campaign. Go to www.loveparksweek.org.uk to start planning and registering your events or to sign up for further updates on the campaign."
Love Parks Week is organised by national parks charity GreenSpace:
W: www.green-space.org.uk
E: info@loveparksweek.org.uk
T: 0118 946 9066/ 0118 946 9068


Southwark Events team are currently organising the Southwark Park Bandstand programme which will run from June to early September with the majority of performances mainly taking place on a Sunday. If you know of any local musicians and/or music groups who would be interested in doing a performance at the bandstand please get in touch as soon as possible with:   Fitzroy Lewis (Events Co-ordinator) on 020 7525 3084  or 07958 779060 or email  fitzroy.lewis@southwark.gov.uk 


Southwark Living Streets have been discussing 20mph zones, Southwark Road Safety Plan, Cleaner Greener Safer bids and Future Peckham, among other things. Additionally, they will be part of a joint bid (with Southwark's Tree Officer Oliver Stutter) to the Mayor's Tree Planting fund. For more on this, see below.   Next meeting: Thursday, June 18th 2009 at 7pm
at the Royal Oak pub, Tabard St, SE1 (5 minutes walk from Borough Tube). jeremydhleach@compuserve.com


MAYOR'S STREET TREES - Southwark - Priority Areas: 'Borough' and Camberwell. In the details given, the Borough area includes the north west of Bermondsey: Tower Bridge Road, Jamaica Road, Shad Thames, and roads west  www.london.gov.uk/streettrees/areas/southwark.jsp.  More guidance on the scheme can be found here. www.london.gov.uk/mayor/environment/trees/index.jsp   Residents and those working within this part of Bermondsey can register their interest in having a tree outside their home or place of work - at www.london.gov.uk/streettrees/. That team will pass this information on to boroughs and other organisations who will apply for funding to from the Mayor's Street Tree programme. "Registrations received by 31 May 2009 will be passed on to the London boroughs for the next round of grants this year (see below), while registrations from 1 June 2009 onwards will be passed on for future rounds. We cannot guarantee that those who register get a tree, as it is not always possible to plant street trees in particular places, but the Mayor expects those applying for grants to accommodate as many requests for trees as possible." www.london.gov.uk/streettrees/register.jsp If your road is not on the list, and you know that there would be support for more trees in your road, The Forestry Commission's Community Grant Scheme offers grants to Primary Care Trusts, local authorities, community groups, businesses, and woodland owners and managers, who want to improve their local treescape within London. Grants are awarded to projects across a wide variety of categories including those that aim to improve biodiversity, improve health and well being, engage the community, regenerate local areas, carry out tree and woodland management and a number of other areas. Grants tend to be for between £500 and £5,000. This year's scheme was launched on 22nd of May 2009 for applicants considering making new applications. The deadline for receipt of new applications is the 3rd of July 2009. For further information, please contact: LTWGS Programmes Officer, Groundwork London, 18-21 Morley Street, London, SE1 7QZ. Telephone: 020 7922 1230. Email: londonprogrammes@groundwork.org.uk
Website: www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/INFD-7RDVXP

Finally, do look out for Painted Ladies and  Humming-bird Hawk Moths.  You can find out what to look for at www.butterfly-conservation.org/sightings/1097/painted_lady.html. Last year the charity Butterfly Conservation ran a public survey for the migrant Humming-bird Hawk-moth and Painted Lady butterfly. Unfortunately, 2008 was a poor year for the immigration of these and other migratory species.  If anyone can display a poster, please contact Mairi for an electronic copy (2MB), or paper copies are available from Lauren Wiffen,  Moths Count Project Assistant, at nmrs@butterfly-conservation.org
 

5th June 2009

Peter Hills school bridge opening 03-06-09

As you can see from the photograph to the right the final one of the set has now been completed, with the Peter Hills junior school attending the official opening of the one created in their name. It joins the Redriff School, St Johns, Alfred Salter, and Albion St. bridge sculptures to complete the set which has been been created over the last three years

The Friends of Russia Dock Woodland acquired the funding for all five statues through three funding avenues. Namely - Southwark Council’s Cleaner Greener Safer funding, The Bridgehouse Trust, and The North Southwark Environmental Trust.
 
The photographs show the pupils of Peter Hills who helped design and make the sculptures, by attending a half day session at the Surrey Docks Farm Forge to get a hands on experience in working and manipulating metal under intense heat. Blacksmith Kevin Boys and his team are also in the photo.
 
We feel that this long term project is a fine example of how local young children can be involved not only designing but also creating works of art that can be seen by all.  The younger generation must feel part of the make up of their area and have say in what goes into it. This is a long term approach to cutting out vandalism and crime. Not one bridge sculpture has been vandalised over the three years. This was very well received by the Green Flag status judges last week, and has also been seen as a great idea and one that will be used by the head teacher of a school in Scotland who has seen the school bridge project on our website.

The latest from Southwark News (Thursday 4th June 2009)

More re potential of Albion Street
Following Val Shawcross’s article in last week’s issue a letter has been sent to the News by Pauline E. Adenwalla, the Chair of the CWC in support of revival of the once bustling street which she believes has plenty of potential.  She has called for people to add their thoughts to a vision for the future of  Albion Street by coming to Cafe Conversation 3 on Tuesday 9th June at Del Felice at Albion Street between 4 and 6pm.  call 7231 7845 or email canadawater@timeandtalents.org.uk to book a place as space at DelFelice is limited.

Harriet Harman on the subject of Southwark’s high-handed decisions re land and property
The MP for Camberwell and Peckham has used the View from Westminster column on page 21 to highlight the high-handed approach to decisions which impact local people without first having gone through an adequate consultation process.  She gives three examples - the selling of a large portion of land in Lucas Gardens, the changing of the tenancy rules of properties like the flats on the Consort Estate which were previously allocated to tenants aged over 55, and the sale of the Caroline Garden’s Chapel.  Harman says that there is a pattern here.  She goes on:  “Southwark Council takes decisions which affect peoples’ lives without consulting them.  This is arrogant and unacceptable”. 

Councillors agree to publish expenses
Southwark councillors from all parties have stated that they have nothing to hide from the public with respect to their expenses and it is possible that full disclosure of their expenses will follow.  John Prendergast of the News goes on to explain how councillors’ allowances are broken down.

Fisher Athletic re-born as Fisher AFC
Fisher Athletic was wound up for failing to settle a tax bill but a meeting of fans and potential benefactors last Thursday are attempting to reform the club with 37 people agreeing to become founding members of a new version of the club.  There are a number of potential stumbling blocks before this can actually take place, but it is a step in the right direction.  The Salter Road site in Rotherhithe remains undeveloped after the club was forced to stadium-share with Dulwich Hamlet at Champion Hill but the long term plan is to return the club to a stadium near Salter Road.

Planning application
Car Park Area, Adams Gardens Estate, Adjacent to Railway Avenue, London SE16 4JJ
Change of use from car park to ball court and erection of perimeter fencing.  Within St Marys Rotherhithe C.A.
Ref 09-AP-0845.  Case Officer Victoria Lewis, telephone 020 7525 5446.

Prehistoric Bermondsey
There’s a really nice piece by James Blackman about the discovery of evidence of a prehistoric lake dwelling community found beneath the borough’s streets.  Apparently remains of a roughly 11,000 year old lakeside settlement were found on the site of the B&Q on the Old Kent Road in 1991.  The former glacial lake was apparently huge, but silted up over time.  Another discovery was made in 1987 when two axes dated to roughly 9500 years ago were found at the site of the Bricklayers Arms.  The site of the lake is protected and there is a chance tat many more discoveries will be made.

4th June 2009

IMPORTANT: Redevelopment of the Mast Leisure Park

I am receiving so much mail from the Lib Dems at the moment that it is beginning to feel like spam, but the letter that I received earlier this week might be of interest to local residents.  Councillors David Hubber, Paul Noblet and Lisa Rajan have signed a letter asking for residents’ opinions about the proposed redevelopment of the Mast Leisure Park on Redriff Road, including the re-siting of the Odeon cinema, Hollywood bowling alleys and Gala bingo. 

The outline planning permission was submitted at the end of May 2009 and includes 540 flats including a 10-storey tower with only 25% of them being “affordable” which is, the letter says, below Southwark’s planning policy of 35%.  There will be a considerable reduction of commercial parking and of the residential parking there will only be one space for every three homes.  The three councillors mentioned above have asked for residents’ opinions ahead of the statutory consultation so that they can incorporate views into their response and objections. 

Don’t miss the opportunity to have your say in this matter. Southwark Council should be trying to meet its planning promises and if they want to add more homes they really need to work out what to do with the traffic it will generate a) in terms of parking vehicles and b) in terms of getting in and out of Rotherhithe where there are only three access/exit routes, and c) in adding to the traffic congestion in the entire area.  Never mind the disruption whilst construction work is underway!

David Hubber cannot actually act as ward councillor as he is a member of the planning committee (one of those odd situations where a clear conflict of interests is built into the fabric of the council system - and a bit of a mystery why his name was on the letter, actually!)  but Paul Noblet and Lisa Rajan can represent residents’ views:

Paul Noblet - paul.noblet@southwark.gov.uk
Lisa Rajan - lisa.rajan@southwark.gov.uk


 

3rd June 2009

Meditation in the Park

Enjoy a Healthy, Delicious Picnic • Support the Local Community.  Sunday, 28th June @ Russia Dock Woodland Green • Rotherhithe • SE16. Registration 11:00am • Group Meditation 2:30pm.  Bring...Please bring your own healthy, delicious picnic, something to sit on, your friends and family and an open mind.  Prizes... “Most delicious, healthy picnic” and judging for other prizes begins at 12:00pm.

Please note that BBQs are not allowed in Russia Dock Woodland.

Brunswick Quay Residents Association (BQRA) Meeting

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT A MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE MOBY DICK PUB, RUSSEL PLACE, GREENLAND DOCK, ON TUESDAY 14 JULY 2009, AT 19.00 hours, (7pm).
 
Apart from any points which will be  raised by the residents, the main topics on the agenda will be:

• The planning application to Southwark Council by Frogmore, the developers of the Surrey Quays Leisure Centre, in May 2009.
• Discussion on break-in to cars, houses, garages and sheds, in Brunswick Quay.
• Rubbish and abandoned items.

Two officers from Rotherithe Police Station have been invited to the meeting
 
Notices, reminding residents of the meeting,  will be placed around Brunswick Quay a few days before the 14th July 2009
 
For further information call Mark Del Canto on 0207 252 9600 (office hours), or 078 36 27 65 99
Email: mark.delcanto@ipl-london.co.uk
Brunswick Quay Residents Association

What’s Going on in Southwark? Southwark Council Email Newsletter June 2009

Come along to one of the many events at Camberwell library, drop in to the volunteer fair, and find out ways to make Southwark cleaner and greener.


What's going on in Southwark?

’The Mayors Story of London festival
Listen to curators and local historians talk about the Lost Southwark exhibition and the changing architectural face of Southwark - June 17 and 25

Library of the month - Camberwell
Take a look at the range of events going on at Camberwell library this June

Celebrate Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month
Bring your picnic to a free concert in Southwark Park - June 5

Become a Facebook fan of ‘What’s On in Southwark’ to get the latest event details straight to your newsfeed.

Find out more at www.southwark.gov.uk/events
or sign up to the Visit Southwark newsletter.

A Cleaner, Greener Borough

Last chance to enter Southwark in Bloom
You have until June 12 to get your nomination in for Southwark in Bloom 2009. Help us find the borough's brightest spaces.

No messing! Help us fight envirocrimes
Graffiti, fly tipping, dog fouling and litter are environmental crimes for which offenders can face prosecution. See it, report it: call 020 7525 2000, 24 hours a day.

Switch off and save money
June is sustainability month, so take a look at our energy saving tips and check out the Love London festival in various locations across town. Businesses can also enter the Environmental Business Awards.

Your Community - Get Involved

How do you like your open space?
Tell us what you think about open spaces and sport and recreation facilities in the borough.

Rumble in the Jumble
Book your stall at The Event in Southwark Park to sell your jumble and raise money for charity.

A little bit of time goes a long way...
Is your CV looking a little bare? Or do you simply have some spare time to help improve your local community? Come along to our volunteer fair on June 5.

Who's your Rising Star?
Have you nominated a young person in the borough for an award? Deadline is June 15.

Updates from Southwark News, May 28th edition

Val Shawcross talks about Albion Street
The London Assembly Member for Southwark and Lambeth has used her column on the Opinion page to talk about the situation on Albion Street, Rotherhithe.  As she says, it is a useful shopping street but is struggling to stay in business due to local pressures.  She suggests that it needs some official care as nearby Canada Water sets out to expand, putting the community hub under pressure. 

Changes in Southwark Council
http://www.southwarknews.co.uk/00,news,15292,185,00.htm

The new mayor of Southwark will be the Liberal Democrat Councillor Jeff Hook and the deputy mayor is the Conservative member for the Village ward Robin Crookshank-Hilton.  At the same time both Southwark Council Executive and their shadow counterparts were reshuffled last week.

Exhibition reveals lost Southwark
http://www.southwarknews.co.uk/00,news,15287,185,00.htm
Over 100 works of art from the Council’s own collection are being exhibited at Walworth Road’s Cuming Museum.  Many have only been rarely seen before, having been in storage for 50 years.  Insights into the area’s earlier history include images of Surrey Zoological Gardens, shipyards and open fields.  There are photos in Southwark News of three of the images.

Southwark News Film Club
The Southwark News Film Club kicks off today at the Shortwave cinema in Bermondsey Square with the 1964 epic Zulu starring Michael Caine (who was born in Rotherhithe - trivia for the day!).  Tickets are priced at £5.00 and teh film starts at 7pm.

A few highlights from Southwark Life magazine (June 2009 edition)

Here are a couple of stories which might be of interest to Rotherhithe residents.

Community Warden
Southwark’s community wardens have been given new powers by the police, allowing them to confiscate alcohol and request names and addresses of anyone involved in antisocial behaviour.  It is hoped that this will help them to tackle issues including antisocial behaviour and underage drinking.

Surrey Docks Watersports Centre
Work is underway at the Watersports Centre at Greenland Dock to improve watersports provision and add a state of the art gym and fitness studio.  A £2.3 million investment has been allocated.

One Southwark
June 11th to 15th - an exhibition profiling some of Southwark’s 260,000 residents in collaboration with photographer Rehan Jamil, at the Menier Gallery, Southwark Street, SE1.