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Do e-mail me with any news items - anything that you think may interest anyone else - upcoming children’s events, volunteer days, planning meetings, or recent items of interest including rare bird sightings, problems you have witnessed, or new links/pages that you have added to a website that focuses on the Russia Dock Woodland or Stave Hill. Anything relevant will be included with my sincere thanks. Most recent times 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. 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. As well as some really good writers, who take a genuine interest in local matters, there is an important letters section where the general public can write in and comment, and to which local councillors and other community representatives contribute. The newspaper also has a good website and has recently launched a “Forums” section which encourages all members of the public to contribute with their ideas and opinions. 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@excite.co.uk) so any news items or objections to any comments or unintentional errors should be directed to me alone.
9th November 2008
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Steve has written to thank Jim Broadrib for the three new rubbish bins, and one new dog bin that he and his team put into Russia Dock woodland last week. This was as a direct response to remarks from local residents and Quadron services to the F.O.R.D.W.. They felt that the Nelsons Walk stretch was short of these items. 
SEE THE DOWNTOWN PAGE FOR THE LATEST NEWS
Thanks as usual to 
There’s a large feature, spanning pages four and five, about some of the staggering proposals for the Canada Water area, which include the Surrey Quays Shopping Centre: 
Should the Canada Water library go ahead?
Thanks to Kam Hong Leung for the information that there will be increased levels of police on patrolling the area for both nights in both the Rotherhithe and Surrey Docks Wards. 
The 
Even the archaeology which was discovered beneath the intended building site, and was the subject of extensive excavations has been preserved for future research. The square lies within the Scheduled Ancient Monument of 
Downtown site information consolidated on the Rotherhithe Community Safety Forum (RCSF)
Armistice Day is 11th November 2008. Poppies are on sale now. For more information about the Poppy Appeal 
See the email from Gary Glover, of the Friends of Southwark Park:
Please take the time to look at the 
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Vandalism to sculpture at Surrey Water?
Thanks to Lorraine Smith for letting the F.R.D.W. email group know that the well known sculpture at Surrey Water (at the far end of the Albion Channel) has been removed. The sculpture consisted of three plant motifs which had legs and red shoes. When Lorraine passed by this morning all that was left were the three sets of shoes, it looks to Lorraine as though the bodies have been cut off.
Whether you like the little trio of sculptures or loathe them, and opinions seem to be polarised on the subject, if this is vandalism then it should be taken seriously. Recent examples of vandalism in the area include the graffiti on the Michael Rizzello sculpture on Stave Hill and the destruction of a raised brick point which was built to house newts in the ecological park.
Lorraine cannot find out anything about this apparent vandalism. I’ll update this page with any more information that emerges. The photograph is taken from Stuart Rankin’s excellent Maritime Rotherhithe - History Walks (London Borough of Southwark, 2004).
22nd October 2008
Southwark Council consultation on education for sustainable development
Oduwa Idehen (Research and Projects Officer. Director's Office, Southwark Council) has informed Steve that as part of developing a strategy to promote environmental education in Southwark schools, Southwark Council is conducting a consultation with businesses, community and voluntary sector organisations. The Friends of Russia Dock Woodland is being contacted because of it's commendable work in education for sustainable development. The link to an online questionnaire was supplied for Steve to complete. More details of the project are available on the following Southwark Council web page:
www.southwark.gov.uk/environmentaleducation
Update: Friends of Russia Dock Woodland AGM
Chris Moor, the Contract Manager for Quadron Services Limited has confirmed that he will attend the meeting on 13/11/08 at 7pm, and that he will bring Quadron’s Supervisor for the area as well.
See yesterday’s news update for more details about the Friends AGM.
21st October 2008
Friends of Russia Dock Woodland - Annual General Meeting, 13th November 2008
The Friends of Russia Dock Woodland (FORDW) Annual General Meeting will be held on THURSDAY 13TH NOVEMBER 2008.
The venue will be Y.H.A. at 20 Salter Road, Rotherhithe, SE16 5PR, opposite Smith Close. It will start at 7.00pm.
The meeting is open to everyone and we will be very glad to welcome you.
Once again many thanks to Beverley Robinson manager of the Y.H.A. for letting the F.O.R.D.W. use their meeting room on the night.
A copy of the agenda will be sent out shortly and will also be posted on this website.
20th October 2008
Canada Water meeting this evening at Alfred Salter school
Apologies for the last-minute notification but there is a meeting of the Canada Water Campaign this evening at Alfred Salter school. The topics under discussion will include the B2 application and proposals for Sites C and E (see map on the CWC website). In addition Carles Ferrer Miralles (Neighbourhood Management Co-ordinator) will be speaking on the subject of regeneration. Anyone is welcome to attend.
South Bermondsey Partnership magazine
The Autumn 2008 edition of the South Bermondsey Partnership magazine is now available online at the following address (opens as a new document, in PDF format):
http://www.southbermondseypartnership.org.uk/file_download/38/SBP+mag+issue+9.pdf
Here’s the introductory text from the magazine, to give you an idea of the contents:
Welcome to the Autumn issue of the South Bermondsey Partnership magazine. As the nights draw in and the streets get cluttered with falling leaves, we thought we’d turn our attention to all things green in this edition.
Climate change, global warming are big important issues but here at a local level we feature on what you
can do to help the environmental cause. Just on the edge of our neighbourhood on the Old Kent Road the Southwark Waste Management Facility will be built; you can read about the site in this issue. If you’ve ever thought that your street should be made safer than why not come up with an idea under the Council’s Cleaner Greener Safer programme - we take a look at the successful bids for our neighbourhood in this issue.
Some of us though could take a further step and actually volunteer our time and energy to improve open spaces in South Bermondsey we feature two such areas at Galleywall and Aspinden that have been restored by local people.
By now I hope you’ve got the green buzz so why not come along to the launch of BARGES, which is our Green network in Bermondsey and Rotherhithe. Find out more as we
interview one of its prominent members in this magazine. And pay a visit to the Surrey Docks Farm not too far away- one of a network of working City Farms in London.
Darryl Telles, Secretary, South Bermondsey Partnership.
19th October 2008
Correction - St. John’s Primary School won not two prizes but three!
Thanks very much to Kam Hong Leung who has updated me with the information that St. John’s has won not just the two prizes that I mentioned for their environmental activities, but a grand total of three as follows:
- London Schools Environment Award 2007/08 (Second Prize for Primary Schools in The London Borough of Southwark)
- First Prize in Tesco's nationwide Environment Award
- First Prize in Thames Water's London-wide Environment Award
The photograph belongs to Kam - click on it to go to the page on Kam’s Flickr page, which is where the photograph can be seen displayed at full size.
18th October 2008
Good news re new bins in Russia Dock Woodland
Steve reports that the new bins in the Russia Dock Woodland organized by Jim Broadrib (Southwark Council) are doing a good job:
The bins now seem to be doing their job. We used to have an overspill of 'picnic rubbish' especially at weekends when the weather was good. Last weekend we had more families and community groups using the green than I can ever remember, which is excellent news. The bins were full on Sunday evening but not overflowing as would have been the case just two months ago.
I have walked the woodlands recently with a few local woodlands users who feel that a couple of extra bins along the 'Nelsons Walk' end of the woodlands would be welcomed and perhaps one dog bin.
Schools in the Parks project
Steve has been contacted by Beth Jones who is Project Officer for the Schools in the Parks project at Lambeth Council. Here’s what she had to say:
The schools in the parks project has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Natural England, and aims to encourage more secondary schools across Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark to use their local green spaces to support work across the curriculum. This will then give pupils a better understanding of their local natural and cultural heritage.
In order to achieve this we hope to run workshops for staff, volunteers, and outdoor educators already working in parks, to make working with secondary schools easier and more accessible. Proposed sessions have included, health and safety/risk assessments, curriculum links, fieldwork techniques, and example sessions with schools, although the content of workshops is flexible and will depend on the needs of the people in the boroughs.
The project began in September so it is still in the early stages, but I am initially trying to establish if schools are currently using parks, who is involved with parks and open spaces in the borough, who might be interested in working with secondary schools groups, and identifying projects and areas that cloud be developed for use by schools.
Hopefully the Friends of Russia Dock Woodland and associated groups will be able to assist with their project if required.
St John’s School, Rotherhithe, wins two awards
St John's school was visited and presented with their LSEA (London Schools Environment Award) by Councilor Jeff Hook (Exec Member for the Environment) on 15th October 2008.
In addition the schoo have won the Tesco national environmental competition with a reward worth around £1,500 in environmental prizes.
Congratulations to everyone at the school who participated - two great results
Wednesday November 5th 2008 Fireworks Night
Southwark Park, SE16. Dig out the scarf and gloves and come join in the celebrations at this year's Fireworks Night in Southwark. The event starts at 6.30pm with some fun family entertainment and ends with a great fireworks display at 7.30pm.
6.30pm to 7.45pm, fireworks at 7.30pm. Entry cost: Free
How to get there:
Bus: 1, 47, 188, 225, 381, C10, P12
Tube: Canada Water
Train: South Bermondsey
Fireworks can be extremely dangerous when used irresponsibly so take extra care around fireworks night. To report firework misuse or anti social behaviour call the 24 hour hotline on 020 7525 5777.
Southwark events
Tel: 020 7525 2000
events@southwark.gov.uk
Chatelaine House
186 Walworth Road
London
SE17 1JJ
Rotherhithe restaurant a TV award finalist
Southwark News reports that local restaurant Simplicity, which sources some of its products from the Surrey Docks Farm, has been entered for a prestigious award:
A ROTHERHITHE restaurant owner has been nominated for a prestigious televised food award and £40,000 cash prize.
Lawrence Lingard and his restaurant, Simplicity, on Tunnel Road, is one of five London finalists for UKTV Food's Local Food Hero 2008 competition.
Lingard, who opened the restaurant only a year and a half ago, was shocked when he discovered he had been put forward for the award. "I'm not sure who nominated me but it's fantastic," he said. "I just told all my customers to vote for me and now I'm in the final."
Simplicity sources as much of its produce as possible from local suppliers, including nearby Surrey Docks Farm. Lingard believes that this focus on the local community makes people feel that the restaurant is a valuable part of local life.
See the Southwark News article for the full story. Simplicity is at 1 Tunnel Road, Rotherhithe, SE16 4JJ. Tel: 020 7232 5174
Creating websites and magazines for young people
I was on the Southwark Council website for something completely different and found the following which may be of interest to anyone aged between 13 and 19, which can be accessed for the time being by clicking here:
We need your creativity, energy and commitment to help write and produce the Whatever magazine and website – both are created for young people by young people.
If you are 13 to 19 years old and live in Southwark – and are interested in new media, including journalism, web and video production – get involved!
There are lots of perks to being involved with Whatever, including learning new skills, meeting great people and the odd free ticket to special events. You’ll be ahead of the game, letting other young people in Southwark know what's going on.
The magazine is distributed to 20,000 young people in Southwark: a huge audience waiting to see your work!
Join the Whatever team every Wednesday evening, kicking off with a six-week journalism course to build your skills.
Don't miss out! It could be you, or someone you know who fits the bill. For more information:
http://www.whtvr.org/
whatever@southwark.gov.uk
17th October 2008
Vandals return to destroy pond at Rotherhithe ecological park
Gavriel Hollander reports in the latest issue of Southwark News (16th October 2008) that vandals have again been at work in the Stave Hill Ecological Park, destroying a raised brick point which was built to house newts. The most notable previous instance of vandalism in the park was at Stave Hill itself, when the Michael Rizzello sculpture was defaced by graffiti. Fortunately, Rebeka Clark who manages the park remains undeterred by the brainless destruction, and says that the wreckage will be cleaned up and replaced.
The London Tree and Woodland Award 2008 : RCSF's Nomination for "Trust For Urban Ecology (TRUE)'s "Environment, Ecology & Conservation Project" for Russia Dock Woodland (RDW)
Thanks to Kam Hong Leung for the information that he has put TRUE (Trust For Urban Ecology) forward for the "London Tree and Woodland Award 2008 - Category (3)". Kam’s proposed project name and nomination has been accepted and will be put before the judging panel. Since photographic evidence and testimonials are specifically requested for to accompany the nomination, Kam has included the web links to 19 photos in his submission.
By-election outcome
Liberal Democrat candidate Wilma Nelson has won the recent by-election. She is the former head of the Millpond Estate Tenants’ Association. Nelson won 56.4% of the vote. Kath Whitham (Labour) polled 30.3% and Loanna Morrison (Conservative) polled 12.5%. See the Southwark News report here.
Harris Hawk reclaimed
The Harris Hawk which was spotted by local residents has now been reclaimed by its owner. For a full report see the Southwark News story online.
5th October 2008
Update re the Harris hawk
The Southwark News website says that the Harris hawk which has been spotted in the Russia Dock Woodland and at the Lavender Hill Pump House Museum has now been reclaimed by its owner.
4th October 2008
Apologies for the lack of recent updates
A quick apology for the fact that I have not updated this page for over two weeks. My mother has been seriously ill and since I returned from Wales, where my family live, I have been struggling with a somewhat horrendous backlog. Please see the most important news items that I have pulled out of my email and from local newspapers below. I’m still struggling with my backlog so if anyone has any additional news items that they would like to see here please email me. Andie@excite.co.uk .
Kingfisher back at Downtown Pond
Many thanks to Mike Scott for letting the Friends know that he observed a kingfisher back at the Downtown Pond last weekend. That is simply wonderful news. Similarly, I observed the heron back on its usual perch in a tree overlooking the pond for the first time in many weeks. I hope that the return of both species is a good sign that the waterways are on their way to recovery. Steve believes that the sticklebacks in the shallower waters of the ponds make for easier pickings than deeper waterways are attractive to kingfishers when the summer resources are depleted.
Stave Hill Open Day photographs
Thanks to Kam Hong Leung for his email to confirm that the Stave Hill Open Day was an enjoyable event and a great success. Here it is for the reference of anyone who didn’t see it:
Photos of Stave Hill Ecology Park Open House on 21-9-2008 (Saturday)
It was a sunny and fun day for a good number of visitors of all ages last Saturday that was specially designed for young people to enjoy Mother Nature in a safe setting and took part in drawings, making masks, ladybird boxes, miniature windmills and wind chimes as well as promotion of wildlife knowledge on butterfly, spider and frog via quizzes. There were also a "Poetry Trail" and a "Junkee Tree Fish and Garbage Goblins Trail" for those who wished to explore the eco-friendly site. Due to the restrictions on taking photos of young people, only photos of the nature trails and the Junkee Tree Fish and Garbage Goblins made by pupils of Environmental Awards-Winning St. John's Primary School are made available for public access via the web link :
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10325953@N05/sets/72157607392826208/
London-wide Friends Of Woodlands initiatives
Thanks to Steve for the following email:
On the 11th September 2008 the Friends of Russia Dock Woodland were invited to attend the very first London wide Friends Of Woodlands meeting. This was organized and hosted by the Forestry Commission Government Office for London.
The Forestry commission feel that ' working in partnership with the community can develop a sense of responsibility for the ownership of the wood, often providing a platform for continued involvement.
We (the Friends of Russia Dock Woodland group) feel that this 'new initiative' from the forestry commission to ' encourage all urban woodlands groups and friends to improve the standards of woodlands access and infrastructure in London' is a positive move in the right direction.
Steve also also forwarded details of a new award which is being promoted by the Friends of Woodlands, as follows:
The London Tree and Woodland Awards
At the evening reception following the Capital Woodlands Conference on the 1st December 2008, we will be presenting the first annual 'London Tree and Woodland Awards'. This is to recognise and celebrate the remarkable contribution and commitment that is put into our trees and woodlands in London, by both individuals and teams, but often goes unrecognised.
The Capital Woodlands team has identified 5 separate categories for these awards which are listed on the attached documents. We would like you to nominate who you think should receive the commendations.
A judging panel will make the final decisions and the deadline to submit nominations is 17th October 2008. Please return all completed forms to ben.crofts@london.gov.uk .
Ron Melville
Forestry Commission
(on behalf of the Capital Woodlands Programme)
Steve urges everyone to look at the categories and take some time to look at the awards Categories and support your local woodlands group:
- 1. For excellence in tree and woodland work by a Friends or Community Group.
- 2. For the most effective project connecting schools with London's trees and woodlands.
- 3. For the most innovative woodland project demonstrating community benefits.
- 4. For the most successful community tree project.
- 5. The Trainee Commitment and Achievement award.
These awards will be presented for the year 2008 at the 'Making Woodlands Work' Conference at City Hall on the 1st December. There are 5 awards this year and they will be in the following categories.
Nomination Details · Nominations are open to any group or individual who satisfy the award description. · Each nomination should be a maximum of 800 words (including testimonials if possible) and should clearly illustrate why the entry is worthy of an award based on the specific award criteria and special judging criteria presented. · You can self-nominate or nominate an individual, colleague or project group · You can make as many nominations in as many categories as you wish · Please ensure your entry follows (where possible) the specific award criteria provided · Make sure you include what evidence you have to support your application. If you can, get supporting testimonials · Nominations must be made by Friday 17th October 2008 · Nominee should be made aware of the nomination · Valldation of the entry will be carried out by members of the Judging Panel · Photographic evidence of the award should be provided if possible. · Each nomination MUST include the e-mail or telephone number of the nominee.
Anyone who wants a copy of the nomination form or further details can email me and I will forward all relevant documents: andie@excite.co.uk
Rotherhithe by-election called for October 9th with two candidates named
The Southwark News reported on September 11th that Wilma Nelson (Liberal Democrats) and Kath Whittam (Labour) have both been nominated for the position of councillor to replace Cllr Anne Yates, who passed away recently. Kath Whittham, who has lived in rotherhithe for more than 20 years, will be well known to local residents as the manager of SurreyDocks Farm. The by-election is scheduled to take place on October 9th 2008.
A pet Harris Hawk in the Russia Dock Woodland
Kam observed a Harris Hawk in the Russia Dock Woodland. It was upsetting a group of magpies with its presence, which alerted him to its presence. Kam then emailed to find if anyone had any further information. For those of you who have not followed the email thread, it has generated quite a lot of local interest but I believe that its owner has been identified.
13th September 2008
OPEN HOUSE 20th & 21st September
Many buildings in Rotherhithe Area will be open to visitors. Walks will leave the Angel Public House at 11.30; 13.30 and 15.30 on both Saturday & Sunday
24th September , 7.30 The Rotherhithe and Bermondsey Local History Group 100 years of the Rotherhithe Road Tunnel.
RBLHG arranges talks and events on the last Wednesday of the month in The Old Mortuary, St Marychurch Street, SE16 4JE. Visit: www.kingstairs.com/rotherhithe
Stave Hill Ecology Park Open Day 20th September
I was walking in the park yesterday and saw a poster advertising the Stave Hill Open Day on 20th September. All sorts of events will be taking place. Any Bric-a-brac will be welcome for the day’s events, and can be delivered to the TRUE shed.
Historical Walk around Rotherhithe 13th September
Saturday, September 13th at 11.00 meet at Canada Water tube station bus stop 'C' for a Historical Walk around Rotherhithe with a tour guide. This is the first of four FREE walks Time & Talents will be doing in the area. The theme of Saturday, 13th will be the history of the Riverside.
Future ones will be on the history of Surrey Docks, Rotherhithe village and Royalty and Maritime and a Peninsula coastal Walk. All ages are welcome. The tour will finish with refreshments and a tour of The Old Mortuary, St Marychurch Street.
Further details contact Time and Talents, The Old Mortuary, St Marychurch Street, LONDON SE16 4JE, Telephone: 0207 231 7845
12th September 2008
Concerns re Southwark Council purdah impacts on Downtown planning application
Councillor Lisa Rajan has asked Steve Cornish, via email, to inform local residents that following concerns raised at Monday's Canada Water Consultative Forum about the Downtown application being heard by the Planning Committee just ahead of the Rotherhithe by-election, she made enquiries of Gary Rice and Paul Noblet, and has been informed that the application will now be heard at the November 2008 meeting of Planning Committee, instead of on October 7th.
Here’s Steve’s reply to Lisa Rajan’s email (sent to Lisa and copied to a number of other parties including the Canada Water Consultative Forum)
Hello Lisa,
Thankyou very much for the quick response below. I will email all the people on our contacts list to let them know. There are however some more questions that were raised at the Canada water Consultative Forum meeting that remain unanswered.
(1)...how can the general public contact the case officer if he is on vacation for the duration of the objection process. It is easy just to say that extra time will be allowed after the 18th, but of course the general public will not know this.
(2) ...how on earth can the general public take on board the 18 page report issued to barratts previous application when they are unaware of the report or it's content in the first place. most people will think that this is a good will gesture from the developer and not as a result of the mayors office involvement.
(3)..the people of Rotherhithe have just recently sent in several hundred objection letters opposing the previous 213 application. If you visit the councils planning website you can see everyone of the scanned responses. I have taken the time to read everyone. Only 3 out of several hundred are for development in it's present form. Over 95% of all the objections point to the fact that this development is totally out of keeping with the immediate area and will have an adverse effect on the woodlands. They have made their statements and to burden them with another slightly different application for them to respond yet again in just ten working days is quite frankly an insult. We the D.D.C are once again putting out all the relevant information through our website, leafleting , or through the Southwark news. people are contacting me constantly asking ' what is this new application, it looks exactly the same as the last one'. They are also saying that their last objection letter remains the same on this application. Therefore the D.D.C will be responding on behalf of all their members.
Regards
Steve Cornish
Canada Water Forum: news re Frogmore and Barratt Homes planning applications
Thanks to Steve for a great summary of the recent Canada Water Consultative Forum, where the Frogmore plans for the Surrey Quays Leisure Park were presented.
It was very well attended with many more people than usual, mainly new attendees from the Brunswick Quays Residents Association.
The Frogmore presentation was very much an early conceptual vision with very little detail. This of course is just to gain a feel for public opinion before they put their outline planning permission into the council. They stated that under the Southwark guidelines they can put in for between 400 to 1000 flats with only 100 car parking places. When asked where all the other cars were supposed to go, the Frogmore representative said that the aim was to encourage people to walk or cycle more. This seems completely unrealistic given that many of the professional people that these flats are aimed at will have two cars per household. One of the blocks of flats on the corner of the development closest to the small roundabout near Tesco's extension is planned to be 16 storeys high. Our councillors couldn't even comment because of 'purdah' coming into effect due to the up and coming bye election.
Steve explained to our councillors the anger that residents felt when receiving an amended application last Friday for the Downtown site so soon after the mayors planning department picked massive holes in the Barratt Homes application. He also demanded that this application be stopped from going before the planning committee on the 7th October for three reasons;
(1)..the 14 day window for people to object is not long enough
(2)..the case officer for the Downtown site is on vacation for the next two weeks, so no members of the public will be able to contact him for an answer to whether this amended application has fulfilled the criteria set out by the mayors office.
(3)..and if purdah means that because of the local bye election taking place, that the council cannot make any decisions then this should also apply here.
The objections were fully backed by the Canada Water Consultative Forum who have sent in their objection.
Friends of Woodlands Groups meeting
Steve has been running around heroically on our behalf. Last night he attended the first meeting of the London-wide Friends of Woodlands Groups chairs, at the invitation of the Forestry Commission at Millbank Tower, Pimlico. He says that he was very impressed with the vision of the commission to get a London-wide forum together that will share each others experiences and help to protect our London woodlands. Some people have been fighting to protect their precious woodlands, and open green spaces for donkeys years. The meeting members were apparently very impressed with our set up, including the website and the links to other community groups. They think it is the way forward. They were also very impressed with getting local youths involved with such things as the bridge sculptures, and the birdboxes project. More on this as Steve gets it.
11th September 2008
Canada Water Exhibition
An exhibition on the proposals for the detailed designs for the next phase of Canada Water for the building known as B2 will be taking place at Seven Islands Leisure Centre from Tuesday 16th September - Thursday 18th September.
The exhibition will be open for the opening hours of the Leisure Centre from 7am - 10pm. Additionally the exhibition will be staffed from 4-8pm on Tuesday and Wednesday and 12-6pm on Thursday
Please forward on this email to any contacts you have who may be interested in attending
Older news items archived
If you’re looking for a news item that appeared prior to August you will now find them on the Archive page. This page will always show the current and previous month’s posts, and all older news items will be archived for reference purposes. It will probably be necessary to split the archive into sections in the future, but I’ll update the site with details when I eventually do that.
8th September 2008
Letters of Objection to Downtown planning proposals on Southwark Council website
Thanks again to Kam Hong Leung who has pointed me at a file on the planning section on Southwark Council’s website which has published some of the letters of objection received by them so far. You can see the page by clicking here. It is in PDF format and takes quite a long time for the page to load (53.31 MB, 200 pages).
Kam has also pointed out that both Southwark News and The Doklands 24 have updated their websites with online copies of their stories about the Mayor’s Office report about the Barratt Home plans for the Downtwon site:
REMINDER - TONIGHT - Frogmore Presentation re Surrey Quays Leisure Park
Don’t forget that the presentation by FROGMORE, the Surrey Quays Leisure Park developers, will take place tonight, MONDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2008, at 7PM, at the ALFRED SALTER SCHOOL, Quebec Way, during the Canada Water Consultation Forum meeting.
If you are interested, concerned or wish to know what the owners of the Leisure Park are planning to do in our area, please come to the presentation.
6th September 2008
Update re revised planning application
Thanks to Kam Hong Leung for the information that he has (and presumably other residents in the immediate area of the Downtown site) has received a letter a letter from Southwark Council dated 4-9-2008 which invited written comments of objection or support for the revised Barratt Homes planning application to be submitted within 14 days, before which time no decisions will be made. Responses should be submitted to:
Case Office: Brett Henderson
Email Address:
planning.applications@southwark.gov.uk
Telephone: 020 7525 5521
The case number for the planning application is 08/AP/1563. Details of this can be found on the Southwark Council website by clicking here. The page gives summary details of the application, its history and current status. The top-level description reads as follows:
Demolition of existing health centre and the construction of 213 new dwellings including affordable housing, in 2 part one, part four storey residential buildings with undercroft car park (Blocks A/B and G); 1 part two, part four storey residential building with undercroft car park (Block C); 2 four storey residential buildings (Block D and F); 2 part one, part two and part three storey terraced housing buildings (Block H); 1 part one, part four storey health centre (1425.5 sq ms), community (40sq ms) and residential building (Block E), together with associated car parking, a new children's play area, landscaping and infrastructure works.
There are two other tabs on the page - Documentation and Consultation. The Documentation tab provides just what it says on the tin - links to all the main documentation surrounding the application. There’s some fascinating stuff in there. The Consultation tab is divided into two sections: Internal Consultees and Neighbours Consulted. Thanks very much to Kam for bringing these pages to my attention.
The illustration above was taken from the Landscaping and Open Space Statement (dated 3rd July 2008), available in PDF from the Documentation page by clicking here (23.83 MB, 38 pages and it takes a considerable time to load, even on broadband).
Southwark Council Notice of Election, Rotherhithe Ward
http://www.southwark.gov.uk/YourCouncil/yourvote/noticeofelectionROT08.html
Notice of Election - Rotherhithe by election
Election for Councillor: Rotherhithe Ward
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an election is to be held in the Rotherhithe ward on Thursday, October 9 2008:
Notice of election (pdf 12 kb).
To view this document, you need Adobe Reader. Download Adobe Reader for free here.
Contact details:
Deborah Collins
Returning officer
electoralenquiries@southwark.gov.uk
Central House
Southwark Town Hall
Peckham Road
London
SE5 8UB
4th September 2008
Forestry Commission evening meeting in regard to Communities and Woodlands
Steve has had some great news to announce - an invitation has been issued by the Forestry Commission’s Research Agency to attend the first meeting to discuss urban woodlands. Jim Smith, who is heading the meeting, contacted Steve a couple of weeks ago after visiting our website liked some of the content and the way we try to integrate with other groups. There will be other friends of woodlands groups represented from all over London in attendance (Chairs only for the time being).
The purpose of the meetings is for Forest Research (the Forestry Commission's Research Agency) to undertake some data collection and analysis of community interactions with woodlands, especially urban woodlands. At this first meeting the idea is simply to exchange opinions, experiences and ideas. It will be interesting to see how other groups have formed and listen to what they have to say. The date of the meeting is 11th of September 2008. Steve will keep us all informed. Very pleasing!
Water levels in Russia Dock Woodland
I have been asking questions on my blog about why the water levels have fallen so badly this year. Steve very kindly took the time out to explain to me what some of the problems have been in the past. Although it is now known exactly what is causing the problem now, it could be an or all of these.
The most obvious culprits are the plants. The giant reeds and the smaller weed-like dandelion carpets are consuming large quantities of water from the ponds. The reed beds have grown massively and there is simply not enough water in the small ponds to support this expansion.
I hadn't realized that the ponds are actually lined. Steve says that in the past the lining has been breached, and this resulted in water draining out into the groundwater rather than flowing down the channel. Subsidence of some of the granite blocks may have caused damage to the lining which could have contributed to the falling water levels.
Another potential problem is that water-pipes which lie beneath the ground surface may become blocked or may leak. High pressure water hoses can reveal leaks and can reduce blockages, but this has not yet been attempted this year.
Giant truck event at Surrey Quays Shopping Centre on Saturday 6th September
Southwark News reports that this weekend the Surrey Quays Shopping Centre has two 30 minute shows at 1.30pm and 3pm with giant monster-trucks (named Big Pete and The Grim Reaper) giving a display which includes jumping up to 15 feet in the air. One of the truck is sixteen feet tall, twelve feet wide and weighs 7.5 tons - and is the biggest monster truck in Europe. See more details in the Monster Truck Madness section on the newly redesigned Surrey Quays Shopping Centre website.
2nd September 2008
Frogmore Presentation re Surrey Quays Leisure Park
Thanks to Mark Del Canto of the Brunswick Quay Residents Association for the following update.
In the event that you have not seen the notices around Brunswick Quay in the last few days, this is a reminder of the next presentation by FROGMORE, the Surrey Quays Leisure Park developers, which will take place on MONDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2008, at 7PM, at the ALFRED SALTER SCHOOL, Quebec Way, during the Canada Water Consultation Forum meeting.
If you are interested, concerned or wish to know what the owners of the Leisure Park are planning to do in our area, please come to the presentation.
After the presentation, the BQRA will meet, on Tuesday 30 September 2008, at the Moby Dick Pub, at 7.30pm, to discuss the Frogmore plan and any subsequent response.
Graffiti update
Just as Steve reported, the graffiti on the Stave Hill sculpture and plinth has been reduced but not eliminated. Basically, there is still a lot of paint on the plinth but enough of it has been removed to ensure that it no longer spells out a word. On the bronze map itself some of the lettering along the perimeter is still picked out in bright red. I wish that the paint had been removed entirely, but it is certainly better than nothing. I have no idea if the removal of the graffiti was carried out by the council or by a private party who decided to take matters into their own hands. I’ve stuck photos on my blog, if of interest.
BBC Breathing Spaces - Do One Thing Open Day Kits
Thanks to Steve for forwarding this to me, on the off-chance that it might inspire some interest. Have a look at the BBC Breathing Spaces and Do One Thing pages for lots more information and some great ideas. The following gives details for how to run a Do One thing event, but the above pages list many things which you can do on your own or as a family to contribute to local “breathing spaces”.
- Health & Safety advice
- Event checklist
- A Media Kit including advice on how to get your story noticed
- A CD with poster templates, logos and more
- Guide to registering your event on the BBC
- Breathing Places online database
- List of local experts and organisations who might be able to help
- Suggested activities and resources. We’ll provide ideas and resources (where appropriate) to ensure your event is filled with fun for all the family.
- Bunting and banners
- Stickers(see picture), Bags and other giveaways
- Breathing Places Sign-up Cards for members of the public to get on our (e)mailing list and learn about the many ways they can Do One Thing themselves.
- Empty-belly Posters to update with your venue details (see picture on next page)
- Breathing Places information booklets
- Free to the public
- Registered online on the Breathing Places website
- Promoted appropriately, using correct BP resources and branding
- Safe for all concerned, from children and other visitors to organisers and volunteers, and H&S guidelines followed closely
- Good for Nature!
- Fun for all the family
- Designed to encourage the public to Do One Thing themselves
This year the BBC is encouraging groups to run a ‘Do One Thing’ event to bring people closer to nature on their doorstep. By running a fun Breathing Places-themed event for all the family, you’ll be able to show people the hard work you’ve done or have planned, get them excited about the nature and wildlife in their area and encourage them to Do One Thing for nature themselves. The BBC will support you by giving the free event kit containing the resources and materials to help you run a Breathing Places Open Day:
Information for running an event
Resources for the event
What type of event can you run?
A Do One Thing event is an opportunity to invite the local community to visit your Breathing Place and take part in some great family-orientated activities. How you actually structure the event is up to you.
The event may be a full day, a few hours (such as an open evening or afternoon) or anything in between. It could even be a weekend if you’re feeling particularly ambitious! You could invite a local expert to give a talk, organise games and scavenger hunts and/or get people to roll up their sleeves and help you (if needed).
An important thing to consider is that the size and activities are appropriate for your Breathing Place. The event should be planned for between 30 to 150 people and you can promote it using resources provided, via local publicity and on the BP website. By running a Do One Thing event, you’ll help give the community a sense of involvement and ownership over the Breathing Place, increasing its chances of survival for years to come.
We would expect a Do One Thing event to be:
Who can apply for a pack?
Please note that we are producing a limited number of these packs and groups will have to satisfy certain suitability criteria. Please contact your BBC Regional Learning Project Manager to find out if you are eligible.
These packs will be available at the beginning of