Lewisham experiences fastest house price rises in London

The Standard reports:

House prices are rising the fastest in the south-east London borough of Lewisham [19.9% annually], according to new Land Registry figures.

Lewisham's vastly improved transport links and planned housing developments have helped it take the top spot on a list previously dominated by areas already seeing an uplift from the Elizabeth line, such as Hillingdon and Havering.

A surge of interest from homebuyers in areas such as Blackheath, Brockley and New Cross has led to annual house price rises of almost 20 per cent, with the average cost of buying a home in Lewisham now standing at £473,303.

The borough has recently been named as one of the capital's leading first-time buyer hotspots, with more than half of all homes sold in the SE13 postcode bought by people taking their first steps on the property ladder.

Lewisham's growth looks set to continue if the Bakerloo line extension goes ahead, which will improve the currently Tube-starved area further. More investment by the council and plans for new-build homes are also contributing to forecasted continued growth.

Crofton Park homeowner slipped a Roofie

The ruined roof
After St Hilda's made an appeal to save its roof, another Crofton Park roof fundraiser has been launched. Kelly writes:

Two weeks ago my 80 year old neighbour who lives in Crofton Park Road was approached by builders who knocked on his door to say that he needed his gutters fixed.

They subsequently took down his gutters and replaced the fascia board whilst he was out, without him having agreed to the works. They then proceeded to tell him that his roof was in urgent need of replacement and that, as a result of its poor state, water was coming into his neighbours' homes. This was not true.

The next thing my neighbour knew, the builders had erected scaffolding and started stripping his roof, once again without him agreeing to the works. The builder asked for £7,500 upfront for the works and my neighbour unfortunately, thinking he had no option and feeling intimidated, withdrew the money from his bank and paid them.

The following day, having said there was much more work needed than originally thought, the builder demanded a further £10,000. Once again my neighbour went to the bank to withdraw the cash but thankfully the bank were suspicious and concerned for my neighbour and immediately called Trading Standards. Trading Standards then visited the site and told the contractor to stop work and leave the site whilst they looked into the matter, and have subsequently told the builder not to return. Trading Standards are now investigating the matter further. My neighbour has now been left with only felt on his roof for two weeks.

A lovely neighbour has risked his own safety to climb the scaffolding, that has been declared unsafe by Building Control, to place a tarpaulin over the area of the roof that he could reach but this will not protect the house sufficiently if there is a period of sustained rain.

We are asking if the community would be kind enough to come together to help my neighbour. To provide comfort that this is a genuine plight, a picture of the roof is attached along with a couple of screen shots of neighbours confirming the situation on another forum.

We are looking to raise enough money to pay for building approval, tiles and other required materials, scaffolding and possibly roofing labour. If anyone is a roofing or scaffolding specialist and would be willing to donate their time that would be wonderful. One of my neighbour's immediate neighbours is a builder and would be happy to work alongside a roofing specialist to get the job done. Finally, if anyone has a close relationship with relevant suppliers and is able agree donated or at cost materials we'd love to hear from you.

If anyone would like to contribute to the money raising effort, please click on this link - https://www.gofundme.com/2nvchrz8. If there is any money left over once the roof has been reinstated then we will ask whether your preference is for the money to go to my neighbour or to a local community organisation and we will go with the majority.

The immediate next step is to determine if the work that has already been carried out is fit for purpose and to receive building control approval. A neighbour is working on this currently. I will post updates to keep you informed.

Action For Refugees Walk, May 7th

Chloe writes:

I'm a marketing volunteer for a local charity, Action for Refugees in Lewisham (AFRIL), and we're organising a 'mini legal walk' - to raise funds for AFRIL walkers at London Legal Walk 2016 - in Hilly Fields on 7th May.

AFRIL support refugees and migrants in the Lewisham area through a range of practical and holistic advice services that help them to rebuild their lives. This includes the weekly Rainbow Club for primary school aged children, English Language classes and an advice service providing support around housing, employment and immigration.

To raise funds for the advice service AFRIL are walking London Legal Walk on 16th May, a 10km fundraising walk around London to raise funds for legal advice organisations supporting vulnerable people. This is a big event with thousands of walkers from law firms and legal advice charities taking part.

Our Just Giving page for the Legal Walk, which also has some background info about the event, is http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/AFRIL

Through the mini walk in Hilly Fields on 7th May at 2pm we're hoping to raise awareness for AFRIL and the London Legal Walk among people in the Brockley and Lewisham area. So far we have over 10 AFRIL volunteers walking and are inviting members of the public to take part too. The walk will start at 2pm at The Francis Drake Bowls Club at the bottom of Hilly Fields.

Transmission presents 1+1: Paul Dunmall and Carla Rees, Telegraph Hill

Saturday 30 April, 7:30pm
St Catherine’s Church, Telegraph Hill
Pepys Rd, London SE14 5SG
www.stcatherinehatcham.com

Renowned flutist Carla Rees will play classic seminal 20th Century works by Luciano Berio, Shiva Feshareki, Sungji Hong, Michael Oliva, Amber Priestly and Edgard Varèse on a whole family of different flutes of various sizes.

In the second half, world-famous improviser Paul Dunmall will showcase a variety of saxophones and Northumbrian Pipes.

A bar will be available at the venue from 7pm. Tickets (on the door): £6/4

Greetings from New Cross Gate

New Cross' hARTslane gallery is running a photographic competition to celebrate the hidden joys of New Cross.

All entries will be included in the Greetings From New Cross Gate Exhibition, June 2016 in hARTslane (17 Harts Lane).

Ten of the most inspiring images – selected by the public – will be then transformed into 25000 postcards and distributed locally and internationally.

The deadline for digital entries is 15 May, 2016 (midnight)

The competition is open to professional and amateur photographers alike, no age restriction. They say:

"The project is about bringing pride, joy and inspiration in New Cross Gate as well as creating a bridge between artists and local people."

Click here for more information on the website

Council plans changes to rubbish collection

Joe has pointed me towards the SE23 forum, which has a discussion about the Council's plans to change refuse collection policies

The Council needs to deliver cost savings and is under pressure to improve its relatively poor recycling rate.

Following the recent public consultation "Let's Talk Rubbish", officers have recommended that the Mayor should:

1. Introduce a subscription service for garden waste collection at £60 a year
2. Cut non-food waste collection to a fortnightly service

The garden waste subscription service is an excellent idea. Fortnightly collection for non-food waste would mean it would take me until about April to clear my Christmas backlog of bottles and packaging.

What do you think?

Support St Hilda's roof appeal

Steven writes:

St Hilda’s Church in Crofton Park, has been trying to raise a fund of £542,000 to replace their roof for the last 17 years and now desperately needs help to fill the £98,000 gap.

St Hilda’s has a potential funder in place to pay for their roof restoration work, but they need to show evidence of the role they play in our community, and they really need local residents like us to send letters of support for the funding. The deadline for letters to be received is April 30th.

As well as being a Church, St Hilda’s is a vital community hub, serving people of all faiths and beliefs in Crofton Park, and I’m sure  you will have attended events there, such as children’s parties, play groups, pilates or yoga groups, Christmas / Easter parties / Croftfest etc, and so will value their presence in the community.

If you'd like to show your support for the church, please write a letter with your name and contact details, explaining why St Hilda's is important to you and your community. These letters should be posted in the green post box by "the Crucifix Door" and / or be emailed to church.admin@sainthildas.org.

Fitology Hub, Brockley Cross

Susanne and Amber from Fitology Hub
Fitology Hub is a new fitness service for women, based in the Brockley Cross Business Centre and with no less an ambition than to change the world of women's fitness forever. The team behind it, Suzanne and Amber, say:

"We have worked with numerous women in preparation for everything from sports events to beach holidays and weddings. Not only do we specialise in functional movement and strength and conditioning, we can also guide you on nutrition for healthy weight loss and a healthier lifestyle.

"We are a couple with a deep routed passion for sport and fitness. Between us we have competed in 7 Ironman 70.3 races, played competitive sport to National level and both train in Crossfit. Join us in your exciting journey to improved strength and confidence.

"To start our new venture, we are offering a free trials to potential new clients and local business owners. Click here for details."

The Ashmead Primary Nursery

Ashleigh Mugridge, the Early Years Co-Ordinator at Ashmead Primary School in St John's, writes:

Spaces are still available in our fantastic and inspiring Nursery, which is set within our thriving Early Years Foundation Stage at Ashmead. We offer a stimulating and child centered approach to learning, supporting your child’s exploration and development through a child led curriculum. The children are supported by a highly experienced and dedicated team of practitioners within a fantastic environment; including our shared, established outdoor space and onsite Forest School.

Both part time and full time options are available for this September’s intake. If your child’s DOB is on or before 31 August 2013 then you are entitled to take up a free part time Nursery place from September 2016. For parents and carers interested in full time options, we offer the chance for parents to pay to ‘top up’ their child’s hours to full time, after an initial settling in period (usually after the first half term).

Ashmead parent Rebecca Hallam says:

"Ashmead Nursery operates child-led learning, which means my daughter is sharing her interests with the Nursery staff, they are listening and tailoring the learning experiences to those interests through play. She is also inspired by her friends interests too!"

If you're interested in sending your child to the nursery, please email Ashleigh here.

Brockley Max 2016

The Max team writes:

The Brockley Max arts festival is back for 2016 with a jam-packed programme of gigs, films, exhibitions, theatre, activities for kids and more besides. Most events are free and will take place in venues across Brockley, Crofton Park, Honor Oak Park and Ladywell.

The festival launches at 4pm on Friday 27th May when we’ll be taking to the streets for the Opening Night concert. Join us for this fantastic, free evening of live music outside Brockley station. The line-up includes a handpicked selection of the most exciting local musicians who are guaranteed to get the party started (4pm - 10:30pm). If you’re feeling creative, grab some paint and get stuck in at Merging Inks, a live and collaborative art jam where the external wall of 180 Brockley Road will provide the canvas (6pm - 9:30pm).

The festival unfurls over 9 days and further highlights include:

- Brockleywood Nights An al fresco film night under the stars, showcasing shorts from local filmmakers. Food and drink available. Don’t forget to wrap up warm and bring a rug!
Hilly Fields | 28th May | DJ from 8pm | Films from 9pm, VJ afterwards | Free

- Taking Shape An art competition and exhibition exploring shape. The winning entry will be bought and displayed by Shape Real Estate in their new central London development.
cueB Gallery | 9am - 4pm, 30th May - 3rd June | Free

- La La Piano Bar To The Max Prepare to sing your heart out as New York meets Brockley in this riotous night of cabaret hosted by David Roper (4 Poofs And A Piano) and the
fabulous Lady La La. Brockley Social Club| 8pm, 1st June | Tickets £12 (£8 concs)

- Art in the Park A glorious afternoon of entertainment for the whole family. There’ll be creative workshops, a storytelling tent, magic show, craft market, live music and dance
performances, plus food stalls and beer. Hilly Fields | 12pm - 6pm, 4th June | Free

- Martin Rowson The Guardian’s satirist will take to Hilly Fields to offer an irreverent view of the people (and animals) who use it. He will create a giant cartoon, live, during Art In
The Park. Expect babies, dogs and poo bags... Hilly Fields | 4th June | Free

- Treasure Trail Children will be transported to 1883, to help save Hilly Fields. They must track down all the wildflowers on their maps by collecting stamps from local Lewisham Card shops. Once their mission is complete, they will be entered into a prize draw. The winner will be announced during a lively gathering (featuring suffragettes) at Art In The Park. Stone Circle, Hilly Fields | 3pm, 4th June | Free

Brockley Max began in 2001 to help locals access the fantastic artists and musicians who
lived in the area. For further information please visit our website or email volunteer@brockleymax.co.uk to volunteer.

Brockley Max would not be possible without the generosity of its patrons and supporters, including Shape Real Estate, the festival’s headline sponsor.

Coming soon: Puccini Kitchens

Long-time Brockley Central sponsor Puccini Kitchens is opening a show room in Crofton Park, replacing the former clothes shop White Room at 352 Brockley Road.

They say: "We are currently renovating the building and installing some kitchen models."

Thanks to Molewife for the photo.

New heads for local schools

There are a lot of changes taking place at the top of local schools at the moment, with many Lewisham secondary and primary schools searching for new head-teachers.

Prendergast Vale have been quick to find a new Head, with Duncan Kamya recently recruited while local Catholic primary St Mary Magdalene has announced this week that its Deputy Head Sally Saunders will step up when the current Head retires this summer.

Given how crucial strong leadership is for the success of a school, these swift appointments are good news.

Mystery Manhunt

The Shoveller: We struck down evil with the mighty sword of teamwork and the hammer of not bickering.
- Mystery Men

Oli has launched a search for the man in these photos. To help him track this guy down, click here to head to his Facebook post. Thanks to Chris for the heads-up.


Five nights til Freddy's

Fred's is replacing the recently-departed Pat-a-cake's cafe in Crofton Park. Barry points out that it's registered as a restaurant. I've no further information on it at this stage, but it looks nearly finished.

Thanks to Glenn for the photo.

The Brockley Street Art Festival 2016

The Brockley Street Art Festival returns next month. This year's event will be smaller than the last, which covered dozens of walls, doors and shutters across the area - and with most of the low-hanging surfaces already covered, the team behind it are seeking to crowd-fund cherry picker hire, to help them reach loftier parts.

The event will run from May 27th - June 4th and will be largely artist led and run. Lionel Stanhope, Artmongers, Butch Attai and Bambopink will be among the participants.

If you'd like to support their fundraising drive, click here.

Curzon Goldsmiths drops prices

The Curzon Goldsmiths is lowering some of its week-day ticket prices. They say:

From Monday 25 April we're going to be offering peak discounted tickets for two nights a week - Mondays and Wednesdays.

Adult tickets will be £8.50, seniors and unwaged (and Goldsmiths staff) £7 and students £5.

Brockley Brewery and Masala Wala - together at last

The Brockley Brewery is collaborating with Masala Wala Cafe for a Beer and Curry lunch at the Brewery, Saturday 23 April 12.30-2.30pm, to raise funds for the Refugee Child Charity.

SoLo and thanks for all the swish

Rebecca writes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coming soon: Hattush

Hattush is a new Turkish restaurant, opening in Honor Oak (68 Honor Oak Park) shortly, replacing StoneBar, the Caribbean restaurant. They plan open buffet Turkish breakfasts every Sunday and belly dancing shows every Saturday night.

Click here for their website. Thanks to Joe for the heads-up.

The bees!


Local bee-whisperer Camilla Goddard will be running a bee-keeping for beginners class on May 6th at St Peter's Church, the grounds of which are home to an apiary. The organisers explain:

"This hands-on taster session will include crucial beekeeping theory before checking out some real hives. Beesuits are provided, but bring boots or covered shoes. If you're thinking of getting your own hive, or want to make a practical difference to the plight of the honeybee, here's your chance to get up close and personal (not too personal) with everyone's favourite insect."

More details and tickets can be found here.

Three young people jailed after fatal incident on St Norbert's Road

Three men have been jailed following the events that led to the death of Nassem Galleze in St Norbert Road last year.

ThisIsLocalLondon reports:

Nassem Galleze, 17, from Roundtable Road in Grove Park, died from multiple injuries after the car he was travelling in, as a passenger in the back-seat, was hit by a lump of concrete and ploughed into a lamppost in St Norbert Road, Brockley, on September 26 last year.

Woolwich Crown Court heard how Nassem and his friend Tershan Thompson-Williams, 22, were in a rival gang to Shiloh Moore and his brother Remi Moore and were driving into their turf when the altercation started.

The crashed Vauxhall Corsa was still surrounded by fighting youths when police arrived, the court heard.

Thompson-Williams pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a bladed article - the machete and the lock knife. He was handed a concurrent sentence of two years and 8 months.

Shiloh Moore, 22, pleaded guilty to violent disorder, for which he was sentenced to three years and four months, and threatening a person with an offensive weapon, for which he received no separate penalty.

Remi Moore, 23, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and was jailed for three years and four months.

Police are hunting the person responsible for throwing the concrete block, [They say]:

"Our enquiries continue to identify the person who threw the concrete block and we would appeal for anyone with information, no matter how small, to contact us in confidence."

A 20 year-old man was arrested on 27 September last year on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and next returns on bail on a date in May.

Anyone with information should contact the incident room on 020 8785 8099 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Pasha's Ice Cream, Brockley Rise

A new ice cream parlour, Pasha's, has just opened on Brockley Rise. Please post your reviews here. Thanks to @theonlywayisSE6.

Honor Oak bar plan goes to appeal

Plans to convert a minimart on Honor Oak Park into a bar and beer garden have been given approval to appeal. On the SE23 Forum, the team behind "One Tree Hill" write:

We have now had our appeal validated for 66 Honor Oak Park to change the use from a minimart (A1) to a drinking establishment (A4). We are hoping that the final decision will be one to celebrate.

We are proposing to become a local neighbourhood bar with a strong community feel where people can enjoy meeting up and socialising after enjoying a meal at one of the other establishments... We would be offering a wide variety of drinks and a selection of nibbles and snacks, including artisan products that would be sourced from other small local businesses and local markets. We plan to hold events such as wine tasting evenings, offering a selection of unique wines and we strive to support the local community.

Thank you to everyone who is supporting us and the time and energy you have given throughout the process, we are truly so grateful.

Thanks to Joe for the spot.

Stuff of note

I've been very slack about updating the site recently, apologies. Here are some of the things I should already have posted about by now:


Brookmill Park River Clean Up
Join Thames21 and the Friends of Brookmill Park for a clean up of the River Ravensbourne and its banks on April 23rd 11am to 1pm This is the last park before the river meets the Thames and was one of the first successful river restoration projects in the catchment. 

All are welcome and all equipment will be provided. Meet near the Rangers Hut inside the main Brookmill Road entrance. Click here for details.

Table Top Mountain of Jumble

Death takes a holiday in Peckham
On May 15th, Join hosts Laura-Jane Smith, Louise de Winter, Anna Lyons and David Blackwell at Asylum London, to discuss all matters of death, dying, life and living over tea and cake in beautiful surroundings.

To join the Peckham Death Cafe gang, click here.

Party Island, New Cross

Brockley Market's Time Out takeover

Brockley Market is the star of the latest edition of Time Out, which has donated a whole page to Mike+Ollie, the Blackwood Cheese Company, Nathan the Butcher, et al.

Thanks to Kerstin for the scan.

Lack of nightlife shields Lewisham from gentrifiers' unblinking eye

The phantom of gentrification is retreating from this borough, according to new research by Cambridge University, which found that areas like Lewisham with high deprivation scores and relatively few visits by strangers are the slowest to gentrify.

This area's fabled "hidden gem" status grants it some immunity to the dread forces of microbreweries and sour dough pizza restaurants.

The Telegraph reports:

Researchers compared half a million tweets and Foursquare check-ins across more than 40,000 London locations, with area deprivation scores.

They found that less economically well-off areas that were frequented by a diverse group of strangers as evidenced by social media were the boroughs most likely to gentrify.

In other words, if a neighbourhood was often visited by groups of people who didn’t live in it or know each other, it was more likely to become more middle-class - especially if it is currently underdeveloped.

The study is arguably invalidated by the use of data from Foursquare - the lamest of all social networks, which visitors to Lewisham have the good sense to eschew. It also seems that Lewisham's strong hyperlocal scene have fostered may have skewed the data.

But if the Tabs are right, then the gentrifiers will look elsewhere before they reach our shores. Ultimately, the data seems to be saying that "things to do and places to go" attract people to live in the places that have them - which is a reminder that the only real cure for gentrification is for a place to be dull and unappealing.

Thanks to Joe for the tip-off.

It's not who you are underneath, but what you brew that defines you

Behold the new gateway to Brockley.

Brockley Brewery have cut a deal with Speedicars and created a new sign on Coulgate Street to welcome visitors as they disembark at Brockley Station.

We have arrived.

Bonfire profanities

Smokey Satsuma writes:

At the risk of being incendiary (...) would it be possible to make an appeal against bonfires?

Brockleyites seem to be increasingly using them as a way to dispose of rubbish. One bonfire can create a huge amount of smoke, and for those of us without hermetically sealed windows and doors that leads to a house full of smoke and it stinks & exacerbates allergies & breathing problems.

Tonight we seem to have two and a large area is cloaked in smoke. (My little girl is currently asleep in a smoke smelling bedroom as a result of a bonfire up the road). Burning green matter & plastics seem to be a particular trend - both generating very smelly smoke (and carcinogenic in the case of plastics).

This area is in fact a smoke control zone, so even smoke coming from chimneys is supposed to be a no-no... Arguably this practice is basically fly-tipping rubbish into other people's air space, and on any view it's not appropriate in densely housed urban areas like Brockley. As green as Brockley is, it isn't the same as living in the countryside!

It would be great if you did feel able to raise this issue.  Our whole house still stinks from this evening's latest pyromaniac!

Unlock arts funding

Arts Council England writes:

Thinking about doing a Grants for the Arts application and have some questions?

On Thursday 14th April, 2-4pm, join us for a discussion with three Arts Council relationship managers from music, combined arts and visual arts to get help with your application. Any art form is welcome.

To get the most out of the session, you are strongly advised to read the Grants for the Arts guidance first on the Arts Council website

There is a small fee of £5. Tea and Coffee will be provided. Book here

Venue: St Laurence Centre, 37, Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2TS

Delivered in partnership with Lewisham Council and LEAN.

New residential proposal for Brockley Cross


The team that has been trying to redevelop the car lot in Brockley Cross is back with a new proposal. This one is for:

The demolition of buildings on the site of 1 -1a Brockley Cross SE4 and the construction of a part two/part three storey building comprising a commercial unit, 3, one bedroom and 1, two bedroom self contained flats together with the provision of bin and bicycle stores.

Each previous iteration has been slightly less poor than the one before and this design continues that trend. The number of units has been reduced, improving the massing. However, it's still a pretty weak offering for a prominent site. That's perhaps not surprising, given that the planning statement reads like a GCSE design project:

We respect the fact that Brockley Cross is the gateway to the Brockley Conservation Area and to this end we have positioned our cylindrical design feature to announce this.

The Change in cladding material from masonry to Cedar and Hardwood not only reflects the historic Woodland but also the meaning in the name ` Brockley ` [No news yet on whether the interiors will be badger-hide]

The vertical attenuation of the cylindrical feature with Cedar and hardwood post cladding is to give thought to the tall grouping of tress that once featured on the site and the changing time that we live in today in regards to sustainability and renewable sources of energy....

Design of Buildings are like statements of Art,……. some will love it,….. others will hate it, but what is fundamental is the recognition that the form and function is suitable for its purpose.

The Art of the building is subjective.

When certain bodies and individual try to impose their individual tastes and dislikes and a level of non-constructive criticism in order to pander to their own ego ,….. then the essence of conversation is lost and the subject is swayed off course. 

Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but so far, the designs this team have come up have been met with universal derision. This one is only a modest improvement over its predecessors. This site should be developed, but only with a high-quality design - particularly given that the parade of shops and cafes at Brockley Cross is increasingly successful.

To view the proposal and comment before the closing date of April 14, click here. Thanks to Jon for the heads up.

The Lewisham Grill House, Lewisham Way

The cafe behind the curtain is not the only new venue to have opened on Lewisham Way this week. The Lewisham Grill House is a new Lebanese place on the same stretch of parade as Tesco.

If you've had a chance to visit, please post your reviews here.

Beltane braces for Brockley Brouhaha

Beltane play at the Brewery
The Brockley Brewery team writes:

On Friday April 15, join us for an evening of live acoustic music at the brewery.

Our special guests the fabulous Beltane band will be playing traditional Irish, Scottish and English Folk music; Chris Olsen is back from his tour of the south coast; and the talented Richard Hunt will be treating us with his creative and energetic songs.

Book tickets here for £7.50.

The Trials of Something Fishy

It ain't easy being greasy - Something Fishy's ever-changing sign (Lewis Grove, Lewisham)
For nearly two years, Andreas Bleckmann has been documenting Something Fishy's public battle with its own signage.

The great game began on in October 2014, when the letter M fell off. Then Y followed. Then H, S and, eventually, by February 2016 the whole lot vanished - the Sunshine Desserts end game.

The Cafe Behind the Curtain

I have been trying and failing to peer in through the curtains to see what the New Cross Appliance Centre (137 Lewisham Way) was being turned into. Now Shirley sends not only this photo, but also an explanation:

Lovely Ercol furniture, vintage artwork and fresh flowers alongside a fine coffee machine (drink in or take-out) and daily home-baked goods, such as banana bread. The charming Japanese owner is a long-term resident of the borough and it is now open to customers.
Photo courtesy of @shangdat

The Gender Wage Gap: Girl's wallet found!

Liana writes:

Today just at the entrance to our road (just by the new Fat Walrus Pub) I found what can only be (I hope!) a little girl's wallet. It's bright pink, contains a Clare's Accessories Store card and the princely sum of £5.

It wasn't there yesterday - so whilst it has been newly lost I wanted to post something on Brockley Central about it. Having been a little girl once (and lost plenty of things!) thought the owner might appreciate the return!

My number is 07957 469 769. Happy to be contacted.

Goldsmiths charity fundraisers to play 12-hour Beethoven marathon

Goldsmiths writes:

Professional players and singers join music students from Goldsmiths, University of London to perform a non-stop 12-hour marathon of all nine Beethoven symphonies on Saturday 23 April, raising funds for Médecins Sans Frontières (UK).

Three conductors - AdriĂ¡n Varela, Samuel Burstin and Holly Mathieson - will lead proceedings in the Great Hall at the university’s south east London campus.

Many of the musicians attempting the feat will be meeting for the first time shortly before they begin playing.

The event starts with Symphony No 1 at 9.30am and runs throughout the day, culminating in a performance of No 9 “The Choral” at 7.30pm with a massed choir and soloists.

In keeping with the day’s motto – that the world needs more art and less war – Beethoven’s life-affirming ‘big beast’ of an epic final symphony is about the triumphant union of mankind.

The evening performance of Symphony No 9 features non-Goldsmiths professional vocal soloists Joanne Roughton-Arnold (Soprano), Vanessa Heine (Alto), Ed Choo (Tenor) and Steve Kennedy (Bass).

Entry is free with a suggested donation to MSF on the day or via Justgiving and audience members are welcome to come and go throughout the day.

Registration for musicians to take part in all or part of the day is open until 20 April: email hjmathieson@gmail.com or broughton_andrea@hotmail.com

The event takes place in the Great Hall, Richard Hoggart. BuildingDoors open at 9am, music finishes around 10pm.

The Brockley Front Garden Sale, April 9 / 10

This weekend, approximately fifty homes across the neighbourhood will take part in a front garden sale.

Between 11am and 4pm on each day, they will be putting their wares on display, from jumble to hand-crafted stuff. Here's the list of participating sellers. Go and have a mosey.

The Deptford Marbles

The Deptford Marbles [or Deptfort Marbles as the accompanying sign calls them] is a mural that greets travellers passing the foot of Tanner's Hill on their way into New Cross.

Combining the mystery and awe of the Monolith with the haphazardness of a game of Jenga at The Royal Albert, it was created by prolific local team Artmongers in 2007 and incorporates three of the wall's buttresses into the image.

The Brockley Road Micro Micro Library

Lewisham Way has a couple of micro libraries. Brockley Road has its micro micro library. Same principle - smaller receptacle.

Find it at 459 Brockley Road (Brockley Rise end of town).

House sale tomorrow

Jonathan writes:

We are emigrating to America in April and are selling the contents of our home at an open house sale from 11.00-3.00 on Saturday 2nd April at 51 Ewhurst Road, SE4 1AG.

Most items are for collection on Saturday the 2nd April. A few items (things we need until the end) are for collection on Saturday the 9th April. First come, first served.

Items for sale include bedroom furniture, office equipment, baby items, kitchenware - the works! Everything comes from a smoke free and clean home.

Brockley Road designated London's first neighbourhood Safe Space

The Brockley Road pilot will be the first of its kind 
Lewisham has been selected as the first local authority to implement a new neighbourhood Safe Space scheme. The pilot project will focus on the stretch of Brockley Road between Brockley Cross and Adelaide Avenue.

During the month of April, co-ordinators will work with local shops to remove any signs or advertising that could be considered triggering, while police and traffic wardens will have the power to issue on-the-spot fines for microaggressions.

Local retailers will also be asked to avoid selling any products that could promote cultural appropriation, including costumes and fashion accessories. Meanwhile, food hygiene inspectors will work with local restaurants and takeaways to ensure that dishes meet recognised standards of authenticity.

Researchers from a consortium of British, American, Canadian and Swedish universities will study the impact of the project on a variety of social justice indicators before the scheme's international roll-out later this year.

A Council spokesperson said:

"We're determined that Lewisham should be on the right side of history. It's 2016 and problematic ideas and opinions have no place on our streets. It's the Council's job to create a place of comfort and social justice. Brockley Road's relative lack of harmful historic statues or monuments makes it an ideal location for this pilot, although an audit of local street art will be carried out as part of the research."

For further information about the project or to volunteer as a community inspector, click here.