Action on Anti-Social Behaviour – public meeting on Monday 24 March.
There’s a small gap in Forum meetings while we tie up the loose ends in our Neighbourhood Plan application. There’s plenty of other grassroots activity in the meantime – and we specially wanted to remind you about the follow-up meeting on Anti-Social Behaviour in and around Brixton Town Centre. It will be at Pop Brixton, Popes Road SW9 from 7 pm (doors open from 6-30 pm) – please reserve a place via Eventbrite at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1253076478479?aff=oddtdtcreator
Linked to this, AoASB are running a survey to get a clearer picture of the local issues right now, to see if they have changed since last year. The survey will be open until 11 April. See https://forms.gle/zLTiTpooc4nvY3Hn9
There’s a clutch of other presentations coming up about Central Brixton…
SOMERLEYTON ROAD: amended versions of the plans for the long-delayed development will be shown at the Brixton House Theatre on
– Thursday 13 March, 4 pm to 7 pm;
– Saturday 15 March, 10 am to 1 pm;
also see www.thisisSomerleyton.co.uk
BLUE STAR HOUSE: Derwent are showing their proposals on the same dates, also at Brixton House Theatre:
– Thursday 13 March, 4 to 7 pm in Studio 5;
– Saturday 15 March, 11 am to 2 pm in Studio 6.
Also see www.bluestarhouseconsultation.co.uk
WINDRUSH SQUARE:
Friends of Windrush Square have arranged 2 workshop sessions at the Black Cultural Archives on:
– Wednesday 12 March, 5-30 to 8-30 pm;
– Wednesday 26 March, 5-30 to 8-30 pm.
Enquiries to friendsofwindrushsquare@gmail.com
Other Coming Events
Brixton’s Newest Youth Club
The launch of Just-Us, a new youth space for young people ages 14 to 24. It operates every Wednesday between 3 and 7.30pm at the Advocacy Academy, 2 Beehive Place, SW9 7QR.
It aims to be a free and inclusive space for young people in the heart of Brixton.
Just-Us will be led by young people who have been trained in youth work and community organising by the Advocacy Academy. It will evolve in collaboration with those who come to the space, so that it grows to reflect their needs and dreams for what it can be. Enquiries to betty@theadvocacyacademy.com
The Circus comes to Brixton!
The latest exhibition at Lambeth Archives on Brixton Hill highlights the origins of circus traditions in the north of the borough.
In 1770 Philip Astley opened his Amphitheatre in Westminster Bridge Road (now the site of St. Thomas’ Hospital), beginning the tradition with trick-riding, rope acts and tumbling. It continued on the site until 1893, eventually adding clowns, acrobats and animal acts.
Other nearby entertainment venues are also featured on contemporary posters and illustrations, including the Canterbury Music Hall and Vauxhall Gardens. These will be on display during normal opening hours until 12 April.
Local History Walks starting up
The Lambeth Local History Forum has just published its list of guided walks taking place around the borough over the next 12 months. The number of walks on offer has grown to 120+, with contributions from local amenity groups and the Lambeth Tour Guides Association. There are some new routes or topics around the Brixton area, and many are still free, though early booking is advised. See www.lambethlocalhistoryforum.org.uk
Easter Egg Donations Wanted
We have mentioned before some of the kids’ activities at St. Vincent’s/ Brixton Community Base, Talma Road SW2 1AS. They are now seeking donations of Easter eggs for two events they have coming up, their end-of-term Easter party on 29 March and a larger community event on 12 April.
Eggs should be unopened and nut-free. You can bring them to the centre during the week on Wednesday-Saturday, or contact Leanne at LeanneT@svp.org.uk or text to 07 960 445 930.
Effra Space
Gentle yoga with movement £8 info@effra.space https://effra.space/
Loughborough Road Histories
Brixton’s four-legged performers, Thursday 20 March, 6.30pm Brixton Library.
Brixton has always been home to performers but not all of them have been human. Find out more about these 19th and 20th century animal performers and where around Brixton they could be found. An illustrated talk in association with Brixton Society.
More details about the event and to book here.
Women of Lambeth Cemetery walk. Saturday 29 March, 11.30am.
Entertainers, campaigners, crooks, artists and more. Teaming up again with Geoff Simmons to share the stories of some incredible women. Of course we will be visiting Loughborough Road orchid artist Nelly Roberts on the 66th anniversary of her death and three years since we unveiled a plaque on her previously unmarked grave. More details and to book here.
Rapport Festival of Film
Now in its 6th edition, is set to bring the best of UK and international Black independent film to the heart of Brixton. Taking place from 4th to 6th April 2025 at the iconic Ritzy Picturehouse, the festival promises three days of cinematic brilliance, immersive discussions, and community celebration. This year’s programme consists of 49 selected films.
Ritzy Picturehouse, Brixton Oval, Coldharbour Lane, London, SW2 1JG
Tickets: Available now at https://rapportfestival.com/festival-of-film-2025/
Activities at Art4Space
A wide choice of crafts sessions and courses are being offered at their studios at 31 Jeffreys Road, SW4 6QU. Some of them are free to eligible age groups.
For more details, see their website at www.art4space.co.uk
Green spaces, Green issues
Brockwell Park Events
Once again, Lambeth Council is proposing a series of commercial music events in a large area within Brockwell Park, in the run-up to the Lambeth Country Show on 7 & 8 June.
However, there is increasing concern at the cumulative damage to the park, with a busy annual programme not providing enough time for the park to recover.
In addition to 17 event days, the overall time required to set up and take down for all these events means that the Council has to apply for planning permission: comments on application 25/00693/RG3 must be sent in by 27 March to CBebb@lambeth.gov.uk
Events at Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses
Just a taster – there’s more on their website at https://www.brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk/events
Introduction to Green Woodwork – from log to spoon, Friday 14 March, 12-30 pm.
Fermentation Workshop, Sunday 16 March, 12-30 pm.
Our Garden in the City, creative-writing workshop, Sunday 23 March, 10 am.
Live Music – Hop Skotshne klezmer band, Sunday 27 April, 6 pm.
Events at Brixton Windmill
Guided tours of the windmill, on at least one weekend a month, start from 29/30 March. As for other events, please see the website for details and booking, www.brixtonwindmill.org
A highlight will be MayFest on the first Spring Bank Holiday Monday, 5th May, open 1 pm to 5 pm.
Help Revamp Papa’s Park
The Pulross Area Play Association (PAPA) was set up in the 1990s to rescue a derelict Council playground and save it from developers.
It’s been a popular local amenity in an area short of open space for children’s play, but the little community building is showing its age.
PAPA have planning permission to replace the former road-sweepers hut with a purpose-designed building, and have launched a crowd-funder to pay for it. For more details, see the website www.papaspark.co.uk or follow the fund-raising Instagram @papasnewhall.
Please consider donating to the new café and hall via https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/papas-park-ltd
On Your Bike
Brixton BID continues to sponsor monthly sessions by Dr Bike mechanics for cycle safety checks and essential maintenance, and the next will be:
Wednesday 26 March, between 12 noon and 3 pm, outside Stir Coffee on Brixton Hill, SW2.
Funding, Training & Support
Grant deadlines approaching
Once again, a reminder of grant schemes already notified by Integrate – if you missed the original alerts, contact them at: eoin.heffernan@integrateagency.co.uk
Peter Harrison Foundation is funding an Opportunities Through Sport grant scheme, offering small grants of up to £5,000 and major grants of up to £30,000, closing date 1st April.
Lambeth has made a further batch of properties available for voluntary and community groups at discounted rents. To be eligible, VCS groups must submit a vacant property expression of interest form.
Locality has also advised us of these offers (Google the funder for contact details):
Matrix Causes Fund offers up to £5,000 for registered charities supporting people to get access to justice or to equality of opportunity. Closing date 31 March.
Woodward Charitable Trust: grants up to £1,000 towards summer play schemes, closing date 4th April.
Screwfix Foundation: grants up to £1,000 towards repair or improvement of community buildings, closing date 4th April.
Training Opportunities
Social enterprises and small businesses within the Brixton BID area should be able to join their free training courses. Next up are:
- Health & Safety (level 2), 18 March, 10 am to 4 pm at Brixton House Theatre.
- Food Safety (level 2), 9th April, time and venue as above.
- Personal Licence (level 2), 22 April, time and venue as above.
Enquiries to admin@brixtonbid.co.uk