Kennington Village Fete - Sunday 12th July

Diary Date: Next KA Bazaar: Saturday 7th November

Diary Date: KA Charity Auction @ City & Guilds Art School Thursday 17 September

KA Newsletter May 2009

Friday, 8^th May 2009

Dear Neighbours,

A NEW CHAIR

After many years at the helm, Angus Aagaard has resigned as Chair of the Kennington Association to allow other members to take over the reins. We owe him a vast debt of gratitude for all the hard work that he has put into the role and the network of supporters he has helped us build. He will continue working with us as a member and active volunteer on some projects. The chairmanship has been taken over by Anna Tapsell, our former deputy chair. Anna is known to many from her work on bazaars, fetes, planning and other activities. As a long-standing member of the community, she brings a wealth of experience and history. Kevin Rimmington has become deputy chair. Kevin has been the liaison with our Tai Chi instructor and the Surrey County Cricket Club at the Oval. So, as you can see, the Association remains in good hands.

STEEL PAN BAND INITIATIVE

Angus recently visited Trinidad, with support from KA, to make contact with groups playing steel pans. This form of music, which began in Trinidad & Tobago, is played in several groups and schools in our neighbourhood and has recently become very popular. Last year Archbishop Sumner Primary School steel band played for us at the Fete. In Trinidad each year before the start of Lent a huge steel pan band competition is held. It culminates in Panorama, a battle of the bands that forms part of Carnival. If sufficient funds can be raised, it is hoped that a group of young players from Kennington can go to Trinidad next year for Panorama to visit the roots of music they have come to know and play. The planning for this project is still in the very early stages and one of the first steps, of course, will be to look for some kind of corporate sponsorship or funding. If you would like to support this initiative, please contact Angus on 020 7735 3415 or angus.aagaard@googlemail.com.

TREE OF HOPE

As you may recall, the Fete team has been working for some time to get permission and funding for a permanently-lighted Tree of Hope for local families who have lost loved ones to street violence in the area. Permission from various government bodies has finally been granted to light the main tree at Kennington Cross. A grant from Princes Ward Purse has been awarded to help with funding and, together with the proceeds from the Fete over a number of years, the team will shortly be in a position to install the lights and organise a lighting ceremony. Suggestions as to who should switch on the lights along with suggestions as to what other events might mark this occasion are very welcome and should be sent to margarita@omalleyaldrich.com.

WELCOME PACK

For some time, the KA has been working to develop a Welcome Pack for new residents. To make this project financially feasible, it was decided to have both a hard copy and an on-line version. The hard copy, which will be produced by Diane May of May Creation (www.maycreation.com) and contain photographs by Andra Nelki (www.andranelki.com) who together have produced a beautiful cover design, will focus on essential information such as the location of post offices, free cash points, libraries, vets, pharmacies, local authorities, transportation, and ‘meet and greet’ societies. The number of copies that can be printed and distributed will depend on whether or not a corporate sponsor can be found. The on-line version will also contain brief reviews of shops, restaurants, pubs, etc and will be constantly updated. Please check out the current web-site www.welcometokennington.org.uk and send any additions or deletions to acrayner@yahoo.com.

SPORTS AND FITNESS

TAI CHI: These classes have moved to Kennington Park for the summer. On Thursday the class meets from 2-3pm and is free and open to all thanks to funding from Capital Community Foundation’s ‘Grassroots Fund’ (www.capitalcf.org.uk). Participants should meet near the café in the park, and wear loose clothing and sensible shoes. If it’s raining the class will transfer to Kennington Park Community Centre, Harleyford Street SE11. On Saturday another free Tai Chi class funded by Surrey County Cricket Club (www.britoval.com) is held in the Lambeth Hall, which is part of the new OCS stand at the Vauxhall end of the Oval, from 11am to noon. At the moment the funding for this lasts about 30 weeks; BUT, a funding application has been made to cover the rest of the summer. On days of inclement weather, enquiries about the location and possible cancellation of classes can be made to Michael Jacques on 07956 913437, or by email to christine.eames-jones@ntlworld.com.

VOLLEYBALL (ECUAVOLLEY): Members of the KA have been playing Ecuadorian volleyball (i.e. three-a-side) at the Lilian Baylis Old School for four years now and meet on Saturdays from 4pm until around 8pm. On 9^th May, the old school will serve as the venue for a London selection volleyball tournament sponsored by the Ecuadorian Movement in the UK (www.movimientoecuador.co.uk). We do hope that some of our players are selected. Anyone wanting further details should contact Galo Espin on 07985 603189.

PLANNING

LAMBETH COUNCIL LONG-RANGE PLAN: The KA Planning Sub-group has recently received yet another policy document from Lambeth Council entitled the Lambeth Local Development Framework & Draft Core Strategy on which to comment by 18^th May. This is being studied at the present time and a reply prepared.

81 Black Prince ROAD: The developers of this site are going to Appeal following the rejection of their Planning Application for a 23-storied residential block. KA had previously objected to the scheme and will reiterate our objections formally to Lambeth Planning. The submission has to be in by 18^th May.

Beaufoy Institute: The sub-group has been briefed on proposals for the future of the buildings in Black Prince Road and its vacant space at the rear. It’s clear that Lambeth Council is eager to be relieved of responsibility for this site. The Princes Trust has been involved in connection with a proposed school for Arts & Crafts on the vacant site, with the existing buildings to house workshops, studios and possibly a small museum displaying ceramics which would be supported possibly by a Community Development Trust. Plans are approaching finalisation; however, there is still considerable concern about funding.

OVAL CRICKET GROUND: Subsequent to the Public Enquiry on the planning application, Brit Oval, Surrey County Cricket Club and Aurora Hotels, the KA sub-group has been informed that the Secretary of State will give the decision on the Inspector’s Report on 4^th June.

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR YOUR DIARY

BAZAAR: The quarterly Bazaar remains one of the main sources of funding for the Association. The first one of the new financial year will take place on 16^th May at St Anselm’s church hall from 11am to 1pm. The kitchen will be open serving tea and coffee, with cake and sandwiches. There will also be a fun tombola with discount vouchers donated by Oval Tandoori (www.ovaltandoori.co.uk), and Kentish white wine! Donations of good quality items can be delivered to the hall from 6-8 pm on the evening before or from 9-10 am on the day of the Bazaar. We also hope to be able to offer a pick up service on the Friday afternoon / evening. Please contact KenningtonAssociation@gmail.com if you have donations to be collected.

FETE: The 5^th annual Fete will be held in Cleaver Square on Sunday 12^th July. There will be a good mix of stalls run by local people selling gifts, soft furnishings, jewellery, books and bric-a-brac. Local restaurants will be showcasing their food, and there will be a raffle and tombola. Activities for children will include magic shows, face painting and Punch & Judy. We already have several prizes for the raffle: from The Kennington Bookshop, Exstatic Hair Design, Vergie’s Café, The White Hart PH (www.thewhitehartpub.co.uk), St Aubyns Holistic Centre (www.staubynsholistic.com), Windmill Fish Bar, Prince of Wales PH and Gallagher & Lockhart. Heartfelt thanks to all these businesses. To book a table or get more information, contact margarita@omalleyaldrich.com.

AUCTION: The annual charity Auction takes place on Thursday 17^th September at the City & Guilds Art School (www.cityandguildsartschool.ac.uk) on Kennington Park Road / Cleaver Square. The proceeds from this go towards funding the ‘Secret Santa’ gifts to needy families as chosen by Ethelred Nursery School’s network. Work by a student, Jane Hayes, has been selected to promote the event on posters and postcards. Jane is the first artist to donate work for the 2009 auction. We are extremely grateful for the first pledges: from Colette Ozanne of Arabesque - a whole party worth of face painting, and vouchers for the London Eye (www.londoneye.com), Ascot Dry Cleaners, and Tomorrow’s People (www.tomorrows-people.co.uk). We’ve also received the first ‘Secret Santa’ donation from White Hall Clothiers of Camberwell (www.whccamberwell.co.uk). More items are needed to make the Auction another success. Last year we raised nearly £3,000, which provided fifty-five vouchers for local disadvantaged families, and a bursary for the Art School. Paintings, pottery, porcelain, objets d’art, plus pledges of services (large and small) are very welcome. Once again, Red Devil Storage (www.reddevilstorage.co.uk) has kindly provided a unit, and we can even pick up smaller items. Please phone 020 7091 0841 to make the arrangements.

KA Bazaar: Saturday 16th May 11am-1pm

Secret Santa 2009

Dear Neighbours

The below letter will start going out to our corporate neighbours in the coming week; meanwhile, perhaps you could pass it on through your own networks to spread the word about this great scheme!

Very many thanks

Best wishes

Cathy

March 2009

Dear Neighbour

We’re already thinking of Christmas!

The Kennington Association has just had the first planning meeting to co-ordinate another 'Secret Santa' mission for Christmas 2009 in Kennington. We have run this scheme for the past four years, with the aim of making life better for needy families in our area. Working with an established local parents' and carers' network, volunteers from the KA have been able to help provide a Christmas gift or treat plus supermarket vouchers for needy folk in our own neighbourhood. The project is called ‘Secret Santa’ because no one from KA knows who the individual recipients are, so no-one need feel embarrassed or indebted to anyone else.

We are writing to ask if your company would be willing to contribute towards this worthy scheme. You can help us in two ways.

First, you could make a direct donation. If your company and/or staff would like to donate funds, cheques should be made payable to the ‘Kennington Association’ but please write ‘Secret Santa’ on the back so that the Treasurer can ring fence these funds specifically for this scheme. Every £40 raised means another Secret Santa gift. We have accepted the first donations already!

Second, once again, we have organised a Charity Auction to raise funds at the City & Guilds of London Art School on the corner of Cleaver Square and Kennington Park Road on 17^th September 2009. Once more, Red Devil Self Storage is kindly donating a unit to store the artworks. If your company and/or staff would like to donate items such as paintings, prints, jewellery or offer a voucher to promote your business, please be in touch (see donation / pledge form below). Last year donations of pledges and promises from local businesses such as a meal for two, a massage, or home improvement work proved extremely popular at the auction.

If you would like to discuss this further or have suggestions for other ways to support this scheme, do please telephone us on 020 7793 0268 or feel free to contact us by post or email (addresses below).

With very many thanks and best wishes,

Cathy Preece

Administrative Assistant

Our Bazaar on Facebook!

Dear Neighbours

Photos from today's bazaar on Facebook, thanks to Andra Nelki.

Best wishes

Cathy

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=77158&id=52435496550&ref=mf

KA Bazaar: St Anselm's Church Hall Sat 21st Feb - COLLECTIONS ON FRIDAY EVE

Dear Neighbours

Great news!

We have the use of Sinan's van, and Mike and Galo have agreed to drive around the neighbourhood on Friday late afternoon / evening.

Do be in touch in good time if you have stuff you would like them to collect.

Very many thanks

Best wishes

Cathy Preece

KA Administrative Assistant

KA Newsletter February 2009

Kennington Association

Monday 2^nd February 2009

Dear Neighbours,

Our Chair puts pen to paper

Happy New Year! Perhaps celebrations were a bit muted for some of you due to the 'credit crunch' - I know some locally who have lost their jobs, others whose positions are far from secure, many who are having to make cut backs and some facing crippling debts. Not such a happy new year from this perspective; however, it doesn't equate that 'economic gloom' equals 'community gloom'. Far from it. It is during the harsher times that belonging to a community, which shares and looks out for one another, becomes a real asset to our lives. Whilst there is always more that we can do to improve our community, there is much that is good and valuable about it. I know there are a huge amount of other exciting groups and activities that work hard to make our area thrive. ‘Hats off’ to all who offer time and energy to make our community far from gloomy.

Ethiopian Millennium Summer Festival in Kennington Park

Thanks to an ‘Awards for All’ grant of £8,085, ACE-UK managed to stage a successful Ethiopian cultural festival on 23^rd August 2008 in Kennington Park. ACE-UK (Arts & Culture of Ethiopia in the UK) aims to promote harmonious integration through the medium of arts between not only Ethiopians and British peoples but all the diverse communities that live together in this country. The tireless commitment over several months of certain individuals (especially Frances Forrest, and Cathy Preece of KA) and the great help of many volunteers made this colourful festival the enjoyable day that it was. It was held in the special Ethiopian Millennium year and attracted approximately 1,500 people throughout the day – and fortunately we were blessed with one of the few summer-like days last August. The 25 talented live musicians and electrifying dancers entertained attendees from all ranges and backgrounds, creating a strong feeling of togetherness and community spirit amongst the many different groups present. As well as the stage show, the Café in the Park kindly allowed ACE-UK to exhibit traditional and modern artwork as well as Ethiopian proverbs. An Ethiopian calligrapher was present who offered many children the chance to have their names written in the ancient script and there was the elaborate coffee ceremony too. A number of small businesses and worthy causes also benefited from the opportunity to reach the diverse audience with stalls at the event. It was expressed by many audience members, as well as the police and even the Mayor of Lambeth herself that they would love to see more inclusive outdoor cultural celebrations in the future. Thanks go to Angelie Yeboah of Lambeth Events Team for her advice and support. Many thanks also to the Kennington Association and a number of local organisations: North Lambeth Town Centre, Friends of Kennington Park and TIBEB Intermedia Ltd. With their continued support, we hope to hold an even bigger and better festival in summer 2009!

Annual General Meeting at The Little Apple PH

We are very grateful to The Little Apple PH for generously hosting our AGM in October. KA members will find a copy of the draft minutes enclosed.

Secret Santa

Great news: with generous donations from His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales Duke of Cornwall, and The Dog House PH, towards Secret Santa we were able to build on the Art Auction funds and deliver a cheque for £1,650 to Ethelred Nursery School to pay for 55 x £30 Secret Santa vouchers! Charmaine Clarke of the nursery school writes: ‘I think the Secret Santa task went well, considering I was nervous initially; however, my head teacher assisted me when I needed support. I enjoyed making links with the other staff in the children centres/settings. The parents seemed happy, grateful and appreciated their vouchers, which they received before Christmas.’ Well done all concerned!

Welcome Pack

The Kennington Welcome pack has come on in leaps and bounds since last year. Submissions were eventually received on almost all suggested topics; however, the task of editing all of the information so that it is consistent and will fit into one pack is large, and has stalled slightly. Consequently, about half of the Welcome Pack has now been placed online by James Hatts (who runs the London SE1 website) so that it can be viewed by members of the Kennington Association, and the other half is due to appear soon. Once all of the material is up on the website, we hope to be in a better position to decide how to proceed with printing the material. Some fantastic photos were also provided in 2008, and these should appear in the printed version. The URL for the website to view the first few submissions is here: http://www.welcometokennington.org.uk/

Bazaar – Saturday 21^st February

The total raised in November’s bazaar was nearly £700 after expenses. A marvellous result and we thank so much the entire Bazaar Team for their very hard work. Special mention must go to Gisella who, with her unflagging energy and attention to detail in the background, pulled together the best team ever! Our next bazaar will be held on Saturday, 21^st February. Until we are sure that Sinan’s van will be available to us, we’d be very grateful to hear from anyone else who might be able to offer us a back-up van. The Pelican Nursery that occupies the hall during the day is now open until 6pm on Friday evenings, so we are not able to accept deliveries or begin setting up until after this time. Along with KA membership fees, bazaar proceeds are crucial to our cash flow so we do hope you will make the most of this opportunity for a clear out and the chance to grab a few bargains!

‘Tree of Hope’ on Kennington Cross

Thanks to community fund-raising efforts and a grant from the Princes Ward purse the lights have now arrived and will be installed over the next month with a view to having a switching on ceremony at Easter time. These LED lights, which use very little energy, are envisaged by many to be a symbol of hope particularly in response to some recent tragic events.

Kennington Village Fete – Sunday 12^th July 2009

The fourth Village Fete will take place in Cleaver Square, Kennington again this year on Sunday July 12^th. There will be the usual mix of stalls including food from local restaurants, stalls selling jewellery, soft furnishings, bric-a-brac and plants, and lots of activities for children including magic and shows. Once again it promises to be a fun afternoon out for all the family with the proceeds going to local good causes. To book a table please e-mail Margarita on margarita@omalleyaldrich.com.

Annual Autumn Art Auction at City & Guilds Art School – Thursday 17^th September

Last year’s Auction raised over £2,600 (less expenses), which enabled us to donate £500 to the Art School bursary fund and set aside funds for a banner to be designed by a student and hung on the railings outside the school for this year’s Auction. The rest of the profit raised went directly to our Secret Santa scheme as usual. We are very grateful to the community and artists for contributing works, to Red Devil Self Storage for housing the artwork, and for pledges and promises from local businesses including Rimmington Vian, Kennington Tandoori, William Rose (formerly Hester’s) butchers, The Dog House PH, Marsh Ruby, Amici Kennington, Franklins, Morphic Design, Pop-In Hair & Beauty, The Cut Hair & Beauty, Tai Chi UK and Tomorrow’s People. This year’s Auction will again take place at City & Guilds Art School on Thursday, 17 September 2009 with viewing the evening before.

Hade Lbi Eritrean Cultural Group in Kennington

Hade Lbi Eritrean Community Association would like to inform the KA membership that we have decided to freeze for the moment our association with KA. We have been operating for the last 4 and a half years teaching local Eritrean children their language and culture. We have achieved greatly in our objectives with our young people; however, since September, due to many parents leaving the borough for reasons of children's schooling, the participation of parents has slowed down. We had been offered, in principle, funds from Capital Community Foundation’s Grassroots Fund. But, as we could not sustain some of our major activities, we have decided to turn down the funds until we restructure our association and recruit some more parents and volunteers to resume, in an effective way, our core work. Until then we would like to thank, from the depth of our hearts, the Kennington Association, and in particular the KA Committee members for all the support they have given us.

Sports & Fitness ProjectS

Volleyball

The Ecuadorian volleyball games (i.e. three-a-side) go from strength to strength. The group has been invited to contribute players for a London team to play in six European countries in March and August. Anyone wanting to join in is very welcome; just turn up on Saturdays 3pm to 9pm and Sundays 4pm to 8pm at the old Lilian Baylis School, Lollard Street. For more info, contact Galo on 07985 603189.

Tai Chi

Thursday, 2 - 3 pm – Kennington Park / Community Centre
Great news! A successful grant application to the 'Grassroots' fund (administered by Capital Community Foundation) has secured funding for the Thursday Tai Chi classes for another two years. The classes are currently taking place in the Kennington Park Community Centre, Harleyford Street, SE11; but, will resume in Kennington Park when the weather picks up. Participation in the classes is free and they continue to attract a good mix of ages and abilities. Wear loose clothing and sensible shoes. Check location with Michael on the day - 07956913437 or contact Chris by e-mail on: christine.eames-jones@ntlworld.com
Saturday, 11am - 12pm - Brit Oval Cricket Ground
Thanks go to Surrey County Cricket Club and Steven Blackwood, Community Executive, for agreeing to fund another 40 Tai Chi classes in 2009 at the Brit Oval. Classes take place at the new earlier time of 11 am -12 pm in the Lambeth Hall, which is part of the new OCS stand at the Vauxhall end of the Oval ground (enter by the Alec Stewart Gate). On match days, the class will move to Kennington Park (weather permitting). These classes are open to all. Participants will be invited to make a voluntary contribution of £1 per session to help cover the costs. Check location with Michael on the day - 07956913437 or contact Chris by e-mail on: christine.eames-jones@ntlworld.com

KA and Local Planning Matters

Beefeater Gin
In August, Desmond Payne of Beefeater Gin distillery on Montford Place invited KA Committee and Planning Subgroup to review their proposal to create a visitor centre. KA was overall supportive of Beefeater's proposal.
Surrey County Cricket Club – Brit Oval

The KA attended the October Inquiry into the building of a hotel etc. where our statement of support was presented. Items of concern raised at the Inquiry were public safety due to the neighbouring gas works; and the impact of the proposed hotel on the neighbourhood. A copy of the Appointed Inspector's report was to be sent to the KA in the New Year.
81 Black Prince Road and 143-161 Wandsworth Road
Both of these proposals are to convert a redundant office building into primarily high-rise residential buildings. The KA met with both sets of developers and is not supporting either of these projects, as they do not meet the housing requirements for the locality.
216 Kennington Road

We have been alerted by residents of 216 Kennington Road (previously the Bingo Hall) to a possible change in use of a portion of the ground floor from community use to retail. After Lambeth Council was alerted by the residents it was determined that this change will not go through as conditions were not met.
Vauxhall Supplementary Planning Document
KA is examining Lambeth's proposal for "A New Heart for Vauxhall", officially known as the Vauxhall Supplementary Planning Document. We are in dialogue with Lambeth regarding this proposal for redevelopment of Vauxhall.

KA now on Facebook!

Dear Neighbours

Thanks to Nigel Allgood we now have a Facebook group site! Welcome All!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/London-United-Kingdom/Kennington-Association/52435496550

Best wishes

Cathy Preece

KA Administrative Assistant