South London Press: The magnificent seven

South London Press: Keep the noise down at night, police urged

Noise Abatement Society: Emergency Vehicle Sirens

Below is a statement from the Society about emergency service sirens which I hope will be of some use to support the Kennington Association.

 

 

'The Noise Abatement Society believes that the present sirens used to signal the approach of an emergency service vehicle, are not fit for purpose.

 

They are unsafe because they cause people to freeze during precious moments whilst trying to locate the source of the sound.Their piercing tone is excessively loud, an unnecessary noise pollution which can be heard up to a half a mile away from the source of danger. The cumulative effect is to engender a feeling of negativity and fear in residents, making them think they live in a crime ridden area, which may not necessarily be the case.

 

In the absence of a standard for existing warning devices, the NAS is working with the British Standards Institute to develop an international standard through the International Standards Organisation (the ISO) to develop a standard for emergency service sirens that will be instantly locatable and, therefore, safer. Broad band technology is one answer because it is directional in nature making the person in danger  turn immediately towards the source of the sound. Broad band does not dissipate to the side, so nearby residents will not be disturbed.' 

 

I would be grateful if you could let me have a copy of any press coverage that the Association receives on this matter.

 

Kind regards,

 

Gloria

 

Gloria Elliott
Chief Executive Noise Abatement Society
Suite 2, 26, Brunswick Terrace,
Hove
BN3 1HJ
Tel: 01273 823850
Mob: 07710293938

 

NOISE ABATEMENT SOCIETY REGISTERED CHARITY No. 272040 Founder: John Connell, OBE FIEnv SC MIPR | The Noise Abatement Society is a registered charity, entirely dependent on voluntary donations to continue our work.  Help us to maintain a service by making a donation via our website at www.noiseabatementsociety.com. All contributions are gratefully received.

Lambeth's civic heroes

 

Lambeth's civic heroes

16 March 2010

A group of outstanding Lambeth citizens have been honoured at a special ceremony at Lambeth Town Hall. The annual Lambeth Civic Awards celebrate our unsung heroes, who freely give their time and effort to help their community.
Nominations are invited each year and judged by a panel chaired by the Mayor of Lambeth, who presents the awards immediately before a full council meeting.
This year's recipients included Cathy Preece from community group the Kennington Association, Donna Henry from the Clapham Park Estate, Sheila Regent from the Streatham Cat Rescue Service, and Ganesh Hall from the Caribbean Hindu Society.
Also honoured were Eddie Sanders, organiser of the St Bartholomew's Church Youth Club and Roger Bowdery, who is responsible for organising Streatham's Armistice Day Service of Remembrance?
The Borough Award went to William and Irene Kirby, who have raised thousands of pounds for the South East London branch of the Muscular Dystrophy Society, as well as supporting a host of local organisations.
They were all put forward for the award by fellow residents in recognition of their selfless commitment to different causes, ranging from fundraising for good causes to bringing the community together.
"Every day in Lambeth, people who care about their fellow residents and neighbourhoods make a positive contribution to the lives of others, " said Councillor Christopher Wellbelove, the Mayor of Lambeth.
"Our civic award ceremony gives the opportunity to recognise and reward these people who help others and really make a difference in their community."

Emergency Police Vehicle Sirens

Caroline Pidgeon, MPA Link
Valerie Shawcross, LA
Kate Hoey MP

cc:  Cllrs Princes, Oval, Bishops, Newington Wards

Dear Caroline, Val, Kate and Cllrs

Please find below a copy of our letter to the Metropolitan Police
regarding excessive noise from police vehicle sirens in Kennington.
We would welcome your support.

Best wishes
Cathy Preece
KA Administrative Assistant

Thursday, 11^th March 2010

Commander David Zinzan

South Central Area Commander

Metropolitan Police Service
Room 1.14, Territorial Policing HQ

Victoria Embankment

London SW1A 2JL

Dear Commander Zinzan

The Kennington Association is saddened to have to write, once again, to the Metropolitan Police Service regarding the excess siren noise that is generated from police vehicles in and around Kennington, South London. 

We understand that Kennington is on several trunk routes, and that we are bounded by three police stations in the area (Kennington Road, Walworth Road and Brixton), but we consider that more could be done to reduce the noise pollution from emergency vehicles.  After we wrote to Chief Superintendent Richard Quinn in January 2004, we were pleased that the use of sirens appeared reduced for a short period; however, the noise now seems to have returned to its previous levels.

We are particularly concerned by the use of sirens at night.  Whilst we appreciate that Kennington and the surrounding areas are often quite busy, and you wish to avoid pedestrian/vehicle accidents, we do not consider that the current excessive siren use at night can be justified.  Excess noise has been shown to be detrimental to the health and well being of the general population.  Indeed, “there is sufficient scientific evidence that noise exposure can induce hearing impairment, hypertension and ischemic heart disease, annoyance, sleep disturbance and decreased school performance”[1].

The Kennington Association would like to make a plea that, if possible, all new police vehicles be fitted with directional sirens.  The London Health Commission noted in their 2002 document Health impact assessment – draft Ambient Noise Strategy[2], “The ambulance service, along with police and fire agencies, should be encouraged to draw on the latest research in order to review their choice and use of sirens.  Additionally, directional sirens are said to make police journeys up to 10% faster and also safer due to fewer lane changes and fewer forced stops.[3]  Embracing this new technology might increase vehicle and passenger safety as well as reducing noise.

Would you be able to advise on how Lambeth / Southwark Metropolitan Police Services are drawing on the latest research re. reviewing choice and use of sirens?  A number of our members report that the Metropolitan Police Service in Kensington and Chelsea do not use sirens at night time at all, but we are unable to confirm this information.  Could you inform us whether there is a consistent police policy for siren use within all inner London boroughs?

Yours sincerely

Kennington Association

cc: Assistant Commissioner Rose Fitzpatrick, Central Operation HQ, TPHQ Senior Management, Room 1001, New Scotland Yard, 10 Broadway, London SW1H 0BG

cc: Borough Commander Nick Ephgrave, London Borough of Lambeth, Brixton Police Station, 3^rd Floor, 367 Brixton Road, London SW9 7DD

---

[1] Passchier-Vermeer W. & Passchier W. F. “Noise Exposure and Public health”  Accessed 10/3/2010: http://www.jstor.org/pss/3454637

[2] London Health Observatory, “Health Impact Assessment – Draft Ambient Noise Strategy” Accessed 10/3/2010: http://www.lho.org.uk/viewResource.aspx?id=9969

[3] Accessed 10/3/2010: http://www.soundalert.com/emergencyvehiclewarningsystems.htm

KA Offer: 2-4-1: UK Premier of Dostoevsky's "The Double"

Dear Neighbours

Quote 'Double' for two tickets for the price of one.

Best wishes
Cathy Preece
KA Administrative Assistant

Brilliant UK Premier

The Double

by Dostoevsky

Adapted by Kate McGregor

When your own reflection is your worst nightmare.

"I have heard whispers of rebellion in dark corners, and straight from the mouths of people we trust."

Golyadkin is an ordinary man, but this is no ordinary world.  Dostoevsky’s classic novella The Double explores hapless Golyadkin’s world as it is thrown into turmoil when a man appears in his town who is his double in every respect except by blood. Set in Russia in 1848, a year before Dostoevsky himself was arrested for treason, the arrival of this man in St. Petersburg turns Golyadkin’s life upside down, threatening his job, home and even his sanity. His battle for survival begins in a time of political unrest where no one is to be trusted, not even your own reflection.

The Double is perhaps the most Gogolesque of Dostoevsky’s works, which have influenced writers as diverse as James Joyce, Virginia Woolf, and Frederich Nietzche. He is also considered a founding father of Existentialism.

This vibrant production has an ensemble cast of 11 actors with live, original music from Theatre 6’s resident composer and musical director Maria Haik Escudero.

"As Dostoevsky examines the neurosis and paranoia that cripple a seemingly ordinary man, he produces a thoroughly brilliant 'modern' nightmare."

Jeremy Dyson on Dostoevsky's 'The Double'

Dates and Times:

Tuesday 9th March – Saturday 3rd April 2010
Tuesday-Saturdays @ 7:30pm
Sunday Matinees @ 5:30pm
Saturday 3rd April @ 3pm & 7:30pm

Press Night: Thursday 11th March

Writer: Fyodor Mikhaylovich Dostoevsky

Stage Adaptation: Kate McGregor

Director: Kate McGregor

Composer: Maria Haik Escudero

Tickets:  £13 (£10 Conc.)

Box Office: 020 7793 9193

Online Booking:  www.whitebeartheatre.co.uk

White Bear Theatre Club

138 Kennington Park Road,

London,

SE11 4DJ

Bazaar: Saturday 6th March at St Anselm’s Church Hall from 11am to 1 pm

men needed for march BAZAAR!

The KA Bazaar is one of our main sources of funding.  We have a grand team (some in their eighties and nineties) and the work is great fun, but very physical and done to a tight schedule.  We urgently need male volunteers starting at 6pm on Friday night to set up tables and shift bulky items.  We also need strong bodies to dismantle stalls on Saturday afternoon.  The November Bazaar took in £750 (50% up on May), raising £560 for our funds.  Special thanks to Pimlico Plumbers who provided a van to transport goods. The next Bazaar is on Saturday, 6^th March at St Anselm’s Church Hall from 11am to 1 pm.   This is a good chance to re-cycle some unexpected Xmas gifts – who needs twenty pairs of socks?   Please bring saleable items to the hall from 6pm to 8pm on the evening before or from 9am to 10am on Bazaar day.  If you need help collecting goods, please email kenningtonassociation@gmail.com.

UK Premier of Dostoevsky's 'The Double' - Quote 'KA' for 2 for the price of 1!

Quote 'KA' for 2 for the price of 1!

Press Release

UK Premier

The Double

by Dostoevsky

Adapted by Kate McGregor

When your own reflection is your worst nightmare.

Dostoevsky’s classic novella The Double explores hapless Golyadkin’s world as it is thrown into turmoil when a man appears in his town who is his double in every respect except by blood. Set in 1848 Russia, a year before Dostoevsky was arrested for treason, the arrival of this man in St. Petersburg turns Golyadkin’s life upside down, threatening his job, home and even his sanity. The battle for survival begins in a time of political unrest where no one is to be trusted, not even your own reflection.

Perhaps the most Gogolesque of Dostoevsky’s works, which have influenced writers as diverse as James Joyce, Virginia Woolf, and Frederich Nietzche. He is also considered a founding father of Existentialism.

This vibrant production has an ensemble of cast of 11 actors with live, original music from Theatre 6’s resident composer and musical director Maria Haik Escudero.

Dates and Time: Tuesday 9^th March – Saturday 3^rd April 2010

Tuesday-Saturdays @ 7:30pm

Sunday Matinees @ 5:30pm

Saturday 3^rd April @ 3pm & 7:30pm

Press Night: Thursday 11^th March

Writer: Dostoevsky

Stage Adaptation by: Kate McGregor

Director: Kate McGregor

Composer: Maria Haik Escudero

Tickets:  £12 (£10 Conc.)

Box Office: 020 7793 9193

Online Booking:  www.whitebeartheatre.co.uk

White Bear Theatre Club
138 Kennington Park Road,

London,

SE11 4DJ

STOP PRESS

White Bear in the West End

Following its sell-out run at the White Bear the Time Out No1 Critics Choice - Show of the Week ‘Madness in Valencia’ plays at the Trafalgar Studios until 6^th March 2010.

Reminder: Bazaar Saturday 6th March 11am - 1pm

Reminder: FOLSAP: Vauxhall Apple Tree Planting @ Tue 23 Feb 16:00 - 17:00

new friends wanted for Lollard Street Adventure Playground

Lollard Street Adventure Playground was created in 1954 on the site of a school that had been bombed during the war years.  It provides school-aged children with opportunities to play after school, at weekends and during school holidays, which are difficult to find elsewhere in our area.  Fenced and secure, the playground is an oasis where children are supervised by trained, professional playworkers who are always on hand to help out if needed, but also know when to stand back and let children work things out for themselves.  LSAP has quiet indoor space where children can do homework or creative arts and outdoor space with unique play structures.  Kids love it as a place where they can run about and create games, and parents know there are responsible adults at hand.  But unfortunately as government purse strings are tightened, funding for these irreplaceable areas is often the first to go! LSAP is sadly in need of investment, which the council is hesitating to provide. 

KA wants make sure Lollard Street Adventure Playground has a secure future and to this end is helping to launch a friends group.  An inaugural meeting held this month to discuss a FOLSAP initiative was very fruitful.   Both adults and children attended and discussions for the future focused on the children’s ideas for its development.   All agreed to set about forming the Friends of Lollard Street Adventure Playground (FOLSAP) with the first public meeting to be held on Monday 10^th May at 6pm in the Royal Oak PH, Fitzalan Street SE11 6QU.

Roots and Shoots have already donated a "Cellini", the 'Vauxhall Apple' tree, which will be planted in the Playground with hopes it will form the centre of a tree house which the children have asked for.  The tree will have a special meaning for the Playground as it is to commemorate Paul Hendrich, a part-time worker who was knocked off his bike in January 2008 as well as two children who used the playground, Chevlyn and Kharim.  Playground staff and children have done a mosaic ‘praying hands’ in memory of these three and it will be dedicated along with the tree planting by Kate Hoey MP at a special ceremony at 4pm on Tuesday 23^rd February.   

Lollard Street Adventure Playground

Lollard Street Adventure Playground was created in 1954 on the site of a school that had been bombed during the war years. It continues today, run by Lambeth Council, and provides school-aged children with opportunities to play, after school, at weekends and during school holidays, which are difficult to find elsewhere in our busy, urban environment.

Fenced and secure, the playground is an oasis in the middle of a densely built-up neighbourhood where children are supervised by trained, professional playworkers who are always on hand to help out if needed, who know when to intervene, but also know when to stand back and let children work things out for themselves.

Lollard Street playground has quiet indoor space where children can read, do homework or participate in creative art activities and the outdoor space, with its unique play structures, enables them to explore, experiment, and experience the wide, wonderful world around them and engage freely in play activities that a generation ago would have been taken for granted.

The children are encouraged to play a part in the ongoing design and construction of their adventure playground. This gives them the opportunity to explore, test, create, build and rebuild their play space, and encourages them to feel at home in the playground and treat it well.

All over the country sadly, and increasingly, many children are unable or not allowed to go out to play because safe outdoor spaces are hard to find, so now is the time to get involved in ensuring that this vital provision for the health and well-being of local children is preserved and developed for future generations.

A local group of volunteers has decided to form a Friends of Lollard Street Adventure Playground (FOLSAP). If you are committed to improving the community for children and could help with tasks such as administration, fundraising and management; if you would like to support the work of a committed team of playworkers and can help to advance the children’s ideas for development of their play space you are warmly invited to register your interest on the form below.