latest news on the Save the South London Line Campaign

Message from Southwark Rail Users' Group
The campaign continues on a number of levels. Visit www.southwarkrailusers.net to keep up to date.
Two key recent events reported below. Also don't forget - if you use Denmark Hill Station - 8am Tuesday 1st December a media photo event. Come and support. see link on www.southwarkrailusers.net
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1. On 4th November Southwark Council agreed a cross party motion supporting fully and comprehensively the campaign to Save the South London Line. See details here
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2. Meeting with TfL on 24th November - News from the Save the South London Line Campaign (** see at end for campaign members)
Subject: TfL Recognises Need For Central London Links from South London Line stations
At a meeting on 24th November with stakeholder groups in South London, TfL recognised one of the main objectives of campaigners, the need to keep radial services to Central London for current South London Line stations. TfL has proposed a variety of short-listed options for keeping service to Victoria, including diverting the East London Line from Clapham Junction, introducing a Victoria-
Bellingham service and making current Victoria-Dartford services run all day, guaranteeing for Denmark Hill and Peckham Rye all day trains to Victoria. This is in contrast to TfL's earlier assertions that SLL passengers should take ELLX to Clapham Junction and change for Victoria there.
However the Save South London Line Campaign is calling out for the Department for Transport to review all terminating services at London Bridge, based on impact and future demand. Network Rail has acknowledged that keeping the South London Line to London Bridge is possible but would require elaborate signalling or the removal of other services. The Campaign has argued that the cutting of SLL would be a rupture of links and hence impact disproportionately. Negotiations with the DfT over this will continue.

The Campaign group is also looking for a Lawyer with experience in Judicial Review proceedings. Anyone able to help?

** The SSLL Campaign is a consortium of elected representatives from all 4 main parties, plus the Southwark Rail Users' Group, Clapham Transport Users Group, Lambeth Public Transport Group, Kings College Hospital, and SLAM (South London & Maudsley).

Sat 5 December COPLESTON CENTRE WINTER FAIR

The COPLESTON CENTRE WINTER FAIR
is on Saturday 5 December From 2 - 4 pm

DIRECTIONS: The Copleston Centre is on Copleston Road SE15,midway between Danby Street & Avondale Rise

Excellent bookstall, Toys and children's clothes,
Face painting, Father Christmas,
Christmas cards, Home-made cakes,
Vintage jewellery, scarves and handbags,
Bric à brac, Raffle and Tombola,
Free trees from Marsden Road Wildlife Garden Centre.

Come along and buy your Christmas presents,
Meet people and have fun!
And help a great Community Centre which provides support for all sorts of local people!

Free Screening Thursday 26 Nov Peckham unique film

This is to let you know that there is a very interesting free film on this Thursday at the Peckham Multiplex. It is about the dynamic of the commercial world in Peckham, and looks like a unique opportunity to understand more about the town centre. Further details below.
If you are interested in contributing ideas or projects to the future revitalisation of the town centre please click reply and say what your interest is. We can put you on the mail list for information about further work which is being developed following the recent meeting about the station and central Rye Lane.
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You are invited to a free screening as part of I Love Peckham 2009 Development Project. I Love Peckham 2009-2010 is managed by Southwark Arts Forum

CONSUME PECKHAM 18 FILMS
Free Screening: Thurs 26 November, 6-8pm
Peckham Multiplex. 95a Rye Lane.
Consume Peckham: 18 films, is a collaborative film project between 18 businesses and 57 students from Chelsea College of Art and Design. The films take a fresh look at the complex relationships between culture and commercialism in Peckham, as seen from the point of view of young people unfamiliar to the area. With guidance and support from mentors the students have been encouraged to integrate themselves into the community and take a deep approach to research in order to gain trust from the businesses they are seeking to understand.

We observe the mundane and the poetic in the day to day routine of Ozzie’s Café; we witness the preparation of a traditional Pakistani goat stew, we seek to understand why Peckham needs a Persian corner shop, and see how the small adds in a newsagent’s window are a vital hub of information exchange. Seen together, the 18 films build up a multifaceted documentary portrait of Peckham revealing tangled cultural, social and economic relationships. The films ask if the abundance of diversity in such a confined space can create a utopia; or if divisions and differences create tensions that cannot be bridged.  
Venue: Peckham Multiplex, 95a Rye Lane, SE15.
Mentors: Neil Drabble & Kieron Dennis
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SYNOPSES
Persepolis - Ali Hanson, Katy Jones, Kate Coe. 2009
Persepolis is a Persian corner shop in Peckham. Authentically and meticulously stocking a host of unusual foods and products is an obsession for the owner Sally Butcher. The film documents a day in the life of Sally, revealing her philosophy of a multicultural community and offering an insight into why a haven of Persian culture is so important for Peckham.

Reprezent - Lennord Freij, Josh Osbourne, Tom De Hooge. 2009
Reprezent is a youth-led radio station in Peckham providing learning and broadcasting opportunities for young people. The audience is introduced to two young DJs who share their personal experiences, opportunities and their ambitions for the future.

Money Gram - Jenny Lam, Anniken H-Gjelseth, Sarah Bradley. 2009
Sam runs a franchise business in the Money Gram company, he helps people from Peckham send money to family and friends all over the world. Through interviews and by transferring money themselves, the filmmakers explore concepts of communication and exchange within Peckham’s community.

ZA Afro Foods - Kayo Kuribayashi, Georgina Ashdown, Sam De la Monte. 2009
In collaboration with ZA Afro Foods Students from Chelsea School of Art and Design observe and document the preparation of a traditional Pakistani goat stew, discovering and reflecting on new and unusual ingredients in the dish. As a celebration of cultural difference the students buy ingredients and prepare their own goat stew in a Vauxhall apartment, literally and figuratively bringing a piece of Peckham back to their own homes.

Furniture Mall - Juhee Park, Nicolas Cambier, Laura Walters. 2009
Graphic Design Student Nic Cambier takes a job in a furniture shop and helps out during Saturday afternoon deliveries. By working directly with the people from the shop; Ali, Marwan and James, he is able to gain their trust and understand more about their lives and their connection with Peckham. Nic then makes a successful proposition to redesign the Graphic identity of the shop.

Little Hut - Billy Steiger, Daz Peck, Sara Williams. 2009
The newsagent Little Hut sells a wide range of products; from cornflakes to combs, from mango juice to magazines. However, the personal ads displayed in the front window reveal a wider range of products and services. The small adds in the window might also be a microcosm of the area itself encompassing a multitude of languages and revealing a vital hub of information exchange. The film brings a light-hearted interjection into this space exploring a forum of paper and glass existing in the high street.

Petitou - Craig Sharp, Julian Shaw, Vanessa McKeown. 2009
Barely moments away from the frantic heart of Peckham, with its endless supply of butchers, grocers and mobile phone shops you will find Petitou, an independent café situated in a quiet street more reminiscent of a leafy New York suburb than the mayhem of South East London. This short film focuses on the how the café has responded to the social and economic changes in the area, such as the nflux of young families and professionals.

Tommy’s Wear and Tear - Amy Jordan, Leon Kesko, Stephanie Jones.2009
Peckham is a popular location for young families, and for three generations Tommy’s Wear and Tear has been providing affordable children’s clothes and product in the community. Through interviews with Tommy, Abu and Ali they reveal the importance of regeneration to encourage young families to continue choose to live in the area.

E&M Travel Agents - Malia Baker, Marine Malak, Robbie Schweidler. 2009
E & M Travel offers its customers a personal service, responding to Peckham’s unique identity as a destination and a hub for travel. Though interviews with employees; Melisa, Bridget and Patrick we can appreciate the value of a local business committed to helping customers face-to-face, and ultimately connecting people and places all over the world. However, we learn that the increasing threat from internet bookings and current economic conditions are proving tough times for the travel agency business.

Bar Story - Holly Featherstone, Willy Harris, Melanie Baerlocher. 2009
Under the train station, and squashed into a railway arch, Bar Story is often the first port of call for young people coming to Peckham; the young trendy crowd that frequent this bar are not interested in meeting the established communities of Peckham, but only how the rent is cheap, and the scene is catching on.... The film presents a separated relationship between the settled Peckham community and art students.

Number 46 - Alex Herrmann, Scarlet Shillingford-Blay, Kitty Spicer, Caroline Dyet 2009
Julie runs a decrepit shop that carries no name, it could be described as a conglomeration of untold peculiar objects and artifacts from the past. The shop is located on Choumert Road, and located right at the invisible demarcation line that separates the social and economic contrasts of Rye Lane and Bellenden.  The shop with no name serves as metaphor for the old and the new as it is on the verge of being converted into a gallery space.

Peckham Business Park - Vachira Tongrow, Daniel Lincoln, Christian Pinchback, Adam Laucht. 2009
Profiling Peckham Business Park where artists, studios, designers, printers, carpenters and churches all co-exist in close proximity. Using interviews the film asks if social, economic and cultural diversity in such a confined space can create a utopia; or are there cultural divisions and tensions that cannot be bridged.

The Rastafarian Shop Peckham Covered Market (Rye Lane) - Dan Cottrell, Sian Beeton, Michael Clarke.2009
Birdy runs a small Rastafarian shop, selling his artwork, amongst other things, in the Covered Market in Rye. His important connection with the community has led the film makers to inquire how a place can be defined without its residents. The film goes on to ask members of the community 'What is the most important thing in your life?’ inviting some unusual replies.

Ozzie’s Café - Christina Donellan, Glynis Hutamarez, Christina Colombo. 2009Documenting the routine of Ozzie’s Café we experience the poetic and mundane details of the everyday. We observe how customers come to sit and enjoy the company of others without even speaking a word; and asks the audience to find an appreciation for the muted conversation and sluggish energy that buzzes within the small confines of the cafe walls.

Sahki Quality Meat and Fish - Vicky Vialichka, Emma Terry, Jack Gladstone. 2009
A short film based around Sahki Quality Meat and Fish, one of the many butchers along Peckham Rye high street. We learn that the business is thriving despite being one of twenty-one meat shops along the small stretch of Peckham Rye. An interview with Moah the owner reveals the day to day challenges of running a business in Peckham, and offers an explanation of why meat and phone shops co-exist in the same premises.

Christmas and Wards Demolition Yard - Joe Joiner, Vanessa Humphreys, Frazer Howie.2009
Recording the making of a phoenix sculpture that was constructed from scrap wood from ‘Christmas Wards Demolition Yard’ this short film, is focused on the manual workers of Peckham. The Phoenix according to legend is reduced to ashes at the end of its life, from which a new, young phoenix is reborn to live again. The film using the metaphor of destruction and creation aims to communicate a message of rejuvenation among the community.

The Bun House - Dave Russell, Walter Wong Wing Hong. 2009
The Bun House is one of the last of a dying breed of Pubs. With the growth of bar chains and gentrification, it is becoming increasingly rare to find independent pubs with as strong a sense of community. In this film, local legend Michael Mulcahy describes his unique approach to running a pub, combining everything from art exhibitions, to the humble darts night to demonstrate that the heart and soul of a town is and always will be the local pub.

Al Sibtian’s - Jowey Roden, Louise Robinson, Sae Young Yang. 2009
Al Sibtian’s is a continental butchers and grocers located on rye lane, he has managed the store for 9 years and takes pride in being located where he is. Through interviews and conversations with Al Sibtain he convinces the filmakers to challenge their pre-conceived ideas about the people of Peckham – taking up the challenge, and taking to the street they set out to test the community spirit in Peckham.

celebrate a centenary for the South London Line

TUESDAY 1st DECEMBER at 8am at Denmark Hill station (yes 8am!)

On 1st December, it is 100 years since the South London Line became the first in the country to be electrified. The Save the South London Line Campaign is going to celebrate our local London metro service.
Join us at 8am outside the pub at Denmark Hill Station for half an hour or so.
There will be some goodies to eat and champagne for the lucky few! We will toast the future continued success of this service to Inner South London. It is an important media event - come and join the leading campaigners.
Everyone is welcome, especially those in Edwardian dress (or Victorian or any fancy dress if that is all you can find, or just as you are on your way to work!)

Southwark Rail Users Group
to keep up to date visit the website
http://www.southwarkrailusers.net

Network Rail survey of stations

Message from Southwark Rail Users' Group for all local rail users

Network Rail is launching the first ever Nationwide stations research project asking passengers what is important to them at their local station, where they would like to see investment and what are their priorities. They say they want to know what passengers want from stations and what's important to them. See further information in their Press Release below.
This seems an opportunity not be missed to tell them what we think of our own stations - Peckham Rye, Queens Road Peckham, South Bermondsey, East Dulwich, Nunhead, Denmark Hill.
Let's get lots of local users taking part so they really get the message about what needs to be improved. If you need another incentive - you might win an annual season ticket or £2000.if you take part!
The survey can be accessed online at http://www.networkrail.co.uk/actionstations...
Click and check it out now!

Southwark Rail Users' Group
www.southwarkrailusers.net
to join the email list email: SRUG@southwarkrailusers.net
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Network Rail Press Release Thursday 12 Nov 2009

FIRST EVER PASSENGER RESEARCH ABOUT STATIONS LAUNCHED

Network Rail today launched the first ever piece of passenger research specific targeting stations, as it unveiled its plans to improve thousands of stations across the country in a five year, £3.25bn, programme of investment.
Dave Ward, Network Rail's route director for Kent, said: "Stations are the railways' shop-front and they have been ignored for too long. With the punctuality of the railways now running at record levels and our major programme to boost capacity and provide more seats on trains underway, we can now look at other priorities and stations and are at the top of the list.
"Much is planned in the area over the coming years and we must invest wisely. We shouldn't try and second guess passengers but ask them what they want from stations and what's important to them. We need to listen to passengers and use their views on stations to guide our decisions."
In a pioneering move, Network Rail is launching the first ever Nationwide stations research project asking passengers what is important to them at their local station, where they would like to see investment and what are their priorities. The survey can be accessed online at www.networkrail.co.uk/actionstations

The research project will kick off later this month, last for up to three months and involve on-line surveys, telephone surveys and focus groups to really get into the detail of what passengers rate as the most important things to have at stations. The results from the survey, along with the station champions report expected shortly from the Department for Transport, will feed into a much wider review on stations, led by Network Rail. This will take place over the next twelve months involving every train operator, rail funding partner and interest group in the country.
At the same time Network Rail said over 150 stations on routes to, from and across Kent will benefit from investment between now and spring 2014 with sums ranging from tens of thousands of pounds to millions. The improvements to be made include things like:
* New passenger information systems
* New lifts and stairways
* New toilets, waiting rooms and shelters
* New, longer or resurfaced platforms
* Bigger or refurbished ticket offices and ticket halls
* Better lighting and CCTV
* Smarter stations - redecoration, more seating and retail opportunities
Nationally, over 2,000 stations will benefit from this £3.25bn investment.

Notes to Editors:
* Network Rail is also publishing an information booklet about stations and the research entitled 'Action Stations'
* Tens of thousands of leaflets will today be handed out to passengers inviting them to take part in the on-line survey
* All those who complete the survey will be entered into a free prize draw to win a season ticket (value up to £2,000)
* The investment announced today does not just come from Network Rail funds but pulls together all the investment being targeted at stations over the next five years and includes sources such as the DfT, train operators, Scottish Government, Welsh Assembly Government, PTEs, local authorities and other third parties
* The list of stations is not exhaustive and represents a 'snap-shot' in time and may include stations that are in the early stages of being planned but we, or our partners, are keen to see come to fruition over the next five years

Tues 17 Nov Creative Network Launch

Message from Southwark Arts Forum
enquiries to: Katy Fattuhi katy@southwarkartsforum.org

INVITATION: SE15 Creative Network Launch
Tues 17 November @ Peckham Library 5.00pm to 7.30pm

You are invited to the launch of the SE15 Creative Network: a network to support creative people working in the arts and creative industries within the Nunhead and Peckham area. The network is funded by Southwark Council and is part of *I Love Peckham* development programme 2009/10. The network is managed by Southwark Arts Forum (SAF).

Schedule
5.30pm Registration. Drinks available
6.00pm Network introduction by Edward Birch, Director of SAF
6.15pm Speakers to be confirmed will focus on past, present and future development of Peckham
6.40pm Q and A session
7.00pm Goal setting for the network, led by Edward Birch
7.15pm Networking - Food and drinks available
7.30pm Close of meeting

Venue: Peckham Library in the adult pod on the 5th FloorTo book: Please RSVP to
email: admin2@southwarkartsforum.org
phone: 020 7231 3222

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I Love Peckham Background

I Love Peckham was first piloted in 2004 as a small weekend festival in Peckham town centre, aimed at celebrating the area's diverse creative community and was funded through the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.
By 2008 I Love Peckham grew to be a week long festival, offering a range of supportive creative platforms from which to profile local talent. Activities took place in 45 venues and spaces around SE15 culminating in an outdoor weekend festival in the town centre engaging local artists, schools, shopkeepers and local business, community and voluntary groups and venues, with audiences of over 5,000, up to 300 artists and over 2500 young participants.
In 2009, Southwark Council and Southwark Arts Forum aim to establish I Love Peckham as a creative portal to better serve Peckham's blossoming cultural quarter and to initiate the much needed SE15 creative network.
I Love Peckham has profiled SE15's creative community to a London wide audience and raised local aspirations through successful marketing of the brand. It has been instrumental in encouraging new creative spaces, generating models of best practice and influencing cutting edge creative projects in open and disused spaces. It has also encouraged artists to work with local businesses in town centres and continues to attract new creative partners to SE15.
www.southwark.gov.uk/discoversouthwark
www.southwark.gov.uk/ilovepeckham

Southwark Arts Forum helps artists, arts organisations and creative industries in Southwark to excel and to have a greater impact on their local community. We do this by providing a wide range of networking, information and advice services including: networking events, E-Bulletins and one-to-one sessions. With over 2000 members we are a rich creative network widely known in Southwark and beyond. To become a member, please visit www.southwarkartsforum.org

28 Nov St John’s Christmas Fayre

Santa is coming to East Dulwich & Bellenden this year! 
On Saturday, 28 November between 11am and 3pm he will be at St John’s Christmas Fayre.
 
There will be an Elves' Workshop for children next to Santa’s Grotto with fun activities including face painting, Christmas card making, puzzles and a Lucky Dip. During the afternoon *Magic Billy* will entertain children with magical tricks and puppet shows. Live musical accompaniment to the festivities will be provided by Opal Flutes and our local Brass Players.

Stalls will include: Christmas cards & Decorations - Home-made Cakes - Jams and Preserves - Books - Toys - Bulbs and Houseplants - Collectables - FairTrade - Luxury knitted and sewn goods - Jewellery - Baby goods - Pottery - Christmas produce - Santa's Workshop - Gifts - Raffle - Tombola - Games - Face painting - Hot refreshments. And a special Lucky Dip for grown-ups, too!

Come along and enjoy yourselves! Bring your friends!
Goose Green Centre, East Dulwich Road, SE22 9AT (adjacent to church)
Admission £1, accompanied children free.