Fulham Chronicle, January 7, 2016

14.6 MB·English

by  Capital News & Media Ltd

LWN
LONDON WEEKLY NEWS &
Fulham Chronicle
First established 1883 PICK UP A FREE COPY Thursday, January 7th 2016
£2 million
Town Hall
plan refused
COUNCILLORS have refused to
grant planning permission for
boost for
a redevelopment of Fulham
Town Hall.
Dory Ventures, the
American company that owns
the building, had applied to
demolish it and construct a
transport new five-storey building in its
place. The application also
included plans for retail and
restaurant space as well as 18
new apartments.
However, Hammersmith
and Fulham council rejected
and town the application, suggesting
that it would cause “harm to
the character, appearance and
setting” of the building and
the Walham Green
Conservation Area.
centres
Urgent call to
help refugees
TRAID charity shops in
Hammersmith and Shepherd’s
Bush are collecting urgently
needed supplies for Syrian
refugees.
BY JACK DIXON million package for improvement The charity is encouraging
[email protected] schemes across the capital in residents to drop off
2016/17. donations at its stores in the
MORE than £2 million has Mike Brown, London’s transport borough and across London.
been set aside to improve town commissioner, said the investment Donations of socks,
would bring “real improvements” for underwear, trousers, jackets,
centres and transport services communities across west London blankets, sleeping bags and
in Hammersmith and Fulham. over the coming year. other items will be sent to the
The New Year cash boost is being “Working with west London bor- Starfish Foundation to help
funded by Transport for London and oughs, hundreds of transport projects refugees arriving in Greece.
the Mayor’s Office in a bid to drive will be delivered that will benefit Maria Chenoweth-Casey,
through key projects. pedestrians and road users, through TRAID’s chief executive, said
The money will be put towards safer streets and improved public her staff are pleased to be
making roads safer, improving public squares and shopping areas. able to support the Starfish
spaces and promoting walkways and “These improvements will help Foundation volunteers.
cycle routes. transform communities and boost the
A total of £2.3 million will be local economy.” nGREAT SCOT: Comedian and actor Billy Connolly has defied the
spent in the borough, including TfL has come forward with the challenges posed by prostate cancer and Parkinson’s disease to
bring his High Horse tour south for an 11-night run at Hammersmith
£500,000 towards the introduction of cash to cover the cost of transport
Apollo, beginning tonight, Thursday, January 7. The 72-year-old
20mph speed limits on all residential projects set out in Hammersmith and
Scottish entertainer, named the greatest stand-up ever in polls on
roads. Fulham’s local implementation plan Channel 4 in 2007 and 2010 and Channel 5 in 2013, has already
The funding forms part of a £148 – detailed proposals setting out how taken the tour round Scotland and Canada. He underwent surgery
projects will be intro- for prostate cancer in 2013, and announced he was receiving
Specialistsinused duced to support the treatment for Parkinson’s disease in the same year.
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2London Weekly News [email protected] Thursday, January 7th 2016
Council tax cut but services protected
THE Mayor of London has proposed to by getting 2,600 extra officers into ropean Aquatics Championships. Plus forecast to be collected from London-
cut his share of the council tax in a local neighbourhoods. Plus investment the continued development of Olympi- ers to fund GLA services. Under the
draft budget that fulfils his manifesto in the latest digital technologies such as copolis, a world class new cultural, sci- proposal the total GLA precept will be
commitment to reduce the mayoral body worn cameras. entific and educational centre for reduced from £295 to £276 a year
n
share of Londoners’ council tax bills by Investment in upgrading the Tube London at the Queen Elizabeth (Band D household) for residents of the
ten per cent during his second term in network including £250m on making Olympic Park. 32 boroughs – a reduction of £19 or
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office. more stations step free, the delivery of Support for the new Mayoral Devel- 6.4%. The Band D precept for taxpay-
If Boris Johnson’s Budget is ap- a northern Line extension to Nine Elms opment Corporation for Old Oak and ers within the Corporation of London
proved in February he will have saved and Battersea and continued support Park Royal, a once in a lifetime regen- area – which has its own police force –
a typical Band D council taxpayer for the delivery of Crossrail, which will eration opportunity for that part of west is provisionally set at £69.21.
FROM THE n
around £500 over his eight years as increase London’s rail capacity by ten London which will deliver thousands The mayor’s proposed council tax
mayor. MAYOR’S OFFICE per cent. of new jobs and homes. precept comprises £566.5m to support
n n
In his final budget as mayor, Mr A £4bn investment on London’s A continued focus on the creation of the Metropolitan Police service, £138m
Johnson is proposing to reduce his roads. £913m is due to be spent on cy- apprenticeships for young Londoners, for the London Fire Brigade and £62m
share of the council tax bill by 6.4 per needed. It is the right plan for London cling improvements, £200m has been particularly in the construction sector for other services such as transport, the
cent next year, a reduction of £19 to and the right plan for everyone with a earmarked for bus priority schemes and where demand is increasing. nOl y mpic precept and the GLA itself.
£276 for Band D taxpayers. The budget stake in our great city.” 800 New Routemaster buses will be A consultation document that sets The mayor’s draft budget consists
also includes plans to protect police of- The mayor’s draft 2016/2017 budget nde livered by 2016. out the Mayor’s proposals has now of allocations for the Mayor’s Office
ficer numbers and key transport im- covers the entire Greater London Au- Continuing the increase in the sup- been made available on the Greater for Policing And Crime (Metropolitan
provements while supporting the thority Group – including Transport for ply of affordable homes and identifying London Authority website at: www.lon- Police), Transport for London, the Lon-
construction of a record number of new London, the London Legacy Develop- better ways of doing so with a target of don.gov.uk/about-us/greater-london- don Fire and Emergency Planning Au-
homes and creating thousands of new ment Corporation, the Metropolitan delivering 100,000 affordable homes authority-gla/spending-money-wisely/ thority (London Fire Brigade), the
jobs. Police service and the London Fire over the Mayor’s eight years in office. mayors-budget London Legacy Development Com-
n
Mr Johnson, said: “This budget Brigade. Its plans include: Ensuring the London Fire Brigade Members of the public have until pany (Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park),
n
drives down council tax while protect- The continued delivery of around can continue to meet their response January 12 to comment on the draft the new Old Oak Common and Park
ing key services for Londoners. It is a £418m of funding that is being used to time targets. budget, which is due to be considered Royal Development Corporation, the
n
plan that continues to look after the support economic regeneration in the The permanent re-opening of the by the London Assembly on 27 January core Greater London Authority and the
poorest and neediest and which creates capital. former Olympic Stadium in the sum- and 22 February. London Assembly.
n n n
new jobs and builds new homes. Not a The protection of police officer num- mer of 2016 and support for the hosting The Mayor of London’s 2016-17 The proposed total budget for the
penny will be squandered as we deliver bers at around 32,000 including a rein- of major sports events across all of the draft Council Tax requirement is GLA Group for 2016-17 is £16.2 bil-
the services and the improvements vigoration of neighbourhood policing 2102 legacy venues including the Eu- £756.5m – this being the total sum lion.
YOUR COUNCIL
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Thursday, January 7th 2016 [email protected] London Weekly News 3
LWN
NEWS FROM HAMMERSMITH AND FULHAM
Funding provides green light for transport schemes
New-look post office will be
FROM PAGE 1 ments and easier access to town corners of our great city. It is spur jobs and growth across back with seven-day service
centres. This year’s financial specifically targeted to help London.”
mayor’s overall transport strat- support for LIPs across London make our roads, town centres Hammersmith and Fulham POST Office services will be Post Office area manager
egy for London. has been maintained at £147.8 and open spaces more attractive council carried out a public con- available seven days a week Keith Long said: “We are
Several other west London million. places with better facilities for sultation on proposals for a bor- after refurbishment works are making it easier for customers
boroughs will also cash in on the Boris Johnson, the Mayor of walking and safer cycling. ough-wide 20mph speed limit completed at the Fulham to get their cash, send and
scheme, with millions of pounds London, said: “This latest round “By helping the boroughs de- last year. A final decision on the Road branch. collect their mail and do their
set aside to pay for safer cycling of funding will help to transform liver on important local trans- changes will be made later this The office is closed this banking because we know
week while work takes place how important these services
projects, pedestrian improve- scores of locations in all four port schemes, we can help to month.
but is scheduled to reopen on are to local residents.
Wednesday, January 13. “We are confident that this
Opening hours will be vibrant new-style post office
Empire’s doors remain
extended to 5.30pm on at the heart of the local
Saturdays, with selected community will meet
closed as repairs go on services and Post Office customer needs.
products available over the “This modernisation is part
retail counter from 6.30am to of a major investment
THE 02 Shepherd’s Bush Em- The statement continued: 9.30pm Monday to Saturday, programme, the largest in the
pire will remain closed “Once again, we thank artists, and from 8.30am to 9pm on history of the Post Office, and
throughout January, with sev- promoters and fans for their Sundays. will secure services for the
eral more shows postponed or co-operation and patience, and The extended service future. The investment marks
moved to other venues. wish to reassure everyone that means the branch will be a commitment to our ‘no
Emergency maintenance safety is our priority.” accessible for an extra 56 more branch closures’
work to repair the building’s Manchester rock band The hours a week. programme.”
The new-look post office The Fulham Road branch
damaged roof has forced Courteeners were due to per-
will enable customers to was closed on Monday
bosses to keep the doors shut form at the iconic venue on
access a range of mail (January 4) and will reopen
for another month. December 4 but problems
services, including special on Wednesday, January 13 at
The Empire was suddenly with the roof led to the sudden
delivery and home shopping 1pm. In the meantime,
closed at the start of Decem- postponement.
returns, as well as making customers can access services
ber after structural issues with The venue posted on Twit-
cash withdrawals from a Post at the Worlds End branch in
the roof were discovered ter that a “structural issue” in
Office card account, paying King’s Road, and the South
hours before a concert was the building had forced the
bills and topping up mobile Kensington Station branch on
due to take place. closure only hours before the phone credit. Brompton Road.
Now the venue has con- band was due to take to the
firmed that work to repair the stage.
roof’s structure will extend Several other concerts
Fire brigade issues safety
into this year, causing several planned for December were
more events to be rearranged. rescheduled or moved to other
warning to boozy borough
In a statement issued on the venues, while similar arrange-
venue’s website, bosses apol- ments have now been made
FIRE chiefs are warning part of the Brigade’s Eat,
ogised to ticket holders for the for this month’s forthcoming people to be careful when Drink and Be Safe campaign.
continued closure. dates. drinking, after new figures Londoners were encouraged
“Following the closure of The 112-year-old theatre placed Hammersmith and to sign up to WhatsApp
02 Shepherd’s Bush Empire hosts around 180 events and Fulham among London’s messaging alerts offering
on Friday December 4, 2015, welcomes 250,000 music fans worst-offending boroughs for video hints and reminders
and further inspections, struc- each year. alcohol-related fires. about potential fire hazards.
tural engineers have advised It was built as a music hall Emergency officers have Dave Brown, the brigade’s
that works to the roof struc- in 1903 and became the been called to the borough director of operations, said:
ture will extend into January BBC’s Television Theatre in almost 100 times since 2010 “When people are under the
2016,” it said. the 1950s. to deal with accidental fires influence of alcohol they are
“We are sorry that these ex- A full list of rearranged caused by booze. more likely to take risks, their
tended restoration works concert dates is available for Health and safety experts responses become slower
mean that all January 2016 concerned ticket holders on are calling for caution to and they can fall asleep easily,
shows will either be moved to the venue’s website – nNEW DATE: The Courteeners’ show originally scheduled for prevent fires caused by which can be a dangerous
other venues in London or www.academymusicgroup.com December 4 at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire has been rearranged for cigarettes that have not been combination if a fire starts.”
rescheduled as necessary.” /o2shepherdsbushempire Saturday, March 5 at the same venue. put out properly, or food left According to the statistics,
cooking after people have Hackney was by far the most
fallen asleep. likely borough for a fire to be
Dementia charity braced
A total of 94 accidental fires caused by alcohol-related
in Hammersmith and Fulham circumstances, with 177
have been linked to alcohol in incidents since 2010.
the last six years – the ninth Firefighters were called to
for surge in calls for help highest rate in London. alcohol-related fires in
The figures were released Southwark 21 times in 2015 –
ahead of the festive period as the most of any borough.
BY JACK DIXON
[email protected] dementia. The study found that almost three impact on people, their family and friends,”
quarters of respondents were not aware that he said.
repeatedly forgetting names of family mem- “It is important we tackle confusion
DEMENTIA support workers are ex- bers or everyday objects could signal a men- around what are and are not signs of demen-
pecting a huge post-Christmas in- tal health problem. tia, and help give people confidence in ap-
Further studies found that more than half proaching loved ones about their concerns
crease in the number of helpline calls
(51 per cent) were not confident about start- so people do not delay getting help.”
from friends and family who are con-
ing a conversation about dementia with Experts recommend that people seek
cerned about a loved one’s mental someone they were concerned about. medical advice if they notice that a relative
health. The charity says that when people come is struggling to remember recent events, n SLIPPERY SLEEPER: A baby python was handed over to
The Alzheimer’s Society is anticipating a together at Christmas and visit family and finding it hard to follow conversations or police officers after it was spotted slithering around on a
60 per cent rise in the number of calls for friends they have not seen for some time, forgetting names of friends. Hammersmith street. The metre-long snake, which is
advice and support this month, following the they are more likely to pick up on changes Repeating themselves or feeling confused thought to be one year old, was found in Avonmore Road
busy festive period when family members in behaviour. in a familiar environment could also indi- by a passer-by who took it straight to Fulham police
are likely to spot signs of dementia in eld- Support workers are braced for a surge in cate a mental health problem. station. The python, which has been nicknamed Ebenezer,
was transferred into the care of staff at the Mayhew Animal
erly relatives. helpline calls of up to 60 per cent in January, Mr McLachlan added: “Dementia can
Home in Kensal Green. Gillian Notton, head of animal
The charity is urging people in Hammer- with website traffic also expected to rise by strip you of connections to the people you
welfare at the home, said: ‘Ebenezer was freezing and had
smith and Fulham to make a New Year’s around a third. love, but we have many services in London
run out of energy but otherwise seems to be in good
resolution to spend more time with family Tim McLachlan, the charity’s operations that can help and support you.” health. If it had been left out another night it would have
members affected by the illness and help director for Greater London, said seeking The Alzheimer’s Society runs several be- died or would have been run over. We have put it in a warm
them take part in activities that will keep help early offered the best chance of access- friending services and dementia cafes, and place to get heated so Ebenezer is now thawing and
them connected. ing support, advice and treatment for loved provides direct support through the ‘Side by chilling out in a cat basket beside the radiator in our office.’
The call follows new research that sug- ones. Side’ service. She added that the home usually caters for cats and dogs
gests as many as seven out of 10 Londoners “We know that dementia is the most For more information about the signs of but had been known to take in snakes, as well as rabbits,
would struggle to recognise signs and symp- feared illness for many people, and there is dementia, you can visit the website guinea pigs, ferrets and a tortoise, in the past.
toms that could indicate the early stages of no question that it can have a devastating www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementiasigns
4London Weekly News [email protected] Thursday, January 7th 2016
LWN
NEWS FROM HAMMERSMITH AND FULHAM
Council a cut
above rest in
tax bill table
BY JACK DIXON
[email protected] It can also claim to have cut
council tax by more since 2010/11
– a total reduction of £83.97 – than
COUNCIL tax has been cut in any other inner London borough.
Hammersmith and Fulham Announcing a one per cent cut in
more times than anywhere council tax last February, Council-
lor Stepen Cowan, Leader of Ham-
else in England over the last
mersmith and Fulham council,
20 years, new figures reveal.
said: “These are tough times for our
Residents have seen their bills residents and we wanted to put
reduced on nine occasions since
money back into their pockets, just
1996/97 – more often than any
as we said we would last May.”
other local authority in the country.
Jonathan Isaby, chief executive
The statistics were published by
of the Taxpayers’ Alliance, said that
the Taxpayers’ Alliance last week
in many parts of the country high
as part of a review of council tax
levels of council tax have been an
rates over the last two decades.
“increasing burden” on hard- nCHEERS! Hundreds of Hammersmith and Fulham’s older
And the findings make pleasant
pressed families. residents spent Christmas Day together as volunteers and
reading for people living in Ham-
He added: “The coalition gov- councillors laid on a turkey dinner with all the trimmings for
mersmith and Fulham, who have
ernment introduced grants to freeze those who would otherwise have been alone during the
seen their bills reduced in nine of
council tax which helped to ease festive period. Pensioners tucked in to a special Christmas
the last 19 years.
Despite an average increase of the pressure on taxpayers, but bills lunch at Hammersmith Town Hall, organised by the council.
58 per cent in council tax for band at many local authorities remain Hammersmith and Fulham is the only local authority in the
D residents across the country, eye-wateringly high.” country to offer a Christmas Day meal for residents. Councillor
Hammersmith and Fulham is buck- Mr Isaby added: “Now that we Sue Fennimore, the authority’s cabinet member for social
ing the trend. are facing tougher times so local inclusion, said: ‘This is a time of year when we come together
According to the figures, it is the authorities must live within taxpay- to celebrate. Unfortunately, not all of us can spend time with
only local authority area in England ers’ means by bringing down their friends or family, which is why we hold this lunch party for our
where residents now pay less coun- spending, selling assets or by using older residents. We deeply appreciate the donations of time
or materials that make this special event possible, so I would
cil tax, in real terms, than they did reserves, not by hiking council
like to thank everyone for their continued support.’
in 1996/97. tax.”
nCIVIC SALUTE: Mayor, Councillor Mercy Umeh, right, supports the seasonal occasion.

6London Weekly News [email protected] Thursday, January 7th 2016
LWN
LONDON WIDE
Bright idea
gives capital
light relief
BY GEOFF BAKER
geoff@londonweeklynews.co.uk Opie (UK), installed on Broadwick
Street, opposite Carnaby Street.
Supported by Shaftesbury PLC.
n
THE capital’s first festival of Aquarium, Benedetto Bufalino
light will soon bleach the win- (France). A defunct red phone box
ter darkness when Lumiere in Mayfair becomes a living aquar-
ium filled with goldfish. Supported
London brightens the city like
by The Grosvenor Estate.
never before. n Les Voyageurs, Cedric Le
With 3D projections, interactive Borgne (France). Le Borgne’s
installations and other extraordi- larger than life human figures will
nary light works, the free festival appear like guardian angels on and
will make the West End shine over around buildings in the St James’s
four evenings from Thursday 14 to area. In partnership with The
Sunday 17 January, switching on Crown Estate.
from 6.30 to 10.30pm.
“More than 20 international King’s Cross
artists will illuminate some of the n Joining the Dots, Clearly Con-
city’s most iconic buildings and lo- nolly (Ireland/France), a projected
cations, to present a major outdoor artwork on the German Gymna-
showcase of creativity that under- sium in King’s Cross, based on per-
pins London's status as a world ceptive psychology and developed
leading cultural destination,” said a with the contribution of local
spokesman for Mayor Boris John- school students.
son. n BinaryWaves, LAb[au] (Bel-
Transforming London’s urban gium),has its roots in the cyber-
landscape and architecture from netic art of the 1960s. Transposing
Leicester Square to Piccadilly, St the electromagnetic waves that
James’s, Carnaby Street and Ox- carry telecommunications into
ford Circus to the German Gymna- light, sound and motion across 40
sium and Granary Square at King’s undulating illuminated panels, the
Cross, the dazzling illuminations work responds to the everyday
from producers Artichoke will re- rhythms of the city.
veal some of the capital’s hidden n Circus of Light, Ocubu (Portu-
secrets and bathe London in a com- gal).A magical animation across
pletely new glow. the breadth of the iconic Granary
Since 2009 Artichoke has been Building at King’s Cross, Circus of
staging Lumiere in Durham, where Light features local residents and
its light show has been attracting passers-by.
ever-growing audiences. It has also n Litre of Light, Mick Stephenson,
exhibited in Londonderry and Por- (UK). Working with students at
tugal to much acclaim. Central St Martins, Mick Stephen-
“Artichoke is passionate about son will create a structure resem-
the possibility of light and how it bling the shanty homes, which are
can transform urban environments. illuminated using simple technol-
Lumiere London will be no differ- ogy developed by My Shelter
ent, you should prepare to be daz- Foundation’s Litre of Light cam-
zled,” said a spokesman. paign. Supported by Veolia.
Festival highlights include:
Main Plaza, Regent’s Place
West End
n
n Platonic Spin, Nathaniel Rack-
Garden of Light, TILT (France). owe (UK). Uniting the two Lumiere
TILT’s exotic garden of giant illu- London hubs, Platonic Spin strings
minated plants will bring tropical together interlocking rectangles of
summer to dark January nights in glowing wire to form the outside of
Leicester Square, one of London’s a dodecahedron, one of the funda-
premiere entertainment spots. Sup- mental three-dimensional building
ported by Heart of London Busi- blocks of the universe. Split into
nne ss Alliance. rectangles, each one lights in turn,
1.8 London, Janet Echelman creating a sense of movement and
(US), a vast billowing aerial sculp- shifting composition, which gains
ture constructed from thousands of in speed and momentum until it ap-
feet of knotted twine and sus- pears to be one single form moving
pended at Oxford Circus. The in space before all the planes are re-
sculpture is inspired by the 2011 vealed simultaneously. Supported
nJa panese Tsunami. by British Land and Regent’s nLET THERE BE LIGHT: The stunning displays created elsewhere in the UK by London Lumiere organisers Artichoke.
Shaida Walking 2015 by Julian Place.
‘Massive’ police appeal delivers hundreds of presents to foster children
A CHRISTMAS campaign to de- volunteer cadets worked with staff and Detective Superintendent Paul The Met Police’s annual cam- erosity and Christmas spirit that
liver presents to foster children in at Hammersmith and Fulham coun- Jervis joined several other guests at paign aims to ensure that every everyone has shown,” she said.
Hammersmith and Fulham has cil to collect and wrap the presents, Hammersmith Town Hall on looked-after child under the age of “There were donations not just
been hailed a huge success. before handing them over to the Wednesday December 23rd to pres- 18 receives a Christmas present. from the police and the council but
Almost 200 gifts were gener- children. A total of 194 gifts were ent the gifts during a special cere- PC Joanne Duffy, youth engage- members of the public –from the
ously donated to the Met Police ap- donated from across the borough – mony. ment co-ordinator at Hammersmith borough and beyond. We have even
peal and wrapped up in time for more than double the number col- Cllr Umeh said: “It really is an and Fulham Police, said it had been had donations from a local school.
youngsters to open them on Christ- lected for last year’s appeal. amazing achievement. Well done to a “massive achievement” to co-or- Now every single looked-after
mas morning. The Mayor of Hammersmith and everyone who has worked so hard dinate this year’s appeal. child in Hammersmith and Fulham nPRAISE: Cllr
Mercy Umeh.
The borough’s police team and Fulham, Councillor Mercy Umeh, on this project.” “I am overwhelmed by the gen- gets a present this year.”
Thursday, January 7th 2016 [email protected] London Weekly News 7
LWN
LONDON WIDE
Amazon adventure excites students at West London’s university
STUDENTS and staff at the Uni- students and staff. UWL was the through technical demos. The gorithm for Large-scale Social
versity of West London’s School first university in the UK to run event also gave students a fantas- Networks, aims to design and
of Computing and Engineering an AWS workshop on campus. tic opportunity to meet with the implement a tool to analyse be-
are starting to reap the benefits of The event offered staff, students, Amazon careers team to discuss haviour in a large-scale social
a unique partnership with inter- IT professionals and enthusiasts job opportunities. network.
net trading giant Amazon. eager to enhance their knowl- The company has also The university and Amazon
The university started working edge of cloud computing the op- awarded the Amazon Research are exploring opportunities for
with the Amazon Web Services portunity to obtain first-hand Grant of 10,000 dollars to Asso- further collaboration in course
(AWS) Educate programme in training in the AWS Cloud. ciate Professor Wei Jie. The grant development, joint teaching, in-
June last year, one of the first The workshop provided a is part of a worldwide research ternships and placements.
higher education institutions in step-by-step introduction to core funding program giving recipi- Professor Amir Alani, Head of
the country to do so. AWS services in computing, ents the opportunity to use Ama- the School of Computing and
This collaboration has already storage, databases and network- zon’s cloud computing resources Technology, said: “The collabo-
brought great benefits to the uni- ing, with presenters explaining to conduct cutting-edge research. ration between Amazon and the
versity through Amazon experts key features, using case studies, Dr Wei Jie’s project, A Self-orga- School of Computing and Engi- nPIONEER: The University of West London is enjoying its
sharing their knowledge with sharing best practice and walking nizing Community Detection Al- neering is a very exciting one.” partnership with web retail giant Amazon.
Symbol of freedom
defies the terrorists
BY GEOFF BAKER
geoff@londonweeklynews.co.uk
A GIANT symbol of defi-
ance against Islamist ji-
hadists is to be built in
Trafalgar Square.
The 50ft replica of an an-
cient stone arch in Syria be-
lieved to have survived an Isis
bombing campaign will stand
as a monument to a free world
when it is erected in April to
coincide with World Heritage
Week.
The original 2,000-year-old
archway may be all that re-
mains of the Temple of Bel in
the city of Palmyra, which was
nDEFIANT: An artist’s impression of the iconic stone arch.
all but levelled by the terror
group last summer.
Now the Oxford-based Insti- in Palmyra’s ancient Baal IDA executive director
tute of Digital Archaeology is Shamin temple, the United Na- Roger Michel, said the replica
planning to build a lightweight tions released satellite images arch, which will stand in front
replica in the shadow of Nel- confirming that the organiza- of the National Gallery, “is re-
son’s Column. tion had also reduced the Tem- ally a political statement, a call
In August 2015, Isis exe- ple of Bel to rubble. to action, to draw attention to
cuted Khaled al-Asaad, an 82- Only the perimeter wall and what is happening in Syria and
year-old archaeologist who had the entrance arch, badly dam- Iraq and now Libya.”
tended the ancient ruins of aged, were left standing. The “We are saying to them ‘if
Palmyra for 40 years. Accord- United Nations Educational, you destroy something we can
ing to Syria’s antiquities chief, Scientific and Cultural Organi- rebuild it again.’ The symbolic
Maamoun Abdulkarim, al- zation, which had named value of these sites is enor-
Asaad was beheaded and his Palmyra a World Heritage Site, mous.”
body was hung in public. called the temple’s destruction Another replica of the arch
Later that month, a week “an intolerable crime against will be erected in New York’s
after Isis detonated explosives civilization”. Times Square.
Free rides follow Oyster card blip
PASSENGERS using London’s About 100,000 free journeys
transport network last weekend are believed to have been made
travelled for free after a techni- between 4am and 10am, which
cal glitch meant they were un- TfL estimated to be worth about
able to use their Oyster cards. £250,000 in lost revenue.
Experts explained that a card A spokesman told the BBC:
reader fault affected buses and “Customers should now touch
Tube stations earlier. Passengers in and out as normal.
were waved through barriers “Anyone charged a maxi-
free of charge by Transport for mum fare due to this issue will
London staff. get an automatic refund credited
But Saturday’s failure, report- to their Oyster card early next
edly connected with a fare in- week. We apologise for this dis-
crease, did not prevent people ruption.”
using the Tube, bus and rail net- People using pay-as-you-go
works. Oyster cards were able to travel
TfL said the problem, which for free while the card readers
began at 4.30am, was later re- were down as the machines
solved. were unable to deduct the cor-
TfL said it was the first such rect fare from the pre-paid
problem with the card readers in cards.
nJUST THE TICKET: Oyster
10 years and the glitch was Season ticket Oyster card
card users were handed a
linked to a 1.1 per cent increase users were unaffected as travel
welcome New Year present.
in fares overnight. is not paid per journey.
8London Weekly News [email protected] Thursday, January 7th 2016
LWN
LONDON WIDE
Authors on n
Akhil Sharma: Family Life
(Faber & Faber, UK)
n
Anuradha Roy: Sleeping on
Jupiter(Hachette, India)
n
write lines K.R. Meera: Hang Woman
(Translated by J Devika; Pen-
guin, India)
n
Mirza Waheed: The Book of
Gold Leaves (Viking/Penguin
for top prize India)
n
Neel Mukherjee: The Lives of
Others (Vintage/Penguin Ran-
dom House, UK)
n
Raj Kamal Jha: She Will Build
Him A City (Bloomsbury, India)
The DSC Prize for South
BY GEOFF BAKER ety especially the undertones of Asian Literature prides itself on
geoff@londonweeklynews.co.uk poverty, illiteracy and dispropor- a thorough and transparent judg-
tionate wealth. ing process and is modelled on
ONE of two London writers Sir Mark Tully, the former global best practices. The jury
BBC news veteran and chairman panel is made up of eminent fig-
could be £33,000 better off
of the jury panel that selected the ures who have all worked in or
next week when the winner shortlist, said: “We have had to around South Asia and under-
of the DSC Prize for South make difficult decisions because stand the fabric of the society
Asian Literature is revealed. all the books on the very varied needed to best judge the narra-
On the shortlist of six writers long-list could qualify for the tive around the texts.
contending for the best South shortlist. Sir Mark said: “I am particu-
Asian fiction are Mirza Waheed “Our final list still reflects the larly glad that a translation from
for The Book of Gold Leaves. variety and vigour of South a South Asian language into Eng-
Mirza Waheed’s debut novel, Asian fiction writing and writing lish is included in the shortlist.”
The Collaborator, was an inter- about South Asia. One of the Another highlight of the prize
national bestseller and was book most striking features of the list is that writing in regional lan-
of the year for The Daily Tele- is the quality of writing. The guages is highly encouraged and
graph, New Statesman and Fi- novels are also remarkable for the prize money is equally shared
nancial Times. their realism and for the way between the author and the trans-
Also shortlisted is Neel they convey atmosphere.” lator in case a translated entry
Mukherjee for The Lives of Oth- The winner will be announced wins. This works as a great im-
ers. His first novel, A Life Apart, at the Galle Literary Festival in petus for regional writers who
won the Vodafone-Crossword Sri Lanka on January 16. often struggle to gain visibility
Award in India and the Writers’ Sir Mark was bureau chief of on international shores.
Guild of Great Britain Award for the BBC in New Delhi, is a his- Speaking about the shortlist,
best fiction. torian and also wrote books on Surina Narula, MBE and co-
The South Asian Literature the Gandhis, Mother Theresa, founder of the DSC Prize, said:
prize was co-founded by London Operation Blue Star (the assassi- “Once again we have seen some
entrepreneur Surina Narula nation of Indhira Gandhi). of the world’s greatest authors
MBE. Her work in South Asia The DSC Prize for South recognised for their fantastic
gave her first-hand experience of Asian Literature 2016 shortlist contributions to the genre of
the working of South Asian soci- comprises: South Asian literature.”
THE WATERMILL
RESTAURANT & GRILL
SUNDAY CARVERY
OPEN MIDDAY TIL 6PM
£6.95
ONLY AFTER 5PM
(BOOKINGS ONLY) nSHORTLISTED! Neel Mukherjee, pictured top of
the page, is the author of The Lives of Others,
while Mirza Waheed, inset above, features in the
shortlist for The Book of Gold Leaves
THE WATERMILL RESTAURANT, MERTON Main picture: www.djh-graphics.com
ABBEY MILLS, LONDON SW19 2RD
Happy birthday, Heathrow
HEATHROW Airport marked a with the first passengers flying is a significant milestone which
major milestone on New Year’s from the airport in May. Keith marks the incredible transfor-
Day –the 70th anniversary of it Haywood, 87, who has worked mation of Heathrow. It has
becoming a commercial air- at the airport for over 70 years come a long way from being a
port. and remembers pushing one of military airfield to a national
While the then newly named the first flights back, told re- asset which is now a globally
London Airport was officially poprters: “I feel very privileged recognised brand.
opened on May 31, 1946, it to have seen Heathrow develop “I am very proud to be a part
was on January 1, 1946 that the and grow from its first day in of ‘Team Heathrow’ and the
site – which was originally 1946.” 75,000 colleagues helping to
built for military use during the The airport will officially make every passenger’s jour-
Second World War – was celebrate its 70th birthday on ney better. I’m looking forward
handed over to the Minister of May 31 but a number of impor- to celebrating the history of this
Civil Aviation. tant anniversary moments will amazing airport this year but
The first commercial flight be recognised by colleagues, I’m also looking forward to the
to leave on that day was a passengers and the local com- next 70 years as Heathrow aims
British South American Air- munity throughout the year. to be the best connected and
lines Lancastrian ‘Star Light’ Heathrow chief executive most environmentally responsi-
which flew to Buenos Aires, John Holland Kaye said: “This ble airport in the world.”
Thursday, January 7th 2016 [email protected] London Weekly News 9
LWN
LONDON WIDE
Chelsea girl sets sail for show
BY GEOFF BAKER
geoff@londonweeklynews.co.uk Factfile
nThe show celebrates its
TELEVISION’S Made In 62nd event this year
Chelseastar Lucy Watson nThere will be more than
400 brands on show
will open the 62nd annual
nNew brands for 2016 –
London Boat Show on Fri- Suzuki, Adidas Sailing,
day, January 8. Four Winns, Monterey
The television idol, model Boats, Seago Yachting,
and avid sailor, will open the Jimmy Green Marine, IMP,
Lewmar, Rodman, Arthur
10-day Show at ExCeL Lon-
Beale, RNLI and Marathon
don, launching the 2016 boat- Leisure
ing calendar in glitzy style. nThere will be nearly 400
Thousands of boats and boats on show
brands will be showcased at the nThe London Boat Show
event all from leading British takes place from Friday 8
and international companies. January – Sunday 17
Exhibitors will range from January, with Public
Preview Day and Late
world-class boat builders
Night Thursday (14
through to fashion, travel oper- January closes at 8pm).
ators and watersports compa- nAdult tickets start at
nies. just £15 in advance, with
“As a firm fixture of the two children aged 15 and
London social scene and a fan under going free with
of all kinds of activity on the every adult ticket
water, often joining the Made nFor show ticket
in Chelsea cast on the deck of a information please visit
www.londonboatshow.com
luxury powerboat, Lucy is the
nShow organisers say
perfect fit for the Show,” said a that boating is affordable
spokesman for the 10-day for everyone – the
show, which will play host to London Boat Show will
over 300 of the most presti- have boats that range
gious marine brands in a space from just £300 right up to
spread across a space the size £4.5million luxury yachts.
of six full-sized football There will also be clothing
and holidays available.
pitches.
Visitors to the Land Rover nMADE IN HEAVEN: Lucy
BAR stand (A001) will get the Watson will open the
chance to meet the team behind London Boat Show.
Britain’s challenge for the 35th
America’s Cup next year.
Visitors will also be able to Showcasing technologies and
trial the next development of innovations straight out of the
the Land Rover BAR’s 3D sail- team’s HQ, visitors will be able
ing experience. The innovative to learn and interact with the in-
adventure starts with each vir- novations behind the bid to
tual sailor at the helm, control- bring the Cup home.”
ling their own AC45 and Other boat show attractions
getting a personalised image of experience, a power grinder will include a Mediterranean
them ‘flying’ the foiling cata- competition and team members Bay with waterfront cafés and
maran. from both the design and sail- a specially built pool hosting
For the first time visitors can ing teams will be on the stand live demonstrations. There will
also discover the stand’s ‘pit at various times during the also be hundreds of boats to
wall’ display, which will show- show.” climb aboard, a 60’s Revival
case how the Land Rover BAR Murray Ellis, Managing Di- showcasing boating highlights
Systems and Analysis team re- rector at British Marine Boat from the era, and themed dis-
view data from the testing Shows, said: “As the British cussions led by industry experts
boats, just like a Formula 1 race Challenger for the 35th Amer- in the London Boat Show The-
team on the pit lane. ica’s Cup, Land Rover BAR atre.
Commenting on plans for the has inspired a nation. We will Lucy Watson will be at the
show, Land Rover BAR’s Head be offering visitors to the Lon- show on the morning of Janu-
of Communications and don Boat Show an exclusive ary 8 to welcome the first ar-
Events, Jo Grindly, said: “We’ll opportunity to delve into the rivals, with an official opening
be bringing a new 3D sailing world of the America’s Cup. and ribbon-cutting at 11am.
River crossing inquiry date
A MINI public inquiry into the interested parties will be in- take place at Westminster City
Nine Elms Bridge river cross- vited to attend and give evi- Hall. It is only proposed to last
ing plan will be staged by West- dence. for the one evening but officials
minster City Council later this In a letter to Wandsworth have indicated that the inquiry
month. Council leader Cllr Ravi could be extended to another
The announcement comes Govindia, environment com- day if all the questions raised
after a petition signed by 1,500 mittee chairman Cllr Ian have not been answered during
people was handed to council- Adams wrote: “We would very the meeting.
lors at a full council meeting on much appreciate the attendance Over the past year Westmin-
November 11 last year. of representatives from the ster Council has expressed a se-
The hearing will be held at London Borough of ries of reservations over the
an environment committee Wandsworth, in order to hear river crossing plans. It culmi-
meeting on January 18. from a range of witnesses with nated in calls from some quar-
Members from Wandsworth knowledge of the proposals.” ters for the idea to be scrapped
Council, which is behind the The inquiry will examine the altogether.
plans for the pedestrian and potential design of the crossing, A competition to find a de-
cycle crossing from Battersea its location and the consultation sign for the bridge was whittled
to Pimlico in Westminster, process. down from 74 entries to four in
Transport for London and other The meeting is scheduled to July last year.
10London Weekly News [email protected] Thursday, January 7th 2016
LWN
LONDON’S SECRET WORLD OF WILDLIFE
Some of the greatest
sights of London are found
not just at its landmarks,
palaces, galleries and
shops – but in the
wonderland of the Royal
Parks and its wildlife.
More than 4,000 species of
animals make their homes
in the 5,000 acres that
total Hyde Park,
Kensington Gardens,
Richmond Park, Bushy
Park, St James’s Park,
The Green Park,
Greenwich Park and The
Regent’s Park.
The land that was
originally owned by the
monarchy has become free
public parks for 165 years
and no walk along the 68
miles of paths, beside the
21 lakes and pools and
among the 170,000 trees
is ever without some
special sighting.
We sent award-winning
wildlife photographer
Richard Austin to capture
the animal magic that
every year enchants
millions and inspires awe
at the natural glory
hidden inside the world’s
greatest city.
His pictures tell the story
better than words can
match.
nEYES DOWN: A community of coots busy themselves on the water in the Royal Parks, prtoviding a fascinating sideshow for walkers.
nLONDON’S BACK GARDEN: A crow decides to eat out, above, while squirrels keep an eye on proceedings and great white pelicans entertain.