A study by the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) found that Lewisham was one of three boroughs that topped the payday loan borrowing league table in 2012. Introduction Research conducted for debt charity CCCS by the Financial Inclusion Centre at the beginning of 2012 identified London as the most over-indebted region in Great Britain, uncovering a ‘tale of two … [Read more...]
Lewisham raised author Malorie Blackman named Britain’s Children’s Laureate
Lewisham raised author Malorie Blackman, OBE, was named Britain's Children's Laureate this week. A former scriptwriter for TV drama Byker Grove, she is the author of more than 60 books for children and teenagers, including Hacker, Cloud-Busting, Thief! and Pig-Heart Boy. Blackman, whose books tackle issues including racism and ethnic identity will use the role to get "more … [Read more...]
£20 million leisure centre opens in Lewisham
Glass Mill, Lewisham’s £20 million flagship leisure centre located on Loampit Vale, will open to the public on Monday 10 June. Glass Mill was built as a replacement for Ladywell Leisure Centre, which will close after Sunday 9 June. The new centre will offer a range of the most up-to-date facilities and equipment. As well as a regional competition-standard 8-lane swimming … [Read more...]
Catford Central semi retirement
I am semi-retiring the blog. What that means is I will no longer actively seek news to post here. However, if you have news to share I will add it here. 2011 was a year for activism and protests around the globe, Tunisia, Egypt, Wall Street, London. Lewisham borough suffered like other boroughs during the August riots. Last year Time magazine’s coveted Person of the Year … [Read more...]
Boundary reviews – effects on Catford and Lewisham
The Boundary Commission for England is an independent and impartial non-departmental public body which is responsible for reviewing Parliamentary constituency boundaries in England. They are tasked with periodically reviewing the boundaries of all the Parliamentary constituencies in England. They are currently conducting a review on the basis of new rules laid down by … [Read more...]
New scheme offers free condoms
A new Condom Card scheme will be launched at Lewisham People's day on 9 July. In a bid to to cut teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases young people under 25 will be able to pick up free condoms from community health clinics, schools, colleges, youth clubs and libraries. Early Intervention Lewisham announced in February that rates of teenage pregnancy in the … [Read more...]
Police issue internet classified ads warning
Take care when responding to internet classified adds. That is the warning issued by Lewisham Police following an incident that occurred on 19 April. An unsuspecting victim responded to an add on Gumtree.com to buy a moped and arranged to meet the seller, he was assaulted and robbed by two men as a result. Lewisham Police along with their partners remind people of the … [Read more...]
Performed readings of short plays by Lewisham over 25s
New Vision Theatre is currently delivering an introduction to playwriting course in Lewisham. Budding playwrights have been chosen, and will be writing short scripts, a selection of which will be shared in a festival called Opening Sequence at The Albany, on Tuesdays 5th, 12th and 19th April 2011. Tickets £5. Find out more at the New Vision Theatre website … [Read more...]
Don’t disconnect our Connexions
Connexions and Opening Doors will close down due to Lewisham Council budget cuts. As reported here Lewisham has the highest level of youth unemployment in the UK. You can join the march to protest against the closures on 18 March at 4pm. Connexions Lewisham (209-211 Lewisham High Street SE13 6LY) The following is from Connexions leaflet: It is outrageous that at the … [Read more...]
Don’t miss your chance to vote on the 5 May referendum
Lewisham Council is calling on residents to make sure they can vote in the forthcoming UK referendum on the voting system, which takes place on Thursday 5 May. To vote in the referendum, people need to be on the electoral register and either a British or qualifying Commonwealth citizen, or a citizen of the Irish Republic. Residents need to by 14 April if they are to … [Read more...]