Denmark Hill station: new entrance showcases Camberwell identity and culture
| Fantastic response to New Entrance for Denmark Hill New entrance and major improvements offer greener journeys for passengers, and better access for patients and staff to the Maudsley and King’s College Hospitals Improvements unveiled by local Sandi Toksvig include a range of new art and design elements to reflect Camberwell’s unique, vibrant identity.  The station now boasts more comfortable waiting facilities, sheltered platforms, better lighting powered by solar energy, and a brand new 85-space cycle hub, in the new £7.5m extension. It’s the first carbon positive upgrade of its kind at a station in Europe. And visitors can also enjoy Camberwell identity and culture as part of their journey experience. The entrance was officially opened by Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris, who was joined by local resident, writer, broadcaster and campaigner Sandi Toksvig, representatives from Network Rail, GTR, SE5 Forum, the Camberwell Society, Camberwell Identity Group, Kings College and Maudsley NHS hospitals. Network Rail designed the new entrance walkway to include a plinth for artist Godfried Donkor’s public art, commissioned by the Camberwell Society. Godfried says: “This sculpture is dedicated to the pandemic frontline workers. It carries the theme “Health and Wellbeing” and offers a new take on the traditional adinkra symbolism of Ghana, which are like emojis yet created hundreds of years earlier.” Etched on the windows is a poem by Una Marson, former Camberwell resident:“The test of true culture is the ability to move among men, East or West, North of South, with ease and confidence, radiating the pure light of a kindly humanity”.Local actor, Daniella Arthur-Kennedy of Theatre Peckham, who read the poem, says: “Una Marson was a Jamaican feminist, activist and writer, who inspired so many through her writing and character. She was the first black woman programme maker to be employed by the BBC and showed true commitment despite facing inequalities and injustice.” Listen to the poem being read hereOther elements include a wall tiled in the ‘Camberwell Brick’, in the palette of colours drawn from local greenery, architecture, water and sky. Designed by local design consultancy Studio Sutherland, the brick was inspired by the well in Camberwell’s name, history and coat of arms. Kelly Blaney, Chair of the Camberwell Identity Group, says: “We have been working closely with Network Rail and, through community consultations. The new art and design elements have created a unique identity for our station.”MORE: Read Network Rail’s press release – New and Improved Denmark Hill Station delivers first carbon positive upgrade on rail network See our Twitter page for more photos and videos posted. The Camberwell Identity group is a project by SE5 Forum, Camberwell Society and Camberwell Arts with the local community and businesses. Camberwell Talks – join our first event on Monday 6 September Don’t forget the first in our series of entertaining talks by interesting locals – Camberwell Talks: The Vibrant Voices of SE5 with writer and filmmaker ‘The Mumper’ Mark Baxter on Monday 6 September at The Camberwell Arms 7pm. £10/£7 concessions. The ticket includes a free drink and raffle ticket. Tickets are going fast but we hope to reserve a few for any last-minute turn-ups on the door! Buy your Camberwell Talks tickets on Eventbrite here  Camberwell Talks at The Camberwell Arms, 65 Camberwell Church Street, SE5 8TR Ruskin Park Paddling Pool Fundraiser Ruskin Park’s much-loved paddling pool needs a big refurbishment by spring 2022. The total cost of the works is expected to be approximately £75,000. Friends of Ruskin Park hope to raise at least £15,000 of this from donations – with the remainder coming from Lambeth Council, previous fundraising, grant applications and a generous £10,000 donation from Urban Village. So far £4,800 of the £15,000 has been raised on the GoFundMe page – please consider donating to keep this vital water play for local little ones and families. Find out more and donate here St Giles’ Clock Restoration Fund Open Day The Friends of St Giles’ Church are organising an open afternoon Saturday 18 September 1-4pm to help raise funds towards a £30,000 restoration of its historic clock. Under the umbrella of the National Trust Open Heritage Days, St Giles’ Church will be open to all, including the tower with its great views. A team of bellringers will be on hand to answer questions. The ringing chamber also houses the pendulum of the church clock. Ashley Valentine, the Director of Music, will bring a musical interlude, and there will also be book and bric a brac stalls, cake and refreshments. Please support the church with your visit and if anyone would like to donate books, bric a brac or cakes, they can be delivered to the church the day before or collected via Alec Gray on 07494 089114. St Giles’ Clock background: The tower clock at St Giles’ church was commissioned by the then vicar and churchwardens to be a benefit to the local community when the church was rebuilt but it has not worked for a long time. The clock was built in 1844 by E.J. Dent, who subsequently made Big Ben in 1859. The St Giles’ clock is the earliest example of a turret clock bearing the Dent name and is the only remaining double-framed clock manufactured by them in its original condition. Covid-19 Update Where to find the latest information on vaccination, testing, support when self-isolating and restrictions: In Lambeth: Coronavirus (Covid-19) public health advice and current restrictions | Lambeth Council In Southwark: Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Southwark Council In South East London Boroughs, including Lambeth and Southwark: COVID-19 – South East London CCG (selondonccg.nhs.uk) and for the latest vaccination pop-up clinics click here Government: Coronavirus (COVID-19) – NHS (www.nhs.uk) Best wishes, SE5 Forum for Camberwell admin@se5forum.org.uk www.se5forum.org.uk Don’t forget you can follow us on Twitter @SE5Forum or Facebook to find out what is happening in Camberwell! |