South London News

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) has launched a free smartphone app, to improve accessibility for blind and partially sighted passengers.

Starting today, in collaboration with Sight Loss Councils, GTR will offer free access to the Aira Explorer guidance app to all 236 of its Southern, Thameslink-managed stations and Great Northern stations.

Dave Smith, Sight Loss Council Engagement Manager for Thomas Pocklington Trust, said: “It’s great that GTR have made the decision to roll out Aira Explorer at all their stations.

Let’s celebrate South London’s finest, Naomi Campbell, who has been awarded a top fashion gong!

The supermodel, from Streatham, was awarded her Arts Et Des Lettres at the Ministry of Culture in Paris.

Speaking at the event, mum-of-two Naomi said: “To my family, you are my foundation and I thank you for your unwavering support.

“I’ve also made a chosen family in this business of fashion, where some would say that we’re very fickle. I can tell you that’s not true.

Transport for London is holding a drop-in session to allow bus passengers to hear its proposals to scrap a route through South London and merge it with another to ‘simplify’ services for passengers.

A public consultation opened last month, asking Londoners for their views on three routes that travel between Elephant & Castle, Camberwell, Brixton, Clapham Park, Streatham and Morden. The routes affected are the 45, 59 and 118 with the latter set for the chop.

Lambeth’s best and brightest businesses were revealed at an awards ceremony last night that was packed out by more than 100 of residents.

More than 150 people gathered at the Kia Oval in Kennington, for the inaugural BeLambeth Awards to celebrate achievements in skills and employment across Lambeth.

Categories recognised a wide range of contributions, from outstanding volunteers to championing diversity and inclusion and recognising innovative projects driving social change.

Rail passengers in South London are being urged to plan ahead as Network Rail brings an upgraded signalling system online over seven days this October half-term.

No trains will run on parts of the National Rail and London Overground networks for seven days from October 26, to November 1 – half term week.

During the seven-day closure, Thameslink passengers travelling between Herne Hill, Wimbledon and Sutton are advised to use London buses or alternative National Rail, London Trams or London Underground routes.

A community-owned solar scheme has taken the top prize for sustainability at this year’s National Rail Awards – the railway’s very own Oscars.

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) and the Community Benefit Society Energy Garden won the Environmental Excellence Award for a scheme which aims to transform energy generation on the UK’s railways.

Energy Garden covers GTR’s railway depot roofs with community-owned solar panels at Streatham Hill in Drewstead Road, Selhurst in Croydon as well as Bedford Cauldwell Walk in Bedford, and Three Bridges in West Sussex.

BY CHRISTOPHER BEAL

Streatham got ready to defend their NIHL 1 South League title with a pair of victories over the Slough Jets last weekend – winning both games 4-3.

Sunday’s match at the High Road saw a short-benched RedHawks push the game to overtime.

Saturday’s success at Slough saw Streatham pull into a two-goal lead early on at the Hangar. Jared Lane netted two minutes in before coach Ben Paynter led the way with a second goal on the breakaway after six minutes.

Rail passengers in South London asked to plan ahead as Network Rail brings an upgraded signalling system online over seven days this October half-term.

Upgrade work will mean that no trains will run on parts of the National Rail and London Overground networks for seven days from Saturday, October 26, to Friday, November 1 (half-term week).

The upgrades, taking place between Crystal Palace, Tulse Hill and Peckham Rye, are part of a £400 million programme of investment in track and signalling upgrades that Network Rail is delivering in South London.

Celebrate the end of summer with treats and entertainment at this special Caribbean tea party, whilst contributing to a good cause.

Mr Alex Hairdressing Foundation will host a fundraising event, The End of Summer Caribbean Tea Party, on September 29, at The Woodlawns Center, in Leigham Court Road, Streatham.

This vibrant event promises an afternoon of Caribbean-inspired delights, all in support of the charity’s work with aspiring students in the hairdressing industry who need assistance with course fees and equipment.

With everything from blockbusters to documentaries, the Streatham Free Film Festival is back for its ninth year.

No fewer than 23 films are available for a range of audiences from September 14 to 28, all free to watch and completely volunteer powered.

The festival will open with an outdoor screening of Wonka on September 14.

The Free Film festival boasts blockbusters such as Oscar winning Barbie – for which dress-up is encouraged – a 30th anniversary screening of Leon, big hits such as Monster’s Inc, and the quirky Marcel The Shell With Shoes On.