SW4 AND FINALLY...PEOPLE AND PLACES SAVING CLAPHAM LIBRARY F


ighting to keep Clapham Library’s building open as an arts venue following it forthcoming closure, Omnibus are a voluntary group of like-minded individuals passionate to bring the arts to neighbourhood.“Our aim is to transform the library building in Old Town, so it thrives as a space used by all the community,” George Owen, chairman explains. “We want to refurbish and conserve this much-loved building, to provide Clapham with an exciting and active new resource for the arts.” The non-profit organisation is encouraging


Clapham locals to get involved with the campaign to transform the library into an arts hub and is seeking volunteers. The group is available every Saturday with a stall at Venn Street Market where locals can sign up and also meet members of Omnibus. All skills are welcome and volunteers can offer their time in any capacity. To get involved, locals can sign up by visiting the website where they can also join the mailing list to receive regular campaign updates. Existing local partners and supporters of Omnibus include arts and community groups, schools and colleges along with professional artists and designers. Committed to raising the £1million needed to fund the arts centre, Omnibus are also seeking public donations and major support. George highlights: “We need help spreading the word, promoting shows and applying to trusts and foundations for funding. We also need some administration and project management support. There are lots of opportunities for you to help us by getting involved part-time, full-time or just occasionally.”


Not only working tirelessly by campaigning


to raise awareness, in September Omnibus launched a three-month programme of fundraising events at the library. These events are a reflection of the type of arts


30 ı THE SW4 MAGAZINE


provision that the arts centre will bring to the community. Festive events include on 2 December Moonfleet Trio performing an exciting programme of chamber music and on 14 December the Clapham Chamber Concerts Choir are hosting a Carol Concert. Made up of Clapham locals, Omnibus formed in 2007 as partner to Lambeth Council as part of its Future Clapham initiative to help improve the cultural provision in Clapham. When Lambeth dropped their community asset transfer plans for the library building to be retained for some community use following its forthcoming closure. They then announced plans to sell or lease the building due to public budget cuts. Yet, Omnibus is keen to preserve Clapham’s cultural heritage by transforming the library into creative arts hub for all the community. The group is also asking locals to sign its online petition due to be presented to Lambeth Council and local MPs. Omnibus is keen to hear the local community’s views and suggestions on their vision for the arts hub, which can be included by completing the short online survey. Omnibus described their role as the trustees to develop the building. They have taken on the job of recruiting a management team for the arts centre and fundraising for its development. The group is presently working to deliver a business plan demonstrating how the arts centre will be operated. George says: “This is a major opportunity for this building, which has been a community asset for over a century to have a brand new lease of life as a venue for arts activities. It is important that we grab hold of this opportunity as a community and come together to create an arts centre that benefits us all.”


To join the mailing list and receive regular campaign updates email info@omnibus- clapham.org or for further information visit www. omnibus-clapham.org Festive events 2 December 2011 Moonfleet Trio, 15 December 2011, Clapham Chamber Concerts, A Carol Concert. For ticket bookings and further information please visit www.omnibus- clapham.org


HANDY LOCAL NEIGHBOURHOOD DIRECTORY


USEFUL PLACES TO KNOW


CHEMISTS Pearl Pharmacy, 31 Clapham High Street: 0207 622 3147


Orbis Pharmacy, 148 Clapham High Street: 0207 622 9020


LATE NIGHT CHEMISTS Boots, 174-180 Clapham High Street: 0207 622 1519


Westbury’s, 86-92 Streatham High Road, SW16 1BS: 020 8769 1919 (midnight closing)


DENTIST


Jasmine Dental Studios, 140 Clapham Park Road: 0207 627 5202 GENERAL HEALTH


The Manor Health Centre, 86 Clapham Manor Street: 0207 411 6866 or 0207 411 6877


The Clapham Family Practice, 78 Clapham High Street SW4 7UL: 0207 622 4455


HOUSEHOLD Shoe repairs, Key cutting, Drycleaners and clothing alterations, 78 Clapham High Street SW4 7UL: 07932 030 856


Community Safety division, Lambeth Council: 0207 926 2733


Clapham Town Safer Neighbourhood Team: 0208 721 2825


Emergency Police, Fire or Ambulance: 999 or 112 or textphone: 18000


Police non-emergency: 0300 123 1212


National Gas Service Emergency: 0800 111 999


Electricity EDF Energy (London): 0800 028 0247


NHS Direct: 0845 46 47 or textphone: 0854 606 4647 King’s College Hospital: 0203 299 9000


Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital: 0207 188 7188


NHS Walk in Centre (Tooting): 0208 700 0505


London Borough of Lambeth Noise Control: 0207 926 06111 Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111 Victim Support Line: 0845 303 0900 Carers Direct: 0808 802 0202


Disabled Living Foundation Help Line: 0845 130 9177 Cruse Bereavement Care: 0844 477 9400 Missing People: 0500 700 700 Parentline Plus: 080 800 2222


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