New Cross Songwriters Circle

The indefatigable Martin Howard is doing more than most in keeping the flame of acoustic live music going in SE London, promoting the long running Acoustic Anarchy nights at waterintobeer in Brockley, helping with Deptford Folk at the Endeavour bar and in the latest move putting on a monthly night upstairs at the Shirkers Rest SE14. The New Cross Songwriters Circle, on the first Sunday of the month, aims to showcase people's own songs. I went along for the July session and caught the great Magic City Trio. Next one is on August 3rd with Chris, Lou and Leo (who are really good), Neil Gordon-Orr and Martin himself.

 

The Torch of Anarchy: 1890s meetings in Southwark Park

The Torch - sometimes known as The Torch of Anarchy - was an 1890s anarchist communist journal started by Olivia, Arthur and Helen Rossetti,  three young siblings from an artistic family (the artist Dante Gabriel Rossetti was their uncle and the poet Christina Rossetti their aunt)

An issue from 1895 (April 18th) mentions that 'An Anarchist-Communist Group is being formed in Bermondsey' with open air meetings to 'be held in Southwark Park every Sunday morning at 11 am'. The contact give is C. Freestone, 5 Brandon Street, Bermondsey New Road'

A subsequent issue (18 July 1895) lists 'Anarchist Open-Air Propaganda' meetings in Southwark Park, Deptford Broadway and other London paces. The Torch is listed at being available from Devenny, 108 New Kent Road.

'Indoor Lectures' were also advertised at Deptford Workingmen's Educational Club, held at Smith's Cocoa Rooms, Deptford Bridge as well as at Liberty Hall in Wimbledon (Torch, 18 October 1895), 

See also: Bermondsey Socialist Club in the 1890s

 

Music Monday: Kae Tempest 'Sunshine on Catford

Loving the new Kae Tempest album, Self-Titled, from a transpontine perspective the track 'Sunshine on Catford' in particular, which features Neil Tennant of the Pet Shop Boys.