SoWN News April 2026
- 1 day ago
- 7 min read
Welcome to the latest South Bank and Waterloo Neighbours newsletter. This edition brings together community voices, local updates and cultural highlights from across the neighbourhood.
Inside this issue:
Key takeaways from the March SoWN Forum and Monday’s Local Election hustings
London Eye Community Chest Grants 2024-25 - Evaluation Report
Waterloo Library moves to Wootton Street
Update from South Bank and Waterloo Sustains Us and Lambeth Council
Reimagining the River - part of Rivers of Life Festival, 18 April to 22 May
Backstage Cafe & Bar at the Old Vic
Spotlight on... Patrick Morrison from Future Goose
Key takeaways from the March SoWN Forum and Monday’s Local Election hustings
Big thanks to Rambert for hosting the SoWN Forum in March and to many of you for coming along.
Superintendent Mark Gallacher of the Lambeth Safer Neighbourhood team Metropolitan Police acknowledged the failings of police planning and support for the Unite the Kingdom march in September 2025.
Supt. Gallacher confirmed that the police are planning for the Unite the Kingdom march in London on 16 May 2026. Supt. Gallacher said that, while Stamford Street is unlikely to be the muster point again, protestors are likely to travel through Waterloo and be present in and around Westminster and Westminster Bridge. Supt. Gallacher will make sure information is shared in advance and will return to the SoWN Forum when requested to speak about this or other matters.
Supt. Gallacher asked businesses in the area, particularly hotels, to let them know if they see an increase in bookings on that date as this data can help the police estimate numbers and plan accordingly. Supt. Gallacher also encouraged everyone to register with Met Engage for news and updates for this area.
Giles Goddard spoke about the Rivers of Life festival (18 April to 22 May). The festival explores the sacred importance of rivers through a diverse programme of worship, art, and reflection. Everyone is welcome. More information here.
Lucian Dee, Community Partnerships & Fundraising Manager at Waterloo Community Counselling gave an inspiring overview of WCC's service and how people can get involved. You can see the presentation here and get in touch with WCC here.
Helen Santer Head of Partnership at SC1 London gave an update on London's growing health and life sciences innovation district. You can see the presentation here and get in touch with Helen here.
Last but not least, Carole Milner confirmed that the Age Well Here directory - a new, practical, and inspiring guide designed to support older residents, carers, families, and professionals across our community - is nearly ready to launch. If you would like to order a copy/copies or for further information, contact Carole.
The following Forums will be held on Thursday 11 June, Thursday 17 September, Thursday 10 December. If there's anything you would like to see on the agenda, please let us know.
Local Election hustings
On Monday, five candidates for the Lambeth Council ward of Waterloo & South Bank met at St John's to answer questions from local people.
Celeste Hicks for the Green party, Doug Buist and Elin Kingston for the Lib Dems and Cllr Ibrahim Dogus and Oliviero Thomas for Labour answered questions on provisions for young people, developments and their commitment to climate change.
The night ended with an excellent question from the husting's youngest attendee "Why should you get more votes than anyone else" which allowed candidates to reconfirm their key policies.
All five candidates encouraged everyone to vote on 7 May. You should have received your pollling card in the post. Remember to vote at your nominated polling station and take photo ID. If you have any issues, contact your electoral registration office.
London Eye Community Chest Grants 2024-25 - Evaluation Report
South Bank & Waterloo Neighbours Grants Lead, Tim Hollins, has produced an evaluation report for the 2024-25 London Eye Community Chest Grants. The report shows that most of the 13 projects funded by the Community Chest either met or exceeded their objectives and were greatly valued by participants. A few experienced issues along the way, and not all quite achieved the ambitious targets they had set. But, overall, the results more than validated the approach taken and show how even relatively small grants, between £1,000 and £8,000, can provide impetus for projects that have real impact.
It is estimated that the £60,000 funding from the Community Chest matched or supplemented additional funds in excess of £60,000 and volunteering activity to the value of some £125,000. Together the 13 projects delivered 302 sessions, involving 2,569 direct beneficiaries.
Outcomes include:
438 children and young people engaged in a range of structured activity such as dance, careers support and sports
460 adult members of the community, including older people, enjoying opportunities for community engagement, socialising, education, skills enhancement, creative writing and performance.
1,650 homeless people provided with hot breakfasts
21 refugees given socialising and counselling opportunities while learning about the Waterloo and South Bank area.
We are extremely grateful to Merlin Entertainments and Lambeth Council for the funding that makes the Community Chest possible. Read the report here.
Waterloo Library moves to Wootton Street
Lambeth Council is proposing to relocate Waterloo Library to a temporary site on Wootton Street due to the end of its current lease at the Oasis Centre in Kennington Road. The new temporary location is described as a bigger and better standalone council-run library in the heart of Waterloo, with a minimum 18-month stay while a permanent site is secured. Find out more here.
South Bank and Waterloo Sustains Us
Launching the South Bank and Waterloo Sustains Us newsletter
South Bank and Waterloo Sustains Us, our local partnership for a fairer, greener neighbourhood, is starting up their own newsletter. If you would like to hear more about the programme and ways to get involved you can sign up on the website here. The first issue will include news on upcoming events, projects you can help shape, and launches the 2026-2030 Delivery Plan.
Have your say on a community vision to transform Waterloo East's streets
South Bank and Waterloo Sustains Us is leading a community project to reconnect Waterloo with its watery heritage and create greener, healthier streets resilient to the impacts of climate change. Focusing on the area of Cons Street, Windmill Walk and Greet Street, the study has identified opportunities for new public realm planting to absorb rainwater, helping to reduce flooding, provide cooling, improve air quality and support wildlife. We want to hear what you think about these early ideas to shape the project's next steps. See here for further details on visiting our drop-in engagement displays at the end of the month.
Update from Lambeth Council
Before going into the Pre-Election Period, Lambeth Council updated a few items on the Lambeth Climate Partnership, you can find these on the website here.
You can also read about Waterloo street improvements on the website here.
Reimagining the River - part of Rivers of Life - 18 April to 22 May
Rivers of Life is a festival of reflection, art and community, exploring the importance of rivers as images of spirit in Christianity and in other traditions.
It's a collaborative festival that connects a range of churches along the Thames, from Battersea to Bankside.
A diverse programme of events celebrates water in different ways, through worship, creative workshops, exhibitions, seminars and interfaith dialogue.
Especially interesting for SoWN people is:
Reimagining the River
Thursday 21st May | 9:30am - 1pm St John's Waterloo Church
How can we reimagine the river Thames for the future? With flood defences needing to be raised by 2050, join us for a morning of brainstorming our vision for the river's future -share your priorities and discuss ideas. Run in collaboration with Southbank and Waterloo Sustains Us, Thames Estuary Partnership and the Environment Agency.
Backstage Cafe & Bar at the Old Vic
Soak up the atmosphere in the bar, enjoy the free Script Library and sip drinks on our sunny balcony this spring in Backstage. Don’t miss the 777 menu for bold flavours and great value, and if you’re planning a get-together, they're always happy to host groups – big or small.
More information here.
Spotlight on... Patrick Morrison from Future Goose
What’s your role in the South Bank and Waterloo area?
I’m lucky enough to be part of the Oxo Tower Wharf creative community. I run Furious Goose, a print and luxury accessories brand, from my tiny jewel box ofa showroom overlooking the Thames. The Wharf is a hidden gem of London,as each unit is a working studio as well as a shop, so you can meet the designers and makers. I count milliners, shoemakers, leatherworkers,ceramicists, jewellers and even violin makers as my neighbours. It’s like a little corner of artisanal Venice has been transported to the UK. In my space you’ll find me doing everything from designing silk scarves and pocket squares to hand-printing woodcuts onto washi paper. And a lot of staring at the river… it’s a source of constant inspiration.
How do you like to spend your free time?
When you run your own business, especially a creative one, the concept of free time is a bit elusive. I seem to have just two modes: either making art or absorbing inspiration. So usually, when I’m not in the shop, you’ll find me in a gallery or museum, or out walking in the parks or countryside plotting future designs. Being here on the South Bank is just perfect – There’s so much art and culture right on our doorstep.
What’s your personal motto?
“Keep kind and carry on”. I am a great believer that you receive back what you put out into the world, and that a little bit of kindness goes a long way. The world is a bin fire right now, so everyone could do with a bit of extra understanding.
If you could choose a superpower, what would you pick?
Definitely teleportation. I’m happiest when travelling to new places and discovering new cultures, sights and sounds. I also have far-flung friends and family that I miss terribly. I’d love to be able to pop to the other side of the world to see my sister and still be back in time for tea.
Which three people would you want to join you on a desert island?
William Morris for inspiration and epic stories. Perhaps Dawn French to keep our spirits up with positivity and laughter. And I think we’d want an intrepid cook. So perhaps the bon vivant Keith Floyd?
Who do you nominate for a SoWN spotlight?
Jason Ehrhart from Coin Street
