Andy Dangerfield

London HIV prevention 'failing'

2012-02-09T06:43:00.000-08:00

Charities have criticised the way HIV services in London are commissioned following the release of a report which highlights "significant management failings".

HIV treatment in London costs £247m per year, according to NHS London, with almost 30,000 people accessing care and that number rising by 5% annually.

But the new report says there was a "lack of strategy" and an "urgent need" to address HIV prevention in London.

Charities responded to these alarming findings in my BBC News article.

Calls to protect gay strip night

2012-02-09T06:42:00.000-08:00

For the East End's gay community, the White Swan pub is something of a local legend.

Comedian Michael Barrymore has performed on stage there, Sir Ian McKellen and Graham Norton are among celebrities who stop by from time to time and for 26 years it has hosted a weekly amateur comedy strip contest.

That night, compered by a cast of east London's most flamboyant drag queens, sees volunteers from the audience take part in the show.

But it faces being banned following Labour-led Tower Hamlet council's recent sex establishment consultation.

Here's my BBC News report.

Street life

2011-12-30T09:37:00.000-08:00

In 2008 London Mayor Boris Johnson set a target to eradicate rough sleeping in the capital by the end of 2012.

With a year to go to meet that objective, what progress has been made on the street?

On a chilly December night, I joined an outreach worker in the City of London to track down rough sleepers who had been reported to the charity that day.

Here's my BBC News feature.

Is the gay scene racist?

2011-12-26T04:32:00.000-08:00

Mahad, 25, and Yan, 21, are asylum seekers who came to the UK to escape homophobia in their home country.

But since they arrived, they have been shocked to experience a different kind of intolerance – racism on the gay scene.

Here's my exclusive report for the Pink Paper.

Doctors condemn HIV drug deal ‎

2011-11-25T08:58:00.000-08:00

Doctors and patient support groups have raised concerns after people with HIV in London have been asked to switch to taking different antiretroviral drugs, to save NHS London money

Doctors say that switching prescriptions creates "medical risks" and raises "ethical issues".

Here's my exclusive report for BBC News.

Deaths after church HIV prayer cure claims

2011-10-19T08:41:00.000-07:00

At least three people in London with HIV have died after they stopped taking life saving drugs on the advice of their Evangelical Christian pastors.

The women died after attending churches in London where they were encouraged to stop taking the antiretroviral drugs in the belief that God would heal them, their friends and a leading HIV doctor said.

Read more in the article I wrote following my BBC News investigation.

Electric Dreams

2011-10-19T08:27:00.000-07:00

"Brixton is the new Camden," says Electric Brixton's owner Dominic Madden.

It's a bold statement, given Camden, in north London, has been at the heart of the capital's live music scene for decades.

The Fridge in south London opened last month, rebranded as Electric Brixton, having undergone a £1m facelift.

Here's a feature I wrote about London's newest venue.

London riots: Teenagers 'lack hope'

2011-08-15T10:01:00.000-07:00

Many of London's teenagers have been rioting because they "lack hope" and "feel let down by society", youth group leaders told me.

But the young people I spoke to warned other teenagers, who have been taking to London's streets, that rioting is not the solution.

Here's my BBC News article, written on the week of the worst rioting in the capital for generations.

Extreme marathon man

2011-08-15T09:53:00.000-07:00

"It's not the years, it's the mileage," says Lloyd Scott, paraphrasing his hero Indiana Jones.

The extreme fundraiser completed the London Marathon dressed as the intrepid archaeologist, dragging a 300lb (140kg) boulder in 2007.

But the challenge the 49-year-old is most famous for is walking the course wearing a deep sea diving suit in 2002.

Ten years on, the former footballer plans to repeat the feat for a second time, at next year's marathon, before retiring from the event.

Here's my exclusive BBC News story.

Gay Pride in London: 40 years of activism

2011-07-11T07:28:00.000-07:00

This year's Pride London event marked the 40th annual gay pride march in the capital.

Gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell talked to me about organising the first UK Gay Pride Rally in July 1972.

Here's the audio-slideshow I produced.

London HIV services cuts 'outrage'

2011-06-08T06:03:00.000-07:00

London's HIV prevention groups have said they are "concerned" and "outraged" at a 20% funding cut.

London Primary Care Trust (PCT) chief executives have cut the budget for 2011-12 by £516,000.

Meanwhile, the number of Londoners with HIV who acquired the infection in the UK has more than doubled in the past decade, latest figures show.

Here is my exclusive story for BBC News.

George Davis says supporters 'justified'

2011-06-08T05:59:00.000-07:00

Punk band Sham 69 wrote a song about him, The Who's Roger Daltrey wore a T-shirt declaring his innocence and his name became part of criminal folklore.

Nearly 40 years on, they have reason to celebrate. Mr Davis, 69, has won his appeal against his conviction.

It started with a kiss

2011-04-21T09:49:00.000-07:00

It started with a kiss - on a first date between two men in a pub in Soho, central London's gay heartland.

From that moment, neither James nor Jonathan could have imagined in their wildest dreams the events that would unfold in the next 48 hours.

Two nights later, the John Snow pub had locked its doors and hundreds of people had gathered outside to stage a 'kiss-in'.

They were protesting against allegations that the landlord had thrown them out because he thought their kissing was "obscene".

Here's my BBC News feature which includes exclusive interviews with James and Jonathan.

And here's my live radio report from the scene for BBC London News.

Is it a bird? Is it a plane?

2011-04-19T02:11:00.000-07:00

Who is the fastest superhero on planet Earth?

... Superman, according to Guinness World Records.

At the London Marathon, I interviewed familiar if rather surreal cast of characters at the start line, all attempting to break various world records in costume.

Love replaces hate

2011-03-12T10:14:00.000-08:00

It is no bigger than a postcard but appears to spread a message of hatred and division in an area of east London that many residents pride for its diversity.

A group of locals say they have had enough.

But rather than retaliating with anger, they are responding with messages of love.

Height of good taste?

2010-12-26T15:22:00.000-08:00

The Shard of Glass at London Bridge is now the UK's tallest skyscraper. But will it be good for London? Here's my BBC News feature.

Meanwhile, here's a second feature I wrote on a war being waged on London's strip clubs: Too much sex for the city?

Murders they wrote

2010-11-01T05:49:00.000-07:00

From the butchery of Jack the Ripper to the organised crime of the Krays, an ambitious project is under way to map every London murder case since the 19th Century.

Murder Map's founders Nick Cullen, 27, and Peter Stubley, 33, are plotting this macabre visualisation, which could prove gruesome and grossly insensitive to some, but fascinating and potentially useful to others.

Here's my BBC News feature.

London Rebranded

2010-09-17T07:51:00.000-07:00

Fancy catching a black cab from Cityside to Noho via Midtown? Me neither. Here's my BBC News feature.

Carnival fever

2010-09-17T07:37:00.000-07:00

When a feather-clad cast of several hundred danced to calypso beats through west London's streets for the first Notting Hill Carnival in 1964, few would have thought the event would develop into the vast and vivid expression of multiculturalism it is today.

I was lucky enough to be BBC News' online reporter for 2010's carnival.

Here is the trilogy of features I wrote.

As a gargantuan glistening golden dragon, strapped onto 16-year-old Vernon Francis' back, turns onto Ladbroke Grove, Notting Hill Carnival's carnal throng can be seen far into the distance.

The carnival has grown from an essentially Trinidadian template of mobile steel bands, into Europe's largest street party, with performers embracing cultures from the Caribbean and beyond.

As the sequins shimmer, feathers flutter and steel drums rumble at this weekend's Notting Hill Carnival, organisers will be thinking "you ain't seen nothing yet" as they look forward to 2012.

Banksy gallery eviction

2010-09-17T07:35:00.000-07:00

Pete Doherty read poetry there, Kate Nash performed there and in the basement stood a six-metre high Banksy mural.

But now developers plan to replace the iconic Foundry pub with an 18-room art-themed hotel. I interviewed the squatters the day before they were evicted.

Tube strike chaos

2010-09-17T07:28:00.000-07:00

Commuters marched out of central London's Kings Cross station, armed with their most comfortable walking shoes, A-to-Zs and stiff upper lips. Here’s my BBC News report.

In the summer time

2010-06-29T05:55:00.000-07:00

The festival season is upon us. But some of us aren't convinced.

For some, simply hearing the word Glastonbury, conjures up images of waking up in a mud-sinking tent with the prospect of a day's swamp fishing for their worldly belongings.

If you're one of those people, then perhaps London's festivals are more appealing. You can see your favourite artists before catching the last tube home and wake-up fresh faced after a decent night's sleep.

Here's my BBC guide to the biggest and some of the more bizarre festival offerings this summer.

Art attack

2010-06-29T05:49:00.000-07:00

My exclusive story on how police in riot gear were sent to raid a central London gallery after it put a fake bomb in the window.

Bronson art on Tube

2010-06-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

A victims' charity has said it is "astonished" artwork by notorious British criminal Charles Bronson has been put on display on the Tube.

The drawing, which depicts a head with three faces poking out of a straitjacket, went on display at Angel station in north London in April.

Here's my BBC News exclusive.

Gangs of London Fields

2010-06-09T08:57:00.000-07:00

London Fields has in recent years become a destination for east London's young, fashionable, arty crowds to congregate.

On a Saturday in May, people flocked to the Hackney park, to make the most of one of the hottest days of the year so far, be it to sunbathe, drink cider, meet friends or people watch.

Then, in the middle of the afternoon, two gunshots were fired that ended the festival atmosphere.

Pitched up in Parliament Square

2010-06-09T08:50:00.000-07:00

London's Parliament Square, home to the statues of Nelson Mandela and Winston Churchill, is a popular attraction for visitors to the capital.

Tourists gather to enjoy the sights and take photos of the Gothic towers of the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey.

But, over the past two weeks, its green and pristine lawns have steadily been transformed with a sea of peace protesters' tents and flags into what has been dubbed Democracy Village.

I went to take a look for BBC News.

Election 2010

2010-06-09T08:44:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of the BBC features I wrote for the general election:

Mayoral question for East End

Bangladeshi battle in Bethnal Green

Tunnel Vision

2010-02-26T05:16:00.000-08:00

Roman goddess of love Venus, a Gay Times magazine cover model and a graffiti face.

Not the most likely trio, but all three have featured on posters censored for use on the Tube by Transport for London (TfL) or its advertising contractors. Here's my BBC feature.

‘Hijab’gate

2010-02-26T05:11:00.000-08:00

A plan to install headscarf-shaped arches at both ends of east London's Brick Lane has been criticised by local artists and residents.

The arches are part of a £1.85m "cultural trail" proposed by Tower Hamlets Council for the street.

But local residents, including artist Tracey Emin, have said the plans are culturally insensitive. Here's my BBC News feature.

‘Tombstone’ Tower

2010-02-26T05:10:00.001-08:00

Shoreditch in London's East End is famous for its resident artists, who say they draw inspiration from the historic buildings and strong social fabric of their surroundings.

But a 51-storey skyscraper has been given the go-ahead despite opposition from a local campaign group, supported by famous artists including Tracy Emin and Rachal Whiteread.

Doing it for the kids

2010-02-26T05:04:00.000-08:00

Last Christmas Day, more than 2,000 children and young people arrived on the doorstep of a south London school, eagerly expecting lunch, entertainment and presents from Camila Batmanghelidjh, founder of the Kids Company Charity.

Ms Batmanghelidjh took some time out to talk to me at BBC London about her childhood, her style and what she would do if she had the power to transform childcare services in Britain.

Feeding the 2,000

2009-12-26T16:02:00.000-08:00

Presents wrapped? Turkey basted? Getting ready for Christmas is exhausting for most of us.
But imagine planning your Christmas Day party for a guest list of 2,000.

Now suppose that every one of those guests is a child or young person who does not expect to receive presents and has nowhere else to go on Christmas Day.

That is the challenge faced by Camila Batmanghelidjh and her staff at Kids Company. Read more in my BBC Christmas feature.

Homophobic Hate

2009-12-16T02:00:00.000-08:00

Just as gay and lesbian people are starting to enjoy equal rights, homophobic crime is on the rise. I explore why for BBC News.

Poison Doctor

2009-12-16T01:58:00.000-08:00

The trial of a doctor who spiked his lover's drinks to try to induce a miscarriage reveals tangled love-lives, twisted with jealousy and deception. Here's my analysis of the case for BBC News.

Staying power

2009-12-16T01:54:00.000-08:00

In the winter of 1969, a vicar opened the basement of his church in central London's Soho as a temporary night shelter for the homeless.

Forty years on, Centrepoint looks very different.

Cutty Sark delay

2009-12-16T01:49:00.000-08:00

I discovered the reopening of the famous 19th Century ship Cutty Sark has been postponed until the spring of 2011. Here's my piece for BBC News.

Tai Chi record breakers

2009-09-17T15:02:00.000-07:00

More than 30,000 people have taken part in a record-breaking Tai Chi session outside Beijing's Bird's Nest Stadium.

The display was part of China's celebrations marking a year since it successfully held the Olympic Games.

Here's my TV report for BBC News.

Robot farm

2009-09-17T14:40:00.000-07:00

A Chinese farmer who was struggling after several poor harvests has turned his hand to making robots.

Some of his creations help around his house and farm, but he now sells so many they are his main source of income.

Here's my BBC News TV report.

License to Thrill

2009-07-10T07:12:00.000-07:00

She spins around a pole in her lingerie. Twisting seductively, she gives a mischievous smile to the transfixed crowd. She winks. Then she removes her stockings and bra.

You may be forgiven for thinking you are surrounded by rowdy men in a strip-joint. But you look around and it is mainly couples and groups of girls in the crowd. It has been a night of glamour, theatre and comedy. A night of burlesque.

The burlesque scene has enjoyed a revival in recent years but that could all come to an end with plans that may see it treated in the same manner as simple strip joints. Is there really much of a distinction anyway?

I find out for BBC News.

Yoga wars

2009-04-01T00:58:00.000-07:00

You might think yoga is all about discovering inner strength and peace in your own time. But many of those at this year's British yoga championships have a different view and it's threatening to split the world of yoga in two.

Here's a feature I wrote and a video I shot and edited for BBC News.

MuTate Britain

2008-12-03T08:33:00.000-08:00

Pole dancing robots, a giant 3D animated face and a customised MIG jet are among artworks on display at the MuTate London exhibition.

The art space opened this month at east London's Behind the Shutters gallery.

I took a look around and shot and edited this video for BBC News.

Fair deal?

2008-11-25T02:53:00.000-08:00

A "deluxe edition" of Leona Lewis's album Spirit has stormed into the chart at number one. But are fans getting value for money from these special releases? I find out for BBC News.

Travis Talk

2008-11-25T02:33:00.000-08:00

Dreadful band, but there's no denying their frontman's a "nice bloke". I interviewed Fran Healy from Travis for BBC News.

The Weather Maker

2008-08-23T14:53:00.000-07:00

The British have a reputation for being weather-obsessed and presenters have been ridiculed for getting their forecasts wrong.

So how do the forecasters put their bulletins together? I filmed weather presenter Carol Kirkwood behind scenes at BBC TV Centre showing how she prepares for a bulletin.

Here's the film I shot and edited for BBC One's Breakfast programme.

CSI Bournmouth

2008-08-23T14:41:00.000-07:00

Bournemouth University has set up a fake bomb factory for forensic science professionals and trainees to practice their CSI-style techniques.

I went down to take a look and shot and edited this film for BBC News.

X-Ray return

2008-08-23T14:38:00.000-07:00

Long before Pink and even Courtney Love there was another punk diva who made heads turn. In the 70s Poly Styrene of X-Ray Spex wore tooth braces and a military helmet and was rumored to have shaved off her hair around Johnny Rotten’s flat.

She’s back with the band to play a one-off return gig at the Roundhouse on 6 September. I caught up with her…

Dance club 'with a conscience'

2008-07-13T03:18:00.000-07:00

A nightclub owner claims he has opened the UK's first eco-friendly venue in London.

Self-styled 'Dr Earth' suggests the dancefloor at Surya is energy-generating, supplying power back to the club.

I went down to take a look. Here’s the video I shot and edited for BBC News.

Beatles memorabilia auction

2008-07-13T03:13:00.000-07:00

Iconic rock memorabilia has just been auctioned for millions at Christies in London.

Trousers once worn by Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's drum skin were some of the highlights to go under the hammer.

I took a look at the goods before they went on sale, in a video I shot and edited for the BBC.

Contestants set for jelly comp

2008-07-13T03:10:00.000-07:00

This has to be the oddest video I’ve produced so far.

Here you can see entries for an architectural jelly competition, designed by world leading architects such as Grimshaw and Foster, include the ex-wobbly Millennium Bridge.

No place like dome

2008-07-13T03:03:00.000-07:00

It has only been a year since Bon Jovi strummed his first chords at the public opening of London's O2 arena.

Since then the former Millennium Dome has become the most popular music venue in the world

But why has the O2, in Greenwich, south-east London, been such a success, and has it damaged other music venues?

Here’s a feature I wrote on the venue and video giving a backstage tour I produced and edited for BBC News.

At risk

2008-07-13T02:50:00.000-07:00

As English Heritage releases a list of sites considered to be at risk, I produced videos for BBC News to explore six of them. Nick Higham did the interview for Bowes railway, I did the rest.

Did music fight racism?

2008-05-03T04:00:00.000-07:00

It's 30 years since Rock Against Racism was formed to tackle growing racial tension in Britain. A series of concerts reached its climax in east London's Victoria Park on 30 April 1978, when the Clash played to a crowd of 80,000. For BBC News, I asked if the gig had a lasting impact.

Queen of Fashion returns

2008-02-22T13:19:00.000-08:00

I was first to interview Dame Vivienne Westwood backstage after her first show at London Fashion Week for nine years. You can hear the interview and see photos backstage on the BBC News website.

Model behaviour

2008-02-18T13:54:00.001-08:00

Ever wondered what it's like backstage at a fashion show? I got behind scenes at London Fashion Week to follow a model preparing for the catwalk. Here's the video feature I produced for the BBC.

Gallows humour

2008-02-12T01:46:00.000-08:00

Band of the Year according to Kerrang, fronted by the Coolest Person in Rock, according to the NME, Gallows release their album 'Live at the 100 Club' on the same date they return to perform at that venue, 3 March.

I caught up with their bassist Stu, who was on a tour bus somewhere between Boston and Canada. Read the interview here.

Sign of the times

2007-09-27T06:45:00.001-07:00

It’s over. After 21 nights, 46 encores and 63 costume changes, Prince’s residency at the O2 arena is finished. I managed to grab a couple of tickets on eBay for 40 quid each. Were they worth it?

Here's my Camden New Journal review.

Futurama

2007-09-22T05:19:00.000-07:00

Life-like robots and jet powered backpacks were on show at the Wired NextFest in Los Angeles last weekend. Here's my video report for the BBC.

Ninja Go Go!

2007-09-09T10:49:00.000-07:00

Following a sell-out performance at the Electric Ballroom, Go! Team’s new album Proof Of Youth is out this week. I caught up with the band's rapper, North London girl Ninja.

Jet powered

2007-09-02T05:26:00.000-07:00

The new world land-speed record for a jet-powered 'street luge' has been set by IT worker Joel King, who hit over 110mph.

You can listen to my interview with him and watch the record being broken here.

Singled out

2007-07-25T13:32:00.000-07:00

With downloads booming and bands like the White Stripes and Arctic Monkeys having more success on vinyl, does the CD single have a future? I find out for the BBC news website.

Horse play

2007-07-21T09:24:00.000-07:00

Here’s a couple of music pieces I’ve written recently. Firstly, an interview with New Young Pony Club who look set to provide the soundtrack to your summer. Second up is my review of this year’s Rise anti racism festival. Both featured in the Camden New Journal.

Fruit wars

2007-02-11T11:31:00.000-08:00

In the 80s, fast-food burger joints flooded UK town centres. By the 90s, coffee shops took their place on every street corner.

But now that the noughties are well established, the new fast food fight is on a rather healthier battlefield.

Read more in a feature I have written for the BBC news website.

Tesco Nation

2007-01-20T17:23:00.000-08:00

Tesco has come a long way since its founder Jack Cohen opened a stall selling surplus groceries, making £4 sales and £1 profit on his first day.

For the BBC news website, I investigate how the supermarket has grown from selling beans and biscuits to becoming a major player in almost every area of the retail market.

Remaining Riders still light fires

2007-01-20T17:20:00.000-08:00

Paramedics at the Riders of the Storm Roundhouse gig were probably expecting pace maker failures rather than drug overdoses from wrinkly rockers in the crowd.

Here's my Camden New Journal review.

Christmas cracked?

2006-12-01T05:38:00.000-08:00

I investigate whether the iconic British retailer M&S is set for a recovery this Christmas, in a feature written for the BBC news website.

Red Hot Roundhouse

2006-11-29T09:09:00.000-08:00

Home to The Doors and Jimi Hendrix gigs in the 60s, the Camden Roundhouse has re-opened and is once again emerging as venue of choice for the world's biggest bands.

Read my live review of The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, which features in this week's Camden New Journal.

Colourful comedy but banal bands

2006-10-22T03:12:00.000-07:00

Here are my reviews of the lively play Madman in the Courtyard and the utterly dreadful indie band Air Traffic, which featued in last week's Camden New Journal.

Old Mac opens up

2006-10-21T02:59:00.000-07:00

Former Sun editor Kelvin MacKenzie says Janet Street-Porter would need to pay £4.7mn to join him in a night of passion and that if he had one “bucket of shit” left, he would pour it over fellow ex-Sun editor David Yelland. Read the Press Gazette article I wrote on his interview with Rob McGibbon.

New media, new establishment

2006-09-28T03:22:00.000-07:00

Ranging from the Media Guardian 100 to Five’s 100 Bitchiest TV Moments, top 100 lists are ubiquitous. But for the first time, a list is being created which grabbed my attention. Press Gazette are producing a ‘power list’ of people who are driving new developments in online journalism.

Here are a few of my own suggestions of people who have made real impact on web and digital journalism in recent months.

The air up there

2006-09-10T14:56:00.000-07:00

For reasons unknown I found myself at the UK Air Guitar Championships last Friday. The evening was infact suprisingly fun. Here's my review of the event.

A riches to rags story

2006-08-25T05:04:00.000-07:00

Read my career change story and advice for anyone considering doing the same.

Post 9/11 breakdown

2006-07-21T15:26:00.000-07:00

Here's my review of Late Fragment which is showing at Tristan Bates Theatre in the West End. The review featured in the Camden New Journal.

Robin’ hoodie?

2006-07-14T04:11:00.000-07:00

Do hoodies really need a hug?

Everybody loves the sunshine

2006-07-13T06:07:00.000-07:00

Read my review of the anti-racism Rise music festival which was published in the print version of The Independent.

The week that rocked London

2006-07-06T07:07:00.000-07:00

It's a year on from the week in which Londoners experienced the highs of Live 8 and the Olympic 2012 winning bid decision to the low of the largest number of fatalities from bombing in the capital since the Second World War. I explore how things have changed for Londoners.

Job from hell

2006-06-22T06:26:00.000-07:00

Read why i'll never be able to eat a courgette again, on Times Online.

The good life

2006-05-05T15:09:00.000-07:00

Stress seems as much a part of modern life as budget airlines, mobile phones and the Da Vinci Code. But National Downshifting Week highlights how a growing number of city types are jacking it in for a simpler, quieter life. Find out more in my feature on the BBC news website.

Why is the Conservative Party blue?

2006-05-05T15:03:00.000-07:00

David Cameron is urging people to "vote blue, go green". But why are the Tories blue, and Labour red?
I investigate for the BBC news website.

Timeline: Ground Zero redevelopment

2006-05-05T15:01:00.000-07:00

Since the 11 September 2001 attacks on New York's World Trade Center there have been many disagreements over the design of the redevelopment of Ground Zero. Work finally began on the Freedom Tower last week.
Here I track the key developments over the last four years.

NEW BLOG: LIVE MUSIC REVIEWS

2006-03-07T14:45:00.000-08:00

Interested in new bands breaking into the UK music scene?

I have set up a new blog of live music reviews I have written from gigs across London:

andydangerfieldmusic.blogspot.com

These reviews have also been featured in the Camden New Journal, West End Extra and Islington Tribune.

Camden winter shelters help homeless

2006-02-18T14:39:00.000-08:00

As she let people into a Camden winter shelter, Linda Warwick was threatened by a man not on her list, on Sunday night.

The man shouted at her that he would blow off the door if she didn’t let him in to St Michael’s church hall. Linda, the coordinator of the Camden churches’ winter shelter scheme, handled the situation calmly, advising him to contact the Spectrum Day Centre to find out how to get on the scheme.

Cold weather shelters for the homeless have been set up by Camden churches since the start of January. Seven churches each provide free supper, a bed and breakfast, to homeless people, one night a week.

Only 13 people are allowed on the scheme at any one time, due to the limited space in churches. This compares to 350 rough sleepers who were contacted by outreach teams in Camden last year.

Linda says that the threat of violence is unusual. “We try to be firm, only allowing thirteen people. It’s sad when people queue and we can’t let them in,” she adds.

Imogen Black, pastoral assistant at St Michael’s Church, who helps run the Sunday night shelter, says, “It’s difficult as there are so many people we can’t take on.”

More than a dozen people volunteer to help there each week. “We’re well placed for volunteers. There’s a limit on what they can do,” she says.

Mandy Fernie, 42, and Marie Cafferkey, 55, who help at the Sunday shelter, eat, play scrabble and stay overnight with the homeless people.

“We just mix with the homeless like they were one of us. They’ve come from all backgrounds. We’ve had ex nurses and teachers. The shelter allows people to rest. It helps them to get their heads together and sort themselves out,” Marie says.

The homeless people have to leave the shelter by 9am. They will be put up in another church from 7.30 that evening. “People have to leave by nine as the churches are used for other purposes in the day,” says Imogen.

Linda says that each church only takes the homeless people for one day in a row as “volunteers are more able to commit to one day a week.”

As for what the homeless people can do in the day, the Spectrum Day Centre is open. However, people can only stay there for two hours at a time. The rest of their time is mainly spent on streets. Two people have started attending college. Appointments are also set up with the scheme’s advocate worker, Rory Welks, who gives guidance helping people look for jobs and accommodation.

Homeless agencies, such as the Spectrum Centre, put forward people to go on the scheme. People of any age, race, creed and sex are accepted. "We won't ask people what they believe in. One man on the scheme is a Muslim,” Imogen says.

One female was at the Sunday night shelter. The remainder were all 20 to 50-year-old males. Linda comments on why there are more homeless men than women, saying, “Men are less likely to ask for assistance, due to a sense of pride.”

Homeless people sign an agreement to say they will not indulge in drinking, drugs or anti-social behaviour, before entering the shelter. "We don't discriminate against people with drink and drugs problems. However, drink or drugs aren’t allowed in the churches. These good behaviour conditions make things safer for the homeless and volunteers,” Imogen says.

Drug users will be offered help. "We offer an experienced listening ear," Imogen adds. However, two people were kicked out of the shelter for anti social behaviour this month.

People are allowed on the scheme for a maximum of 28 days. However “in certain situations, if we need to give people extensions, we will,” says Linda.

When asked why the scheme only runs from January. "At Christmas, there are agencies that help people. We set up homeless shelters, between January and March, as homeless people have less help then,” Imogen explains.

Ken Scott had been homeless for two years before he was accepted onto last years winter shelter scheme. “I didn’t need to worry where my next meal was coming from. Because they provided the basics, I could focus on my life and sort out my priorities,” he says.

He was referred to permanent accommodation by contacts he made at the shelter. He now volunteers on the scheme, helping on the Saturday night shelter.

Ken, who has done an eight week key worker course, hopes to gain a full time job helping the homeless in the spring.

The scheme runs until 31 March.

Monkey business

2006-01-15T15:03:00.000-08:00

This cheeky little monkey hitching a lift on mum’s back may not know it but he is all set to enjoy a celebrity lifestyle.

The rare red-handed tamarind made a surprise arrival at Cotswold Wildlife Park- much to the delight of staff who had been trying to encourage mum and dad to bond for nearly two years.

Staff have called him Billy- after Billy No Mates, because red-handed tamarinds usually give birth to twins.

The monkeys’ regular keeper said: “We tied everything to encourage the union. We were just about to give up hope when our prayers were answered.”

Destruction of their natural environment has threatened red-handed tamarinds. These are part of a European breeding programme.

First published in the Oxford Courier

Mike’s royal reward

2006-01-15T14:56:00.000-08:00

Oxfordshire farming stalwart Mike Soper has reaped his reward for his 25 years as the longest serving secretary at the Oxford Farming Conference. The Princess Royal presented him with an engraved decanter at the 60th Oxford Farming Conference last Thursday.

In her closing speech, the Princess Royal supported the important role of farmers' markets. She said: "At a farmer's market you can connect with the consumer without dealing with the retailer."

She said that farmers' markets provided different tasting foods at different times of year. She contrasted this to the "Marks and Spencer Syndrome, when everything is expected to look and taste the same at any time of year".

First published in the Oxford Courier

Shift the gifts

2006-01-15T14:53:00.000-08:00

"Swap Shops" for unwanted Christmas gifts have been set up around Oxfordshire for 4 March. These cashless bring and buy sales will be run by Community Action Groups (CAGs).

They aim to reduce the amount of rubbish going to landfill sites. Participants are not obliged to bring goods or take goods away.Oxfordshire County Council's Roger Belson said: "One man's junk is another's treasure. This swap shop will illustrate that perfectly."

There are currently 15 CAGs around Oxfordshire. Anybody who wants to run a Swap Shop in their community should email www.cagoxfordshire.gov.uk or call 01865 815871.

First published in the Oxford Courier

Oxford's tsunami total hits £4.7m

2006-01-15T14:52:00.000-08:00

The Asian tsunami appeal received a massive £4.7m boost in donations from caring Oxford folk last year.

Disasters chief Brendan Gormley said: “I would like to say a big thank you to the people of Oxford for your amazing generosity.”

The money has been spent on roads, homes, schools, health clinics, water and sanitation to rebuild entire communities.

The appeal received an incredible £372 million from the British public, over a third of which was spent in the first year of the three year reconstruction plan.

First published in the Oxford Courier

Camden market redevelopment opens

2005-12-18T09:42:00.000-08:00

1 Dec 2005

New stores within the Camden Stables Market Triangle redevelopment are opening on a daily basis. However, for many, business has been slow and opinion is still split as to whether Camden’s unique character is being spoilt.

Market stalls are set to increase from 350 to 600, as a result of the £22mn redevelopment, which began in early 2004.

Keio opened the second branch of her jewellery and crafts store, Flower Jewellery, in the Triangle two weeks ago. “This reminds me of Japan in the 80s. It’s all being built up and it’s all about money. But so far, business has been slow,” she says.

She doesn’t think Camden will lose its individuality. “It’s arty here. Every store is from a different country. The manager wants to keep it that way.”

Mai opened her accessories store, Fabulous at Every Age, last week. “At the moment we don’t have the flow of customers. People just walk straight past,” she says.

She thinks that the character of Camden may change. “All the manager cares about is getting his money.”

Timehouse Brands Ltd chose the Triangle as the location for its first UK store devoted to its successful STAMPS Watches.

Benoit, who manages the UK operation, says, “The stables market was chosen as the best option to quickly get sales in the UK. We can use the shop as a promotional tool so owners of small shops in London can come to our stall and see our product range.”

The store has been now open for a month. “The watches have been quite popular so far,” Benoit says.

Manager of the redevelopment, Simon Hemo refused to comment.

I wrote this article during my post graduate journalism course at University of Westminster.

Jackson backs Royal Free budget cuts

2005-12-18T09:41:00.000-08:00

24 Nov 2005

Hampstead and Highgate MP, Glenda Jackson backs sending patients home sooner to achieve budget cuts at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead.

Ms Jackson, said: “They have to make budget cuts. They’ve issued their plans after consultation with staff and it removes their deficit.”

The Royal Free Hospital is more than £10million in deficit. Time spent in hospital by patients is to be cut by the hospital to remove ‘bed-blocking’ and reduce costs. Ms Jackson said: “In many instances patients are staying in hospital longer than they should. This is not good for the patient or for the hospital.”

“Patients should not stay in hospital for longer than is necessary for their health or their recovery,” she explained.

Upon leaving hospital, patents are given the options of returning home, going into a convalescent home or long term nursing home. Ms Jackson supported this policy saying: “Law requires that the work and social services enable that the patient can go back home and that they are able to maintain themselves at home.”

Research shows the majority of people want to be maintained in their own homes rather than long stay nursing homes. “That’s the thrust of what the Medical Profession is saying. Most people want to go back home,” Ms Jackson said.

Suggestions of shortages in services available to cater for the increased demand in people wanting to be treated in their own homes, were rejected by Ms Jackson. “I’ve had no letters to suggest that there’s any shortfall there.”

Cuts in agency staff were backed by Ms Jackson. She said that they were spending more than average on agency nurses. She would like to see the hospital to reduce their budget while still maintaining a full compliment of nursing staff.

I wrote this article during my post graduate journalism course at University of Westminster.

Sexist leaflets removed from Tube

2005-12-18T09:37:00.000-08:00

16 Nov 2005

A London Underground leaflet on women’s safety has been withdrawn following four complaints from the public.

Liberal Democrat Sally Hamwee, described the leaflet as: “Patronising, sexist, crap”.

London Mayor Ken Livingstone, said: “The tone was not the right tone one looks for in modern times.”

The leaflets which contain diagrams of women wearing stiletto shoes tell customers to: “Mind your step particularly if you’re wearing your party shoes.”

Mr Livingstone quipped: “You won’t ever see me in stilettos. Our advice is it's best not to have stiletto heals on public transport.”

Labour member Janette Arnold said: “This has devalued all the excellent work that has been done over the last five years about women’s safety and treating women as valued customers on this service.”

Mr Livingstone said the leaflet should have been more factual. He called for a review and changes to structure in advertising, marketing and wider public engagement. “There is a big gain if we can have more of a London image. We need to establish a London brand within London and globally,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of this in preparation for the 2012 Olympics.

I wrote this article during my post graduate journalism course at University of Westminster.