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Page 4 | 07-13 December 2016 News Matters City alumna on 100 Women list A FORMER student of City University London has been named in the BBC’s 100 Women list for 2016. Liliane Landor (MA international journalism, 1989) was recognised for her role as head of languages at BBC World Service, where she helped to put ‘different voices, faces and accents’ in front of the cameras. Currently a broadcast executive, she has been with the BBC for 26 years. James Rodger, head of international journalism at the university, hailed Liliane’s work. He said: “All our students – past, present, and future – here at City, especially those on our MA international journalism [course], are fortunate to have such an inspiring role model.” Guitar artwork hits right chords THE 24-hour Tube services are to be celebrated in musical style, with the Night Tube map featuring on 15 limited edition Fender Stratocaster guitars. They cost £1,500 from London Transport Museum. Spreading festive cheer around the Square Mile CITY of London Police, the Corporation and the Cheapside Business Alliance are inviting locals to bring a little Christmas cheer to the lives of vulnerable children and young people across the Square Mile. A week-long ‘Give a Gift’ Christmas tree project begins today (7 December) at Bow Church Yard, off Cheapside, with the launch of the present-giving scheme marked by a special festive tribute standing tall for all to admire. But instead of the Christmas tree being adorned with tinsel and baubles there will be tags directing guests to the City of London Police website where they can sign up and ensure that every child in the City has a present to open on 25 December. The Corporation’s social care and early help teams currently provide support and care to 69 children and young people, including those with disabilities. It is the aim of Give a Gift project that every one of them has a present waiting for them to open on Christmas morning. The Lady Mayoress Wendy Parmley will be turning on the tree lights at 5pm today and members of the public are invited to attend the switch-on. City of London Police Commissioner Ian Dyson said: “I am hugely proud to bring the ‘Give a Gift’ Christmas tree project to the City of London for the first time. “I also want to thank our partners the City St Paul’s view is in ‘serious peril’ CONSERVATIONISTS are up in arms after it emerged a 42-storey development in Stratford is threatening protected views of St Paul’s. The concerned group, representing Friends of Richmond Park, has called on City Hall to take action over plans for Manhattan Loft Gardens, which they argue compromises the view of the iconic landmark from King Henry’s Mound. And their case gained traction last week when cathedral chiefs said they were “not notified or consulted by the usual and expected procedures of referral which are stipulated by the Greater London Authority (GLA) and Mayor of London’s London View Management Framework (LVMF) supplementary planning policy” during the development’s application in 2011. Requirements A statement added: “We note that the LVMF states ‘development that exceeds the threshold plane of the wider setting consultation area will be subject to the same consultation and referral requirements as the landmark viewing corridor’. “At this time, it is not clear why referral did not take place and the cathedral will be glad to work with other partners to discover what lessons will be learned from this in jeopardy?: the cathedral’s iconic dome of London Corporation and the Cheapside Business Association, who kindly donated the tree. “We all know that Christmas is a time for giving and, if you can, please take a tag and add one more present to your shopping list for a child in need of help and protection, or those in care. “I am sure that the generosity of all those who live and work in the Square Mile will mean that every child will have a present to open.” To take part, all participants need to do is take a tag from the tree and follow the instructions. Once signed up online, they will then receive an email telling them a little bit about the recipient of the generous gift. Those unable to give a gift but who want to get involved another way can also make a donation to the City of London Police Children’s Charity online. Ade Adetosoye, director of community and children’s services at the Corporation, said: “We are proud to serve our children and families in need of help and protection here in the City. This is an excellent project to make sure every child has a present at Christmas.” Cheapside Business Alliance manager, Claire Dumontier-Marriage, added: “Partnership work is at the heart of how the City operates and it is great to see how the Alliance, City of London Police and the Corporation have come together to help make Christmas a special time of year for every child.” case.” Designed by SOM, the development will comprise three extensive sky gardens, a 145-bedroom hotel, almost 250 residential units, and retail and restaurant space upon completion. It is being billed as “Europe’s most ambitious residential tower.” Cathedral representatives say that it is “reasonable” for the public and statutory authorities to be concerned about the Stratford development. “The chapter has always recognised that the protected views of strategic landmarks has been designated for the benefit of all Londoners. “In this case we observe that LVMF requires, from the protected view from King Henry VIII’s Mound in Richmond Park, developments ‘should preserve or enhance the viewer’s ability to recognise and appreciate the dome of the cathedral… it is essential… that the clear sky background profile of the upper part of the dome remains’.” Friends of Richmond Park Chairman Ron Crompton said the situation was a tragedy and called on the GLA and the developer to temporarily halt construction while an investigation is launched. He explained “It’s a tragedy that such a wonderful and iconic protected view, between two of London’s most historic landmarks and created over 300 years ago, should be destroyed not just for today but for many years to come. “We know thousands of people are very upset by this and that a view so important to Londoners will be spoilt for many generations.” In riposte a spokesperson for the Manhattan Loft Corporation said SOM undertook a ‘transparent process’ to gain planning permission for the tower. The dispute continues. CITYMATTERS.LONDON New home for kids’ lost toys ONE child’s loss has become another’s gain this Christmas. Transport for London’s lost property office has given around 500 children’s toys and games new homes this December by donating them to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Present Appeal. The charity will work with local care services in south London, including those from Lewisham Council, to distribute the toys among families and children who otherwise might not have had anything under the tree this Christmas. Delighted Paul Cowan, manager of the lost property office, said: “Whilst over 20,000 items were reclaimed from the office last year, sadly many remained on our shelves, including hundreds of new toys and games. “We are delighted to be able to find these gifts a new home at a time of year when it means so much to so many children and their families.” Professor makes plea for additional studies A LEADING cancer expert has demanded more research be undertaken to establish why black men are diagnosed with prostate cancer at a higher rate than their white and Asian counterparts. Professor Francis Chinegwundoh MBE, who works at Newham and The Royal London Hospitals under the Barts Trust umbrella, recently visited Nigeria to champion the need for additional studies to find out why one in four black men get prostate cancer – and why one in 12 die as a result. In October, the professor spoke at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital and at the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer conference in Abuja about “the need for Africans to become more cancer aware.” Perplexing Professor Chinegwundoh said: “Why are black men diagnosed and why do they die from prostate cancer at a higher rate than white men? This urgent and perplexing question is one that I have wrestled with for the majority of my career. “An important step that can be taken is for the black African and Caribbean community in the UK and further afield to become more cancer aware. “We need more black boys and men to understand the dangers from a young age.” Professor Chinegwundoh was shadowed on his African visit by the BBC, who aired a report on 15 November to raise awareness of prostate cancer and how it disproportionately affects black men. Here in the UK, more men call for action: Professor Francis Chinegwundoh contract prostate cancer than any other type of the disease. According to the charity Cancer Black Care, about one in eight men will be diagnosed with the illness at some point in their lives. The professor added: “Although a tremendous amount of work is being done to better understand all cancers and we know that age, diet and family history are factors – more needs to be done to find out why, in this instance, race seems to play a role.”
CITYMATTERS.LONDON 07-13 December 2016 | Page 5 News Matters Academy sixth Texting while formers will driving could have new home lead to life A STATE-of-the-art SENTENCES up to and sixth form centre will including life in prison open in September are to be introduced in 2017, providing “firstclass facilities” for City who cause fatalities a crackdown on drivers of London Academy while using mobiles Southwark students. behind the wheel. The facility will The current accommodate 400 teens maximum sentence and will be located on is 14 years but guilty Charity spotlight ‘My most sincere gratitude for the amazing by City law firm Dentons, which loaned its the corner of Rotherhithe motorists face tougher welcome and service I received in July. You premises and provided refreshments. New Road and Verney rulings under new Suited & Booted made me feel so immediately relaxed and Topping the bill was veteran actor Dame proposals. Road, a short distance A SMALL charity operating out of wanted, the visit became a real and instant Siân Phillips, who gave a talk on clothes and “We are determined from the main school St Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe Church in treat. Compassion and unconditional love read the humorous poem Twelve Days of to make sure site. Blackfriars is helping men in need prepare suffused the day and David styled me with Christmas (A Correspondence) by John Julius punishment fits the The design process for job interviews by fitting them with high both sensitivity, humour and generosity. The Norwich. crime,” said justice has had significant input quality clothing, writes Lionel Wright. suit is incredible and I’ve felt utterly shielded Also appearing were dance company Swing minister Sam Gyimah. from current academy Suited & Booted also provides general in confidence wearing it. It’s been a long time Patrol, together with director Scott Cupit, who pupils, with students Mudlarkers pay support, including advice on interviews from since I brushed up this well and my subsequent spoke about his own experience of interviews involved in the firstfloor plan layouts and recruitment professionals. Other volunteers, interview was much the better because of it’.” since arriving in the UK from Australia, a hefty price including stylists, come from the world of Last month Suited & Booted held including his successful appearance on TV’s TREASURE hunters decisions on interior theatre, film and entertainment. a successful fundraising event called Dragon’s Den. Baritone Alistair Sutherland have been told to features such as furniture Each year the charity helps over 1,000 men, Transformations. The event was sponsored provided musical entertainment. pay up as the Port of style, colour themes and a majority of whom obtain employment soon London Authority tries classroom design. after their visit. to preserve the heritage of the Thames. The popularity of ‘mudlarking’ has boomed in recent years, with many scavenging the riverside in hope of striking it rich with the discovery of Roman coins or ancient pottery. But a new £32 per day permit has been introduced to prevent dressing to impress: over-harvesting. A with Suited & Booted three-year £75 permit is also available. Aspirations Abigail Blessing, head of sixth form at the academy, said: “A first class learning environment has a huge positive impact upon students’ education, motivation and aspirations. “The opening of our new sixth form centre will enrich our students and inspire them to reach their full academic potential.” Catherine McGuinness, chair of the City of London Academies Trust, added: “We are committed to providing a high quality learning environment for our students and look forward to welcoming the next class of students to their new sixth form in 2017.” OFFICERS from the City of London Police have been conducting overnight HGV stops in a bid to prevent potential acts of terrorism. Detective Inspector Dave Timmins explained that events earlier in the year have prompted a more stringent procedure when it comes to dealing with larger vehicles, and used National Counter Terrorism Awareness Week as an opportunity to promote best practice among drivers. A total of 84 people were killed in Nice, France, when an armed driver ploughed a lorry into a crowd celebrating Bastille Day on 14 July. The City’s force have committed to learning all they can from the incident to prevent a similar attack taking place closer to home. “We saw in France the devastating effect larger vehicles can have if used by someone intent on terrorist activity,” said DI Timmins. “We are fortunate to have a positive relationship with HGV drivers in the City, but it is always important that drivers of all large goods vehicles are aware [of] and adhere to all legal requirements. “Smithfield meat market is one of the largest of its kind in Europe and as such it sees drivers converge there from across the continent. Our Job hopefuls are looking the part Prospect Clients include ex-servicemen and people leaving care or custody, or recovering from mental illness. The charity works with 115 referral agencies, including Crisis, JobCentresPlus, the NHS, and the Probation Service. “The charity transforms lives,” says charity executive Dr Maria Lenn. “It offers a helping hand to clients faced with the prospect of a job interview. We kit them out with a smart suit, shirt, tie, shoes and accessories.” Maria continues: “Recently Suited & Booted received this testimonial from a client: Rev Sarah will be missed ST Paul’s Cathedral is mourning the loss of Reverend Sarah Eynstone (right) after she passed away last week. A statement said: “We remember with great thanks her many gifts to us: her creative and able liturgical work and leadership.” A spokesman for the cathedral said the chapter would be commending Sarah and her family to God at services this week. All are welcome to offer their own prayers. Photo by Graham Lacdao Beefing up HGV security activity sends a strong message that we take issues of documentation and driver safety extremely seriously.” Over two nights a team from the City’s commercial vehicle unit and officers from the counter-terrorism team, together with members of the driving and vehicle standards agency, stopped 22 HGV drivers. Of those stopped, 10 had committed some form of offence; including failure to take minimum weekly rest and exceeding the fortnightly driving limit of 90 hours. A further 27 drivers were given verbal warnings about their driving hours. The number of fines handed out over the two nights totalled £2,350. The stops all took place in West Smithfield and officers were on the lookout for a variety of driving and vehicle offences, as well as conducting PNC checks. “I am pleased to say that the majority of drivers that we spoke were really responsive to the activity we were conducting,” added DI Timmins. “It was also heartening to see that most drivers had the correct documentation; their vehicles were well maintained and road safe.” Accessible However, the charity faces upheaval and is due to leave its current home in the new year because St Andrew’s is being refurbished. “Suited & Booted is looking for premises of 1,000sq ft or more,” says Maria. “We want to stay in the City to be accessible to clients, volunteers and the many City firms which help out in different ways. “We’re also looking for more volunteers. We need stylists and people to help as wardrobe assistants and support clients with interview advice.” To volunteer at Suited & Booted, or pass on information about vacant premises, email info@suitedbootedcentre.org.uk
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