Representative Deputy Lieutenant for the London Borough of Lambeth

Mr Christopher Wellbelove

Appointed Representative Deputy Lieutenant: 2022

Christopher Wellbelove DL served as an elected councillor in Lambeth for 16 years, serving twice as the borough’s Mayor. As Mayor he campaigned to raise awareness of domestic abuse and mental health, by sharing his own experiences of growing up in a violent household and living with mental ill-health. He also served as Deputy Cabinet Member for housing working to improve social housing in Lambeth. He chaired a number of commissions whilst serving as a councillor, including a commission on digital accessibility of council services where he pulled upon 26 years of experience in web development and digital marketing – and currently works as a marketing consultant for BT Wholesale. He is the founder of Mixed Heritage Day, which aims to raise awareness of, celebrate and support people of mixed heritage.

 

 

Further information about the London Borough of Lambeth can be found at http://www.lambeth.gov.uk

Baton of Hope comes to Lambeth – July 2023

The Baton of Hope is part of a growing movement aspiring to a zero-suicide society. They believe that we simply should not tolerate more than 6,000 suicide deaths per year in the UK (as currently) when most suicides are preventable.

The Deputy Lieutenant, Christopher Wellbelove, worked extensively with the Baton of Hope team and Lambeth council to make sure it stopped off in the borough, and given that Lambeth is home of the UK’s largest LGBTQ+ community – and the impact of suicide and mental health for that community it was key to make sure that they were represented as part of this event.

Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth, Christopher Wellbelove, had the honour of bringing the #batonofhope into the gardens of St Thomas’ Hospital for the event as drag act Mrs Moore sang Labi Siffre’s “So Strong” 

The gathering heard from Councillor David Brindson about his experiences as a gay man, members from Mosaic Clubhouse spoke about their work and Councillor Jim Dickson, Cabinet member for health and wellbeing spoke about the councils new suicide prevention strategy and the importance of various bodies to work together.

Brockwell Park Tree Celebration – July 2023

Each year the Friends of Brockwell Park organise a tree celebration. Anyone can gift a tree to Brockwell Park as a way of remembering a loved one, marking a momentous occasion or simply adding to the park.

The ceremony is a wonderful way to mark these contributions, with those who want to speaking about why the tree was donated.

EID Reception – June 2023

The Mayor of Lambeth, Councillor Sarbaz Barznji, held an Eid Reception in Lambeth Town Hall to honour Lambeth’s vibrant muslim community. Guests included Mayors from across London, councillors together with High Commissioners and other representatives from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Kurdistan, Iraq, Portugal, Somalia, Malta, Nigeria and Trinidad & Tobago

Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth, Christopher Wellbelove, congratulated the Mayor for organising such a fantastic celebration and spoke of the importance of awareness and celebration of people of all faiths and how this was essential to build social cohesion.

HRH The Prince of Wales visits Mosaic Clubhouse – June 2023

HRH The Prince of Wales was welcomed by the Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth, Christopher Wellbelove, as he began his tour of Homewards locations.

Lambeth was the first Homewards location announced, and His Royal Highness was there to discuss the need to break the link between mental ill-health and homelessness. Homewards is a five-year locally led programme which aims to demonstrate that it is possible to end homelessness: making it rare, brief, and unrepeated.

HRH The Prince of Wales visits Mosaic Clubhouse – June 2023

HRH The Prince of Wales was welcomed by the Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth, Christopher Wellbelove, as he began his tour of Homewards locations.

Lambeth was the first Homewards location announced, and His Royal Highness was there to discuss the need to break the link between mental ill-health and homelessness. Homewards is a five-year locally led programme which aims to demonstrate that it is possible to end homelessness: making it rare, brief, and unrepeated.

Two Brewers Street Party – June 2023

This year was the 21st Two Brewers Street Party (Previously Clapham Street Party) which is held each year as part of the pride celebrations in Prescott Place, Clapham. Over the years the event has raised ¾ of a million pound for local and LGBTQ+ charities, as hundreds converge on Clapham to join the celebration.

Throughout the day a range of acts take to the stage from the cabaret scene. Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth introduced Lambeth’s newly appointed Mayor, Councillor Sarbaz Barznji, who spoke to the crowd about the importance of inclusion and the rich diversity that makes Lambeth such a special place.

Visit to Lambeth Link – June 2023

Lambeth Links is the LGBTQIA+ community forum for Lambeth. Their vision is for Lambeth Links to be a central point of rallying, communication and advocacy on behalf of the LGBTQIA+ Community who live, work and socialise in our borough.

The Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth, Christopher Wellbelove, joined local MP Helen Hayes and Mayor of Lambeth Councillor Sarbaz Barznji to meet with members and to hear about some of the issues that they face.

Special Windrush Service – June 2023

2023 sees the 75th anniversary of the HMT Empire Windrush arriving in Britain on 22 June 1948. Brixton Seventh Day Adventist Church held a special service to mark and celebrate the Windrush generation who arrived on the off the Empire Windrush at Tilbury in June 1948.

Windrush Square Celebrations

The Representative Deputy Lieutenant joined the Mayor of Lambeth, councillors and members of the community to celebrate 75 years since the arrival of the HMT Empire Windrush on Windrush Square in Brixton.

Duke of Gloucester at Jubilee Gardens Summer Party – June 2023

The Jubilee Gardens Trust held a summer garden party for local residents, businesses and supporters to highlight the work of the Trust, their exciting future developments and to promote how to get involved in this vitally important green space at the heart of our South Bank community.

The Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth, Christopher Wellbelove, welcomed His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester to the event. They were joined by Mayor of Lambeth Cllr Sarbaz Barznji, Leader of Lambeth Council Cllr Claire Holland and Florence Eshalomi MP, alongside local residents and business representatives from the South Bank and Waterloo area.

Ted Inman, Chair of the Jubilee Gardens Trust opened the event, explaining the history of the site which was first opened as a park in 1977 by Queen Elizabeth II and re-landscaped in 2012 when the Queen visited again. Ted also talked about some of the upcoming projects to improve the Gardens including the much-anticipated expansion which will see the area increase by 40%.

Visit by HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh 

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh was welcomed by the Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth when she visited Richard Atkins Primary School in Brixton to celebrate pupils’ fundraising efforts as part of the NSPCC’s Childhood Day.

The Duchess of Edinburgh is Patron of the NSPCC, and during the visit she met two Speak Out Stay Safe volunteers, who have been working with older pupils at the school. The NSPCC-created workshops help children to understand abuse in all its forms, how to recognise signs of abuse and where to find support.

The Deputy Lieutenant introduced the Duchess to Lambeth’s Mayor, Councillor Sarbaz Barznji, who was born in the same area of Iraq that the Duchess had recently visited and coincidentally met the Mayor’s cousin.

Garden Museum – Visit by Her Majesty the Queen 

Representative Deputy Lieutenant, Mr Christopher Wellbelove, welcomed Her Majesty The Queen to the Garden Museum who was there to officially open British Flowers Week 2023.

Her Majesty was guided around the exhibition by Alan Titchmarsh MBE, who is a Deputy Lieutenant in Hampshire, where she viewed the installations and talked to their designers.

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Lambeth celebrating the Coronation – May 2023

Over the Coronation weekend the Mayor of Lambeth and Representative Deputy Lieutenant attended 15 street parties and events, with the Deputy Mayor and Deputy Lieutenant Tony Griffiths attending a further five.

The Coronation celebrations started on May 5th with a visit to Immanuel Primary School for their Coronation celebrations.

On May 6th the Mayor and Deputy Lieutenants tour started with a visit to Woodfield Avenue and also many street parties.

Next to Glencairn Road

Street market in Streatham

Then on to The Two Brewers Coronation party where they were raising money for Wandsworth Oasis

Finally on to Blemhelm Gardens to thank the team for organising their Coronation Event

On May 7th the first part of the tour started at Claylands Green 

Next to Carson Road

Then onto Mandalay Road

On Meadow Road they’d teamed up with St Peter’s Residents, which included one resident celebrating her 100th Birthday.

Onto Gaskell Street

To Lambeth’s hidden gem Bonnington Square Pleasure Garden

And for a busy Sunday touring Coronation events finally onto Cato Road

The final day of the Coronation Tour by the Mayor of Lambeth and Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth started at Big Kid in Brixton where volunteers were taking part in the Big Help out

Onto the Millenium Gardens where crowds had gathered for an afternoon packed with entertainment 

Streatham next for the Fairmile Avenue Street Party

Then Lexton Gardens

Finally the Notre Dame Estate where the Representative Deputy Lieutenant used to live

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HRH Princess Royal visit to The Marines Society & Sea Cadets – April 2023

HRH The Princess Royal joined sea cadets for the official opening of the MSSC National support centre in Lambeth.

Her Royal Highness toured the new centre and took part in a meeting with the cadets. Prior to leaving she congratulated Lambeth’s new Mayor, Councillor Sarbaz Barznji on his appointment.

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Election of Mayor of Lambeth

Each year Lambeth council elects a Civic Mayor, who is the first citizen of the borough representing it at civic events and chairing council meetings. This year’s Mayor is Councillor Sarbaz Barznji, who came to the UK as a teenage refugee from Iraq and gave his declaration of office first in Kurdish and then in English.

The Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth, Christopher Wellbelove, welcomed his appointment and has been working closely with the Mayor as he prepared for his appointment. The Deputy Lieutenant, previously served as Mayor of Lambeth on two occasions and aims to support Lambeth’s Mayors maximise their impact during their Mayoral year.

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Clapham Omnibus Gala

Clapham’s local community theatre held a special gala to raise money for organisations that support people in the theatre industry dealing with mental ill-health. The event included the thought provoking and excellently produced ‘The Woman Who Turned Into a Tree’. After the performance the Representative Deputy Lieutenant, Christopher Wellbelove, spoke about his work raising awareness of mental ill-health and personal experience. He then hosted an auction and the event raised over £1,000 for charity.

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Ace of Clubs Volunteer Day

Part of the role of Deputy Lieutenants is to build bridges between organisations and individuals across our great capital. After visiting Ace of Clubs, a charity in Clapham, and seeing their great outside space that was needing a little care and attention the Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth, Mr Christopher Wellbelove, arranged a meeting and visit to another great local organisation Bandstand Beds.

Following this a special volunteer day was organised to clear the site and install new beds. The organisations are continuing to work together to help make sure that this valuable space in London is fully utilised by its users.

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Visit to the 74 Fusiliers Army Cadets and 77 Rifles Cadets

The Army Cadet Force is a national voluntary youth organisation with a membership of over 45,000 12 to 18 year old boys and girls. It operates in over 1700 locations all over the UK. Its aim is to inspire young people to achieve success in life.

Based in Tulse Hill the 74 Fusiliers welcomes cadets from around the local area.  In February 2023 the Deputy Lieutenant, Mr Christopher Wellbelove, met and talked to the cadets where he learned how they gain a huge range of life skills by joining the cadets. 

In March, Mr Christopher Wellbelove visited The 77 Rifles Army Cadets. The unit is based in Brixton and is part of the Greater London South East Sector which has 22 detachments with over 800 cadets.

Once again the Deputy Lieutenant was greeted by a bunch of enthusiastic cadets from the local area together with the passionate volunteers who give their time to train them.

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Visit by HRH The Earl of Wessex to the Union Jack Club – January 2023

HRH The Earl of Wessex (now Duke of Edinburgh) was welcomed by Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth to the Union Jack Club in Waterloo to formally open the new entrance and reception area and to celebrate the refurbished flagship event space, the Gascoigne Room.

 

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Christmas Carols – December 2022

Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth, DL, Christopher Wellbelove, joined parishioners for the annual carol service at St Michael’s Stockwell. As ever, it was a beautiful service and the DL gave a reading, the Annunciation to Mary.

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Visit by Her Majesty the Queen consort to Emmaus – December 2022

Her Majesty the Queen, was welcomed by the Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth, Christopher Wellbelove, to Emmaus where Her Majesty is a patron. Her Majesty visited their furniture warehouse in West Norwood.

Previously Emmaus Lambeth, they now cover Southwark, Lambeth and Croydon supporting people out of homelessness. Emmaus SLC support 48 formerly homeless people and Her Majesty’s visit was to see some of the women-only provision that is being developed by the charity.

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Visiting Hatzola Trust

As an assessor for this years Kings Award for Voluntary Service (previously Queens Award) the Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth, Mr Christopher Wellbelove, visited Hatzola Trust in Hackney. Representatives who become assessors purposely do not access organisations in their own borough.

Hatzola is a community-run charity that provides emergency ambulance services to the North London area. Their team of volunteers, who are all medically trained, work alongside local hospitals and the London Ambulance Service to respond to emergency callouts free of charge and provide medical assistance, including transportation to hospital.

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Queen’s Award for Enterprise presentation – November 2022

The Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth, Christopher Wellbelove, presented the award to Delphis Eco which started trading in 2007 and is based close to the London Eye in Lambeth, located in sustainable workplaces at Country Hall . The company supplies UK made, eco-friendly and sustainable cleaning products.  Only six companies have won the prestigious award in the whole of Greater London.

Mr Wellbelove was joined by the leader of Lambeth Council, Councillor Claire Holland, who has been a long advocate for environment i­­ssues – including supporting the funding of the sustainable workplace at Country Hall.  In presenting the award on behalf of His Majesty the King, Mr Wellbelove spoke of what a huge achievement that the award was given that these awards are greatly sought after and sparingly given.

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Meeting with the Deputy Mayor of Lambeth, Councillor Sarbaz Barznji – October 2022

This year’s Deputy Mayor, Councillor Sarbaz Barznji, is a newly elected councillor for Brixton Hill Ward.   Councillor Sarbaz is of Kurdish decent, born in Mamandawa village, and should he take office next April will be the second Kurdish born Mayor of Lambeth in recent history.  The Representative Deputy Lieutenant met with Councillor Sarbaz to discuss his plans and how they could work together during the coming year to support their shared goals for the community in Lambeth.

Rededication of St John’s Waterloo – October 2022

This special service was a chance for the church to gather together all those who have been instrumental in making their vision for St John’s transformation into a reality. The Archbishop of Canterbury led a service of thanksgiving for all that had been achieved. For the architects, contractors and craftspeople together with the generous donors that made this possible. 

Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth, Christopher Wellbelove DL, joined the service and celebrations representing the Lord Lieutenant on this important occasion to mark the rededication of St John’s Waterloo.

Nigerian Independence Day – October 2022

With both the Mayor of Lambeth and the Chief Executive of Lambeth council both being of Nigerian descent, it seemed only fitting for a special reception to be held to mark the 62nd anniversary of Nigerian independence at Lambeth Town Hall.  Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth, who also has Nigerian heritage, attended the event meeting many of the guest eager to celebrate and mark the occasion in Lambeth’s historic town hall.

Citizenship Ceremony following the Death of Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II – september 2022

This ceremony was the first following the death of Her Late Majesty The Queen, which the Representative Deputy Lieutenant spoke of as he said some words on behalf of the local community.  For the first time since these ceremonies were introduced the new citizens made an oath of allegiance to His Majesty the King (or an affirmation if they prefer not to swear by God) and a pledge. This means they promise to respect the rights, freedoms, and laws of the UK.

After the legal element of the ceremony, the Deputy Lieutenant presented those who have made their pledges with their certificate of British citizenship.

Visit to Mosaic Clubhouse – September 2022

Mosaic Clubhouse is an award-winning charity in Brixton providing services to the Lambeth community and surrounding boroughs. It has been funded by Lambeth Council and the NHS Lambeth since it was founded in 1994.  The Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth, Christopher Wellbelove DL, has been a long-term supporter of Mosaic Clubhouse, choosing it as his Mayoral charity when he served as Mayor of Lambeth. He returned to discuss with their Chief Executive, Chris Thomas, developments at the charity.  They continue to do great work and have got back to the same level of activities that they had prior to the pandemic.

Meeting with the new councillor for Lambeth Council – September 2022

Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth, Christopher Wellbelove DL, met with Councillor Donna Harris who was elected as a new councillor in May 2022.  Along with being elected for the first time, Councillor Harris has also been selected by her group as their leader and, therefore, became the Leader of the Opposition at Lambeth Council.  Councillor Harris and Christopher discussed the Lieutenancy and future opportunities for working together.

Meeting the LFB Borough Commander – September 2022

The Lieutenancy has a long history of working with the emergency services, and this was the first meeting with Lambeth’s new Borough Commander, Terry Gooding at Clapham Fire Station.

Thanksgiving Service – September 2022

The Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth accompanied the Mayor of Lambeth to a service of thanksgiving for the life and reign of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Southwark Cathedral.  The service, which was attended by the Lord Lieutenant, Sir Ken Olisa, reflected on the life and service of the countries longest serving Monarch.

Book of condolence tour

Following the death of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth, Christopher Wellbelove DL, was keen to make sure that as many people as possible were given the opportunity to sign Lambeth’s book of condolence.  Working with Lambeth council officers, and with the support of the Mayor of Lambeth, Christopher visited 10 residential homes across the borough. Here he heard many stories from residents, of their memories of the Queen. He met Trevor who had served in the Queen’s Guard, and another resident spoke of how he was a pilot for Her Majesty.

Whilst books of condolence were available at the Town Hall and at libraries in the north and south of the borough, without these visits their residents and staff would not have had the opportunity to participate by sharing their condolence alongside their fellow Lambeth residents.

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A minute’s Silence to remember Her Late Majesty The Queen

Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth, Christopher Wellbelove DL, led Lambeth staff who stopped work across the borough following the death of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.  This was held at a gathering at Lambeth Town Hall, overlooking Brixton and Windrush Square.

mayor of London’s Service of Remembrance

Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth attended the Mayor of London and the London Assembly Service of Remembrance to mark the passing of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. This was held at City Hall in East London and was led by the Lord Lieutenant Sir Ken Olisa and attended by Representative Deputy Lieutenants from across London, Mayor of London, Assembly Members, MP’s and officers from the Greater London Authority. 

Proclamation Reading – Sunday 11 September 2022

Christopher Wellbelove DL led Lambeth’s Proclamation Ceremony held across from Lambeth Town Hall in Brixton’s Windrush Square. Joined by local MP’s, councillors and hundreds of local residents, the Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth called upon the Mayor of Lambeth to make the Proclamation, announcing the ascendancy to the Crown of His Royal Highness King Charles III.

Following the Proclamation, the Southside steel band played the national anthem and all present joined in singing God Save the King

Clapham Park Foodbank

September 2022

Clapham Park Foodbank is part of a network of foodbanks supported by the Trussel Trust that are working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK. The Foodbank currently feeds over 400 people who are referred to them by Job Centres, doctors, council services and advice centres through distribution hubs around the borough. Donations are received directly, from individuals and businesses in the area. They also receive financial donations via https://www.bankuet.co.uk/givenow#find-a-foodbank so if you wish to donate there are lots of options – unfortunately, donations are down by 20% at a time when demand is increasing.

https://claphampark.foodbank.org.uk 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some of the donations but in date order to minimise waste

 

 

 

Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth with Councillor Marianna Masters (left) and Councillor Alison Ingris-Jones who is also a trustee of Clapham Park Foodbank

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Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth welcomes new citizens to lambeth at a ceremony at Lambeth Town Hall

August 2022

Every week Lambeth welcomes new citizens to the borough and to the United Kingdom as full and equal citizens.  At the ceremony, our new citizens make an oath of allegiance to Her Majesty the Queen (or an affirmation if they prefer not to swear by God) and a pledge to respect the rights, freedoms and laws of the UK.   During the ceremony I celebrate Lambeth’s history, it’s connection with the arts, and the fact the anti-slavery campaigners of the eighteenth century were based in our borough.  We really do have a rich and long history, and I celebrate the fact that on that day, they became part of that history.

 

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Commonwealth Games

July 2022

Christopher represented the Lord Lieutenant at the Commonwealth Games and welcomed the Duke and Duchess to the London Velodrome at the Velopark in East London. Whilst the majority of the games were hosted in Birmingham, a little part of London became Birmingham by hosting track racing.  After watching some truly exciting and invigorating races, The Duke went on to present medals to some of the worthy winners.

Duke of Gloucester prepares to present medals at the Commonwealth Games

Christopher Wellbelove DL took the opportunity to talk to a few of the thousands of volunteers who helped make the games possible.

Meeting one of the lead volunteers at the Commonwealth Games

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Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit Brixton House

June 2022

Caption: Duke and Duchess of Cambridge meet young people from Elevate at Brixton house

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge came to Brixton House – a new theatre and arts centre in the heart of Brixton’s local community – to meet some of the young people involved in Elevate.  The Duke and Duchess toured the studios, meeting young people from various projects linked with Elevate and Brixton House. These young creatives (known as Elevators) work at the heart of Elevate to shape and champion the mission and play an important role in decision-making and get involved in project work across the programme.

Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth thanking the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for visiting Brixton House

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Jubilee Celebrations

With hundreds of street parties celebrating Her Majesty’s jubilee across Lambeth it was a busy time for the Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth. From celebrations in Cato Road, Turret Grove, Rozel Road, Argyll Close, Sibella Road and more – there were cakes to be judged and dog shows to enjoy.

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Jubilee Big Lunch

June 2022

Caption: Duke and Duchess of Cornwall at a special Jubilee ‘Big Lunch’ at the Oval Cricket Ground

The Big Jubilee Lunch was held from 2 – 5 June 2022, was organised by the Eden Project, as part of official community celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend.  HRH The Prince of Wales and HRH The Duchess of Cornwall joined a special Big Jubilee Lunch for 400 guests at the iconic Oval cricket.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kIA0AIQep4

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Opening of Faith’s Place at Vauxhall City Farm

May 2022

Caption: Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth, Christopher Wellbelove DL, meeting Faith at the opening of the new Faith’s Bar at Vauxhall City Farm

Christopher attended the official opening of Faith’s Place, a brand new bar at Vauxhall City Farm.  The bar is named after Faith, who has a long history with the farm, being at the forefront of running and even saving the farm, when it came close to closing, by using her own money.  Vauxhall City Farm is one of the oldest and most central city farms in London and seeks to support children and disadvantaged people to boost their confidence and aspirations via the development of personal, social, life, and practical skills, as well as enhancing community cohesion.

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Duchess of Cornwall visit to the National Theatre

April 2022

Caption: The Duchess of Cornwall during her visit to the National Theatre

The Duchess of Cornwall visited the National Theatre, which is in Lambeth’s Southbank. After watching a short rehearsal of ‘The Odyssey’ performed by Public Acts, the Duchess was invited on stage to meet staff and members of the production team who bring the theatre’s show to life.

As Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth, Christopher Wellbelove DL, assists with organising such visits and it was great to see that it was a huge success.

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3Pillars Project

3 Pillars Project’s is a sports-based mentoring programme for young men in the criminal justice system; those vulnerable to engaging in crime, in custody, and recently released from prison.  Christopher visited their project at Back Prince Hub to learn more about their work.  Christopher met with their founder Mike Crofts, who has exciting plans to build the project even further.

The hub is on the former site of Lillian Baylis School, which Christopher visited during his first term as Mayor of Lambeth. The site has been put to great use with commercial use during the day supporting community projects at other times.

Caption: Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth, Christopher Wellbelove DL, at a session organised by 3 Pillars Project.

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Ace of Clubs 

During a visit to Clapham based charity, Ace of Clubs, Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth, Christopher Wellbelove, learned about some of the challenges the charity has faced since he previously visited whilst serving as Mayor of Lambeth.

The Ace of Clubs is a fantastic charity that does great work providing support for homeless, vulnerable and otherwise marginalised people in and around Clapham.

With food donated and collected during the harvest festival they provide lunch Monday to Friday thanks also to great support from a team of volunteers. 

They also offer laundry facilities and mobile phone charging – both invaluable to their users..

Clothing donations are also offered to their users along with providing toiletries – supplies of these are running a little low but they need full bottles.

They don’t have any facilities for people to stay there – however they can sign post and refer people together with providing wider advice on housing and benefits. 

All this and more are only made possible through donations and a great team including volunteers, without which they wouldn’t be able to offer as much as they do. 

You can find out ways you can support @ www.aceofclubs.org.uk.

Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth with Martin Reyes centre manager at Ace of Clubs

Picture: Laundry facilities at Ace of CLubs

Picture: Food donations at Ace of Clubs

Behind The Shop Facade

Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth, Christopher Wellbelove, visited an exhibition being held at Clapham Library, Behind The Shop Facade, which tells the remarkable story of Maurice Dorfman, the grandson of Hyman and Sarah Dorfman who fled the anti-semitic pogroms in Ukraine (then a part of Russia) at the end of the 19th century and arrived in London’s East end in 1902.

Maurice (‘Murray’ to those who knew him the longest) ended up running the family business, Jeannette Fashions, a haberdashery which traded on Clapham High Street for some 60 years, making it the longest surviving traditional shop on the high street; it was also the family home. 

Christopher met with Jim Grover who is a social-documentary photographer based in Clapham.  His particular passion is using images to tell stories…especially stories that celebrate daily life, ‘unsung heroes’, local communities and traditions…and to make the unseen seen. 

And that is what he has more than done here, a unique and fascinating insight into Maurice’s life, a stalwart of Clapham, serving customers from far and wide for over six decades. The exhibition is on until 30 April 2022 and a limited edition book is available.  

Picture:Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth with the creator of the exhibition Jim Grover

Jubilee Gardens, Southbank

Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth, Christopher Wellbelove, visited Jubilee Gardens to meet with the chair of The Jubilee Gardens Trust to hear about plans to extend the gardens into the previous site of Hungerford car park – a development which will increase its size by 40%. Also work will soon start on the refurbishment of the adventure playground.

Jubilee Gardens is a landscaped park on London’s South Bank with mature trees, lawns and an enclosed adventure playground for children aged up to 11 years old.

The Jubilee Gardens Trust, made up of residents’ organisations, local businesses and neighbouring landowners, is the local charity responsible for the management and maintenance of Jubilee Gardens.

Along with being a useful visit to learn more about their plans, and the challenges they are facing – the DL has now been able to put the chair in touch with another community group looking to refurbish their adventure playground, providing some really valuable advice as they start their project

Picture: London Eye viewed from the front of Jubilee Gardens

Picture: Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth with the Chair of Jubilee Gardens Trust Ted Inman

Picture: Plaque unveiled by Her Majesty The Queen to mark the completion of the new Jubilee Gardens during Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee Year

Jubilee Gardens, Southbank

Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth, Christopher Wellbelove, visited Jubilee Gardens to meet with the chair of The Jubilee Gardens Trust to hear about plans to extend the gardens into the previous site of Hungerford car park – a development which will increase its size by 40%. Also work will soon start on the refurbishment of the adventure playground.

Jubilee Gardens is a landscaped park on London’s South Bank with mature trees, lawns and an enclosed adventure playground for children aged up to 11 years old.

The Jubilee Gardens Trust, made up of residents’ organisations, local businesses and neighbouring landowners, is the local charity responsible for the management and maintenance of Jubilee Gardens.

Along with being a useful visit to learn more about their plans, and the challenges they are facing – the DL has now been able to put the chair in touch with another community group looking to refurbish their adventure playground, providing some really valuable advice as they start their project

Picture: London Eye viewed from the front of Jubilee Gardens

Picture: Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth with the Chair of Jubilee Gardens Trust Ted Inman

Picture: Plaque unveiled by Her Majesty The Queen to mark the completion of the new Jubilee Gardens during Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee Year

Big Kid, Brixton

Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth, Christopher Wellbelove, visited Dexters Adventure Playground in Brixton, which is run by BIGKID Foundation, to learn more about their work and plans for the future. 

It is a  large site comprising a building (housing the BKF office, youth club space, kitchen, counselling room and storage), adventure play equipment, tarmacked basketball courts, community garden and grassy areas. 

They have some exciting plans for the site including: 

• Resurfacing and painting the basketball court 
• Constructing a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) 
• Replacing the adventure play equipment with a more accessible natural play area
• Creating an outdoor seating/chill out area

Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London, Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE, is the Patron of BIGKID Foundation, who are a multi-award-winning youth and community charity; their mission is to end social exclusion and youth violence. 

Picture: Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth with the BIGKID team at Dexters Playground

Alford House

On hearing of some new programmes starting at Alford House in Kennington, Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth, Christopher Wellbelove, was keen to visit and hear more about their plans for the future.

Alford House is open to young people aged 8-21 and offers a variety of sports, games, creative and recreational activities in a safe and secure environment that is managed by our dedicated team of staff and volunteers.

Along with their current activities they have some exciting plans to redevelop the centre, using funds from the sale for development of an adjoining car park to fund refurbishment and help secure the long term future of the site.

Picture : Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Lambeth with Tim Saunders from Alford House

Picture: Plus for the refurbishment of Alford House and development of the site

The Rep DL for Lambeth, Ms Rosi Prescott, attended the unveiling of the VC Memorial paving stone to honour Corporal George Jarratt VC in Kennington Park.