F W Evans, the cycle shop, began in Lambeth and then thrived as a single shop in Kennington, from 1921. The chain now has 50 stores from Plymouth to Glasgow, selling and repairing bikes and acting as a hub for the cycling community. Here TOBY PORTER looks at its history, including an interesting correspondence founder Frederick had with one of his regular clients.
Memories
‘No one can doubt he is on right side of history’
Peter Tatchell is a gay, human rights activist whose name was vilified by the right-wing press during the Bermondsey by-election in 1983. The Liberal candidate Simon Hughes’ canvassers wore badges saying “Which Queen are you voting for?” As a new documentary, Hating Peter Tatchell, comes out on Netflix, XINDI WEI looks at the life of the man who organised London’s first gay pride march in 1972.
‘Bridge needs a telegram, ma’am’
Sunday, June 6 marks the 100th anniversary of Southwark Bridge – which will be lit up for the occasion. It has survived a bombing during the Blitz, witnessed tragedy on the Thames and appeared in a Harry Potter film. TOBY PORTER tells its story.
Jessica swept the stairs from bottom to the top
The Mitford sisters have been a source of constant drama, wit and political intrigue since their youth in the early 1900s, most recently shown in the BBC adaptation of Nancy Mitford’s The Pursuit of Love, which draws heavily on their family life.
In tune with the life of celebrities
Steven Harris felt like he had hit the jackpot when he got a job tuning and fixing pianos in Harrods department store after spending most of his life in care and coming out with no qualifications.
Master wordsmith, regrettably forgotten
David Jones, a poet and painter who was acknowledged as an influence by such English titans as T S Eliot and Graham Greene, was inspired by his Brockley home and by his religion.
This week 10, 20, 30 years ago
10 years ago
Streets will come to a standstill to mark the passing of a woman whose mistaken shooting sparked a riot. Cherry Groce’s last journey through Brixton takes place this morning.
It is Wright to talk about abuse
From Brockley to Arsenal: Ian Wright recalls his childhood in South London for the BBC documentary, writes Francesca Casonato
Exile in Chislehurst for last Emperor of France
Invading Russia is never a good idea, as Napoleon, whose 200th anniversary was on May 5, discovered.
But his nephew, Napoleon III, who ruled France from 1848 to 1870, tried just as foolish a feat, invading Bismark’s Prussia. GWEN LARDNER tells the story.
This week 10, 20, 30 years ago
Campaigners held a rally outside a Government office before marching to Downing Street in a last-ditch plea to save their libraries.
The surgeon’s link to Bonaparte
Napoleon Bonaparte spent the last five years of his life in exile on the island of St Helena – one of the remote places on earth. But what did Captain James McTernan, who is buried at Brockley Cemetery, have to do with it? MIKE GUILFOYLE finds out.
Searching for answers about hero uncle Roy
For many of our grandparents and parents, the Second World War demanded they risk their lives to save us from an invasion by the Nazis under Hitler. One of those is Royston – known as Roy – Ellis, from Clapham.
This week 10, 20 ,30 years ago
The Met is currently in talks with television company Talkback Thames over what should happen to 400kg of uniforms used on police drama The Bill.
Milton served his community well
A memorial service for a tennis coach who created one of the biggest community clubs in the country has taken place.