Bede Exhibition at CGP London gallery: “Believing in Community – 75 Years in Bermondsey and Rotherhithe

Bermondsey's glorious history - in black and white snaps!

It's your last chance to see the outstanding National Lottery funded exhibition presented by the local charity Bede House at the  CGP Gallery.  Opening to a rapturous reception on Friday 9th August, there are only two more days to live the lives of our Bermondsey ancestors in glorious black and white photographs - and if you listen carefully, you might hear their voices speaking clearly to us about the present.

 

 

 

Bede House is always looking for support in a variety of ways, including volunteers and donations.  As you read director Nick Dunne describing in words and picturesthe opening gala event, Bermondsey Beach hopes that you will consider lending Bede a hand...

 

Dear Friends of Bede,

Many thanks to all of you who came to celebrate the opening on Friday evening of the Bede Exhibition “Believing in Community – 75 Years in Bermondsey and Rotherhithe”.

 

It was a brilliant evening, with nearly 100 people filling the Café Gallery in Southwark Park. The exhibition was opened by the Deputy Mayor of Southwark, Cllr Sunil Chopra. Helping him cut the ribbon were June Morgan, who has worked for Bede since 1965, and Bede trustee Tina Stanley. Tina met her husband John when both were living in Bede House in the 1960s and the couple have been involved ever since.

Image shown with permission - Copyright Bede House

Distinguished concert pianist Catherine Edwards performed jazz music by 1930s composer Billy Mayerl, and Mimi Edwards led the guests in singing “There’ll be bluebirds over the White Cliffs of Dover” as the birthday cake was cut.

Image shown with permission - Copyright Bede House

The exhibition runs at the Café Gallery in Southwark Park until 5pm this Sunday, August 18 and showcases 100 fascinating black and white photos from the Bede archive which illustrate the changes in the area since Bede House was founded in 1938. Many were taken by celebrated photographer Tony Othen who lived in Bede in the 1960s. Side galleries display more recent images of Bede’s success in helping adults who have a learning disability, and young people from low income families, to develop their potential and play their part in building strong local communities.

 

Image shown with permission - Copyright Bede House

Lots of people have told me how this Gala opening expressed the spirit of Bede House perfectly. It brought together people from different background who all support Bede’s work. By the end of the evening, we had a true community atmosphere in the gallery which inspired everyone.

Image shown with permission - Copyright Bede House

The exhibition, which is sponsored by the Heritage Lottery Fund, is open from 11am to 5pm at the Café Gallery, Southwark Park, SE16 2UA until Sunday August 18. Entry is free, so do come along if you can!

Best wishes,
 

Nick Dunne

 

More information:

Bede House

Telephone: 020 7237 3881

www.bedehouse.org.uk
Twitter: @BedeHouse

Charity no. 303199

 

CGP Gallery

Telephone: 020 7237 1230
www.cgplondon.org
Twitter: @CGP_London