I call south-east London, round the bend of the river, ‘Costa del Thames’
Former music PR and devoted Deptfordite, Caffy St Luce, has been a Love Pirate for the last ten years. A what? “It broadly covers managing events and artists, creative promotion and development – and waging ‘funshine’,” explains Caffy. “I moved to Deptford Fun City at the end of the 20th century and never left,” she adds. She instigated Rocklands, a music/arts network, “to hopefully unite ideas that co-promote and help each other, and so, themselves. Over the river from Docklands, its where Lovers’ Rock meets Rockers’ Love. South-east London. The extended family has grown. As a promotional and social tool, our ‘Uniqulture’ works.” Follow Caffy @rocklandstv and on Facebook @artfulmtb
When were you happiest?
Daydreaming, probably. In Deptford I can walk to a view of the Thames and feel blessed. I call south-east London, round the bend of the river, “Costa del Thames”.
Where would you like to live in south London?
I’m pretty happy in our council block, though I feel a garden and shed would be the height of luxury.
What is your favourite south London sound or smell?
Whenever I hear the sound of horses’ hooves in Deptford I am in heaven. There are so many delicious food smells that I can’t actually choose. I love eating, me.
Who is your favourite south Londoner?
It used to be the Peace Dove outside St Paul’s church, but he has flown away. I love so many of the local playing class friends of the 20th and 21st century, but I guess it would be African writer and slave trade abolitionist Olaudah Equiano who passed away in 1797.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Pay it forward.
Film about Deptford Free Festival, via Transportine
What is your earliest south London memory?
End of the Century fun at Deptford Free Festival on Fordham Park. “You can’t kill the spirit”.
What makes you unhappy?
The news, the instability of inequality, and negativity in general.
What simple thing would improve your quality of life?
More life-long childhood and equality: happier people = safer world and future. That, or a tug boat.
What is your most unappealing habit?
My singing? It makes Ian Brown sound like Pavarotti. That I talk/rant/bore too much? Lose things constantly and it makes me late? Overboozing? Faffing? Waffling?
What is your guilty south London pleasure?
Gotta be riding at the front of the DLR and pretending to drive.
Your favourite south London landmark?
It was the giant anchor on Deptford High Street. I used to think “home in the capital’s sailors’ town”. Now I feel there should be Lost Kitten style posters everywhere.
Where do you hang out?
I like “Deptford Odeon” (i.e. our front room) but also The Bunker, The Big Red, Little Nan’s, Amersham Arms, the gardens behind The Albany, Blackheath, Greenwich – loads more, but those are some of the walking distance ones.
Who or what do you dislike and why?
David Cameron. He is a genuine baddie; smarmy with the knowledge of political corruption being condoned. He is bad news for a great nation and should attempt the zero-to-hero thing, pronto. I live in hope of a real leader one day. That is somebody that real people just can’t help but follow.
Best south London gig or night out?
Well, I would have to say anything Rocklands connected. If I and people that attend didn’t enjoy our own events, then I should give up promoting!
What has your career taught you?
Always look forward with hope to new adventures.
What is your greatest life achievement?
Making people laugh or smile. Maintaining a vivid imagination.
Describe yourself as an animal
A cat in manner. A horse at heart.
