This blog, which covers Brockley in London (the SE4 postcode area), has become a thriving online home for those who live and work in the area.

People use the site to catch up with news and events and discuss a wide range of community issues.

The blog has channelled new recruits to the area's two main 'real-world' community groups, and successfully campaigned for English Heritage to list local attraction the Rivoli Ballroom, one of the capital's few remaining authentic ballrooms.

Nominated by kate allen, 23 April 2008

Brockley Central has played a great role over the past year or so in bringing together parts of the community who might not otherwise have got involved. Many posts get 100 comments and the blog is a great way both for local residents to find out what is going on in their area and for us as local councillors to get an idea of what is important to local residents.

30 people turned up to the last Brockley Central drinks to turn the e-discussion into a real conversation, new activists for local groups have been recruited via the blog and my colleague in Brockley ward used the site to get feedback on how to spend a £10,000 grant in the area. The blog has also galvanised residents on local issues such as a potential new betting shop (they don't want one!), possible removal of mature trees (they helped persuade planning officers to refuse consent) and on April Fools day they almost got us all apoplexic with rage at 'proposals for a lap-dancing club' in the area.

Nominated by Cllr Sue Luxton (Ladywell, Lewisham), 08 May 2008

I'm an occasional visitor to Brockley but I use the site to keep up with what's going on when I'm there. Every area should have a site like this! Great work.

Nominated by Philippa Kemsley, 29 May 2008

Brockley Central is superb. I like the comedy of the webmaster the most. But it serious and informative too. London would be so much friendlier if every suburb had an online focal point like Brockley Central.

Submitted by Davina, 07 May 2008

As councilllor for a ward that includes parts of Brockley, I'd like to second this nomination. Brockley Central has played a great role in bringing together parts of the community who might not otherwise have got involved. Many posts get 100 comments and the blog is a great way for us as local councillors to get an idea of what is important to local residents. 30 people turned up to the last Brockley Central drinks to turn the e-discussion into a real conversation, my colleague in Brockley ward used the site to get feedback on how to spend a £10,000 grant in the area and the blog has also galvanised residents on local issues such as a potential new betting shop (they don't want one!), possible removal of mature trees (they helped persuade planning officers to refuse consent) and on April Fools day they almost got us all apoplexic with rage at 'proposals for a lap-dancing club' in the area.

Submitted by Cllr Sue Luxton (Ladywell, Lewisham), 08 May 2008

Strangely addictive, and always informative. Here in SE4 we are very fortunate to be able to enjoy Brockley Central. One day all local blogs will be as good as this.

Submitted by Barry L Smith, 10 May 2008

"Brockley? Where's that? Out in Kent?" To many Londoners, our little patch of Zone 2 doesn't really register. We SE4 residents are grateful to Brockley Central for creating a real sense of community by providing a forum for discussion and sharing information. Well-written and informative, BC welcomes input from readers and subjects covered run the gamut of local interest - from which takeaways are best avoided to removing rubbish from public areas and planting flowers. I may not be making BC sound as dynamic as it actually is, but they are an invaluable resource and a true asset to our area, having helping forge a real community through the blog. Their nomination is richly deserved!

Submitted by Zoe Whitley, 10 May 2008

Although Brockley's quite near where I live (SE16), I'd never even heard of it until I stumbled on Brockley Central. Brockley Central inspired me to go and explore Brockley itself, and not only did I have a lovely day out, I discovered my new favourite beer shop.

Brockley Central is updated very frequently, and the posts always inspire a lot of discussion and debate. I really wish there was an equivalent for where I live! (I know I don't have the time to start one up myself — it's clear that the people behind Brockley Central put a lot of time and effort into the site.)

Submitted by Kake Pugh, 10 May 2008

Brockley Central is a beacon of light on the Brockley and SE4 area, which it has placed firmly on the London map. It's come up with some challenging and well-researched posts. Most excellent and well-deserved of a nomination and award.

Submitted by John Paul Morgan, 10 May 2008

Brockley Central helps to gather community groups and individuals alike. It is the mouthpiece of this little known area of London often called Londons best secret. The area has improved a lot since the blog started, due in part to the influence it has had. Locals, councilors and local business are all included and it has become an invaluable tool for all. It is beautifully written, witty and engaging. It has made a difference. It deserves an award.

Submitted by lee newham, 10 May 2008

Managing a business in SE4, Brockley Central is absolutely a daily must-read and is one of my homepages. Running a pub feedback is essential and BC can provide this in buckets. Not only that, but the site is useful for taking the temperature of Brockleyites as a collective - it helps in understanding their needs & wants, their gripes, their habits & what about Brockley makes them tick.

Nick leads posters in discussion, but from that point there is no shortage of (often well-informed) contributors. I am able to use the site to respond to comments about the pub I manage, which pleases me no end!

On a personal level BC has developed my knowledge of the area I grew up in no end and has encouraged me to explore previously unsung spots. Brockley is certainly developing as a community at an incredible rate and Brockley Central's role in engaging Brockleyites should not be underestimated.

In fact, when the site's creators & contributors had their second ever get-together in my pub 30 or 40 people showed up, demonstrating the popularity of BC and it's potential to bring the people of Brockley together.

Submitted by Richard Salthouse, 10 May 2008

BC has become a bit of an addiction - with a mix of lighthearted discussion, and more serious issues - it's a great way to find out what's happening in the area.

The BC team are quick to respond to ideas and suggestions. When the local museum, dancehall and trees (amongst other) were under threat BC was a great forum for discussion, and a way to find out what action was happening to stop it. If you want to know where to buy a expensive loaf of bread, what's happening to the £10,000 of local allocated community money, if there is a inappropriate planning issue or what's happening with the empty shop unit down the road - this is the place to find out.

It also changed the way I voted for the London Assembly votes - I knew more about our local green candidate because she is a regular poster - and in part that swung my vote - I had concrete evidence of her local involvement.

I read it ever day, often more than once a day, and long may it continue...

Submitted by Hat Margolies, 11 May 2008

Brockley Central is a fantastic local website. In London it is very easy to be completely ignorant of what is going on in the next road. I find BC an invaluable resource to know what is going on in the area; from local events, new shops opening, improvements to transport links, reviews and campaigning on local issues.

There are daily posts which generate a large number of comments. It is clear that a lot of research goes into the articles, covering a wide range of subjects in the area and engaging with other community groups.

Nick, Jon and Kate put a lot of hard work into the site. Sometimes it is difficult to believe they have full time jobs as well!

Submitted by Richard Elliot, 11 May 2008

Brockley Central is informative, hugely useful to the residents of the local area yet light-hearted and upbeat.

It sums up what our little area prefectly: funky, friendly and forward thinking.

Submitted by Anna White, 12 May 2008

Brockley Central is informative, hugely useful to the residents of the local area yet light-hearted and upbeat.

It sums up what our little area is perfectly: funky, friendly and forward thinking.

Submitted by Anna White, 12 May 2008

The biggest problem with Brockley Central is that it is so good it will attract even more people to come and live in Brockley. Having lived in SE4 for 35 years I can say that this is one of the best things that has happened to improve communication within and without the area. Long time residents, like myself, don't like too much publicity as we like Brockley nice and quiet. However I will make an exception for this blog.

Submitted by fintan culwin, 12 May 2008

Why do I read and comment on Brockley Central on an almost daily basis? It has, in a way I have never experienced before, brought a community together to discuss issues about how we live in the community, how we want to see it shaped, and how we include everyone in the decisions made about our lives.

And it is not just a cyber group - Brockley Central has legs with groups of blogers meeting with local council representatives, volunteering to help with community projects, and joining a local charity fun run.

To me though, on a personal level, it as an important source of news about my area that galvanises me to action. It's a way of communicating with my neighbours and local councillors that fits in with my life - and without it I probably wouldn't be represented at all.

Well done to the blog - its what Brockley needed.

Submitted by Kraig Donald, 12 May 2008

Brockley Central is addictive – I visit on a daily basis to check what’s new in our area. The comments are invariably amusing and informative and provide a lively discussion as to how people see Brockley and how they would like to see it move forward.

The posts by Nick, John and Kate have enabled me to discover what is happening in our community and brought an understanding that others have the same concerns as I do - thereby galvanising me / them to take action and not just to think “Oh well, nobody cares so I won’t bother either”.

Being desk bound is no longer an excuse for not taking part in what is happening in SE4 especially so now that I know my opinions are noted by our local Councillors who regularly read the blog.

Submitted by Beatrice Garnett, 13 May 2008

Everyone gets heard at Brockley Central - it's a very egalitarian blog that represents communities from both the East and West side of the area, mothers with children, families, professionals, community workers, local kids and their teachers, and anyone who cares to give it a go.

Its great for letting you know what is goingon - and has increased attendance at public meetings and social events alike

Submitted by Min Wu, 13 May 2008

Alas I do not live in Brockley but I yearn to be a Brockley wannabee ,its a blog that attracts interest from residents outside of its catchment.I came across the site when I worked in the Lewisham Borough and it reflects and promotes a very positive image of the area.

Submitted by Mick Forde, 19 May 2008

Brockley Central is such a welcoming place! I have only just started using Brockley Central and this is the first time I have actually felt part of the community where I live - it's amazing that an online blog can do that. The content is lively, funny, human and useful and constantly updated. I'm really looking forward to joining in!

Submitted by Jo Hill, 22 May 2008

Brockley Central has helped increase involvement and awareness of our local community park group.We've been offered useful advice for funding opportunities, increased the number of casual footballers to the 'jumpers for goal posts' squad and provided a means of greater communication for future events and soliciting opinions. It's also made me increasingly aware of what is happening in the area, made me feel more positive about the area.

Submitted by Rachel Mooney, 26 May 2008

Brockley Central has been my home page on the internet for some time as it’s updated extremely quickly giving balanced information on a broad range of community issues.

BC played a key role in galvanizing the community into opposing an application for betting shop licence last year. The coverage of this issue on BC was crucial with over 140 residents writing to Lewisham Council to oppose the application. As well as this a petition with over 400 signatures was also collected – both of these were submitted at very short notice to meet the Licensing Committee’s tight deadlines. The committee meeting was well attended by residents who convinced the Council that they should turn down the application. BC increased awareness of the campaign in the community and was instrumental in building links across the community. There is no doubt we’re ready for the next campaign.

Submitted by Steve Ollier, 27 May 2008

We read about Brockley Central but no mention is made of Brockley Central School once of Wallbutton Road which ceased to exist upon return from evacuation in 1945/6.

We have a thring ex scholars assn which meets twice a year, with membership over 200.

Any ex scholars who went to the school between 1930 and 1945 are welcome to join us.

Submitted by C Bird, 23 March 2009

It must have been the lagacy of Brockley Central SChool of Wallbutton Road that makes Brockley a sought after area to live.

Regretably the school ceased to exist as Brockley Central when returned from evacuation to Lingfield and Oxted. Howver it still survives with its Old Scholars Association. This is availbale to all members who went to BCS and their relatives. See Brockley Central on Google.

Submitted by C Bird, 25 September 2009

It must have been the lagacy of Brockley Central SChool of Wallbutton Road that makes Brockley a sought after area to live.

Regretably the school ceased to exist as Brockley Central when returned from evacuation to Lingfield and Oxted. However it still survives with its Old Scholars Association. This is availbale to all members who went to BCS and their relatives. See Brockley Central on Google.

Submitted by C Bird, 25 September 2009

It must have been the lagacy of Brockley Central SChool of Wallbutton Road that makes Brockley a sought after area to live.

Regretably the school ceased to exist as Brockley Central when returned from evacuation to Lingfield and Oxted. However it still survives with its Old Scholars Association. This is availbale to all members who went to BCS and their relatives. See Brockley Central on Google.

Submitted by C Bird, 25 September 2009