Westcombe NEWS Est. 1973 Free to 3800 homes, and in libraries & some shops September 2012 Issue 7
A community newspaper commended by the London Forum of Amenity and Civic Societies Monthly newspaper of The Westcombe Society: fostering a sense of community Was it worth it? Lovely even without the horses he partying is almost over as slowly to say the British games have been monu- Twe recover from the hangover follow- mentally exciting - and so well organized ing the Olympic extravaganza. As we con- and presented. The pictures of London on sider the impact on our lives of the our transmissions are simply gorgeous.” Olympics over the last several months, Nothing can detract from the successes many of us are asking “Well, how was it of our athletes, and their hard won for you?” Olympic medals; nor from the thousands The WN has been asking the same ques- of ordinary people who worked, paid or tion, and we report below a representative unpaid, to make the Olympics an event to sample of the answers we got. be remembered for the rest of our lives. No one could fail to be impressed by so However, it will be remembered by many aspects of the Olympics and some for all the wrong reasons. Some local Paralympics. We should take our hats off shopkeepers and traders reported a down- to all the athletes in particular - not just the turn in business. medal winners, but all the athletes who Central London was uncannily quiet, worked so hard to make it to London 2012. with business and traffic down. Restaurants Take Rebecca Adlington: since the age of suffered, and hotels were reportedly slash- One of the beautifully-designed six, she has spent over 12,000 hours in the ing room prices. However, one bright spot However, for most people the biggest water, and has swum some 25,000 miles – was the South Bank, which was a milling issues were over parking and transport. cross-country jumps in Greenwich once round the world! mass of people on most days. The surges of passenger numbers on the Park. PHOTOS: Emily Norton Marilyn Little reports: “We had a fan- tube and the railways were better managed tastic day in the Park at the Cross Country. Local traders than predicted; but many drivers, defeated It was a terrific venue. Getting into the Nearer home, traders gave a mixed reac- by traffic jams, simply gave up any attempt Park via the Blackheath Bridge was no tion. The wave of spectators passing to get to where they needed to be. problem and once inside movement was through Blackheath on the way to The Zil lanes caused a lot of resentment, very easy. We managed to get a good view Greenwich park had little effect on shop and traffic-light settings adjusted to favour of a number of the jumps and finished off takings. The stall holders in Greenwich major routes caused problems for many in the Arena. The cross-country course was Market had particular cause for complaint side-roads; but there was far less conges- really beautiful and very imaginative.” because barriers erected by LOCOG on the tion than many had predicted. On the other Marilyn added: “What a terrific venue route from Greenwich Station to the hand, shops around the Standard received Greenwich Park has been! All the people I Equestrian Olympics in the park ensured some benefit, as the two-hour maximum spoke to on Cross Country day were blown that potential shoppers were prevented parking rule meant a quicker turnover of away with the jumps, the course and the from entering the market. people parking and shopping. brilliant views. The owner of the independent antique Overall, most people agree that the “I know there have been a few wrin- shop the Junk Shop, Toby Moy, tried in games were a spectacular success. A glimpse of the Stadium at sunset kles, – for example the reinstatement of the vain to draw custom by displaying some of park is taking longer than we thought it his wares from behind the barrier by put- would – but given the scale of the event ting stock on the pavement outside, and South London NHS in trouble that was to be expected.” was threatened with a £5,000 fine. Local resident Anne Raynsford also Fortunately, the Council intervened, he announcement by the government effective services during the running of the enthuses in a report on page 6. But it was and the barriers were eventually modified Tthat South London Healthcare NHS Unsustainable Provider Regime. not just the festivities in the park: the to allow the expected influx of customers Trust is to be put into administration after “Together we will need to think differ- heath was a huge attraction. too. “The into the market to materialize. it ran into financial trouble has caused con- ently, and accept that change needs to hap- screen on Blackheath and the area around On Old Dover Road, Blackheath Cooks sternation among NHS watchers. pen. The status quo is not sustainable.” the church looks great,” said Jan Barnett. tried to celebrate with a small Olympic The Health Secretary Andrew Lansley This is the first time an NHS trust has Geoff Bailey commented: “No one display, and were warned they could face a has appointed a special administrator to been put into administration. The trust was doubts that the Olympics were a sporting £30,000 fine. The message to local traders take over. “Past efforts have not succeeded created by merging three hospitals - the triumph. Those who saw the opening cere- was “You’re not part of the national cele- in putting the South London Healthcare Queen Elizabeth in Woolwich, Queen mony, and the equestrian events, also saw bration, and if you aren’t a major sponsor Trust on a sustainable path,” he said. Mary’s in Sidcup, and the Princess Royal it as an aesthetic triumph. But it also from a Multi-national, get lost!” Since its creation in 2009, the trust has run in Orpington – and serves more than one needs to be emphasized what a logistic While many had strong reservations up deficits of more than £150m. million people. Last year, on a turnover of triumph it was: to organize so many events about the stationing of Rapier missiles on The Special Administrator has been £424m it finished £69m in deficit. in so many locations, so smoothly, greatly the heath and in Oxleas Woods, at least named as Matthew Kershaw, who said: Much of the deficit is as a result of an redounds to the credit of LOCOG.” locals did not have them placed on their “My priority is to work with staff, inept Private Finance Initiative: the interest And Sandra Barnes, writing from roofs, as happened in Leytonstone. They patients, the public and all those involved is still being paid on a building that no Philadelpia in the US, writes: “We've been probably played no part in the drop in in healthcare services in the south-east longer exists – the vast white elephant that watching your Olympic spectacle! I have crime reported by the police! London area to maintain high quality, was Greenwich District Hospital. Although the trust has some of the longest waiting times for operations, and < < < NEWS BRIEFS > > > longer-than-average waits in A&E, it has Quiz Night Attack in St John’s Park Walk for Tom Get on your bikes! low infection and death rates. If it was The Westcombe Society’s popular A man was stabbed in the small Charlton Riding for the Disabled Until the Paralympic Games end on decided to break up the trust, it would not Quiz Night is on Saturday 20th hours of Saturday 3rd August when report that an amazing £5279.88 9th Sept. SE Trains have catego- necessarily mean the closure of all servic- October at 7.30 pm for an 8.00 pm he and his partner were mugged in was raised this summer: part of it rized Deptford, Kidbrook, Maze es, but one of the hospitals might go . . . start. Bookings and 'Chippy' St John's Park. They were confront- will go towards purchasing a new Hill and Westcombe Park stations See also our report on page 6. suppers, if required, must be ed by two men at around 1.00 am horse, a saddle and a saddle cloth. as being not only “busier than ordered in advance. A table is for on Saturday morning. The man was usual” but also receiving “a no more than six people per team; taken to hospital.The police are Not really mugged in Madrid reduced train service.” Hmm! We individual and pair bookings are stepping up patrols in the area. There has been another rash of are asked to try to avoid London The Westcombe Society welcome and will be placed to emails, supposedly from people Bridge Station at peak travel times In Mycenae House in September: make up teams as appropriate. Coffee morning one knows, asserting that they have Saturday 22nd Sept 7.00 - 10.00 pm – Why not get your friends to make The Macmillan Coffee Morning – been mugged in Madrid (or Lagos, The sky’s the limit Members’ Evening. Invitations have gone out – if you up a team – or come on your own and lunch! – (Sept 28th) is always or Bangkok...), can’t pay their hotel Mike Ash, 71, from Blackheath didn’t get one please ring Caroline on 8853 0948. and meet some new people! a very jolly and social occasion. bill, etc etc and please send flew to legendary status when he Ring Caroline on 8853 0948 Caroline Owens says: “Even if you did his “Biggles” skydive from money. The ‘victim’ claims – Fri 28th Sep 10.00 am - 2.00 pm – Macmillan Coffee as soon as possible, as bookings are unable to help, please come 13,000 feet for the Freddie Farmer uncharacteristically – to be Morning. Please ring Caroline on 8853 0948 if you can will close on 14th October – or along for coffee or lunch and sup- “freaked out”... not a turn of Foundation on July 25th. make cakes/sandwiches, or can help on the day. earlier if fully booked. port our fundraising event for this phrase used by most of our readers. very worthwhile cause.” These are scams, and information Book launch Welcome home should be sent to Action Fraud, a In mid-August, Ottie and the Bea Sat. 29th Sep 2.00 - 4.00 pm – Children’s Nearly New to John Bennet after his illness. Open House London Government agency run by City of hosted a book-launch for Michael Sale: Toys, clothes, equipment – Bargains galore! John has been a volunteer-deliverer 750 buildings and events can be London Police (www. Buckley's Nerd Series and Sisters To book a stall or rail, of the WN for nearly 40 years. visited free, on 22/23rd September. actionfraud.police.uk/scam-emails) Grimm - superb children's books. please ring Joanne on 07709 571777. COMMUNITY NEWS
WESTCOMBE NEWS ALL EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE TO: Proudly carrying the torch Neville Grant, The Editor [email protected] PHOTO: Emily Norton Tel. 0208 858 8489 . . . and here ALL MATERIAL TO BE SENT TO: [email protected] comes Ella! Deadline for the October issue: 15th September News Editor: Geoff Garvey Environment Editor: Sarah Winterbottom Reporters: Denise Scott-McDonald ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE Dick Allard All queries and comments to: 020 8858 7305 The Planning and environment sub- committee: [email protected] http://westcombe.gold.ac.uk he Torch Relay passed by Westcombe DISTRIBUTION TPark on the 21st July, coming up Myles Dove & Barbara Henley Westcombe Hill at breakfast time. An Jean-Jacques and Maureen Aune opportunity not to be missed! Volunteer distributors please phone Parties were organised and the bunting 8853 3740, we need your help! came out (again). So at 8am the street was ADVERTISING MANAGER already full of revellers. The Torch arrived towards the top of the hill at around Marilyn Little, 163 Westcombe 8.15am and to everyones excitement there Hill, SE3 7DP 020 8853 1312 was a 'Kiss' point (a change over) there. It (email:[email protected]) Marilyn Little (above, left) was one of many locals who held breakfast parties to cele- couldn't have been arranged better. The brate the passing of the torch; and if you were lucky, you might have got a glass of All advertisements payable in advance new bearer was Ruqsana Begum the Buck’s Fizz! No fizz however for the torch bearer Ruqsana Begum who is the British by cheque to The Westcombe British Muay Thai Kickboxing Champion. Kick Boxing Champion; we suspect that JJ (right) probably drank her share! Society. Costs: It was an unrepeatable event and certainly DISPLAY: Single column 6cm x 6cm: One - four issues £35, five-plus issues £30 put us all into the Olympic mood! each. Other sizes: please inquire. And that was not all . . . A popular Classified Ads (Market Place) charged at young resident of Westcombe Hill, Ella 30p per word (A telephone number = one Statham, also carried the Olympic Flame. word. Any email/web address = 3 words.) She carried the torch through the middle of Deadline for all adverts is 10th day of the the Equestrian Stadium and then on past preceding month the Queen’s House. Printed by: Trojan Press Ella enjoyed huge public support and Contact the Westcombe Society: finished her run down an avenue in the [email protected] Royal Naval College to a salute from the Publisher: The Westcombe Society Naval Cadets – a memory she will treasure Chairman: Marilyn Little Tel. 8853 forever. She was nominated by the London 1312 FA as she has been instrumental in creat- The views expressed in the Westcombe ing a leadership programme. She is now News are not necessarily those of the an LFA Ambassador because of the work Westcombe Society or of the Editor. PHOTO: Neville Grant she has done. Ella is a great inspiration to Back-numbers (in colour) can be accessed Justine Curry carries the torch along Stratheden others in her age group. on: Road - but Vikram Jaisingh manages to snatch a PHOTO: Kanika Mehra http:// westcombe.gold.ac.uk/westnews.html quick photograph with her as she passes! Jaisingh Westcombe Societys Blog: Silver for Gemma! http://westcombe.blogspot.com Letters to the editor may be edited through lack of space. Any views expressed are those of the writers only, and are ocal Judo star Gemma Gibbons won a Letters not necessarily those of the Westcombe Society or the WN. Lsilver medal in a brilliant display at WESTCOMBE SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP From: Trevor Allman Greenwich Green Party in safety, which I hope all clubs would wel- the ExCeL in London, just over the water With regards to the article and photographs of come. By the year 2015, the council wants 90% from her home in Charlton. Please send this membership form to: people celebrating 60 years of Elizabeth of primary schoolchildren to have learnt to Gemma, 25, has been supported by Mrs Margaret Ellis, 4 Ingleside Grove Windsor as our unelected Head-of-State in the swim: the current figure is 71%. Greenwich Starting Blocks. This is a local London SE3 7PH July/August issue of the WN. The new pool will not just cater for children. charity set up to help young people in Name...... The whole sorry event reminded me of the It will be deep enough for an experienced diver Greenwich realise their sporting dreams. quote by Irish revolutionary, James Connolly, to dive into safely. It certainly will not be an She trained for years in Mycenae House Address...... (Commandant-General, IRA Dublin Division “advanced paddling pool” as your story put it. with Blackheath Metro Judo Club (though ...... during the 1916 Easter Rising) : It is also worth bearing in mind that the bor- "People mentally poisoned by adulation of ough now has a heated 50m outdoor pool (at this has now moved to Thomas Tallis Tel...... royalty can never attain the spirit of self-reliant Hornfair Park, reopened after refurbishment in School where the facilities are better.) Injury in June last year threatened Email: ...... democracy for social freedom." July), as well as four indoor swimming pools (at The facts that Blackheath has played host in Greenwich, Thamesmead, Woolwich and Gemma's participation in the Games, but Please enclose payment as appropriate: the past to people like Wat Tyler, Jack Cade, the Eltham). This is more pools than most other though originally only ranked 42nd in the Cornish Peasants and the New Model Army London boroughs: it seems sensible for the world, she won a silver medal, setting a Family Membership £12 [ ] during the Civil War, who have fought the council to ensure that, between them, these new British record. Individual Membership £8 [ ] tyranny of monarchy, make the whole affair pools cater for all swimmers – older people, Royal Greenwich also boasts a British Senior Citizens/unwaged £4 [ ] even more galling, and an insult to those brave competition club swimmers, divers – and also people who laid down their lives to try and young children who need to learn to swim in Record-holder after Zoe Smith, the remove the yoke of servitude from our shoul- safety. weightlifter from Abbey Wood who didn’t ders. Time is long overdue to rise from your quite manage a medal, but who set the new knees. For Peace & Socialism From: Gavin McGregor bar at 121kg. These victories are a great Sue Whimster In a few weeks time I'm going to be crossing boost for local athletes, and give young From: Cllr Alex Grant ((Lab.) Councillor for Scotland (by bike) as part of a team of people impressive role models. Curtains & soft furnishings Blackheath/Westcombe! volunteer educators, taking free workshops and made to order Your story in the July/August issue of the WN resources to schools and youth groups – all on Wide range of fabrics about the new swimming pool planned for the the theme of how their own lives can be power- available old Hospital site at the bottom of Vanbrugh Hill ful forces for social and environmental change. Free estimates said it is not “good news” for anyone “serious It's going to be hard work, and because about swimming”. But it said nothing about we're providing this service to schools for free, Phone: 0208 293 0737 how the pool will allow many more children to I'm asking people to put whatever amount learn to swim safely: surely a key purpose of they’re able to towards making this project pos- Mob. 07714 215 713 any public swimming pool. sible.My fundraising page is: http:// Unit 10, Gateway Business Centre, I am sorry if any swimming club does not uk.virginmoneygiving.com/GavinTwoWheels Tom Cribb Road, SE28 0EZ support the plan for a leisure pool which is 1m Thank you! And if you can't help with deep at each end, and 1.5m deep in the middle. money at this time, please send me good vibes www.suewhimster.com But this pool has been deliberately designed to for those moments when I don't think I can [email protected] allow more inexperienced swimmers – up to pedal up another Scottish hill... 900 more children each week – to learn to swim Peace and bicycle grease!
2 Westcombe News September 2012 LOCAL NEWS Under the Arches
PHOTO: Frank Smith Frank Smith says: “Many thanks to those who came along to Lasseter Place on what turned out to be a glorious summer's day in July. “The volunteers – 11 adults and 6 children – ‘reclaimed’ the winding path and the clearing created last year as part of the Trees for Cities project. An area at the The ceremonial foundation stone of the and is typical of many public buildings in side of the path was also cleared in preparation for bulb-planting later in the year.” Arches shows it was built in 1927 as a south east London at the time. municipal baths. It housed first and second The four-square, low-rise form of the class baths, slipper baths and a wash house Arches is a significant landmark forming a Rain and was updated in the 1950s to provide cornerstone of the East Greenwich Russian and Turkish steam baths. Conservation Area that is sympathetic to Today, the Arches Leisure Centre, the lines and heights of Trafalgar Road and didn’t remains popular and is much used by the respects the character of the minor roads local community. The East Greenwich on its flanks. Hospital redevelopment promises a Buildings which have been identified as stop replacement including a new 25m pool positively contributing to the ‘character or (with 1m depth ends, maximum depth appearance’ of a conservation area gives 1.5m) and a smaller ‘learners’ pool. them some protection against demolition Greenwich Council now tells us that a and should, in theory, oblige the Council to play! shallow pool is needed to provide for a promote repair where there are signs of bulge in the numbers of 5 to 9 years old neglect and decay. Even so, without listed Julia between now and 2015. We ask what status, The Arches’ future is uncertain. facilities this Olympic borough are propos- Listed building status gives the best protec- Marsen ing for those children when they are aged tion against demolition or radical redevel- 10 to 14? opment. he last time Britain hosted the plan slightly. However, on Sunday we We therefore still question the suitabili- With or without listed status, the Arches TOlympic Games was in 1948. Because utilised two marquees to give the village ty of such a shallow pool which will force deserves to be preserved. The hard-work- everything was in short supply after the cover, and thanks to lots of wonderful serious and club swimmers to travel to ing residents of 1920s Greenwich con- war, they were called the Austerity Games, young helpers we did it. Once built, the Eltham or further afield should they wish tributed to its construction through their so, here in London, the games were a bit of village was decorated with stickers and to dive – or learn to dive. rates yet today’s Council is planning to sell an improvised affair. (nothing has changed, stencils and Olympic-coloured paints. Our We also ask what will happen to the it off. As a listed building it is likely to be then . . . only joking!) build was able to be brought out into the Arches? The Arches takes its name from less attractive to developers and so one can So it was that the East Greenwich late afternoon sunshine for all to enjoy. A its decorative archways and is identified in only assume that the Royal Borough of Community Association decided to build big thank you to all involved with the plan- the Council’s 2010 East Greenwich Greenwich is looking at the short-term an improvised village made of cardboard ning of the community events and of Conservation Area Appraisal (2010), as a gain, i.e. a quick sale. for its 1948 Village Fete. Well known course to the friends of the East Greenwich ‘key unlisted building’ of ‘special interest’, Yet the exterior, and the original fea- local artist and architect Mark Titman was Pleasaunce for letting us all share their which is a ‘well modelled Italianate build- tures of the interior, could be preserved asked to help Theo Luck and Michael wonderful secret garden.” ing from the interwar period, noteworthy with the building being converted for a Agyeman with a 15m long 5m wide stage- *Editor’s note: Makedo is a connector for its careful detailing’. new use. Although a listed building may like cardboard village located in The system that enables materials including Even so listed building status, requested pose problems for developers, the unique Pleasaunce, based on the plans of buildings cardboard, plastic and fabric to easily by the Greenwich Society, has been style of the Arches would go a long way to in the Greenwich of 1948. The idea was to join together to form new objects or declined because ‘some of the original compensate for this. Hopefully the Arches have a maze running through it for the structures. When you’re done playing, internal features are missing’, even though can be saved to ensure it remains as a children (and adults) to explore. simply pull it apart to reuse over and the centre’s own website, talks about an monument to the aspirations of a previous Children helped to build the cardboard over again. An ideal aid to creative “internal fabric (which) still shows signs of generation of Greenwich residents. houses, which included iconic buildings play! A full range of Makedo is available a varied history”. like the Queen's House and Naval College. at Ottie and the Bea. The decision seems to ignore the origi- Congratulations Julia Marsen of Ottie and the Bea was also nal Second Class Bath Hall, currently a fit- asked to help. Julia takes up the story: ness pool, which remains virtually any congratulations to the choirs of “When I was asked to be involved, I A & A LANDSCAPES unchanged from the date of completion. MBlackheath Girls High School, who was thrilled,” said Julia. “Finally, I had the Landscape Specialists It also underestimates the importance of have recorded a truly delightful anthology chance to do the big cardboard box build the external design as a key part of the of songs ranging from The Ugly Duckling I’d always wanted to do, using Makedo's street-scape. The Arches' exterior is an and the Seal Song to Palestrina's Sicut clips*. unusually authentic interpretation of Cervus, Handel's Zadok the Priest, and “While the plans were taking shape, the Roman domestic and administrative archi- Villa Lobos and Cesar Franck. cardboard collecting began. Many thanks Free advice & Qualified tecture and refers to the past presence of The recording was made in March this are owed to the traders at the Blackheath estimates horticulturalist Roman buildings in the Greenwich area year at All Saints Church, Blackheath. The All aspects of soft & hard landscaping Standard for their boxes. work carried out including and en route to Dover. It also echoes the CD is a pleasure to listen to, and was very “The build day finally came – unfortu- * Maintenance *Site clearance use of brick in a 'classical' style at the skilfully recorded (under one imagines less * Turfing * Tree surgery nately so did the rain. We refused to allow * Fencing * Patios William building of the Old Naval College than ideal conditions) by Neil Luckett. rain to stop play, but we had to modify the * Brickwork Tel. 020 8318 2530
Mycenae House community centre
...at the heart of your communittyy 020 8858 1749 www.mycenaehouse.co.uk 90 Mycenae Road, Blackheath, SE3 7SE Supported bbyy Rooyyal Grreeenwich
Westcombe News September 2012 3 FEATURES Wonderful Wonderful? Yes, but . . . Olympics! Neville Grant queries the IOC’s sponsorship policies Anne Raynsford verall, Greenwich – the whole coun- Otry – should feel extremely pleased and PHOTO: Jan Barnett proud not just of our athletes (and not just the medal-winners.) We should also doff our hats to all those who have hosted, run, and participated in the Olympics, whether as professionals, organizers, sports adminis- trators, project managers, builders, workers – or volunteers, both in that wonderful opening ceremony, and on the streets. Not forgetting those in charge of securi- ty, especially the police and the military. The Equestrian events in our lovely park TFL came out well too, even though has exceeded all expectations! Such historic drivers were cursing the inconvenience of buildings framing such excellent horserid- Zil Lanes and traffic-lights resetting, which ing made the event even more spectacular. meant that many local side-roads became And didn’t the park look amazing in the traffic jams. There was also the oddity of cross country event? having to go from Maze Hill to Charlton in Two other events made this week very order to get to London. (A special word of PHOTO: Emily Norton special for me. First was peering into the thanks to Theresa Ajayi who helped so park through the gate on Crooms Hill and for Fish ’n Chips outlets. The fact that obesity problem. many people out at Maze Hill Station). seeing some members of the Equestrian McDonalds don’t sell chips – they sell By the law of unexpected consequences, What has left a nasty taste in the mouth, teams sitting at tables, relaxing in the dap- Fries – left many of us gasping with amaze- the dominance of food outlets in the park perhaps in more senses than one, is the pled sunlight beneath the trees, with their ment. The only surprising thing is that they meant as a knock-on effect very difficult Olympic movement’s choice of sponsors. beautiful horses near them munching the didn’t ban potatoes within a half mile radius trading conditions for those outside ... Dow Chemicals was one; but at least we grass. It just looked so calming and peace- of the games, too. And what about crisps? whether restaurants or those street traders didn’t have to (knowingly) purchase any of ful, and I felt that Greenwich had provided After all, they are called chips in American offering food. The latter in particular are their products in the Olympic Park. them with a perfect place to relax after the English. waging a survival campaign against the Cadbury was another: the once flag-ship of stresses of competition. McDonalds – and Coca-Cola – at least mass-market food manufacturers, and repre- British food companies was taken over, The day after the cross country, early in purported to promote their more healthy sent delicious, local, varied and sustainable with the help of a huge loan from a British the morning, I saw two mounted policemen lines. This did not prevent the Children’s alternatives. One needs to go no further bank, UBS, to an American company, Kraft, galloping their horses over the heath Food Campaign issuing a report called The than Greenwich Market for a superb street- who subsequently closed the factory in yelling with delight and joie de vivre – I Obesity Games. The report urges the eating experience. Keynsham, moved production to Poland, think they were imagining they were about International Olympic Committee (IOC) to Sadly those who visited the Equestrian and then sold it to a Korean company. to compete in an event! The excitement of Asset-stripping or a wise commercial ban junk food and fizzy drink brands from Olympics were steered clear of these street the event had got to them as welI. move? You choose! future sporting sponsorship, and argues that traders, and other stall-holders, by uncom- I missed being able to go to the park A real bugbear for many was the committee missed a big chance to create promising barriers, steering the crowd as very much as I am sure so many people did, McDonalds, which, for a relatively small a positive health legacy from the London fast as possible out of the park and into but I am so glad it provided such an excep- amount of sponsorship money, built a vast 2012 Games. Greenwich Station. A case of Big Business tional venue for the Equestrian events of Burger Emporium on the site of the park – Health professionals warn that obesity in - Big Deal; Small Business - No Deal . . . our Olympic Games. the biggest in the world, though not big England has tripled in the last 25 years, and enough to avoid at times hour-long queues. it is estimated that obesity – linked with It could cerainly be seen from space – and diabetes, heart disease and many Will the park ever recover? then, as part of the deal, the company insist- other conditions – costs the NHS over £5 was the question posed by those who were against the use of ed that no-one else in the park could sell billion a year. Unhealthy eating, and lack of chips except (a generous concession!) exercise, play a key role in creating the Greenwich Park for the Olympics. GORDON BAKER gives us an interim report A surreal view of the Olympics he re-opening of the Park got off to a rather than re-seeded, but a decision will Trather shaky start for a few days. Not not be made until the ground is inspected all of LOCOG's optimistic promises were once the platform has been removed. f you haven’t already had more than Gherkin in London. His work deals with met, but the situation is evolving and get- LOCOG sub-contractors will be closely enough of the Olympics, here is your the relationship between context and mean- I ting better day-by-day. monitored by Royal Parks. English chance for a surreal perspective, viewing ing, and is rooted in surrealistic method. After the first week of Olympic events Heritage and Natural England will also them through the eyes of The Stephen Birch is interested in the idea of perfec- in August, I and representatives of the continue to have a watching brief on the Lawrence Gallery’s artist in residence. tion associated with sport and in unveiling other local amenity societies, Councillor restoration work. Terence Birch is the Gallery’s artist in contradiction within that. To open up the Dick Quibell and Royal Borough of The Flower Garden is now open, as is a residence during the Equestrian Events at possibilities of such contradiction, he will Greenwich officials were shown by the dog-walking area; and the Observatory, a Greenwich Park. His residency project will be adopting characters and historical refer- Royal Parks Authority how well the grass (somewhat constrained) cross-park route it is claimed “reveal a synchronicity ences associated with the event and the has recovered in the area adjacent to the and the Bandstand field reopened on 14th between the route taken by the horse trials surroundings. These include James cricket pitch where the Cross-Country August – rather later than planned. in Greenwich Park, and the route taken by Thornhill, arguably Maritime Greenwich’s started. The rest of that area, which can be However, some areas of the park remain visitors around an exhibition.” first ever “artist in residence”, whose ceil- reached from the Heath via the gates at the closed off. We were told this is partly due A graduate from the Royal College of ing painting adorns the Great Hall, and top of Crooms Hill, is also in generally to the need to protect pedestrians from the Art, Terence Birch “works with associa- French educationalist and historian, Pierre good nick. dismantling process. But there are appar- tions to investigate the language through de Coubertin, founder of the International However, some areas are still cordoned ently also security concerns about visitors which things are presented (whether horse Olympic Committee. off, awaiting the removal of temporary who are not ticketed and who have not trials or exhibitions).” The work produced will be exhibited in structures and equipment, and the tennis been through the screening process min- Birch has already brought into play this the gallery from 15th September and will court area will remain closed because it gling with those who have. kind of associative pun or joke by work include an artwork for permanent display will be wanted as a practice area for horses Royal Parks have promised to meet us inspired by the building we love to call the at the University. Westcombe Park taking part in the Paralympics. Where again in September, once the Paralympics enclosures are dismantled, any patches are over, to review progress. Westcombe Park Dental Practice caused by temporary structures will have
Treatments Available ‘excellence‘excellence throughthrough effort’effort’ Treatments Available to be screened off by the Royal Parks JAMES REMOVALS BAR MEMBER NO. JO28 Authority to enable the grass to recover. J .com.com Zoom Tooth Whitening R Zoom Tooth Whitening On the whole, park manager Graham Dental Implants G Fully trained Dental Implants Dear reported that little damage has been uniformed staff Invisalign done by horses and spectators. He seems to G Full insurance Invisalign included in have a good grasp of what will have to be ALL quotes Smile Makeovers G Prompt free Smile Makeovers done where temporary buildings and other estimates Tooth Colouring Fillings structures are removed and to protect sen- G On-site Tooth Coloured Fillings containerised Call sitive areas like the acid grasslands and storage Anti-Wrinkle Treatments &Dermal Fillings G Discounts for 0800 0157775 Anti-wrinkle Treatments and Dermal Fillers archaeological remains. 0800 0157775 long-term storage for a free survey or visit 13 Station Crescent, We were told that the area under the G Well-established jamesremovals.comjamesremovals.com 13 Station Crescent, Westcombe family business toto requestrequest aa Westcombe Park, London SE3 7EQ Tel. 0208 853 3304 Fax: 0208 858 1784 Arena platform will probably be re-turfed G Pianos – our forte quotation online Park, London SE3 7EQ Tel. 0844 375 6996 4 Fax. 0208 858 1784 Located next to Westcombe Park Train Station Westcombe News September 2012 WHAT’S ON
ARTS COMMUNITY THEATRE &OPERA BLACKHEATH DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS The Westcombe Society THE GREENWICH THEATRE Crooms Hill, SOCIETY, St Mary’s Church Hall, Cresswell Park, 22nd Sept. – Members’ Evening Greenwich, London SE10 8ES 020 8858 7755 Blackheath 4th Thursday of every month, 2.00 for RENT “... the best show in years, if not decades.” 2.30. Next meeting: 27th Sept. Following the AGM 28th Sept. – Macmillan World’s Biggest Coffee Morning Variety. The ninth longest running show on at 2.00 pm, Antony Penrose talks on The Boy who Broadway! Based on Puccini’s La Boheme. 29th Sept. – Nearly New Sale Bit Picasso (Picasso visited his parents, Roland Wed 5th Sun 16th September. Tues- Sat 7.30 pm 20th Oct. QUIZ Night! Penrose & Lee Miller) Non-members £5 on the Matinee Sat 15th 2.30 pm Sunday 16th. 6.00 pm door. www.artsinblackheath.org.uk or 8318 7550 17th November – Dickensian Christmas Bazaar Tickets £20. (concs. £15.) GREENWICH DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS FRIENDS OF MYCENAE GARDENS DOG FAUST Award-winning music-fuelled adaptation SOCIETY King William Court, the University of SHOW! We are holding a dog show, with a number of Sin, Seduction and Song Tues. 18th - Sun 23rd Greenwich NEXT LECTURE: Monday 10th Sept. of fun classes for you and your dog on 2nd September Sept. 7.30. Mat. Sat 2.30 Sunday 4.00 pm An Ideal Partnership: Lutyens and Jekyll - James from 12.00 - 4.00 pm in the Gardens. All welcome. Tickets £15.00 (concs. £12.50) Bolton. see www. gdfas.org or ring 020 8852 6248 Printing in Blackheath BLACKHEATH BRIDGE CLUB welcomes all ANTON’S UNCLES Uncle Vanya LA-style! Non-members £8.00 since 1978 players to duplicate sessions in Mycenae House Mon. Tue 25th - Sat 29th September Winner of & Thurs. 7.15 pm & on Wed. at 1.15 Tel. 8851 2609 Outstanding Theatre Award! £15 (concs 12.50) From your ideas or Artwork CHILDREN WESTCOMBE WRITERS’ CIRCLE 1st. Thursday SHERLOCK HOLMES - A Study in Fear! Tues we can print at a GREENWICH THEATRE each month, 2.30-4.30 at Mycenae House. Ring Joan 2nd - Sunday 7th October starring Nicholas reasonable cost: Sat 1st Sept. 11.00 am THE GOLDEN COWPAT Paice on 8305 1652 or Rosemary Gill on 8858 5088 Briggs and Ian Sharrock Tues- Sat 7.30 pm • Business cards Sun 30th Sept. SUITCASE CIRCUS BLACKHEATH FLOWER CLUB Meets third Matinee Sat 2.30 pm Tickets £17.50, £15.00 • Invoices • Letterheads WOODLANDS FARM Friday of every month at 1.45 pm at Mycenae House ( c o n c s £ 1 2 . 5 0 ) BLACKHEATH & GREENWICH WOMEN’S • Books • Brochures 331 Shooters Hill. Tel. 0208 319 8900 INSTITUTE: First Wednesday of every month at • Forms • Invites Every Thursday Toddler Club 10am-12pm MUSIC 7.30 pm at Sunfields Methodist Church, Old Dover • Wedding Stationery £2 per adult, children free Road, SE3 8SJ [email protected] BLACKHEATH HALLS Meet the animals, enjoy some crafts or just play. SECOND CHANCE CHOIR We rehearse Thursday Mon 17th Sep. 7.30 pm Blackheath Goes Gospel 1a Li zban St GREENWICH HERITAGE CENTRE evenings during term time, in Blackheath. Project! Bl ackheath, Lo ndo n SE3 8 SS Artillery Square, Royal Arsenal, Woolwich SE18 New members welcome, contact Margery Nzerem 0208 858 3544 [email protected]. Sat 22nd Sep. 8/.00 pm THE ANIMALS AND Tel: 020 8853 2268 4DX 020 8854 2452FREE Saturday mornings: FRIENDS The band who brought us international 10.30am to 12 noon. Free art and craft activities for 5 GREENWICH HERITAGE CENTRE Email: dave@trojanpress. co. uk Join the Greenwich ’48 Club We want to bring our Number 1, House of the Rising Sun, are coming to to 12 year olds. A fun way to spend a Saturday morn- senior citizens together with our young people to talk Blackheath Halls! Featuring Mickey Gallagher and www. trojanpress. com ing, with a chance to take part in loads of interesting about what the world was like and how it has John Steel from the original line-up. activities. Children under the age of five must be changed. Contact the Greenwich Heritage Centre. Sun 23rd Sep. 8.00 pm Blackheath Halls accompanied by an adult. Please wear suitable clothes. Tel: 020 8854 2452email: [email protected] Orchestra: Come and Play Beethoven ST LUKE’S PLAYERS Want to take part in their GREENWICH & BEXLEY COMMUNITY Mon 24th Sep. 10.00 am Music Appreciation with J & M RANDALL panto Babes in the Wood? Ring Gwen on 8856 7373. HOSPICE FUN DAY Sunday, September 23rd. at (Established 1966) Bostall Heath, Bostall Hill, Abbey Wood, London SE2 Matthew Taylor: Music from the Belle Epoque Fri 28th Sep. 7.30 pm Ceilidh 0GB 1 pm – 5 pm Free admission and parking. Rides, General Builders. Roofing & Plumbing Specialists stalls, events arena, vintage village, BBQ, cakes, GREENWICH THEATRE refreshments, live bands & plenty more! Sun 9th Sep. The WAGON BAND 7.00pm £5.00 Telephone: 0208 302 3676 Mobile: 07956 681488 020 8319 9230, email [email protected] or visit the Sun 30th Sep. 7.30pm MARTIN SIMPSON £15 Email: [email protected] website www.communityhospice.org.uk BELLA HAIR BOUTIQUE & ACADEMY 33 Lamorbey Close, Sidcup, FREE OPEN DAY on Saturday 29th September (from 9:30 am onwards) This exciting new hair salon Kent, DA15 8BA at 11 Old Dover Road, London SE3 7BT invites all Plastering – Glazing – Interior & Exterior interested readers along to sample and enjoy Bella’s high level of hair and scalp care and superb products Decorating – Carpentry – Central Heating – Conversions – Bricklaying – Pebble Dashing – for themselves. The day includes:- free advice on hair care & scalp analysis; free product Electrical Installations – Paving – New roofs – samples; free demonstrations of balmain hair exten- Plumbing – Extensions sions, plaits etc., how to choose the best style To avoid disappointment, please book your place asap on FREE Estimates – Fully Insured – 020 8858 1000 - first come first served! Members of Federation of Master Builders PERFORMANCE JAZZ IN MYCENAE HOUSE Every Monday evening. £5.00. Bar! ADVANCE NOTICE! On Sunday 28th. October, Morden College Care Home – The Royal Borough of Greenwich will be playing host Cullum Welch Court to the fourth Run to the Beat musical half marathon.
EVENTS AT DAVY’S WINE VAULTS 161 Greenwich High Road SE10 8JA Cullum Welch Court is an exceptional Care Home Don’t forget – Book online at www.davy.co.uk/events or call 020 8858 9147. with a CSCI ‘3 Star Rating’. Situated in the peace MONTHLY CHEESE AND WINE TASTING – SEPTEMBER There will be six & tranquillity of the award-winning grounds of you have childcare options! wines to taste with cheeses to match, chosen by Robbyn Linden at The Cheeseboard Morden College, Blackheath, it provides spa- in Royal Hill. Date: 7pm Wednesday 5th September Ticket price: £25 cious, attractive and affordable ensuite accommo- Childcare places for children from 3 months – 5 years A TASTING TOUR AROUND ITALY Carolyn Bosworth-Davies wine writer and dation; delivering high quality nursing & personal Choosing the right kind of childcare is one of the biggest decisions educator will give a tour of the major regions of Italy with plenty of advice for perfect care for elderly people. With a wide range of that you will ever have to make. food and wine matches Date: 7pm Tuesday 18th September Ticket: £35 activities, excursions and facilities provided to At Zoom, we believe nursery childcare could be the best way of AN INTRODUCTION TO BORDEAUX Martin Everett, Master of Wine, will the Residents in our Care Home, they are also supporting your whole family. With the right nursery, you’re able to introduce six wines from Bordeaux. If you’ve ever wanted to learn the basics of able to enjoy our private Chapel, Library, enhance your child’s development and add to your experience as a Bordeaux: a fascinating and informative evening. 7pm Wednesday 26th £25 parent. Clubhouse bar & Restaurant. Cullum Welch Court We have gone to great lengths to ensure that our well-equipped is able to accommodate a certain number of environment, exceptional team, healthy planned menus, additional private respite residents and also a small number classes and planned curriculum all meet and exceed you and your of permanent private residents. child’s expectations. Is this you? Childcare at Zoom could be more affordable than you think. The term after your child turns 3 means you are eligible for The Nursery Are you a graphic, web or digital designer, a film For further information please contact: Education Grant. We also have access to the Childcare Affordability Programme (CAP) and Working Families Tax Credit. maker or illustrator who is working from home. Mrs Sharon Herd (Matron/Registered Manager) Why not call us for an informal Who would like to free up some space at home, missing like discussion, or to arrange a visit? We on 0208 463 8399 could be just what you are looking for! minded souls, would like to work in a fun and creative environment Call me, Justine O’Hare, Manager, on and wants to share ideas and maybe help on future projects. 0208 331 6703. Alternatively, email me at [email protected] We are a growing creative hub in Greenwich with desk space for fellow creatives. THE POINTER SCHOOL We’re based near to the Yorkshire Grey Roundabout, bordering Kidbrooke, “Doubles in size” Blackheath, Lee & Eltham, just off the A2 Call 020 8269 2990 for more info and a chat. • First Class Examination Results • Organic Food • Breakfast Club & After School Care • Christian Evangelical in outlook BlackJobh eNo:atZOO/1/187h Centre for Singing • Numerous Extra-Curricular Clubs Media: Westcombe News Miles Campbell • Large variety of outdoor and PE activities ChoSize:irs & 120x120mmsinging lessons - classes • 3 languages taught for aProof:ll a bi1lities in Mycenae House Maker of spring & weight driven clocks Date: 11/4/2008 For info. ring OFSTED: OUTSTANDING IN AREAS Joel Thomas 07986 582 844 Clockmaker • Woolwich, London ALL Repairs and house calls undertaken
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Westcombe News September 2012 5
FEATURES Our local health service: Lessons from Auschwitz in need of a transfusion a personal memoir by FRANKIE MAYO ecently a group of students from south be punished for being different? SLHT has been declared bankrupt. The Secretary of State for Health, RLondon were taken to Auschwitz- The survival stories are desperately Andrew Lansley, has declared South London Healthcare Trust (SLHT) Birkenau in Poland for a long day trip, important; they remove all arguments an ‘unsustainable provider’ and appointed a Trust Special Administrator organised by the Holocaust Education denying the Holocaust and give us a much (TSA) to determine its future. There are serious worries that in the admin- Trust. Every year this trust takes two stu- clearer understanding of the horror. istration process the TSA can ignore any existing strategic planning, dents from a number of schools in different However it is equally important not to and will create his own plan for future local healthcare, bringing in private areas from all over the country, and this forget the millions of individuals, just like was South London’s chance, and along you and me and our families and friends, providers and closing departments as he sees fit. with a friend I was one of the two from that died in Nazi camps: Jews, Gypsies, If there is one topic which rouses DAVID servicing the debt imposed on Thomas Tallis School. Jehovah witnesses, Christians, Soviet pris- the interest of the public more than ALEXANDER the SLHT by the badly drafted The whole course was really well oners, homosexuals, intellectuals, many another it is the state of our health PFI contracts entered into. reports organised, consisting of 2 seminars, one Poles, Hungarians, and disabled persons. service. It is therefore small It was also made clear that before and one after the visit. On the day Remembering those involved as indi- wonder that there was a full attendance at the time scale imposed on the we were accompanied by Rabbi Barry viduals, that was the lesson to be learned: Charlton House on the evening of 19 July Administrator was far too short. The TSA Marcus, the man who pioneered the idea of statistics – while important – take away to discuss the present situation of the South was obliged to publish his recommenda- these visits, and has been to this site many from the individuality of those involved. London Healthcare Trust (SLHT) which is tions by October with final decisions to be times as part of the ongoing education pro- So we need to remember the victims, by- at present in administration under Matthew taken by the Secretary of State for Health gramme. A brilliant and engaging public standers, and perpetrators as individuals. Kershaw as Trust Special Administrator in February 2013. It was felt that this speaker, he shepherded us through the One of the most emotional rooms for (TSA). timescale was far too short for full consul- tours, along with our exceptional guides. me was a collection of the photographs the The meeting was called by John tation with staff and public. We were taken to two sites. Auschwitz victims had brought with them and buried Galloway, the Co-ordinator of We Love the 1 is the transformed barracks and consists or had confiscated. These all were smiling NHS and was supported amongst others by The four threats of tall prison buildings. It was here we families; on their wedding days, or birth- Dr Wendy Savage of Keep Our NHS To impose decisions in so short a time visited the rooms of the collections, the days, or days out. These were the memo- Public, Laura Perks of Unison and Nick threatens our three hospitals in at least four piles of suitcases with people’s names on ries that these people had brought with Raynsford MP for Greenwich & ways – privatization, closures, mergers or them, and shoes behind glass walls. and. them to a terrible fate, the memories that Woolwich. the selling off of services, to the detriment most upsetting of all, the room of human made them who they were, and the most of the excellent services at present offered hair; this great volume of hair is shocking important ones that had been carried with Bedevilled by the PFI and the morale of the staff. and overwhelming as your eyes trace over them. I remember many of the faces in All three speakers expressed their concern It was suggested that the views of the the individual lighter tufts that stand out those treasured photographs and hope I that under the Health and Social Care Act speakers were not made from a party polit- from the rest, and where it was cut off never forget. it appeared that the Government was not ical standpoint (all parties had to share the from the person’s head clearly visible. willing to attempt to renegotiate the terms blame for the current state of affairs) and Auschwitz-Birkenau is the second site, of the Private Finance Initiative which any initiatives in opposition to the present this was not transformed but a purpose governs the finances of our three local proposals should be made in a spirit of built death camp, into which runs the rail- hospitals. Indeed it was claimed that it was co-operation by all interests concerned. road. Specifically built near the town of not at present inclined even to consider Local MP Nick Raynsford promised to Owicim – a town whose population was properly consulting the public on any continue his strong representations to the over 50% Jewish – it is far larger than the alternatives which might be available. TSA and to the Secretary of State for barracks at Auschwitz 1. It is industrially All speakers and commentators from Health, particularly to press him to agree large, it stretches on and on. The housing the floor were at pains to make clear that, to the renogiation of the PFI contracts. cells stretched on along the rail and are in their view, the quality of the service and The obvious anxieties of the public cordoned off with large barbed-wire care in all our hospitals in the SLHT could best be expressed by supporting the fences. (particularly Queen Elizabeth Woolwich, Greenwich Peoples’ NHS Charter being Standing in the tower at the entrance Queen Mary’s Sidcup and Princess Royal promoted by the We Love the NHS cam- one can see everything, the buildings, the Bromley) could not be criticised. paign (www.ilovethenhs.org.uk) or by wire, the place where the victims would Thanks to the hard work and dedication joining the demonstration to be held on get off the trains in the centre, the gas of the staff it was of the highest standard. Saturday 15 September at 1.00 pm in chambers and the sites of the crematoria. The failure lay in the impossible task of General Gordon Square, Woolwich. It was worse than I’d expected: I didn’t We Love the NHS campaign think we’d stand in the gas chamber, nor in the cramped dormitories, nor the toilets or (www.ilovethenhs.org.uk) the guard chamber. We were immersed in the activities of the death camp. Yet it is Join the demonstration to be held on Saturday 15th. impossible to say one knows how it must September at 1.00 pm in General Gordon have felt. How does it feel to have your humanity taken away, to have your reasons Square, Woolwich. for living removed and hope destroyed, to
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6 Westcombe News September 2012 Planning applications can be viewed in the library, or at the Woolwich Library on the lower ground floor of the Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington St. They ENVIRONMENT may also be viewed on www. greenwich.gov.uk/planning
Heathland flora in Greenwich Park PPHHOOTOT:OE: m Eimlyi lNy oNrotortnon
embers of the environment commit- include many solitary bees and wasps. Mtee have been seen peering intently Conserving the acid-loving flora is also at the grass in Greenwich Park. important because without their fine net- No, they were not looking for a lost work of roots the soil could wash away contact lens! They were learning about dry exposing millions of little pebbles. Not a heath and acid grassland flora, and how to comfortable picnic prospect! identify buck’s horn plantain (tiny rosettes In preparation for the Cross Country of narrow leaves) and sheep’s sorrel (easy Event, the areas of acid grassland were to spot, as masses of tiny flower stems cre- helpfully mapped by LOCOG. ate russet-coloured patches). However, The soil of acid grassland is typically harder to find are speedwell and bedstraw, low in nutrients, so the grasses and flowers which are also typical of acid grassland. grow slowly and remain small. Bare patch- Conserving the few remaining areas of es were visible in the Park even before the heath and acid grassland is a top priority Olympics, so now it will be important to A view of the Tall Ships, a fleet of which visited Greenwich this summer. A number for wildlife conservation nationally. A dis- check to what extent these areas have suf- of locals enjoyed a trip up and down the river on some of them. tinctive community of insects and spiders fered from the thousands of spectators’ feet In case you wondered, no, they didn’t hit the cable cars! enjoy our acid grasslands. Collectively that have trodden over them. these are known as the ‘Thames Terrace The Westcombe Society will welcome PHOTO: Roger Marshall Invertebrates’ and are rather special. They any restorative work that may be needed. This might include not mowing the grass quite so low, or as frequently, to give the plants a chance to re-establish themselves. There are also specialist firms that pro- vide seeds of acid grassland plants. Having seen the wonderful display of poppies, daisies and cornflowers along the bunds of the Heath, it is clear that dramatic changes can be achieved from a few seeds. (Download a map from http://www.royalparks.org.uk/__docu- ments/main/docs/park_maps/greenwich- park_english_map.pdf.)
The bunds – those small banks lining the heath – have at last come into their own this year. However, the flowers on the bund are annuals, and must be resown each It’s a frog’s life! year. Sadly, local observers doubt if the London Borough of Lewisham intends to he Royal Parks and national wildlife increase biodiversity within the park in reseed this bund in future years. It's more likely that the display of wild flowers will Tcharity, Froglife, have partnered to addition to creating a special place for visi- disappear in a year or so as the bunds compact. bring dragonflies, toads, frogs, newts and tors, local residents and children to enjoy other wildlife back to an important lake in and learn about nature.” South Eastern Update on John Roan Greenwich Park. The project was made A new wildlife pond has also been cre- possible with contributions from Froglife ated in the nearby deer park, receiving Trains Update Redevelopment and The Friends of Greenwich Park and a clean water run-off from a nearby building. £50,000 grant from Biffa Award. Park staff and volunteers helped plant the he Westcombe Society has learnt that emolition is now underway at the The project aims to improve standing pond with aquatic plants. Tthe long-term plan is that all DWestcombe Park Road site of John water habitats and enhance biodiversity in During the planting work three species Greenwich Line trains will go to Cannon Roan School. Residents are warned that a Greenwich Park and to rejuvenate the of dragonfly were seen breeding in the Street. No rush hour service to Charing concrete crusher will be on site for about Flower Garden Lake. pond and laying eggs on plants that had Cross will be provided. three weeks. The Flower Garden Lake dates back to only been in the pond for a few minutes! If you wish to give your response to We have been assured that noise will be the 17th century, but the high numbers of Alex Draper, Conservation Officer at this proposal, the South Eastern Franchise kept to within specified limits, and there wildfowl and the sterile nature of the con- Froglife, said: “We are creating over five Consultation runs until 13th September will be no pile driving. crete pond liner have led to an increase in hundred square metres of new pond plant- (http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/dft- An electricity sub-station is to be the nutrient levels and algae in the water. It ing around the Flower Garden Lake, with a 2012-29/). Residents are encouraged to installed during September, but no build- is hoped that new floating rafts supporting colourful range of aquatic plants such as respond. For more information contact ing work is scheduled on the Maze Hill a rich variety of aquatic plants in the pond, Branched Bur-Reed, Flowering Rush and [email protected] or 020 8858 7305 – site until after Christmas. The Westcombe will encourage wildlife back to the area. Yellow Fringed Lily. These will provide especially if you are interested in a rail- Society and resident representatives meet Graham Dear, Greenwich Park homes for zooplankton, invertebrates as users group should one be formed. regularly with the school and developers. For more information contact Manager, said: “The project provides an well as amphibians.” PLANNING APPLICATIONS [email protected] or 020 8853 2756 exciting opportunity to significantly (See also http:/ /westcombe.blogspot.com/ 38 HARDY ROAD ref 12/1770/F Watchout! There’s a fixed penalty about! Construct single storey rear extension loft conversion with window & three roof lights reenwich Park has announced that There are cyclists who seem surprised 34 DINSDALE ROAD ref 12/1665/F fixed penalty notices (FPNs) now that they are not allowed to cycle on the G 2 rear dormer windows & two roof lights apply to 3 additional offences in the paths, some of which are quite wide. 22 COLERAINE ROAD ref 12/1558/F park – unauthorised cycling, littering and However, as one local resident said, Single storey rear and side infill extension dog fouling. There is still some debate, “There are a lot of elderly people, as well GARAGES TO REAR OF FOYLE ROAD however, about how the regulations are to as children and mothers with babies who Appeal: File Reference 11/3003/F & be implemented. For example, will one or use the parks. The last thing they expect is Associated Ref. 11/3004/C. two warnings be issued first? Will the fines a cyclist to come flying down the path and Comments should be submitted to be proportionate to the offence? having to move out of way in time.” Catherine Evans of the Planning Inspectorate at 3/19, Temple Quay House, 2, The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol BS 1 6 PN by 12 September.
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Westcombe News September 2012 7 Please send ads for the Market Place with pay- ment by the 10th day of the preceding month to: Marilyn Little, 163 Westcombe Hill, SE3 7DP 0208853 1312 email:[email protected] ALL classified adverts 30p per word. Please make cheques MARKET PLACE payable to The Westcombe Society AFFORDABLE, LOCAL PICTURE FRAMER - TUITION BUY LOCAL! ACCOMMODATION PIANO LESSONS Enjoy playing your instrument collection & delivery possible. Happy to quote or Discounts available on production of your GOOD RELIABLE HOST FAMILIES wanted for for- advise. Email: [email protected] IRISH DANCING CLASSES COMMENCING AT eign students. For more info. please contact Lynne DECORATING, ELECTRICS MYCENAE HOUSE taught under the tuition of Westcombe Society membership card. on 01732 822649 or email [email protected] Plumbing and Property Maintenance. Established 25 Tanya Dirrane-Hobbs ADCRG a very well estab- HOLIDAYS/WEEKENDS IN 2-BEDROOMED MEWS years. References available. Phil McNamara 020 lished teacher and adjudicator. Please contact Tanya BLACKHEATH VILLAGE: APARTMENT with terrace close to Greenwich Park. 8857 5480, mobile 078 1436 0862 for further details on 07775 943723 BLACKS OF BLACKHEATH - JEWELLERS £500.00 per week, weekends £300.00. Telephone HOME STAGING HELPS SELL HOUSES ITALIANTUITION Native Italian speaker offers 10% OFF purchases over £100, excluding sale 0208 293 9035/07538 080815 or email angelmedi- For a free appraisal or more information call 0844 lessons at all levels. Preparation for GCSE, goods and repairs [email protected] 846 5854 or visit www.home-space.biz A-LEVELS courses, Grammar, Conversation CACTUS PIT - TEX/MEX RESTAURANT FUNCTION ROOM FOR HIRE Blackheath area, up DAVIDSON PLASTERING AND DECORATING Tel 07788 743371 20% OFF for two or more, Sun. to Thurs. to 150 people, Bar, disabled access. Tel 07940 SERVICES Ceilings repaired or renovated. Artex PIANOLESSONS Enjoy playing your instrument CHAPTERS RESTAURANT from the very first lesson - favourite pieces and 296290 ceilings skimmed to a smooth finish. Painting and 10% OFF lunch/ dinner for two Mon. to Thurs. Decorating. Insurance work undertaken. C&G quali- much more - a holistic appproach to teaching and GARDENING PARES FOOTWEAR fied. Small jobs welcome. Free advice and estimates. learning. A.B exams taken if desired. Tel. 8856 1200 10% OFF all shoes over £20, excluding sale stock BORDERS, BEDS AND CONTAINERS planned, Phone 8316 0990/07746 121510 MATHS&ENGLISH TUITION (aged 8-16) and RAFFLES DESIGNER WEAR. prepared and planted by local experienced qualified TOM ELLIS BESPOKE CARPENTRY preparation for secondary school selection tests by gardener. Call Leslie on 0208 858 6541 Kitchens, Alcove units, bookcases, wardrobes, qualified & experienced teacher. Mary Bauckham 10% OFF all non-sale goods GOODGARDENING . . . For hands-on gardening, dressers and tables. Happy to quote. 02085198947 07709 089838 [email protected]. RIGHT ANGLE RETAIL - GIFTS practical advice, or low-maintenance planting (m) 07540579027 ENGLISH/PRIMARY/11-PLUS TUITION All ages 10% OFF special goods plus free delivery designed for you & your garden, call Christopher ARCHITECTURAL INTERIOR DESIGN welcome. GCSE, A/S-Levels, Common Entrance, CAVE AUSTIN WINEBAR&GARDEN Raven 020 8691 2240 Liz Bull Design specialises in innovative and inspira- Primary, etc. Fully qualified, experienced teacher. 5% discount at any time GARDENMAINTENANCE: mowing, weeding, pruning, tional interior and exterior design. Complete service Call Hellin Halliday BA(Hons), PGCE on 020 8858 GREENWICH: communal garden contracts, fruit and vegetables, from concept through to planning permission and 7704 / 07928 017762 to discuss how I can help. NORTH POLE RESTAURANT gardening tuition, RHS qualified, also domestic cleaning. completion. Services also include bespoke furniture MATHEMATICS TUTOR For secondary level, 12.5% OFF Meals only for two Call John and Rachel 0208 316 0990 / 07746 121510 & landscape design. Call for a free consultation. GCSE and A-Level by qualified teacher, Tom 3D DIVING Email: [email protected] McNamara [MMath]. £30 per hour. 07595348976 or 10% discount on all scuba diving courses. HOLIDAYS Tel. 07739903752. www.lizbulldesign.com Email [email protected] Offer excludes scuba diving equipment. WHITSTABLE WEEKENDS / WEEKS Sea wall house HOMEWORKS All-round handyman for those DIYs you VIOLIN LESSONS ON VANBRUGH HILL. between Oyster Warehouse and Harbour. Sleeps 5. have no time for! General repairs. Painting and Decorating. Experienced professional violin teacher with 100% GREENWICHCOMMUNICATION Fantastic views. 8858 6578 or 013 0436 7443 General Carpentry and flooring. Flat-pack assembly. Patio pass rate for ABRSM exams and over 10 yrs teach- CENTRE at 164 Trafalgar Road offer 10% NORFOLK HIDEAWAY Traditional cottage in and deck cleaning. No job to small. Contact Matthew Barron ing experience. The Steinberg School offers individ- discount on all Computer Maintenance and rural hamlet - sleeps 5/6. Easy access to coast, 07903388658. ual lessons at all ages and levels. Call 020 123 7659 Repairs (including Laptops!) Your local Burnham Market, Holt. Great location for walking, HOUSESCLEARED of unwanted items. Tel: 020 or email louisastonehill@ gmail.com friendly independent computer shop! cycling, bird watching visiting castles and stately 8858 3889 Mobile: 07885 917 842 http://www.steinberg-music.com/ HUMBERROAD: homes. Tel 020 8858 1515 / 07768 340477 A MAN AND A VAN MINDFUL TUTORING CARING BODYWORKZ - THE FITNESS CLINIC www.baileycottage.co.uk Tel: 020 8858 3889 Mobile: 07885 917 842 Calm support for your childs learning 020 8355 109 Humber Road.10% OFF all treatments costing EXPERIENCED PAINTER AND DECORATOR 3809 www.mindfultutoring.co.uk PERSONAL CARE & THERAPY £30 or more except Chiropody; exc.Saturdays. Interior and exterior work, wall papering a speciality. ONE MAN ROCK SCHOOL ROYALNEPALESE RESTAURANT BLACKHEATH LOW COST PAIN CLINIC Free estimates. Fully insured. Friendly and reliable. Guitar, Vocal & Songwriting Tuition, plus Digital (Station Crescent) 20% OFF meals for Recording Service 30 Years Experience in Music provides discounted acupuncture and Tui na mas- James Leslie 07973 491 264 Email address: two or more Sunday - Thursday. Business phone: 07905 117819 sage focused on pain management. Fully qualified [email protected] THECURIOUSCOMB WESTCOMBEPARK KITCHENS AT TRADE PRICES email: [email protected] practitioners. Wednesday mornings. 10% discount on services over £30 Weekdays Blackheath Complementary Health Centre Free design & delivery. Tel. 8305 1263 or 0788591 7842 SPANISHTUITION One-to-one or small groups, 8am-10am, 2pm-4pm (excludes retail purchases). 184-186 Westcombe Hill SE3 Appointments 020 MALCOLM TIERNEY, CARPENTER all ages and levels, at your home or office. CORIANDER RESTAURANT (Station Crescent) 8293 5380 www.healingpath.co.uk
GO EASY SELF A few examples of what’s on offer:
DRIVE HIRE Small cars just BUDGET BUSTING DEALS ! £19.95 per day or * FREE LOCAL COLLECTION £99 per week. & DELIVERY * MILEAGE ALLOWANCE ON ALL Vans just £19.95 VEHICLES 100 MILES PER DAY per day Mileage over 100 charged at £1.00 per mile. For full price list, please contact us. All prices quoted exclusive of VAT Ford Transit ONLY £24.95 Unit 3 Building 6, Westmoor Street, per day Ashleigh Commercial Estate, Charlton HIGH ROOF & LUTON ALSO London SE7 8NQ Tel. 0208 858 7211 AVAILABLE