Westcombe News April 2013

April2013x.QXD_WN.QXD 14/03/2013 14:27 Page 1

40 th YE AR Westcombe NEWS Est. 1973 Free to 3800 homes, and in libraries & some shops April 2013 Issue 3

A community newspaper commended by the London Forum of Amenity and Civic Societies Monthly newspaper of The Westcombe Society: fostering a sense of community The sky’s the limit Sarah Winterbottom ven before his re-election, Boris Travel experts understand his sense of Johnson has made his views urgency: airports in Europe such as Eknown on the London airport Schiphol are a threat to Heathrow, as are debate – he wants to see either a new new hub airports in the Gulf, where airport built on the Thames Estuary or massive investments are taking place. an additional runway at Stansted. Proposals to build a new airport on Additional air capacity is currently the Thames Estuary received much criti- being looked at by the government, but cism from environmentalists both from the Airports Commission, headed by Sir an air and noise pollution perspective, Howard Davies, is not due to publish its as well as the prospective damage to review and recommendations until 2015. globally significant wildlife areas which MPs, peers and campaign groups have support notable amounts of bird life. joined with the leaders of nine local London Assembly Green Party mem- authorities to call on the Government to ber Jenny Jones said: "Instead of squan- PHOTO: bring forward the publication date of the dering taxpayers' money on developing Neville Grant final Davies report. They have written a fantasy airports that will inevitably lead joint letter to Transport Secretary Patrick to massive carbon emissions, he should The Westcombe Society’s Daffodil Tea has become so popular that senior citizens are McLoughlin asking for the report to be be prioritising climate mitigation and even being bused in to enjoy the delicious tea party organized by the Westcombe published well before the 2015 General adaptation projects." Society. Others were collected, and driven home, by volunteer drivers, though some Election. What might be the local impact of an arrived at Mycenae House on foot. See the story on page 2. The scheduled date for publication is airport in the estuary? There are already currently July 2015, two months after local complaints from people who find Operation Big Wing the Election. They are also calling on Sir themselves under both the Heathrow and Howard Davies in his interim report, due City Airport flight paths. They fear that olice officers working on Operation Vehicle and bicycle thefts by the end of this year, to “lay out very an airport in the estuary would add to PBig Wing at the end of February Since the Olympics, thousands of pounds clearly the direction of his thinking.” rather than ease the problem. arrested some 350 suspects across London. worth of pedal cycles have been stolen. Cycle Keen to accelerate the government’s Others argue that an airport in the In Greenwich there were 27 arrests for a owners should contact the Safer Transport timetable, Boris has lost patience, and estuary would be too far away to create a variety of offences from burglary to GBH cycle task force for advice on cycle security. announced to the Transport Commission noise nuisance in SE London. Medway and possession of drugs. In addition, 82 Streets in the southern and northern parts that he has brought together his own Council has earmarked funds to fight the vehicles were stopped in Automatic of Westcombe Park in particular have been team of experts to deliver a shortlist of idea of an estuary airport, partly on these Number Plate Recognition operations, four targeted by thieves stealing from cars and vans. Motorists are urged always to lock their possibilities within weeks followed by a grounds, but a campaigning group of which were seized for no insurance and cars – even for brief periods – and not to no MOT. detailed feasibility report against each (Demand Regeneration in North Kent leave valuables on display. option as soon as early next year. (DRINK) is in favour. Other incidents included the arrest of a "The government has set a timetable man suspected of absconding from prison Bogus callers that dawdles when dash should be the Sinister development after he was found hiding in a loft at a Residents are yet again warned not to admit order of the day," said Johnson. "It is Meanwhile, in a sinister development, it house in Beckenham, while in Bromley, bogus callers: use a door chain, and always absolutely imperative that work to has been reported that John Stewart, the police officers raided a cannabis factory ask for ID. If you have any doubts, close the progress a new hub airport in the South chairman of the airport campaigning and seized 80 plants. Local police warn of door while calling the number displayed on a number of ongoing problems: the ID card. East is completed as soon as possible.” group HACAN, arrived in New York only to be met by armed guards, and sent Burglaries Phone and email scams home. HACAN is a peaceful and very Despite regular police patrols, burglaries Email messages from friends claiming to well organised campaigning group. Why have occurred in the Westcombe Park area _ have been mugged in Madrid, or Manila (or the Americans should have thought Mr especially in and around Seibert Road. wherever) and asking you to send money, are Stewart a threat to public security is a Recently, two people were arrested in almost certainly fraudulent. Recently some- complete mystery. Humber Road: one got five years, the other a one received a fraudulent email from nine month suspended sentence. Residents Lagos from a friend, whom they knew Mr Stewart is the author of Why Noise are urged to contact the police if they want happened to be in Lagos: it was, nonethe- advice on security, and an officer will arrange Matters (Earthscan 2011). less, a scam! a visit. Never do business on the phone: always < < NEWS BRIEFS > > ask callers, however plausible, to put it in writing. And just because someone refers Emergency services closures The Fox Project deep concern over local crime – The Virgin London Marathon you to a website does not mean that it is Boris Johnson is pushing ahead Several readers have asked for much of it knife crime, and much This is on Sunday April 21st. trustworthy! with plans to cut twelve fire sta- information about coping with of it gang- related. He said: Beware road closures! (see p.7) The number to ring if you want the tions, 18 fire engines and 65 police foxes. The “Fox Project” can be “Soon after arriving at Inner police is 101; in real emergency, 999. front counters across the capital. contacted on 01892-824111, week- London Crown Court, I tried to Run from the beat Finally, computer users should beware of days from 9.00 am - midday. start an initiative by inviting local Local resident Annie Keys has a fraudulent email from “Microsoft Digital The fight for Lewisham Hospital (www.foxproject.org.uk) For schools to send groups for visits: to started a petition asking the Crimes Unit” designed to trick them into Secretary of State for Transport, Lewisham Council has decided to Humane Fox Deterrence advice, watch a case in action, meet a installing malware on their PC. apply for a judicial review into the ring 01892-826222. judge, to sit in the dock. Few Patrick McLoughlin, to refuse permission for the road closures Government’s decision to down- If you are concerned about an replies were received, sadly none The Westcombe Society grade the accident and emergency injured or sick fox, ring the project of them positive. necessary for the Run to the Beat event on Sept.8th. unit at Lewisham Hospital. on 01892-731565 between 9.00 “I’m going to try again; with Forthcoming events: Those who do not live in am to 9.00 pm, or, outside these the additional clout that you have The event raises funds for Lewisham, but want to help, can hours, please contact the RSPCA given me as the honorary recorder Leukaemia & Lymphona Research. The petition is at: April 20th. 7.30 for an 8.00 pm start donate to the Save Lewisham on 0300 1234999. of Southwark I might achieve more Quiz Night, Mycenae House Hospital Legal Challenge Fund, to than I did last time around.” Let’s https://www.change.org/en- Why not get up your team (of six) ready help offset the possible £200,000 Schools in the dock? hope that he tries the same here. GB/petitions/the-secretary-of-state- costs of this appeal – a small price The Royal Borough’s new recorder for-transport-dont-close-the-streets- for this popular event - or come alone! to pay to ensure Greenwich, is Nicholas Hilliard Q.C., M.A., a Stop beefing! for-run-to-the-beat Enjoy a fish & chip supper too. Reserve Lewisham and Bexley boroughs former chairman of the Criminal Those who are beefing about the this date, and your table, by calling don’t have to rely on one, already- Bar Association. He is currently contamination of beef ready meals Sorry to lose you, Sue Caroline on 020 8853 0948. overloaded, A&E unit in Queen Leader of the South Eastern Circuit with horsemeat should be reassured We are sorry to hear that Sue is Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich. and is also Southwark’s recorder. by government statements that eat- leaving Apples ’n Oranges in Old BOOKINGS CLOSE ON SAT. 13TH APRIL He is on record as expressing ing beef is as safe as horses. Dover Road. April2013x.QXD_WN.QXD 14/03/2013 14:27 Page 2 COMMUNITY NEWS WESTCOMBE NEWS Westcombe Society events in March ALL EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE TO: Neville Grant, The Editor he Westcombe Society had a busy time in March: first there was the [email protected] TDaffodil Tea for Senior Citizens on March 9th. in Mycenae House. Over Tel. 0208 858 8489 thirty guests turned up to enjoy a delicious tea supplied by our devoted band of volunteers, accompanied by a free raffle, a quiz – and a good old natter! ALL MATERIAL TO BE SENT TO: The quiz this year had the theme Food and health, and was devised by [email protected] Maureen Aune, who said: “A quiz is a good way of getting people who turn Deadline for May: 16th April up on their own to get talking: it breaks the ice, and they soon feel at ease!” News Editor: Geoff Garvey This was followed by the ever-popular Children’s Nearly New Sale on Environment Editor: Sarah March 16th. Then at the end of the month we held the Easter Egg Hunt in Winterbottom Mycenae Gardens, witth its hotly-contested Easter Bonnet and Easter Egg Reporters: Denise Scott-McDonald Basket competitions.

ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE RIGHT: Marilyn PHOTOS: Dick Allard All queries and wheeled round Neville Grant the trolley full comments to: 020 8858 7305 RIGHT: The Planning and environment sub- of free raffle Three of our committee: [email protected] prizes. The volunteers. http://westcombe.gold.ac.uk winners only Where had one prob- would we DISTRIBUTION lem: which one Myles Dove & Barbara Henley be without to choose? them? Jean-Jacques and Maureen Aune Volunteer distributors please phone 8853 3740, we need your help! Message from WS chairman Marilyn Little ADVERTISING MANAGER Marilyn Little, 163 Westcombe ith our elections coming up at our with its blend of community events, and its Hill, SE3 7DP 020 8853 1312 WAnnual General Meeting on May support in so many different ways of the (email:[email protected]) 12th, this is a good time to consider who local community and the environment. All advertisements payable in advance you would like to be on your committee. This is the year when we celebrate our by cheque to The Westcombe Maybe you would like to stand yourself? fortieth birthday, and we are very much Lambing day Society. It’s not very onerous, and can be fun! still a going concern; but whether we sur- Costs: Or maybe you would just like to get a vive another 40 years depends on a new DISPLAY: Single column 6cm x 6cm: little more involved as a volunteer – wave of volunteers coming forward to play One - four issues £35, five-plus issues £30 perhaps in the background by helping their part in so many different ways: each. Other sizes: please inquire. administer the Society, or by helping out organizing things, or just helping out on Classified Ads (Market Place) 30p per word (A telephone number = one word. An email/ at some of our events for children or old the day – graffiti-bashing, writing for (or web address = 3 words.) Deadline for all people, or other events such as the delivering) the WN, watching out for key adverts is 10th day of the preceding month Christmas Bazaar. Or maybe you would environmental issues, manning stalls, like to contribute to our award-winning making sandwiches – and making friends! Printed by: Trojan Press community newspaper, the WN? If you are interested, please ring any of Contact the Westcombe Society: London has comparatively few commu- the following: Marilyn Little (8853 [email protected] nity organizations – and none, as far as we 1312) Joanne Lucas (8293 3429) Publisher: The Westcombe Society know, exactly like the Westcombe Society, Neville Grant 8858 8489 oodlands Farm Trust on Shooters Chairman: Marilyn Little WHill is the Westcombe Society’s Tel. 020 8853 1312 Letters to the editor may be edited through lack of space. Any Charity of the Year, so why not go and see views expressed are those of the writers only, and are not more of what they do on the farm on The views expressed in the Westcombe Letters necessarily those of the Westcombe Society or the WN. Sunday 7th April – Lambing Day? News are not necessarily those of the Westcombe Society or of the Editor. From: Richard Feeney offer of free fox deterrence advice to ward off All are invited to go and see their new- In your March issue you state: “..... for the any future incidents. born lambs. This is also a very good Back-numbers (in colour) can be accessed whole of the three year period, [2015 - 17] The most recent case of an alleged fox attack opportunity to buy quality local produce at on: http:// westcombe.gold.ac.uk/westnews.html Greenwich line passengers will have no rail was also of a dubious nature, given that the ini- reasonable prices, including home-made Westcombe Societys Blog: access to Charing Cross.” This is only correct tial story was contradicted by the child’s mother preserves, cakes and honey. http://westcombe.blogspot.com at off-peak times prior to late evening. in an interview in The Sun that week. But it was Maureen says: “Relax in our café, I think that the direct Greenwich line/ confirmed that the family did get the long Charing Cross trains at peak times and late sought after housing transfer they were after, enjoy the treasure hunt or try out our craft evening will still run during 2015, 2016 and stating they were too frightened to return to the activities. It’s a great family day out!” WESTCOMBE SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP 2017. It’s just that they won’t stop at London property after the alleged “Fox attack”. Lambing Day runs from 11.00 am to Bridge. So Greenwich line passengers can get to The case in Hackney of the two children 4.30 -m on 7th April. Entry is £1 for Please send this membership form to: Charing Cross at peak times and late evening. allegedly attacked by foxes was also thrown into adults and 50p for children, and all the Mrs Margaret Ellis, 4 Ingleside Grove What I think will be a problem for 2015, question when the father appeared on proceeds go towards caring for the farm’s London SE3 7PH 2016 and 2017 is getting from/to the Greenwich “Facebook” with a dog – despite the family’s animals. Contact: The Woodlands Farm line to/from Charing Cross during off-peak insistence they didn’t have dogs. Trust, 331 Shooters Hill, Welling DA16 Name...... hours – either because trains between London As for “pest” controllers, they are expensive 3RP Tel: 020 8319 8900 Address...... Bridge and Charing Cross trains won’t be stop- and futile, as you merely open up the territory ping at London Bridge (2015/2016) or because for another fox to adopt. Needless to say, I plan businesses are also starting a network to do ...... the Greenwich line/Cannon Street trains won’t to continue to be a good friend to my foxes. something about the excessive rents, rates and Tel...... be stopping at London Bridge (2017). parking charges, and about the unethical, However I wonder what will happen to the From: Edward Hill Foyle Road tax-avoiding multinational chains invading Email: ...... current late-evening trains from/to the Graham Dear is simply incorrect in claiming Greenwich. Greenwich line to/from Charing Cross. that a bit of gardening will fix the Olympics A guided walk to see the damage to Please enclose payment as appropriate: ED: Thank you Richard for your clarification. damage to Greenwich Park’s trees, acid grass- Greenwich Park and to support the remaining Family Membership £12 [ ] We hope that you and other rail users will join lands and wildlife. local small businesses is planned for 2pm on the Individual Membership £8 [ ] in the Greenwich Line User Group being set up. Greenwich is paying a heavy price for the May Bank Holiday - Monday May 6th. Readers Senior Citizens/unwaged £4 [ ] Greenwich Park Olympics, with dozens of can visit www.madeingreenwich.co.uk for From: Tracey McGregor Beaconsfield Rd closed businesses, with health and amenity updates, and to join an email list. I have just discovered two new fantastic small impacts for millions, and unprecedented damage From: Cllr Geoffrey Brighty businesses in the local area. to the Park. This contrasts with the reported Your March article raises some important issues The first one is a wonderful new sewing £100 million value of the event to the jubilant regarding the Mayor's consultation on the future MEND YOUR shop in Delacourt Road called Sewing Time. I corporate sponsors and politicians. Rupert of policing. However it doesn't mention the rea- am doing a quilting course there and also a knit- Murdoch’s leader in the Times was triumphant: son for some of the measures – the need to find ENGLISH ting course. I’m enjoying it so much that I am “The choice of Greenwich Park was inspired… savings following the explosion in public expen- sure others in the area would, too. Let’s do it again soon”. diture created by the last Government. Boris The second object of my excitement is a Agencies entrusted with safeguarding What you should has to find £500m savings and underused build- little cafe in Charlton Park called The Old Greenwich Park and the World Heritage Site ings seem a sensible place to start. have been taught Cottage Cafe. It's wonderfully cosy and the think only of maximising government funding As your article states the pattern of reporting at Primary School staff are very friendly. by going for ever greater privatisation through crime has changed more and more to phone and by corporate sponsorship. This is kept out of the email and there are figures showing that police From: Trevor Allman Coleraine Road media, because PR professionals at Royal Parks stations across Greenwich receive an average of Ian Bruton-Simmonds The WN should be using the prefix “alleged” in and local institutions have taken misinformation 1.6 visits per opening hour. While possible Focuses on the BBC relation to so-called fox attacks. So far, there lessons from LOCOG, those masters of changes to how the SNTs work were also in the has not been a single substantiated fox attack. Orwellian spin and the suppression of evidence. consultation, overall the proposals seek to ISBN No: 978-0-9546862-1-5 All the stories so far have only ever been on the Local residents are starting a rota to act as increase exisiting levels of police on the street – word of the parents of the injured children. Not community wardens who can challenge a bobbies before buildings argument. £9.99 from the British Library a single victim of a “Fox attack” has accepted contractors of the Royal Parks, can help and The consultation provided an opportunity for Bookshop or other good bookshops the “Fox Project’s” offer to help investigate how advise the public, and can record all that everyone to have a say and, for those opposed the alleged attacks happened, or taken up the happens for the community. Local small to change, to put forward their own solutions.

2 Westcombe News April 2013 April2013x.QXD_WN.QXD 14/03/2013 14:28 Page 3 LOCAL NEWS “A time to tear down and London a time to build” Ecclesiates 3: 1-8 Fashion Week – Blackheath - Corrie-Jane style Rafferty

dreary Spring was much cheered on Aby the girls of Blackheath High School who sashayed down their own catwalk, wowing their audience, to show- and the garments featured in the fashion case the design talents of GCSE and A show were all designed specifically around level students in their annual Winter this theme. Designs included “black and Fashion Show. white”, “wild and tamed” and “angels and The show is entirely organised, pro- demons.” PHOTO: duced and directed by the students them- Blackheath High School Social Prefects Neville Grant selves with girls modelling garments they Lottie Kerr and Ellie Hathorne were n March 10th, the Rev. Peter caused the Fukushima nuclear crisis. Tens themselves designed and made. delighted by the final result, after months Farley-Moore of St Johns Church, of thousands of people remain displaced, Kate Elliott, Head of Sixth Form, said: of hard work, explaining “It was wonderful OStratheden Road, welcomed a large after entire communities were destroyed. “I was really bowled over by the show – to see our dedication paid off with every- congregation to a service of remembrance During the service, which was conduct- the wealth of creativity displayed, and thing coming together perfectly. The for those who died, or survived, the Great ed in both Japanese and English, moving meticulous organisation, were outstanding! show provides an opportunity for students Eastern Japan Earthquake and Tsunami film was shown of both the tsunami and its All of the girls should be congratulated for to display their design and musical talents that devastated the NE coast of Japan two aftermath, with heart-warming glimpses of putting on such an entertaining and suc- and, of course, designing garments for the years ago. ordinary people trying to cope with cessful event which was produced to a fashion show is also a great addition to stu- Speaking at the service (in both bereavement and destruction, and express- very professional standard.” dents’ art and textile portfolios.” Japanese and English), the Bishop of ing their thanks for those who had come to This year’s event, which raised over The girls worked very hard to produce Woolwich, the Rev Dr Michael Ipgrave, their aid. £1225 for the Fashion Targets Breast an extremely professional and exciting paid tribute to the community spirit of the In attendance was a large congregation, Cancer Charity, was themed “Juxtapose”, show which was enjoyed by everyone. survivors. and a Japanese choir, The Green Chorus, He also praised the work of those who who sang several songs, including Hana- Blackheath were involved in reconstruction, including wa-saku (Flowers are blooming), a rehabil- volunteers from other countries outside itation support song for the sufferers of the Japan, including the US, China, Canada earthquake; and Home Sweet Home. Funeral and New Zealand. A collection was made for two support More than 18,000 people were left dead charity projects, Yarn Alive, and Let us Service or missing in the disaster, which also Walk Together opens

Blackheath lackheath Funeral BService on Stratheden Conservatoire Parade, Stratheden Road, Blackheath opened its doors to the public on exceeds Saturday 2nd March for their Chapel of Rest target Dedication service, which was officially help every step of the way. We even visit opened by The Mayor, Councillor David families in the comfort of their own home he Conservatoire in Blackheath has Grant. The dedication took place with to make arrangements if desired. Traised an astonishing £200,000 from members of the local clergy, funeral staff “We pride ourselves on our care and the local community in less than six and members of the public. compassion shown to all clients, whatever weeks, surpassing its target of £175,000 The owners of the company are proud their circumstances, and offer low cost and avoiding the threat of immediate fore- to bring their family-owned and run com- simple services, through to the most closure. pany to the Royal Standard. They feel that extravagant funerals. The Conservatoire is still in the process the personal service shown by their caring We want to become part of the local of securing re-financing from a bank of its and compassionate staff, and reasonable community. If members of the public have existing debt, but so far everything is yet, but we have an extraordinary future prices, are needed in the area. any questions about funeral services please going to plan. ahead, and we are extremely grateful to the Adrian Goward, co-owner says: feel free to come into the office and talk to ‘The response from the community has community for all of its efforts.” “We understand that families need sup- our staff. We also offer talks and “behind been simply amazing,’ says Sydney For information: Sydney Thornbury, port and guidance through this traumatic the scenes” tours to help dispel any myths Thornbury, the Conservatoire’s Chief [email protected], time and our experienced staff are there to about funerals. Executive. “The banks have been enor- or Telephone: mously impressed by the local communi- 0208 852 0234 ty’s show of support. / 07791 609 971 Well done, Invicta! “We are on course with our new busi- nvicta Primary School in every pupil. They set tasks ness model. We’re not out of the woods Charlton has been which are at the right level – Idescribed as ‘outstand- sufficiently demanding for ing’ by Ofsted inspectors in a pupils to build on their skills glowing inspection report – and abilities just three years after being * The headteacher is an house & home judged ‘satisfactory’. inspirational leader who is The Ofsted inspectors vis- dynamically supported by ited the 273-pupil school in highly committed governors maintenance January and found that: and staff. Headteacher Marie * Teaching is increasingly Corbett said: y extensions y refurbishments y repairs y outstanding and almost “What really pleased me y kitchens y bathrooms y always at least good in all about the report was that it y plastering y painting y decorating y subjects and year groups recognised the hard work the y floor coverings y windows y * Pupils’ behaviour is exem- school has put in over the y electrical y plumbing y plary last three years. We have * Standards are well above gone from satisfactory to average in all subjects and outstanding as a result of WHATEVER YOUR HOME NEEDS have been consistently high relentless determination to call us on over the last three years raise standards at the 07988 760269 * Teachers expect the best of school.”

Westcombe News April 2013 3 April2013x.QXD_WN.QXD 14/03/2013 14:28 Page 4

PEOPLE

PHOTO: Meet your Neighbour DENISE SCOTT- Daniel Day- (c) Muckster McDONALD talks to the caretaker of Lewis: master Howard Goodhew Mycenae House

craftsman WN: Howard, how long have you been working here? HG: I’ve been here ten years. Neville Grant looks at WN: What brought you to the job? the early life of one of HG: Oh geee… I was looking for a job that was different from my previous the finest actors in the employment, something that was local and world – and how involving people because I am a people Greenwich helped to person. I used to work in the motor trade. WN: What did you do? shape him HG: I was a Postal Transport Technician WH: What’s that? (confused) cross the road from the Greenwich Street-cred: Day-Lewis in New York, 1989 HG: I worked for the Royal Mail for twen- theatre in Crooms Hill, there is a ty-two years. Georgian house with a red door. It was at Bedales that his love of drama A WN: You must enjoy this job if you’ve PHOTO: On the wall nearby, a blue plaque marks really came to the fore: he played a leading Denise Scott-McDonald worked here for ten years? the fact that Cecil Day-Lewis, Poet role in Pirandello’s Six Characters in HG: Yes, yes, it suits me…because I’m the move up…I’ve lived there since ‘76. Laureate, lived there. Search of an Author, and later had a small within walking distance to where I live. It My late wife was a civil servant and she What the blue plaque does not record is part in the film Sunday Bloody Sunday. always appealed to me to be a caretaker in wanted to remain in London. that here also once lived Jill Balcon, the However, it was touch and go what a school or something. How many kids do you have? actress, Tamasin Day-Lewis, documentary career Daniel chose to follow: at Bedales, WN: What’s interesting about working HG: I’ve got two kids. I’ve got a son he’s film-maker and cookery writer; and her he spent hours in the woodwork shop, here? twenty five, he’s a school teacher at a younger brother, Daniel Day-Lewis, win- where his woodwork teacher, David HG: The people are all so different. You school in Camberwell, where he teaches ner of three Oscars for best actor, and Butcher, recalled that he was an extremely got some eccentric people like the jazz geography. And my daughter, she works at arguably the best actor in the world. talented cabinet-maker. night, you’ve got a woman that does erotic Lord’s Cricket Ground. Daniel Day-Lewis's parents came to David visited Daniel's mother at her dancing (laugh)… I think it’s just getting WN: Oh brilliant! Does she get you tick- live in Greenwich in 1957, and stayed home shortly before her death in to know people, everyone that walks ets? here until 1972. Daniel started off 2009, and recalls sitting in a through the door is different … It’s been HG: Oh, I haven’t got there yet. school life at Invicta School from chair made by Daniel at an eye-opener WN: Do you go to cricket games? where he moved to Sherington. Bedales. It seems that Daniel WN: Where were you born? HG: Occasionally, I can’t say I’m a really Surrounded by tough South loved doing things with his HG: I was born in Australia? big fan, but it’s on my to-do list. London children, and talking hands, working with WN: Whereabouts? WN: What do you enjoy most about the "posh", he was often bullied. materials – in 2002 he even HG: I was born in a place called Orange, job? In his acceptance speech in went to Milan to make shoes. about 160 miles west of Sydney. HG: I enjoy working here because of the Hollywood for the Oscar he won for After briefly toying with the idea WN: What brought you to England? variety, and I like variety, I can’t do a mun- his role in the film There will be blood he of an apprenticeship in cabinet-mak- HG: Like a lot of Australian people you dane job … Here, every day is differ- spoke about his childhood here, recalling: ing, Daniel chose a stage career. From the want to see the rest of the world. I was a ent and you meet so many different people “Invicta Infants School, Sherington National Youth Theatre he went on to the conscript in Australia from ‘69 to ‘71, and and the day seems to fly. Primary School in Charlton, Greenwich Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, eventually I had an English grandparent as well…. I WN: Thanks Howard … Enjoy the rest Park, Blackheath . . . these were the play- performing at the Bristol Old Vic itself. used to work for an English guy. He came of your day. grounds of my early life.” In 1982 he had his big theatre break from Surrey… I worked down there and Another famous local boy making good, when he became the lead in Another then I met my late wife, she died of breast Jules Holland, featured in the WN in 2007, Country. He later joined the Royal Pauline Mullins cancer a few years ago. recalls having what he called "a run-in" Shakespeare Company, playing Romeo in e regret to announce the death in She lived in the Kidbrooke area and she with Daniel, but history does not recall Romeo and Juliet. However, he forsook February of Pauline Mullins, aged wanted to remain in this area, so I made W exactly what that meant. the stage in 1989, when, acting the part of 79. The funeral service at St John’s Church One can easily imagine that at that time, Hamlet at the National Theatre, he walked was packed with mourners. survival was the name of the game, and offstage mid-act, having allegedly seen the “Old and new” Pauline spent the war years outside Daniel felt he needed to improve his street ghost of his father in the famous ghost London to escape the blitz. She went on to cred with his classmates. He became a bit scene. New exhibition at Made marry Ron Mullins, who had been a of a tearaway: he acquired the local street The rest is history. His achievements as in Greenwich Gallery prisoner of war of the Japanese. lingo, and – causing much anguish to his an actor are astonishing: just as he lived As her children grew up, Pauline went parents – indulged in petty crime (stealing the part of a street urchin in Greenwich, so enowned artist and former Westcombe to work as an untrained social worker in from sweet shops etc). he became famous, Stanislavski style, for RPark resident Maureen Black will be the Ferrier Estate. She went on to train as a He later recalled that these were his first living the part of the characters he played, showing some of her work at Made in professional social worker, and is very convincing performances. on and off set. When he played the part of Greenwich Gallery, 324 Creek Road SE10 fondly remembered all over Greenwich, He became totally wild. He was a bright Christy Brown, who had cerebral palsy, in 9SW from March 26th to April 14th, and and particularly in Thamesmead, for the child not being academically stretched, and My Left Foot, even offscreen he refused to will be at the gallery herself on the week- work she did in the children’s fostering his parents were at their wits end to know break character: he had to be moved around end of the 13th and 14th of April. and adoption service. how to break the cycle; so they decided the set in his wheelchair, so that he could Her exhibition is called ‘Old and New’. Pauline, deeply committed to human that boarding school was the answer, so he gain insight into all aspects of Brown's life. Since moving to Seaford in Sussex, values, was a great believer in freedom was sent to Sevenoaks – but he only lasted Who knows what his next role will be? Maureen has been experimenting with dif- and human rights, particularly the right to there for two years. He was transferred to It is said Daniel wants to go back home to ferent techniques and colours in works fulfil one’s potential. She was an active Bedales in Petersfield, Hampshire, which County Wicklow (he has joint British and inspired by the South Downs, which will supporter of the Westcombe Society, and his sister attended, which was famous for Irish citizenship) where he lives with his be shown alongside some of her more the Labour Party. Baroness Howells was its relaxed and creative ethos. wife Rebecca Miller, daughter of the play- familiar local views. one of many who spoke at her funeral of He was much happier at Bedales, where wright Arthur Miller, and his two sons. The gallery is open Tuesday, Wednesday, her strong gift for friendship. one of his teachers, John Rogers, recalls he David Butcher thinks he may be planning Thursday, Sunday and Bank Holidays 11- Our deepest condolences to Deborah, brought to school a pet piglet which all- to return to cabinet-making – but dry- 5.30, Friday and Saturday 11-7. Stuart, her grandchildren and great grand- www.madeingreenwich.co.uk 020 82939823. too-oWestcombeften escaped and caused cParkhaos. stone walling may also be on the cards. children. Westcombe Park Dental Practice Treatments Available Treatments Available

ZoomZoom Too Toothth W hWhiteningitening INDEPENDENT PERSONAL and Dental Implants CORPORATE FINANCIAL ADVISERS Dental Implants Invisalign Investments - Pensions - Estate Planning Invisalign 2 Charlton Road, Blackheath Standard, Smile Makeovers Smile Makeovers London, SE3 7EX (T) 020 8853 7160 Tooth Colouring Fillings email: [email protected] Tooth Coloured Fillings website: www.starkeyfinancialplanning.co.uk Anti-Wrinkle Treatments & Dermal Fillings Anti-wrinkle Treatments and Dermal Fillers HELPING YOU PLAN YOUR FUTURE 13 Station Crescent, Starkey Financial Planning Ltd. is authorized and 13 Station Crescent, Westcombe Westcombe Park, London SE3 7EQ Tel. 0208 853 3304 Fax: 0208 858 1784 regulated by the Financial Services Authority Park, London SE3 7EQ Tel. 0844 375 6996 4 Fax. 0208 858 1784 Located next to Westcombe Park Train Station Westcombe News April 2013 April2013x.QXD_WN.QXD 14/03/2013 14:28 Page 5

WHAT’S ON

ARTS COMMUNITY THEATRE & OPERA BLACKHEATH DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS Westcombe Society THE GREENWICH THEATRE Crooms Hill, SOCIETY, St Mary’s Church Hall, Cresswell Park, Greenwich, London SE10 8ES 020 8858 7755 Blackheath 4th Thursday of every month, 2.00 for Dates for your diary: Wed 10th April 7.30 pm TOM CREAN – 2.30. Next meeting: 25th April: Jane Gardiner April 20th. Quiz Night Mycenae House ANTARCTIC EXPLORER One of Ireland’s “All the Beasts of the Earth: ways in which potters unsung heroes £15 | £10 concs. May 12th AGM, Main Hall, lunchtime look to the natural world for their inspiration” Tues 23rd - Wed 24th April 8.00 pm GRIT Non-members £5 on the door. www.artsinblack- CELEBRATING OUR Visual theatre depicting the experiences of a war heath.org.uk or ring 83187550 FORTIETH YEAR! photographer £12.50 | £7.50 MADE IN GREENWICH GALLERY 324 Creek Neville Grant will give a talk on Mon 29th April - Sun 5th May Mon - Sat 7.30 pm Road, SE1 ‘Old and New’ monoprints by Maureen “Producing the Westcombe News – GHOSTS by Henrik Ibsen. Matinees Wed 1.00 Black till April 14th. ‘Natural World’ exhibition from the beginning, or end, of a career?” pm, Sat 2.30 pm & Sunday 4.00 pm April 16th. Tickets: £17.50 | £15.00 concs. Matinees £12.50 Printing in Blackheath Poetry lectures by lecturer and broadcaster Graham June 15th Summer Picnic and Senior Citizens THE SPACE 269 Westferry Road London E14 since 1978 Fawcett: ‘Emily Dickinson’ April 10th, 'Pablo Neruda' Tea Party 3RS 0207 515 7799 / www.space.org.uk May 1st, 6.45 - 8.15 www.madeingreenwich.co.uk Sept 7th. Members’ Evening, Main Hall, Nearest stn: Mudchute (DLR) Buses: D3, D7, 135 From your ideas or Artwork ROYAL MUSEUMS GREENWICH 2nd – 13th April, 7:30pm THE 8th WAVE we can print at a Until 28th April: PHOTOGRAPHY from the Sep 27th Macmillan Coffee Morning, bar / Main Hall Mycenae House £12 | £8 concs. Lonely and unmarried, Brian’s little reasonable cost: MOUNTAINS to the SEA The amazing photographs world revolves around his shop, his self-righteous Sept 28th Nearly New Sale, Main Hall, • Business cards of Ansel Adams world-view cadged from the Daily Mail . . . ROYAL OBSERVATORY GREENWICH Oct 26th Quiz Night, Main Hall • Invoices • Letterheads Until August: Alien Revolution: an exploration of November: Dickensian Christmas Bazaar • Books • Brochures our thinking about aliens in science and culture, from GREENWICH HERITAGE CENTRE • Forms • Invites Copernicus to the present CANCER RESEARCH LUNCH • Wedding StationAry The next fund-raising luncheon is on Thursday 4th THIS ELTHAM OF OURS TO 18th MAY CHILDREN April 2013 at the Clarendon Hotel, Blackheath from Early 20th-century watercolours, etchings and draw- 1a Li zban St 12 noon to 2:30 pm. Cost £8.50, including full meal ings by Gertrude Ashworth and Daniel Warry: Eltham Bl ackheath, Lo ndo n SE3 8 SS GREENWICH THEATRE Crooms Hill and a free drink. Raffle! The Speaker: Millicent around the 1910s and '20s, a time when it was on the Tel: 020 8853 2268 Box office: 8858 7755 Turnbull (Millie) on “My eventful childhood before cusp of great change. In 1900 Eltham was like a 1920” Lunches can be booked by telephoning Wendy Thur 4th - Sat 6th April 11.am & 3.00 pm THE Kentish village - before becoming "a seething town- Email: dave@trojanpress. co. uk on 020 8265 0335 by Monday 1st April. THREE LITTLE PIGS A Musical leaving you ship". The artworks on display here capture the www. trojanpress. com squealing with glee . . . Tickets: £12.50 BLACKHEATH SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY Mycenae House, 90 Mycenae Road SE3 7SE Eltham of old before it largely disappeared forever. Children & Concs. £7.50 Family Ticket £32.00 April 19th Monorails of 19th Century A WOMAN'S PLACE… TO 13th APRIL Sat 20th - Mon 22nd April THE SNOW QUEEN Mr Adrian Garner Visitors are welcome, and are The vital role of women in the British Army during Hans Christian Anderson’s story goes to India! requested to donate £ 3.00 to Society funds. WW II and in today's Afghanistan. Firepower's collec- Following its acclaimed tour of India. Sat & Sun. BLACKHEATH BRIDGE CLUB welcomes all tion of historical artefacts and stunning photographs SPECTRUM 7.30 pm Mats Sun. 2.30 pm Mon. 1.30 pm £15 players to duplicate sessions in Mycenae House Mon. by Alison Baskerville, who followed female soldiers & Thurs. 7.15 pm & on Wed. at 1.15 Tel. 8851 2609 Children & concs £12.50 Family ticket £38.00 on patrol in their special role - to win the hearts and Painters and Decorators WESTCOMBE WRITERS’ CIRCLE 1st. Thursday BLACKHEATH HALLS minds of Afghanistan's rural communities. Interior/Exterior Sat 13th April 3.00 pm THE GOLDEN CROWN each month, 2.30-4.30 at Mycenae House. Ring Joan Wonderful puppet play £7.00 Ages 4+. Paice on 8305 1652 or Rosemary Gill on 8858 5088 MUSIC No job too Small Sat 4th May 3.00 pm RUMPELSTILTSKIN & BLACKHEATH FLOWER CLUB Meets third Friday of every month at 1.45 pm at Mycenae House Clean and Reliable THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE £7. Ages 4 - 9 BLACKHEATH & GREENWICH WOMEN’S BLACKHEATH HALLS Tel 020 8463 0100 WOODLANDS FARM 331 Shooters Hill. Tel. Wed. 3rd April 7.00 pm Jette Parker Young Artists INSTITUTE: First Wednesday of every month at Free Estimates 0208 319 8900 Every Thursday Toddler Club 10am 7.30 pm at Sunfields Methodist Church, Old Dover Programme Tickets £7.00 - 12pm £2 per adult, children free Road, SE3 8SJ [email protected] Fri 5th April Rock royalty arrives in the form of 30 Years Experience Meet the animals, enjoy some crafts or just play. SECOND CHANCE CHOIR We rehearse Thursday DEBORAH BONHAM, with Steve Rodgers GREENWICH HERITAGE CENTRE evenings during term time, in Blackheath. New Tickets £14.00 £12.00 concs. Call 020 8853 2759 Artillery Square, Royal Arsenal, Woolwich SE18 members welcome, contact Margery Nzerem 0208 Sat 13th April 8.00 pm More rock with THE 858 3544 [email protected]. 4DX 020 8854 2452 FREE Saturday mornings: BLOCKHEADS £20.00 (£22.00 on the door) or 07950815412 GREENWICH HERITAGE CENTRE 10.30am to 12 noon. Free art and craft activities for Join the Greenwich ’48 Club We want to bring our BLACKHEATH DOES BROADWAY 5 to 12 year olds. Under fives must be accompanied senior citizens together with our young people to talk Final showcase performance on Sun. by an adult. Please wear suitable clothes. about what the world was like and how it has 28th April at 7.30 pm SE LONDON DADS GROUP changed. Contact the Greenwich Heritage Centre. 19th April THE ICARUS CLUB Don’t forget – DADS ALERT: Regular stay-and-play for dads Tel: 020 8854 2452email: [email protected] with Bruise, Christy Gallacher & and children under five @ Sherington Children's ENGLISH FOLK MUSIC Bob Collum 8.00 pm you have childcare options! Centre, 14 Sherington Road every Wednesday from 9.00 pm every Tuesday at the Lord Hood pub, Creek 9:30 - 11:30am. Contact: · Road; mainstream jazz every Thursday. MYCENAE HOUSE Childcare places for children from 3 months – 5 years www.SELondonDads.org.uk or email: info@selon- NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM LIVE JAZZ - MONTHLY Broadsides! Caricatures and the Navy 1756-1815 Choosing the right kind of childcare is one of the biggest decisions dondads.org.uk Candlelit jazz, special featured that you will ever have to make. Ends April 30th FREE guest each month. Occurs on the THE GREAT MAP New interactive world map to At Zoom, we believe nursery childcare could be the best way of second Friday each month. Bar supporting your whole family. With the right nursery, you’re able to explore key events in Britain’s Maritime History & Food available. 8pm. £10/£8 enhance your child’s development and add to your experience as a GREENWICH AND BEXLEY COMMUNITY See http://www.jazznights.co.uk/ parent. HOSPICE Sunday, 28th April Mini Marathon for We have gone to great lengths to ensure that our well-equipped kids around Greenwich Park. A sponsored 2.62 mile environment, exceptional team, healthy planned menus, additional LOCAL COUNCILLORS classes and planned curriculum all meet and exceed you and your Mini Marathon for 7 to 16 year olds – starting at child’s expectations. 10.00 am from the bandstand. Registration costs Conservative: Childcare at Zoom could be more affordable than you think. The £7.50 per child and all runners will receive a special Cllr. Geoffrey Brighty term after your child turns 3 means you are eligible for The Nursery Mini Marathon medal at the finish line. Tel. 8921 5663 (Town Hall) or Education Grant. We also have access to the Childcare Affordability 8858 9731 (Home) Email: Programme (CAP) and Working Families Tax Credit. geoffrey.brighty@ Why not call us for an informal greenwich.gov.uk discussion, or to arrange a visit? We Cllr. Alex Wilson Tel. 07783 could be just what you are looking for! 611607 Email: Call me, Justine O’Hare, Manager, on 0208 331 6703. Alternatively, email me [email protected] at [email protected] Surgery: 1st Monday of the month 6 - 7.00 pm Blackheath Library, Old We’re based near to the Yorkshire Grey Roundabout, bordering Kidbrooke, Dover Rd. Blackheath, Lee & Eltham, just off the A2 Labour: Cllr. Alex Grant Tel. 8855 7292 E-mail: Job No: ZOO/1/187 Learning is fun [email protected] THEMedia: Westcombe POINTER News SCHOOL Surgeries: 1st. Friday of each Size: 120x120mm month, 7.00 - 8.00 pm, Mycenae Proof: 1 “Doubles in size” St Olave’s is a Prep School in House; 3rd. Saturday of each New Eltham for boys and girls month, 3.30-4.30 pm, St James Date: 11/4/2008 • First Class Examination Results Church Hall, Kidbrooke Park Rd. • Organic Food aged 3-11 years • Breakfast Club & After School Care • Christian Evangelical in outlook • Numerous Extra-Curricular Clubs ! Broad, child-centred curriculum SeriesOne • Large variety of outdoor and PE activities • 3 languages taught ! Excellent results in the 11+ Released selection Miles Campbell ! Clubs, outings and residential OFSTED: OUTSTANDING IN ALL AREAS trips Clockmaker • Woolwich, London ! Excellent pastoral care Repairs and house calls undertaken ! Small classes 0208 331 0201 www.milescampbell.co.uk ! Specialist staff for PE, IT, Music, French and Drama

! Sibling fee reduction ! Before and after school care

Te l : 020 8294 8930 www.stolaves.org.uk Size 10 x 4cm

Font Baskerville

Any queries or resizing please contact Miles Campbell 020 8293 1331 The Pointer School |19 Stratheden Road | Blackheath | London SE3 7TH : and also at 37 Shooters Hill Road | Blackheath | London SE3 7HS (Nursery & Reception) Check Out Our NEW Website wristworthheating.weebly.com email: [email protected] Website: www.pointers-school.co.uk

Westcombe News April 2013 5

Traditional clockmaking • Designed, created and ﬁnished by hand.

Miles Campbell Clockmaking - 0208 331 0201 - [email protected] SFSA Unit 4 No.40, Mellish Industrial Estate, Warspite Road, London SE18 5NR April2013x.QXD_WN.QXD 14/03/2013 14:28 Page 6

FEATURES Eltham mansion’s restoration award highlights exotic Chilean origins GORDON BAKER Avery Hill, Eltham, circa 1896

he University of Greenwich has He created the Winter Garden to grow North trained as an engineer. In 1869 his gained initial support from the exotic Chilean plants, built a huge ball- employers, the steam machinery manufac- THeritage Lottery Fund for a £2.9 room, a gallery to house his vast art collec- turers Fowlers of Leeds, sent him to look million bid for conservation of the Avery tion and centrally-heated stables for his after their equipment in nitrate plants in Hill Winter Garden. Development funding racehorses and greyhounds. Chile and Peru. of £192,100 has also been awarded to help He stayed on and prospered through a the university to apply for a grant to restore series of astute deals after Chile acquired the Winter Garden to its full architectural extensive nitrate-rich territory from Peru and horticultural splendour. following the Pacific War of 1879/1881. The building’s iron structure is the sec- Nitrate was then the main source of fertil- Belgian Congo stamp 1894 ond biggest glass-house in the UK after the izer, which nourished the dramatic growth Temperate House at Kew. It would be care- of global agriculture in the late 19th being appointed Honorary Colonel of the fully conserved and filled with lush new Century, as well as a raw material for 2nd Tower Hamlets Engineer Volunteer planting, recreating the temperate style explosives. Corps. When he died in 1896 thousands which once flourished there. Besides dominating the nitrate industry, turned out to watch his funeral procession The plans also include increased access North amassed extensive interests in to Eltham Parish Church, where his tomb to the building; improved visitor facilities; Chilean banks, railways, coal mines, ship- still stands. new learning, meeting and exhibition ping and water supply. spaces and an education and outreach pro- His vast wealth was invested in Welsh A new biography The Nitrate King by gramme to promote understanding of the coalmines and iron foundries, Australian William Edmundson (published by history of this elegant listed building and gold mines and Egyptian tramways – and Palgrave Macmillan as ISBN. 978-0- its garden. rubber plantations in what was then the 230—11280-3) tells the fascinating and Many readers will know the Avery Hill so-called “Congo Free State”, at a time now largely-forgotten story of this pica- estate that sits above Eltham and is now when little was known about the horrors of resque adventurer, one of several British the centre of Greenwich University’s Avery King Leopald’s private African colony. speculators whose wealth made in Latin Hill Campus. But how many know that its North became a noted benefactor, America added substantially to Victorian origins are linked to the deserts of especially locally and in his native British capital stock and built some of our Northern Chile? Yorkshire, and he took great pride in grandest houses. “Colonel” John Thomas North was a buccaneering Victorian millionaire notori- Despite war damage and extensive rebuild- ous as the “Nitrate King”. He returned to ing by the university, Avery Hill still dis- this country in the 1880s after making his plays numerous features from North’s days fortune in Chilean nitrate. He bought including his library, sculpture gallery and Avery Hill and transformed it into a glitter- stables – and the only Grade II-listed ing mansion for his lavish entertainment ladies lavatory in London! and sporting exploits. Born to a modest Yorkshire family, U3A: Adult Learning

for Fun MICHAEL GOLDMAN un: that is what the University of the Some people are put off by the word Third Age (U3A) is all about: keep- ‘university’ and the correspondence pages Fing the mind enjoyably active as one of the quarterly Third Age Matters (former- grows older. It is not truly a university ly Third Age News) erupt from time to time but it is more than just another old people’s with letters on this subject. club – much more. There is no doubt that the name deters The movement started in France and some who would benefit from and enjoy reached this country in 1988, There are membership, but it seems reasonable to bird watching, walking and architectural Shared learning projects are a growing now 870 U3As all over the UK, with discourage old folk who just want a cup of visits. feature of U3A. These often involve co- nearly 300,000 members. They are tea and a chat. However, there is one very Many of the events take place in peo- operation with a museum whereby U3A autonomous bodies, usually with charitable positive benefit of belonging to U3A: the ple’s homes, while bigger groups are held members carry out research into an status, affiliated to the Third Age Trust opportunity to make new friends. The in various community centres - including archive, for example. Summer schools are which has its HQ in Bromley, membership is overwhelmingly white and Goldsmiths’ College, which carries out our also a popular activity: there are two The concept is very simple: retired peo- middle-class, but that may change over administration. national events and various others organ- ple teach, or lead groups of, other retired time. This means that the annual subscription ised by regional groups of U3As. people. The age of most members is well Although the educational element is can be kept down to £18 and Goldsmiths’, Retired people often say that they are so over fifty and the ratio of women to men is fundamental, most U3As put on a whole for their part, are pleased for South East busy that they do not know how they found about two to one. range of activities. The programme of London U3A to enhance its further educa- time for work: membership of U3A rein- The movement has barely scratched the South East London U3A, for example, lists tion activities. Membership has grown forces that feeling, and provides a frame- surface of our ageing population: there are 77 different activities, including a bad- steadily and now stands at nearly 800. work and a purpose for lives which might 10,378,000 people aged over 65 in the UK, minton group, a country dancing group, Some U3As in rural areas are much otherwise be rather shapeless. not quite three percent of whom belong to four scrabble groups, four reading groups, smaller and tend to centre on weekly or The South East London U3A website is U3A. It is generally acknowledged, as three history groups, two philosophy monthly meetings for the whole member- www.u3asites.org.uk/london-se we are all living longer, that it is important groups and seventeen language groups at ship. Bromley and U3A in London are or contact the Membership Secretary: to keep mentally, as well as physically, various levels. among the biggest groups with over 1700 Anne Richards, 30 Little Heath, Charlton, SE7 active. There are also outdoor activities such as members. 8HU Tel 020 8854 4645 (mentioning the WN!)

6 Westcombe News April 2013 April2013x.QXD_WN.QXD 14/03/2013 14:28 Page 7

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 may also be viewed on www. ENVIRONMENT greenwich.gov.uk/planning

FACT FILE: ENDERBY WHARF PHOTO: * Enderby Wharf is a 3.6 hectare river- Myles Dove side location within easy reach of the All change in Good news Jubilee Line, DLR, Maze Hill Railway Station and the Thames Clippers river Mycenae Road for Thames bus service. * The wharf benefits from a 180 metre s the recession in Europe bites deeper, frontage onto the River Thames and Agovernments are desperately search- travellers close proximity to the world famous ing for ways of finding new revenue. Greenwich Maritime Heritage Site and Greece has been hit particularly hard, the 02 entertainment complex, and and the Greek government now sees fL has announced a plan to double the within sight of Canary Wharf. “intellectual property” as one potentially number of commuters travelling along T * Planning permission has been lucrative source. And now, as a result, the Thames over the next seven years. secured for the regeneration of the Westcombe Park is being targeted. The scheme, costing some £10 million, wharf for a mix of uses including 770 “Mycenae has played an iconic role in aims to increase the number of passengers luxury townhouses and apartments, and Greek mythology and history,” Dr Apryl to twelve million. Included in the plans quality hotel accommodation served by Foole-Hardupoulos, a spokeswoman for are three new piers on the river – the first a new river bus service and set within the Greek government said. “It is time we at Plantation Wharf in Battersea this year. an extensive array of public and private reclaimed our own! We have obtained the Two more piers have planning permis- landscaped spaces. copyright on the use of its name, and The £60 million Thames cable car opened in sion – at Battersea Power Station and expect to generate significant income.” June 2012. It can carry 2,500 passengers per Enderby Wharf. Enderby Wharf is the site * At the core of the approved scheme It seems that the names Mycenae Road hour in each direction (the equivalent of 50 for the International Cruise Liner Terminal, is the provision of the new London and Mycenae House are both under threat. London buses). It costs £4.30 – £3.20 with as well as a 251 bedroom hotel, 770 luxury International Cruise Liner Terminal an Oyster Card. Children under five go free! As a result, it looks as though the Royal townhouses and apartments. which will create a further tourist desti- nation in the maritime heartland of Borough of Greenwich would have to pay Existing piers will also be upgraded. Greenwich. a hefty licensing fee to use the name; but a River commuters will be able to use cheaper alternative is at hand. new contactless “wave and pay” tickets. possible to use Oyster cards on river boats, Our streets are in any case gradually There will also be better interchange and passenger numbers have increased by acquiring new signage since Greenwich announcements on Tubes and buses, and more than 25 per cent in the past few years acquired its Royal Borough status, and so more cycle parking. — from 5.3 million up to 6.6 million. it looks as though a name change is the The scheme is likely to prove extremely TfL expects that there will be an extra way forward for Mycenae Road. popular – many observers have said that 100,000 new homes and 220,000 new jobs Several suggestions have emerged so much greater use should be made of the close to the Thames. This will inevitably far. Angerstein Road could be a front river for transport purposes. create increased passenger demand for runner, but some like the idea of calling it Mr Johnson has been trying to encour- river services by 2030. Iceni Road (Queen Boudicca would have age more people to use the river for their Mr Johnson said: “..... I am determined approved). The Council’s consultation daily commute. Since 2009, it has been ...... to maximise its potential.” exercise on the issue ends on April 1st. The Marathon Change for change’s sake? ocal residents were left more than a lit- The Westcombe Society Environment he Virgin London Marathon takes Ltle perplexed by a recent invitation by Committee (WSENV) has challenged both Tplace on Sunday 21st April, and after the Council to take part in a consultation proposals, requesting that additional work previous years' experiences, local residents on traffic curbing measures for the be carried out to determine which traffic will want to know about road closures. Halstow/Ormiston Road area. uses these routes and what the impact Last year, members of the Westcombe Some are asking whether, in such times would be on other roads should either of Society environment committee met the of austerity, the degree of inconvenience these proposals be implemented. organisers to discuss some of the problems currently suffered by residents of Kemsing “We’ve suggested that, if anything, a that had arisen in 2012 event, including and other local roads justifies the local temporary width restriction be put in roads being closed without warning, and council in spending thousands of pounds place,” explains Dick Allard, chairman of the unnecessarily late opening of some on signs and restrictions (let alone the con- WSENV. He continues: routes, causing great inconvenience. sultation process itself), especially without “We believe that this is an economical As a result, the marathon organisers a full analysis of the consequences for way forward which will allow the Council have agreed to post leaflets to all residents other roads. to monitor the effects of such a measure – within the next few days. With the Council wanting to put meas- including any unintentional outcomes - ures in place before the end of the financial both on the specific and wider areas before year, a two-week consultation period start- any significant financial outlay is made Hospice Springwatch ed at the beginning of February. Letters from the public purse.” outlining the proposals were sent to just Residents point out that the laws of he Westcombe Society has donated under 3,000 local residents. unexpected consequence could come into Tfour bird nest-boxes to the Bexley- The two options being considered are: play here: a number of parents dropping heath Cottage Hospice. These will be put (i) to make Halstow Road one way (south- their children off at Halstow School would up in the hospice gardens, in time for this bound only), or (ii) to install width restric- be likely to stop in Humber Road, causing year's nesting season so that patients can tions at the junction of Ormiston Road and chaos, and danger, in the area. It is also watch the birds using them. Woodlands Kemsing Roads. Many fear the expected extraordinary that Halstow School – the Farm Trust provided valuable advice on outcome would be increased traffic using teachers as well as parents – were not the best type of nest-boxes to order. Combedale Road and Westcombe Hill. properly informed of the proposals.

Christopher’s column Christopher Raven Live Jazz Gem In for a penny… coming from the rootball, and fill the which again encourages the plants roots hole with water and let it drain, twice. into surrounding soil. (This tip comes There are few gardening Add a handful of compost and a lit- from Kew’s tree experts). rules that you can’t bend, tle fertiliser to the hole, and scuff up the Speaking of rule breaking, I have in Mycenae Road or actually break. roots of the plant a little. Finally, set the transplanted some spinach and chard for But there are some examples of Once a month some world class live jazz plant with the top of the rootball level the second time in six months – soaking 'good practice' which you shouldn’t with the surrounding soil and gently fill the plants before digging them up, then occurs at Mycenae House in the main hall. ignore. An old saying suggested that if the hole. Firm the soil around the plant steeping them in a bucket of water and your plant cost a penny, you should and water again. Simple. planting as above. spend a pound on planting it – into a Fri 8th March, distinguished Portobello This method ensures that the plant Both varieties have quite robust hole full of manure. sends its roots down into the damp soil roots, so we shall see how they go, with musician Earl Okin is These days we grow plants harder, beneath it, and out into the surrounding regular watering till they show new featured, along with local without large amounts of fertiliser or soil. A plant in a large hole full of com- shoots. I also moved welsh onions, water, but planting well does pay divi- top-line jazz guitarist post is less likely to root out into the chives and garlic, which should be fine dends. You need only dig a hole slightly soil beyond, it seems. as the bulbs will have enough vigour to Dominic Ashworth. larger than the rootball of the plant – If you are planting trees or shrubs withstand the move – though they may again, contrary to old practices – and 8pm. £8 door. Bar. Food avail. from large containers the same applies; slow down a little. A little warmth or then water the hole and the plant. Soak www.jazznights.co.uk but dig a square(ish) planting hole, sun would help! Earl Okin the plant in water until any bubbles stop

Westcombe News April 2013 7 April2013x.QXD_WN.QXD 14/03/2013 14:28 Page 8

Please send ads for the Market Place with payment 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

CLEANING SERVICES. A friendly and profesional ACCOMMODATION & OFFICE SPACE ALL-ROUND HANDYMAN BUY LOCAL! Discounts available on service, welcoming jobs of all sizes. Specialising in General repairs, painting & decorating, gardening, production of your WS membership card. GOOD RELIABLE HOST FAMILIES wanted for for- the cleaning of carpets, rugs & upholstery, ovens aquarium cleaning & set up, flat pack assembly, eign students. For more info. please contact Lynne and kitchen/bathroom areas. Contact Hugo: electrical & electronic installation ie TV, computer, on 01732 822649 or email [email protected] 07768713729 [email protected] lights, laptop, games consoles, decluttering. Local BLACKHEATH VILLAGE: FUNCTION ROOM FOR HIRE Blackheath area, up DECORATING, ELECTRICS resident recommends. Dave Shaw 07521320246 or BLACKS OF BLACKHEATH - JEWELLERS to 150 people, Bar, disabled access. Tel 07940 Plumbing and Property Maintenance. Established 25 07971579793 10% OFF purchases over £100, excluding sale 296290 years. References available. Phil McNamara 020 DECORATOR & TILER goods and repairs NEWLY REFURBISHED OFFICE/WORKSHOP 8857 5480, mobile 078 1436 0862 Experienced and reliable service. Free estimates and CACTUS PIT - TEX/MEX RESTAURANT SPACE (1.360 sq ft) available for rent in Linear DECLUTTERING local references. David Birch 07956 264011 20% OFF for two or more, Sun. to Thurs. To make more space or getting your house ready for House, Peyton Place, Central Greenwich. Managed, CHAPTERS RESTAURANT sale? Homespace can help! Contact Karen for a free inclusive rent £1,166.67 pcm, available immediately. 10% OFF lunch/ dinner for two Mon. to Thurs. Call Helen: 07985 218559. appraisal at www.home-space.biz. DAVIDSON PLASTERING AND DECORATING TUITION PARES FOOTWEAR FREE HOT-DESK SPACE OFFERED IN LINEAR 10% OFF all shoes over £20, excluding sale stock HOUSE Peyton Place, Central Greenwich in return SERVICES Ceilings repaired or renovated. Artex RAFFLES DESIGNER WEAR. for very light, 9.00 – 5.30 reception duties (receiving ceilings skimmed to a smooth finish. Painting and SHOW YOUR COMPUTER WHO IS THE BOSS 10% OFF all non-sale goods post and deliveries). Initially 20th May to mid-July, Decorating. Insurance work undertaken. C&G quali- Are you looking for some extra help working with but possibly on-going. Suit personal business need- fied. Small jobs welcome. Free advice and esti- your computer? Need some help with your digital RIGHT ANGLE RETAIL - GIFTS ing relative peace and quiet! Call Helen: 07985 mates. Phone 8316 0990/07746 121510 photos, online shopping and the jargon? To discuss 10% OFF special goods plus free delivery 218559. TOM ELLIS BESPOKE CARPENTRY the options, call Paul on 07958 251 448 or email CAVE AUSTIN WINE BAR & GARDEN Kitchens, Alcove units, bookcases, wardrobes, [email protected] 5% discount at any time GARDENING dressers and tables. Happy to quote. 02085198947 ITALIAN TUITION Native Italian teacher offers GREENWICH: BORDERS, BEDS AND CONTAINERS planned, (m) 07540579027 lessons at all levels. Preparation for GCSE, NORTH POLE RESTAURANT prepared and planted by local experienced qualified ARCHITECTURAL INTERIOR DESIGN A-LEVELS courses, Grammar, Conversation 12.5% OFF Meals only for two gardener. Call Leslie on 0208 858 6541 Liz Bull Design specialises in innovative and inspira- Tel 07788 743371 3D DIVING tional interior and exterior design. Complete service PIANO LESSONS Enjoy playing your instrument GARDEN MAINTENANCE: mowing, weeding, pruning, 10% discount on all scuba diving courses. from concept through to planning permission and from the very first lesson - favourite pieces and communal garden contracts, fruit and vegetables, Offer excludes scuba diving equipment. gardening tuition, RHS qualified, also domestic cleaning. completion. Services also include bespoke furniture much more - a holistic appproach to teaching and GREENWICH COMMUNICATION Call John and Rachel 0208 316 0990 / 07746 121510 & landscape design. Call for a free consultation. learning. A.B exams taken if desired. Tel. 8856 1200 Email: [email protected] MATHS & ENGLISH TUITION (aged 8-16) and CENTRE at 164 Trafalgar Road offer 10% Tel. 07739903752. www.lizbulldesign.com preparation for secondary school selection tests by discount on all Computer Maintenance and HOLIDAYS HOMEWORKS qualified & experienced teacher. Mary Bauckham Repairs (including Laptops!) Your local All-round handyman for those DIY’s you have no time for! 07709 089838 [email protected]. friendly independent computer shop! WHITSTABLE WEEKENDS / WEEKS Sea wall house General repairs. Painting & Decorating. General Carpentry ENGLISH/PRIMARY/11-PLUS TUITION All ages HUMBER ROAD: between Oyster Warehouse and Harbour. Sleeps 5. and flooring. Flat-pack assembly. Patio and deck cleaning. welcome. GCSE, A/S-Levels, Common Entrance, BODYWORKZ - THE FITNESS CLINIC Fantastic views. 8858 6578 or 013 0436 7443 No job too small. Contact Matthew Barron 07903 388658. Primary, etc. Fully qualified, experienced teacher. 109 Humber Road.10% OFF all treatments costing NORTH YORKSHIRE MOORS HOUSES CLEARED of unwanted items. Call Hellin Halliday BA(Hons), PGCE on 020 8858 £30 or more except Chiropody; exc.Saturdays. 7704 / 07928 017762 to discuss how I can help. The Georgian House. Delightful period house in Tel: 020 8858 3889 Mobile: 07885 917 842 ROYAL NEPALESE RESTAURANT A MAN AND A VAN MATHEMATICS TUTOR For secondary level, charming Pickering market town. Sleeps 10. (Station Crescent) 20% OFF meals for Tel: 020 8858 3889 Mobile: 07885 917 842 GCSE and A-Level by qualified teacher, Tom http://www.thegeorgianhouse.co.uk/ Tel: 07876 two or more Sunday - Thursday. EXPERIENCED PAINTER AND DECORATOR McNamara [M Math]. £30 per hour. 07595348976 or 385189 THE CURIOUS COMB Interior and exterior work, wall papering a speciality. Email [email protected] 10% discount on services over £30 Weekdays PERSONAL CARE & THERAPY Free estimates. Fully insured. Friendly and reliable. SPANISH TUITION One-to-one or small groups, James Leslie 07973 491 264 Email address: all ages and levels, at your home or office. 8am-10am, 2pm-4pm (excludes retail purchases). CORIANDER RESTAURANT (Station Crescent) SPORTS & REMEDIAL MASSAGE [email protected] By qualified Latin-American teacher. CLTA THERAPIST For help with Sports Injuries, Back & WESTCOMBE PARK KITCHENS AT TRADE PRICES Call Miguel 020 8305 0874 or 079 1031 8513 25% off Sunday to Thursday. Bookings only! Neck Pain, Repetitive Strain Injuries and Posture Free design & delivery. Tel. 8305 1263 or 0788591 7842 [email protected] THE STANDARD: Problems. Also help with Endurance Running and MALCOLM TIERNEY, CARPENTER MULIHILL ACADEMY OF IRISH DANCE COTON & HAMBLIN - OPTICIANS Triathlon Training Programs Member of Institute of Specialist in refurbishment, repair and replacement Adult and Child Irish Dance Classes available in the 5% OFF frames, sunglasses & accessories Sports & Remedial Massage (LSSMDip) Fully of sash windows. 077 7565 7371 Blackheath area. Come along for a fun-all-in-one KARAN CHEMIST 10% OFF Weds. only Insured.Home/ Club/ Event Visits Call Andy 0208 ANDREW FLETCHER Painting, Decorating & Tiling workout. For more information call Rachel on MARNELLS - DIY 10% OFF Wednesdays 852 0834 or 07815 118887 services. Over 20 years' experience, fully insured. 07707100521 WELL BEAN - HEALTH GOODS LONDON HOLISTIC COACH: Cognitive References available. Call 077 0209 4382 ONE-TO-ONE LESSONS WITH FRENCH LADY 10% OFF all purchases over £20 (no credit cards) Behavioural Therapist & Life Coach; Need guid- S.S.D BUILDERS LTD. Telephone Monique: 07891 031 073 BLACKHEATH EYECARE CENTRE ance on Relationships, Emotional Eating, Career, Long established Building & Roofing Company avail- 25% off 2nd pair of spectacles. (same prescription. Confidence Building & Parenting? Call Today able for free estimates & advice. ALL works under- Not in conjunction with any other offer. (Complete taken, from guttering to Refurbishments. All works M: 07886088062 E: [email protected] glasses start from £49.95 with single vision lens- viewed within 24 hours, fully insured & guaranteed. WANTED W: http://www.LondonHolisticCoach.com es). 5% off contact lens solution and accessories Call us today on 07931 536533 or 020 8305 1039 BLACKHEATH HOLISTIC HEALTH SERVICE. SUPPORT NEEDED! GAMBARDELLA’s CAFE 10% off meals from PUBBLE PLASTERING Need a plasterer with excel- COUNSELLING, ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE,YOGA Support needed finding new homes for unwanted Monday to Thursday for members of the WS tel: 020 8858 5969 /1991, www.bhhs.selondon.co.uk lent references? Work is of high standard. Qualified Rabbits. Volunteers also needed for helping out TROJAN PRESS 10% OFF all quotations KUNDALINI YOGA - Connect to your spirit through C&G. Plastering-Rendering-Plasterboarding - Repairs. around the centre Please contact http://www.green- WESTCOMBE HILL breath, yoga postures and meditation. Teacher with Free quotes! Call Alex on 07547468459 / 0208 465 wichrabbitrescue.com/ Val on 0208 319-0283 A * Driving School £5 discount on the price of one over 10 years experience. Beginners welcome. 5844. [email protected] VOLUNTEERS to submit reports features & photo- Wednesdays, 20:00-21:15, The Yogi Tree, Woolwich S.S.D PLUMBING AND HEATING graphs to the Westcombe News. Also deliverers! x 2 hour lesson for WS members. Road, £10/class. Contact Satwant on 07971217770 Friendly local plumber available for free estimates and This is a community newspaper, and more commu- THE WONDER WOMEN NETWORK or [email protected] advice. All works undertaken, no job too small, from nity involvement is welcomed! Contact Neville Grant Offers a 10% discount PILATES CLASSES AT MYCENAE HOUSE. boilers to bathroom suites, all works viewed within 24 on 0208 858 8489 WESTCOMBE PARK ROAD Thursday's 1-2pm. All levels welcome, mats provid- hours, fully insured and guaranteed. Call today on HOMESPACE offers 10% discount on all ed. Please contact Hilary for further details on 07931 536533 or 8305 1039 decluttering & home staging services. 07970290818 CARPENTRY AND JOINERY Tel. 0844 846 5854 REIKI THERAPY Alcoves, wardrobes, radiator covers & general A & A LANDSCAPES to promote healing and help reduce stress. Please household woodwork. Showroom: 0208 852 7222 Landscape Specialists call Monique on 07891 031 073. www.carpentryandinteriors.co.uk BOOKKEEPER SERVICES & TRADE Starting a new business? Running an established R. G.Austin one? We offer a comprehensive bookkeeping (Established 1963) TRAINED CHIMNEY SWEEP AND STOVE service, without the jargon. Free up time to run Heating Engineers, INSTALLER Fast, friendly Happy to work! your business. Call: 020 8853 8671 Call Anthony on 07772649577 or email: [email protected] Free advice & Qualified Property Maintenance, GAS email: [email protected] MARK CHEESEMAN, LOCAL CARPENTER AND estimates horticulturalist Electrics, Painting, SAFE SIMMONDS HANDYMAN JOINER with 30 years experience. All aspects of carpentry and construction carried out considerately All aspects of soft & hard landscaping Decorating, Plumbing, Property and maintenance services. Electrical, deco- work carried out including rating, telephones, general repairs. 079 4198 2895 and to a high standard. Reinstatement of original Central Heating, C.S. CARPENTRY-JOINERY Decorating and all Victorian/Edwardian/Georgian details, ie shutters, * Maintenance *Site clearance building work undertaken. Joseph McNamara skirtings, plinth blocks, picture rails, cornices etc. * Turfing * Tree surgery Shower and Bathroom Specialists Bespoke joinery, wardrobes, cupboards, stairs, * Fencing * Patios 02088575480, mobile 07947155366 2A Hassendean Rd, Blackheath SE3 8TS SMARTT SOLUTIONS... for the jobs you don't have kitchens. Sash windows overhauls. Resin timber * Brickwork time for. Friendly, reliable and trustworthy handyman repairs. Please call M:07767 456131 or Tel. 020 8318 2530 Telephone: 0208 8858 7359 service for your home. £2 million liability insurance. H:020 8854 4028 [email protected] Plumbing (not gas), electrics, carpentry, decorating. INTERIOR DECORATOR & CARPENTER Contact us if the service you require is not listed. with over 20 years experience. A member of the guild 07912 549 662 – 020 8858 6679 info@smarttsolu- of mastercraftsman. Free quotes & friendly advice on Wanted - Friendly, Welcoming Host tions.co.uk www.smarttsolutions.co.uk all your decorating requirements. Local references Families BLACKHEATH AND GREENWICH WINDOW AND available. Tel. Ashley Greaves 8858 2981 GUTTER CLEANING Mike Smith 07791 465052 EXPERIENCED LOCAL ARCHITECT offering full Earn £200 + per week! www.blackheath-window-cleaner.co.uk range of architectural services, including planning Do you have a spare room in your home? and building regulations applications, technical and PIANO TUNER Prompt friendly service from a fully Then turn it into cash by hosting our qualified and experienced tuner technician. For tuning construction drawings, full project management, and and repairs call Jim Kimberley 0208 305 0033 site work. Registered with the Architects Registration friendly, polite foreign students. FRIENDLY LOCAL PLUMBER available for free esti- Board. Mob: 07853423130 mates and advice. I am a family man and have always Email: [email protected] You'd be required to give breakfast, packed lunch NEED HELP WITH YOUR COMPUTER? Local tech- lived in the locality. I pride myself on listening to my and dinner. If you live locally or within easy distance clients concerns, and taking care that they are satisfied nician provides home technical support & tuition. No with all aspects of my work. I am fully insured and all of job too small, all in your own home. Glenn 84734091 of Blackheath Village and Greenwich my work is guaranteed. Local references available. BOOKKEEPER please call one of our friendly team on: Call today 07775439121, or 02035360273 Starting a new business? Running an established one? WESTCOMBE CLEANERS I'm a friendly, hard work- We offer a comprehensive bookkeeping service, without ing & organised domestic cleaner. Regular or single the jargon. Free up time to run your business. ICB quali- 07752 868 834 services. Competitive rates. Additional tasks. I love fied. Call: (020) 8853 8671 Email: English Elite Homestays. my clients to be happy. Phone (020) 8853 8671 [email protected]

HAVE YOU GOT THE SKILLS, OR TIME, FOR DIY? Or is it all just such an The Greenworks, 145 Nathan Way, Thamesmead, London, SE28 0AB effort! If that is your 0208-858-7211 problem, I can solve it Decorating including preparation, painting, wall-papering & special finishes. Re- hanging doors and putting up shelving. Re-laying floors-lino, wood laminates & ceramics. Domestice Electrical work. 2 Doors Cars, 5 Door Cars, Transit Connect, Short Wheel Base Transit, Long Wheel Base Transit and Luton with tail Plumbing-taps, showers,radia- lift available. tors and external. £200.00 Security Deposit 100 Miles included per day Garden revival/maintenance Liable Excess of Collision Damage up to £500.00 we do offer a wavier If you need help with any of Check out our website or call us for a full price list these please call Tony Tel: 0208 856 9398 M: 07961 540836 http://www.tonysdiy.com/