Westcombe News December 2014
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Dec14 NEW 1_WN.QXD 24/11/2014 14:53 Page 1 Westcombe NEWS Free to 3800 homes, and in libraries & some shops Dec. 2014/Jan. 2015 Issue 10 A community newspaper commended by the London Forum of Amenity and Civic Societies Monthly newspaper of The Westcombe Society: fostering a sense of community Seasonal greetings The new tunnel – to all our readers what do YOU think? ransport for London has Dartford crossing. However, toll Tnow launched yet another charges might deter drivers new consultation – this time from using the tunnels, so that on proposals for a new other routes on both sides of the Silvertown Tunnel to ease traf- river would then experience fic flows across the river. If much heavier traffic. you want a copy of the consul- tation leaflet, ring 0343 222 Congestion 1234. The consultation runs Darryl Chamberlain argues also until 19th December. that the surrounding roads Holby City comes to Blackheath! The Westcombe Society were The argument for another in Greenwich, Newham, delighted to welcome Bob Barret aka Dr Sasha Levy of Holby tunnel seems very compelling. Lewisham and Tower Hamlets City, to open the Christmas Bazaar. This annual event was as On a normal day, it can take could not cope with a doubling popular as ever, and the profits this time will go to the society’s half an hour or even more to in capacity. Charity of the Year, Deptford’s 999Club. See also pages 2 and 8. get through the Blackwall “ So why add to them?” Tunnel during peak times. he asks. “The Lower Lea If there is a hold up, such Crossing won't be able to cope, Christmas as an accident, or a lorry that the A206 won't be able to cope, is too high, the result can be and nor will the A2 a couple of disastrous, with huge knock- miles south of the tunnel.” Nativity on effects for the whole area. NOST also argues that ast year, St John’s Church at each stop. TfL claims that in one recent London is pushing its toxic tunnel Southbound queues on the Lmounted a Christmas As we arrive at the Oak, year alone, there have been 1100 with no evidence to back up A102 are horrendous in rush hours. Nativity with over 700 mem- the current Landlady will come bers of the local community out to let us know there is no such incidents, causing significant its wild claims that it will reduce There is already plenty of evidence either taking part or watching. room in the inn, just as it disruption, from Stratford to traffic congestion or boost our econ- to show that even worse queues – By popular demand, we are occurred in Bethlehem. Eltham, sometimes lasting for omy,” says NOST’s Darryl and worse congestion – would make putting it on again this year – We then process to the hours. Chamberlain. “TfL and the mayor life miserable for residents on both on Sat. 13th Dec at 3.00pm. Blackheath Library, and tell A second tunnel would help to think this is a done deal: we'll fight sides of the Thames. mitigate the results of such situa- this mad plan all the way.” It’s very much an event for more of the story, as angels, tions. And, with the projected the local community. Three shepherds and kings appear on Air pollution local school choirs are singing, the balconies above the shops. increase in road traffic – and the Toll charges “Air pollution is a killer north and ever-increasing population of The cost of the scheme (£763 mil- local traders and residents are Finally, we process back to south of the river,” argues Darryl. some of the actors, and we the church – and there, allelu- London – TfL reckon that the lion) would be funded by a toll – to The problem of air pollution is even have a real donkey plus jah! is a stable scene with a current situation will certainly get use either of the tunnels. The cost of serious. In September, the WN three sheep from Woodland’s live Mary, Joseph and baby! worse unless some action is taken. passing through the tunnels would warned that London is facing fines Farm in Shooters Hill … The whole event lasts about an be about the same as those for the from the EU for exceeding air We start at 3.00 pm outside hour: a wonderful way of ush- A no-brainer then? STOP PRESS: pollution limits, and pointed out St John’s church with the ering in the Christmas season. Well, no, at least, not according to a that legislation dating back to 2011 beginning of the Christmas Children especially are local campaigning group, No to the The Westcombe Society is hosting a made London boroughs – not the story. Like the three wise men warmly welcome to come Silvertown Tunnel (NOST) which is Public Meeting government – responsible for any (or the three Kings) we then dressed up as an angel, king, strongly against the scheme. at 7.30 pm on Wed Dec 3rd in fines that would be imposed. follow a ‘star’ to the British sheep etc. “Once again, Transport for Mycenae House to discuss the issues. (cont. on page 3) Oak Pub. The choirs will sing Jane Beswetherick < < News briefs > > Railway incidents Anyone with information on this incident should Fire at Sun Ya Attacked by a dog Police are making enquiries about a fight on contact the BTP on 0800 405040, or by text, on The Standard went into The WN was very disturbed to hear that while October 30th on a train between Greenwich and 61016, quoting reference 300 of 13th. November. gridlock when three fire walking down Maze Hill a visitor was attacked by Charlton involving a mixed-race woman, a black engines arrived to put out a large dark-coloured dog. The incident took place man, and a white boy aged about 12. Anyone with Police warning a fire at Sun Ya Chinese at around 10.30 pm on Nov 6th. near a cul de sac. information is asked to contact British Transport We are heading for the yearly peak in burglaries, restaurant in November. The dog bit the man through three layers of cloth- Police on 0800 40 50 40, quoting SSUB/B1 of warn the Met Police. Over the past year, burglary ing above one of his elbows. The owner came out, 10/11/14. rates have fallen by 8% – the lowest level in 40 Congratulations said, "Very sorry, it escaped!" and the dog ran back In a separate incident, a pair of passengers who years – but this a peak time for break-ins. We are are due to Margaret Mizen MBE, the mother of inside a nearby house. The police called an ambu- were arguing on a train at Westcombe Park caused advised to ensure windows, doors and side-gates schoolboy Jimmy Mizen murdered in 2008. She lance; the WN has learnt that the MET's dog unit an hour of disruption about 3.00pm on Nov. 13th. are properly locked and valuables kept out of sight. was given an honorary doctorate by the University would be seizing the dog following a court warrant. of Greenwich She has become a champion for Addicted to draws young people, families and communities, and the TFL’s website Congratulations to Charlton for award recognizes her work in public service at Drivers can obtain up-to-date road information by Getting Together breaking a record – of a kind: at local and national level. accessing TfL’s 24‑hour live traffic Twitter feed, time of writing the Addicks @TfLTrafficNews Nancy Davies RIP this Christmas managed NINE draws in a row. We are sorry to record the The good news: they didn’t lose any Your Invitation to a Social Event for death on October 20th. of of the matches; the bad news: they The Live Nativity Users, Friends and Neighbours Nancy Davies, a long-time didn’t win them, either! So, full of Mycenae House. member of the Westcombe comes to free marks go to the defenders: but what Friday 12 December 2014 – 7.00pm onwards Society. about the strikers? The Blackheath Standard Please join the staff, trustees and other friends of Mycenae House Congratulations for a celebration this Christmas, for chatter, some live music, and a Carol singing chance for us to get your feedback and test some ideas for the to the “Old Brigade” for a Saturday 13th December future. We’ll provide the venue, the drinks, the food and the music The Westcombe Society Carol convincing win at the and you provide the company. Call for details. Singing is on Monday Dec 15th. Westcombe Society’s The journey begins at 3pm outside Live Music by featuring Meet up at Mycenae House at 7.15 popular Quiz Night ^<M E<D< & for a 7.30 start. Musicians with The Dave Silk Allstars Stratheden Road, SE3 7TH instruments are particularly Christmas at the Standard welcome. The session will end with www.mycenaehouse.co.uk The Standard’s shops are mulled wine and mince pies. All taking part in Small Business 02088581749 proceeds go to the Westcombe Day on Saturday 6th Dec. Supported by Society’s Charity of the Year, the with special offers & events. a street drama for all ages with 999Club. (See page 2) For more details see p. 3. music and live animals Dec14 NEW 1_WN.QXD 24/11/2014 14:53 Page 2 COMMUNITY NEWS The Westcombe Society Christmas Card WESTCOMBE NEWS Charlton’s All editoriAl correspondence to: Chess Champ neville Grant, The Editor [email protected] ten-year-old schoolboy Tel.