Problem Page_WN.QXD 16/03/2016 12:27 Page 1 WestcombeNEWS Free to 3800 homes, and in libraries & some shops April 2016 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 Decision Time for John Roan WN reporter n February this year, the governors of are not the choice of Greenwich Council,” IJohn Roan School wrote a letter to the and added “All schools being academies is parents informing them that there is a clear the last place that this Council wants to need for schools in Greenwich to consider be.” But in the face of national legislation, their future. the Council had very little room for “Essentially, all secondary schools will manouevre, she said, and added “any be academies by 2020, and the local resistance to the process of academisation authority calls on its governors to carefully must come from the schools themselves.” consider their options,” they said. reports of financial irregularities and the They reported that Cllr Miranda The choices selling of services to friends and family. A Yes, it’s that time again: Williams, Cabinet Member for Education The choices it seems are as follows: report of a recent protest meeting in early in Greenwich Council, had said that John * to maintain the status quo, with John March can be seen on page 3. Roan’s best interest would be served by Roan being the much-loved community A spokesman for The John Roan governors taking an active role in any school that it currently is. This is now no Governing Body told the WN: “We are not academisation process. longer an option: the government is saying in any talks with any party to change the “The alternative would be to await an that it will impose academy status, placing school. What we have done is to take the The London Marathon imposed assignment to some academy it almost certainly under the aegis of one of prudent step of setting up a small working chain by anonymous officials who have no the big Academy Trusts – the Big Beasts party to research and review how the cur- he Virgin Money London Marathon vested interest in our pupils or our staff. roaming school corridors... rent Government education policy may Twill once again take place on Sunday This doesn’t bear thinking about, and * to form a single school Academy Trust affect the school and prepare appropriately. 24th April 2016. More than 36,000 would be failing the school and its future.” But how long could this last, given the “Nine of the current 13 secondary competitors will take up the challenge to In order to meet their legal and moral government’s policy of forming groups of schools in Greenwich are now academies, complete the 26.2-mile course from the obligations, The John Roan governors schools? reflecting the Government’s commitment starting points at Blackheath to the have decided to form a working group to * to form a partnership trust in a group to enact its policy on academisation. Our finishing line on The Mall. investigate the options available for with other schools in a Multi-Academy duty as Governors and our commitment is Roads will close to secure the race becoming an academy. The working group Trust (MAT) on the best terms available. to do the right thing by the students, route at 07:00, including Woolwich was to report back to the full Governing The Governing Body has a clear duty to parents and staff – and to actively consider Road, Shooters Hill Road, Charlton Way, Board in March, though the WN has learnt base any decision on what they see as the all the evidence and different options that Charlton Road, Vanbrugh Park, Old Dover that this will not occur before the autumn. best interests of the school – the students, will best equip us to make the right deci- Road and St John’s Park. Stewards will Other Greenwich schools, both primary and the parents and the staff. Clearly, they sion. Until then, no decision will be made. reopen the roads as soon as it is safe to do and secondary, are carrying out similar would be remiss in their duties if they did “We share our community’s pride in so. Those who need to leave the exercises, so John Roan is not alone in not consider all options, and the working The John Roan School and are committed Westcombe Park area should consult the having “to formulate a strategy to navigate party that has been set up under the leader- to shaping its destiny without sacrificing map issued to residents. the complex educational landscape.” ship of Linda Karlsen, a former Deputy the best aspects of its past. We are doing The crossing points for residents on Parents and teachers and students are Head, is certainly a necessary step. this in an open and transparent manner and Woolwich Road will be stewarded. aghast at the situation, but Cllr Williams Less palatable to the unions, but certain- are including parents and staff as part of Stewards will assist vehicle movements had to bite the bullet. She warned that ly also necessary, was an exercise in the dialogue.” across the route and/or onto the A102 until * the current government is determined to which Leigh Academies Tust gave a pres- The question arises: why is there such 09:00 and will resume once the event has accelerate the conversion of school to entation to the governing body on what is strong opposition to academies? It is passed at around 11:30 and until the roads academy status “The Prime Minister has involved in forming an Academy Trust. argued that although they have charitable re-open fully. stated explicity the intention that all status, they are run on a business model The closure at the top of Maze Hill will schools will be academies by the end of A bombshell with a strong emphasis on attainable open to residents at approximately 11:00 to this government’s administration.” The news that the Governing Body is targets; allegedly, some have in the past allow movement along Shooters Hill Road * all new schools will be academies, with exploring all possible options, including used dubious tactics to attain those targets, west towards Deptford and Lewisham the local authority playing no role. academisation, has been treated as a including unofficial exclusions to improve before Shooters Hill Road re-opens fully. * there is growing recognition in bombshell by both parents and teachers their results, and “cherry-picking” children. government that schools do not thrive in and even some students. They are calling They also fix their own levels of pay For more information contact the Virgin isolated single institutions but function for a vote against academisation in a and conditions, and employ unqualified Money London Marathon best within some kind of grouping which parental ballot that is fair and democratic. teachers: so they are unpopular with helpdesk on 020 7902 0200 or provides accountability, challenge and However, a threat of strike action by the teachers’ unions. It is also claimed that www.virginmoneylondonmarathon.co.uk support. (Observers have pointed out that NUT seems premature given that John they offer a limited education by setting this was exactly what used to exist, when Roan’s governors are simply doing their their own narrow curriculum. Teacher local authorities were in a supervisory role job and exploring options. turnover is said to be high, and the Shop-lifters beware with regard to local schools. . .) Opponents argue that the academies are Department of Education has admitted that In February, parents and teachers from “privately controlled, non-accountable 85% of academy chains are Charity Shop based in this area has John Roan, and Deansfield Primary school institutions.” However, the truth is that “underperforming.” Aexperienced a number of shop-lifting in Eltham lobbied Greenwich Council, they are not privately controlled: they are Academisation is irreversible, and incidents for the past two years. demanding to know why Greenwich charitable trusts. Like all state-funded under current legislation it would be A suspect has been identified. The Council appeared to be encouraging its schools, they are accountable to the gov- impossible to return John Roan to the WN has been told that the case is likely to schools to convert to academy status. ernment through Ofsted. They are subject good comprehensive school we know now. end up in court if the offences continue. In response, Cllr Williams made it clear to the same level of scrutiny as compreh- A protest group has been formed. What sort of person steals from a charity that “academies and Multi Academy Trusts ensive schools. However, there have been Contact: [email protected] shop, one wonders? For more, please see p.3. < < Newsbriefs > > The Westcombe Society Spring Quiz Fri 15th April, Mycenae House, 7.30pm for 8pm start SouthEastern Rail services Matt Pennycook MP gave Society from 1989-1993. He £5.00 entry for members / £6.00 non-members Mike Sparham reports: a plug for the Greenwich Line was a life member who joined On Wednesday 2nd March, Users' Group (GLUG), and the the committee in 1979 and Please ring Caroline on 8853 0948 – booking by 9th April. the House of Commons held a Charlton Users' Group. following his time as chair Fish/Chicken & Chip suppers or simply chips debate regarding Southeastern A report of the debate can became a Vice President. He must be ordered in advance. Bar open. train services. be found on this link: lived in Blackheath for many The two MP's in our area, http://bit.ly/1LWMtz0 years and directed the Society Children’s Nearly New Sale in conjunction with Charlton Toy Library, Matt Pennycook (Greenwich through a number of difficult and Woolwich) and Vicky Kenneth Bound RIP campaigns with great effect. Sat 23rd April, 2pm - 4pm, Mycenae House Foxcroft (Lewisham Deptford) We are sorry to record the There was a Service of Babies’ & Children’s Toys, Clothes and Equipment both spoke in the debate, as death on 8th February of Thanksgiving at St Mary's Bargains Galore! Admission 50p, Members 30p, Kids Free did a number of other MPs. Kenneth Bound, who was Church, Brettenham, Suffolk, None were complimentary! Chair of the Blackheath on Thursday 10th March. For Table Bookings contact Laura on [email protected] April 2016 WN_WN.QXD 16/03/2016 12:05 Page 2 COMMUNITY WESTCOMBE NEWS Helping children to grow Memorial Lecture Al l editor iAl cor r espondence t o: he Institute of Gas Engineers and neville Grant, The Editor TManagers’ annual Sir Denis Rooke [email protected] and develop Sue Gay lecture is on April 5th at the Royal College Tel. 020 8858 8489 of Physicians in Regents Park, reports Mary Mills. Professor Dieter Helm CBE : Al l MAt er iAl t o Be sent t o will be delivering the lecture on "The [email protected] future of energy generation.” deadline for the May issue: 16th Sir Dennis Rooke OM, who died in April. 2008, was born in New Cross, and lived Maggie in Westcombe Park. He was Britain’s environment editor: most distinguished gas engineer. Gravelle He became deputy chairman of the What’s o n page: Barbara Ward British Gas Corporation in 1972 and was The community - that means its chairman from 1976 to 1989. He was r eporters: chancellor of Loughborough University you! from 1989 to 2003. envir o nMent c o MMit t ee Famously feisty, he had what could emily norton All queries and politely be called an uneasy relationship comments to: 020 8853 2756 Eve, Kelly and Glenda with both politicians and journalists. He [email protected] once said “If a minister just twists my arm, hat started as an ideal for three local Adjoining this is the work hub and I’ll stand there and have it twisted — but dist r iBut io n emily norton, shirley mothers who founded and ran the training room. There you can take courses Broughton, Brian c arroll, r oger W it’ll be a long time before it drops off.” Bridge, a voluntary run, drop in centre for or just plug in and work away. While you Kidley, Joanne l ucas, and patricia under 5s at the Greenwich Pleasaunce, has child is looked after next door. slade-Baker. Volunteer distributors please phone turned into a reality. More2 childcare, the More2childcare was opened by Charles Roy Hinson 020 8853 3740, we need your help! first permanent Greenwich flexible nursery Medland who was a former pupil over 80 and work hub has got Ofsted approval and years ago when the building was Christ Adver t isinG MAnAGer is now up and running for 0 to 5 year olds. Church School. He was delighted to see the Marilyn l ittle, 163 Westcombe Based behind the Forum at Greenwich, return of the building to its original Hill, se3 7dp 020 8853 1312 Trafalgar Road, More2childcare gives purpose of learning, education and a place [email protected] parents the resources to enhance their work where children can thrive. All adverts payable in advance by life balance at the same time as providing Contact www.more2childcare.com for cheque to t he Westcombe society. physical and social development for their information or phone 07763990376. c osts: children. Guided tours are available to suit. displ AY: Single column 6cm x 6cm: It challenges outdated, inflexible One - four issues £35, five-plus issues £30 each. Other sizes: please inquire. childcare provision and transitional c lassified Ads (Market Place) 30p per word employment models and gives parents a am very sorry to report the death of my (A telephone number = one word. An email/ voice, while offering flexible, quality Ifather, Roy Hinson, who lived in Foyle web address = 3 words.) Deadline for all nursery options and support to find or Road from January 1970 until he moved adverts is 10th day of the preceding month pursue family friendly work choices. into a Care Home last year aged 82. printed by: t rojan press Eve Daniels, Kelly Salambasis and He was the local window cleaner for Glenda Alexander, the founders of over a decade in the 1990s and a frequent c ontact the Westcombe society: More2childcare, have three bright, light sight for all in his retirement as he strolled [email protected] and spacious nursery rooms, split by age. around Greenwich and jumped on and off publisher: The Westcombe Society Rollers, Runners and Racers have been the 386 every day. c hairman: Marilyn Little designed for different age groups and filled His wife, Pat – a well known child Tel. 020 8853 1312 with a wide range of toys and educational minder in the area for many years–survives resources to ensure fun, variety and to help him. I have informed residents who I The views expressed in the Westcombe News children learn and develop. know were friends, but I am aware that are not necessarily those of the Westcombe Society or of the Editor. There are also two secure playgrounds many householders and local businesses We take all reasonable precautions to protect perfect for mobile children to explore, dig, were friendly acquaintances and may like the interests of our readers by ensuring as far master trikes and ball skills. to be informed. Jo Hinson as possible the bona fides of our advertisers but cannot accept any responsibility for them. Any views expressed are personal, and are not Any complaints should be addressed to the advertiser. Letters to the editor necessarily those of the WN or the Westcombe Society. To access back-numbers (in colour) go to: www.westcombesociety.org/westcombe-news/ Westcombe Society’s Blog: From: John Card Plymouth From: Chris Ormell Secretary, PER Group being abused by some unscrupulous operators. http://westcombe.blogspot.com This amazing tree, below, may be the answer to I find the government's stance on turning all But this "freedom" is also largely an illusion. Maurice Ben Rose’s search for God’s Tree! (I schools into Academies incomprehensible. Sir This is because Academies still operate in an refer to his article in March’s WN.) Michael Wilshaw has said that some chains of accountability framework which is grossly Westcombe society membership Academies are doing a worse job than the Local behaviouristic, controlled by the cheapest Authorities. possible examining procedures. please send this membership form to: Furthermore, academies don't have to follow I don't think most people realise how much c hristine Legg, 69 mycenae r oad, the National Curriculum, so when all schools strain this is putting on everybody, not to men- London, s e 3 7s e have become Academies, the National tion acting as an "anti-education" factor, Curriculum loses any bite it previously enjoyed. because many students won't learn things unless Name...... It was said when the National Curriculum was they know they lead to marks in the exam. This Address...... introduced that it was a listing of all those is a positive encouragement for pigeon learning. things every pupil had a right to be taught. Has My advice to Roan School would be to find a ...... this ceased to be their "right"? body of people to form their own Trust who can The principle that Academies have a lot of insist on no scams, no waste of money and a t el...... freedom to do things differently was introduced maximum possible amount of genuinely e mail: ...... to get schools out of their ruts, and to encourage educational activity assessed in a proper, "all them to try out new approaches. Clearly it is round", civilised manner. Please enclose payment as appropriate: Ed: This ancient yew tree on the Dartington From: Frank Smith Blackheath Family membership £12 [ ] Estate near Totnes in Devon is thought to date individual membership £8 [ ] Bravo for an excellent article on free intellectual back up to 2000 years - a date when Christ was exchange at Goldsmiths. Some of what's been s enior c itizens/unwaged £4 [ ] walking the earth. The tree is alive and well, ‘excellence‘excellence throughthrough effort’effort’ happening in our Universities is unbelievable JAMES REMOVALS and grows in the churchyard of the remains of JAMES REMOVALS BAR MEMBER NO. JO28 but sadly true. JR .com.com St Mary’s, a twelth century church. Researcher Katherine Ross says yew trees were planted as From: Cllr David Gardner Charlton G winter meeting places in the UK at a time Fully trained The Royal Borough is asking residents who have a uniformed staff when yew, box and juniper were the only mental health condition, or who knows of someone G Full insurance native evergreens. Most yew trees were lost to that does, for their views about local services. included in ALL quotes produce longbows, but the tree survived It wants to hear what people think about mental G Prompt free because it was on religious ground. health counselling, and community support estimates The gardens at Dartington were laid out by services, and any suggestions for how they could G On-site three well-known garden designers – Henry be improved to meet residents’ needs. containerised Call Avray Tipping, Beatrix Farrand and Percy The survey runs until 29th April 2016. storage G 0800 0157775 To take part go to Discounts for 0800 0157775 Cane, and are well worth a visit. Thanks to long-term storage for a free survey or visit our long-standing member of the Westcombe www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/mentalhealthsurvey G Well-established jamesremovals.comjamesremovals.com Society John Card now living in Plymouth for or pick up a form at the Woolwich Centre recep- family business toto requestrequest aa G sharing this information. tion in Wellington Street, Woolwich. Pianos – our forte quotation online
2 Westcombe News April 2016 April 2016 WN_WN.QXD 16/03/2016 12:05 Page 3 LOCAL NEWS
At a protest meeting in early March, parents, staff and students of John Roan School The Voewood – vented their fury and frustration at what they saw as a threat to the school. Two sixth- beautiful things formers led the charge, and they were swiftly joined by angry parents and teachers. Among the many issues raised: the possible impact on the quality of education on offer; for you to enjoy the threat to teachers’ pay and conditions; the allegation that it was “privatisation by the back door”; and the point that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” The discussion below has been pre-empted by the news that academisation is to be compulsory . . .
What are the pros? What are the cons? A parent, Pete Sinclair, gives a personal view: It is argued that because academies are independent schools, The main reason for choosing to become an academy is that– so it is receiving their funding directly from central government, rather claimed – they get better results. A lot of people do believe that new independent lifestyle shop, The than through a local authority, they have more freedom than academies perform better than schools that do not become acade- Voewood, has opened at 13, Old other state schools over their finances and curriculum. mies. A Dover Road. Set up by local mum, Nicola Academies don’t have to follow the national curriculum, and But the truth is, they don’t. It is true that there are some high- Hibon-Jackson, The Voewood offers a can set their own term times. They still have to follow the same performing academies –but according to the Department of unique mix of stylish clothing, accessories, rules on admissions, special educational needs and exclusions Education’s own statistics 85% of academies are underperforming. gifts and home décor. It is a one-of-a-kind as other state schools. Some academies have sponsors such as According to the findings of the study carried out in March 2015, in destination for those seeking something businesses, universities, other schools, faith groups or other the majority of chains, children’s results were worse than they would unusual to reflect their personal style. voluntary groups. have been if they were still in a local authority school. Womenswear at The Voewood ranges The day-to-day running of the school remains with the head More data released by Ofsted in December 2015 showed that a from stylish easy-to-wear pieces for day, to teacher, but they they are overseen by individual charitable school is six times as likely to remain inadequate if it became a more structured pieces for work as well as bodies called academy trusts and may be part of an academy sponsored academy. In an article in the Guardian, Lola Okosilie glamorous evening and occasion-wear. chain. Theses trusts provide advice, support and expertise. concluded: “ The evidence increasingly shows that academies are an Many brands are stocked, including Now, over half of all secondary schools in England are expensive failed experiment, and that children, particularly those Sandwich, Second Female, Selected academies. Originally, the policy, when started under Labour, who are disadvanted, are paying for it.” Femme, with red-carpet dresses by Kevan aimed to improve struggling schools, primarily in deprived So you have to ask why would anyone choose to become an Jon, and ssoft Italian fabrics alongside areas, and this continues under the sponsored-academy model, academy? The idea that children do better in an academy school is a bags, accessories, footwear and nightwear. where failing schools are taken over and run by an academy myth. So, who does do better under an academy school? Well, the Gifts ideas range from organic beauty trust, usually under a new principal and governing body. executives who run it, that’s who. Here are some figures: balms, candles and jewellery to watches, However, now, all schools – primary as well as secondary – At Woodlands Academies Trust in London, described as a prints and posters, men’s accessories, will be required to convert to academy status, priority being struggling small academy chain, two senior executives received a handmade chocolates and books. Beautiful given to those deemed by the education watchdog Ofsted to be combined figure of nearly £500,000 from tax -payers in 2014- 2015, things for the home include handmade "outstanding" or "performing well". The government says that which seemingly includes pay-offs. And that was despite what its ceramics, glassware and ornaments, artisan all secondary school are to become academies by 2020. new leadership team now describe as “under-performance.” throws and blankets, lighting, cushions and The government argues academies drive up standards by It makes you wonder what they would have been paid if they had mirrors. putting more power in the hands of head teachers, and cutting a done a good job - or even an adequate one. Even their income was Nicola said: “I’m passionate about lot of bureaucracy. It claims that they have been shown to lower than that of the Harris Federation’s chief executive, Sir Daniel being able to find unique and beautiful improve twice as fast as other state schools, but these claims Moynihan, who earns £395,000 - £400,000 a year; questions are things that people can treasure.” have been questioned. being asked about Harris schools unofficially removing students She added: “We are also collaborating Schools benefit from becoming academies in other ways. In from the school roll. (To improve performance figures?) In some with talented local designers to bring to addition to the £25,000 towards conversion costs from the cases, students who have been suspended have to take public exams customers things full of creativity and that Department for Education, academies can potentially top up like GCSEs privately, at their own expense. also support the local community.” their budget by as much as 10%, unless it is a “Multi-Academy But this situation is not unique. Of 22 high profile chains whose One of the key aims of the shop is to Trust,” as the money then goes towards management costs. accounts were looked at, 18 had at least one member of staff paid offer an informal, family-friendly This is because on top of the regular per pupil funding, it £140 - £150,000. but even that is nothing compared with what went environment. Nicola says, gets money that would previously have been held back by the on at Silver Birch Academy Trust in Waltham Forest, which consists “As a mum of two, I understand the local authority to provide services such as special needs of two primary schools. The executive Headteacher was paid challenges of shopping with young support. If the school is able to buy in the services it needs £170,000; and each of the primary school also had its own head- children so we have really tried to make it more cheaply, or has less need of those services, it can benefit teacher! At the same Academy Trust, the ICT Support Contact was a nice and welcoming experience for both financially from becoming an academy. Academy chains can given to a company where the Chair of Governors works, despite adults and small ones alike by having lots create economies of scale themselves. their bid being higher than the two other bids submitted. of lego. toys and books in a play corner.” Academies do not need to follow national pay and condi- Again, at the same academy, here’s the furniture spend: £4,487 on The Voewood is also an official stockist tions for teachers. More freedom over staff pay can mean they the headteacher’s desk; £4,887 on a conference tale; and £4,976 on a of Frenchic furniture paint – a lush and can either make savings – or attract and retain good teachers wall unit. Why all under £5,000? Because “the school policy is that creamy paint with a gorgeous pallet of 40 by paying more. This is an important consideration, given that quotations are necessary for items over £5.000.” colours that can be painted straight onto it is harder and harder to retain teachers. It is also difficult to It is abundantly clear that academisation is not about improving just about any surface. There are plans to recruit teachers willing to take on the responsibility of running our children’s education: it’s about selling our schools so that people offer a variety of creative furniture and a school as head. In addition, control over the length of the can make a profit out of them. I would urge people to reject the idea fashion workshops later in the year. school day can allow academies to teach more lessons. of an academy, and to insist on a parental ballot. The Voewood is just one among a num- ber of independent shops, bars, cafes, and Help for Fibromyalgia and restaurants that make Old Dover Road a very special place to do one’s shopping. Chronic Pain About Nicola: Originally from Durham in the north- ibromyalgia is a mysteri- number of new ways of east, mum of two Nicola has lived in SE3 Fous condition. Like many bringing relief using therapies for the past 20 years. other chronically painful con- and social activities to ditions it is known to be hard address patients’ basic needs to treat, and it can cause and so help them back to widespread disruption of greater activity. people’s lives. The approach to treatment In addition, it is common will be explained by Dr !"#$%&'$(#"%)*"'+#,-%'-'#,).%./"%0#$).%12$3(%1'$4%%5$'6'3-'$%789'$":%;<;=4%%% % %%% %%% %% for patients suffering chronic David McGavin and Kairos’ pain to have to put up with therapists at two public talks 72>#'3#).%?**2)#.#2,%.2%%%%difficulty sleeping, chronic for patients and relatives on fatigue, headaches, anxiety, Monday 4th April at 2.00pm 12$3(%1'$%?,"% % IBS and depression. and Tuesday 5th April at @,%AB/#C#.#2,%26%DE'-")%',(%7.2$#")%%%%%%% Vanbrugh NHS 2.00 pm at: Kairos, 2nd floor, 0$#('G:%;V%@*$#3%%%%%% %%%%
Westcombe News April 2016 3 April 2016 WN_WN.QXD 16/03/2016 12:05 Page 4
FEATURES Jimmy Carr: House Prices in Greenwich Work In Progress up Fivefold JIM WINTOUR
ouse prices have increased council houses as they become fivefold in the Royal empty. HBorough of Greenwich The Conservative Party over the last two decades and the estimates that councils will have average house in price is now to pay the Government £4.5 £385,000. billion a year, funded by selling A young person trying to get a 15,000 expensive council homes foot on the property ladder in a year. Greenwich, even with substantial If Greenwich is typical of savings and the Greenwich median England, the Council will have household income of £35,000 a to pay the Government about Make a date with comedian Jimmy year, will struggle to raise a mort- £60 million a year, funded by Carr - on Fri 11th May 8.00pm! gage to buy even the cheapest flat. selling about a quarter of the This is your chance to be the first to It is no surprise that we have council homes that become hear Jimmy's new material before he Generation Rent. empty and available for letting takes it on his UK tour! The reason for the increase in each year. The Best of, Ultimate Gold, house prices is simple. Greatest Hits Tour is touring through- Housebuilding in England over the last Peninsula dwellings: so near, so far Fewer Affordable Rented Homes out 2016.This show is unfinished so decade was at the lowest level since the The effect of the Housing Bill in the Royal essentially you’re watching Jimmy do Second World War. Housebuilding was Robin Hood in Reverse Borough of Greenwich is clear: the number his homework for a special price. so low over the last decade that another The Housing Bill is a Robin Hood in of affordable rented houses in Greenwich million homes were needed simply to keep reverse. Less affluent people will pay the will be reduced. pace with the growth in households. cost of measures to help people who are * People on the council waiting list will Tickets: £20 better off. In two main ways resources wait longer. Generation Rent will be moved from affordable rented * Homeless households will be left longer BOOK Now at Blackheath Halls: Finding an affordable home to rent in housing for less affluent people to fund in temporary accommodation. BOX OFFICE: 0208 463 0100 Greenwich is even harder than finding a home ownership. * Young people looking for renting hous Special Bonus: home to buy. Greenwich’s council wait- First, the Bill will require developers to ing may face a choice between moving Comedy Happy Hour - 20% off all provide starter homes for sale instead of ing list now stands at 11,000. Private out to Bexley or Dartford or else drinks from 6.30-7.30pm on the night! rents are now so high that you can go into affordable homes for rent. In Greenwich sharing a severely overcrowded flat in some private rented accommodation in the 282 affordable homes for rent were started Greenwich. borough and find two or three beds in each last year, many by developers. In two room. years’ time developers will instead be What Can You Do? The reason for the shortage of afford- building starter homes for sale. If you are concerned, able rented housing is simple. The number These homes are unlikely to be afford- write to a peer at the of council and housing association homes able for most households in Greenwich. House of Lords, in England has fallen by over 1.5 million Indeed, it has been estimated that in London SW1A 0PW. since 1981, mainly because of the right to Greenwich an income of as much as See www. buy. £75,000 a year may be needed to buy a HousingBillAction.org The Housing Bill now before parliament starter home. largely ignores the overall housing short- Second, the Bill will require councils to Jim Wintour is a former age and will actually make the shortage of fund the Housing Association right-to-buy director of housing in the affordable rented housing worse. discounts by selling their most valuable Royal Borough of Greenwich. “Boys will be Boys” at the Greenwich Review Theatre Barbara Ward & Sophie Hall he talented young women of Westcombe Park TCorelli College, part of Kidbrooke Theatre Company), took centre stage Westcombe parkTreatments dental Available practice this February at the Greenwich Treatments Available Theatre, performing their own ZoomZoom Tooth Tooth Whitening Whitening powerful production, ‘Boys Will Be DentalDental Implants Implants Boys’. The show was developed from their own original outstanding InvisalignInvisalign GCSE work, inspired by Laura SmileSmile Makeovers Makeovers
Bates’ award winning, ‘Everyday ToothTooth Coloured Colouring Fillings Fillings Sexism’ project. * Anti-WrinkleAnti-wrinkle Treatments Treatments and Dermal& Dermal Fillers Fillings This innovative production by local sixth formers was directed by 13 Station Crescent, Westcombe Lucy Cuthbertson, an ex pupil, now Park, London13 Station SE3 7EQ Crescent, working at the college, and was part WestcombeTel. 0844 375 Park,6996 London SE3 7EQ Tel. 0208 8533304 Fax: 0208 8581784 Fax. 0208 858 1784 Located next to Westcombe Park Train Station of Greenwich Theatre’s season promoting women in theatre. This gritty, sometimes playful, production kept the audience engaged with a meticulous blend of ‘Calm Down Dear’. The 1knworeerG Nat45s, n WayhaNat meameaesmTha, oondLd, 0AB28SEn, 0AB humour and poignancy to tell it’s tale of Overall this was a clever and powerful 0208-305-9636
everyday sexism , a tale as old as time, in combination of acted out experiences and uniquely effective ways. The audience highlighted memories, an impressive cast laughed as the cast danced their angry performance by Joanne Sziendt, Ana- dance routines, made sighs of recognition Maria Hurjui, Ellie Brayne-Whyatt, (Asst as they performed their staged dialogues, Director), Ruth Oshunkoya, and Edie Friar.
and stayed respectfully silent as they Boys will indeed be boys – but this com- stripped off their frilly, coloured under- pany had it covered as they drove their
wear to reveal their plain black leotards. entertaining message home. The Director’s and to softly proclaim their compelling signature was all over this piece but she personal experiences. This was a produc- rightly left the cast and the Asst Director to
tion, worthy of any local theatre, and it take the well deserved applause and cur- has already been shown at Camden tain calls: it was well and truly their night. People’s Theatre feminist festival, * Visit everydaysexism.com
4 Westcombe News April 2016 April 2016 WN_WN.QXD 16/03/2016 12:05 Page 5
WHAT’S ON
Blackheath International Chamber Ar t s t He West c o MBe so c iet Y Music Festival 9th-25th April 2016 All events are in the Main Hall of Mycenae House BLACKHEATH DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS Saturday, 9 April 2016 at 19:30 SOCIETY, St Mary’s Church, Cresswell Park unless otherwise stated: Double Concertos by Bach and Vivaldi 4th Thursday of every month, - 2pm for 2.30pm Thurs 28th April – Diana LloydHistorical Use of Spring Quiz - Fri 15th April All Saints Church - All Saints Drive SE3 0TY Wallpapers in the British Interiors from 1685 to Spring Nearly New Sale Sat 23rd April 2.00 to 4pm Wednesday, 13 April 2016 at 19:30 Church of the today. Non-members may pay on the door AGM May 13th 7.00 - 9.00 pm Steiner School, Ascension Dartmouth Row SE10 GREENWICH DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS Members' Evening - Fri 17th June Sunday, 17 April 2016 at 18:00 SOCIETYKing William Court, University of Summer Picnic Sat 25th June Mycenae Gardens Guitarissimo – chamber music with guitar virtuoso Greenwich Mon 9th May -8pm – Charles Macmillan Coffee Morning - Fri 23rd Sept. Nejc Kuhar All Saints Church - All Saints Drive Beauclerk John Ogden- The Man and the Music. Autumn Nearly New Sale - Sat 24th September Wednesday, 20 April 2016 at 19:30 Non-members may pay on the door Chrysanthemum Tea - Sat 15th October Church of the Ascension Dartmouth Row SE10 MADE IN GREENWICH GALLERY Autumn Quiz - Friday 4th November Friday, 22 April 2016 at 19:30 Printing in Blackheath since 1978 324, Creek Rd SE10 9SW c o MMunit Y Mozart All Saints Church SE3 0TY Tues- Sun and Bank Hols 11.00 - 5.30pm Saturday, 23rd April 2016 at 14:00 From your ideas or Artwork Tues 5th -7.30pm Greenwich University Poets, HALSTOW COMMUNITY CHOIR. Shakespeare & Art Workshop for all ages / free we can print at a prize giving, and poetry readings £5 | £3 concs Sessions every Tuesday evening at Halstow School. Church of the Ascension Dartmouth Row reasonable cost: Wed 27th: 6.45-7pm Graham Fawcett on WB We are a friendly choir of mixed ability (note-reading Monday, 25 April 2016 at 19.30 Sajko/Haas Duo Yeats. £10 include drinks & light buffet. Book! • Business cards useful but not essential) singing music from all genres Church of the Ascension SE10 8AN April 8-17:th ‘Inside Out’ new work by Juli Jana. • Invoices • Letterheads over an occasional glass of wine. For more informa- For tickets: http://www. eventbrite.co.uk/o/black- (Meet the artist Sunday 10th April 2-4pm) tion contact Penny on [email protected] • Books • Brochures heath-international-chamber-music-festival- STEPHEN LAWRENCE GALLERY WESTCOMBE WRITER’S GROUP Thursday • Forms • Invites Tickets on the door: £15 Adult, 65+ £13, Friends 10, Stockwell Street, Greenwich SE10 9BD monthly – 2.30-4.30pm Mycenae House, Contact: • Wedding StationAry Until Sat. 9th April- (Tues-Fri-11-4pm Sat 11am- Rosemary Gill 0208 858 5088 of Age Exchange £11 Students £5, Under 18 Free 1a Lizban s t 4pm –closed Bank Holiday) Where is my Mind? BLACKHEATH BRIDGE CLUB duplicate sessions t HeAt r e The work of legendary art director and designer in Mycenae House Mon & Thurs 7.15pm & on Wed at blackheath, London s e 3 8s s Vaughan Oliver and band The Pixies Free 1.15pm .Tel Ron 0208 319 1312 CUTTY SARK STUDIO THEATRE t el: 020 8853 2268 FAN MUSEUM, 12,Crooms Hill, SE10 8ER BLACKHEATH & GREENWICH WOMEN’S Cutty Sark Ship, Greenwich www.rmg.co.uk Sat 16th Jan – Sat 05th June 10am-5pm Fri 1st April – 7.30pm, 9.30pm CHASING THE e mail: [email protected] INSTITUTE First Wednesday of every month - www.trojanpress.com ‘Treasures of the Fan Museum’ Exhibition 7.30pm at Sunfields, Old Dover Rd, SE3 8SJ WHALE: KING OF THE SOUTH SEAS £18 UK’s only fan museum £4.00 | £3.0 Children: £3.00 Next meeting: Wed 6th April – 7.30pm-9.30pm THE GREENWICH THEATRE, Crooms Hill, (Arrive 7pm for 7.30pm start) A History of The London SE10 8ES BOX OFFICE 8858 7755 c Hil dr en & FAMil Y Old Royal Naval College & Painted Hall Thurs 7th April – 8pm THE WONDERFUL DIS- Chris Roberts [email protected] COVERY OF WITCHES IN THE COUNTY OF ZIPPO’S CIRCUS Blackheath Common, GLOBAL FUSION MUSIC & ARTS LANCASTER ‘Britain’s bloodiest witch-hunt’ £16 Shooter’s Hill Rd www.zippos.co.uk Globalfusionarts.co.uk Conc. £13.50 Thurs 24th March – Tues 5th April Fri 8th- World Cinema Night- Venue – The Grand Tues 12th –Sat 16th 8.00pm Sat matinee 2.30pm Call 0871 210 2100 for ticket information Salon, Charlton House £3 donation SHERLOCK HOLMES – A WORKING GREENWICH THEATRE CROOMS HILL Sat 23rd – St George’s Day with Wiz Jones- Venue HYPOTHESIS £16 | £13.50 London SE10 8ES:Box office 8858 7755 – Mycenae House £8 Concs. £7 Tues 26th-Sat 30th April – 8.00pm Fable Monthly Walks 2016 greenwichtheatre.org.uk Free workshops Fortnightly Tuesday and Friday £16 Conc £13.50 Sat 2nd April 11am & 2pm A Pocketful of evenings 7.30-8.30pm at Mascalls Meeting Room THE SPACE 296, Westferry Rd E.14 3RS join us for our monthly guided walks Tues 5th April – Sun 10th April – 7.30pm (Sunday Grimms clowning, puppetry and music (ages 4+) off Victoria Way, Charlton SE7 7TT Tai Chi, Sunday 17 January - Mid-Winter Walk – 4 pm) WILDE TALES Post Show Event - 9th £11 |£8.50) Singing, drumming, Writer’s Group, African NextSunday walk: 14 February - St. Valentine’s Walk April: a complimentary drink and a chat Sun 3rd April- 2.00pm Orion and the Dark Dance Info 0208 858 9497858 9497 . Sun.Sunday 17th 20 AprilMarch Young- Spring shootsEquinox Walkand New Sunday 17 April - Young LambsShoots & walkNew Lambs Walk (Fantastic For Families) ‘A heart warming tale of Sunday 15 May - Hedgerow Blossom Walk friendship, adventure and overcoming your fears’ Music Sunday 19 June - Midsummer Hay Meadow Walk (ages 3+) £11 (Conc - £8.50) spo Ken Wo r d BLACKHEATH HALLS Meet Sinunday the 17 green July - EducationHay-making Walk Building Box Office: 0208 463 0100 at 10.00 am Mon 4th - 2pm & Tues 5th April - 11am & 2pm BLACKHEATH FLOWER ARRANGING FREEACTIVITY At the End of Everything SOCIETY 3rd Friday of each month Mycenae House www.trinitylaban.ac.uk DonaƟonswelcome ‘ when her best friend, a little yellow bird named 18th March Fri-2.00pm Jane Patterson – Happy Days Sat 23rd April- 8.00 pm The Magic of the Beatles dAnc inG : Go o d HeAl t HY Fun! Great Hall £22 Conc. £20 Wearsturdyfootwearandsuitableoutdoorclothing Tito goes missing, Icka…sets off on a mission INDUSTRIAL HISTORY SOCIETY ThewalksincludeclimbingasmallsƟleandarenotsuitableforbuggies Wed- 13th April -7.30pm Jette Parker Young Intheeventofbadweatherthewalkwillbecancelled over land and sea to save him’ Wed 16th April - 6.30pm The London pub and AT AGE EXCHANGE: Artists Recital Rising starts of The Royal Opera MeetinthegreenEducaƟonBuildingat10am (ages – 6 +) £11 –(Conc - £8.50) beer scene in the 19th century Adrian Tierney Sat. 16th April, 11am-12.30pm. Belly Dancing £7. House Recital Room – Blackheath Halls Wed 6 April -11am Granny Locks & The Jones 75, Cowcross Street. Non-members £1 Sat. 16th April, 11am-12.30pm.TheWoodlandsFarmTrust Belly Dancing £7. £7 | £5 students 331ShootersHill,Welling,KentDA163RP BLACKHEATH SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY TUESDAYS: SOOM Dance classes for over 50s, 10- Monstrous Duckling (Fantastic For Families) Sat 9th April - 8pm Kate Rusby Folk music Tel:02083198900.email:[email protected] ‘A father returns home with a magical cloak. A Fri-April 15th- What Can Cause Sea Level 11.30am (Free*) Change? Dr Tom Armitage –University College Great Hall £24 | £16 (under 16s) cloak that hides a story’ Belly-dancing, 11.45am-12.45pm £3. Visitors welcome; pl. donate £3 to the society. (age 3 plus) £8.50 (Conc. & children £7 WITH GREENWICH MORRISMEN: BLACKHEATH HALLS 23, Lee Rd. SE3 9RQ AGe eXc HAnGe Thurs 21-Sun 24 April (Thurs 7pm Fi 10am & Meet every Thursday at 8.00pm in Mycenae House. - Box Office: 0208 463 0100 Great Hall: Newcomers welcome 7pm , Sun 1pm & 5pm) James and The Giant 11, Blackheath Village, London SE3 9LA Tel :0208 Fri -15th April -8pm‘Frazzled’- Ruby Wax WITH GLOBAL FUSION: Peach Roald Dahl’s classic tale £21 (Conc. & 318 9105 www.age-exchange.org a follow up to Ruby Wax’s sell out touring show, Fri 29th April GFMA Acoustic Night-/Barn Dance Sun. 3rd April, 10am-2.00pm. Hand-made goods children £15)- Thurs – all tickets £15 and best seller Sane New World £18 –Conc. -£16 Venue – Mycenae House £6 Conc. £4 BLACKHEATH HALLS 23, Lee Rd, London BLACKHEATH QUAKER MEETING HOUSE, sale from local makers & artists. SE3 9RQ Box Office: 0208 463 0100 Lawn Terrace SE3 9LL Sat. 9th April, 10am-4.00pm Secondhand booksale www.trinitylaban.ac.uk Fri 6 and Sat 7 May 7.30 Red Flag over Sat 11th April - 7.30-10pm.The Annual Age Saturday 23rd April- 3pm Pandora’s Magic Bermondsey Lynn Morris tells the story of Ada Exchange Quiz At Kingswood Halls, London SE13 Sat. 23rd April PLANT SALE in the Bakehouse at Box Recital Room – Blackheath Halls Tickets £7 Salter, first woman councillor in London 1910, first Age Exchange, a colourful array of flowers and plants SHERINGTON CHILDREN’S CENTRE, 14, woman Labour mayor & her campaigns for better health and housing – and trees and flowers to the dark Weekly Events: Sherington Road, Charlton SE7 7JW MONDAYS: DAD’S STAY AND PLAY session every Wed. streets of Bermondsey . For information and to reserve [email protected] Pilates 9.45-10.45am 9.30-11.30am Sherington Children’s Centre, all Chair Pilates 11am-12pm (£7.50 both) home dads welcome. Rhyme Time free group, nursery rhymes & stories for under 5’s, 2,00 - .2.45pm T HE P OINTER S CHOOL MYc enAe Ho use l ive event s: MAr c H Fri 8th April 8pm - JazzNights. Candlit Live Jazz music event hosted by Dave Silk. £10. Thurs 14th April 4pm - Bach To Baby. Classical Concert for Baby and You. £10. Fri 22nd April 8pm - Mycenae Comedy Club. Stand-up comedy from An independent co-educational school for pupils aged 3 to 11 years rising stars of the circuit. £10. Learning is fun Sat 23rd April 7.30pm - St Georges Day event featuring Wiz Jones. St Olave’s is a Prep School in Hosted by Global Fusion Music & Arts. £8. New Eltham for boys and girls Fri 29th April 7.30pm - Springtime Ceilidh Special with Morrigan. Hosted by Global Fusion Music & Arts. £6. aged 3-11 years ! Broad, child-centred curriculum For further information about all Mycenae House events and to buy tickets visit www.mycenaehouse.co.uk ! Excellent results in the 11+ selection ! Clubs, outings and residential Grant Saw Wealth Management Limited trips ! Excellent pastoral care INDEPENDENT PERSONAL and ! Small classes ! Specialist staff for PE, IT,Music, CORPORATE FINANCIAL ADVISERS French and Drama Investments - Pensions - Estate Planning ! Sibling fee reduction “We believe that, with love, guidance, encouragement, discipline and ! hard work, every child can do so much more than he or she may consider Before and after school care 2 Charlton Road. Blackheath Standard possible.” Mr RJS Higgins Headmaster 020 8294 8930 London SE3 7EX (T) 020 3417 9760 Te l : Nursery - Year 1 Year 2 - 6 email: [email protected] www.stolaves.org.uk 37 Shooters Hill Road SE3 7HS 19 Stratheden Road SE3 7TH website: www.gswealth.co.uk. Tel: 020 8858 7977 Tel: 020 8293 1331 [email protected] [email protected] HELPING YOU PLAN YOUR FUTURE www.pointers-school.co.uk Grant Saw Wealth Management Ltd. is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority LEARNING FOR LIFE
Westcombe News April 2016 5 April 2016 WN_WN.QXD 16/03/2016 12:05 Page 6
FEATURES Neville Grant invites you to join the WN in Celebrating Shakespeare n this, the 400th Anniversary of William Blackheath does not loom large in the The historian Michael H Peters has IShakespeare's death, the WN takes a Shakespeare pantheon, except in Henry IV uncovered some little known facts about look at the Bard's links with Blackheath, Part 2, when Jack Cade meets up with his Shakespeare's links with Kent. Dudley Greenwich, and Kent. fellow rebels. It is here that Dick, the Digges, whose family over the years had Although the marriage of Henry VIII butcher of Ahford , resolves to "kill all the close associations with Shakespeare, and Catherine of Aragon took place here, lawyers!" Later, Jack Cade rewards Dick started to build Chilham Castle near Greenwich gets hardly a mention in his for his villainy, saying that he will double Canterbuy around 1612: it was completed plays: just one short reference in his play, the length of the Lenten holiday. It was in in 1616. Henry VIII. However, Shakespeare would "Fields between Dartford and Blackheath". In 2003, the castle's current owners,
have been familiar with Greenwich. We that Jack Iden, a poor esquire of Kent, Tessa and Stuart Wheeler, asked Michael know that on 26th and 28th December presented the King Peters to do some Venture” on the shores of Bermuda in 1609 1594, Shakespeare, Burbage and Will with Jack Cade's research on the Kemp were paid for a royal performance at head, for which he history of the castle. – a financial disaster for Dudley, one of the Greenwich Palace, when Shakespeare him- was duly knighted. . . He recalls: “In 2012, financiers of the voyage – inspired the plot self acted before Queen Elizabeth I in two Shakespeare also after nearly a for Shakespeare's play The Tempest. separate comedies. had strong links with decade's research Michael Peters claims that it is highly It is also likely that the Christmas Kent. It was here that and study, a series of likely that that the hexagonal shape of celebrations of 1612/13 saw performances the Earl of Kent spent facts hit me, like a Chilham Castle was inspired by Dudley’s here of Much Ado, Othello, The Winters agonising moments series of thunder- father, Thomas Digges, who was at the Tale and The Tempest. with King Lear, on bolts, highlighting time widely regarded as England’s leading Not far down the river, Shakespeare the edge of a cliff links between mathematician and astronomer. had of course much closer links with now named Dudley Digges and a With the Digges family’s close associa- Southwark, where the Globe Theatre was Shakespeare Cliff. family friend called tions with theatrical designers such as Inigo sited, and where his brother Edmund was And, inidentally, Smallhythe Place in William Shakespeare.” Jones it is no surprise that the castle’s buried in 1607. Visitors to Southwark Kent was the home of Ellen Terry, famous He discovered that it was Dudley’s shape also reflects the hollow-core polygon Cathedral can view the alabaster statue of for her portrayal of Shakespearean hero- brother Leonard who wrote a preface to the that typified a number of theatres in Shakespeare created by Henry McCarthy in ines. Here, among other memorabilia, one First Folio of Shakespeare’s works – and Shakespeare's time, including The Globe. 1912, and Christopher Webb's stained can view the beetle wing dress she wore as his stepfather Thomas Russell was the It was partly as a result of these links that glass window depicting characters from Lady Macbeth in 1888, along with a copy overseer of Shakespeare’s will, with its the Globe Theatre Company on Tour has Shakespeare's plays, unveiled in 1954 to of the famous painting of her in the role by famous second-best bed. It has been sug- chosen Chilham Castle as one of the places replace the one destroyed in the war. John Singer Sargent. gested that the wrecking of the “Sea where a travelling company is to perform Two Gentlemen of Verona as part of the Quarter-Centenery of Shakespeare's death in April 1616. Book The Globe’s production of Two Gentlemen Review of Verona takes place at Chilham Castle on The faces May 21/st22nd For tickets, phone the Globe of Shakespeare Box office on (0)20 7401 9919 The engraving in The Cobb portrait: The First Folio’s The Chandos If Musick be the food Gerard’s botany book Sir Thomas Overbury Droeshuit engraving portrait of love, play on . . . N May last year, Country Life won a would have been obvious to theatre goers. Droeshuit engraving that appeared seven IScoop of the Year award when it Griffiths argues (more plausibly) that years after his death, on the title page of Shakespeare has inspired many claimed to have discovered the only Burghley was also "probably" one of the first folio. There is nothing that tells us composers through the ages. Here are surviving image of William Shakespeare Shakespeare's patrons. However, a number what the image was based on; it was not some of them: that was produced in his lifetime. of authorities claim that the evidence is drawn from life, and indeed to many it 1616 Henry Purcell A Midsummer Nights A botanist, Mark Griffiths, found the pretty thin: that a playwright and poet appears crude and lifeless. Dream image in a book published in 1598, The should feature on the title page of a book Katherine Duncan-Jones argues strongly 1692 Thomas Arne As you Like it Herball or Generall Historie of Plantes by on botany seems an affront to credibility. in favour of the Chandos portrait as being 1741 Antonio Salieri Falstaff John Gerard. The encyclopaedia of plants The face of Shakespeare has roused the most likely "face of Shakespeare". 1795 Haydn song from Twelfth Night (1,484-pages long) has four portraits passions on all sides, and the question is She argues convincingly that it was painted 1799 Gioacomo Rossini Otello engraved on its title page. Three of them examined in depth in an enchanting book by an artist now identified as Joseph 1816 Fanny Hensel Unter des Laubdachs are of Lord Burghley, John Gerard, by Katherine Duncan Jones Portraits of Taylor, a gifted actor who was a close Hut (rendition of “Under the Greenwood Rembert Dodoens, all of whom are either Shakespeare. Along with most authorities, friend of Shakespeare, and was completed Tree” from Twelfth Night) 1839 Hector Berlioz symphony inspired by botanists or (in the case of Lord Burghely) she argues that the so-called Cobbe portrait in his lifetime, around 1610. Romeo and Juliet as a sponsor of botanists. of Shakespeare recently acquired by the There is strong evidence that he painted 1841 Felix Mendelssohn A Midsummer The fourth portrait? Dressed in Roman Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is almost Shakespeare from life – the picture is Night's Dream (including the Wedding military dress, it is usually claimed to be certainly a portrait of Sir Thomas informal: the pose is relaxed, the collar is March) that of Diosceredes, intended no doubt to Overbury. It is certainly a picture of a loose and unfastened, and the ring in his 1842 Otto Nikolai The Merry Wives bestow a classical and respectable lineage nobleman. Her view is shared by experts ear is without the jewel that would hang 1847 Giuseppi Verdi Macbeth to the science of botany. at the Folger Shakespeare Library in from it on more formal occasions. (revised in 1865) Mr Griffiths claims that he is in fact Washington DC, among others. Those interested in the arguments for 1862 Hector Berlioz Beatrice et Benedict Shakespeare: the fourth man holds lily-like Duncan-Jones comments that it is and against all the possible candidates, are (based on Much Ado) flowers and an ear of corn, which feature "unfortunate" that this has not prevented urged to read Duncan-Jones’ book. 1868 Ambroise Thomas Hamlet in Shakespeare’s earliest poem and play in the portrait from being plastered all over Does it matter? Perhaps not. But the 1886 Tchaikovsky Romeo and Juliet print—Venus and Adonis, published in Stratford on Avon by the Birthday Trust arguments remain facinating. 1893 Giuseppi Verdi Falstaff 1593, and Titus Andronicus in 1594. and the tourist board. Portraits of Shakespeare by Katherine (based on Henry IV & The Merry Wives 1926 Jean Sibelius The Tempest Griffiths claims that the connection Another possible contender is the Duncan-Jones Bodleian Library 2015 1932 Dmitri Shostakovich film music for Hamlet 1934 Dmitri Shostakovich Lady Macbeth of THE CASE FOR RADICAL CHANGE the Mtsensk District IN EDUCATION 1935 Sergei Propkofiev ballet music for The Greenworks, 145 Nathan Way, Thamesmead, London, SE28 0AB 0208-858-7211 Romeo and Juliet This report was prepared by the PER Group to send to 1938 Ralph Vaughan Williams Venetian the political parties in May. It has forewords by Beauty Antony Selsdon, Richard Harries and Frank Furedi 1944 William Walton film music for Henry V 1957 Leonard Bernstein West Side Story (his You can buy it post free if you receive version of Romeo & Juliet) the Westcombe News for the special price of £5.00 1960 Benjamin Britten A Midsummer Night's by sending money or cheque, Dream payable to PER Group, to: 2 Doors Cars, 5 Door Cars, Transit Connect, Short Wheel Base Transit, Long Wheel Base Transit and Luton with tail 2002 Jonathan Dove Moonlight revels lift available. £200.00 Security Deposit (a double concerto for Titania and Oberon) 100 Miles included per day The PER Group Liable Excess of Collision Damage up to £500.00 we do offer a wavier 2004 Thomas Ades The Tempest Check out our website or call us for a full price list c/o Box 16916, Blackheath, SE3 7WS 2008 Judith Bingham Shakespeare Requiem
2014 Joby Talbot A Winter's Tale (Royal Opera House production)
6 Westcombe News April 2016 April 2016 WN_WN.QXD 16/03/2016 12:05 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. green- ENVIRONMENT wich.gov.uk/planning The Dell: a refuge for wildlife Ann Hill Oxleas Woods: he Friends of Mycenae Gardens were both of which are summer visitors that Tentertained at their AGM on March have drastically declined across SE 8th by Tim Hoe’s medley of photos of England). buzzing with activity happy volunteers busy working in the Dell, However, we seem to have gained seven Mycenae Road, and very impressive species (blackcap, stock dove, magpie, he Oxleas Apiary and its bees have there are separate Apiary Days for the ‘before and after’ images of what has been ringed-necked parakeet, coal tit, long-tailed overwintered very well and is going public to obtain some ‘hands-on’ accomplished. tit and nuthatch). In total, Joe observed 26 from strength to strength. We are experience of working with the bees in the Joe Beale, a local naturalist, was guest bird species in the Dell, showing that it T looking forward to a very active 2016 bee- apiary - there is a downloadable brochure speaker and his talk included a fascinating continues to provide a safe haven for birds keeping season. providing details of the Beekeeping course comparison of bird species observed in the even in our urban environment. For this year we have installed an auto- and Apiary Days. Talks and visits to Dell during his surveys in 2015 with those The evening ended with a quiz of 10 matic weather station and some schools, societies and clubs are observed by John Burton in May 1949. photos of birds, insects and plants that are electronic wizardry and gizmos in John also available with, generally, these Two species appear to have been lost found in the Dell. The winning team had the hives to enable us to monitor being available from late-May (willow warblers and spotted flycatchers, an impressive score of 9½! Large the bees comings and goings and onwards through the Summer. their foraging performance set against the The Oxleas Wood Apiary website prevailing climatic conditions. contains downloadable images and posters, Good news for Blackheath Halls We have also broadened the range of and/or if you prefer I can print up some lackheath Halls, which is an integral area, and will enable the Halls to be trans- Queens, thereby adding to the diversity of small, laminated posters for your Notice Bpart of Trinity Laban Conservatoire of formed into a flexible, creative performing our bee strains, and are experimenting Boards. If need be I can provide you with Music and Dance, has been awarded two arts centre.” with a range of different hives. the HTML code to link directly to the major grants to enable it to undertake an The improvements planned include Readers interested in bee-keeping and Oxleas Wood extensive programme of capital works. including modern stage equipment, the activities in our Apiary should read the Apiary web The planned works will ensure that this improved backstage facilities, and an audi- general introductory text on the Apiary on site. My beautiful and historic building within torium that will provide easy access to the the Home page at the Oxleas Wood Apiary contact Blackheath can continue to thrive for many arts. The Great Hall works are planned to website (www.oxleaswoodapiary.com/). details are years to come and remain at the heart of commence this Summer. The Introduction to Beekeeping here. cultural life in South East London. Keith Murray added: “We are delighted Course gives details of the course and As the result of a grant of £234,832 to receive this funding from Arts Council from Viridor Credits, which is part of the England. The improved facilities will Landfill Communities Fund, the Halls will enhance the experience of audiences and Are you a Tenant? and are you worried be undertaking a complete renovation of artists alike.” the main roof, commencing in July this In addition to the forthcoming pro- about getting your deposit back? year. gramme of capital works, the Friends of Trinity Laban, as the proprietor of Blackheath Halls have recently supported a et Your Deposit Back (GYDB) is a new service due to launch soon, that will Blackheath Halls, will provide matching complete refurbishment and redecoration Ghelp tenants ensure that, at the end of their tenancy, any claim that the landlord funding towards the cost of the roof. of the Café Bar and Foyer at the Halls. makes against their security deposit is justified and reasonable. Keith Murray, General Manager of Blackheath Halls is a Grade II listed Blackheath Halls, said: “As a second stage building. It opened its doors as a concert Many tenants are overcharged, or charged for things which are not their responsi- in the development of the Halls, we are hall in 1895 and since then it has present- bility, at the end of the tenancy. Get Your Deposit Back (GYDB) is running a sur- delighted to announce the award of ed a diverse programme of performances vey to find out what sort of service tenants would prefer. For your chance to enter a £499,999 from Arts Council England. This and events, featuring some of the world’s free prize draw with £100 in Amazon vouchers for the lucky winner, take part in the is the largest award made in the London leading artists. survey! Go to https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/JT6HJW9
A & A LANDSCAPES Landscape Specialists PLANNING APPLICATIONS All change for Talbot Place Mike Norton See also http//www.westcombesociety.org/ he London Borough of Lewisham is currently seeking suggestions from the public for 45 DINSDALE ROAD ref 16/0495/F Free advice & Qualified Construct single storey lower ground floor Thow the more or less derelict changing rooms at Talbot Place on Blackheath could be estimates horticulturalist rear extension with steps to garden redeveloped. All aspects of soft & hard landscaping The rooms were closed after asbestos was found, and currently they are being used 40 HUMBER ROAD ref 16/0427/F work carried out including just for storage. Cllr Amanda de Ryk is looking for any ideas for how this space could be Construct single storey rear extension * Maintenance *Site clearance used and would like suggestions sent in by April 17th. * Turfing * Tree surgery 117B WESTCOMBE HILL ref/16/0469/F The question of funding will be tackled once a plan has been adopted. * Fencing * Patios Construct first floor rear extension onto back Please contact: * Brickwork addition [email protected] Tel. 020 8318 2530 Susan Clark Interiors r . G.Austin (Established 1963
Heating Engineers, Property Maintenance, GAS Electrics, Painting, SAFE Decorating, Plumbing, Central Heating, Shower and Bathroom Specialists Susan Clark Interiors 2A Hassendean Rd, Blackheath SE3 8TS
Telephone: 0208 858 7359 [email protected]
Carpentry & 113 Humber Rd Interiors London SE3 7LW Alcove Shelving/Cupboards Fitted Wardrobes/Home Office Construction to complete renovation Radiator covers & all household woodwork Project Management • Interior Design Upholstery • Joinery • Lighting Tel: 0208 852 7222/Fax: 0208 851 3526 Curtains • Blinds • Paint M: 07944 294050 Antique Furniture • Gifts • Cards www.carpentryandinteriors.co.uk [email protected] Shop & Showroom: 128a Burnt Ash Road www.susanclarkinteriors.com Lee (near Lee Station) SE12 8PU 0208 305 2299
Westcombe News April 2016 7 April 2016 WN_WN.QXD 16/03/2016 12:05 Page 8
please send ads for the Market place with pay- ment by the 10th day of the preceding month to: Marilyn l ittle, 163, Westcombe Hill, se3 7dp 8853 1312 [email protected] ALL classified adverts 30p per word. Please make cheques MARKET PLACE payable to The Westcombe Society ACCOMMODATION dAvidso n pl Ast er inG And dec o r At inG s.s.d Buil der s l t d. BUY LOCAL! ser vic es Ceilings repaired or renovated. Artex Long established Building & Roofing Company avail- Go o d r el iABl e Ho st FAMil ies wanted for for- ceilings skimmed to a smooth finish. Painting and able for free estimates & advice. ALL works under- Discounts available on production eign students. For more info. please contact Lynne Decorating. Insurance work undertaken. C&G quali- taken, from guttering to Refurbishments. All works of your Westcombe Society on 01732 822649 or email [email protected] viewed within 24 hours, fully insured & new work is fied. Small jobs welcome. Free advice and esti- membership card. mates. Phone 07746 121510 guaranteed. Call us today on 07931 536533 or 0208 ROOMS FOR HIRE piAno t uner Prompt friendly service from an expe- 305 1039 [email protected] rienced, fully qualified tuner technician. For tuning and dec o r At inG, el ec t r ic s Bl Ac KHeAt H vil l AGe: Func t io n r o o M Fo r Hir e repairs call Jim Kimberley 0208 305 0033 Plumbing and Property Maintenance. Est, 25 years. pAr es Fo o t WeAr Blackheath area, up to 150 people, Bar, disabled HoMeWor Ks References available. Phil McNamara 8857 5480, 10% OFF all shoes over £20, excluding sale stock access. Tel 07940 296290 All-round handyman for those DIY’s you have no time for! mobile 07814 360862 r AFFl es desiGner WeAr . General repairs. Painting & Decorating. General Carpentryl o c Al c Ar pet c l eAner 10% OFF all non-sale goods and flooring. Flat-pack assembly. Patio and deck cleaning.Specialist in cleaning Carpets, Upholstery & rugs. GARDENING 10 percent discount on all No job too small. Contact Matthew Barron 07903 388658. Competitive rates. M: 07828503132 Email: t He ver B sHo p copywriting and content creation. Free 1 hour eXper ienc ed l o c Al Ar c Hit ec t offering full [email protected] GAr den MAint enAnc e: mowing, weeding, pruning, range of architectural services, inc. planning and http://www.carpetcrew.co.uk assessment of your marketing material. communal garden contracts, fruit and vegetables, building regulations applications, technical and con- el ec t r ic iAn / Al Ar M enGineer gardening tuition, RHS qualified, also domestic cleaning. struction drawings, full project management, and site No job too small TMIET registered. Call 0787 9011792 Gr eenWic H: Call John and Rachel on 07746 121510 work. Reg. with the Architects Registration Board. pHo ne/Br o AdBAnd so c Ket s. no r t H po l e r est Aur Ant Mob: 07853423130 E: [email protected] Improved Broadband speed plates, Fault Finding 12.5% OFF Meals only for two HOLIDAYS MAr K c HeeseMAn, l o c Al c Ar pent er And Repairs, New Extensions, Tidying of cables. 25 yrs 3d divinG 10% discount on all scuba diving Jo iner with 30 years experience. All aspects of BT, Insured. 07845 705900 courses. Offer excludes scuba diving equipment. WHit st ABl e WeeKends / WeeKs Sea wall house carpentry and construction carried out considerately sunsHine Windo W c l eAninG Call Martin for Gr eenWic H c o MMunic At io n c ent r e between Oyster Warehouse and Harbour. Sleeps 5. and to a high standard. Reinstatement of a no-obligation quote on 07821403577 at 164 Trafalgar Road: 10% Discount on all Fantastic views. 8858 6578 or 013 04 367443 original Victorian/Edwardian/Georgian details, West c o MBe c l eAner s I'm a friendly, hard work- no r t H Yo r KsHir e Mo o r s The Georgian ie shutters, skirtings, plinth blocks, picture rails, ing & organised domestic cleaner. Regular or single Computer Maintenance & Repairs (inc Tablets & House. Delightful period house in charming cornices etc. Bespoke joinery, wardrobes, cup- services. Competitive rates. Additional tasks. I love Smartphones) Pickering market town. Sleeps 10. http://www. boards, stairs, kitchens. Sash windows my clients to be happy. Phone 07746 291617 www.greenwichcc.com T: 02082692103 thegeorgianhouse.co.uk/ Tel: 07876 385189 Tel: 020 8858 3889 overhauls. Resin timber repairs. Please call A MAn And A vAn HuMBer r o Ad: Ho use t o r ent Sole Rose is a charming and M: 07767 456131 or H: 020 8854 4028 Mobile: 07885 917842 beautifully furnished period house in the popular All types of pests dealt Bo dYWo r KZ - t He Fit ness c l inic t r Ained cHiMneY sWeep & st ove inst Al l er pest contr ol ser vices 109 Humber Road.10% OFF all treatments costing seaside town of Southwold, Suffolk. Situated within Fast, friendly Happy to work! Call Anthony on 07772 with including fox control. Call John 0208 300 3496 £30 or more except Chiropody; exc.Saturdays. easy walking distance of the High Street, beach and 649577 or email: [email protected] MAl c o l M t ier neY, c Ar pent er r o YAl nepAl ese r est Aur Ant pier. Sleeps 4/6. http://www.solerose.co.uk c r AFt Y peAr c o FFee And c r o c Het Specialist in refurbishment, repair and replacement 07876385189 Come along and improve your crochet skills in a of sash windows. 0777 5657371 (Station Crescent) 20% OFF meals for two or more relaxed environment whilst enjoying tea, coffee, Sunday - Thursday. homemade cake and chat! Tuesdays 12.30-2.30 at t He c ur io us c o MB PERSONAL CARE & THERAPY 45 Mayhill Rd, Charlton. £10 per session. Call Lisa 10% discount on services over £30 Weekdays 8am-10am, 2pm-4pm (excludes retail purchases). on 07771647618 for information or to book a place TUITION Bl Ac KHeAt H Ho l ist ic HeAl t H ser vic e. HAve Yo u Go t t He sKil l s o r t iMe Fo r diY? c o r iAnder r est Aur Ant (Station Crescent) c o unsel l inG, Al eXAnder t ec HniQue,Yo GA 25% off Sunday to Thursday. Bookings only! o r is it all just such an effort! need Hel p Wit H Yo ur c o Mput er ? tel: 020 8858 5969 /1991, www.bhhs.selondon.co.uk if that’s your problem, i can solve it ! Local technician provides home technical support & t He st AndAr d: pil At es c l Asses At MYc enAe Ho use. * Decorating including preparation, painting, tuition. No job too small, all in your own home. Glenn Mondays at 1.45pm and t hursdays at 2.00pm. wall-papering & special finishes. c o t o n & HAMBl in - o pt ic iAns 8473 4091 £65 off complete spectacles All levels welcome, mats provided. Please contact * Re- hanging doors and putting up shelving. Native Italian teacher offers les- Hilary for further details on 07970 290818 it Al iAn t uit io n 10% OFF Weds. only * Re-laying floors-lino, wood laminates & ceramics. sons at all levels.Preparation for GCSE, A-LEVELS KAr An c HeMist for c o unsel l inG And psYc Ho t Her ApY * Domestic Electrical work. courses, Grammar, Conversation Tel 07788 743371 Bl Ac KHeAt H eYec Ar e c ent r e individuals and couples in Westcombe Park * Plumbing-taps, showers,radiators and external. and preparation for 25% off 2nd pair of spectacles. (same prescription. http://www.bloomlife.co.uk/ MAt Hs & enGl isH t uit io n * Garden revival and maintenance 11+ and independent school selection tests by quali- Not in conjunction with any other offer. (Complete [email protected] 0208858 4831 if you need help with any of these please call fied and experienced teacher.marystuition.com Mary glasses start from £49.95 with single vision lens- t ony: 0208 856 9398 M: 07961 540836 Bauckham 07709089838 [email protected] es). 5% off contact lens solution and accessories http://www.tonysdiy.com/ enGl isH/pr iMAr Y/11-pl us t uit io n All ages t r o JAn pr ess 10% OFF all quotations SERVICES & TRADE s.s.d pl uMBinG And HeAt inG Friendly local welcome. GCSE, A/S-Levels, Common Entrance, plumber available for free estimates and advice. All Primary, etc. Fully qualified, experienced teacher. West c o MBe Hil l £5 discount on the price JeWel l er Y And WAt c H r epAir s And works undertaken, no job too small, from boilers to bath- Call Hellin Halliday BA(Hons), PGCE on 020 8858 A * dr ivinG sc Ho o l from Michele Franklin. British of one x 2 hour lesson for WS members. vAl uAt io ns room suites, all works viewed within 24 hours, fully 7704 / 07928 017762 to discuss how I can help. Jewellers Association accreditation 07809 502 714 insured and new work guaranteed. Call today on 07931 t He Wo nder Wo Men net Wo r K 10% discount [email protected] sHo W Yo ur c o Mput er WHo is t He Bo ss 536533 or 8305 1039 [email protected] Are you looking for some extra help working with with over West c o MBe pAr K r o Ad inter ior decor Ator & cAr penter upHo l st er er spec iAl isinG in t r Adit io nAl your computer? Need some help with your digital 20 years experience. A member of the guild of KAr en st o r eY o F Ho MespAc e offers mem- upHo l st er Y Www.suemayesupholstery. photos, online shopping and the jargon? To discuss mastercraftsman. Free quotes & friendly advice on bers 10% discount on decluttering & homestaging net or phone 07932 040298 the options, call Paul on 07958 251448 or email all your decorating requirements. Local references services 0844 846 5854 www.home-space.biz s.s.d dAMp pr o o FinG spec iAl ist s [email protected] available.Tel. Ashley Greaves 8858 2981 in the treatment of RISING & PENETRATING damp. Mul viHil l Ac AdeMY o F ir isH dAnc e peninsul A pAYr o l l & Bo o KKeepinG ser vic es Repair/ renewal of rotten structural timbers as a result of Adult and Child Irish Dance Classes available in the sHendA FAl veY per so nAl t r AininG & . Monthly or weekly service to From 1–150 employees damp. Chemical injection and render using tried and Blackheath area. Come along for a fun-all-in-one Bo o t c AMps Free bootcamp session at suit. Bookkeeping also available. Reasonable rates and tested systems. Specialists in providing horizontal and workout. For more information call Rachel on Greenwich Peninsula worth £10. Book to secure a friendly, knowledgeable service. Please contact: vertical barriers against damp/ water 07707 100521 place (excludes existing customers) M:07946 530053 E: [email protected] ingress. Please contact us for a free r ussiAn t uit io n Russian-speaking university 25% off first personal training session plus free eBo o K And WeBsit e c r eAt io n, c o pYWr it - consultation and written estimate. lecturer offers lessons at all levels (including Printing and design, leaflet consultation M: 07887 727 335 inG, pr o o Fr eAdinG Mob: 07931 536 533 Land: 020 8305 1039 university, business and conversation) in your distribution, office/secretarial services: Blackheath www.shendafalveypersonaltraining.com t .t A el ec t r ic s. home/office. Tel. 07766 531401 Business Solutions: NICEIC Approved Contractor, Quality Tradesman. All for younger www.blackheathbusinesssolutions.com Jo AnnA's dAnc e c l Asses electrical work undertaken, Fully Insured & and older adults: Contemporary dance & Guaranteed. 24HR EMERGENCY ELECTRICAL. movement class General level - Tuesdays - Please call Tony on 07961 509 403 OR 020 7.30 - 8.30pm Come Dance & Exercise for 50s plus: 84887425 OR [email protected] Fridays - 11am-12pm Andr eW Fl et c Her Painting, Decorating Mycenae House, Mycenae Rd, SE3 7SE & Tiling services. Over 20 years' experience, fully T: 07709952215 E: [email protected] insured. References available. Call 07702 094382 SPECTRUM dr uM l esso ns. Teacher with ten years experi- c .s. c Ar pent r Y-Jo iner Y Decorating ence. Graduate of the Institute of Contemporary Painters & Decorators and allbuilding work undertaken. Joseph Music Performance. Lessons in Blackheath or can Interior/Exterior McNamara 8857 5480, mob. 07947155366 travel. £25 pounds per hour. Call Tom on t Al l GABl es pic t ur e Fr AMinG All works 07975173504. undertaken at very reasonable prices. Contact No job too Small Emily on 07787 524265, @tallgables or Tall Gables via Facebook Clean and Reliable puBBl e pl Ast er inG Need a plasterer with excel- lent references? Work is of high standard. Qualified Free Estimates C&G. Plastering-Rendering-Plasterboarding - Repairs. Free quotes! Call Alex on 07547 468459 / 0203 092 30 Years Experience 0684 [email protected] Windo W & Gut t er c l eAninG 020 8853 2759 Blackheath-window-cleaner.co.uk 07791 465052 or 0795 0815412
Childcare for ages 3 months – 5 years Tail-piece MEfA Montessori I can see a classes during term-time Montessori House, great nursery It has been the custom to 135 Westcombe Hill, include an April Fool in the April issue of the Westcombe Blackheath, SE3 7DP from here News. Call 0208 305 2202 or If you’re looking for a nursery that will help your child to grow and develop – This year, there’s no need: choose Zoom Nurseries. students at Pembroke College in 07710 433 994 for more information and to At Zoom every child enjoys an individual Learning Journey. A record that tracks Cambridge have cancelled an their daily progress through our fantastic fun-filled learning environment. Around The World In Eighty check availability Days-themed party because it It’s just one of the tools we use to keep our parents up-to-date with their child’s could be racist. They feared the Tuesdays: achievements, as well as their personal, social and emotional development. 9:30 – 11:30 Montessori School (2-9 years) It’s an important tool, one that helps us ensure that when they leave Zoom to event – based on the film of the 15:30 – 17:30 After-school Nurture Group (4-11 years) start school, they leave as independent learners and thinkers, ready for the Jules Verne novel – could lead challenges ahead. to “cultural appropriation” if Wednesdays: revellers dress up in clothes 9:30 – 11:30 Montessori School (2-9 years) With five nurseries in Eltham, Hither Green, Blackheath and Brockley that between them have four Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ judgements, and places available, from an ethnic group they do 11:35 – 11:55 Montessori Dance (all ages) please enquire you don’t have to go far to give your child a great start. not belong to – and could lead 13:30 – 14:30 Baby Montessori (0-15 months) to “racial stereotyping”. 14:45 – 15:45 Toddler Montessori (15–36 months) To find out more and arrange an informal visit please Asked for her views, local call Ann Briley, Assistant Childcare Director on Thursdays: commentator Ms Apryl-Foole- 07816 413718 or [email protected] 10:30 – 12:00 Toddler Montessori (15–36 months) Hardie replied: “No comment.” 13:00 – 15:00 Montessori School (2-9 years) Or visit our website for more details www.zoomnurseries.com They’ve done me out of a job.”