WestcombeNEWS Free to 3800 homes, in libraries and some shops February 2019 No. 1 A Happy, Peaceful and Prosperous New Year to all our readers. Let’s WN reporter New hope All for John Roan? Dance

niversity Schools Trust (UST) has “not the council’s first choice” of provider. Upulled out of its controversial In December, the council’s cabinet plan to turn deferred approving the choice of sponsor into an . in order to carry out “due diligence.” In a letter to parents, Grahame Price, the chief Executive of UST, , said: “Our sole Positive developments interest from our first engagement has been UST alludes to ‘weaknesses’ at John Roan, to help the school to overcome its current yet this word may be more appropriate difficulties and provide the quality of when applied to UST. However, David PHOTO: Alexander Yip education that your child deserves. Skinner, the current chair of governors on “However, having commissioned a range a new governing board refers to a number ate last year, three Blackheath High The Head teacher Carol-Chandler of external specialists to look in detail at of positive developments over the last LSchool ballerinas, Eloisa Carter (Year Thompson said “It is a very proud moment the current status, it has become clear that term, including: 7), Sophia Sutton (Year 7), and Isabella to see our Senior School and Year 6 girls the school has a very wide range of deeply * For the past four weeks, many students Carter (Year 6) [Front row, above] went on act as superb role models for our younger embedded educational, financial and have been in school on a Saturday morning tour performing a spectacular ballet, Junior School girls. Dance is very operational challenges that will require a to work through past papers and revise Sleeping Beauty , with “Let’s All Dance” a important to us at . truly exceptional level of investment and with undergraduates from King’s College top professional dance company, We know it is incredibly good for students’ a sponsor with extensive resources to call London supporting them. After a performance at Blackheath confidence, poise, social skills and positive upon.” * A recent audit of our safeguarding prac - Halls, the girls went on to perform at well-being. It helps girls to overcome Readers will recall that last year, the tices reported on significant improvements Sadler's Wells as part of a tour of Sussex inhibitions and develop performance skills school was judged “inadequate” by Ofsted, over the past 12 months, with students and Kent. The special highlight of the tour that have an impact in other areas of their and as a result, the Department for keen to talk about how safe and well- saw the girls returning to Blackheath High lives.” Anne Fuell Education decided the 300-year-old school cared-for they felt in the school. Junior School to perform in front of their Let’s All Dance is a professional dance should become an academy. It indicated * There have been many improvements in old school friends along with the full cast company based in London, and founded by that UST was its preferred sponsor. terms of student behaviour in the school and crew of Sleeping Beauty, a special Artistic Director, Orit Sutton and both students and staff recognise the end-of-term Christmas treat. www.lets-all-dance.co.uk Local opposition progress made in this area. The proposal was met with strong local * Teachers are sharing good practice opposition by teaching and support staff, around their teaching and accessing exam New Year and some parents, and there were several board training where available in order to one-day strikes last year. Campaigners ensure that they are fully up-to-date with pointed at alleged management failings of the new specifications. Resolutions UST, questioning whether UST had the ow many New Year Resolutions necessary financial resources – a claim What next? Hdid you make? And how many seemingly born out by events. It is likely that the academisation process have you already broken - be honest, A local resident, Linda Baker, told the will continue, albeit with an interim now! WN : “Parent campaigners, via a freedom five-person executive board, including Some people have resolved to do of information request, found that the Florence Kroll, head of children’s services more exercise; others to take up UST’s flagship school in Tower Hamlets at the council, and with a new sponsor. yoga ( Right ; thanks to Meghan had a very high staff turnover of 21%. No doubt the Department of Education Markle’s blo g The Tag ). Other people have supposedly “Also, it was found that last year about will now be looking for another sponsor. gone on a diet. For more ideas on one million pounds had been spent from The front-runner is likely to be the Harris “Green” resolutions please see pages the school budget, some of it spent on Federation. However, campaigners remain 4 and 7 . so-called school improvement plans run by concerned – one told the WN : the UST, and leaving the school in deficit. “We should be careful what we wish for. In the December edition of the Westcombe News we published an open letter The “professional services” of the UST The Harris Federation is well-funded, but from some parents at The John Roan school which wrongly stated failed to improve the school, but a according to a report in the Guardian last that Ms Whatford, the former Chair of Governors of John Roan, significant amount of money was spent.” November, it has a record of “off-rolling” was a ‘close personal friend’ of the lead Ofsted Inspector, and twice made reference Parents are also concerned that poor performing pupils.” to this ‘possible conflict of interest’ affecting the outcome of the inspection. academisation creates the dangers of the One teacher commented: “In one local It is now known that this was not the case: they did not know each other run-down of Special Needs provision, and authority school I worked in, we were personally at all and the only relationship that existed was a professional one of “off-rolling” - i.e. weeding out weaker forced to accept such pupils, and the result in that Ms Whatford had met the Lead Inspector briefly when she attended students, especially in examination years, was that we became a ‘failing school’ .” two sessions of Governor training that the Lead Inspector delivered to to improve results. But above all, perhaps The Harris Federation would also most the governing body of a school Ms Whatford was working with several years ago. they hate the idea of a well-loved local probably drop the John Roan name. The The Lead Inspector had properly declared this at the time of the inspection, school rooted in the commmunity being Harris Academy was called and this was not deemed to be a conflict of interest. placed in private hands. Eltham Foundation School before it was We recognise that that the publication of these completely unfounded serious Last year Danny Thorpe, the leader of taken over by the Harris Federation. allegations, is potentially damaging to Ms Whatford’s reputation as someone Greenwich Council said UST was probably (cont.on page 6) who has worked in schools and Local Authorities for 50 years and whose work was recognised in 2002 by the award of a CBE for her Services to Education. We would like to apologise to Ms Whatford for the hurt that has been caused < < Newsbriefs > > by the publication of these allegations.

Update on the ORNC supports this plan. The Mums’ Aid Many members and residents Westcombe Society will be More brilliant news – the local WESTCOMBE SOCIETY Members' & Helpers' Party have expressed dismay at the taking part in this research. charity Mumsaid has had yet Mycenae House Saturday 16 th February 8.00 - 10.00pm proposed change in name of the Watch this space. another success. It has been Old Royal Naval College to awarded funding as part of the Invitations went out in mid-January. Please ring Caroline Greenwich Palace and Royal Chariot bows out National Lottery’s ‘Building on 8853 0948 if you did not receive yours. New members Hospital by the custodians of the Chariot will not be renewing Connections’ Fund. The money sitre, the Greenwich Foundation. their licence to run their service will help the organisation to are welcome: come and join on the night, but please let We have now learnt that the from Shooters Hill as from the offer home visits from peer us know in advance by ringing Caroline. Foundation is to commission end of January. supporters for mums who are in further research with focus need. groups over the coming weeks Well done, Invicta Daffodil Tea Sat 16th. March 2.00 - 4.00 pm so that they can hear from as Rebecca Moore told the WN that STOP PRESS: The Daffodil Tea for Senior Citizens is by invitation, and many people as possible on the school was successful in its these will be going out in mid-February. If you haven’t the naming and identity propos - application for a Community Goodbye to the one-way als. This will include local Green Space Grant and has been system in Greenwich had an invitation by then, or are new to the area, and Amenity Societies. awarded £9500 to contribute to town? The Council seeks would like to come, please ring Caroline on 020 8853 0948. The WN understands that the their ‘green wall.’ Thanks to all your views! See page 7 . Royal Borough of Greenwich for your support! COMMUNITY The Christmas Southeastern WEST CO MBE N EW S Regeneration Train Services All editoriAl correspondence to : Craft Fair Rethought he Westcombe Society’s Christmas Craft Market last neville Grant , Editor EMILY NORTON November seems an age ago already, and we should [email protected] T all be grateful to all those who worked so hard to make it ichard Upton is giving the Tel. 020 8858 8489 ome of you may have been caught by such a success, and raise funds for charity. RRichard Grierson Architectural station-skipping as a result of Marilyn Little, Chair of the Westcombe Society, said: S All MAteriAl to Be sent to : Lecture this year. It’s on Tuesday 12th SouthEastern's autumn timetables. The “Yet again we would like to record our sincere thanks [email protected] February at 7.30 pm in The Recital good news is that to date no more station- to all the local traders, and others, for their generous Room in Blackheath Halls. skipping has been announced. deadline for the March 2019 donations. Our donors are listed below.” Richard Upton is an unusual However SouthEastern has announced issue: 16th February. Sue Clark (for sponsoring the Christmas Tree) developer who straddles the boundary a 'Winter Weather Timetable' and a environment editor: Maggie Felicity Lord (the banners) between architecture and developer. 'Severe Winter Weather timetable' which Gravelle David Lloyd , Sue Clark and He believes strongly in heritage and may come in at very short notice if the Burn it Fitness (for giving items for the silent auction.) sub-editor: Annie Grey the quality of buildings, and has a weather forecast is poor or severe. They clear vision of what architecture can roving reporter: Vivienne Raper For the raffles, our thanks are due to several private have also announced that snow and achieve for the wider community reporters: The community – that donors, and to our wonderful local traders: ice-busting trains will work around the beyond its commercial objectives. clock to keep us all moving. means you! Apple and Orange Ottie and the Bea He was involved with the successful The 'Winter Weather Timetable' is B Brown Pravins regeneration of Deptford Market, and essentially a Saturday service and the environMent coMMittee Blackbird Boutique Passion Flower emily norton All queries and the saving of Smithfield Market. He 'Severe Weather timetable is basically Blackheath Pet Supplies Simon Carter comments to: 020 8853 2756 was appointed a Commissioner of two trains an hour. As far as we can tell Boulangerie Jade Sir Barbers [email protected] Historic this year. this applies to SouthEastern services to DIY Standard Sparkes A patron of the arts, he is a Cannon Street only so Thameslink serv - emily norton and Fergus Noone Standard Pharmacy distriBution Fellow of the Royal Society for Arts, ices may run in addition to this. Go West The Voewood volunteers. More volunteers always and a member of the London We are also aware that on January 1st Hortus Well Bean needed - please ring 8853 2756 Advisory Board of Historic England. and 2nd Thameslink ran services down Moca Westcombe Food & Wine Tues 12th Feb. 7.30 pm. Tickets: the Bexleyheath line instead of the AdvertisinG MAnAGer N & R News Westcombe News £15 | £12 concs. | £6 students. Greenwich Line: Thameslink has since Marilyn little, 163 Westcombe Nickys News Hill, se3 7dp 020 8853 1312 said that this was a mistake. A number of [email protected] passengers are likely to have been greatly Wassailing inconvenienced. The Westcombe Society All adverts payable in advance by and GLUG are still lobbying our train cheque to the Westcombe society . in the companies for a more reliable service. displAY: Single column 6cm x 6cm: Meanwhile our best advice is to check One - four issues £35, five-plus issues £30 before you travel whenever you can. The each. Other sizes: please inquire. Pleasaunce classified Ads (Market Place) 30p per word National Rail websites and app have live (A telephone number = one word. An email/ departure pages. web address = 3 words.) Deadline for all If you don't have access to these we adverts is 10th day of the preceding month. suggest you try calling National Rail on printed by: trojan press 03457 48 49 50. (Calls to 03 numbers cost no more than a national rate call to contact the Westcombe society: an 01 or 02 number and must count [email protected] towards any inclusive minutes in the publisher: The Westcombe Society same way as 01 and 02 calls). chairman: Marilyn Little Tel. 020 8853 1312 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The v iews expressed in the Westcombe The Wassail event at the East Greenwich Pleasaunce in News are not necessarily those of the January was enjoyed by over 150 people entertained by From your Editor Westcombe Society or of the Editor. Wassail Crown, Halstow Community Choir, Greenwich We take all reasonable precautions to pro - Morris Men and Morrigan – plus stories from the Holly We are very happy that in addition to tect the interests of our readers by ensuring Man aka @richstories. All celebrated the memorial our helpful proof reader, Annie Gray, as far as possible the bona fides of our orchard that has been run for 5 years by PIP! Planting the WN now has a Roving Reporter, advertisers but cannot accept any responsi - PHOTO: bility for them. Any complaints should be in the Pleasaunce. The cider stall did a brisk trade and Vivienne Raper, whose professional @richstories addressed to the advertiser. many children made Wassail crowns. RICH SYLVESTER skills are much needed. But there is To access back-numbers (in colour) go to: still room and a need for a new www.westcombesociety.org/westcombe-news/ assistant editor to join the team. Views expressed are not necessarily those of either Westcombe Society’s Blog: Training, and lots of back-up provided. http://westcombe.blogspot.com the Westcombe Society, or the Westcombe News. Letters Interested? Pl. ring me on 8858 8489!

WANTED! More volunteers to From: Chris Godwin Vanbrugh Park From: G. Bailey Humber Road From: Ian Bruton-Simmonds Langton Way distribute the WN – and to help with I was very interested in the report of Matthew Between them, the Confederation of British I agree with most of our MP’s views on Brexit Westcombe Society’s community Pennycook’s speech, and was glad that you Industry, the British Chambers of Commerce, statements in January’s WN , particularly that the events. Please phone 8853 published it. However, the first paragraph in the Federation of Small Businesses, the manu - EU, by far our biggest customer, takes 44% of the secon d column on page 1 does not seem to facturers’ association EEF and the Institute of our exports. To cut that percentage by even 5% 2756 if you would like to help. make sense: “and that no deal would be better Directors represent the great majority of would indeed be a catastrophe. than membership” does not follow from the ear - businesses operating in the UK, and are now However, I disagree with his belief that a No Westcombe societY membersHiP lier part of the sentence. After that, it should be aghast at the political in-fighting in Westminster. Deal Brexit (NDB) would be catastrophic. I “However, he argued…” (rather than we ). Your The only way to resolve the issues is by a think that a NDB would be the best move both Please send this membership form to: link to the text of his speech was very helpful. People’s Vote. for us and our friends the EU, because a NDB christine Legg, 69 mycenae road, Ed: Thanks for that. The text should have read The last two decades of our membership of would sweep aside the long-winded fumbles and London, se3 7se “and whether no deal would be better than the EU have seen the UK economy stronger illogicalities of bureaucrats, politicians and membership.” The word that should be whether . than it has been for decades. Our politicians are miscellaneous “experts”. I write this on Name...... The corrected version appears on-line. deeply culpable for not ensuring the prosperity December 5th: and predict that NDB is now the Address...... was not shared round the whole country: those most likely outcome. From: Trevor Allman Coleraine Road who seek to blame the EU are misguided. And ...... So, Seaborne Freight has been awarded a what is far too often overlooked is the fact that From: Pete Sampson Vanbrugh Park Estate Government ferry contract, despite having no The VPE Residents’ Association have created a tel...... we need immigrant workers to help run our ships, no history of running a ferry service, and country: in our NHS, in business and commerce, website for and about the estate (vanbrugh - email: ...... a website with terms and conditions allegedly in agriculture, in our universities, in our care parkestate.com) including detailed information copied and pasted from a takeaway delivery system, and in our construction industry. about the suffragette Emily Wilding Davison Please enclose payment as appropriate: site. The Official Monster Raving Loony Party All the deals on offer are much worse than who lived in Vanbrugh Park. have also applied for a ferry contract, given At an all-residents’ meeting, there was support Family membership £12 [ ] the best: to remain. Mrs May’s deal cedes con - we already have two seaworthy vessels, with for adding a plaque to commemorate this. We’re individual membership £8 [ ] trol to Europe; No Deal damages our trade with more easily obtainable. aware that this wouldn’t be eligible for an senior citizens/unwaged £4 [ ] the EU – and cuts us off from the 91 Deals that the EU already has with countries round the English Heritage blue plaque (as the original world which we would have to renegotiate. building no longer exist) but thought that one of Moreover, turning our country into a small the societies concerned with local heritage could offshore island north of Europe is to reduce its help us obtain a plaque that commemorates it as standing in the world to a minor irrelevance. In the site of her home. We hope that local the EU we were a major player commanding amenity societies such as the Westcombe much respect; outside we would be a mere Society will support us in our endeavours. spectator. Better our voice is heard in Europe than we simply submit to “their” rules in order to trade with them. The rules The contract being awarded should be a that currently exist in Europe were in many formality and crew recruitment will begin cases drawn up by our own representatives; forthwith, should anyone wish to apply. the standards that have been set were very Ed: Let’s hope that Seaborne Freight recruit a largely the result of British input – and have workforce from really reliable outfits like G4 influenced standards around the world. I www.headstart.it or the RMT. vote for a People’s Vote – and to remain.

2 Westcombe News February 2019 LOCAL NEWS

New cultural hub New PLA film & archive

ublic access to a unique river and relied solely on touch rather than sight to in Woolwich Pdocks archive charting the history of find their way about. the River Thames over nearly 250 years Filling two kilometres of shelving, the reenwich Council’s ambitious plans and pop-up theatres received planning has been secured following a new archive details the work of the PLA and its Gfor redeveloping the riverfront at permission last summer. agreement between the Museum of London predecessors from 1770. Woolwich recently attracted coverage in Once the buildings are complete, the and the Port of London Authority. the London Evening Standard. The council council will be setting up the Woolwich is to invest some £40m in the project. Creative District Trust, responsible for The plans are for an arts and media hub overseeing the development and growth of rivalling the South Bank, covering some the project, and is seeking trustees. 160,000 sq feet, and involves repurposing Ideal candidates will be from the a series of historic buildings – including borough and able to demonstrate the munitions factory that used to house experience of not-for-profit governance the Heritage Centre. with organisations of similar scale and Local historians are still smarting over complexity in the cultural sector, or Members of the the improvised plans for access to records creative industries. Professionals in the Port of London that used to be housed in the Heritage sectors of finance, facilities management, Authority police Centre, which also gave space to excellent creative arts, law, leisure and hospitality, force testing exhibitions on local history and culture, education and training, marketing and new life-jackets . and wonder why it could not have been digital transformation are urged to apply. Did they sink, or included as part of the master plan. Cllr Miranda Williams, Cabinet Member swim? Difficult, perhaps, but nor impossible: for Culture, Leisure and the Third Sector (c) PLA the building it was in is to be redeveloped said: “The Woolwich Creative District will as a 4,000-seat performance venue. Also create around 400 new jobs and attract To mark the milestone, the PLA has also Parts of it are showcased in a permanent planned is a 600-seat open-air courtyard investment in the creative industries.” issued a new YouTube film about its display at the Museum of London, theatre, and a small 450-seat studio theatre. archive, housed at the Museum of London Docklands on West India Quay. The intention is to provide rehearsal space For an information pack please contact: Docklands since 2003. The film has a The collection includes more than for theatre companies and individual Volunteer Centre Greenwich diverse cast list, including: 40,000 photographs, some dating back to artists. Phase 1 covering restoration work Telephone: 020 8317 3817 Field Marshall Montgomery thanking the 1850s, and more than 5,000 boxes of dockers for keeping the docks operational architectural and engineering plans of the during World War II. docks. In addition, there ae 5,000 paint - News from the MHA Trust Giraffes arriving in the docks en route for ings and drawings, 500 maps, and 350 London Zoo in 1946 reels of film, many showing the riggers, Chipperfield Circus elephants landing in stevedores, lightermen, and riggers – and he Mental Health Activity Trust MHA the retail environment can only work if the UK in the 1950s and the port's own rat catcher, with his dog. TTrust is closing the doors to its shop in there is a team within it. In this industry it The port's first female police officers, The archivist, Fiona Keates, said: “The Delacourt Road. The last day of trading is tough to hold on to the team.’’ recruited in 1954 archive's rich content is an invaluable will be 29th March 2019, the end of an era. The Charity has been working on a recent Also featured is a PLA diver from the resource for students, academics, and 5 years in the making of the cheapest pilot study this year where it put ten new 1930s in full protective gear, when their members of the public.” charity shop in a 20 mile radius, a drop-in volunteers into other organisations and work regularly involved raising wrecks, as You can inspect items from the archive for people to come and chat, and a place businesses. They get the same treatment as well as checking under water structures. that are of interest to them via portriverar - for lots of activities. other staff; however, there are many more Due to the murkiness of the river, they chive @museumoflondon.org.uk Many people will be shocked by the opportunities, and four more volunteers news.. The MHA Trust shop has been a have been offered full-time positions. life-line for many who have worked there Toni Hale told the WN : “This is fantas - and who work there now. tic news for the charity, it needs to move Though the shop will close, the charity with the times. Having the shop was great Our local police will continue to do the great work it has and backed up our previous research but done for the last 7 years. With over 59 this new way will get more people into he Blackheath & Westcombe Safer "Voice your concerns". This section of the people in paid employment and helping work quicker. Isn’t that our end goal? We TNeighbourhood Team, (SNT) is a website is a place for you to tell the SNT over 2000 people with welfare rights, it’s a are still here to help and support people, as group of Met police officers dedicated to what you're most concerned about in your legacy that will need to continue. we have been for the last seven years.’’ serving the local community. neighbourhood. The results of this poll will Toni Hale the Founder & Director states, If you need help and support please Each SNT is made up of officers be used to inform on policing priorities. “You need to know that within the shop, email [email protected] including at least one Police Sergeant, two These priorities are discussed and set at Dedicated Ward Officers (PCs) and one regular ward panel meetings, which the Police Community Support Officer team attend. If you would like to find out (PCSO) who are based in your area. These more about these ward panel meetings, News from officers are supported in their work by please use the contact details below. emergency response team officers and SmartWater (a traceable property aving worked at the London Wildlife One interesting development is an additional officers from the wider area. marking kit) is currently available for Centre until last year, Helen Wallis investigation by archeologist Graham H Your local SNT works closely with local distribution to the following roads: has become Partnership and Community Keevill of the construction of the Giant authorities, community leaders, neighbour - Kidbrooke Grove, Kidbrooke Park Road, Engagement officer (PACE) in the park. Steps below the Wolf Statue. There has hood watch schemes and local residents to Kidbrooke Gardens, Liskeard Gardens, Her plan is to consult park-users and been some concern in the past about soil decide the policing priorities for the area. Humber Road, St Johns, Langton Way, local communities about a new project, erosion. This feature dates from the 1660s On the home page of the Met Police Coleraine Road, Heathway, Westcombe Greenwich Park Revealed, and develop and was part of Charles II’s restoration of website there is a section that says, ‘Find Park Road, Westcombe Hill, Glenluce pilot projects for the park. the park. The research will form part of a your area’. If you enter your location here Road and Ulundi Road. Please email the “We want to cover four themes,” said report to Historic England on the history of it will bring up details of your local SNT. SNT if you live in any of these roads and Helen. “They are: biological enhancements the Giant Steps, and how to manage the You can also get the latest crime statistics, would like a free-of-charge kit. and tree replacement; volunteering and feature in the future. and advice. Residents can also help with E-mail: training opportunities; landscape restora - To learn more please ring 07817 882135 appeals for information and can find out [email protected] tion; and the Learning Centre.” oremail [email protected] how the SNT is tackling crime in the area. Telephone: 0208 721 2635 Public consultations to discuss these There is also a section for you to themes are to be held from 10.00 am - 4.00 pm near the Pavilion Cafe Bandstand on Great Cross Avenue on these days: r. G. Austin * Thursday 21st February (Established 1963 * Sunday 24th February Heating Engineers, * Thursday 11th April Property Maintenance, * Sunday 14th April. Electrics, Painting, AS The consultation process will include G Decorating, Plumbing, SAFE information about new volunteering opportunities. These include researchers Central Heating, for new talks and walks, gardening, Shower and Bathroom Specialists mobility drivers, education, community 2A Hassendean Rd, Blackheath SE3 8TS archeology and Park Ambassadors to Telephone: 0208 858 7359 meet and greet visitors. and to give them [email protected] information about the park. Westcombe News February 2019 3 FEATURES John Roan A gift from Greenland’s melting ice ' ' ' ' ' ' ' Facing School (cont. from page 1) up to The John Roan campaigners firmly believe that the school should stay under local authority control. The campaigning Obesity group Parents for John Roan are now recent report in the Mercury high - calling on our MP, Matt Pennycook, lighted the problem of childhood David Gardner and the head, Cath Smith, obesity. It quotes a Public Health to do everything they can to halt the acad - A England report indicating that six of the emisation process. ten councils with the highest levels of Greenwich Council deputy leader and childhood obesity are in South London: education cabinet member, David Gardner, Greenwich, Lewisham and Bexley are all made these comments to the WN : above the national average. Greenwich “As a former long-standing John Roan has the third highest obesity rates in governor, I know what a special place the PHOTO: Malcolm Hardy London. school has in the local Westcombe Park In Greenwich over 40% of children are community on top of its historic and These blocks of ice from Greenland by Scandinavian artist Olafor Eliasson were overweight. In England, the average for enduring relationship with Greenwich. placed outside Tate Modern to demonstrate the reality of Global Warming. 11-year-olds is 33% – which is already “While it has had some incredibly tough ooking for a New Year Resolution global warming, but don’t do a great deal unacceptably high. In 2017, Greenwich challenges these last few years, I do have that’s worth keeping? More, that’s about it. Like many of our politicians. was among the first London boroughs to confidence that with the support of local L really necessary? Look no further! Millions of people know there is a launch a Sugar Smart scheme, which parents and the wider community as well Last year, global greenhouse-gas problem, but are not engaged enough to asked local institutions to take action to as the outstanding leadership of the new emissions reached a record high, and the stimulate the changes needed to stop it. promote healthier, lower-sugar alternatives Head, Cath Smith, its resilience, spirit, United Nations released a landmark report This is the first book to investigate and it gained support from 18 organisa - dedication and huge reservoir of talent saying that nations around the world need climate apathy – describing how apathy tions. The council is now planning to will pull it through. to take unprecedented actions to cut their prevents action to stop climate change, reduce obesity in the borough through new “As much as I oppose any forced carbon emissions over the next decade. and showing how it can be beaten with a well-being strategies, and a specific academisation and the government’s Also, a new report says that ocean political campaigning strategy. healthy weight action plan. ridiculous legislation, I would strongly warming is accelerating at a 40% higher Political leaders from around the globe Parents and guardians can play an urge the Regional Schools Commissioner rate than was thought. should be made to realise that it’s an issue important role, but much can be done to take strong account of the school's According to a report published in late that needs to be dealt with much more through improved dietary requirements traditions, ethos and the need to continue December by REN*, Britain leads the firmly – certainly more proactively than for school meals, and building physical being rooted in its community in the world only in the amount it has cut invest - those attending the recent climate change activities into the school day. selection of a new sponsor.” ment in solar and wind energy. And state conference in Poland. If we care, we need However, while the Borough might be subsidies to oil and gas continue to distort to persuade others to care too. If enough able to influence matters in local authority the market’s slow progress to clean energy. people think this way, our politicians will schools, there is no such leverage available A Fresh Look The Climate Majority by Leo Barasi is get the message: voters who care about the in schools that have been academised. not about the climate change deniers or the future of the planet can win elections. At Christianity climate change activists. It’s about * Redes Energéticas Nacionais based in What about adults? apathy – about those who may talk about Portugal The hard work to tackle obesity in t George’s Church is happy to Greenwich has been recognised with the Sannounce the launch of its new course A drama for those who Best Practice award 2017 from the exploring matters of faith entitled: “THE Association for the Study Of Obesity. GALILEE COURSE - A fresh look at The Bariatric Consultancy, which delivers Christianity for inquiring minds.” grow younger, not older the service on behalf of Greenwich CCG Designed by the Rev Tim Yeager, the (Clinical Commissioning Group), has been o to Trieste, and you will see law’s paint factory first in Trieste, course will meet on Thursday nights singled out for praise. a statue of James Joyce; and later in Charlton. He was an beginning on the 14th of February, at St G Increasing obesity is directly linked to a go to Charlton, SE London enthusiastic supporter of George’s Church on Glenluce Road. The rise in Type 2 diabetes and is a major risk and you will see a blue Charlton Football Club, the format begins with a simple meal at 7:30, factor in developing certain cancers. plaque to his friend Aron Addicks, and he was featured in followed by a talk with a slide show or The 4 healthy weight Greenwich is a Schmitz. It’s at 61 Charlton the WN in 2017*. video on a key topic, and then discussion specialist weight management service for Church Lane. As a Man Grows Younger is a in small groups, ending by 9:30 pm. patients with severe and complex morbid As we contemplate the leap in play for one voice by Howard There will be eight sessions, with the obesity. The service is accessed by 400 the dark that is Brexit, it is so easy to Colyer a former resident of Vanbrugh final one on the 4th of April. Participants patients a year. forget the close cultural and historical links Park. What does a man think as he waits are encouraged to attend all the sessions, Patients accepted onto the programme between the British Isles and Europe – for a knock on the door by the Fascist but you are also welcome to attend any have 15 months intensive support (a three and role that their citizens have played secret police? The play is set in Italy in one or more of them. It is designed as an month rigorous treatment phase followed beyond the countries of their birth. the 1920s, and is inspired by the friendship introduction to Christianity for the curious, by a maintenance plan). Dr Ellen Wright, Born in Trieste (in Austria-Hungary) as between two writers – Svevo and James but seeks to offer new insights for more Clinical Chair of NHS Greenwich CCG Aron Ettore Schmitz to a Jewish German Joyce, and their roads from obscurity to experienced Christians as well. said: “It can be difficult for people who father and an Italian mother, Italo Svevo fame. Bible stories will be examined in the are overweight to seek help.” was one of seven children, and grew up [* See the WN for July/August 2017 p.4 light of their historical and social context, This service has been designed as an enjoying a passion for literature from a for an article on Italo Svevo by Irena and a variety of perspectives will be alternative treatment to weight-loss young age, reading Goethe, Schiller, Morvai Hill and Vesna Domany Hardy.] offered on questions such as the meaning surgery. It is located in GP surgeries and Shakespeare and the classics of Russian The play is produced by Irena Hill of In- of the Kingdom of God and the community locations across the borough and Italian literature. Despite his German Words, formerly of Foyle Road – and Trieste. Resurrection, including those of contem - of Greenwich, including: name Svevo thought of himself as Italian, The play is on at the Brockley Jack, 40 porary progressive thinkers. Eltham Community Hospital and that was the language he wrote in . Brockley Road London SE24 2DH from Participants are invited to explore their Gallions Reach Known to some as “the man with the Tuesday 19th - Sat. 23rd Feb at 7.30 pm own faith questions in a friendly and Millennium Village Peninsula Practice split personality,” Italo Svevo led multiple Tickets £16 | £13 concs. on line from welcoming environment. The course is Charlton Carers lives. He was a man of letters, a bank brockleyjack.co.uk,or phone 0333 666 3366 free and open to the public. For information on how to cope with clerk, and the manager of his father-in- (£1.50 booking fee for phone sales only.) For more information or to register for obesity, visit the NHS Choices website. the course, contact Rev Tim Yeager at: Grant Saw Wealth Management Limited [email protected] or JOHN DANN FURNITUREMAKER call: 020 3633 5494. - EST. 1984 INDEPENDENT PERSONAL and High quality bespoke fitted and CORPORATE FINANCIAL ADVISERS freestanding furniture Investments - Pensions - Estate Planning made to your requirements. 2 Charlton Road. Blackheath Standard A fresh look at Christianity Repair and restoration work London SE3 7EX (T) 020 3417 9760 for enquiring minds also undertaken. email: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] website: www.gswealth.co.uk. Website: johndannfurniture.co.uk HELPING YOU PLAN YOUR FUTURE Tel.0208 852 3047 or 07837 859763 Grant Saw Wealth Management Ltd. is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

4 Westcombe News February 2019 WHAT’S ON

Arts tHe WestcoMBe societY MUSIC BLACKHEATH HALLS THE ARTS SOCIETY, GREENWICH Sat 16 th Feb Members and Helpers Party Box office: 020 8463 0100 King William Court, Univ. of Greenwich Sat March 16 th - Daffodil Tea Mon 4th. Feb 1.10pm GODDESS OF BEAUTY All lectures start at 7.45. Wine served from 7.15. Sat 20 th April - Easter Egg Hunt in 1.10pm. Iuno Connolly soprano & Dylan Perez Monday 11th February 2019: WOMEN BEHIND piano perform Brahms etc. Free, donations. THE LENS - Talk by Brian Stater Mycenae gardens Wed 6th Feb. 7.30pm Great Hall Trinity Laban Visitors welcome, please pay at the door Sun 15 th Sept - Macmillan Walk Soloists Competition Final THE ARTS SOCIETY, BLACKHEATH Fri 27 th Sept - Macmillan Coffee Fri 8th Feb. 7.30 Great Hall SHAPESHIFTER Thurs. 28th Feb. Doug Gillan on HIDDEN CAN - Morning CONCERT Beethoven Symphony No. 8, and other VASSES: STREET ART AND THE CITY 2.00pm. Sat 26 th Oct - Quiz Night works.. Free, but booking required. with tea and coffee, and lectures at 2.30. Venue is St Sun 10th. Feb. 11.00 am Recital room Yoanna Mary's Church Hall, Cresswell Park Blackheath Prodanova & Mihai Ritiviou perform Faure, Janáček Visitors welcome, please pay on the door. coMMunitY Printing in Blackheath & Chopin £10 | £8.00 THE GREENWICH GALLERY since 1978 Thu 21st Feb. & Fri 22nd Feb. Trinity Laban per - Until Feb 17th: NICK RAYNSFORD - Visual BLACKHEATH & GREENWICH WOMEN’S From your ideas or Artwork form a cross-disciplinary festival with music and Geometry. More stunning photographs from our INSTITUTE Meets first Wednesday of every month, dance 2.00 & 7.00pm Free, booking required. we can print at a former MP Linear House, Peyton Place, London doors open at 7.00pm for 7.30pm at Sunfields Sun. 24th Feb. 3.00 pm FROM RUSSIA WITH reasonable cost: SE10 8RS www.thegreenwichgallery.com Methodist Church on Old Dover Road • Business cards BLACKHEATH BRIDGE CLUB duplicate sessions LOVE Stuart Jackson tenor & Jocelyn Freeman piano THE BLACKHEATH ART SOCIETY perform Liszt’s Petrarch Sonnets , plus Tosti, Britten • Invoices • Letterheads The next Exhibition of artists’ work is at West in Mycenae House Mon & Thurs 7.15pm and on Wed at 1.15pm. Newcomers welcome. Bridge lessons on Prokoviev and Rachmaninov • Books • Brochures Greenwich Library, 146, Greenwich High Road Mon 25th Feb 1.10 pm Annie Yim plays Beethoven, • Forms • Invites E10 8NN 29th Jan. - to 1st March . Viewing during Tuesday evenings 7.15 pm. Tel. Ivy 8293 5354 SUNDAYS AT SUNFIELDS at Sunfields Methodist etc. Free, but a retiring donation. • Wedding StationEry normal Library hours - .daily except Monday morn - Wed 27th Feb. 6.00pm Alexander Roche, guitar, ings, Wednesdays and Sundays. Church 95 Old Dover Road, Blackheath SE3 8SJ Lunch! 1.00 - 4.00 pm First Sunday every month. plays de Falla, Villa-Lobos & Toru Takemitsu. Free, 1a Lizban st booking required. cHildren & FAMilY ALL older people and their carers are welcome FREE, blackheath, London se3 8ss so please do just come along Fri March 1st. 6.00pm Trinity Laban tel: 020 8853 2268 GREENWICH THEATRE CROOMS HILL Symphony Orchestra perform Dvořák’s The Wild Dove and his The Water Goblin email: [email protected] 2nd - 3rd Feb THE SINGING MERMAID tHeAtre and perForMAnce Feb. 9th - 10th OSKAR’S AMAZING ADVEN - www.trojanpress.com TURE . A puppy looks for friendship in the Alps THE GREENWICH THEATRE, Crooms Hill, BLACKHEATH MUSIC APPRECIATION Feb 21st. ILLUSION CONFUSION London SE10 8ES Box Office: 8858 7755 GROUP: THE BARD AT BLACKHEATH Feb 22nd MIRROR, MIRROR Feb 1st-3rd THE SHY MANIFESTO Matthew Taylor Lectures on music inspired by the works of Shakespeare THE ALBANY, DEPTFORD Feb 5th - 16th THE TEMPEST by W. Shakespeare Monday mornings at 10 am) at Blackheath Halls Friday 1 February, 7pm & Sunday 3 February, Feb 17th JOE SOLO comical, or political...? (two at Charlton House) £11 per session - start 1pm & 3pm. £7 / £24 family ticket. Ages 9+. Feb 19th ROUSE YE WOMEN with a free taster. For Beginners and experienced CHINA PLATE PRESENTS 25th - 28th Feb. THE SHROUD MAKER Gallows alike For more info, contact Lionel Lewis on ROMEO & JULIET - MAD BLOOD STIRRING humour from Gaza 020 8297 1075 or [email protected] The audience is guided through the story in March 1st - 3rd THE ODYSSEY with the contemporary language spoken by our narrator – the Pantaloons Friar. Featuring live music and projection THE ALBANY, DEPTFORD Saturday 9 February (Canada Water Theatre) & With 3 for 2 ticket offer. Sunday 24 March (The Albany), 1pm & 3pm. £7 / Thurs. 14 / Fri. 15th Feb. 7pm. £24 family ticket. Ages 3+. LYNGO THEATRE Luca Rutherford’s POLITICAL PARTY SPECTRUM PRESENTS JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Luca is fed up with politicis. So she is throwing a Expect lots of surprises from Cbeebies’s Patrick party. A political party . £10 / £8. Ages 14+. Painters & Decorators Lynch as he tells the classic fairy tale Tues. 26th & Wednesday 27th Feb. 7.30pm. Interior/Exterior Sunday 10th. Feb., 1pm & 3.00pm. £7 / £24 family THE HEAD WRAP DIARIES : Three fierce and ticket. TARA ARTS & POLKA THEATRE Present witty female characterstell us some stories: Dance No job too Small THREE SAT UNDER THE BANYAN TREE theatre £14 / £10. Ages 5+ Clean and Reliable Wonderous animal stories brought to life with gor - Fri 1st March, 7.30pm, Sat. 2nd March, 2.00pm & geous masks, movement and music. Based on The 7.30pm. ‘FLIGHTPATHS’ The Goze were blind Free Estimates Panchatantra – India’s Aesop’s Fables. Ages 7+ storytellers who travelled mediaeval Japan making a living from their epic tales. In this production, three 30 Years Experience BLACKHEATH HALLS visually impaired performers from Japan, Nigeria Sat 9th Feb 1.15 pm The Walrus and the Carpenter and the US follow their example to tell contemporary £6 Ages 4+ Parental guidance 020 8853 2759 or 0795 0815412 stories of migration to the UK. £14 / £10. Ages 14+ Sat 23rd Feb. 11.00am & 3.00pm Hansel and Gretal All shows feature an integrated audio description Email: paulgammon.pg@google - £8.50 Ages 3+ and you can book a free, pre-show touch tour. mail.com SHERINGTON CHILDREN’S CENTRE, Tel. 0208 – 3053140 - 14, Sherington Road SE7 7JW THE ALEXANDRA PLAYERS DAD’S STAY AND PLAY session every Wednesday, Feb 20th - 23rd 8.00pm at The Alexandra Hall, 1.00pm -2.30pm –free drop in Sherington Children’s Bramshot Avenue. DROWNING ON DRY LAND CLEONA LIRA – 2PLAN WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD. Centre, all home dads welcome Each 2nd Saturday of by Sir Alan Ayckbourn. Charlie Conrad is a celebrity the month – 10,00am -11.30am – free brunch/arts and famous for just being a celebrity. Then he meets INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVISER, CHARTERED STATUS. craf t Contact [email protected] for Marsha...... and all that fame turns to dust. SPECIALIST IN INVESTMENTS, PENSIONS & ETHICAL INVESTMENTS. more details, www.selondondads.org.uk Box Office 07867 627 987 £9.00 | £8.00 spoKen Word Address: Heron Tower, 13th Floor, 110 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4AD BLACKHEATH HALLS Feb 12th 7.30 pm Richard Upton lectures on Email: [email protected] (T): 0207 112 4968 Regeneration Rethought. See page 2. Wed 13th Feb. 8.00pm Henry Macrory gives a talk on Website: http://cleonamarialira.2plan.com/ Blog: http://cleonalira.co.uk/ Ultimate Folly: The Rises and Falls of Whitaker Wright £10 inc glass of wine. 2plan Wealth Management Ltd is authorised and regulated Sat 2nd March 8.00pm Killing Time with Jo Caulfield by the Financial Conduct Authority. A funny Ozzie perspective on life in Oz and UK Tickets £15.00 It is entered on the Financial Services Register IN-WORDS (www.fca.org.uk) under reference 461598. Feb. 19th-23rd at The Brockley Jack Studio: a new ven - ture for Irena as producer of a dramatic monologue written by Howard Colyer and directed by Kate Bannister, As a Man Grows Younger - on being a writer under the fascist regime in 1920s Italy, and being friends Learning is fun with James Joyce... Tickets £12.50. Available online through: www.ticketsource.co.uk/in-words-ltd Susan Clark Interiors St Olave’s is a Prep School in Visit in-words.co.uk for more information. New Eltham for boys and girls INDUSTRIAL HISTORY SOCIETY aged 3-11 years 19th Feb. 7.30pm David Cuffley talks on Discovering histo - ry of a house - case study: Salutation Alley Woolwich ! Broad, child-centred curriculum Meeting in the Old Bakehouse, behind Age Exchange. ! Excellent results in the 11+ BLACKHEATH SCIENTIFC SOCIETY selection 19th Feb . 7.30pm Old Bakehouse, SAge Exchange, Bennett iors Park David Cuffley. Discovering history of a house -case Inter Clark ! Clubs, outings and residential study Salutation Alley Woolwich Susan trips ! Excellent pastoral care ! Small classes MYcenAe House live events: February ! Specialist staff for PE, IT,Music, French and Drama MYCENAE HOUSE, Mycenae Road SE3 Fri 1st Feb 6.30pm - A Night of Young Musicians. Featuring ! Sibling fee reduction 113 Humber Rd Casima, Leon Tilbrook and Cypher. £3. London SE3 7LW ! Before and after school care Thurs 7th Feb 7.30pm - Steve Knightly. Roadworks Tour 020 8294 8930 2019 - more songs & stories from the road. £18. Complete renovation to Decoration, Construction, Project Te l : Fri 8th Feb 8pm - JazzNights. Candlit Live Jazz music event www.stolaves.org.uk hosted by Dave Silk. £10. Management Interior Design, Kitchens & Bathrooms Fri 15th Feb 7.30pm - Global Fusion Chinese New Year Bespoke Curtains & Blinds, JoineryUpholstery, Event. Great night of dancing, singing and lots of fun! Furniture, Gifts, Cards Sat 23rd Feb 1pm - Total SILC Workshop. Learn a ground- breaking new dance syllabus dedicated to a vast & eclectic Tel. 0208 305 2299 range of slow-tempo, contemporary music. £30. www.susanclarkinteriors.com For further information visit www.mycenaehouse.co.uk

Westcombe News February 2019 5 FEATURES John Kemmis – The Children’s Champion When we We are very sad to report the death on December 12th. of local resident John Kemmis. The WN pays tribute to moved here his life in an interview carried out shortly before he died. Gabi Marston

here was a time when children at hen we mentioned to our friends in risk were shunted around from care WNorth West London in the late fifties Thome to foster family, then back to that we were planning to move to South care home, another foster family ….. and East London, the news was met with so on: without being consulted on what disparaging remarks. they wanted, or needed. The System was Then, as now, there was a condescending In Charge. attitude, with the Thames as the dividing The National Charity Voice (formerly boundary. The Voice for the Child in Care (VCC) Our reasons for moving were: lower started to change all that – largely through house prices, the Royal Park, green spaces, the efforts of its second executive director, the river, historic buildings, good schools, our neighbour, John Kemmis. and easy access to the Kent countryside. For more than 30 years, VCC provided While none of these advantages have specialist advice and training services for diminished, after sixty years here I want to professionals in the care field with the aim add yet another: the kindness and of helping children give voice to their own consideration shown to me in my eighties needs. They were thus enabled to tell the by people, particularly at the Standard and children’s courts in their own words that a in East Greenwich. given children’s home had not served their On shopping trips to the nearby facilities, needs well; or that they did not want to be He eventually became an area manager “A good advocate can ensure a child is I am almost invariably offered help with split up from their sibling(s); or that they in Wandsworth, where his brief became properly heard and their rights respected. opening and holding open the doors of did not want to live with a parent, step- much wider than children’s issues, but he They also give children an independent shops (these usually have strong closing parent or guardian that the System might retained a special interest in children’s person to turn to when boxed in, feeling springs) and enquiries if I need help with have deemed appropriate; or that their welfare. It seemed to him that there was a isolated, or, in extreme cases, are being loading my “walker” into the boot of my foster home was not working out well. need for systemic change that could only abused.” car. So I would like to thank all these It was largely through the dedication, be dealt with politically; which is why he I asked John what he was most proud of unknown people for adding to the joy of and persistence, of John Kemmis that joined Voice for the Child in Care (VCC) in his life. He thought for a moment, and living in SE3 VCC achieved what has now become where he became Chief Executive. then said: “First my family (he and Sue (almost) normal in some areas, at least. Since then, the organisation has mutated, have four children and nine grandchildren); Gabi also sent in this poem - How many of us neighbours are aware of first into Voice, and then joining the Coram and then, of course, VCC.” “Inspired,” she says, “ by Wendy Cope all the good work he has done? group of charities to become Coram Voice. Of course. N.G. and the arrival of ‘A Christmas Letter’...” John and his wife Sue have lived in But the main function remains the same: Greenwich since 1972, for ten years or so to offer help (called advocacy) to young Grandchidren on Royal Hill, and then in Westcombe people who are living in care or have A case study Can be a joy Park. Educated at Downside, and then recently left care as well as providing No matter whether Oxford, John acknowledges that he comes support to young offenders in the prison “I could not live They be girl of boy. from a privileged background – yet he system. They can also help children if they But those I’ve never has dedicated his life to the welfare of cannot live at home any more and feel they with my mother.” Clapped eyes on children. The WN asked how he got this need extra support and services. Currently, Or seen urge to serve society? there are about 68,000 children and young Sonya is fifteen and an only child. On the horizon? “I think it started in primary school, people reliant on the state for their care and She has never known her father. Though to boast of them where I was bullied by a sadistic teacher,” wellbeing; 378,000 more need some level Her mother is a Jehovah’s Witness, Is endemic, says John. “Ever since then, I have had of support from children’s services. and very strict. Sonya’s advocate My interest must be this urge to stick up for the underdog.” tells her story. Academic. The impact of austerity Teaching in Poplar The government’s austerity measures have onya was more or less a prisoner in her Of course mine So it was that on leaving Oxford, John created an increasing need for the work of Sown home, forbidden to socialise after Are fine became a supply teacher in Poplar; this such organisations. John says: school or at weekends. When her mother So beautiful gave him an insight at first hand into some “In the face of the closure of youth went out she would lock up the TV, the video And clever ... of the serious issues that face many provision, children’s centres and many and the telephone so Sonya couldn’t use To tell you about them members of society: for example, children community-based voluntary organisations, them. Would take forever who are poorly educated, and who have together with changes in welfare benefits, Sonya had gone to Social Services many So I’ll refrain.... correspondingly poor expectations. we should not be surprised by the rise in times asking to be put into care. Sometimes “Many of the secondary school children I they said no, other times they said if she knife crime and increasing numbers of ‘excellence‘excellence throughthrough effort’effort’ taught could barely read and write,” he children coming into care.” went home they would find something. But JAMES REMOVALS JAMES REMOVALS BAR MEMBER NO. JO28 said. “I went to the headteacher and said The children’s advocacy services remain they never did. JR .com.com we needed to tell the feeder schools – the very patchy across the country; a new Sonya could not carry on living with her mother so she left. After seven months, G Fully trained local primary schools – that they needed to campaign led by Article 39 , spearheaded uniformed staff staying with friends and her boyfriend’s do something about it.” by some 40 organisations, including Coram G Full insurance family, she found herself homeless. included in As a fresh young supply teacher, his Voice, has been launched to ensure that ALL quotes voice fell on deaf ears, so he decided to G Prompt free children and young people can access an Reaching a compromise estimates take matters into his own hands. He set up independent advocate whenever needed. She contacted Social Services and was told G On-site literacy classes, run by volunteers. He also containerised Call Independent advocates are necessary, about a Refuge. She was also put in touch storage set about broadening the children’s because advocates employed by the state with VCC and given an advocate. G Discounts for 0800 0157775 long-term storage for a free survey or visit horizons, and raising the consciousness or local authorities can be placed under A meeting was arranged with Social G Well-established jamesremovals.comjamesremovals.com of the childen as to what was possible: some pressure (due to financial constraints Services, who still refused to find her a family business toto requestrequest aa G Pianos – our forte quotation online by organising extra-curricular activities: and other factors) not to “rock the boat”. In place in a home or with a foster family. visits to cinemas and theatres, picnics John’s words: “So many decisions are Instead a compromise was arranged. Social and camping trips, and the like. John even driven by money at the expense of what Services agreed to fund Sonya to stay with a family she knew through some friends of managed to persuade Michael Caine to the child or you person really needs. visit the school – an ideal role-model. hers. Sonya agreed to this. Social Services Article 39 formed in 2015 and became agreed to speak to her mother about the Social work registered with the Charity Commission arrangement. Sonya agreed to meet her However, it was clear that the problems in March 2016. The United Nations mother at a meeting with Social Services for facing the schoolchildren were more Convention on the Rights of the Child a “reconciliation” meeting. deep-rooted than education, and he grants children living apart from their New family enrolled on a social workers’ course in families the right to special protection Sonya moved to the new family. She has Hull to train as a child care officer. There and assistance. Our focus is on making managed to continue at her school and is he met his wife Sue, a teacher of music sure children who suffer abuse studying for nine GCSEs. She hopes that her and French, who has been a stalwart and neglect are able to recover in relationship with her mother will eventually supporter in all his endeavours. For some environments which nurture their health, be repaired. (Sonya is not her real name.) years John worked as a social worker and self-respect and dignity. [From Shout to be heard - Stories from Young then team leader in both Wandsworth and https://article39.org.uk/donate/ People in Care. Published by VCC 1998, edited Greenwich. by Tamsin Growney] 6 Westcombe News February 2019 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 Tesco To UPVC or not to UPVC? Tower MAGGIE GRAVELLE looks at the pros and cons

uch of Westcombe Park lies in a con - timber frames but the Wood Window and may be recycled.” However, if uPVC Mservation area with properties from Alliance claim that 'lifetime cost', taking is disposed of by burning, it gives off toxic the late Victorian and Edwardian periods. into account the durability of wood, makes fumes. The Council's Westcombe Park uPVC more expensive than timber. This is Conservation Area Character Appraisal, disputed by some manufacturers and by the Appearanc e maintenance and a lterability 2010, which informs planning decisions, Swiss Institute for Testing Materials, One reason why many conservation areas discourages the replacement of timber which claimed in 1996 that there was no oppose the use of uPVC windows and window frames and doors with uPVC. difference in durability. doors is that they do not match with the here are occasions when planning It states that, “Many of the Victorian and style of historic buildings. Tdecisions outside our immediate area Edwardian buildings have retained their Energy conservation Since plastic is not as strong as timber have an impact on Westcombe Park. One original timber sash and mullione A consideration by householders choosing the window frames have to be thicker in such is the application to build a 34-storey windows. However a few have been replacement windows is often energy con - order to support the same area of glass. block of flats on the site of the former replaced with unsympathetic uPVC servation. Double glazed units are often uPVC degrades more rapidly in sunlight Tesco car park in Lewisham. frames.” uPVC and it is claimed that uPVC tends to than timber and cannot easily be mended A representative of the WS environment Their Supplementary Planning be more energy efficient. All materials if damaged. committee attended the planning meeting Guidance, 2016 suggests, “Extensions can be made into double glazed units and In addition, uPVC cannot be painted in December in order to support the local should respect the original architectural the energy efficiency depends on the type and the range of colours is very limited. opposition to this development. features and detailing of the dwelling and of glass, the gap between the panes and However, manufacturers are increasing the The proposal, which had been rejected should be designed to complement the what fills this gap rather than on the range of styles of windows they produce in April, is for what Meyer Homes call a dwelling in terms of windows, doors, material of the frame. and many of them are very similar in 'marker' building which, they argue, will openings, roofs and materials. appearance to the historic originals. form a focal point for the development of “UPVC replacement windows and Manufacturing process So there are advantages and disadvan - the townscape. Lewisham is identified in doors will be discouraged where they To date this is one of the main areas of dif - tages to uPVC, and obtaining independent the Mayor's London Plan as a possible would be detrimental to the character of a ference between the two materials. The advice is not easy. Some websites such as 'town centre of Metropolitan importance' conservation area.” production of plastic is environmentally those listed below might help in taking and this proposal would be part of the Many choose uPVC ( which stands for damaging, with some research claiming decisions: continuing growth of the area. unplasticized polyvinylchloride) because it that 43% of uPVC is made of (non-renew - http://www.haysomwardmiller.co.uk/resources/u Local objectors argued that little in the is advertised as being cheaper, energy able) oil products and that the waste prod - pvc.pdf proposal had changed since the earlier efficient and more durable than timber. ucts, some of which are toxic, are mainly https://sashwindowexperts.com/our- services/replacement-or-restoration/ rejection and that the height of the tower However, the Westcombe Society often disposed of in landfill. It also takes more https://www.wwf.org.uk/sites/default/files/2017- was excessive. Those residents who live opposes planning applications that include energy to manufacture plastic than timber. 06/windows_0305.pdf closest to the building were eloquent in uPVC replacement frames on the grounds Manufacturers of uPVC claim that www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/ their criticisms, demonstrating how over- that they are unsound environmentally, recent improvements in production have http://www.tangram.co.uk/TI-Glazing- powering and obtrusive it would be. unsustainable and unsightly. reduced the negative environmental effects. Windows.pdf (n.b this is a report from 2004) There were strong concerns too about http://www.greenne.com/sustainable-design-and- The Westcombe Society’s environment They also argue that timber is not as well manufacture-timber-vs-upvc-window-frames/ housing provision: in the Conington Road committee are also working with the managed or as sustainable as is sometimes https://sunhomedesign.wordpress.com/tag/vinyl- development, only 20% of the units were Council to apply for an Article 4 Directive: maintained. window-frame-environmental-issues/ affordable, and only 7% available for this would increase planning powers, https://www.ribaproductselector.com social rent. There are some 10,000 people including replacement windows and doors, Sustainability https://www.safestyle-windows.co.uk/ask-an- on the housing waiting list in Lewisham. expert/useful-information-and-top-tips in the conservation area. Timber, particularly fast-growing soft The Westcombe Society, on behalf of wood, is more sustainable than plastic. In Would you be nterested in the work of the residents and the BJWP, objected to the Cost and durability general plastic is not easily recycled Environment Committee? If so please contact impact that the tower would have on the Manufacturers often argue that uPVC is whereas timber is biodegradable. the Westcombe Society Environment Committee 'open and natural aspect' of views across cheaper or similar in cost to replacement However, the Energy Saving Trust on the heath. However, the application was argue that “uPVC frames last a long time [email protected] approved by a small majority. M.G. The Council’s Transport plans Maggie Gravelle Rent-a-Bike scheme takes off reenwich’s Local Implementation ou can now borrow an e-bike for only strength and flexibility, improved joint GPlan – basically the Royal Borough’s Y£10 a month, as part of a scheme to mobility, and decreased stress levels - the LOCAL DRESSMAKER required response to the Mayor’s Transport improve air quality and get people active. list goes on, really. Strategy – was a big document with very E-Z Cycle allows you to ride a pedal- “Our Health Improvement advisers will Bespoke garments for Weddings, little time to respond. assisted e-bike - to give you a boost up be on hand to provide one-to-one support Proms & Special Occasions. In its response, the Westcombe Society hills or when starting off from junctions. to everyone who collects and drops off a said They are a great way to return to cycling if bike and will be able to inform residents Repairs and Alterations * the plan was very piecemeal and it you haven’t done so for a while, or if you how they can keep cycling.” * did not take account of local topography, have health conditions that make riding a E-Z Cycle is open to anyone who lives, particularly the steep hills which are Hems taken up, Jeans taken in, regular bike tricky. works or studies in the Royal Borough of Dresses re-shaped and characteristic of much of Greenwich. Following a successful trial in the Low Greenwich aged over 18. The £10 cost is Jackets re-lined. Emission Neighbourhood of Greenwich to cover insurance for a month. Radical plans for Greenwich? West and Peninsula wards last year, the Loan sessions, where you will collect Over 25 Years experience. Under new plans the town centre in Council and Charlton Athletic Community your e-bike and do some training, take Greenwich could lose its current one-way Trust (CACT) are expanding the scheme to place twice per month: Call: 07904 880448 system The plan would be to turn College all residents in Royal Greenwich. * on the fourth Saturday of each month at Approach and the northern half of King Cllr Denise Scott-McDonald, Cabinet Charlton Athletic FC Training Ground, William Walk, on the north and east side Member for Air Quality, Public Realm and Sparrows Lane SE9 2JR A & A LANDSCAPES of Greenwich Market, into a preserve for Transport, said: “This is one of a wide * on the second Sunday of each month at Landscape Specialists pedestrians, with a dedicated cycle track. range of measures we’re taking to improve The Valley stadium, Floyd Road SE7 8BL Nelson Road and Greenwich Church air quality across the Royal Borough. The first session was on Saturday 26th Street, to the south and west of Greenwich “As well as helping more people try out January, 1-4 pm, at Charlton Athletic FC Market, would become two-way streets cycling, which is a great way to take more Training Ground, Sparrows Lane SE9 2JR. Free advice & Qualified with pavements widened to accommodate exercise, the E-Z Cycle e-bike hire scheme You can also have the option to buy an estimates horticulturalist more pedestrians. will help reduce traffic,” she said. e-bike at a discounted rate after taking All aspects of soft & hard landscaping The scheme would have to be approved Deb Browne, CACT’s Head of Health part. E-Z Cycle is a Royal Borough of work carried out including by the Mayor’s Office in City Hall. Improvement, said: “We are delighted to Greenwich scheme, part of the Sharing * Maintenance *Site clearance * Turfing * Tree surgery Greenwich Council is asking for public be supporting this project and very much Cities programme and the Mayor of feedback on the proposals on a dedicated * Fencing * Patios looking forward to the first session. We London’s Air Quality Fund. * Brickwork website: know that there are many benefits to be Tel. 020 8318 2530 greenwichtowncentreproposals. enjoyed through cycling, including Want to book a bike? Visit cact.org.uk/ commonplace.is increased cardiovascular strength, muscle Ez Bike Loan Scheme Westcombe News February 2019 7 please send ads for the Market place with pay - ment by the 10th day of the preceding month to: Marilyn little, 163, Westcombe Hill, se3 7dp 8853 1312 [email protected] ALL classified adverts 30p per word. Please make cheques MARKET PLACE payable to The Westcombe Society

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