Westcomb e NEWS Free to 3800 homes, and in libraries & some shops March 2015 Issue 2
A community newspaper commended by the London Forum of Amenity and Civic Societies Monthly newspaper of The Westcombe Society: fostering a sense of community Property bubble now
WN hitting Greenwich reporter e lived in Westcombe Park Well, no: as part of its Gateway units have been sold to foreigners as “Wfor more than seven years; Regeneration Project, the London an investment and will, like so many for the first five years our landlord did Borough of Lewisham has approved others around London, stand empty. nothing with our rent. Then two years 362 new homes: none of them have But one cynical local resident ago he raised it £70, last year he raised any affordable units. Apparently, commented: “I just hope that that is The original scheme in Abbey Wood envisaged an 81,000 it £50, and this year he wanted an affordable housing in the two new what’s happened. Otherwise, our sq. ft. Sainsbury’s foodstore, 5,000 sq. ft. of retail and extra £200. At that point, we knew it tower blocks is “not viable.” roads and schools could not cope.” commercial space and 220 new apartments, including some was getting ridiculous and we had to As Matthew Pennycook points out affordable units. The latter are out of reach for most local move,” a young mother told the WN. Broken guidelines on page 6, councils’ negotiations with people. The scheme is attractive to investors, because once Well, we know why, now: the Even the developers say current developers are often fraught. It will be Crossrail is completed, residents will have easy access to Royal Borough is being hit by the government policy is “deeply flawed” interesting to view documents relating Canary Wharf and the City. London housing bubble. According and “wrecks social mix.” Planning to the negotiations between Greenwich to Halifax, the UK’s largest regulations require developers to and Knight Dragon in 2012 over the mortgage lender, Greenwich now contribute funds for local amenities peninsula development following the Fact file (such as schools, affordable housing or court order that they be released. tops the list of towns and cities * In 2011, a report, The * 1.4 million families are roads – known as Section 106 Housing is seldom mentioned in recording the largest increase in World in London, published on council waiting lists. payments) – yet the housing minister, party manifestos – but it should be: house prices in 2014. by top estate agent Savills, Only one new Council Brandon Lewis allows developers to there are complaints about houses The average house price in documented billions of house is built for every 21 avoid or drastically reduce such becoming, not homes for working Greenwich rose from £263,183 to pounds of money from sold to tenants payments: in effect, putting company people, but an investment tool, and £328,044 in the 12 months to last overseas flowing into the * “Affordable housing” is a profits above people’s needs. John local authorities such as Wandsworth November. That increase, of 24.6%, capital’s prime housing relative term: it means Walker, director of planning in Tory- which have a duty to house homeless market. costing only 80% of the was almost three times the 8.5% rise controlled Westminster Council people, are carrying out what is being * The biggest investors in market value. ie. only recorded across the UK as a whole. described the policy as “insane.” called “social cleansing.” central London property affordable by a select few. We used to think that it was Across London, poor people are have been from Eastern “Affordable” should not property values in central London “Public land was given to being evicted so that the estates can Europe (15% of the mar- be confused with “social that were being hiked by rich profit-making private interests be re-developed “viably”. ket) followed by Middle housing”, which working foreigners seeking a lucrative in exchange for being allowed And then there is the running sore Eastern and North African Londoners urgently need. investment. But now they are on to rent back a slice of public space. of sky-high rents – people are having buyers (14% market share) * Britain’s ten biggest It's privatization by our doorsteps; or rather, we are on to pay a fortune for accommodation Average price paid: £5m, housebuilding companies another name.” Nancy Taaffe their doorsteps. little bigger than a box-room. Many and rising. have seen their profits tenants are now having to share * The number of afford- climb to £2.1 billion in “No social housing” Helen Mercer from Lewisham rooms, often with complete strangers. able homes built in 2014 –34% up on 2013. For example, new homes built in People Before Profit, said: “The England has fallen to an Much of the profit is from Abbey Wood were being marketed to Gateway development has nothing for sales to non-residential Signs of hope? eight-year low. Figures wealthy investors from Asia as local people. It brings more residents unearthed by the Bureau purchasers, mainly in In Greenwich, the Council has now containing “no social housing.” without providing any additional of Investigative Journalism central London. launched a Hidden Homes and Development Securities’ £85 m schools, medical care, trains, or show 42,710 affordable * 1 Hyde Park is now the Extensions scheme, costing £1.7 m, to Cross Quarter Scheme had an buses.” homes will be built in the most expensive in the convert and extend empty properties “exclusive launch” in the luxury To be fair, things are not being year ending this coming country. One apartment and other types of buildings into new Mandarin Hotel in Hong Kong; and made easy for local councils. For April –the lowest since was sold for £136m. You homes. But Cllr Chris Kirby, RGB’s investors were told that it is “a fully example, take Hutchison Whampoa’s 2006; this represents a can drive your sports car cabinet member for housing, admits: into the lift . . . private block with no social housing.” Convoys Wharf scheme. Lewisham 26% fall since 2010. “Available land we could use for The cheapest three bedroom home Council’s concerns –about the size of building new homes is at a premium in Abbey Tower is £528k. Britain's the planned towers, the number of Comments: in this borough.” biggest housebuilding companies are affordable homes, and serious road “Many people are struggling to pay their rent. I will fight Is that because so much of the land making a killing. Aua Yeboa, who traffic issues – were overruled by to ensure the council builds more and better social housing has been sold to private developers? works in a local beauty salon, near the Boris Johnson on appeal – breaking and drives a harder bargain with developers. I will also do In the longer term, things may be Abbey Tower, development, said: “I his own planning guidelines. everything I can to help families at risk of being forced out would love to buy an apartment – but looking more hopeful: there are plans of this ward by the Tories’ bedroom tax.” there’s no way that I can afford one. Homes – or investments? to build thousands of new homes on Cherry Parker (Labour Councillor) The homes should be for locals.” Are we going the same way here in the Peninsula. Of these, 25% will be "Labour councillors like to talk a good game on affordable Questions are being asked about Greenwich? Kidbrooke Village will categorised as affordable, and are to housing, but they simply don't deliver. Instead, as we have what controls are being exercised by have more units than the old Ferrier include student housing and special seen on the Peninsula, the council rolls over and lets big local authority planners: surely, any Estate it replaced – but with little or needs housing. There’s also a shared developers get their way. It's time for the Labour-run large building development should be no extra provision for schools, clinics, ownership scheme*. council to stand up to the developers and make sure required to include both social and or public transport. The WN has been Let’s hope that these plans remain Greenwich gets the affordable housing it needs." affordable housing? unable to find out how many of the “viable”. * See page 6. Matt Hartley Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Greenwich & Woolwich < < News briefs > > The Westcombe Society NHS Greenwich On our doorstep . . . March for Homes Daffodil Tea Sat 7th March The Greenwich Clinical Commissioning The Fan Museum is putting on an exhibition Public anger over housing issues spilled over 2.00 - 4.00 pm for Senior Citizens: good company, homemade Group (CCG) are holding the next NHS to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo onto the streets in February. A number of cakes and sandwiches, a quiz, a free raffle – who wouldn’t Greenwich Governing Body meeting on which saw the final defeat of Napoleon local residents took part in a march on City want to come! If you haven’t had an invitation and would Wednesday 25th March at the Grand Salon, Bonaparte. Waterloo: Life and Times runs Hall to demand Mayor Boris Johnson deliver Charlton House, Charlton Road, London SE7 until May 10th, and also features fans made solutions to the capital’s deepening housing like to come, or know someone who would like to attend, 8RE from 1.30pm - 5.00pm. to commemorate other military events. crisis. A typical slogan was: “Social Housing, please contact Caroline on 020 8853 0948. This is a public meeting. Anyone who not Social Cleansing”. would like to attend (and ask questions!) is Happy Easter . . . Nearly New Sale Sat 21st March warmly invited to come; no booking needed. No Southeastern services will operate to or General Election 2015 Children’s Clothes, Toys & Equipment - bargains galore. from Cannon Street, London Bridge, Charing Mycenae House Commuity Centre and 2.00pm to 3.30pm. Entrance 50p. Members 30p, Court news Cross or Waterloo East over Easter: so, no Blackheath & Greenwich United Nations children free. If you would like to book a table or rail, Congratulations to Baron Greenwich, aka service to these stations from April 3rd - 6th. Association are organising a hustings meeting please contact Joanne on 07709 571777. HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, for Visit www.westcombesociety.org for details. at Mycenae House Community Centre, receiving a knighthood at the hands of Tony Mycenae Road, Blackheath SE3 on Sat 4th April Easter Egg Hunt 2.00 - 4.00 pm Abbott, monarchist Prime Minister of 20 mph speed limit Wednesday 15th April 7.30 - 9.00. Come Come to Mycenae House gardens for an Eggcellent Hunt! Australia, as part of the celebrations for Lewisham is to introduce a borough-wide along to hear, and question, your candidates! No adults allowed unless accompanied by children! Australia Day. Good on yer, mate! speed limit of 20 mph from January 2016. Info: 0208 858 8489 WESTCOMBE SOCIETY
very year the WESTCOMBE NEWS EWestcombe Society holds a party to thank all Yanno Patrinos ALL EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE TO: those who volunteer during Neville Grant, The Editor the year. Also invited: new- Yanno was born in 1939 and spent his early [email protected] comers to the area, and of years in Eleusis, near Athens. When aged Tel. 020 8858 8489 course, would-be members six an accident with a booby trapped bomb planning to join! This year, nearly killed him – and left him blind. ALL MATERIAL TO BE SENT TO: the party was on Feb. 21st, After a long time in hospital, his mother brought him on a nightmarish journey across [email protected] and a good time was had by war-damaged Europe for treatment at Deadline for the April issue: all. Many thanks to the Moorfields Eye Hospital. After a rather 16th March Events Committee for unhappy period at a primary boarding school News Editor: organising a great party. in Bristol, he went to Worcester College for Environment Editor: Maggie the Blind, where he was much happier, in Gravelle ABOVE: Our chairman Marilyn Little due course becoming chess captain and, Reporters: The community - that means presents a cheque to Andrew Mitchell, finally, head prefect. He then read Law at you! head of fund-raising for the 999 Club, Magdalen College, Oxford, where he met his which runs a shelter for homeless future wife Hilary (one of many volunteers ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE people in Deptford, and Louise, a local who came to read his law texts to him). Emily Norton All queries and volunteer with the 999 Club. They married immediately after going comments to: 020 8853 2756 The money has already been spent down from Oxford and moved to London [email protected] on a much-needed industrial washing where Yanno undertook his training contract DISTRIBUTION machine, so that guests can come in, with Godfrey, Davis and Batt. In 1970, Myles Dove & Barbara Henley have a shower, and get the towels shortly after the birth of their two children Brian Carroll, Roger Kidley, Joanne ABOVE: Two flautists, Catherine and washed. Andrew said it had made a (Andrew and Helena) they came to their house in Mycenae Road. They were active Lucas, and Patricia Slade-Baker. Catherine, were a delight to listen to. huge difference, and thanked the members of the Westcombe Society in its Volunteer distributors please phone Society for its support. 020 8853 3740, we need your help! earliest years, and Yanno was chairman at the RIGHT: Happy time of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977. ADVERTISING MANAGER Birthday Myles! After his training, Yanno joined Heald Marilyn Little, 163 Westcombe 88 already? Nickinson (later taken over by Radcliffe’s), Hill, SE3 7DP 020 8853 1312 where he subsequently became a partner. ([email protected]) LEFT & BELOW: Along with a sharp intelligence, Yanno’s Carpe diem! phenomenal memory was the basis of his All adverts payable in advance by success as a commercial property solicitor. cheque to The Westcombe Society. “What a swell Costs: party it was!” He could recall complex documents after DISPLAY: Single column 6cm x 6cm: [from the they were read to him just once. One - four issues £35, five-plus issues £30 film High Yanno loved sport, and played vicarious each. Other sizes: please inquire. Society] rugby, cricket and hockey through Andrew’s Classified Ads (Market Place) 30p per word school teams. One of his greatest joys was (A telephone number = one word. An email/ to find somewhere quiet on a summer’s day web address = 3 words.) Deadline for all to listen to Test Match Special. adverts is 10th day of the preceding month Yanno’s last years were marred by illness, Printed by: Trojan Press and he had to struggle to maintain his humour and patience. But he remained at Contact the Westcombe Society: home until the very last. He died on 21st [email protected] January. Our deepest sympathies to Hilary Publisher: The Westcombe Society and all the family. Dick Allard Chairman: Marilyn Little Tel. 020 8853 1312 Any views expressed are those of the writers only, and are Letters to the editor not necessarily those of the WN or the Westcombe Society. The views expressed in the Westcombe News are not necessarily those of the Westcombe Society or of the Editor. From: Patricia Gillard, Chair BRSVA From: David Robson FRCP bothered to look in to give even their token We take all reasonable precautions to protect Have you ever been stopped by a driver or In reply to Malcom Hardy, the Freedom Pass support for the campaign to stop the Silvertown the interests of our readers by ensuring as far pedestrian, near Old Dover Road or Stratheden renewal process was straightforward in my case. Tunnel and its negative environmental impact. as possible the bona fides of our advertisers Road, who requested directions to Greenwich, However I do not remember having to scan It seems it is only through ‘People Power’ but cannot accept any responsibility for them. Woolwich, Charlton, Blackheath Village or documents but instead just entering some data that we are going to prevent being choked in Any complaints should be addressed to the Shooters Hill etc? online. Ed: Me too! this area with pollution, as neither the current advertiser. Have you noticed that there is nothing to tell main political parties nor the council seem to you where you are in this part of Royal From: Vivien Davies Old Dover Road give a damn about our health and welfare. To access back-numbers (in colour) go to: Greenwich? Well, there used to be a directional I am co-director of a local Parent Group www.westcombesociety.org/westcombe-news/ wooden fingerpost which stood on the green supporting parents and carers of children with From: Name and address supplied Westcombe Society’s Blog: outside The Royal Standard public House. It disabilities and special needs. We have been In January, I receiving a Police leaflet alerting http://westcombe.blogspot.com was made of wood and some people remember engaging with members of the London Vanbrugh Hill dwellers to incidents of burglary. it, but when it started to crumble it was never Assembly and local councillors, to tell them This reminded me of something of which we replaced. It is mentioned in old books of about the issues we need help with and finding can all do to help with the problem. Westcombe society membership Greenwich. out what they can do to help. Though we are reminded to cancel milk and We, The Blackheath Royal Standard Village We've had a great response from local coun- newspapers during an absence, protruding please send this membership form to: Association (BRSVA), a group of local people cillors including Cllr. Matthew Pennycook and papers from a letter box are also a give-away peter Lewins, 221 Westcombe h ill, which includes members of The Westcombe Cllr John Fahy (Deputy Leader of the Council sign. The majority of these are unsolicited and s e 3 7Dr Society, local Councillors, local residents, and Cabinet Member for Children's Services). include Freebie newspapers, and information Church ministers and Traders' Association, We are a small completely voluntary group about takeaways: but it will not be long before Name...... intend to replace it to help local businesses, of parents working hard on a really tiny grant to they are joined by electioneering leaflets when Address...... visitors and others, and in a small way, put this give parents of children like ours a voice. If the General Election campaign gets underway. ancient part of Royal Greenwich on the map. you are a parent or carer of a child with special Those responsible for delivering this material ...... Raising the funds to buy the materials and needs or disabilities, do come and join us. should ensure it does not protrude from the t el...... make the post is in progress and we hope that it Contact: www.greenwichparentvoice.com letter box.I suggest householders should contact will appear this spring. If you would like to Email: [email protected] the source indicating no interest or support e mail: ...... come along to our planning group then you Twitter: @GPVinfo would be given unless remedied. would be most welcome. Those who deliver the WN on a regular basis Please enclose payment as appropriate: Contact: [email protected] From: Trevor Allman Coleraine Road do so in a manner of public spirit and know the Family membership £12 [ ] As a concerned resident & Left Unity supporter, rules. Next time, perhaps the Police might add individual membership £8 [ ] From: G. Bailey, Westcombe Park Rd I attended the “No Silvertown Tunnel” AGM at this issue to their list. s enior c itizens/unwaged £4 [ ] Recently we had house guests who were woken Mycenae House in January, and heard an Ed: Thankfully, the police report that there has at 5.00 am by a series of aircraft overhead. Has informative speech by Christian Woolmar. been a decrease in burglary incidents in our anyone else noticed an increase in noise Given the dire environmental impact that the area – but residents should remain vigilant. nuisance from aircraft? proposed tunnel could have, with increased Ed: In February, a £220 million project to pollution and traffic congestion levels, and the From: The Blackheath Society expand London City Airport was given the go- close proximity of the next General Election, Following last year’s successful Community Clear ahead, despite more than 1,000 objections. there was a notable absence of any Labour, up, Martin Hyde is organising another clear up day Conservative, UKIP or Green Party parliamen- for Sat. 21st March 2 - 4.00pm. All are welcome to From: Peter Greaves The Plantation tary candidates for the Greenwich & Woolwich join in this local Spring-Clean. As usual, people My wife and I got separate emails reminding us constituency (I don’t believe the Liberal are asked to meet at the Talbot Place Car Park. that our Freedom Passes were due for renewal Democrats have selected a candidate yet). and inviting us to do it on-line. What is especially reprehensible, given the From: St George’s Church It was extremely simple. All we had to do Green Party’s alleged concern for the environ- To mark Fairtrade Fortnight, we are having a was to type in the number on our existing pass ment, was that both their candidates for this stall in the church on March 1st. This would be in the indicated box and send it in. No need to constituency, and Eltham, were in the room a good way of ordering your Fair Trade Easter scan anything – and we received our new ones above the “No Silvertown Tunnel” meeting, and Eggs (order by March 15th please). All include in the post, using our original photos. Brilliant! even though their meeting ending early, neither a booklet giving the Real meaning of Easter.
2 Westcombe News March 2015 LOCAL NEWS Council’s parking Support Cystic Fibrosis Trust he London Marathon has become we accommodate are taking part in the Thugely popular, with many thousands marathon to raise money for the Cystic plans ‘on hold’ of runners – and millions of spectators and Fibrosis Trust, and both runners and hosts Editing the WN is getting easier – we just need volunteers. It’s also a great way of raising from previous years have told us that they to repeat the same old stories . . money for a wide range of charities, as we really enjoyed the experience. at the Greenwich and Blackheath Cystic Bed and breakfast is offered at £50 for a ur local traders on Old Dover Road another petition resulted. Back to the Fibrosis Trust have discovered. single or £75 for a double and this is continue to ask what has happened drawing board . . . That was all in 2014. Cystic fibrosis is a life-shortening donated directly by runners to the CF Oto the parking review which was Forward to the present: like Cllr Brighty inherited disease, affecting over 10,000 Trust, so hosts do not need to deal with promised for autumn 2013. Is the Council (February’s WN), Cllr Paul Morrissey also people in the UK. You can't catch or any payments. (Many of the runners do cooking up a cunning plan? contacted the council with the same old develop cystic fibrosis, it's something not actually want breakfast as they have a Do these words have a familiar ring? queries . . . and got this result from Tom you're born with and most cases in the UK special food that they bring with them.) Well, they should do: this was the report in Jackson. In part, the letter reads: are now diagnosed soon after birth. The date of the London Marathon this the WN in March 2014, and it continued: You might know that the Council has a Each year one of our very successful year is Sunday 26th April so guests would “The news is this: not so much a cunning programme of installing new, and review- fundraising schemes is to offer bed and be staying on the night of Saturday 25th plan as “a draft parking strategy” that will ing existing, control parking zones (CPZs) breakfast to London Marathon runners April. If you think you might be willing deal, in due course, with “overarching ... During 2014/15 we have prioritised with friends in this area. to take part this year or have any questions principles”, rather than “specific schemes”. work in the east and south of the Borough. This is not intended to be professional please do get in touch with me. Many “So the traders of Old Dover Road will However, Mr Jackson said he had been B & B but an enterprise to raise money for thanks! Sacha Bright have to wait as the problem is kicked into contacted by residents in Coleraine & a very special charity and at the same time Greenwich and Blackheath Cystic the long grass. What is taking so long? The Mycenae Road questioning the boundary offer a friendly local home to a runner Fibrosis Trust problem has been going on for years, but it between the free bays and the permit bays. before their huge challenge. The runners [email protected] was not until October 2011, that the WN He had also heard concerns expressed ADVERTISING FEATURE reported that the traders had organized a about parking in the Standard and Old petition calling on the Council to restrict Dover Road. He goes on: Seminars on Inheritance Tax parking in Old Dover Road. I am writing to advise you that it is very “There are people parking all day,” said likely that a review of the Westcombe CPZ f you missed local wealth manager that are helping us move from years of one trader. “Some are commuters - you see will be included in the 2015/16 work plan. Daren Wallbank's free seminar on accumulating wealth towards making sure them walking away with their briefcases. A .... the review is unlikely to start until late I Inheritance Tax planning at Mycenae it benefits our family now and in the lot of them work at M&S.” May/June at the earliest ... House last November, there's a second future. I'd urge anyone who is thinking “The petition asked the Council to pre- I am writing to your ward member col- chance to find out how to leave more of about estate planning to get in touch with vent anyone from parking for longer than leagues in the same vein . . . If you have your money to your loved ones and less to Daren now." Jacqueline, Westcombe Park two hours – no return within three hours. any queries on this please contact me. the tax man. “In response, Greenwich Council Yours Tim Jackson Daren is holding more free seminars at Places are limited so please contact Daren announced, in February 2012, that it was But please don’t blame Mr Jackson. It’s Mycenae House in Westcombe Park on by phone or email to book your place. “consulting” on a plan to make people pay not his fault. All we know at the WN is Thursday 19th March and at the Quaker Daren Wallbank Ginkgo Financial 0203 for their parking by mobile phone....” this: traders are still asking, after at least 7 Meeting House in Blackheath on Thursday 675 9050 email Readers will recall there was a very years: “What’s happening about parking 26th March, at 3.pm and 7.00pm. [email protected] predictable outcry against this idea - and in Old Dover Road?” Attending this event could save you over £300,000 in tax! Here's what a local resident said about the seminar: News from St George’s Church "I was aware that I had an inheritance tax liability before I went along to Daren's he 999 Club isn’t alone in providing going on to Westminster Abbey. A number seminar. But I was shocked when he shelter for homeless people. St of people from St George’s and T explained just how much of my estate George’s has been providing food and Christ-church Forum took part in this would go to the tax man unless I acted shelter in our parish to 15 homeless people interfaith pilgrimage, the brainchild of the now! Fortunately, Daren has proved a mine every Tuesday night, in partnership with Coexist Foundation which seeks to foster of expert knowledge on how to legally the Forum@ Greenwich. greater understanding across divides. reduce my liabilities. His advice has funda- Many volunteers – including Chris After gathering outside Parliament, to mentally changed my husband’s and my Taylor, St George’s talented chef –are show “a united love of democracy” the thinking on how we look at our estate. He's helping out, both in St George’s and other pilgrimage went on to St Thomas’ Hospital come up with some really clever strategies centres. The Greenwich Night Shelter “to emphasise the faiths’ shared respect for Project ends in March, and it is hoped will life.” Cambridge University’s Divinity be repeated next year. Professor David Ford said: “The religion • Last month, representatives of many agenda is too often hijacked by extremists Mycenae Gardens who pervert the message of their faith to different faiths took part in a pilgrimage across London that started in the Regent’s meet their political aims. We are celebrat- ome and join us for some Spring Park Mosque, went on to the Central ing the different faiths’ common ground Cplanting in Mycenae gardens on Sat. Synagogue in Great Portland Street before and their shared imperative for peace.” 7th March 10.00 am - 1.00 pm, & 2.00 - 5.00 pm. (Why not bring a packed lunch?) We plan to establish some new plants on ‘excellence‘excellence throughthrough effort’effort’ the west side of the gardens.
Westcombe Woodlands JAMES REMOVALS BAR MEMBER NO. JO28 You are welcome to attend all or some JR .com. com ur next Volunteer Day will be on Please note that access to the site is not of the day but please confirm whether you OSaturday 7th March from 10 am until suitable for children or for people with can take part by sending a message to ● Fully trained 1.00 pm. Our meeting point will be in the mobility problems. Coffee, tea, fruit squash uniformed staff [email protected] ● Full insurance Maze Hill cul-de-sac at about 9.50am. and biscuits will be provided. Please note Joe Beale is undertaking a 6-month bird included in ALL quotes If you bring your own tools, we sug- there are no toilet facilities on site. and butterfly audit and will contact an ● Prompt free gest that you mark your name on them. Please call Frank Smith on 8852 6390 expert on invertebrates and a botanist to estimates Gloves and boots also recommended. or 07989 445 057 with any queries you ● On-site look at other aspects. Joe is also advising containerised Call have on the day, or email: on installation of 5 bird boxes. storage ● Discounts for 0800 0157775 westcombewoodlands@ The AGM of the Friends of Mycenae long-term storage for a free survey or visit hotmail.co.uk. Gardens (FOMG) is at 7.00 pm on ● Well-established jamesremovals.comjamesremovals.com Frank Smith family business toto requestrequest aa Tuesday March 24th. in the Greenwich ● Pianos – our forte quotation online Steiner School. ‘Live & Local’ Its focus on the A & A LANDSCAPES Great live events on your doorstep. Landscape Specialists March 2015 BBC is unique JazzNights Club - Friday 13 www.churchill-society-london. Featuring the Mycenae Jazz All Stars & the return of the great Dave Silk. org.uk/ChLect2K3.html Comedy Club - Friday 20 Free advice & Qualified Featuring Andrew O’Neill, Cerys Nelmes with £9.99 from the British estimates horticulturalist More to be Added. Library Bookshop or All aspects of soft & hard landscaping Icarus Acoustic Club - Friday 27 work carried out including Jack Harris, Coridor & Colin Davies. other good bookshops. * Maintenance *Site clearance Supported by Also available at Nicky’s News * Turfing * Tree surgery Check Out The Full Programme * Fencing * Patios www.mycenaehouse.co.uk 020 8858 1749 in Old Dover Road & * Brickwork The Bookshop on the Heath New ‘Whats On’ Magazine Available Now Tel. 020 8318 2530
Westcombe News March 2015 3 FEATURES: ThE ARTS Rumpus on the campus Puccini’s ollowing the Charlie Hebdo debacle, Why would they want to do that? The Fthe western media have been full of Comedy club sent her a message mention- articles asserting the value and importance ing "accusations", and also that some of Tosca of freedom of speech; but we now have her comments had been “Islamophobic”. our own cause célèbre, at Goldsmiths. This she angrily denies – saying that she The feminist stand-up comedian Kate had merely said that women should not be idsummer Opera in the Spring? Why Smurthwaite was planning to put on a forced to wear a burka. Mnot? Opera is good at any time! comedy show at Goldsmiths University; Kate Smurthwaite was well-known at Midsummer Opera is much loved in our well done, Goldsmiths, for landing the Edinburgh Festival, and since then neck of the woods – a high percentage of this world-class comedian who has she has performed her show more Midsummer Opera’s performers live in SE3, performed internationally, and Je Suis than fifty times. Her show is not SE10 and SE13. All the more reason for going has featured many times on the Kate everyone's cup of tea: she has to their performance of Giacomo Puccini's BBC – as much as a political Smurth- strong (and controversial) views, TOSCA at St John's Waterloo in March. commentator as a comedian. (She waite? for example on women's rights to The performance will be sung in the original appeared on BBC TV's Question choose, and prostitution (she thinks it Italian and will be semi-staged; most unusually, Time in 2014). should be legal – but clients should be the famous Te Deum at the end of the first Act So why was it her show was pulled by prosecuted). The latter view was it seems features the church's organ. the College's comedy society after reports unpopular at Goldsmiths because it could The cast includes Deborah Stoddart as of campaigners threatening to picket the threaten the livelihood of sex workers. Tosca, John Upperton as Cavaradossi and event? The Feminist Society met to The sorts of issues, you would think, Stephen Holloway as Scarpia. decide whether the show should go on, and that a bunch of modern University students The Chorus and Symphony Orchestra of 70% said that it should; but a minority would take in their stride, or at least take Midsummer Opera will be joined by a chil- threatened to picket the event. on board as a stimulus to thought. dren's choir from St Dunstan's College, Catford Let Kate take up the story: “I was Well, no: they dropped the show. and the whole ensemble will be conducted by booked to do a show at Goldsmiths Another message read: "I have to send you MSO's Artistic Director, David Roblou. College, in south London. I've performed a passage about our ‘safe space’ policy Tosca will be performed at St John’s Church, there many times before. The show was a outlining kinda what you can or cannot 73 Waterloo Road, London SE1 8TY on Sun. joint event for the Comedy Society and the say. Because our union is "for" sex work- 22nd March (4.30), Fri. 27th March (7.00pm) Feminist Society – members of which ing it's probably best to avoid that area of & Sun. 29th March (4.30pm) Tickets: £22 (£19 concs.) in advance or £26/£23 on the This dramatic poster advertised could come for free – and we then agreed conversation ...... that’s what they are Connecticut Opera’s production of door. Box office: 020 7652 0070 or online: they would put up a ticket page for anyone most worried about.” Tosca in 2007 - 2008. See it in colour www.wegottickets.com else – such as local residents who fancied Very strange, you’d think, that anyone on our website! coming, and as a way to cover costs.... would feel they should picket a comedy “The day before the show I was getting show if they disagreed with the views of a lot of hassle on Twitter because I had the person performing. Said Kate: “The Immersive theatre at the NMM dared to suggest that cutting the opening strangest thing is that my show is not about hours of Spearmint Rhino strip club was a prostitution. I don’t even mention it. In a any people go to the theatre to be the children on the adventure of a good thing. From the get-go I'd started massively ironic coincidence, my show is Mtransported into another world. In lifetime – a theatrical journey through the blocking people on Twitter who were about free speech, its power and uses and “immersive theatre”, the audience are not Museum, the like of which has never been bothering me, so I could generally only see abuses. It is also about Saudi prisoner of merely passive bystanders. They are part of seen before: exploring the National half of the conversation that was going on. conscience Raif Badawi, who is now being the story, however small their role, and Maritime Museum’s extraordinary But I did get to see messages like this one nominated for the Nobel peace prize.” they will find themselves in the middle of collection of maritime artefacts, each one from the LSE Students' Union Feminists: So much for freedom of expression at the action, either as a witness, or an actual with a story to tell. ". . . we could contact the Goldsmiths our universities. Well-known feminist character. The trip is exciting, enlightening, and, FemSoc to see if they want to protest". activists Beatrix Campbell and Deborah It is thinking like this that inspired the perhaps just a tiny bit dangerous . . . Kate thought it only fair to let the Cameron (among many others) have Punchdrunk Enrichment theatre company Anyone brave enough to get on board will organisers know there was a risk of a called on universities to keep a “safe to mount their show Against Captain’s scarcely believe what will happen next… protest of people disrupting the show. space” (sic) for freedom of speech. Orders: A Journey into the Uncharted being put on at the National Maritime The show is on at the National Maritime NT’s Connections Museum. The show is for children aged 6 - Museum Special Exhibitions Gallery from 12 - no adult admitted unless accompanied 28th March until 31st August 2015, from n March, Connections celebrates great new Accordion Shop by Cush Jumbo by a child! The children are transported 10.am daily. Open to schools and families Iwriting for the stage – and the energy, SAT. 21 MARCH 7.00pm - Montage Theatre Arts into an exciting world of maritime history, with children aged 6-12 years. Cost: commitment and talent of young theatre- The Edelweiss Project by Ayub Khan Din derring-do and adventure in this new £19.75 per person (Friends 20% off) maker. 5,000 young people from 260 youth 8.45pm - South London Theatre Youth Group - family exhibition. Each performance lasts 50 minutes. Remote by Stef Smith Children will be companies present 10 new plays commis- SUN. 22 MARCH 6.00pm - BRIT MT Collective sioned by the National Theatre in 27 partner Hospital Food by Eugene O'Hare active throughout the theatres. This year, The National Theatre SUN. 29 MARCH 6.00pm Churchill Theatre experience. The supports the drama companies as they bring Connections Company Ben Ockrent’s Hacktivists performance takes The Pointer School their performances to the stage at Greenwich For boys and girls from 3 to 11 years of age Theatre. Included in the programme is a play put on by John Roan School on 20th March. Clare College Choir The young performers participating at the Greenwich Theatre are: lackheath Halls is delighted to This is a rare opportunity to hear WED. 18th MARCH 6pm Craft Work Theatre Bwelcome the Choir of Clare one of the world’s leading choral Company - Hood by Katherine Chandler College Cambridge, with the Dmitri groups. Founded in 1971, they have THURS. 19 MARCH 6.00pm - Woolwich Ensemble, for a special Passiontide since gained an enviable international Polytechnic School - Hood (again) Concert, including MacMillan’s reputation. 8.00pm -Thomas Tallis School - The Accordion “Seven Last Words on the Cross” and “Thrilling... “ Edward Greenfield, Shop by Cush Jumbo John Tavener’s haunting “Song for Gramophone Magazine FRIDAY 20 MARCH 6.00pm - Athene”. The programme also Sat. 14 March 7.30pm | Great Hall John Roan School - Remote by Stef Smith includes works by William Harris, Blackheath Halls 8.00pm - Reactivate, Knole Academy - The Parry and Herbert Howells Tickets £24 | £20 | £5 under 16s Nursery & Reception (3–4 years) SPECTRUM OPEN DAY SATURDAY 7th MARCH 2015 Painters & 10.30am–12.30pm Decorators BASED IN GREENWICH, WE ARE YOUR LOCAL FLEXIBLE SESSIONS OUTSTANDING PASTORAL CARE ELECTRICAL SERVICES COMPANY. Interior/Exterior GOVERNMENT CHILDCARE BREAKFAST CLUB AND AFTER From changing a light bulb to a full rewire... VOUCHERS ACCEPTED SCHOOL CARE Carrying out an electrical safety inspection to No job too Small COMPETITIVE FEES FRESHLY PREPARED ORGANIC FOOD fault fnding... Clean and Reliable WE CAN DO IT ALL! We are NICEIC approved and a member of the Free Estimates Electrical Safety Register. 30 Years Experience 0208 858 7977 • 0208 293 1331 For a free quotation, please call or email and we’ll [email protected] www.pointers-school.co.uk 020 8853 2759 be happy to help. EARLY YEARS DEPARTMENT, 37 SHOOTERS HILL ROAD, BLACKHEATH SE3 7HS p: 020 83336759 m: 07887 571058 or 0795 0815412 e: [email protected]
4 Westcombe News March 2015 WhAT’S ON
ARTS THE WESTCOMBE SOCIETY THEATRE NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM Sat 7th March Daffodil Tea THE GREENWICH THEATRE Crooms Hill, THE QUEEN’s HOUSE Sat 21st March Nearly New Sale Greenwich, London SE10 8ES 020 8858 7755 THE ART AND SCIENCE OF EXPLORATION Sat 4th April Easter Egg Hunt Mycenae Gardens Wed 4th - Sun. 8th March 8.00 pm KATE by 1768 - 1780 In The Queen’s House. See the Stubbs Fri 17th April Quiz Night Agnes Porkelsdottir Wild Iceland 1940, and the Kangaroo (and Dingo) saved by the public, and work May: AGM: Dates to be confirmed British are coming ... “Magic, beautiful, and unmiss- of artists from all three of Captain Cook’s voyages Sat 27th June Members' Evening able ...” £16.00 concs £13.50 BLACKHEATH DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS Fri 25th Sept Macmillan Biggest Coffee Morning Thurs. 12th - Sat 14th March 7.30 pm SOCIETY, St Mary’s Church Hall, Cresswell Park, Sat 26th Sept Nearly New Sale DALLOWAY, adapted from Virginia Woolf by Elton Blackheath 4th Thursday of every month, 2.00 for Sat 10th Oct. Chrysanthemum Tea Townend Jones £16.00 concs £13.50 2.30. Next meeting 26th March Dr Susan Kay Fri 23rd Oct. Quiz Night Tues 17th - Wed 18th March 8.00 pm JUST by Ali Williams Imperial purple to Denim blue: the Please ring Joanne on 07709 571777 if you would Smith A comic satire on contemporary justice. by colourful history of textiles Non-members £5 like to help out on any of these events! Kidbrooke Theatre Company Ages 12+. Printing in Blackheath GREENWICH DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS £12.00 concs. £10.00 since 1978 SOCIETY King William Court, the University of Wed 25th March 7.30 pm PRINCESS IDA The COMMUNITY IFD PFLI @;<8J FI IKNFIB Greenwich NEXT LECTURE: 9th Mar. From medieval musical that makes Game of Thrones look Rag Dolls to Robots - Chloe Sayer Fellow of the CANCER RESEARCH LUNCH like tiddlywinks! Gilbert & Sullivan’s take on the bat- N<