June2012y.QXD_WN.QXD 21/05/2012 10:34 Page 1 Westcombe NEWS Est. 1973 Free to 3800 homes, also available in libraries & some shops June 2012 Issue 5 A community newspaper commended by the London Forum of Amenity and Civic Societies Monthly newspaper of The Westcombe Society: fostering a sense of community The Olympics: Is PHOTO: Liz Bull Greenwich taking a running jump? SARAH WINTERBOTTOM reports surreal acrobatic display in May, found out at a recent stakeholders’ meeting organized by TfL, launched its hosted by Games organisers, LOCOG. Acampaign to encourage us to First of all, Circus Field: currently, this “Walk to Work!” during the Olympics is LOCOG’s main storage facility where RISEN rather than use public transport. temporary stabling tents for the competi- FROM “That should keep us fit,” said a local tors’ horses are being installed. THE resident. “You couldn’t make it up!” ASHES! The display featured a ‘hop, skip and Greenwich Park closures Temporary security fencing is being put up No one can fail to admire the beauty of the Cutty Sark, even, as this photograph shows, at night. jump’ stunt, as acrobats and runners made But to see the full beauty of this wondrous vessel you need to go inside that glass bubble below, and their way from London Bridge and in phases between now and July. Posters take on board the erotic curve of her hull. It took the engineers two days to raise the ship three Monument Station. Inspired perhaps by with maps showing the planned phasing of metres, and the intolerable pressure of the weight of the vessel on her keel has been removed. Monty Python's Ministry of Silly Walks? closures are now attached to the security No wonder the public are worried by fencing, explaining what an area is being Meanwhile, we can rest assured... the serious transport issues that remain used for. unresolved as we go to press: after much Pathways PHOTO: Roger Marshall high-level pressure from the WS and others, the Details of all path closures are to be found Royal Borough of Greenwich (RBG) has, on all Park noticeboards. The good news is at last, convened a meeting of the Olympic that the National Maritime Museum has Transport Group Forum (OTGF), as agreed to keep its pathway in front of the required by the March 2010 Planning Sammy Ofer Wing open during Park hours Board Decision. Why has it taken so long? to give access to Jubilee Avenue, Park But the OTGF meeting was held on Vista Gate and St Mary’s Gate. 17th May, leaving stakeholders little time to respond to LOCOG's transport planning Crisis in Queen’s Field application. The deadline for responses Work had begun and the grass covered was 22nd May, in time for a Planning with a special steel matting. However, due Board meeting scheduled for 24th May. to an extremely wet April, LOCOG has Some observers see this as a clear indi- had a crisis to deal with: they have had to cation that the RBG, LOCOG and the remove 15cm of topsoil to install a firm other agencies concerned aim to (may have base for the spectator stands and temporary to) force through a belated, and possibly ill toilets, and have had to work until 10.00 pm to get the job done in time. This was Rapier surface-to air-missiles, last used in the Falklands campaign, have been set up on Blackheath thought-out, transport plan regardless of to help protect London 2012 from potential airborne threats this summer. Blackheath has been local opinion and interests. Current agreed by the Council in consultation with described by Air Vice-Marshall Stuart Atha DSO ADC as a “first class site”. Oxleas Meadow has proposals on parking are not looking good the Royal Parks and English Heritage. also been selected as a site for the missile defence systems. The missiles can offer protection within a (see our report on page 7.) Once completed, the grandstands will seat five mile radius. Protection for whom? As reported in May’s WN, there are some 20,500 spectators. many serious issues to be resolved; it is The Avenue Westcombe Woodlands developments still not clear whose hand is on the wheel. Temporary safety fencing between Queen’s Issues include bus and train services, and Field and The Avenue for the equestrian here has been a great deal of volunteer activities, to learn about making bird and Zil lanes – reserved as one local comment and modern pentathlon athletes’ training Tactivity in the Westcombe Woodlands bat boxes – and to sign up to becoming a has it “for Olympic fat cats.” ground has been installed – this is set to in recent months. During the past year, Friend of Westcombe Woodlands. Children Meanwhile, what's going on in the park remain in place until November. the Blackheath Preservation Trust (part of are welcome but remain the responsibility and on the heath? If you’ve been to either Check out what’s going on by logging on the Blackheath Society) has been running of their parents/carers. lately, you cannot have failed to notice that to www.london2012.com - and choose the a pilot project, in partnership with the The event will run between 1.00pm and preparations are well under way for the option ‘For Local Residents’. Click this environmental charity Trees for Cities. 4.00 pm and access will be via the cul de impending Olympic events this summer. and select ‘Greenwich Park’ to get all the Subsequently, BPT has been organising sac near the top of Maze Hill. Some So what exactly is happening? We latest info. the volunteer activities and this has now refreshments will be on offer. led to the emergence of The Friends of If you are interested in receiving infor- Westcombe Woodlands group. The next mation about future volunteer days (includ- < < < NEWS BRIEFS > > > volunteer day will be on Tues. 5th June. ing exact times and meeting points), please Big Jubilee Lunch The Greenwich+Docklands RACE for Life Details of others this year to follow. email your contact details to: The Big Jubilee Lunch is on International Festival This event takes place on On Saturday 16th June all are invited to [email protected]. Sunday 3rd June at the ORNC This runs for ten days from 23rd Sunday 1st July. If residents gardens, with free entertain- June, with many events over the have any concerns, the number an inaugural event on the site. It provides If you have any questions about the ment. You may see some of the first weekend in Greenwich. to ring is 0775 7758253 – only an opportunity to visit a unique area of Friends organisation or the Westcombe boats dispersing from the Royal available on the day of the event. ‘wild’ woodlands, to volunteer to assist in Woodlands, please call Tim Barnes on Pageant after 4.00 pm. Cards at Hooper & Palmer clearing, planting and other supervised 8858 1185 or Frank Smith on 8852 6390. If you plan a trip in central Johnny at Hooper & Palmer in SLAM protest London that weekend, be afraid, Humber Road is kindly selling, SLAM, South London Against The Westcombe Society very afraid. On Saturday, they without any markup, Westcombe Missiles, is mounting a walk at are beating the retreat at Horse- Society cards of Local Views in 2.00 pm on 9th June, at the DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATION - FREE! guards - and England play 19th and early 20th century. Oxleas Wood picnic hut to Sat 16th June 1.00-5.00 pm, Mycenae House and Gardens. Belgium at Wembley. These A6 size blank cards are protest against missiles on a resi- Jubilee Tea Party for Senior Citizens in the Main Hall On the Sunday, most bridges available in packs, or may also dential block in East London. are closed most of the day to be purchased individually. The route goes via Woolwich 2.00-4.00 pm (invitation only – these will be going out shortly). traffic – invited guests only on A good place too to drop in Common and Blackheath, and AND, in the gardens, for all: most bridges. Pedestrians can for coffee and cakes and to pick ends at Whitfields Mount. Punch & Judy shows, children’s races & “make your own Jubilee crown”, charity cross, but not linger on, Chelsea up some cards, not to mention stalls, cake stall, raffle, live musical entertainment from the South London Jazz and Battersea Bridges. some flowers! New wing opened On Monday, there is a big On Thursday 17th May, the new Orchestra & the Second Chance Choir, raffle, BBQ & fancy dress competition - concert (ticketed) in the Mall; Commiserations wing of Thomas Tallis School a prize for Best “red, white and blue” costume. Bring your own picnic or enjoy and on Tuesday there is a pro- to Cllr. Alex Wilson, who did was opened by the Rt Hon our BBQ in the lovely grounds of Mycenae House, with a drink from our Pimms Bar cession from Buck House to St not succeed in his bid to be David Miliband MP, who was to toast Her Majesty. The licensed bar will be open in Mycenae House and we will be Pauls and back for a service of voted in as a member of the Schools Minister when the last serving teas and coffees too. A day to remember for young and old and in between. thanksgiving (that we live in GLA. His loss is our gain: he Government initiated the BSF Greenwich?) remains our local councillor! programme. Enquiries &help offers: pl. ring Joanne on 07709 571777 or Caroline on 8853 0948.