Westcombe NEWS. 1973 Free to 3800 homes, ... heavy price paid by veterans of the Arctic Convoy, ......
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Monthly newspaper of The Westcombe Society: fostering a sense of community Est. 1973 Free to 3800 homes, and in libraries & some shops February 2013 Issue 1 A community newspaper celebrating its Fortieth Year – commended by the London Forum Westcombe NEWS Mind the gap < < NEWS BRIEFS > > Next Westcombe Society event The Westcombe Society is holding its annual Helpers’ and Welcome to new residents’ party on Saturday, 23rd February 2013 from 7.00 pm to 10.00 pm at Mycenae House, Mycenae Road. Invitations to our volunteer helpers are going out in February. New residents are very wel- come to come and find out what the Westcombe Society is all about. Details are on page 2. Park road closure Greenwich Park has announced that road works in the park will continue until 28th March. During this time the car park will remain open, but the Avenue through route will remain closed to all vehicles, and cyclists. See also page 7. Monty met Rommel As the 70th Anniversary of the end of the WW2’s North Africa Campaign approaches in May, a startling photograph has emerged of Field Marshall Montgomery with his opponent – Rommel – sitting on his lap. Winston named his pet spaniel Rommel, and a photograph has just emerged of Winston and Monty – with Rommel on Monty’s lap. A tomato a day keeps the psychiatrist away According to a study led by Dr Kaijun Niu at China’s Tianjin Medical University, eating a tomato every day reduces one’s risk of depres- sion by 52%. This is because tomatoes are packed full of lycopene, an antioxidant reducing stress, and repairs brain cells. The study appears in the Journal of Affective Disorders. Arctic convoys medal In October last year, the WN reported on the heavy price paid by veterans of the Arctic Convoy, and the fact that no medal had been awarded in recognition of their contribution to the war effort. The Arctic Convoy featured in an exhibition at the NMM. In December, David Cameron announced medals will now be awarded to the veterans. He said that the brave men who ensured supplies would get through German blockades to the Soviet Union “richly deserved” recognition. SARAH WINTERBOTTOM I n the last issue of the WN, we reported on Transport for London’s (TfL) pro- posals to increase the number of river crossings in South East of London. With the environmental impact of all scenarios not yet available, the Royal Borough of Greenwich (RBG) and Newham Council have joined the fray with a major campaign for what they argue are “vitally needed fixed river crossings between East and South East London.” Both authorities firmly agree with TfL that “bridging the gap” – building a new tunnel between Greenwich Peninsula and Silvertown – is essential. However, they strongly argue for a new bridge at Gallions Reach between Thamesmead and Beckton, rather than the ferry service proposed by TfL. Dick Allard, the chairman of the Westcombe Society’s Planning and Environment Committee (WSPEC) attend- ed the councils’ recent press conference to raise crucial questions regarding pollution, congestion – and the cost implications. Creating jobs Those in favour of the schemes assert that their proposals will provide the only viable long-term solution to a problem which has long held back economic growth in this part of London. A spokesman for RBG claimed that a bridge at Gallions Reach would improve accessibility to more than forty sites either side of the river, trans- forming their development prospects and creating some 20,000 jobs. It is also argued that the Silvertown Tunnel would provide much needed relief to traffic congestion at the Blackwall Tunnel, and support the development of Greenwich Peninsula and Royal Docks. Between Central London and the M25 heading west there are 25 bridge crossings of the River Thames. From Tower Bridge to Dartford, there are just two. The costs and benefits. Transport for London has invited public opinion in what we understand is part of a ‘pre-official’ consultation stage on the river crossings package which closed on 1st February 2013. TfL estimates that a new road tunnel at Silvertown would cost £600m; a vehicle ferry at Gallions Reach would cost £150m; it is estimated that the Council’s proposals for a bridge, instead of a ferry, would add at least £200m. A RBG spokesperson confirmed that, as ‘nationally significant infrastructure projects’ they will require development consent from the Secretary of State, whose opinion is formed after full examination of the implications, and a recommendation from the Planning Inspectorate. According to the two councils the cross- ings are supported by business and entre- preneurs and together would maximise the economic potential of the former industrial sites on both sides of the Thames. Cllr. Chris Roberts, Leader of the RBG, said: “New river crossings are vital for this part of London – and we need a viable, long-term solution. For far too long we have put up with congestion, pollution and this barrier to growth. “We badly need these long-term solu- tions to ease the pressure on the Blackwall Tunnel and the Woolwich Ferry. The peo- ple of South East London have been short- changed for too long . . . The quick-fix ferry suggestion at Gallions Reach isn’t good enough – we need a real long-term solution to these issues. “This isn’t just about making the imme- diate area better – London is expanding east, we need to manage that growth and ensure the right infrastructure is in place to fully realise the potential of South East London. It will aid the UK economy as a whole to be able to overcome the barrier of the Thames here and to finally fully con- nect North and South London.” His words are echoed by Sir Robin Wales, Mayor of Newham, who said: “Central and West London have long been recipients of investment and new transport infrastructure.” . . . and who will pay for them? However, there are serious cost issues: TfL has no money to pay for the proposed projects, and motorists fear they would have to pay a levy to fund whatever plans are finally brought to fruition. As indicated in the last issue of the WN, a toll charge of £2 to use the Blackwall Tunnel has been mooted to fund the schemes. Paul Watters, from the AA, said that “Charging existing infrastructure is always controversial especially as since the 1960s it’s been a free crossing. “Drivers who use the Blackwall Tunnel and not the Silvertown one will feel like pound fodder for the new crossing even though they have no reason to use it.” The AA points out that drivers already pay huge amounts in Vehicle Excise Duty – only a quarter of which is spent on road and highway maintenance. And the side effects? London Watchdog TravelWatch supports TfL’s proposals. A side effect might be that a toll charge might help to ease congestion – good news for pollution levels – but crit- ics point out that the plans might have the opposite effect in South London. Data that Dick Allard, Chair of WSPEC requested from computer simulations indicating the likely resultant levels of congestion and traffic flows are still awaited as we go to press. There are other issues, too: for years, local councillors have been supporting the residents of Westcombe Hill and Siebert Road on the need for better fencing to reduce noise and vibration disturbance from the A102 – a request that TfL have refused. If the proposal to increase traffic flows on the A102 are to go ahead, such meas- ures should be a condition. In addition, observers argue that another condition would be that public transport capacity needs to be greatly increased. As we reported in last month’s WN, the public consultation by TfL on these major proposals is set to run until 1st February 2013. If you were unable to attend any of the consultation “roadshows”, log on to https:// consultations.tfl.gov. uk/river- crossings/ consultation to find out more, and to make your views known. A printed information leaflet can also be requested by calling 0843 222 1234. Meanwhile, there are those who argue that these suggestions are a bridge too far. Please turn to page 7 for information about a campaign opposing the new river crossings. The Conservatoire under threat . . . F or the past 132 years the Conservatoire has fostered quality art and music in this community. Founded in 1881 by William Webster, the Conservatoire is Blackheath's local independent arts centre. Each week it provides a broad mix of music, art, drama and cultural classes to over 1,200 people aged 0 to 90. The WN profiled the Conservatoire in November 2011, and ran an interview with its new head, Sydney Thornbury, in June 2012. However, today the Conservatoire is under great threat. Like many charities, it has struggled to survive the recession. Chairman of the Trustees, Lord Mawson OBE has launched an appeal with these words: “Sydney and our new team of Trustees have a strong track record of transforming charities and developing innovative and sustainable business mod- els. We have a solid recovery plan to not only turn around the Conservatoire, but to transform and reinvigorate it for a 21st Century community. “But we are racing against the clock. We must raise £175,000 by the end of February or we risk having to close in August, before our new plan can take effect. “A £75,000 Challenge Donor Fund has been generously pledged by a group of local donors. To claim it, we must match those funds through supporters’ donations. “The situation is truly urgent. Without your help, we may have no future at all. Your donation will be matched pound for pound by our Challenge Donor Fund. And because we can also claim Gift Aid, your donation will be worth an additional 125% on top of the amount you donate. If, for example, you donate £100, it will be worth £225 towards our goal.” Donations can be made by visiting www.justgiving.com/SaveTheCon. See What’s On on page 5 for a list of Fund-raising events. The Conservatoire’s stunningly northern lit Art building includes one of the last Victorian Life Drawing studios still in use in the UK. Community leaders, local businesses and entrepreneurs have thrown their weight behind a cam- paign for more river crossings in East London. But some local residents have some serious reservations.
Transcript of Westcombe NEWS. 1973 Free to 3800 homes, ... heavy price paid by veterans of the Arctic Convoy, ......
Monthly newspaper of The Westcombe Society: fostering a sense of community
Est. 1973 Free to 3800 homes, and in libraries & some shops February 2013 Issue 1
A community newspaper celebrating its Fortieth Year – commended by the London Forum
Westcombe NEWS
Mind the gap
< < NEWS BRIEFS > > Next Westcombe Society eventThe Westcombe Society is holding its annualHelpers’ and Welcome to new residents’ partyon Saturday, 23rd February 2013 from 7.00 pmto 10.00 pm at Mycenae House, Mycenae Road.Invitations to our volunteer helpers are goingout in February. New residents are very wel-come to come and find out what the WestcombeSociety is all about. Details are on page 2.
Park road closureGreenwich Park has announced that road works
in the park will continue until 28th March.During this time the car park will remain open,but the Avenue through route will remain closedto all vehicles, and cyclists. See also page 7.
Monty met RommelAs the 70th Anniversary of the end of theWW2’s North Africa Campaign approaches inMay, a startling photograph has emerged ofField Marshall Montgomery with his opponent –Rommel – sitting on his lap.
Winston named his pet spaniel Rommel, and
a photograph has just emerged of Winston andMonty – with Rommel on Monty’s lap.
A tomato a day keeps the psychiatrist awayAccording to a study led by Dr Kaijun Niu atChina’s Tianjin Medical University, eating atomato every day reduces one’s risk of depres-sion by 52%.
This is because tomatoes are packed full oflycopene, an antioxidant reducing stress, andrepairs brain cells. The study appears in theJournal of Affective Disorders.
Arctic convoys medalIn October last year, the WN reported on theheavy price paid by veterans of the ArcticConvoy, and the fact that no medal had beenawarded in recognition of their contribution tothe war effort. The Arctic Convoy featured inan exhibition at the NMM.
In December, David Cameron announcedmedals will now be awarded to the veterans. Hesaid that the brave men who ensured supplieswould get through German blockades to theSoviet Union “richly deserved” recognition.
SARAH WINTERBOTTOM
In the last issue of the WN, we reportedon Transport for London’s (TfL) pro-posals to increase the number of river
crossings in South East of London. With the environmental impact of all
scenarios not yet available, the RoyalBorough of Greenwich (RBG) andNewham Council have joined the fray witha major campaign for what they argue are“vitally needed fixed river crossingsbetween East and South East London.” Both authorities firmly agree with TfL that“bridging the gap” – building a new tunnelbetween Greenwich Peninsula andSilvertown – is essential.
However, they strongly argue for a newbridge at Gallions Reach betweenThamesmead and Beckton, rather than theferry service proposed by TfL.
Dick Allard, the chairman of theWestcombe Society’s Planning andEnvironment Committee (WSPEC) attend-ed the councils’ recent press conference toraise crucial questions regarding pollution,congestion – and the cost implications.
Creating jobsThose in favour of the schemes assert thattheir proposals will provide the only viablelong-term solution to a problem which haslong held back economic growth in thispart of London. A spokesman for RBGclaimed that a bridge at Gallions Reachwould improve accessibility to more thanforty sites either side of the river, trans-forming their development prospects andcreating some 20,000 jobs.
It is also argued that the SilvertownTunnel would provide much needed reliefto traffic congestion at the BlackwallTunnel, and support the development ofGreenwich Peninsula and Royal Docks.
Between Central London and the M25heading west there are 25 bridge crossingsof the River Thames. From Tower Bridgeto Dartford, there are just two.
The costs and benefits. Transport for London has invited publicopinion in what we understand is part of a‘pre-official’ consultation stage on the rivercrossings package which closed on 1stFebruary 2013. TfL estimates that a newroad tunnel at Silvertown would cost£600m; a vehicle ferry at Gallions Reachwould cost £150m; it is estimated that theCouncil’s proposals for a bridge, instead ofa ferry, would add at least £200m.
A RBG spokesperson confirmed that,as ‘nationally significant infrastructureprojects’ they will require developmentconsent from the Secretary of State, whoseopinion is formed after full examination of
the implications, and a recommendationfrom the Planning Inspectorate.
According to the two councils the cross-ings are supported by business and entre-preneurs and together would maximise the economic potential of the former industrialsites on both sides of the Thames.
Cllr. Chris Roberts, Leader of the RBG,said: “New river crossings are vital for thispart of London – and we need a viable,long-term solution. For far too long wehave put up with congestion, pollution andthis barrier to growth.
“We badly need these long-term solu-tions to ease the pressure on the BlackwallTunnel and the Woolwich Ferry. The peo-ple of South East London have been short-changed for too long . . . The quick-fixferry suggestion at Gallions Reach isn’tgood enough – we need a real long-termsolution to these issues.
“This isn’t just about making the imme-diate area better – London is expandingeast, we need to manage that growth andensure the right infrastructure is in place tofully realise the potential of South EastLondon. It will aid the UK economy as awhole to be able to overcome the barrier ofthe Thames here and to finally fully con-nect North and South London.”
His words are echoed by Sir RobinWales, Mayor of Newham, who said:“Central and West London have long beenrecipients of investment and new transportinfrastructure.”
. . . and who will pay for them?However, there are serious cost issues: TfLhas no money to pay for the proposedprojects, and motorists fear they wouldhave to pay a levy to fund whateverplans are finally brought to fruition. Asindicated in the last issue of the WN, a toll charge of £2 to use the Blackwall Tunnelhas been mooted to fund the schemes.
Paul Watters, from the AA, said that“Charging existing infrastructure is alwayscontroversial especially as since the 1960sit’s been a free crossing.
“Drivers who use the Blackwall Tunneland not the Silvertown one will feel like pound fodder for the new crossing eventhough they have no reason to use it.”
The AA points out that drivers alreadypay huge amounts in Vehicle Excise Duty– only a quarter of which is spent on roadand highway maintenance.
And the side effects?London Watchdog TravelWatch supportsTfL’s proposals. A side effect might be thata toll charge might help to ease congestion– good news for pollution levels – but crit-ics point out that the plans might have theopposite effect in South London. Data thatDick Allard, Chair of WSPEC requestedfrom computer simulations indicating thelikely resultant levels of congestion andtraffic flows are still awaited as we go topress.
There are other issues, too: for years,local councillors have been supporting theresidents of Westcombe Hill and SiebertRoad on the need for better fencing toreduce noise and vibration disturbancefrom the A102 – a request that TfL haverefused.
If the proposal to increase traffic flowson the A102 are to go ahead, such meas-ures should be a condition. In addition,observers argue that another conditionwould be that public transport capacityneeds to be greatly increased.As we reported in last month’s WN, thepublic consultation by TfL on these majorproposals is set to run until 1st February2013. If you were unable to attend any ofthe consultation “roadshows”, log on tohttps:// consultations.tfl.gov. uk/river-crossings/ consultation to find out more,and to make your views known. A printedinformation leaflet can also be requestedby calling 0843 222 1234.
Meanwhile, there are those who arguethat these suggestions are a bridge too far.Please turn to page 7 for informationabout a campaign opposing the new rivercrossings.
The Conservatoire under threat . . . For the past 132 years the Conservatoire
has fostered quality art and music inthis community. Founded in 1881 byWilliam Webster, the Conservatoire isBlackheath's local independent arts centre.Each week it provides a broad mix ofmusic, art, drama and cultural classes toover 1,200 people aged 0 to 90.
The WN profiled the Conservatoire inNovember 2011, and ran an interview withits new head, Sydney Thornbury, in June2012. However, today the Conservatoire isunder great threat. Like many charities, ithas struggled to survive the recession.
Chairman of the Trustees, LordMawson OBE has launched an appeal withthese words: “Sydney and our new teamof Trustees have a strong track record oftransforming charities and developinginnovative and sustainable business mod-els. We have a solid recovery plan to notonly turn around the Conservatoire, but totransform and reinvigorate it for a 21stCentury community.
“But we are racing against the clock.We must raise £175,000 by the end ofFebruary or we risk having to close inAugust, before our new plan can takeeffect.
“A £75,000 Challenge Donor Fund hasbeen generously pledged by a group oflocal donors. To claim it, we must matchthose funds through supporters’ donations.
“The situation is truly urgent. Withoutyour help, we may have no future at all.Your donation will be matched pound forpound by our Challenge Donor Fund. Andbecause we can also claim Gift Aid, yourdonation will be worth an additional 125%on top of the amount you donate. If, forexample, you donate £100, it will be worth£225 towards our goal.”
Donations can be made by visitingwww.justgiving.com/SaveTheCon. See What’s On on page 5 for a list ofFund-raising events.
The Conservatoire’s stunningly northernlit Art building includes one of the lastVictorian Life Drawing studios still in usein the UK.
Communityleaders, localbusinesses andentrepreneurshave throwntheir weightbehind a cam-paign for moreriver crossingsin East London.But some localresidents havesome seriousreservations.
FEB 2013.QXD_WN.QXD 22/01/2013 12:00 Page 1
ALL EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE TO:Neville Grant, The [email protected]. 0208 858 8489
ALL MATERIAL TO BE SENT TO:[email protected] for the March issue:15th FebruaryNews Editor: Geoff GarveyEnvironment Editor: SarahWinterbottomReporters: Denise Scott-McDonald
ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEEDick Allard All queries and comments to: 020 8858 7305The Planning and environment sub-committee: [email protected]://westcombe.gold.ac.uk
DISTRIBUTIONMyles Dove & Barbara HenleyJean-Jacques and Maureen AuneVolunteer distributors please phone 8853 3740, we need your help!
ADVERTISING MANAGERMarilyn Little, 163 Westcombe Hill, SE3 7DP 020 8853 1312 (email:[email protected])All advertisements payable in advanceby cheque to The WestcombeSociety. Costs: DISPLAY: Single column 6cm x 6cm:One - four issues £35, five-plus issues £30each. Other sizes: please inquire. Classified Ads (Market Place) charged at30p per word (A telephone number = oneword. Any email/web address = 3 words.)Deadline for all adverts is 10th day of thepreceding month
Printed by: Trojan PressContact the Westcombe Society:[email protected]: The Westcombe SocietyChairman:
Marilyn Little Tel. 8853 1312 The views expressed in the WestcombeNews are not necessarily those of theWestcombe Society or of the Editor.
Back-numbers (in colour) can be accessedon:http:// westcombe.gold.ac.uk/westnews.htmlWestcombe Societys Blog:http://westcombe.blogspot.com
WESTCOMBE NEWS
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Westcombe News February 2013 2
COMMUNITY NEWS
Letters Letters to the editor may be edited through lack of space. Any views expressed are those of the writers only, and are not necessarily those of the Westcombe Society or the WN.
Get GreenwichFrom: Ivy McGeorge Vanbrugh FieldsThere has been a great deal of discussion in thearea about the planning application to removethe Horse Chestnut tree on the corner ofWestcombe Park Road and Vanbrugh Park RoadWest.
It is very distressing to see a mature treebeing cut down, and I understand the concernsraised, and those who are objecting have done agreat job voicing their concerns.
The current proposal is for the tree to beremoved and a substantial tree of 60-70 cmgirth planted in its place – the tree will be caredfor for five years by the Nursery supplying it.When the plans for the new school were done,an independent Tree Company was asked if thetree could be saved. In their opinion it was pos-sible. Now excavations have been started andthe roots of the tree have been exposed it isclear that the tree cannot be saved if thebuidling proceeds as planned, and the independ-ent specialist has confirmed that it will not bepossible. A measured decision was made and itproved to be wrong.
Given that a substantial tree will be plantedin its place I firmly believe that in the interestsof everyone it is a good compromise. The costin human terms of changing the plans at thisstage would be huge, with delays in completiondates and the education of many many studentsbeing disrupted. (e.g the John Roan studentsare being temporarily accommodated in theRoyal Hill site, which is due to become a pri-mary school – that will be delayed.)Neighbours will have to put up with buildingworks longer than planned. On top of which thefinancial cost which you and I pay is massive.
The positive note long-term note is that thenew tree will still be there in 100 years – theexpected life of the current tree is 20 years.
The building that has just been demolished,
having been up for only 30 years was never “fitfor purpose”. This was due in some part tosome compromises made at the planning stagefollowing objections from the neighbours whodid not want a school on the site. The mainobjection was the height of the building, whichwas reduced – and therefore the classroom ceil-ings were too low. It would be a tragedy if theproposed building followed the same route.
From: Colin Fancy Combe AvenueHow can local Councillor Alex Wilson claimthere is a "silver lining" to the local hospitalcuts? (WN Dec/Jan) Like many local people wehave used both Lewisham and Queen ElizabethHospitals. As your report showed, waiting timeat the A&E at QEH is already over 4 hours onaverage – just imagine how long it will be if thepeople currently using Lewisham A&E areforced to travel to QEH.
The government is threatening cuts acrossthe NHS while ensuring PFI shareholders areguaranteed their profits; while the rest of uswho pay for the service are facing a future with-out the health service we need. I urge everyoneto sign the petitions and join the campaign.
The Westcombe Society’s celebratesits Fortieth Birthday this year!
Last year, we raised £3,000 for ourCharity of the Year – Woodlands FarmTrust. We hope to celebrate our fortiethanniversary by raising a record sum forour charity of the year, so we are askingour readers to send in their nominations.It must be a locally based charity or onethat supports/helps those living in theWestcombe Park area. Please contactMarilyn Little with your nomination or formore information on 0208 853 1312.
The events being planned include: Feb 23rd Helpers’ & Newcomers’ Party –Main Hall, Mycenae House 7.0-10.00pmMar 9th Daffodil Tea – 2.00 pm Teasserved from 2.15. (Invites will be goingout in February but if you don’t receiveone or are new to Westcombe Park andwould like one then please ring Carolineon 020 8853 0948).Mar 16th Children’s Nearly New Sale –Main Hall, Mycenae House 2.00 - 4.00 pmTables and rails can be booked fromJoanne – please ring or text 07709 571777or ring 020 8293 3429 for details Mar 30th, Easter Egg Hunt – gardensApr 20th, Quiz Night Main Hall May 12th, AGM, Main Hall, lunchtime/early afternoonJun 15th. Summer Picnic and SeniorCitizens Tea Party Sept 7th. Members’ Evening, Main Hall,
Sep 27th. Macmillan Coffee Morning, bar/Main Hall Mycenae HouseSep 28th. Nearly New Sale, Main Hall, Oct 26th Quiz Night, Main HallNote that this year, we are combining theSummer Picnic with a Senior Citizens’ TeaParty – the latter replacing what we usedto call the Chrysanthemum Tea.
This was an idea we tried out last yearfor the Jubilee celebration, and we thoughtit worked out well.
The Westcombe Society will also becelebrating its 40th anniversary this year – watch this space!
Want to know what’s happening in theRoyal Borough? If so, the smart-
phone app Get Greenwich is the answer,helping you to discover events and offersnear you – right now!* Events from grand festivals right down
to the humble pub quiz* Offers in places such as eateries, shops,
market stalls & attractions* Create your own list of favourite events,
offers, places & searches* Free to try outAvailable on iPhone, iPad and android.
The idea was conceived, designed andbuilt locally by design agency Fit Creativebased in Charlton, whose client base is inGreenwich, thus providing the inspirationto create a modern tool to help people takeadvantage of this unique location.If you want more information or needhelp with the app, email [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you soplease let us know what you think of theapp in Review
Westcombe Society’splans for 2013
Sewing Time
7 Delacourt Road, Blackheath, SE3 8XA
Call: 02084655520/07403583001
[email protected]/ www.sewingtime.co.uk
For: Clubs, Courses, Workshops
Fabrics, Haberdashery and more!
We regret to announce the death onDecember 17th of Ken Clark at St.
Thomas’s hospital following a heart attack.As a former soldier he served with the
Royal Engineers in Jamaica, where heliked to claim he played a crucial role inthe defeat of Hitler.... As a journalist, hestarted life with the Bexley and KentishMercury, but most of his working life wasspent at the Colonial Office, which includ-ed work on Bechuanaland (Botswana).Ken was an occasional contributor to theWN, and was even persuaded to edit it for
a month when the WN was in crisis (inJune 1991). He was the author of a bookcalled Greenwich and Woolwich in oldphotographs (1990. pub. Allan Sutton.)
As he cycled round in his khaki, Foreign-Legion style cap, Ken was a familiar figurein Westcombe Park. He lived here for manyyears with his wife Betty (who was a teacherat Prendergast School in Lewisham) andwas widowed twenty years ago.
His funeral took place on 25th January. He leaves a daughter and a son and sixgrandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Ken Clark 1927 – 2012
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BAR MEMBER NO. JO28
The Westcombe Society is holding itsannual Helpers’ Party on Saturday,
23rd February 2013 from 7.00 pm to10.00 pm at Mycenae House, MycenaeRoad.
This is our chance to thank all thosewho have helped the Westcombe Societyin the past 12 months in running events,supporting and participating in the work ofthe various committees and producing anddelivering the Westcombe News. We arevery grateful for this help and couldn’tkeep everything running without you.
We do hope you can come along andmeet some old, and some new, faces as weare combining this with our Welcome toNewcomers Party. So if you are new toWestcombe Park we’d love to meet you.The invitation is open to all new residentsof Westcombe Park and we hope you cancome along, meet fellow neighbours andfind out more about both Westcombe Parkand the work of the Westcombe Society. There will be a welcome drink and a lightbuffet available and the bar in MycenaeHouse will be open.
We are sending out personal invitationsto those helpers for whom we have postalor email addresses.
If you are a helper and don’t receive aninvitation, perhaps because we don’t havean address for you, or you are new to thearea and would like to join us on the 23rdFebruary, please contact Joanne by post at41 Glenluce Road, SE3 7SD or by phoneon 020 8293 3429 by Friday 15th Februaryso that we can cater for the right numbers
We look forward to seeing you andthanking and welcoming you in person.If you are interested in helping with theWestcombe Society’s activities, and wouldlike to get involved, please give MarilynLittle a ring on 8853 1312 for more infor-mation. We are currently seeking aMembership Secretary and someone tohelp with the Bazaar organisation.
Helpers and Welcometo New Residents’Party 2013
Some volunteers in the Westcombe Society shared a delicious Christmas Dinner at Moca’s in Old Dover Road. Moca’s servesa variety of meals, most with an Italian
flavour; and also offers free wi-fi access.
FEB 2013.QXD_WN.QXD 22/01/2013 12:00 Page 2
Westcombe News February 2013 3
LOCAL NEWS
A & A LANDSCAPESLandscape Specialists
Free advice & Qualified estimates horticulturalist
All aspects of soft & hard landscapingwork carried out including
* Maintenance *Site clearance* Turfing * Tree surgery
* Fencing * Patios * Brickwork
Tel. 020 8318 2530
Hospice charity calls for volunteers
At the foot of Royal Hill there is abuilding that houses a small gallery
called Linear House, in Peyton Place, nextdoor to Greenwich Dance.
Linear House is the brainchild of EventsOrganizer Tony Othen (once very active inthe Westcombe Society when he lived inHumber Road) who has run photographic,audio visual and production companies inGreenwich for more than 40 years.
It was there I went to see an exhibitionof photographs by talented local photogra-pher Anita Strasser. Anita is fascinated bystreet scenes: she has produced a book onDeptford High Street, and her latest exhibi-tion – now a book - features Royal Hill.
The beautiful photographs are accompa-nied by commentaries by local luminaries– Tony Othen of course, as well as JanisTilling, Jerry Button, Michael Jones,Daniel Persson (founding father ofMeantime Breweries) and many others.
Says Anita: “The idea to capture RoyalHill came as a response to the LondonVillages Project organized by LondonIndependent Photography (LIP). of which Iam a member.”
These establishments on Royal Hilldemonstrate that the traditional High Streetin English towns is still very much alive –
and traditional local traders keep it alive,despite “the usual suspects”, the big bat-talions like Boots or Smiths.
Anita’s photographs show how veryattractive the shops and traders' premises canbe. Next stop, the Standard? N.G.
Her exhibition is now over, but youcan still obtain her book (£12.00) RoyalHill from [email protected]. Youcan see samples of Anita’s work onwww.anitastrasser.com
If you missed Peter Kent’s wonderfulexhibition of art at the same venue, whichdepicted Greenwich during the Jubilee,and his impressive Portfolio of Ports inBritain and around the world, they arestill obtainable from the artist, or fromTony Othen.
Documenting the High Street
Dramatic opportunitiesBARRIE SMITH
Are you interested in acting – or work-ing backstage? If so, then an opportu-
nity to indulge your passion exists right onyour doorstep. Capital Theatre Company –a small, locally-based amateur theatregroup – rehearses on Tuesday andThursday evenings at Mycenae House.
Exercising considerable ingenuity in itschoice and presentation of plays, theCompany seeks to make a virtue of itsmodest circumstances by placing the actorfirmly at the centre of its productions.Bold play selection, spare but imaginativepresentation, and first-rate acting are theCompany’s hall-marks. Two productionsare put on each year. These are presentedin The Old Bakehouse Theatre, Blackheathand St Margaret’s Crypt, Lee – whose inti-mate surroundings allow the Company toplay to its strengths.
The Company receives no financial sup-port, relying only on box office revenueand members’ subscriptions. Nevertheless,the Company has an impressive trackrecord of achievement and takes pride inits high standards. Its adventurous andeclectic choice of plays includes: Teechersby John Godber, Five Kinds of Silence byShelagh Stephenson, Baby with theBathwater by Christopher Durang, TheFive Wives of Maurice Pinder by Matt
Charman, Joseph K by Tom Basden, Mineby Polly Teale, Sylvia by A.R. Gurney andrecently, The Country by Martin Crimp.
Membership is open to anyone willingto commit themselves to high standardsand a professional approach. Whether youwant to act or help backstage, we wouldlike to hear from you. If you want to act,why not come along for an audition?
If successful, you can be sure of gettinga part, because we select plays that involveas many people as possible. We don’t likepeople sitting on the sidelines; so if you’reavailable, we’ll try and cast you. But iflavish staging and large-cast spectacularsare what you crave, then we may not be foryou! But if small-scale, actor-centreddrama is your thing, please give us a call. Further information is available from theCompany’s director Barrie Smith (tele-phone: 020 8852 3258 or e-mail:[email protected]).
Anthony Simmonds of Maritime BooksPHOTO: (c) Anita Strasser
The future of policing
Greenwich & Bexley CommunityHospice on Bostall Hill, Abbey Wood
in South East London is calling for localpeople of all ages to join its friendly volun-teer team.
The Hospice, a registered charity, offersspecialist care and support to local peoplewith a life-limiting illness. Last year, theHospice supported around 2,500 local peopleand their families, friends and carers in theboroughs of Greenwich and Bexley.
“Our volunteers make a big difference tothe quality of life of people who have a life-limiting illness,” said Vanessa Hill,
Volunteers Manager at the Hospice.“We have all sorts of volunteer roles,
with something that can suit all abilities andavailabilities.”
Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospicehas a dedicated team of over 500 volunteersworking in a variety of roles from charityshop work and fund-raising to workingdirectly with patients and their families at theHospice.
FOR MORE INFORMATION contactVanessa Hill, Volunteers’ Manager on 0208320 5812, email [email protected] visit www.communityhospice.org.uk
Share fraud warningAlocal resident wrote: “I was recently
approached on the phone by a verypersuasive American lady about a smallquantity of shares I have: the dividendsfrom these have marginally increased eachyear, but being less than £100 I wouldhave been quite willing to sell them.
“But a friend was suspicious andchecked out the company on the internet,and very quickly discovered that it was ashare scam. I reported this to the FSA(Financial Services Authority), ActionFraud, and the company that pay my divi-dends, all of whom were very helpful.”
The FSA says that share fraud includesscams where investors are called out of theblue and offered shares that often turn outto be worthless or non-existent, or with aninflated price.
These fraudsters operate in “boilerrooms” mostly based abroad. The FSAestimate that around £200m is lost in theUK each year in this way.
The FSA’s advice is to get the name ofthe person and organization contactingyou; check www.fsa.gov.uk/fsaregister toensure they are authorised, and use thedetails there to contact the firm. Call theFSA Helpline on 0845 606 1234 if thereare any doubts at all. Also search the FSA’slist of unauthorised firms or indiividuals toavoid doing business with.
In general, if it sounds too good to betrue, then it probably is. If you are approached about a sharescam, use the share fraud reporting format www.fsa.gov.uk/scams, where you canalso find out about the latest investmentscams. If you have already been defraud-ed you should contact Action Fraud on0300 123 2040.
A scene from Joseph K
There is deep concern about the pro-posed cuts in policing numbers in this
ward – and about the reduction in policestations.
Proposals to use Post offices as policestations have been described as “ludi-crous”: police stations have had privateinterview rooms; who wants to have theirconcerns listened to by a queue of peoplebuying stamps?
In January, local MP for Greenwich andWoolwich wrote to the Metropolitan PoliceCommissioner, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe,raising his concerns about the future ofpolicing in Greenwich. Nick Raynsfordwas responding to the announcement that
the Metropolitan Police proposes to closeWoolwich and Greenwich Police Stations.
Nick Raynsford told the WN: “Whilst Irecognise the need to look for efficiencysavings, if these closures go ahead many ofmy constituents will be left out on a limb.
“I have repeatedly stressed to the Met.that it should consider looking at co-locat-ing at other civic buildings, to ensure thatthere is an accessible Police presence forloval residents whilst at the same time,saving money”.STOP PRESS: The fire stations in NewCross and Woolwich are also to be closed.In response, Nick Raynsford has againlodged a strongly-worded protest.
BGHS in Guiness Book of RecordsGuinness World Records have confirmed
that Blackheath High School has enteredthe record books by taking part in the world’sbiggest practical science lesson in multiplevenues.
On Tuesday 13th November, 62 girls fromBlackheath High School took part in theworld record attempt by conducting two sci-ence experiments to measure the value ofacceleration due to gravity, involving 2,215girls in total at 26 schools across the country.
Pupils conducted one experiment whichmeasured the time taken for an object to dropa set distance, and another which timed aswinging pendulum.
All the schools were members of theGirls’ Day School Trust (GDST), whichcelebrates its 140th anniversary this year.
“We’re hugely excited to have been partof making science history”, said Lisa Laws,Headteacher. “Studies have shown thatwomen who go to girls’ schools are morelikely to study stereotypically male subjectslike physics and chemistry, both at schooland at university. We know this to be truefrom our own experience, with around 25%of our girls studying A-level physics, com-pared to the national average of 1.6%. Thisworld record has created even furtherenthusiasm around science in the school”.
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FEB 2013.QXD_WN.QXD 22/01/2013 12:00 Page 3
Westcombe News February 20134
FEATURESThe Art ofSelf-DefencePAUL CARTER
How do I punch someone?’ was thefinal thought that went through my
inebriated mind when I was robbed onTrafalgar Road.
It was late on a summer evening in June2006. I fell for the classic ruse of ‘Haveyou got the time, mate?’ and believed thefellow when he shoved his hand in hispocket and told me had a knife.
I handed over £10 and my cheap watch..... I clearly wasn’t thinking as phoningthe police didn’t enter my mind.
The childhood aggression which leadsto so many playground fights dissipates asyou mature and realise the futility of vio-lence, but you are allowed to defend your-self if someone tries to rob or attack you.
The problem is knowing how. KravMaga is a martial art focused on selfdefence moves for real world situations. Itoriginates from Israel and is Hebrew for‘hand-to-hand combat’. Stewart McGill isan expert and runs classes all over London,including a 7.00pm Monday night class atSt Michael’s Church Hall in Blackheath.
With other experienced martial artistshe developed his own style called UrbanKrav Maga, which in Stewart's opinion,offers a more leveraged approach.
Stewart said: “If an attacker has a knifethen give them your money or phone –your life is more important. But if theattacker won’t go away then you strikefirst. Attack is a great form of defence.
“If you train enough then you improveyour fitness and the moves become instinc-tive. It’s important you know how tostrike and get leverage over your opponent.So come along and give it a go. It is agood exercise class, too.”
Around 18 men of different ages,shapes and sizes attended my first class.We warmed up by jogging round the room,aiming punches and kicks at invisibletargets to get the heart pumping. Then comes the tricky part: remembering how todo the moves that Stewart demonstrated.
Stewart McGill in action
My partner grabbed me so I stepped onhis foot, struck out with an elbow thenpushed him to the floor and twisted hisarm until I found his pressure point. Weworked on a number of other moves, too.
I have poor coordination, and held on tomy judo white belt for two years beforeaccepting I didn’t belong in the white suit.So I was quite amazed when I was able toexecute some of the moves and put mypartner on the floor.
I learned that you should not punchwith a clenched fist – and a rolled-upnewspaper can be effective. Also considercarrying a purse or wallet with some coinsand foreign notes and an old mobile phonewhich you can throw to one side as yourun off in the other direction. I look for-ward to my next class but hope I neverhave to escape a dangerous confrontation.
Men and women are welcome to the class.To know more about Krav Maga and theclass locations then go to www. kravma-ga-eastlondon.com/index.htmThe first class is free and £60 buys yourfirst 10 lessons, which you can arrangearound your diary.
The bronze, silver and gold member-ships range from £40 to £60 a monthdepending on how many classes you wantto attend.
Have book, why travel?MICHAEL GOLDMAN on the joy of book clubs
“Each country Book-club bows the knee toBaal...”
This quotation from Byron shows thatbook clubs, book groups, reading
groups – call them what you will – go backa long time. And over the last twenty or soyears they have flourished as never before,giving the lie to those who mourn thedecline of reading.
Typically a reading group consists of adozen or so members who meet monthly todiscuss the chosen book, sometimes cho-sen by the members in turn, sometimeschosen at the start of a season by collectivedecision. The majority of groups consistsolely of women, many are mixed but all-male groups are rare.
A major virtue of reading groups is thatthey widen the literary horizons of mem-bers, encouraging them to read books thatthey would otherwise miss.
The social aspect is also important. Thelevel of seriousness varies: wine and gos-sip sometimes predominate over literarydiscussion. Most groups concentrate oncontemporary fiction but some read clas-sics from the past. There are even groups,mostly in America, which only read JamesJoyce’s Finnegans Wake.
Some reading groups are linked to locallibraries which provide multiple copies ofthe chosen books. Bookshops have
realised the value of reading groups andmany branches of Waterstones, includingthe one in Greenwich, host monthlygroups. These are open to anyone whoturns up. Websites list groups all over thecountry, including some in SE London.
Most local U3A (University of the ThirdAge) branches include reading groups ontheir programmes – three, for example, inU3A South East London.
One of these has been going for eight-een years and meets weekly. This isunusually frequent and is testimony to thededication of the twelve members whodevote several sessions to each book,depending on its length and complexity.
The U3A reading groups usually havewaiting lists because they meet in mem-bers’ homes, where room is limited, andalso because coherent discussion is diffi-cult with more than a dozen or so people.Hearing others’s opinions, as well as voic-ing your own, is one of the joys of readinggroups and discussion tends to be mostlively when opinions are sharply divided.The South East London U3A website iswww.u3asites.org.uk/london-se or infor-mation can be obtained from theMembership Secretary, Anne Richards, 30 Little Heath, Charlton, SE7 8HU, Tel.020 8854 4645 (please mention that yousaw this in the Westcombe News).
Karen Storey goes national
For those who like schoolgirl novels . . .
Clearing out unwanted items is becom-ing a country-wide trend in 2013 –
and local decluttering expert Karen Storeyof Homespace has gained national expo-sure. Articles in the most recent editions ofHouse Beautiful magazine, Yourwellnessand men’s styling newsletter SartoriaLaball quote Karen as they advise on how toclear unwanted stuff from your life.
All these articles can be viewed viaKaren’s Homespace website.
Karen, whose Westcombe Park-basedbusiness has been running since 2007, hasseen the business grow as people aim tostreamline their lives and their belongings.
JKaren told the WN: “Initially, peoplefound the idea of hiring a declutteringexpert strange, but now I find people real-ly embrace the idea. It’s a major trend forthe pared down, austere times we live in,and can be hugely cathartic.”Contact: 07951 191086/[email protected] See also the Small Ads on p. 5.
The Alexandra Players next productionis Daisy Pulls It Off by Denise
Deegan. This bears NO resemblance at allto the girls of St Trinians ..... but stillretains much of the old-world charm ofAngela Brazil’s schoolgirl novels.
Daisy Pulls It Off engagingly capturesthe uncomplicated innocence of AngelaBrazil’s schoolgirls. It is about theattempts of superachiever Daisy Meredithto submerge her poor elementary schoolbackground and find acceptance in thesnobby confines of Grangewood Schoolfor Young Ladies.
Our plucky heroine undergoes a numberof obstacles before, being honourable in allthings, all comes right in the end.
Daisy Pulls It Off will be presented atthe Alexandra Hall, Bramshot Avenue,Charlton SE7 7HX on Thursday toSaturday February 21st, 22nd and 23rd at8pm. Doors open 7.30 pm.
Tickets £8 (£7 Children and Concessions). Box Office:07867 627 987 or e-mail [email protected] or to bookand pay in advance by PayPal, visit our new website athttp://www.alexandraplayers.org.uk Seats booked by telephone or e-mail mustbe collected no later than 15 minutesbefore the performance or they may beresold. Seats booked and paid by PayPalwill be held until collected and not re-sold. The Alexandra Hall in Bramshot Avenueis attached to Charlton United ReformedChurch, who support the Players andenable them to put on productions there.
Potty Pancake races
The 1st Annual Royal Greenwich PottyPancake Race is at 11.00 am on
Tuesday, 12th February at the Old RoyalNaval College, Greenwich.
Greenwich & Bexley CommunityHospice is hosting the event. Teams offour will take part in the competition tofind Greenwich 's fastest pancake flippers,optional fancy dress. The fastest team willbe crowned “The Fastest Flippers ofGreenwich ” and will receive a WinnersFrying Pan.
Entry to The Old Royal Naval Collegeis via the Cutty Sark entrance and is freefor spectators. All funds raised go toGreenwich & Bexley Community Hospice.
Pancakes are also for sale between11.00 am and 2.00 pm.Entry is £10 per person in teams of 4,FREE for spectators. For more infoemail [email protected], call 020 83199230, or or visit the website www.commu-nityhospice.org.uk .
The NMM’s currentexhibition is AnselAdams: From theMountains to the Sea,a rare chance to see,close-up, AnselAdams’ photographyin the UK, and viewsome of the most pioneering and iconicblack and white photographs of the20th century.
Ansel Adams runsuntil 28th April Booking now openat rmg.co.uk/anse-ladams. Members go freeAdults £7 Concs £6Children £2
Ansel Adams: not to be
missed
FEB 2013.QXD_WN.QXD 22/01/2013 12:00 Page 4
WHAT’S ON
Westcombe News February 2013 5
THE GREENWICH THEATRE Crooms Hill,Greenwich, London SE10 8ES 020 8858 775535MM [NOTE: at Pleasance, Islington]Tuesday, 29th Jan. - Sun 10th Feb. 2013 7.45 pm35 MM. In 35MM, each photo provides the sourcefor a different song ........The sell-out Off-Broadwayhit now makes its European premiere, in associationwith Greenwich Theatre. Tickets: £10.00 (concs.£8.50) Box office: 7609 1800 MY BIG GAY ITALIAN WEDDINGWed 30 Jan. - Sun 3 Feb. 2013Following its critically acclaimed UK tour, this comictour-de-force is coming to GreenwichSILLY SONGS OF SHAKESPEAREThurs. 7th Feb. an evening with ‘Fearg & TheSonnettes’ serenading you with hilarious “synop-songs” of some of Will’s most famous worksJOURNEY’S END Sat. 9th - Sun 17th Feb. R. C. Sherriff’s anti-war classic
THE SPACE 269 Westferry Road London E143RS 0207 515 7799 / www.space.org.ukNearest stn: Mudchute (DLR) Buses: D3, D7, 135 Until 3rd February: THE ONE FESTIVAL a showcase of monologues that feature work froma wide range of theatre pros. Tickets £12/£8HAMLET 12th - 16th Feb.7:30 pm £12/£10
THE ALEXANDRA PLAYERSThurs Feb. 21st to Sat Feb. 23rd DAISY PULLSIT OFF: this feel-good play at the Alexandra Hall,Bramshot Avenue, SE7 at 8 pm. £8 (£7 Conc)07867 627 987 or [email protected]
FRIENDS OF GREENWICH PARK Sunday 3rd February 2013 at 11amAnnual Lecture: Cosmos and CultureThe King William Lecture Theatre, University ofGreenwich, at the Old Royal Naval CollegeFrom the earliest times the motions of the heavenshave played a central role in human cultures. MarekKukula of the Oyal Observatory explores the culturalinfluence of this very visual science, from blockbusterfilms to ground-breaking astronomy images.Tickets are £10 (to include a glass of wine) fromFriends of Greenwich Park, 3 Orchard Drive, SE30QP (tel 8852 8831) or on the door from 10.30amFRIENDS OF BLACKHEATH HALLSThe Friends’ Annual Architecture Lecture is Wed.6th Feb. at 8.00 pm: JOANNA VAN HEYNINGENon Advancing Traditions Tickets: £12 (£10 seniors,£6 students) Information on www.blackheathhalls.com, or box office 020 8463 0100BLACKHEATH SCIENTIFIC SOCIETYMycenae House, 90 Mycenae Road SE3 7SE Feb 15th CSI Universe: Using Spectra to Under-stand Space Dr Radmila Topalovic of the RoyalObservatory, Greenwich. Visitors are welcome, andrequested to donate £3.00 to Society funds. INDUSTRIAL HISTORY SOCIETY19th Feb. David Watts on Johnson and JorgensonMeeting are held at The Old Bakehouse, Bennett Park,SE3 (at the back of Age Exchange Shop. Please usethe car park behind the station. Meetings start at 7.30and non members are charged £1.BLACKHEATH BRIDGE CLUB welcomes allplayers to duplicate sessions in Mycenae House Mon.& Thurs. 7.15 pm & on Wed. at 1.15 Tel. 8851 2609 WESTCOMBE WRITERS’ CIRCLE 1st. Thursdayeach month, 2.30-4.30 at Mycenae House. Ring JoanPaice on 8305 1652 or Rosemary Gill on 8858 5088BLACKHEATH FLOWER CLUB Meets thirdFriday of every month at 1.45 pm at Mycenae House BLACKHEATH & GREENWICH WOMEN’SINSTITUTE: First Wednesday of every month at7.30 pm at Sunfields Methodist Church, Old DoverRoad, SE3 8SJ [email protected] CHANCE CHOIR We rehearse Thursdayevenings during term time, in Blackheath. New members welcome, contact Margery Nzerem0208 858 3544 [email protected] JAZZ IN MYCENAE HOUSEEvery Monday evening. £5.00. Bar!ENGLISH FOLK MUSIC9.00 pm every Tuesday at the Lord Hood pub, CreekRoad; mainstream jazz every ThursdayGREENWICH HERITAGE CENTREJoin the Greenwich ’48 Club, bringing senior citizenstogether with our young people to talk about how life-has changed. Contact: Tel: 020 8854 2452 email: [email protected]
MADE IN GREENWICH Gallery, 324 CreekRoad SE10 9SW. www.madeingreenwich.co.ukJanuary 29th – March 10th. New exhibition: ‘The Body, Movement and Dance’ Poetry events: 5th February 7.30 pm Greenwich University Poets; 20th February 7.30 pm WordArt BLACKHEATH DECORATIVE & FINE ARTSSOCIETY, St Mary’s Church Hall, Cresswell Park,Blackheath 4th Thursday of every month, 2.00 for2.30. 28th Feb. Dr Patrick Conner THE BRITISHARMY IN INDIA Non-members £5 on the door. www.artsinblackheath.org.uk or ring 83187550GREENWICH DECORATIVE & FINE ARTSSOCIETY King William Court, the University ofGreenwich Next lecture Mon. 11th Feb. 8.00 pm THE LEGENDARY LEE MILLER by AntonyPenrose 020 8852 7873. Non-members £8.00
BLACKHEATH HALLS Tel 020 8463 0100Thurs. 7th Feb. 7.30 TRINITY LABAN WINDORCHESTRA Concert: Tickets £10. (£5 concs.)MONDAY LUNCHTIME RECITALSMon 1th Feb Badke Quartet play BrittenMon 25th Feb. James Brawn plays BeethovenSay 2nd March OPERA GALA NIGHT Our majorFundraiser! Tickets £30 (£275 for table of 10)GREENWICH DANCE AND TRINITY LABAN Borough Hall. Royal Hill Tel. 8293 9741presents an exclusive double bill of new work byRobert Clark and Theo Clinkard at The BoroughHall on Sat. 23 Feb.7.45pm. AMSTATTEN is anallegory on fear & confinement. Choreographed by Robert Clark, it draws on stories of kidnapping & hostage situations from the news overthe past 30 years and presents the audience with a beautiful and disturbing representation of the experiences. Followed by ORDINARY COURAGEthe inaugural work by acclaimed dancer anddesigner Theo Clinkard. With anoriginal score by Alan Stonesthat incorporates Scarlatti and Bach, it uses visceral, eloquent and life affirming dance to examine the nature of loss and the process of healing.
Tickets £12. (£9 conc.)
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COMMUNITY THEATRE &OPERAARTS
WOODLANDS FARM331 Shooters Hill. Tel. 0208 319 8900 EveryThursday Toddler Club 10am - 12pm £2 per adult,children free. Animals, crafts – or just play.GREENWICH HERITAGE CENTREArtillery Square, Royal Arsenal, Woolwich SE184DX 020 8854 2452 FREE Saturday mornings:10.30am to 12 noon. Free art and craft activities for 5to 12 year olds. Under fives must be accompanied byan adult. Please wear suitable clothes.SE LONDON DADS GROUP DADS ALERT: Regular stay-and-play for dadsand children under five @ Sherington Children'sCentre, 14 Sherington Road every Wednesdayfrom 9:30 - 11:30am. Contact: ·www.SELondonDads.org.uk or email: [email protected] BLACKHEATH CONSERVATOIREToddler tunes (18 - 36 months) Early years music:Tues - Saturdays; varied times. 8852 0234
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Childcare places for children from 3 months – 5 years
Choosing the right kind of childcare is one of the biggest decisionsthat you will ever have to make.
At Zoom, we believe nursery childcare could be the best way ofsupporting your whole family. With the right nursery, you’re able toenhance your child’s development and add to your experience as aparent.
We have gone to great lengths to ensure that our well-equippedenvironment, exceptional team, healthy planned menus, additionalclasses and planned curriculum all meet and exceed you and yourchild’s expectations.
Childcare at Zoom could be more affordable than you think. Theterm after your child turns 3 means you are eligible for The NurseryEducation Grant. We also have access to the Childcare AffordabilityProgramme (CAP) and Working Families Tax Credit.
Why not call us for an informaldiscussion, or to arrange a visit? Wecould be just what you are looking for! Call me, Justine O’Hare, Manager, on0208 331 6703. Alternatively, email meat [email protected]
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Bookshop or other good bookshopsLOCALCOUNCILLORS
Conservative: Cllr. Geoff BrightyTel. 8921 5663 (Town Hall) or8858 9731 (Home) [email protected] Cllr. Alex Wilson Tel. 07783611607 Email: [email protected] Surgery: 1st Monday of themonth 6.00 - 7.00 pm BlackheathLibrary, Old Dover Road. Labour: Cllr. Alex Grant Tel.8855 7292 E-mail [email protected] Surgeries:1st. Friday of each month, 7.00 -8.00 pm, Mycenae House; 3rd.Saturday of each month, 3.30-4.30pm, St James Church Hall,Kidbrooke Park Rd.
Learning is funSt Olave’s is a Prep School inNew Eltham for boys and girlsaged 3-11 years
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Blackheath ConservatoireThis series of benefits features an amazingrange of artists – and some very specialsurprise guests. The programme includes:Sun 3rd Feb. Family Sunday - Peter and theWolfThurs. 7th Feb. Jazz concertSun 1th Feb. Scratch MessiahThurs. 14th Feb. MoTown ConcertSat 16th Feb. London Print Club WorkshopSun 17th Feb. Family Sunday: Fairytales including Silent Film with pianoaccompanimentThurs. 21st Feb. Classical meets Street DanceThurs 28th Feb. Professors at Play ConcertPlease go to www.conservatoire.org.uk forevent details, prices and times (8852 0234)
FEB 2013.QXD_WN.QXD 22/01/2013 12:00 Page 5
FEATURES
Westcombe News February 20136
In November, the Blackheath Society wasawarded a grant of £7,900 from the
Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for its excit-ing project to develop a new digital archivecalled ‘The Story of the Heath.’
The images in the archive, which is ledby volunteers from the local community,focus on the use and development of theHeath next to Blackheath Village since the19th century. The project will also enhancethe Society’s growing digital archive andcould lead to national publicity on BBCtelevision.
The entry was accepted for the HLF’sproject All Our Stories, which supports aplanned BBC2 programme ‘The GreatBritish Story – a People’s History’ due tobe screened from the end of next year. Theapplication for the grant was headed byone of the Society’s volunteers, AllanGriffin.
Under the terms of the grant the Societyhas to digitise 1,500 images of the Heathby October 2013, and then make them gen-erally available to the public.
Good progress has already been made:over 1,000 Heath images have alreadybeen completed, and well over half of its15,000 photographic images of Blackheath
and the surrounding areas have been storedon computers.
The Blackheath Society will now beasking its members, and the general public,to search their attics for any interestingphotographs of the Heath which could sup-plement the images it already owns.
The plan is to create mobile exhibitionsof the images of the Heath to be shown inlocal schools and churches, at the library inthe newly re-opened Age Exchange in theVillage, and at the Blackheath ConcertHalls.
Other plans include using the project toupdate and reprint local historian NeilRhind’s Heath trail guide and putting arotating selection of the images on theSociety’s website.
The grant brings the Society’s 75thanniversary year to a fitting end. Commenting on the award, the Society’sChair Howard Shields said:
“We are thrilled to have received thesupport of the Heritage Lottery Fund andare confident the project will encourageBlackheath people to become moreinvolved in their local heritage. The grantwill also greatly enhance our archive oflocal photographs.”
A Visual History of the Heath
Thanks to the Blackheath Society for supplying this image from their superb archive. Pedestrianism (competitive walking) c 1795 by Thomas Rowlandson (1757-1827)
The community orchard in the EastGreenwich Pleasaunce had a winter
treat on January 6th, when a crowd gath-ered to sing to the trees. Wassailing is anancient tradition, prevalent in cider-makingareas of the country. It’s an occasion fortending the trees, for making lots of noiseto scare any ill-wishing spirits and relievethe gloom of winter, and for enjoying agood drink of cider (or other, less alcoholicdrinks!).
A very enthusiastic crew of youngstersdelved into the piles of mulch supplied byGreenwich Council’s Parks and OpenSpaces Department, and helped pile itaround the twelve trees. Planted in 2010and early 2012, the orchard is still veryyoung and will benefit from this care,which keeps the grass from competing fornourishment.
Once the digging was done, the enter-tainment began. Local resident PeterHamilton-Dyer led the way through aquirky take on the Twelve Days ofChristmas, before rushing off to appear inthe Globe Theatre’s acclaimed productionof Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.
Story-telling followed, with tales withan apple theme presented by Nick Huntand Rich Sylvester. The Charlton-basedgroup Morrigan wove harmonies with tra-ditional wassailing songs before leading aprocession among the trees, which weregiven a little cider to encourage them intonew growth.
Traditionally, a wassail can includeelection of kings and queens; here, chil-dren were able to create their own crowns,using leaves and bright Christmas cards todecorate them.
The Holly King, leading the way, worea truly impressive top hat, and explained that the oak and the holly trees have afriendly rivalry, but that the holly always
Mulching as well as wassailing ....takes precedence during the winter months.There was more music, from the delightfulMay Birds, and inspired free-form dancingby Marta Polak, who is studying at theLaban Centre in Deptford.
Naturally, the refreshment of the daywas delicious mulled cider, supplied by theOrchard Press Cider Company. Based inGreenwich, its cider maker Morgan Clark-Ward travels the country to find the verybest of ciders and perrys; he is also oftenfound selling on Greenwich Market.Pistachio’s café did a roaring trade in hotfood and softer drinks, much appreciatedgiven the chilly weather.
The final procession around the treeswas led by Martin Guha of the CharltonFolk Mob, who inspired everyone to raisetheir voices and beat out the rhythms withsticks of hazel. Singing Here we come a-wassailing, Among the leaves so green wasa perfect way to see out the holiday period,and to usher in the New Year for theorchard and for the Pleasaunce.
ANNE ROBBINSFind out more about the MemorialOrchard and how to help nurture it athttp://transitionwestcombe.blogspot.co.uk/along with other news from TransitionWestcombe. Photos of the Wassail, andfilm of some of the entertainment, can beseen at https: //www. facebook.com/events/443419475721364/
2013 is Greenwich Dance’s 20thanniversary, and there is no better time
to sign up for a course. On offer areFlamenco, Contemporary, Lindy Hop,Salsa and Greenwich Dance’s brand newStreet Dance class Xpress Yo’Self.
Caron Loudy, Artistic ProgrammeManager at Greenwich Dance said: ‘This isa great way to get in shape and try some-thing new. There are so many dance andexercise classes out there, it can sometimesbe difficult to know where to start. Anddon’t worry if you’ve never danced before,all our evening classes are suitable for
complete beginners, and our professionalteachers will set you your own pace.’
‘Greenwich Dance want to encouragemore people than ever get involved –whether that’s taking up a new class, join-ing in at a tea dance or a ceilidh, or justcoming to watch. We have something foreveryone, from babies to Over 60s, so getdown to The Borough Hall and help usmake this a year to remember..’Sessions run from 7.00 - 8,00 pm at TheBorough Hall on Royal Hill. To book callGreenwich Dance on 020 8293 9741visitww.greenwichdance.org.uk
Wassailing in the Pleasaunce
2013: It’s Time to Dance!
The Holly King holds forthPHOTO: Gavin McGregor
PHOTO: Sharon van Goens
Parallel HorizonsGreenwich Housing Society: volunteer needed
For over 50 years, the Society hasoffered affordable, one bedroom flats at
its two sites, Glenluce Road and Heathway,both easily accessible to the BlackheathStandard and all the facilities offered there.
The Society was established to helpthose of 60 years of age and above andwho have a link with the Royal LondonBorough of Greenwich.
The Society has always been run by avolunteer Management Committee andcurrently, we are seeking a volunteer toreplace our Treasurer who, in due course,will be moving out of London.
The role of the Treasurer is to overseethe finances of the Society. A book keeperand a firm of accountants are employed by
the Society so no day-to-day involvementis required.
The role is one of keeping an overviewon the book keeping work and occasionalliaison with financial institutions and theSociety's bank.
The Treasurer is expected to attendCommittee Meetings at Mycenae House 6- 8 times a year.
If you have a financial background, areinterested in joining the Committee orwould like further information on therole, please contact our Chairperson,Dorothy Martin on 020 8850 3991or writeto her at the Society's registered address,12 Glenluce Road, London SE3 7SB.
The Stephen Lawrence Gallery, QueenAnne Court, University of Greenwich,
Park Row is showing a new exhibitionuntil the end of February called ParallelHorizons, curated by Saif Osmani.
This is “a multi-disciplinary showcaseexamining how bamboo has been appropri-ated in a context of space, in place-makingand within the process of establishingnational boundaries.” Each project“explores cross-cultural interaction andlinkages, forged through material andspatial syntax in the formation of culturalcodes and future identities across border-lines.” Hope that’s clear. Ed.Contact: 020 8331 8260 or email [email protected] website:www.stephenlawrencegallery.net Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 10am-5pm, Saturday: 11am-4pm
Bamboo Bridge (Taiwan) Architect Benjamin Garcia Saxe will be talking about his building made of bamboo in Costa Rica on18th February, 5.00 -7.00pm at the Stephen Lawrence Gallery.
PHOTO: Saif Osmani
FEB 2013.QXD_WN.QXD 22/01/2013 12:00 Page 6
ENVIRONMENT
Westcombe News February 2013 7
Planning applications can beviewed in the library, or at theWoolwich Library on the lowerground floor of the WoolwichCentre, 35 Wellington St. Theymay also be viewed on www.greenwich.gov.uk/planning
PLANNING APPLICATIONSSee also http:/ /westcombe.blogspot.com/
20 WESTCOMBE PARK ROAD ref 13/3086/FConstruct single storey rear extension
and 2 rear dormer windows
37 GLENLUCE ROAD ref 13/0005/FEnlarge basement and make lightwell at front
TREE WORKS
91 HUMBER ROAD ref 13/0034/TCFell bay tree at front and eucalyptus at rear. Crown
reduce olive by 30%
New year, new park?
‘Stop the crossing’
Christopher’s column
The Royal Parks have announced a newfive year partnership with AEG Live to
deliver six summer concerts each year. Theincome received by The Royal Parks fromthe concerts will be used to maintain andmanage all eight Royal Parks across London.
The Royal Parks are now under BorisJohnson's control “with strong safeguards toprotect their traditional character.”
The Mayor took over day-to-day manage-ment of the eight historic green spaces –including Green Park, Hyde Park andRegent's Park as well as Greenwich – afterthe Olympics.
There are concerns that the Royal parkswill become overly commercialised to thedetriment of the local community.
However, the chain of command seems
somewhat murky. In an interview inHorticulture Week in September of last year,Linda Lennon said:
“The Royal Parks are an agency of the Government’s Department for Culture Media& Sport (DCMS) and we get a grant fromthem. Boris has appointed a Royal Parksboard, which reports to him, while I report tothe DCMS but meet with him once a month.We all want the same thing — to protect andpreserve the parks for future generations.”
AEG Live is one of the world's leadingentertainment and sports presenters.
AEG Live is dedicated to all aspects of livecontemporary music performance, includingconcert touring, music festivals and specialevents.
Hyde Park today – Greenwich tomorrow?
Cuttting cornus
Apart from noting what’s in flower on January 1st (at home, winter jasmine, buds on summer jasmine, osteospermumand a lone climbing nasturtium; elsewherechoisyas were going strong), this year wehave a Feb. 14 deadline to think about.
I’m involved in a cutting garden project:this is funded by the Happy Museum(www.happymuseumproject.org), which wehope will produce its first blooms forValentines Day.
We have planted around 5000 bulbs in andaround the grounds of the Garden Museum,using mainly early species of narcissus andtulips, bluebells and allium. We have alsoplanted native hedging shrubs within thegrounds of the Museum, including threeshoulder high winter flowering cherries,which arrived before Christmas when theground was frozen, but already have blos-soms.
Our emphasis for the Happy Museumcommission is on creating a winter cuttinggarden which will provide simple posies andbouquets as an alternative to thesupermarkets roses and lilies.
We will use seedheads, stems and buds aswell as ivy, and forsythia, early prunus,cornus mas (from the dogwood family) andhazels will all produce flowers and leaves ifcut as bare stems and kept indoors in a deepvase (in a coolish room) for a week or two.Over the Christmas period, our stems ofwillow sprouted roots as well as leaves.
Like the debate about importing ash trees,this project has revealed how tricky it is tobuy UK grown plants and especially trees –many are started off here as seedlings, thengo to Italy or Holland, to be grown on innatural warmth or polytunnels, only to beimported back into the UK as saplings orfully mature trees.
The question of ‘flower miles’ – we readthat most cut flowers are traded through theNetherlands, regardless of where they aregrown – is just one of the issues which anaccompanying exhibition ‘Floriculture’ willconsider. It just so happens that it opens onFebruary 14th. . . .
Flower, Love and money runs from Feb. 14- April 28 .at the Garden Museum LambethPalace Road London SE1. (www.garden-museum.org.uk)Admission £3 - £7.50.
Christopher Raven
An online petition has been launched tooppose London Mayor Boris
Johnson’s and Transport for London’splans to build a road tunnel between theGreenwich Peninsula and Silvertown, ineffect creating a third Blackwall Tunnel.
The petition is in response to the Bridgethe Gap campaign launched by Greenwichand Newham council, which purports torepresent local people’s views and urgesthe Mayor to press ahead with the project.
Those who sign the petition will alsogenerate emails to Boris Johnson, TfL,Greenwich Council leader Chris Robertsand Newham’s mayor Sir Robin Wales,expressing opposition to the tunnel.
The most recent figures released byCity Hall reveal that 150 people died fromair pollution in Greenwich borough alonein 2008. Despite this horrifying statistic,Johnson, Roberts and Wales are still keenon funnelling more traffic along the A102and A2 through Greenwich.
Greenwich’s Woolwich Road flyover,the Kidbrooke interchange and ElthamStation are among London’s worst spotsfor air pollution. The scheme’s backersclaim a third tunnel will relieve conges-tion. Opponents claim that although theremay be some temporary relief northbound,southbound where the A102 and A2 converge, the jams and pollution willbe much worse.
Furthermore, the new road will result inmore traffic trying to pass through the
area, thus negating any temporary benefit atunnel would bring. The organisers of thepetition believe planners should look atalternative schemes to send traffic away.
Petition co-organiser DarrylChamberlain, of Charlton, says: “I washorrified when I saw this proposal . . .building a new tunnel will make mattersworse, not better.
“Local councillors should be defendingtheir communities, but if they won’t dothat, then hopefully this petition will proveto them just how wrong their decision is,and will give them the opportunity tochange their minds.”Editors’ note: For more information,[email protected], orcall Adam on 0752 542 3473, or Darrylon 0797 100 3039. The petition can befound at www.silvertowntunnel.co.uk.
After last year’s Olympics,Greenwich Park has been undergo-ing a substantial reinstatement
programme to restore the Park “to itspre-Games condition or better”. GrahamDear of Royal Parks anticipates that workwill be completed by the end of February.
The final phase of this restoration over-laps with a significant road and pathwayrevamp which started in January. Whilethe car park remains open, the Park isclosed to through traffic (motorists andcyclists) and will remain so for a total ofeleven weeks. Works include:* A reduction in the width of the tarmacpath in Bower Avenue, described as ‘oneof the most beautiful historical tree-linedavenues’ in the Park – the aim to improvethe health of the trees by replacing tarmacclose to the roots with turf. There will be acycle route along the avenue.
* Resurfacing of the road network fromBlackheath Gate to St. Mary’s Gate alongwith the parking bays on BlackheathAvenue* As part of the Blackheath Avenue works,the crown of the road will be levelledoff to improve the experience of visitorsusing the car park* The Avenue’s granite gulley on bothsides is being relaid
All things being equal, these improve-ments, along with the completion of workon the Blackheath Gate will see a safer andenhanced Park open in time for Spring.
Stand-off at New Roan Lower SchoolAs we go to press, we learn that Greenwich Council has reluctantly
accepted the application to fell the horse-chestnut tree at the NE corner of the John Roan building site in Westcombe Park Road. LAWRENCE SMITH gives the background to this news
The Council’s campaign to “Bridge the Gap”ran somewhat aground when it was launchedon the waterfront in Woolwich – at low tide. Sothose in attendance were confronted with a ban-ner flaunted above the mud with the legend “Nonew Roads”. The demo was mounted by FoE,Roads To Nowhere and Stop City Airport. Thisphoto appeared on the 853.blogspot.
PHOTO: JennyBates of Friendsof the Earth
When local residents were consult-ed about the new school build-ing, they were shocked to hear
that a Deodar Cedar, the most strikingevergreen on the site, was to be felled.
Pressure to preserve such trees was sostrong, that a key condition of the PlanningConsent for the new school was that theother trees were to be protected. Beforeexcavation was undertaken, the developerwas required to survey all the areas subjectto excavation using the most appropriatemethod. The Developer acknowledgedthat failure to do so could constitute ‘negli-gence’.
A subsequent application to fell themajestic flowering Horse Chestnut at thenorth-eastern corner of the site understand-ably triggered a wave of protest. Althoughthe original application had claimed thatthe design of the sports hall had beenrevised to mitigate damage to the roots, itwas admitted that ‘ground penetratingradar’ which can precisely locate roots hadnot been used.
The reason given for felling the treewas that the roots extended unexpectedlyinto the area needed for excavation for thesports hall. The developer’s tree specialisthad reported that the tree was healthy,showed vigorous growth, and had manyyears of life remaining.
The Council at first rejected the devel-oper’s application issuing a Tree ProtectionOrder and telling the developer to exploreother design options for the sports hall thatwould preserve the tree in accordance withthe planning consent.
However, a new application to fell thetree was submitted without any otherdesign options appearing to have been con-sidered. The developers claimed that anyredesign would delay completion of theschool and that this would incur costs theschool would be unable to bear.
The Westcombe Society feel that thecosts should have been borne by the devel-oper who should have done an earlier rootsurvey. They also believe that the risk tothe tree if the roots were cut is small if theexcavation were not beyond the buildingline. This is stated in the arboriculturalreport obtained by the developer. Theconcern is that even if the replacement treewere a different species, it would takemany decades to achieve the screeningeffect of the existing tree.
Nevertheless, Council officers reluctant-ly recommended that the Greenwich AreaPlanning Committee should approve thelatest application to fell the tree at theirmeeting on 21st January, despite the manyobjections residents raised, and the petitionto preserve the tree.
Many Greenwich taxpayers resent pay-ing to remedy the developer’s failureseither by delay to the school or by the lossof the tree. They feel the Planning Boardwere misled when they were assured at thetime of the original application that the treecould be saved. Had the risk to the treebeen identified earlier the architects couldhave been required to redesign the buildingto accommodate the tree.
As it was, the Greenwich Area Planningcommittee were put in an impossible posi-tion given that a redesign would delaycompletion resulting in huge costs to theschool or a lengthy legal battle with thedevelopers. Sadly, sacrificing the tree maynot ensure the Lower School reopens ontime, as other elements of the project seemalready to have fallen behind schedule.
The critical date is September 2014when the temporary relocation of studentsto premises in Royal Hill must finish, andthe students will be returning to theWestcombe Park Road site.
The schools’s Maze Hill site is due forcompletion later, in the autumn of 2014.
FEB 2013.QXD_WN.QXD 22/01/2013 12:00 Page 7
MARKET PLACE 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 0208853 1312 email:[email protected]
ALL classified adverts 30p per word. Please make chequespayable to The Westcombe Society
SHOWYOURCOMPUTER WHOISTHE BOSSAre you looking for some extra help working withyour computer? Need some help with your digitalphotos, online shopping and the jargon? To discussthe options, call Paul on 07958 251 448 or email [email protected] DANCING CLASSES COMMENCING ATMYCENAE HOUSE taught under the tuition ofTanya Dirrane-Hobbs ADCRG a very well estab-lished teacher and adjudicator. Please contact Tanyafor further details on 07775 943723ITALIANTUITION Native Italian speaker offerslessons at all levels. Preparation for GCSE,A-LEVELS courses, Grammar, Conversation Tel 07788 743371PIANOLESSONS Enjoy playing your instrumentfrom the very first lesson - favourite pieces andmuch more - a holistic appproach to teaching andlearning. A.B exams taken if desired. Tel. 8856 1200MATHS&ENGLISH TUITION (aged 8-16) andpreparation for secondary school selection tests byqualified & experienced teacher. Mary Bauckham07709 089838 [email protected]/PRIMARY/11-PLUS TUITION All ageswelcome. GCSE, A/S-Levels, Common Entrance,Primary, etc. Fully qualified, experienced teacher.Call Hellin Halliday BA(Hons), PGCE on 020 88587704 / 07928 017762 to discuss how I can help.MATHEMATICS TUTOR For secondary level,GCSE and A-Level by qualified teacher, TomMcNamara [MMath]. £30 per hour. 07595348976 orEmail [email protected] One-to-one or small groups,all ages and levels, at your home or office.By qualified Latin-American teacher. CLTACall Miguel 020 8305 0874 or 079 1031 [email protected] ACADEMYOF IRISHDANCEAdult and Child Irish Dance Classes available in theBlackheath area. Come along for a fun-all-in-oneworkout. For more information call Rachel on07707100521ONE-TO-ONE LESSONS WITH FRENCH LADYTelephone Monique: 07891 031 073
BLACKHEATH VILLAGE:BLACKS OF BLACKHEATH - JEWELLERS10% OFF purchases over £100, excluding salegoods and repairsCACTUS PIT - TEX/MEX RESTAURANT20% OFF for two or more, Sun. to Thurs.CHAPTERS RESTAURANT10% OFF lunch/ dinner for two Mon. to Thurs.PARES FOOTWEAR10% OFF all shoes over £20, excluding sale stockRAFFLES DESIGNER WEAR.10% OFF all non-sale goodsRIGHT ANGLE RETAIL - GIFTS10% OFF special goods plus free deliveryCAVE AUSTIN WINEBAR&GARDEN5% discount at any time
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TRAINED CHIMNEY SWEEP AND STOVEINSTALLER Fast, friendly Happy to work! Call Anthony on 07772649577 or email: [email protected]? Local tech-nician provides home technical support & tuition. Nojob too small, all in your own home. Glenn 84734091WELLING 2 WOOLWICHCleaners of homes, Surgeries and factories in bothBexley and Greenwich BoroughsFor windows and carpets, curtains to drivewaysRing 0203 2593335 or 07938733355SIMMONDS HANDYMAN Property and maintenance services. Electrical, deco-rating, telephones, general repairs. 079 4198 2895BLACKHEATHANDGREENWICHWINDOWANDGUTTER CLEANING Mike Smith 07791 465052www.blackheath-window-cleaner.co.uk C.S. CARPENTRY-JOINERY Decorating and all building work undertaken. Joseph McNamara02088575480, mobile 07947155366EXPERIENCED LOCAL ARCHITECT offering fullrange of architectural services, including planningand building regulations applications, technical andconstruction drawings, full project management, andsite work. Registered with the Architects RegistrationBoard. Mob: 07853423130Email: [email protected] Prompt friendly service from an experi-enced, fully qualified tuner technician. For tuning andrepairs call Jim Kimberley 0208 305 0033FRIENDLY LOCAL PLUMBER available for free esti-mates and advice. I am a family man and have alwayslived in the locality. I pride myself on listening to myclients concerns, and taking care that they are satisfiedwith all aspects of my work. I am fully insured and all ofmy work is guaranteed. Local references available. Calltoday 07775439121, or 02035360273SMARTT SOLUTIONS... for the jobs you don't havetime for. Friendly, reliable and trustworthy handymanservice for your home. £2 million liability insurance.Plumbing (not gas), electrics, carpentry, decorating.Contact us if the service you require is not listed.07912 549 662 – 020 8858 6679 [email protected] www.smarttsolutions.co.uk
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Located next to Westcombe Park Train Station
Global Fusion Music andArts (GFMA) is celebrat-
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Louise says: “Come andbe part of this excitingNetworking Event! There willbe stalls, a photography exhi-bition and an open mic withmusic, poetry and dance. “Information: 020 8858 9497.
FEB 2013.QXD_WN.QXD 22/01/2013 12:00 Page 8
