Stay safe this party season
It’s Christmas party season! We all love a party, but during the festive period make sure you look after yourself and friends when you’re out.
What is spiking?
Spiking is when someone gives a substance to someone without their knowledge and can carry a prison sentence of up to 10 years. This could include adding it to someone’s drink, food, cigarette, vape or injecting them.
When you’re out at a pub, bar or club:
• always buy your own drink - don’t accept drinks from strangers
• throw your drink away if you think it tastes strange or different
• never leave your drink unattended
• don’t drink anyone else’s drink.
Apply for a primary school place
If your child is due to start primary school in September 2025, you need to apply for a primary school place. The deadline for applications is Wednesday 15 January 2025. Your child will not automatically be registered to attend school, so you must complete the online application.
If you’re not sure when your child is due to start school, enter their date of birth into the checker on our website to find out.
Find out more and apply: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/primaryadmissions
If you’re out and suspect a drink has been spiked:
• alert venue staff and a trusted person
• ask a friend to take you home or to a hospital (if seriously unwell)
• call an ambulance if your condition, or theirs, deteriorates in any way
• don’t go anywhere with a stranger or someone you don’t know very well
• tell the police what has happened as soon as you can - call 999 (in an emergency) or 101
If you’re out at a bar, club or pub and feel unsafe, vulnerable, or threatened in any way, “Ask for Angela” at the bar. Trained staff will be able to help you in a discreet way. This could include alerting security, leading you to a safe space, or helping you leave the premises unnoticed.
Read more tips on staying safe: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/winter-safety
Don’t live with domestic abuse
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, help is available.
For confidential support or information, anyone can call the Greenwich Domestic Violence and Abuse Service, 24 hrs a day, for confidential support. Call 080 8200 0247 or visit gdva.org.uk
The HER Centre run weekly drop-ins which provide legal advice and emotional support for women and girls experiencing abuse. Find out more: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/get-help
Eliza Frost
The
Greenwich & Lewisham Weekender is an independent weekly newspaper, covering the boroughs of Greenwich and Lewisham.
We publish every Wednesday, covering every postcode sector of the borough, and boasting, by far, the highest weekly circulation in Greenwich. Each week, we deliver our paper to every Greenwich neighbourhood, with further copies stocked at convenient public stands. We are also the highest distribution newspaper in Lewisham.
You can also view each edition online, as well as daily news and events, on our website: www.weekender.co.uk
The Greenwich & Lewisham Weekender covers all aspects of life in the boroughs, including music, theatre, comedy, film, events, and food and drink, as well as all your community events and campaigns.
Weekender
The Greenwich and Lewisham Weekender is a member of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (which regulates the UK’s magazine and newspaper industry). We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice and are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism. If you think that we have not met those standards and want to make a complaint, please contact 020 7231 5258. If we are unable to resolve your complaint, or if you would like more information about IPSO or the Editors’ Code, contact IPSO on 0300 123 2220 or visit www.ipso.co.uk
Weekender Editor: Eliza Frost
Media Partnerships: Anthony Phillips
Advertising team: Clarry Frewin
Advertising support: Katie Boyd
Editorial: Michael Holland; Eliza Frost
Design Manager: Dan Martin
Design team: Ann Gravesen
Finance: Em Zeki - Tel: 0779 883 3758
Managing & Commercial Director: Chris Mullany
Managing & Editorial Director: Kevin Quinn
Offices at: A202, The Biscuit Factory, Drummond Road, SE16 4DG.
Printed by Iliffe Print Cambridge Ltd –
www.iliffeprint.co.uk
News: 020 7231 5258 /hello@cm-media.co.uk
Ads: 020 7232 1639 / hello@cm-media.co.uk
Finance: 0779 883 3758 / em@cm-media.co.uk
www.weekender.co.uk
@insouthlndn
Issue: GLW393
Pick of the Week
In the Dark
Royal Museums Greenwich is playing host to an immersive sound experience under the Cutty Sark on Burns Night. In the Dark is a 60-minute sound experience performed live, entirely in the dark – for both the audience and the musicians – in unexpected spaces. Following 40 sold-out shows pre-Covid, the experience returns to London and is coming to the Cutty Sark for one night only. No phones, no theatrics, no acrobatics. Instead, it dares differently by taking a number of our senses away for an hour, leaving just our ears to own the show.
Date: Saturday 25 January 2025
Tickets: £40 general admission, £36 for members King William Walk, SE10 9HT www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/cutty-sark/In-The-Dark
The Elves and the Magic Bear
Join Santa’s Elves as they stumble upon a bag of untouched Christmas letters a few days before the grand celebration. Faced with the daunting task of ensuring no child is left without a gift on Christmas morning, they embark on a chaotic journey, enlisting the assistance of the evergracious Mrs Claus and members
of the audience. With some joyful singing, dancing, magic, lots of silliness and a surprise guest, will they be able to save Christmas just in time? This interactive production is designed to captivate individuals of all ages, making it great for the whole family. It offers an immersive experience that will leave everyone with a heart full of festive joy, while introducing the youngest members of the audience to the enchantment
of Christmas. After the show, parents and children will have the opportunity to take photos with the performers and take away a nice list certificate signed by Mrs Claus.
Dates: Until Monday 23 December 2024
Tickets: Prices vary Admiral’s House, Old Royal Naval College, SE10 9NN ornc.org/whats-on/the-elves-and-themagic-bear
Carols under the stars
Surround yourself with a feeling of festive joy and head to the Old Brewery for carol singing under the stars with the Emmanuel Church London. Grab a hot drink, and some sweet treats and enjoy all the carols from 4pm on Sunday 15 December. Warm up your vocals and be sure to get involved in the merriment.
Date: Sunday 15 December 2024
Tickets: Free
The Pepys Building, The Old Royal Naval College, SE10 9NN www.oldbrewerygreenwich.com/ whats-on
Let Them Eat Cake
Back with another extravaganza, Let Them Eat Cake focuses on female and fem presenting artists across the capital and brings them all under one roof –in this case, the Fox and Firkin. The lineup boasts SCARLET, who is reinventing pop music with a unique electronic sound, MaZz, who experiments with blending neo-soul, jazz, R&B and dance styles, plus Ruby Jean bringing soulful blues and energetic house rhythms to the stage. Not forgetting Maxine Scott to finish the programme with new wave pop soul. Enjoy a night out with these stars; who says you can’t have your cake and eat it, too?
Date: Thursday 23 January 2025
Tickets: From £6 316 Lewisham High Street, SE13 6JZ foxfirkin.com/events/let-themeat-cake
Man in the Mirror
Santa’s Gingerbread Grotto
This Christmas, Santa is set to juggle his busy schedule for a magical stop at Woolwich Works, where he has unveiled an enchanting Gingerbread Grotto. Alongside a special meet-and-greet, children will also receive a gingerbread gift, complete with gluten-free options, which they can decorate at dedicated icing stations in the Woolwich Works café. Accompanying adults can enter free of charge, and complimentary tickets are available for children under 12 months who also wish to meet Santa. While waiting to meet the jolly man himself, guests will be entertained with a variety of festive activities, including colouring and crafting stations sprinkled throughout the queue. This year’s Gingerbread Grotto does not include printed photos, so visitors are encouraged to capture the moment with a festive sELFie, with Santa’s playful elves on hand to assist in snapping the perfect shot.
Dates: Friday 20 to Monday 23 December 2024
Tickets: £10 per child, plus booking fee
The Fireworks Factory, 11 No 1 Street, SE18 6HD www.woolwich.works/events/gingerbread-grotto
Are you ready for a Thriller of an evening? Celebrate the “king of pop” at Churchill Theatre this January with the “Man in the Mirror”, a tribute concert to Michael Jackson. Starring CJ, a world-renowned Michael Jackson tribute artist, and supported by a full cast of performers and musicians, the show captures the essence of Michael Jackson. Featuring all his greatest hits, including “Thriller”, “Billie Jean”, “Beat It”, “Smooth Criminal”, and, of course, “Man in the Mirror” –complete with choreography, visual effects, a light show and authentic costumes. So, whether you’re a lifelong fan or experiencing the music of Michael Jackson for the first time, get ready to travel through the best of his discography.
Date: Sunday 19 January 2025
Tickets: £29 to £35.50 High Street, Bromley BR1 1HA trafalgartickets.com/churchilltheatre-bromley/en-GB/event/ music/man-in-the-mirror-19-jantickets
“From day one, I’ve always wanted to donate to charity from the theatre shows that I put together,” says director Dan Lewis, who is bringing a production of Steptoe and Son to Greenwich Theatre in the new year.
It is something he is very passionate about: “I think it’s very important that some people are able to come and see the show, have a night out and have a good laugh, and be able to leave their troubles at the door for the evening.
“But what’s equally important are the people who are unable to do this, which is why I’d like to provide some sort of benefit for them in another way. That’s where the charity element originated from.”
Dan selects a small charity that is local to every venue they perform because it is these charities that impact the community the most.
For the Greenwich show of the tour, the selected charity is Eltham’s Clowns In The Sky, which supports children with brain tumours.
The Steptoe and Son show comes to Greenwich Theatre on Friday 17 January 2025.
The show sees director Dan playing Albert, Giorgio Lowe playing Harold and Talv Bansal as the “necessary bit-parts” and as assistant director.
Steptoe and Son production to raise money for local charity
Director Dan Lewis will bring the show to Greenwich Theatre, with donations going to Eltham charity Clowns In The Sky
They will perform four of the episodes that were broadcast on television, “just as they were at the time they were originally shown”, explains Dan.
“Audiences who have already
seen it have said if they close their eyes, it’s just like listening to the original actors,” he adds.
But what else can you expect from the show? Two key things, says Dan. Firstly, “a lot of laughs”.
Secondly, audiences will experience a “wonderful feeling of nostalgia and a recollection of fond memories”.
Of adapting the TV show for stage, Dan says the TV show “is hilarious and so well-loved in its
day” – and still clearly is, he adds.
He explains: “Albert is very coarse and crude, so there is a lot of humour to be extracted from those attributes, and Harold is very pompous – the complete opposite of his father.
“It’s the constant clashing in personalities that make the comedy, along with the portrayal of the characters from the original actors (Wilfrid Brambell and Harry H. Corbett).
“However, we can’t take any credit away from the writers (Ray Galton and Alan Simpson); their clever word wizardry has created some hilarious situations for the duo.
“I knew we would be able to capture the hilarity from the TV show and turn it into a stage success and I’m so glad we did.”
Dan says that the best bit about setting up this play was accumulating the set; all the furniture and props that they need to set the scene and use within the “episodes” on stage.
“I’ve gone to town on the set, everything we use is periodspecific,” he adds. “We have a 1930s bureau, a 1920s sofa and an 1850s grandfather clock.”
Dan has put a lot of time and effort into portraying the feel of the scene
and “honestly, it looks fantastic”.
“I even managed to get the old gramophone player to work – an original His Master’s Voice,” he adds.
“The only thing we’re missing is an 8ft stuffed grizzly bear but they’re quite hard to come by and I didn’t much fancy driving to Canada,
shooting one myself, stuffing it with rice and sailing it back to England.”
Dan started in the theatre industry with no experience and no contacts – “aside from a couple of village hall Christmas pantomimes I did when I was about 6 years old”.
But he decided to write a play
one day, a pantomime for adults, and went about putting it on and learning more about the process as each day passed.
“Here we are 13 years later with an international tour of almost 40 dates,” he says.
Dan adds: “My biggest love has
LOOKING FOR RETIREMENT ACCOMMODATION?
Greenwich Hospital Sheltered Housing Managed by CESSAC
Provide affordable rented self-contained flats for former Royal Navy &Royal Marines, WRNS, QARNNS, RN National Service, RFAorRNXSaged over 60, their spouses, partners, widows &widowers.
3locations: Trafalgar Quarters, Greenwich; Greenwich Place, Saltash, Cornwall, and Greenwich Court, Southsea
Enquiries to: ian wilson@cessaha co uk Tel: 02392 829319 Or
Download an application from our website www.cessaha.co.uk
always been classic comedy, so after a few years doing the pantomimes, I fancied doing something different and I landed on Steptoe and Son.
“I thought it would make a great play. So, I obtained the rights to the material, and we now find ourselves in Greenwich.”
Sound Insulation Scheme
And, in all the years of performing, Greenwich will actually be the first London show. “So that’s very exciting,” says Dan.
Showing on Friday 17 January 2025
Tickets: £21
Crooms Hill, Greenwich, SE10 8ES greenwichtheatre.org.uk/ events/steptoeandson
opportunity to have works undertaken as part of its Sound Insulation Scheme. To be eligible, properties need to be in the contour and meet criteria relating to the date planning per mission was granted for the construction of your property.
Our noise contours are re-assessed annually and newly eligible properties falling within the First, Second or Inter mediate T ier are automatically contacted by the Airport. If you have not heard from us and would be interested in sound insulation please get in touch to require about eligibility.
For those already treated under the Sound Insulation Scheme 10-year check-ups are available for properties which have had either secondary glazing and/or mechanical acoustic ventilators installed.
For further infor mation, or to view the latest noise contours, please visit the London City Airport website at https://www.londoncityairport.com/corporate/Environment/Sound-insulation. Alter
New Year’s events to ring in
Have a tipple at Davy’s Wines
Celebrate the arrival of the new year in style at Davy’s Wines’ New Year’s Eve party, promising an evening of dining, live entertainment and dancing into the early hours.
Enjoy live music during dinner upstairs from 8pm to 10pm and a resident DJ taking over the deck downstairs from 10pm to 2am to take you into the new year with tunes to get you grooving.
Your ticket includes a glass of Prosecco on arrival, a three-course supper and live entertainment. Extra drinks can be purchased from the bar.
Ticket: £75
161 Greenwich High Road, Greenwich, SE10 8JA www.davywine.co.uk/product/ new-years-eve-dwv
Rave the night away at Fox and Firkin
Travel back in time this New Year’s Eve at the Fox and Firkin’s Back 2 Old School Rave, with a lineup of DJs who will transport you to the “golden era” of electronic music.
Ratpack will make sure you experience a night of timeless classics, taking you back to the birth of rave culture. Expect a journey through the best of house, breakbeat and hardcore as they mix and blend tracks, reviving the spirit of the early rave scene.
With Slipmatt, Aphrodite, Martin Liberty Larner and Natural High Power also taking to the decks, the night promises to have you dancing from 2024 to 2025.
Tickets: From £18
316 Lewisham High Street, SE13 6JZ foxfirkin.com/events/nyeback-2-old-school-rave-2
Enjoy live music at New Cross Inn
For those who want to welcome
© Pexels
2025 with some live music, tribute bands Kings of Lyon and The UK Strokes will be at New Cross Inn bringing you some of the biggest tunes as good as the real thing.
Bring a little rock’n’roll to your celebrations, expect big hits like ‘Sex on Fire’ and ‘The Bucket’, and get your dancing shoes ready to bop along to ‘Last Nite’.
Come for the authentic renditions and stay for the infectious energy.
Tickets: From £20
323 New Cross Road, SE14 6AS pit.live/events/kings-oflyon-the-uk-strokes
Easy-going vibes at Jazu
“No Fireworks. No Flare. No Dreams. Only Reality.” Jazu does New Year’s Eve in an easy, breezy way.
Jazu is taking bookings for the evening between 6pm to 9pm, then the furniture will be cleared, it’ll be drinks-only orders, and you’re invited to dance the night away in this lovely Deptford spot.
Perfect for those who want a low-key celebration, but with fun guaranteed.
No booking required
2 Deptford High Street, SE8 4AF www.instagram.com/jazu.bar
Raise a glass at The Old Brewery
Kickstart your New Year by raising a glass at The Old Brewery. Head
down on the 31st for an evening of live music, a glass of bubbles and a three-course dinner.
Perfect for those who want to ring in the new year with some tasty food, flowing drinks and lively vibes.
Choose your menu, with options such as spiced potted duck served with sourdough toast to start, pan-fried sea bass fillet for main and a double chocolate brownie for dessert. A sweet way to end 2024.
Ticket: £75
The Pepys Building, The Old Royal Naval College, SE10 9LW www.oldbrewerygreenwich. com/whats-on
Under the disco ball at Woolwich Works
More grooving, more moving; Woolwich Works is hosting the ultimate New Year’s Eve party featuring DJ Baz. He will be spinning a mix of old and new favourites that will keep you dancing all night long.
Doors open at 7:30pm ready for five hours of fun, so grab your mates, grab your dancing partner, and wait for the ball to drop at midnight. Let’s party like it’s 2025.
No booking required
The Fireworks Factory, 11 No 1 Street, SE18 6HD
www.woolwich.works/events/ nye-at-woolwich-works
Founder Kaori
Slater tells The Weekender how
‘small things can brighten your day’
“Bright and colourful designs make me happy; they reflect my personality and allow me to express myself,” says Kaori Slater, founder and director of TAIYOLONDON.
Kaori makes jewellery with the goal of “bringing a little ray of sunshine to my customers’ days” and sells her pieces at Greenwich Market and in Deptford Does Art.
“I believe small things can brighten your day and bring joy,” she adds. “I want my customers to feel good, confident and ready to have a lovely day when they wear my jewellery.”
Taiyo means “the sun” in Japanese. Kaori chose this name because the sun is unique – “there’s only one, and it’s essential to our planet. It has a powerful impact on all of us, giving energy and hope”.
She says: “The sun rises every day, even when it’s cloudy or stormy, offering us a fresh start and reminding us not to give up. I want my jewellery to bring a little sunshine into my customers’ lives every day.”
Kaori is originally from Japan and now lives in south London with her family, including “two energetic boys”.
She has always been “passionate
about exploring the world and experiencing different cultures, and I was a backpacker when I was younger. That experience changed my life and eventually brought me to the UK, where I’ve settled”.
As an adult, Kaori discovered she was dyslexic, having often struggled academically. The diagnosis has given her the confidence to focus on her strengths and live independently here in south London.
But she has loved painting and art since she was a child and creating jewellery has become a way for her to express her feelings, “without relying on fluent English”.
“It’s the perfect and most enjoyable outlet for me,” she adds.
When approaching new designs, Kaori is inspired by “unique shapes that spark imagination”.
“I try not to overthink the process at the start and let my intuition guide me. Intuition is very important to me when creating,” she says.
First, Kaori decides on the colours to use, then kneads the clay well and gradually mixes in the colours until she is happy with the result.
“Then, I use cutters to shape the clay, bake it, sand it, and coat it with resin to make it shiny and durable. Finally, I choose how to assemble the pieces – this is one of my favourite parts of the process,” she explains.
“I love using my imagination, and with polymer clay, there’s no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answer. That creative freedom is what I enjoy most.”
She is also interested in how colour evokes feelings and ideas, and in how each shape and design can embody those feelings, too.
“I give each of my designs a name. I want the names to evoke interest and curiosity, like ‘Caterpillar on an exotic flower’, for example,” she says.
She adds that her customers love the unique designs and “the positive energy my jewellery brings”.
“They often send me messages about how my pieces add a little sunshine to their day. Their feedback gives me the courage and confidence to take greater creative risks with my work,” she says.
Working at Greenwich Market, Kaori loves being able to “see the happy faces” of her customers.
She says that “markets are such an exciting place to work” as you “meet so many interesting people”.
You can also “make real connections with people”, which is “so different to selling online”.
Kaori adds: “I’ve also met so many amazing and passionate creative people at markets.
“They inspire me and give me energy. Their advice and support give me so much confidence about my own work. It’s wonderful to be surrounded by such talented individuals.”
Of being based in south London, Kaori also notes that she loves experiencing the diversity of the area and feels “inspired by the variety of cultures” surrounding her.
In the future, Kaori would like to expand her work beyond jewellery to include more art forms.
“I’m passionate about working with people and their creativity. Experiencing and making art can bring joy and a sense of purpose to so many people’s lives,” she adds.
www.taiyolondon.com
Giving back with Charlton Athletic Community Trust this Christmas
Charlton Athletic first-team manager Nathan Jones captured the essence of Charlton Athletic Community Trust’s (CACT) impact after the 2024 CACT Awards: “To use a football analogy, what CACT does is Premier League level. The things they do are inspiring. CACT reaches so many people, and the impact it has is truly life-changing.”
As the countdown to Christmas continues, CACT is inviting you to help spread the festive cheer by supporting our lifechanging work in Greenwich.
Over the past year, CACT has continued to have a profound impact on the lives of over 26,000 people across Greenwich, Bexley, Bromley and Kent. With 8,762 unique clients supported by Live Well Greenwich and 3,662 young people attending Young Greenwich activities, CACT continues to be a force for good in the local community. Whether it’s through social prescribing, mental health support, youth services, or independent living projects, CACT is making a genuine difference and your involvement can help take that work even further.
Further highlights from CACT’s achievements in 2023-24 include:
• 62,730 calls to the Livewell Line, our contact centre providing advice and social prescribing for Greenwich residents.
• 125 participants in mental health support projects.
• 318 individuals benefitting from mentoring across Greenwich, Bexley, and Thanet.
• 100% of Short Breaks participants reporting improvements in their independence skills.
As Christmas draws closer, it’s a time for giving, and CACT is calling on you to consider becoming a Friend of CACT through our regular giving scheme. Whether you donate monthly, quarterly, or annually, your contributions go directly towards helping us continue to make a life-changing impact in our local community. By becoming a Friend of CACT, you’ll be part of a special community of people who receive exclusive updates on our programmes and gain access to a series of events throughout the year. Your continued support helps ensure we can expand our services, reach even more people, and continue to provide vital support in areas like mental health, youth development and social inclusion.
For every £1 donated, CACT is able to generate £9.52 worth of social value, meaning your support goes further than ever in improving the lives of those in need in your community. This Christmas, consider making a regular or one-off donation to help us continue the vital work which CACT does all year-round. You can set up your donation today by visiting cact.gives/donate or by scanning the QR code.
Let’s make this festive season a time of giving back to those who need it most. Together, we can continue to make a difference.
Isaac - master of war
George Landmann, whom I have written about here before, was the man who built the Greenwich Railway, the first railway in London. His background and training was as an officer in the Royal Engineers and he eventually retired to a private civil engineering practice. As a child he had lived in the original Royal Military Academy building, which is still on the Arsenal site now and his roots were in a family from France who had come to England when his father was offered a job at the Academy in 1777.
His father, Isaac Landmann, was Professor of Fortification and Artillery in Woolwich in the late eighteenth century. He left behind a canon of important books on his specialist subjects - and yet we know very little about who he was and where he came from. There is a suspicion of a very interesting background, which nevertheless remains totally obscure.
When Isaac worked in Woolwich the Royal Military Academy – and indeed the Arsenal itself was still very new and evolving. The Crown had purchased the Woolwich Warren estate in 1671 from Sir William Pritchard. It contained Tower Place built in 1545, Sir Richard’s mansion. The Board of Ordnance had intended to use the old house as offices but found it unsuitable.
A new building went up on the mansion site based on the original foundations. This was designed by the famous architect, Nicholas Hawksmoor, and the tower itself remained next to it until 1786. It was thus a purpose built office block with two large rooms on the ground floor. The northern room was used by the Board of Ordnance and
the southern became the Royal Military Academy. It is the building today known as ‘The Academy ‘or ‘Building 40.’ And now, as part of Woolwich Works, it houses dance studios and the like.
The Royal Military Academy had been launched with a Royal Warrant in 1741 as a mathematics school, but teaching included the practice of engineering and artillery. From 1764 the ‘masters’ became ‘professors’ –hence Isaac became the Professor of Fortification and Artillery.
Isaac had been born in 1841 but his origins are unclear. The name Isaac Landmann - is not uncommon and is frequently a name of men of German Jewish descent. From the little we know of his past ‘our’ Isaac Landmann may have been German. This comes from a chance remark to him by George III, who commented that he had origins in common with his Queen, Charlotte, who came from Mecklenburg-Strelitz, in Northern Germany. However Isaac seems to have been involved with the French military - and in fact is said to have had ‘field experience’ with them. He is said to have been Aide de Campe
to (French) Marshall de Broglie. I must admit here to being confused. How did a young German get to be assistant to a major French General - and Marshall of France? De Broglie is said to have been experimenting with the ideas of a division of his armed forces based on skills - cavalry, artillery and, maybe, also engineers. He was out of favour and dismissed from army command during the 1760s, but returned to successfully promote the division between artillery and engineering which became the future of military practice. Perhaps a future researcher will discover how Isaac Landmann became his protégé and such an expert in ‘the art of war’ as to be sought out and appointed by the British Government. It is also important to note that French practice in fortification was very advanced, following the work of Vauban and others, including de Broglie. Isaac seems to have been headhunted by the Government to his post in Woolwich. He had been teaching at the Ecole Militaire in Paris, but, following reorganisation there was reduced to tutoring ‘the art of war’ privately to young French gentlemen. Sir Thomas
Mary Mills
Page was sent to Paris, under Royal Command, with inducements for him to come to England, including a pension which was apparently never paid. Page is said to have already known Isaac Landmann. He was an important cartographer, engineer and graduate of the RMA. At the time he was sent to Paris to see Landmann he was Engineer in charge of the eastern coastal defences, but was also recovering from wounds received at the Battle of Bunkers Hill, in America, in 1775.
There is one more small clue to Isaac’s past. In Gibraltar George Landmann was to meet the Countess of Noailles - Anne Louise Marie de Beauvau. She told him she would give him “some information as to the fate of my mother’s uncle, who commanded
a regiment of Swiss guards at the commencement of the great revolution; and also respecting another relative then serving in the gardes-du-corps of Louis the Sixteenth, and belonging to the company of her father -in- law, the Prince de Poix”. But that information was never given. The Swiss guards were, and are, elite mercenaries who defended foreign royalty - of particular note was their defence of the Tuileries in 1792 during the French revolution.
We know little of George’s mother, Isaac’s wife; except that her name was Katherine Helene Mathey and that she came from an elite military family in the Moselle area.
Isaac was introduced by the Board of Ordnance to the Governor of the Academy, as having ‘seen a great deal
of service and acted as aide-de-camp to Marshal Broglie. His salary was £494 per annum with a house and 12 chaldrons of coals and 1,216 candles.
As Professor of Fortification, he replaced Professor Allen Pollock, who had been First Master, and who may have been dismissed following many rows – while Isaac is described as a ‘genial Frenchman’. They lived in family accommodation in a rear extension to the RMA building. Next door lived Hutton, Professor of Mathematics.
Charles Hutton had been appointed in 1773 as Professor of Mathematics. He was an extremely important mathematician from a humble background in Newcastle, who, along with a distinguished publishing
record performed the calculations necessary to work out the mass and density of the earth. Another staff member was the artist, Paul Sandby, who had been appointed Drawing Master in 1768, and founded the Royal Society of Arts at the same time.
In his years teaching at Woolwich Isaac produced a number of books and papers on his specialist subjects. There are also manuscripts which, when I saw them, were in the Royal Artillery Library, with drawings and Isaac’s commentaries were written in French and describe working practices in the Arsenal.
The family eventually moved to Greenwich – to a house still standing in Crooms Hill. Isaac was clearly respected and sought out by many influential people. George’s childhood was full of occasions when various luminaries visited or who he was taken to meet. For instance he relates conversations that Isaac had with the King - George III.
Isaac retired when he was 75 after working for 37 years in Woolwich. The Prince Regent granted him a pension of £500 p.a. “in consideration of his not having received the annual gratuity promised him when he came to England”. However it is his son George whom I will write about intermittently in the coming weeks.
Cover of Isaac Landmann book
Information from the Royal Borough of Greenwich for our residents
Free holiday club places in Royal Greenwich this Christmas
Children in Royal Greenwich can get a free holiday club space this winter through the council’s Holiday Food and Fun programme. This offer is available for children aged four to 16 who are receiving benefit-related free school meals.
The schedule runs from Monday 23 December to Friday 3 January and is filled with jam-packed activities.
From football and dance to arts and crafts and learn by play, there is something for everyone this half term.
See the full schedule and check if your child is eligible: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/holidayfoodandfun
Royal Greenwich Business Awards 2024 shortlist announced
We’re excited to announce the shortlist for the Best of Royal Greenwich Business Awards 2024!
Thank you to everyone who has entered and congratulations to everyone who has been shortlisted.
The public vote is now open
Three of the categories will be selected by public vote – which means you! It’s time to vote for the business you think deserves to win:
• Best Food and Drink Venue
• High Street Business
• Market or Mobile Trader
You have until Friday 10 January at 11:59pm to vote.
See the full shortlist and scan to vote: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/business-awards-2024
The winners of each of the 14 categories, and the Business of the Year Award 2024, will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony on Friday 7 February 2025 at the Intercontinental Hotel – The O2.
ROYAL BOROUGH OF GREENWICH
The Greenwich (Housing Estate Roads and Car Parks) (Amendment No. 3) Order 2024*
INTRODUCTION OF FORMAL PARKING CONTROLS IN IGNATIUS SANCHO ROAD HOUSING ESTATE
1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Council of the Royal Borough of Greenwich (hereinafter referred to as “the Council”) proposes to make the above-mentioned Order under sections 6, 35, 45, 46, 49 and 124 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended.
2. The general effect of the Order would be to provide parking controls throughout Ignatius Sancho Road housing estate, consisting of disabled persons (blue badge) parking places and ‘at any time’ waiting restrictions.
3. A copy of the proposed Order and other documents, including maps, giving more detailed particulars of the Order are available for inspection during normal office hours until the end of six weeks from the date on which the Order is made or, as the case may be, the Council decides not to make the Order, at Housing Services, Royal Borough of Greenwich, The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ. or online at www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/parking-ignatius-sancho-road
4. Further information about the proposed Order may be obtained by telephoning Housing Services on 020 7167 1796 and online at www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/parking-ignatius-sancho-road
5. Any person who wishes to object to or make other representations about the proposed Order should send a statement in writing, specifying the grounds on which any objection is made, to the Housing Services, Royal Borough of Greenwich, The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ, or by email to estate-parking@royalgreenwich.gov.uk (quoting reference RBG/ISRPC/24), to arrive by 15 January 2025*.
6. Persons objecting to or making representations about the proposed Order should be aware that in view of the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985, this Council would be legally obliged to make any comments received in response to this notice, open to public inspection.
Assistant Director, Strategic Transportation
The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ
Dated 18 December 2024
Royal Borough of Greenwich
Town & Country Planning Act 1990 (AS AMENDED)
Town & Country Planning (Development Management Procedure)(England) Order 2015 Planning (Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (AS AMENDED)
Planning (Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990 (AS AMENDED)
Town & Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 2007 (AS AMENDED)
Notice is hereby given that application(s) have been made to The Royal Borough of Greenwich in respect of the under mentioned premises/sites. You can see the submissions and any plans at http://www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/planning.
If development proposals affect Conservation Areas and/or Statutorily Listed Buildings under the Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Area) Act 1990 (As Amended) this will be shown within the item below.
Anyone who wishes to comment on these applications should be made in writing to Development Planning within 23 days of the date of this notice.
Please quote the appropriate reference number.
Date: 18/12/2024
Victoria Geoghegan
Assistant Director - Planning and Building Control
List of Press Advertisements - 18/12/2024
Publicity for Planning Applications
Applicant: Waltham Estates LTD 24/2244/HD
Site Address: 28 GLENLUCE ROAD, BLACKHEATH, LONDON, SE3 7SB
Development: Demolition of existing garage, alterations to the rear elevation including bifold doors and construction of a partial raised terrace, replacement of side gate, addition of side door, installation of glazed pivot door on rear dormer, replacement of existing single glazed timber sash windows with double-glazed timber sash windows across dwellinghouse, replacement of front door, installation of first-floor balustrade to the rear elevation, installation of rooflights to front, side and rear elevation and all associated works. [amended description, re-consultation issued].
Conservation Area: WESTCOMBE PARK
Applicant: The Hyde Group 24/2526/F
Site Address: 74 & 76 WHINYATES ROAD, ELTHAM, LONDON, SE9 6NL
Development: Replacement of windows and doors. (Re-consultationAmendment to address)
Conservation Area: PROGRESS ESTATE
Applicant: Mr Russell Smith 24/3406/HD
Site Address: LAUREL COTTAGE, BLEAK HILL LANE, PLUMSTEAD, LONDON, SE18 2AB
Development: Retrospective planning permission for a two-storey outbuilding.
Conservation Area: PLUMSTEAD COMMON
Applicant: Greenwich Enterprise Board 24/3512/SD
Site Address: ROYAL ARSENAL GATEHOUSE, BERESFORD SQUARE, LONDON, SE18 6AR
Development: Submission of details pursuant to discharge condition 3 (Material details) of planning permission reference 24/0316/L dated 26/03/2024.
Conservation Area: Woolwich Conservation Area
Applicant: Mr Hoque 24/3576/F
Site Address: 220 CONGLETON GROVE, PLUMSTEAD, LONDON, SE18 7HL
Development: Change of use from an existing single-family dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to a 5-bed, 5-person HMO (Use Class C4), in addition to the provision of cycle and refuse storage and all other associated alterations
Conservation Area: adjacent to Plumstead Common
Applicant: Greenwich Enterprise Board 24/3666/SD
Site Address: ROYAL ARSENAL GATEHOUSE, BERESFORD SQUARE, LONDON, SE18 6AR
Development: Submission of details pursuant to partial discharge condition 7 Part A & B (Written Scheme of Historic Building Investigation) & 8 Part A, B & C (Written Scheme of Investigation) of planning permission reference 24/0316/L dated 26/03/2024. (AMENDED DESCRIPTION) (RECONSULTATION)
Conservation Area: Woolwich Conservation Area
Applicant: Stewart Mclaren 24/3751/F
Site Address: FLAT 1, 42 VANBRUGH PARK, BLACKHEATH, LONDON, SE3 7AA
Development: Construction of a glass-roofed veranda over existing garden decking to the rear of Flat 1.
Conservation Area: BLACKHEATH
Applicant: Mr Clive 24/3868/HD
Site Address: 33 CHRISTCHURCH WAY, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 9AJ
Development: Removal of
Conservation Area: EAST GREENWICH
Applicant: Greenwich Millennium Village Ltd 24/3879/F
Site Address: Maurer, Metcalfe, Holly & New Becquerel Courts, Faraday, Alamaro, DaVinci & Newton Lodges, GMV Phases 1 & 2, West Parkside, Greenwich, SE10 0BY
Development: The removal and replacement of combustible materials and build-ups in the existing external cladding materials on buildings within the original phases 1 & 2 of Greenwich Millennium Village (Maurer Court, Metcalfe Court, Faraday Lodge, Alamaro Lodge, Da Vinci Lodge, Newton Lodge, Holly Court & New Becquerel Court)
Conservation Area:
Applicant: Mr Bogdanovich 24/3903/HD
Site Address: 11 DIAMOND TERRACE, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 8QN
Development: Construction of a rear dormer extension, insertion of 3.no front roof lights. Demolition of existing conservatory and construction of a single storey rear extension and associated external works.
Conservation Area: WEST GREENWICH
Applicant: Mr and Mrs Zaraisky 24/3929/SD
Site Address: 30 HYDE VALE, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 8QH
Development: Submission of details pursuant to discharge condition 4 (Damp proof) of planning permission reference 24/2628/L dated 25.10.2024.
Conservation Area: WEST GREENWICH
Applicant: Will and Hannah Longhurst 24/3958/HD
Site Address: 76 PELTON ROAD, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 9AN Development: Proposed replacing two ground floor rear windows with heritage style bi-fold doors and associated external alterations.
Conservation Area: EAST GREENWICH
Applicant: Mr and Mrs Stuart and Jo Dallen 24/3993/HD
Site Address: 2 MANORBROOK, BLACKHEATH, LONDON, SE3 9AW Development: Demolition of existing single and two storey rear extension and construction of a new single storey rear extension; like for like replacement of existing side extension; replacement of all single-glazed windows with double-glazed
Conservation
Applicant:
Publicity for Advertisements
Applicant:
Local media reaches you in huge numbers.
Local news brands now reach 40 million people every single month, which is 73% of the total GB population.
And we’re growing, with online audiences continuing to increase. Thank you for relying on us to represent you. Trust Local
Reminder of your bin collection dates this Christmas
Usual collection day Revised collection day
Monday 23 December
Tuesday 24 December
Wednesday 25 December
Thursday 26 December
Friday 27 December
Monday 30 December
Tuesday 31 December
Wednesday 1 January
Thursday 2 January
Friday 3 January
Collection as normal
Collection as normal
Friday 27 December
Saturday 28 December
Sunday 29 December
Collection as normal
Collection as normal
Thursday 2 January
Friday 3 January
Saturday 4 January
We have smaller crews collecting your bins during bank holiday periods, so it may take us a little while to catch up
We’ll share updates on our social media and WhatsApp channel if we’re running behind in your area. Thank you for your understanding and we wish all those celebrating a merry Christmas.
Check your collection dates: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/bank-holiday-collections
Sign up to our WhatsApp channel: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/follow-whatsapp
B e gr eener than the Grinch this Christmas
At Christmas, we all produce more waste so it’s a great time to maximise what you put in your blue and green top recycling bins and reduce what ends up in the black top bin.
Our top tips on how to reduce waste, save money and have a greener Christmas:
• Make your own, upcycle, swap or buy pre-loved gifts.
• Merry and bright? Put your lights and heater on a timer to save money and energy.
• Make a list and check it twice – only buy things you need.
• Twelve days of turkey – turn your Christmas leftovers into something yummy.
• Stay off the naughty list – lithium batteries are a fire risk in all bins. Please take them to a battery point in your local supermarket or our reuse and recycle centre.
• Wrapping paper and Christmas cards can’t be recycled if they have sparkles, glitter, sequins or foil on them. Why not make your own from recycled material instead?
Find out more: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/what-to-recycle
Get on the list
First, you’ve got to be on the housing waiting list to join the scheme. If you’re not, register an application online at royalgreenwich.gov.uk/homes
Find your applicant number
It will be on the letter you’ve already had from the Royal Borough of Greenwich about the new scheme. You’ll need that number and the reference number of the property you’re after, which will be on the advert.
Pick out your ideal property by looking in Greenwich Info or regularly checking the website: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/homes
Click on your preference on the website. If you don’t have a computer, you can always use one for free at either The Eltham or Woolwich Centre or a local library.
Apply in one of three ways
• Text bidding is now available and the number to use is 07786207913. For further information please see page 2, or
• Via the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s website royalgreenwich.gov.uk/ homes or
• Phone the 24-hour hotline 020 8921 4340. It’s an automatic pushbutton system and calls will be charged at the normal local ratell be charged at the normal local rate
CBL BIDDING
Please be aware that users must now enter the date of birth of the main applicant when logging into this site.
royalgreenwich.gov.uk/homes
HOW TO BID FOR ADVERTISED PROPERTIES BY TEXT
If you would like to bid by text, please use the following Text Bidding Number: 0778 620 7913 and type:
CBL, the property reference number and your applicant number.
The property reference will be on the advert and your applicant number is on the letter we sent to you when you registered for housing.
A successful bid will look like this: CBL 179104 12191
You will need to do a separate text for each property you wish to bid for and the text is charged at your mobile provider’s standard rate. You will receive a text response to confirm your bid within 5 minutes.
If you are unable to bid for advertised properties and have no one that can do so for you please contact the Allocations team on 020 8921 2941 and we will help you with bidding or will bid on your behalf. If you are in temporary accommodation, then please contact your Temporary Accommodation Officer for help with this.
Southern Housing Group Ltd.
Hexagon Housing Association
BIDDING FOR PROPERTIES
People on the Housing register are able to bid for all properties, regardless of their banding.
You must be eligible for the size of property and bids will be considered in the following order:
First Band A, followed by Band B1/B2 both in priority date order. Those in Band C will then be considered in registration date order.
Please note that there will still be some properties with age restrictions so only people of this age group can apply for these.
A is for applicants in unsatisfactory housing, including people moving due to demolition and those under occupying their homes.
B1 or B2 is for applicants the Royal Borough of Greenwich must prioritise according to the law, particularly homeless people, and others with an urgent need to move for medical or welfare reasons.
C is for all applicants on the housing register, including those that are in priority bands A and B1/B2.
THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED TO THE HOMES ADVERTISED IN ISSUE 934
MOVE TO A SMALLER PROPERTY
If your property is now too big for you, you can apply for the Small is Beautiful scheme.
To be eligible, your current property must:
• be a council or housing association property
• have 2, 3, 4 or 5 bedrooms
• be in the Royal Borough of Greenwich
The scheme can help you move to a smaller home that better meets your needs. We can then use your property to help another family who need it. For example, those in an overcrowded property or who are homeless.
WHAT YOU’LL GET
We’ll help you with costs and finding a new home that better meets your needs.
Financial benefits
We’ll pay:
• £1,000 for each spare room you give up
• an extra £500 if you downsize by mutual exchange
• your moving costs
• your disturbance costs, for example, for packing, disconnecting and reconnecting your appliances
Priority to find a new home
We’ll put your household in the highest priority band on the housing register so you can find a new home as soon as possible.
An Under Occupation Adviser will support you throughout the downsizing process.
Extra support for households with adult children
If you have non-dependant adult children living with you, we can offer them their own flat, if we can get a bedroom back. This means you and your adult child will each get a one-bedroom flat.
Extra support for older tenants
SEASIDE & COUNTRY SCHEME
This scheme offers one and two bedroom flats and bungalows on the Coast and in the countryside, in the South East and West of England. In order to be considered you must be:
• A Council or Housing Association tenant
• At least 55 years old. If you intend to add a household member under the age of 55 they must be either your spouse, current joint tenant, registered carer or dependent adult child.
Your removal costs will be met if you are a Council tenant and you do move to a Seaside and Country home.
To register, or find out more about the scheme, contact the Access and Allocation section on: 020 8921 2941
If you are a Housing Association tenant you need to contact your landlord to register. Further information is available from the scheme management organisation at housingmoves.org
If you’re Pension Credit age you can downsize to a home with one extra bedroom to allow for caring or support needs.
We can visit you and support you with everything you need to downsize.
WHO CAN APPLY
You can apply if you’re under-occupying your home by at least one bedroom.
When we decide if a tenant is under-occupying, we count a second living room (or parlour) as a bedroom.
APPLY
Email: Housing-Allocations-Downsizi@ royalgreenwich.gov.uk
OTHER DOWNSIZING OPTIONS
If you’re 55 or over, you could also consider moving to the seaside or countryside.
This could be for you if you’re:
• in poor health
• struggling to cope in your current home
• keen to move nearer to friends, family or amenities
You can also contact us if you know other tenants who might benefit from this scheme.
Find out about moving to the seaside or country.
Greenwich Council (in foyer)
6 Mitre Passage, Greenwich Peninsula, London SE10 0ER
Greenwich Theatre
Crooms Hill, London SE10 8ES
West Greenwich House 141 Greenwich High Road London SE10 8JA
West Greenwich Library
146 Greenwich High Road, London SE10 8NN
Royal Standard
67 Pelton Road, London SE10 9AH
Forum@Greenwich Trafalgar Road, London SE10 9EQ
Greenwich University
Cooper Building, Students Union, King William Walk, London SE10 9JH
Greenwich Communications Centre
164 Trafalgar Road Greenwich, London SE10 9TZ
Maze Hill Station
Tom Smith Close, London SE10 9XG
Blackheath Library
Old Dover Road, Blackheath SE3 7BT
Westcombe Park Station Station Crescent, Westcombe Park, London SE3 7EQ
Blackheath Newbridge Working Mens Club 22 Charlton Road, Blackheath SE3 7HG
Waitrose
Dreadnought Wharf, Victoria Parade, 1 Thames Street, Greenwich, London SE10 9FR
Greenwich Square Health Centre 12 Lambarde Square SE10 9GB
Woodland Surgery
Woodland Walk SE10 9UB
Vanbrugh Dental Centre
Vanbrugh Hill SE10 9HQ
Greenwich Launderette
174 Trafalgar Road SE10 9TZ
Slade Library
Erindale SE18 2QQ
Woolwich Community Centre
Leslie Smith Square SE18 4DW
Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Station Road, London SE18 4QH
Clockhouse Community Centre
Defiance Walk, Woolwich Dockyard Estate SE18 5QL
Waterfront Leisure Centre
Woolwich High Street SE18 6DL
McDonald’s
56-58 Powis Street SE18 6LQ
Greenwich University 54-58 Powis Street SE18 6NL
Woolwich Centre
35 Wellington Street SE18 6PW
Post Room Woolwich Service Centre
Wellington Street SE18 6PW
Town Hall
Wellington Street SE18 6PW
Woolwich Centre Library 21 Love Lane SE18 6QT
Brookhill Children’s Centre
130 Brookhill Road SE18 6UZ
Charlton Athletic Football Club
Reception The Valley, Floyd Road SE7 8BL
Time Court
Woodland Terrace SE7 8DD
Charlton Library
Charlton House, Charlton Road SE7 8RE
Gllab Work and Learn Centre
Old library Calderwood Street SE18 6QW
The Point
47 Woolwich New Road, SE18 6EW
Smile With Pride Dental Care Ltd 81A Powis Street SE18 6JB
Equitable House
General Gordon Place SE18 6AB
St.Marks Medical Centre 24 Wrottesley Road SE18 3EP
Plumstead Library
Plumstead High Street SE18 1JL
Greenwich Community College 95 Plumstead Road SE18 7DQ
Glyndon Community Centre 75 Raglan Road SE18 7LB
Abbey Wood Community Group 4 Knee Hill, SE2 0YS
Abbey Wood Library Eynsham Drive SE2 9PT
Thamesmead Leisure Centre
Thamesmere Drive SE28 8RE
Gallions Housing Association 90 Titmuss Avenue SE28 8HL
Conway Medical Centre 44 Conway Road SE18 1AH
Basildon Road Surgery
111 Basildon Road SE2 0ER
Heronsgate Medical Centre
Goosander Way SE28 0ER
Middle Park Community Centre
150 Middle Park Avenue SE9 5SD
Vista Childrens Centre
Middle Park Avenue SE9 5SD
City Point Concierge Suite
Campbell Court, Meadowside, Kidbrooke SE3 9XT
Kidbrooke Dental Centre
Telemann Square SE3 9YR
Briset Corner Surgery 591 Westhorne Avenue SE9 6JX
Eltham Centre & Eltham Library
2 Archery Road SE9 1HA
Cold Harbour Library
Wiliam Barefoot Drive SE9 3AY
Cold Harbour Leisure Centre
Chapel Farm Road SE9 3LX
New Eltham Library
Southwood Road SE9 3QT
Eltham Community Hospital
30 Passey Place SE9 5DQ
52 Well Hall Road
52 Well Hall Road SE9 6SH