Greenwich & Lewisham Weekender - April 2nd 2025 by CommunityMattersMedia

© Kris Humphreys Photography

The Royal Borough of Greenwich is proud to show off new council homes

The council has completed a zero carbon, 32-home development in East Greenwich, taking a step closer to the target of 1,750 council homes for people on the housing register.

The new homes in Tuskar Street are made up of eight houses with private gardens, 12 duplex apartments, and 12 apartments with a shared residents’ garden. Plus, three of the properties are adapted for wheelchair use.

Tenants were visited by Councillor Anthony Okereke, the Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, who said: “Too many people in our borough are suffering as a result of London’s housing crisis, trapped in insecure, expensive and inadequate housing, which robs them and their families of the stability everyone needs to build a happy, healthy life.

“Developments like Tuskar Street show that we are doing everything we can to create the council homes that will help people, by giving them a safe, secure and sustainable home.

“Social housing is the only form of accommodation with rents that are linked to local incomes, so these beautiful council homes are the best route out of the housing misery affecting so many of our residents.”

Lisa, who moved into the new development earlier this week, who said: “I wanted to downsize because I had empty bedrooms, and it just felt like a waste. The process was so quick, which really impressed me. This new place is perfect, especially with the playground, it’s great for when I look after my grandkids.

and now I finally have that for me and my children. Before seeking support with the council, I’d never had a housing officer before, but the woman from Greenwich who supported me was incredible, she went above and beyond to help us.

“Greenwich does so much more than other boroughs when it comes to building new homes, it happens so quickly and I’m excited to see my bills dropping too.”

An anonymous resident said:

“When I got the call about this new place, I was over the moon, because I’ve never had a space to truly call my own, it feels this is something I have been searching for 20 years,

“Another borough refused to support me, even after my experience with domestic abuse, which made things even harder. I spent years in different temporary accommodations and while I was grateful to have a roof over my head, some of the conditions were terrible, but it was still better than sleeping in my car which was what I ended up having to do before the council stepped in to help me.

“I really can’t express how grateful I am.”

The development uses technologies like like air source heat pumps and solar panels to reduce to reduce both carbon emissions and cut energy bills for tenants.

Take a look at our Greenwich Builds plans: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/greenwichbuilds Need urgent housing support?

Visit: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/ urgent-housing-support

EDITOR

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

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Issue: GLW407

Pick of the Week

Four Seasons at The Albany

A theatrical love letter to nature for children and their families, catch Four Seasons at The Albany. Join an intrepid team of magical gardeners as they tend to the marvellous menagerie of flora and fauna at every stage of nature’s miraculous journey. Four Seasons is a celebration of the wonder and weirdness of nature and our place within it, all set to an exciting score of seasonally inspired tracks, including, of course,

Vivaldi’s piece. Expect enchanting and innovative theatre featuring puppetry, physical theatre and clowning fun – everything we’ve come to expect from Olivier Award-winning Little Bulb (Hibernation, CBEEBIES’ The Nutcracker).

Date: Tuesday 8 April 2025, 1pm and 3pm Tickets: £9.50

The Albany, Douglas Way, SE8 4AG www.thealbany.org.uk/shows/four-seasons

One of south London’s biggest comedy nights returns to Woolwich Works this April with a rip-roaring line-up headlined by Troy Hawke. Troy Hawke is the selfstyled president of the Greeter’s Guild, whose online videos complimenting everyone – from complete strangers outside Poundland to joining Manchester City at training – have amassed millions of views over the past year. He’s been a stand-up star for years and made memorable appearances on BBC’s Live at the Apollo and other shows. He takes to the stage with Laura Smyth (BBC’s Live at the Apollo) and Edinburgh

Comedy Award nominees Josh Pugh and Ania Magliano. This event is BSL-interpreted, and you can see where the BSL interpreter will be positioned when you select your seats during booking.

Date: Saturday 26 April 2025, 7:30pm

Tickets: From £22

Woolwich Works, The Fireworks Factory, 11 No 1 Street, Royal Arsenal, SE18 6HD www.woolwich.works/events/live-at-the-works-withtroy-hawke

Easter activities at the Queen’s House Head to the Queen’s House for an egg-citing array of events this Easter holiday. From musical storytelling sessions to craft workshops, there are plenty of drop-in activities suitable for all ages and abilities. You can meet historical characters connected to the Queen’s House, take part in an origami tulip-making workshop, and sail into the world of 18thcentury exploration with a musical storytelling adventure inspired by George Stubbs’s famous painting The Kongouro from New Holland.

Dates: Sunday 6 to Sunday 20 April 2025, 11am-4pm. Tickets: Free Queen’s House, Romney Road, SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/queenshouse/easter-activities-queens-house

The Wizard of Oz at Churchill Theatre

Fly over the rainbow with this exciting adaptation of The Wizard of Oz at Churchill Theatre. Join Dorothy as she goes on a magical adventure to the Land of Oz. Along the way, she makes new friends with the Scarecrow, who longs for a brain, the Tin Man, who really wants a heart, and the very cowardly Lion, who is desperate to be brave and have some courage. Dorothy needs to find her way home, but it’s not going to be easy with the Wicked Witch of the West keeping a close eye on her. Will the Great and Powerful Oz be able to help?

Starring Bromley’s very own Fanny Galore as Glinda Galore, alongside a professional cast of West End performers, this colourful story is packed with hilarious jokes, dazzling dance routines, glittering scenery and plenty more for all the family. There’s no place like Churchill Theatre.

Date: Wednesday 16 April 2025, 2pm and 6pm

Tickets: £19.50 to £23.50

Churchill Theatre, High Street, Bromley BR1 1HA trafalgartickets.com/churchilltheatre-bromley/en-GB/event/family/ the-wizard-of-oz-easter-panto-tickets

Baisakh Biryani Supper Club Dinner

Calling all foodies: book a spot at the Baisakh Maharani Supper Club for an evening filled with exquisite food and great company, brought to you by chef Priya Deshingkar. The event is hosted at the home of Paroj and Deepta in Greenwich, where you will indulge in a feast fit for royalty and experience the rich flavours of Old Delhi and Awadh. Come hungry, bring your own drinks for a tipple and get ready to have a fantastic time.

Date: Saturday 12 Apr 2025, 7pm

Tickets: £54.88

Valegro House, 114 Norman Road, SE10 9LJ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/baisakhbiryani-supper-club-dinnertickets-1287666096959

Live at the Works with Troy Hawke

Aesthetics by Lauren Turner

Founder of the Blackheath business explains how treatments can be life changing for people

“Some of our treatments are life changing for people,” says Lauren Turner, founder of Aesthetics by Lauren Turner.

The business offers procedures such as incontinence treatment and treatments for those with skin conditions, including acne and rosacea.

“We don’t treat anyone under 18 for their skin, as they will need to go to a GP, but we have a lot of people who suffer with adult acne, perhaps when going through the menopause, and it can be really debilitating for someone,” she explains.

“Treating acne can be life changing if we get a really good result at the end of it.”

Lauren herself experienced

scarring from acne in her 20s. She says: “I went on quite a long journey. I have quite a few ‘before and afters’ that I show people, even of my own treatments.

“It’s quite helpful having been through that journey myself, and I can recommend a really good treatment plan for someone and then, when they see results, it’s obviously fantastic for everyone.”

Aesthetics by Lauren Turner also offers a weight loss treatment, which Lauren has been providing since 2019. She adds: “We are very strict, you have to be obese, but this treatment can change a life, too. We have seen people with a BMI of around 40 go to a BMI of around 26 and enter the ‘normal’ category.”

Lauren was previously a senior

sister at King’s College Hospital, working in A&E, before leaving to start her own business.

Aesthetics by Lauren Turner launched in East Dulwich in 2020, and she has now opened a second site in Blackheath.

Lauren says they have a focus on regenerative medicines, so rather than curing things, they are trying to focus on regenerating the skin, encouraging collagen production with polynucleotides and energybased device treatments.

“Those things are all to do with stimulating collagen, and you trying to stimulate your own collagen-making process to

help with lines and wrinkles, rather than injecting filler, which we still do,” explains Lauren.

She adds that Aesthetics by Lauren Turner treats the whole person. The ethos is about respect and not pushing treatments on patients but listening to what someone needs.

“We have a very good reputation and knowledge for not up-selling any treatments,” says Lauren. “We have built up a strong brand by being really honest about the best service to provide.”

She adds that they have many good reviews online and adds that “even now, after

seven years, when someone leaves a really nice review, it makes everyone’s day”.

Many people return again and again, and Lauren says how, sometimes, “we have people in tears as we give them the mirror at the end – seeing that brings you to tears a little bit”.

It takes people around two years of research before booking a treatment like those on offer at Aesthetics by Lauren Turner, so “when they choose us, it’s great”.

16 Tranquil Vale, Blackheath, SE3 0AX www.aestheticsbylaurenturner.com

Walk Your Way to Better Mental Health –And Join London’s Most Inspiring Walking Events

This May

This National Walking Day (Wednesday 2nd April), there’s never been a better time to take a step towards better mental wellbeing. Whether it’s a daily stroll or a larger fitness goal, walking can have a transformative impact on your mental and physical health, and now, you can walk with purpose too.

A recent survey commissioned by breast cancer charity Walk the Walk revealed that 82% of adults say going for a walk improves their mood and mental health. Walking is more than just exercise, it’s a simple and powerful way to improve your daily wellbeing, build resilience, and find space for self-care.

To mark the occasion, Walk the Walk invites you to get involved in something truly meaningful this May, with two unforgettable events in the heart of London.

Step into Spring with Purpose

Saturday 17th May, Walk the Walk’s iconic challenge, The MoonWalk London, returns to Clapham Common. This unique overnight walking event sees thousands of women and men walk a half or full marathon in decorated bras, raising awareness and

vital funds for breast and other cancers.

Alongside it, the 5K ZOOM offers a fun, familyfriendly daytime event, perfect for all ages and fitness levels. Whether you’re a seasoned walker or just starting your journey, both events promise community spirit, entertainment, and a sense of accomplishment like no other.

The 5K ZOOM – A Perfect Introduction

The 5K ZOOM takes place earlier that same day and is ideal for newcomers to Walk the Walk events. It’s a lively and accessible 5 kilometre route through Clapham Common, filled with music, fun, and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s open to all ages, making it a fantastic opportunity for families to walk together.

At the finish line, participants are greeted with a hot drink, a muffin, and a collectible medal, leaving with fun memories made.

The MoonWalk London

For those looking for a bigger challenge, The MoonWalk London offers two distances: the Half Moon (15.1 miles) or the Full Moon (26.2

miles). The route weaves through central London under the night sky, filled with live entertainment, cheering supporters, and an atmosphere that’s both powerful and joyful.

Open to anyone aged 13 and over, the event is about more than just walking, it’s about unity, determination, and the power of a community walking together for a common cause.

New for 2025: Lights, Music, and the Magic of Musicals

This year’s MoonWalk theme celebrates musicals. From Mamma Mia to Matilda, Hairspray to Hamilton, participants are encouraged to dress as their favourite characters for a vibrant night of walking and celebration.

Walk the Walk is also introducing more LED light installations than ever before, transforming the night-time route into an immersive, glowing celebration. In addition, iconic London landmarks will once again Light Up Pink, creating a city-wide show of unity and support.

Walking for Wellness – Five Tips from the Founder

Walk the Walk’s Founder and Chief Executive, Nina Barough CBE, shares her five tips for turning walking into a habit:

1. Schedule it – treat your daily walk like a meeting and commit to it.

2. Plan a few routes – have walks mapped out for different lengths of time.

3. Dress appropriately – comfortable clothing and good footwear make all the difference.

4. Track your steps – using an app or pedometer helps with motivation.

5. Make every step count – even short walks or walking between rooms add up.

Special offer: Register now for The MoonWalk London and receive a second entry at half price.

Festival season kicks off at Greenwich Peninsula with the 10th edition of Urban Village Fete – London’s biggest free festival – on Sunday 18 May, from 11am to 7pm.

Festival-goers have been flocking to the Thames-side destination for a decade, and in 2025, the Fete returns with its biggest celebration to date.

You’ll find a jam-packed programme of creative giants and up-andcoming talent to celebrate 10 years of culture, creativity and community at Greenwich Peninsula – including south London community-comeclub-night Touching Bass making their debut and international DJ Gilles Peterson, who headlined the first ever Fete back in 2015.

Entry to the Fete is free, but some workshops are ticketed, for which you can find out more information via the website.

As part of the Fete’s 10-year celebration, and in connection with War Child’s Secret 7” exhibition at NOW Gallery, Greenwich Peninsula will raise funds for War Child as a charity partner.

Urban Village Fete returns to Greenwich Peninsula on 18 May

Kick off the summer season with London’s biggest free festival as it celebrates 10 years

War Child works with local communities and governments to help protect and educate children who have been affected by war, delivering ongoing specialist mental health support, shelter, food and water, and more.

There will be donation points throughout the Fete to support the organisation’s work.

The 10th birthday bash line-up includes something for everyone. Get the whole family festival-ready with Beats and Braids, where you can rock feather hair extensions and braids created by stylist and Design District tenant Stanley Watts.

The Incredibly Clever Canine Circus is back, showcasing paw-some tricks that any dog and their owner

can learn, and you can find the joy of art with Joyful Art Workshops for Kids at Firepit Art Gallery.

Urban Village Fete resident DJ Jack Hemingway, London Soul Choir, the Charity Shop DJ People’s Party and Design District’s newest residents LOOSE.FM will bring the beats all day long.

There will be more than 40 arts, crafts and creativity workshops on offer, with so many ways to flex your creative muscles at the Fete, including pottery painting, kimchi and kombucha making, a nail art workshop, and lots more.

Friend of the Fete and BBC Radio London presenter Robert Elms will host some of the city’s most compelling minds at Design District for creative conversations. Topics include Rethinking education, the role of community in overcoming adversity, and fashion: street style vs mainstream in the age of influencers.

Lose yourself while browsing at the Urban Village Fete Makers Market with more than 34 independent stalls. This year, residents of Greenwich Peninsula Upper Riverside will host a communityled stall, showcasing handcrafted creations made right on the Peninsula.

From beautifully decorated bird boxes and hand-painted plant pots to one-of-a-kind greeting cards, every item has been crafted by a resident. And CharitySuper.Mkt, the UK’s first multi-charity shop, pops up with brilliant second-hand fashion from charities, including Traid and

© Kris Humphreys Photography

the British Heart Foundation.

To end the day, as the sun sets over Greenwich Peninsula, soak up the good vibes at Sunset Sessions while enjoying delicious food and refreshing drinks at Canteen Food Hall & Bar. From 7pm to 10pm, sip on expertly crafted drinks, savour mouthwatering bites, and move to chilled beats spun by LOOSE.FM’s top DJs.

Laura Flanagan, director of Greenwich Peninsula, said: “The transformation

of Greenwich Peninsula since 2015 is extraordinary, and the evolution of Urban Village Fete is just one example of how much the place has changed in a decade.

“What started as an eclectic community get-together in a brandnew piece of town has grown into one of London’s most-loved festivals. From inspiring talks hosted in the heart of the Design District to games, music and independent shopping in Central Park, there is so much to explore.

“Celebrating 10 years of Urban Village Fete is a significant milestone for Greenwich Peninsula, giving us the opportunity to bring to life all the very best things about living, working and visiting here in one amazing day.”

DJ Gilles Peterson said: “I played at the first ever Urban Village Fete back in 2015, and it has been incredible to watch the event grow and come together over the past 10 years.

“It is a neighbourhood that gives

back to the community, and that’s a special thing indeed. You don’t come across many other events that represent a true democratisation of art – something we need now more than ever. Here’s to 10 more years.”

Robert Elms, presenter for BBC Radio London, said: “Ten years ago, this part of London was little more than The O2. But since then, the Urban Village Fete every year has helped to promote a genuine creative quarter where people can have a great day out while

enjoying art, architecture and design.

“I shall be talking to some of those creatives, designers and makers again this year. Coming together to discuss thought-provoking topics amid a fun festival is one of the things which makes the Urban Village Fete unique.”

Sunday 18 May 2025, 11am to 7pm Free Greenwich Peninsula, SE10 0ES www.greenwichpeninsula.co.uk/ whats-on/urban-village-fete

Small visits Walking Football session

Ahead of Charlton Athletic’s Men’s Health-themed matchday, first-team player Thierry Small recently visited one of Charlton Athletic Community Trust’s (CACT) Walking Football sessions.

Small took part in a competitive game with the participants, and scored an impressive goal before sitting down with the players to discuss all things Charlton and men’s health.

Defender Small said: “Coming along to the session today was a real eyeopener because, when you’re young, you take things like socialising and exercising for granted. It’s important that people stay active and socialise after retiring, and it’s brilliant that CACT is providing retired people with a community like this to get involved in. Initiatives like this can help with mental health because you get to enjoy seeing others and keep fit at the same time.”

Walking Football participant Graham said: “It was really nice of

Thierry to join in and then come and talk with us. Getting together and having a laugh with everyone is good for our mental health, and that’s the positive thing about coming here. When I retired, I wondered what I’d do with my time, so I thought it would be a good idea to take part in CACT’s Walking Football sessions. It’s great fun!”

The Tuesday morning Walking Football session takes place from 10:30am to 11:30am at Eltham Goals (Baldon Sports Ground, London, SE9 5LU). The Thursday evening session runs from 6pm to 7pm on CACT’s Astro pitch (enter via Footscray Rugby Club, Footscray Road, SE9 2EL). To book a place, please email matt.phillips@cact.org.uk, or simply turn up and pay cash on the day.

Are your bins ready for Easter?

Royal Greenwich bin collections will change over the Easter period.

Usual collection day New collection day

Friday 18 April Friday 18 April

Monday 21 April Tuesday 22 April

Tuesday 22 April Wednesday 23 April

Wednesday 23 April Thursday 24 April

Thursday 24 April Friday 25 April

Friday 25 April Saturday 26 April

Smaller crews will be collecting your bins during bank holiday periods, so it may take a little while to catch up.

Updates will be shared on the council’s social media and WhatsApp channel. Thank you for your understanding and happy Easter to all those celebrating.

Check your collection dates at royalgreenwich.gov.uk/ bank-holiday-collections

Follow @royal_greenwich on X, Facebook and Instagram and sign up to the WhatsApp channel at royalgreenwich.gov.uk/follow-whatsapp for updates on your bin collections.

Changes to Children’s Centres as of 1 April 2025

Children’s Centres across Royal Greenwich have changed the services they provide. This comes after a public consultation ensuring we are using our funds effectively while continuing to provide much needed support to families.

The new offer will include support for children of all ages, plus meet demand for personalised support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Information is set out in our Greenwich Community Directory where you can see the range of provision spread fairly across the borough including in new sites such as Charlton Family Centre.

While some sites - including Robert Owen, Shooters Hill, Alderwood, and Mulgrave - will no longer be official Children’s Centres, they will still be used for other purposes, including supporting schools, nurseries, midwifery, and health visitors.

To find services near you visit: greenwichcommunitydirectory/ children-and-families

Families with children up to the age of 19 (or up to 25 for those with special educational needs or disabilities) can get free advice and support from the Families Information Service (FIS) on a variety of topics.

You can contact FIS via 020 8921 6921 or fis@royalgreenwich.gov.uk

Mary Mills

So, this week I’m back with the 1851 civic procession around the Greenwich boundary – a walk which I have been describing here, with the third episode a couple of weeks ago.

It is about a formal group of parish dignitaries and schoolchildren walking round the Greenwich Parish boundary – these walks were a regular feature at the time and reported on in detail in the local press. In some places the boundary has changed since the 1850s and so in the last episode I left them in an area which is now in Lewisham, over on the west bank of the Ravensbourne river – actually in the middle of the railway lines coming out of Lewisham Station and going to London Bridge and Nunhead. Today the Greenwich Lewisham boundary does not cross the Ravensbourne and so this episode will begin at those railway lines and, hopefully, get to where the current boundary is between Greenwich and Lewisham.

On the 1860s Ordinance Survey map the boundary is shown at the exact centre of where the railway lines coming out of Lewisham Station diverge - with the line to Nunhead curving up on the temporary military style bridge built in 1957. I have been following the boundary from Greenwich via Deptford Bridge going generally southwards but at this point it took an abrupt eastward turn. The line crosses the railway line coming out of Lewisham Station and then appears to follow what on the map look like field boundaries until it reaches the river. The report does not explain how the procession crossed the railway, and I can’t imagine that they could possibly have been walking about over the rails.

The newspaper report of the walk also doesn’t say how they got back across the Ravensbourne river. Which is odd. On the 1860s OS map the boundary appears to cross at a point where there was a weir - part of the elaborate water management works for the Armoury Mill. Shown on the up-stream side of the weir are three separate streams and downstream was a large mill pond. There appears to be no sign of this today and the river now runs uninterrupted from Lewisham past the site of the old millpond and weir. This was once an elaborate complex of water management and, I am advised, must have been very expensive to build.

Today the site of the weir where the old Greenwich boundary crossed the river seems to have been at the riverside end of Conington Road. The Docklands Light Railway now runs along the river

bank and the site between it and the road is fenced off as a small square site with no buildings on it, but it is apparently part of the modern ‘silk mills’ complex. When this site was rebuilt – or when the railway was built – was there any investigation of this weir, pond and mill working area? The Archaeology Data Service tells me there were ‘desk tops’ of the Silk Mill itself and some other parts of the area, but no apparent mention of the river or the mill and its expensive water management structures.

As for the history of the mill here – it is a most important site which I covered in my book on Deptford Creek and three previous articles here. Much of the material came from Sylvia McCartney and John West’s book ‘The Lewisham Silk Mills’.

Drastically summarised I said: “There had been a mill on the site since ‘time immemorial’ and it is probably one of the eleven mills in the Doomsday Book for Lewisham. In 1299 ‘Toddlesmill’ here was said to be a corn mill, but by 1355 it was used for grinding metal. It became ‘the Armoury Mill under Henry VIII doing the heavier and rougher work for the Greenwich based Royal Armoury – making famous and unbelievably expensive armour for courtiers. Under Elizabeth the workshops and mill were kept at work and in good order and this continued under James I. However, under the Commonwealth in 1649 the Greenwich workshops were left to decay and it is thought that much of its equipment was removed by those locals who thought they might have a use for it.

In the 1750s it was taken over by a miller who produced bayonets, and other items of military use and through a succession of owners this continued and, later, guns were made here. In the early 19th century it was suggested that it could become a purpose-built small arms factory to make guns and armaments for the Government. The old mill was demolished and a new factory was built – and this must have been when this expensive water management system was installed. It turned out however that there were problems with the volume of water in the Ravensbourne. It was realised that the site would not be able to cope with the amount of power needed for production and eventually it was decided to use a site at Enfield Lock

Over the river and through the hedges...

where the fall of water was better.

In 1819 the Armoury Mill, with its equipment and workforce, moved to Enfield and the Lewisham site was auctioned off. It included a house, a warehouse, lodges, eight houses and many acres of land. The mill itself was a two storey weather boarded building with a slate roof. There was a water wheel and all the necessary equipment to manage the water which ran the mill. The area surrounding the building was encircled by a ‘venerable brick wall - stout and high’. Two iron cannon stood in front of the massive gate posts and they are now in front of the Manor House at Lee.

After the mill was sold it was leased to a silk throwster – that is someone who turns raw silk into usable thread. However soon the actual work done here was on ‘drawing’ gold and silver into wire and it became one of the main manufacturers of gold and silver lace thread in the country. Only water power was used and was said to be especially suitable for this work because of its regular action.

In 1881 the mill was described as a “structure which could be mistaken for paper mill – ‘it is in pleasant grounds with approaches of water some acres an extent in front of it, with a stream which drives the middle wheel’. It had probably been much like this when our civic procession passed through there in the 1850s -

so why didn’t they mention it in the newspaper reports? One reason was maybe because it was a high security site with the precious metals used in making metallic threads.

The report says that having crossed the Ravensbourne they came to ‘another stone, a boundary marker there since 1847’ and that the route then went ‘to a stone in the hedge of the mill premises’. They ‘entered the said premises by passing through the hedge’ then ‘kept to the right hand under the said hedge’ until ‘we reached the mill-stream where there is a cross.’ This seems a lot more complicated than what we can see if we follow the boundary line on the map. Did the procession really ‘pass through a hole in the hedge’? Now that would have been quite something to see! It can’t have done the hedge much good! What sort of hedge was it? Who owned it, and did they mind? They continue that they went ‘diagonally through the mill and out by the gates’. Once more this doesn’t really reflect what is on the 1860s map, which shows the boundary as a straight line from the weir at the river going into the road. The procession going diagonally through the mill would again have been something to see! They must have had special permission.

Next the procession ‘took the centre of the road until we enter the Lewisham Road’. At this point at last they were

where the old boundary merged with the current borough boundary and continues with it in a confusing way - as we will see. The route continues into Morden Hill until it reaches the junction with Lewisham Road.

Reaching Lewisham Road the report says ‘where we have a stone sunk in the centre, between the two roads’. Well clearly that is not there anymore and I wonder what has happened to all these stone boundary markers over the years! Have all of them ended up in contractor’s skips – or are some still hidden unidentified in obscure corners?

The report continues ‘then turning to the left’ – that is turning into Lewisham Road going back towards Greenwich. Then ‘we take the centre of the road to the entrance of what were formerly Loat’s Pits’. I am far from clear where exactly this entrance was. Contemporary maps show a variety of turnings off Lewisham Road going into the pits, but which is the actual entrance? I have a vague feeling that I’ve seen a photograph of an entrance with gates to the pits and if anyone can enlighten me I would be grateful. I suspect it is the turning which later became Lethbridge Road.

Loat’s Pits was the area to the west of Lewisham Road which is currently under redevelopment as the Heathside Estate. It was previously known as Heathside and Lethbridge with local

 The armoury mill before rebuilding

and hedges...

authority flats built in what was clearly an old pit. Until recently you could walk down Sparta Street, but it is now blocked by a wall very near its junction with Lewisham Road. In the past you could get into the estate and see the cliff wall of the pit behind the flats. By the 1850s when the boundary procession passed through the area Loat’s Pits had been closed for some time and I suspect were mothballed waiting for a buyer. Mary Loat had been bankrupted some 20 years earlier in the 1830s. I don’t know the origins of the Loat family or their ownership of the site, but it had been operated by them as a source of chalk for making ‘whiting’. This was processed at a factory in Nine Elms, Vauxhall. Mary had been married to Thomas Fentiman who seems to have been a building supplies merchant in Greenwich - among many other things. He was also a partner of a Lancelot Loat and they were subcontractors for a number of public buildings in London and elsewhere. Most importantly the Loats had lime kilns on the Lewisham site - and the products were marketed through the Vauxhall factory.

The next section of the boundary will hopefully take us up onto Blackheath itself and I’m afraid it is likely to be a bit confusing working out exactly how this procession of local dignitaries actually got there.

Thanks to Burt Reynolds of Watermill Hoppers for advice.

on the weir and mill pond

 1860s OS map showing waterworks for the armoury mill

 Gates at the bottom of Conington Road to what was the silk mill

1. The Royal Borough of Greenwich makes this Order in exercise of powers under section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. This is to facilitate works by Thames Water who need to carry out trial holes prior to mains replacement.

2. The Order will come into operation on 7th April 2025 and would continue to be valid for 18 months. However, the works are expected to take 7 days. The duration of the Order can be extended with the approval of the Secretary of State for Transport.

3. The effect of the Order would be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering, exiting, proceeding, or waiting (including waiting for the purposes of loading or unloading), in Eastney Street at the junction with Trafalgar Road and the junction of Crane Street.

4. Whilst the Order is in operation traffic will be diverted via the placing of the appropriate signage. Prohibitions remain in force; pedestrians are not affected, and vehicle access will be maintained wherever possible.

5. Nothing in this Notice will apply to anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform or traffic warden, to emergency service vehicles, or to vehicles being used in connection with the works.

6. The restrictions described above will apply only during such times and to such extent as shall be indicated by traffic signs as prescribed by the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016.

7. Queries concerning these works should be directed to the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Directorate of Regeneration, Enterprise & Skills on 020 8921 6340.

Ryan Nibbs Assistant Director, Transport. The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ

Dated: 19/02/2025

ROYAL BOROUGH of GREENWICH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 – SECTION 14(1) MILLENNIUM WAY PLANNED CYCLE LANE CLOSURE (ORDER)

1. The Royal Borough of Greenwich intends to make this Order in exercise of powers under section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. This is to facilitate works by Sunbelt Rentals who need to carry out underground civils work.

2. The Order will come into operation on 17th April 2025 and would continue to be valid for 18 months. However, the works are expected to take 1 day. The duration of the Order can be extended with the approval of the Secretary of State for Transport.

3. The effect of the Order would be to temporarily prohibit cycles from entering, exiting, proceeding, or waiting, in east bound Millenium Way near the roundabout at Meridian Gate.

4. Whilst the Order is in operation traffic will not need to be diverted. Prohibitions remain in force; pedestrians are not affected, and vehicle access will be maintained.

7. Queries concerning these works should be directed to the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Directorate of Regeneration, Enterprise & Skills on 020 8921 6340.

Ryan Nibbs Assistant Director, Transport.

The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ

Dated: 19/02/2025

INTERNAL REF - EM/ LA481767 FN753 /LIC No 72892

ROYAL BOROUGH of GREENWICH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 – SECTION 14(1) WOOLWICH ROAD, WOOLWICH CHURCH STREET AND CHARLTON CHURCH LANE PLANNED LANE CLOSURES (ORDER)

1. The Royal Borough of Greenwich makes this Order in exercise of powers under section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. This is to facilitate works by Tarmac Kier Joint Venture who need to carry out street lighting and traffic signals replacement work as part of the Cycleway 4 extension project.

2. The Order will come into operation on 7th April 2025 and would continue to be valid for 18 months. However, the works are expected to take 4 months. The duration of the Order can be extended with the approval of the Secretary of State for Transport.

3. The effect of the Order would be to permit local traffic to use both directions of the bus lanes due to the closure of the middle carriageway lanes in Woolwich Road, Woolwich Church Street and Charlton Church Lane.

4. Whilst the Order is in operation local traffic will be diverted to use bus lanes. Prohibitions remain in force; pedestrians are not affected, and vehicle access will be maintained wherever possible.

7. Queries concerning these works should be directed to the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Directorate of Regeneration, Enterprise & Skills on 020 8921 6340.

Ryan Nibbs Assistant Director, Transport.

The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ

Dated: 26/02/2025

INTERNAL REF - EM/LA482184,482152,482199,482197,482151, 482157, FN756 /LIC No 72971

ROYAL BOROUGH of GREENWICH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 – SECTION 14(1) SIBTHORPE ROAD PLANNED PARKING RESTRICTION (ORDER)

1. The Royal Borough of Greenwich intends to make this Order in exercise of powers under section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. This is to facilitate works by UK Power Networks who need to carry out repair works at this location.

2. The Order will come into operation on 14th April 2025 and would continue to be valid for 18 months. However, the works are expected to take 4 days. The duration of the Order can be extended with the approval of the Secretary of State for Transport.

3. The effect of the Order would be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from parking or waiting (including waiting for the purposes of loading or unloading), from outside and opposite 83 to 93.

4. Whilst the Order is in operation traffic will not need to be diverted. Prohibitions remain in force; pedestrians are not affected, and vehicle access will be maintained wherever possible.

7. Queries concerning these works should be directed to the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Directorate of Regeneration, Enterprise & Skills on 020 8921 6340.

Ryan Nibbs Assistant Director, Transport.

The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ

Dated 19th March 2025

INTERNAL REF: LA482476 FN763 / LIC NO :73163

ROYAL BOROUGH of GREENWICH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 – SECTION 14(1) WOODLAND TERRACE

PLANNED ROAD CLOSURE (ORDER)

1. The Royal Borough of Greenwich makes this Order in exercise of powers under section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. This is to facilitate works by Chevron Traffic Management who need to carry out works on surveying manholes along the road to fix and clean.

2. The Order will come into operation on 7th April 2025 and would continue to be valid for 18 months. However, the works are expected to take 5 days. The duration of the Order can be extended with the approval of the Secretary of State for Transport.

3. The effect of the Order would be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering, exiting, proceeding, or waiting (including waiting for the purposes of loading or unloading), in Woodland Terrace from the junction of Maryon Road to outside 2.

7. Queries concerning these works should be directed to the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Directorate of Regeneration, Enterprise & Skills on 020 8921 6340.

Ryan Nibbs Assistant Director, Transport. The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ

Dated: 18/02/2025

INTERNAL REF- EM/SE50 WLT FN745 / LIC NO: 72879

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)

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: 02/04/2025

Victoria Geoghegan

Assistant Director - Planning and Building Control

List of Press Advertisements - 02/04/2025

Publicity for Planning Applications

Applicant: Sarah McMichael 25/0132/HD

Site Address: 120 COLERAINE ROAD, BLACKHEATH, LONDON, SE3 7NU

Development: Erection of a single storey rear extension, installation of a pergola, new sliding door and associated alterations to the front elevation, altered land level to the front garden, erection of a timber fence around the front garden and all associated external works. (Re-consultation)

Conservation Area: WESTCOMBE PARK

Applicant: Mr Amir Sharon 25/0539/F

Site Address: 702 & 702A WOOLWICH ROAD, LONDON, SE7 8LQ

Development: Change of use of two commercial units (Use Class E) to 2no. 1B/2P self-contained flats (Use Class C3) and associated works. Cycle parking, refuse storage, communal outdoor amenity space and car parking within 700 Woolwich Road to be utilised for new residential units. (Fully retrospective application)

Conservation Area: THAMES BARRIER & BOWATER ROAD

Applicant: PD Assets Ltd 25/0618/F

Site Address: 21 BURNEY STREET, LONDON, SE10 8EX

Development: Change of use of the vacant former post office (Use Class E) to a 2-bedroom residential flat (Use Class C3) and associated external alterations.

Conservation Area: WEST GREENWICH

Applicant: Fujiimori

25/0629/F

Site Address: 2H BEACONSFIELD ROAD, BLACKHEATH, LONDON, SE3 7LZ

Development: Replacement of two sash windows and two awning windows with timber heritage double glazed replacements to match the existing pattern and design.

Conservation Area: WESTCOMBE PARK

Applicant: Mr Moshe Sternlight SITS (Blackheath) Ltd

25/0644/F

Site Address: SUN IN THE SANDS, 123 SHOOTERS HILL ROAD, SE3 8UQ

Development: The installation of 16kw Solar roof panels, construction of rear dormer, additional rooflight and installation of railings.

Conservation Area: SUN IN THE SANDS

Applicant: Mr Stern 25/0645/F

Site Address: 47 ARBROATH ROAD, ELTHAM, LONDON, SE9 6RR

Development: Change of use from single-family dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to a 6-bedroom HMO (Use Class C4); construction of a part-two part-one storey rear extension; other associated alterations.

Conservation Area: adjacent to Progress Estate

Applicant: Mr Watters 25/0652/HD

Site Address: 8 BUSHMOOR CRESCENT, PLUMSTEAD, LONDON, SE18 3EF

Development: Replacement windows and doors in white metal aluminium with dummy vents and rectangle leads, replacement of garages doors and all associated works to re-instating of original features to house and front garden.

Conservation Area: SHREWSBURY PARK ESTATE

Applicant: Renuka Gupta 25/0661/HD

Site Address: 183 PLUM LANE, PLUMSTEAD, LONDON, SE18 3HQ

Development: Construction of a ground floor rear and ground floor side extensions, garage conversion to haitable space, floor plan redesign, internal alterations and all associated works.

Conservation Area: SHREWSBURY PARK ESTATE

Applicant: Eltham College Family of Schools

25/0682/F

Site Address: BLACKHEATH PREPARATORY SCHOOL, 4 ST GERMANS PLACE, LONDON, SE3 0NJ

Development: Formation of a new external door opening to nursery by the removal of existing window and enlargement of existing opening.

Conservation Area: BLACKHEATH

Applicant: Royal Borough of Greenwich 25/0684/F

Site Address: CHARLTON PARK, CHARLTON PARK ROAD, LONDON SE7 8QU

Development: Installation of buttresses and pattress plates to existing wall in addition to undertaking masonry repairs and all other associated works

Conservation Area: CHARLTON VILLAGE

Applicant: Miss Hou 25/0712/HD

Site Address: 9 BUSHMOOR CRESCENT, PLUMSTEAD, LONDON, SE18 3EG

Development: Conversion of an existing garage to a habitable room and raise of the flat roof. Alterations of window and door to the garage.

Conservation Area: SHREWSBURY PARK ESTATE

ROYAL BOROUGH of GREENWICH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 – SECTION 14(1) TUNNEL AVENUE

PLANNED ROAD CLOSURE (ORDER)

1. The Royal Borough of Greenwich intends to make this Order in exercise of powers under section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. This is to facilitate works by Thames Water who need to rebuild a manhole chamber.

2. The Order will come into operation on 15th April 2025 and would continue to be valid for 18 months. However, the works are expected to take 15 days. The duration of the Order can be extended with the approval of the Secretary of State for Transport.

7. Queries concerning these works should be directed to the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Directorate of Regeneration, Enterprise & Skills on 020 8921 6340.

Ryan Nibbs Assistant Director, Transport.

The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ

Dated: 14/01/2025

INTERNAL REF: LA482385 FN731 / LIC NO 72564

Applicant: Mr / Ms Maynard 25/0720/HD

Site Address: 39 COURT ROAD, ELTHAM, LONDON, SE9 5AF

Development: Construction of two single storey wings on two sides of the existing house, joined by a glazed corridor, new paved patio and all associated works.

Conservation Area: ELTHAM PALACE

Applicant: The Hyde Group 25/0772/F

Site Address: 83A GRANBY ROAD, ELTHAM, LONDON, SE9 1EH

Development: Replacement of 8 No. front and rear windows to a first floor flat with double glazed white coloured Upvc of side hung casement styles and pvc external beading bars, plus replacement of rear garden door with double glazed white coloured UPVC door of 2XG style. All replacements to match existing styles and sizes.

Conservation Area: PROGRESS ESTATE

Applicant: The Hyde Group 25/0776/HD

Site Address: 25 ARSENAL ROAD, ELTHAM, LONDON, SE9 1JS

Development: Replace existing Upvc windows to front and rear elevations with new Upvc windows, including external white pvc beading bars, to match existing styles and sizes. Replace 1 No. rear garden door with Upvc garden door to match existing size. (Existing main front door to remain).

Conservation Area: PROGRESS ESTATE

Applicant: The Hyde Group 25/0788/HD

Site Address: 21 MARTIN BOWES ROAD, ELTHAM, LONDON, SE9 1LQ

Development: Replace existing Upvc windows to front and rear elevations with new double glazed Upvc windows, including external white pvc beading bars, to match existing styles and sizes. Replace 1 No. rear garden door with double glazed Upvc garden door to match existing size. Replace existing front door with Climatec Period 1930`s Style authentic timber effect door to match existing size.

Conservation Area: PROGRESS ESTATE

Applicant: Andrew Schildbach 25/0836/F

Site Address: FLAT 3, 9 POND ROAD, BLACKHEATH, LONDON, SE3 9JL

Development: Loft conversion with the construction of two rear dormer windows, multiple rooflights and a Juliette balcony, removal of existing chimney stack, and all associated external works.

Conservation Area: BLACKHEATH PARK

Applicant: Mr Miles Delap 25/0844/HD

Site Address: 5 WESTGROVE LANE, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 8QP

Development: Installation of roof mounted Solar Panels and improved roof access through the implementation of new boxed rooflight and associated external alterations

Conservation Area: WEST GREENWICH

Applicant: Selencky Parsons Architects 25/0911/HD

Site Address: 59A BLACKHEATH PARK, BLACKHEATH, LONDON, SE3 9SQ

Development: Demolition of existing rear extension and construction of a new single storey rear extension and associated external works and external landscaping.

Conservation Area: BLACKHEATH PARK

Publicity for Listed Building Consent

Applicant: Royal Borough of Greenwich 25/0685/L

Site Address: Charlton Park, Charlton Park Road, London, SE7 8QU

Development: Installation of buttresses and pattress plates to existing wall in addition to undertaking masonry repairs and all other associated works

Listed Building: Grade 2

Applicant: The Royal Parks 25/0730/L

Site Address: GREENWICH PARK, BLACKHEATH AVENUE, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 8QY

Development: Creation of an opening and insertion of a gate in the boundary wall of the Queen's Orchard and associated external works

Conservation Area: GREENWICH PARK

Listed Building: Grade 2

ROYAL BOROUGH of GREENWICH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 – SECTION 14(1) WOOLWICH ROAD

PLANNED DIRECTIONAL ROAD CLOSURE (ORDER)

1. The Royal Borough of Greenwich makes this Order in exercise of powers under section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. This is to facilitate works by Tarmac Kier Joint Venture who need to carry out street lighting replacement works as part of the cycleway 4 extension project.

2. The Order will come into operation on 7th April 2025 and would continue to be valid for 18 months. However, the works are expected to take 3 days. The duration of the Order can be extended with the approval of the Secretary of State for Transport.

3. The effect of the Order would be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering, proceeding, or waiting (including waiting for the purposes of loading or unloading), west bound Woolwich Road at the junction of Charlton Church Lane and to permit local traffic to use bus lane.

7. Queries concerning these works should be directed to the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Directorate of Regeneration, Enterprise & Skills on 020 8921 6340.

Ryan Nibbs Assistant Director, Transport. The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ

Dated: 14/03/2025

INTERNAL REF: EM/ LA482148 FN762 / LIC NO: 73123