Greenwich & Lewisham Weekender - April 9th 2025 by CommunityMattersMedia

Warmer and healthier council homes

The Royal Borough of Greenwich is set to invest more than £50 million from the fiveyear £430 million investment programme to make around 1,200 council homes warmer and healthier, which includes a fresh investment of £10.5 million secured from the Government’s Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund.

Works will cover homes with a current energy performance rating of C or lower as well as those with damp and mould issues.

Upgrades will include insulation, new ventilation, new windows and the replacement of communal boilers with heat pumps - which provide a more efficient and low-carbon way of providing homes with heating and hot water.

Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said:

“We’re serious about improving the homes and life chances of our residents and that’s why we’re investing hundreds of millions of pounds to achieve this.

“Our Housing Our Greenwich ambition is to ensure people have access to homes that are safe and secure, and so this extra investment from the government is very welcome in our borough.

“It is not only a resounding endorsement of our ability to deliver our massive programme but will mean that we can make sure our existing budget goes even further to ensure more council homes are warmer, safer, healthier and cheaper to run.”

Read more: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/ warm-healthy-homes

TfL’s Silvertown Tunnel opening: what you need to know

Transport for London’s (TfL) Silvertown Tunnel has officially opened. As of Monday 7 April, there will be crossing charges for using both Silvertown and Blackwall Tunnels.

But there is a 50% discount for residents on low incomes, and other discounts for charities, small businesses, sole traders and blue badge holders – but you must be signed up to TfL’s Auto Pay.

There will be concessions for residents to take advantage of the new and more frequent public transport connections via bus, DLR and a cycle shuttle.

The Silvertown Tunnel will link Silvertown in east London to Greenwich Peninsula. It will help reduce congestion at the Blackwall Tunnel, help make peak time journeys faster and provide an alternative crossing when the Blackwall Tunnel is closed for repairs.

Read more: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/ tfl-silvertown-opening

Learn and earn with a trade apprenticeship

Come and build a solid career foundation with a Greenwich Direct Apprenticeship at the Royal Borough of Greenwich. Applications are now open for electrician or plasterer apprenticeships.

The deadline to apply is 11:59pm on 15 April . Please note, the portal may close early due to high demand. No prior experience is needed. To register your interest, all you need is:

• the necessary English and maths skills

• be aged 16 or older

• to live in the borough

• have the right to work in the UK.

Young people in care and care leavers living outside of Royal Greenwich are also invited to apply. There is no upper age limit to apply for any of these roles – we welcome residents who have just left school as well as more experienced people looking to retrain.

Do you need help to draft your application or prepare for interviews?

GLLaB, the council’s employment support service for residents, can help you. Call 020 8921 2440 or email apprenticeships@royalgreenwich. gov.uk and include the role you are applying for.

Apply: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/ trade-apprenticeships

Pick of the Week

TheGreenwich & 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

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Issue: GLW408

Free Interactive Froglife

Workshop at The Albany

Join Ellie Pritchard, the founder of Arbor Projects and a creative freelancer for Froglife’s London Blue Chain project, for an interactive Freshwater Food Web Workshop. It focuses on the importance of biodiversity and presents a playful way to learn about amphibians, reptiles and invertebrates. Children will help transform a space into a freshwater habitat through craft activities.

Date: Tuesday 15th April

Time: 10am slot or 2pm slot

Tickets: Free but ticket required

Please note this is a drop-off workshop. Children will be left in the capable hands of the Froglife team. The Albany, Douglas Way, London, SE8 4AG https://www.thealbany.org.uk/shows/food-web-workshop/

Experience Jamaica Jazz with musicians who have played with legends: Fela Kuti, The Specials, Jools Holland, PJ Harvey and many iconic Reggae and Jazz artists. They are fresh from their residency at Effra Hall Tavern in Brixton.

Date: Friday 25th April

Time: 8pm Tickets: £10

Beanfeast, The Fireworks Factory, 11 No. 1 Street, London, SE18 6HD https://www.woolwich.works/events/woolwich-jazz-series-effra-band

Free Crafternoon at The Gerald Moor Gallery

A free family friendly afternoon of creativity and crafting, giving your family the opportunity to explore your artistic side. Children need to be supervised by adults and wear clothing you don’t mind getting messy in.

Date: Saturday 26th April

Time: 1:30-3:30pm

Tickets: Free, available on Eventbrite Email info@geraldmoregallery.org for more info

Gerald Moore Gallery, Mottingham Lane, London, SE9 4RW

West Norwood Feastback on 6th April

The food fair and artisans’ market with over 100 market stalls, restarts on Sunday 6th April and runs until December. You can expect street food, drink, arts, crafts, vintage items and more. It’s all run by community volunteers with a goal of celebrating local talent.

Date: Back on 6th April

Time: 10am-4pm Norwood Road, London, United Kingdom, SE27 https://westnorwoodfeast.com/

The Wizard of Oz Easter Panto at Broadway Theatre:

Enchanted Entertainment brings L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz to the Broadway Theatre in Catford this Easter. It stars Britain’s Got Talent finalist Steve Royale as Scarecrow and The X Factor and Celebrity Big Brother’s Stevi Richie as Tin Man.

Date: Wednesday 16th April

Time: Various Times

Length: 135 minutes

Tickets: £22-24

Broadway Theatre, Rushey Green, London, SE6 4RU https://www.broadwaytheatre. org.uk/events/the-wizard-of-ozeaster-panto

Central Cee at the O2

Central Cee and special guests come to the O2 in April as part of his Can’t Rush Greatness 2025 world tour. Cant Rush Greatness is Central Cee’s debut studio album, which was released earlier this year.

Date: Thursday 24th April

Time: 6:30pm

Tickets: From £60

The O2, Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX https://www.axs.com/uk/ events/829803/central-ceetickets

Woolwich Works Jazz Series: Effra Band

© Alex Brenner

© Woolwich Works

© Gerald Moore Gallery

Free

cheap activities to do with kids these Easter holidays

If you are stuck for fun things to do with the kids whilst they are off school, look no further.

We have compiled a list of the free (or cheap), fun-filled activities this Easter in south east London.

SOUTHBANK CENTRE’S SPRING FAMILY FUN PROGRAMME MOSTLY FREE:

This fun-filled programme of Easter events at the Southbank Centre is bound to keep your children occupied this Easter. Here are some of the highlights:

GOOD FRIDAY ‘DAYTIME DANCE’

All ages will enjoy this drop-in afternoon of daytime dancing with a 5 hour set list of talented DJs and artists. Performances from GW Jazz, Tomorrow’s Warriors and even a chance to sing-along with the Reggae Choir.

Date: Friday 18th April, starts at 1pm and finishes at 6pm

Location: The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, The Royal Festival Hall Price: Free. No ticket required

ROYAL MUSEUMS GREENWICH FREE AND PAID FOR:

The Royal Museums Greenwich has a series of both free and paid-for family friendly events, check out website above, here are some of the paid for stuff.

TED’S SPACE ADVENTURE

A live planetarium show for 3-7 year olds for children who love learning about space and astronauts. Ted’s Space adventure will explore the solar system with a bear named and is presented by an astronomer from the Royal Observatory. All children must be accompanied by an adult

Date: Daily, 11:30am

Location: The Royal Observatory, Blackheath Ave, London SE10 8XJ

Price: £12 Adult and £6 Children

Tickets can be booked on their website

SENSORY SAILORS

A sensory play session for children with special educational needs led by disabled creatives. Explore the museum, meet other local families and be creative together. Sessions are for children under 13 years.

Date: Saturday 12th April,11am-12:30pm

Location: The Royal Observatory, Blackheath Ave, London SE10 8XJ

Price: £12 Adult and £6 Children

Tickets: Tickets can be booked on their website

EASTER HOLIDAYS AT CUTTY SARK: £11

Enjoy family activities on board the historic tea clipper Cutty Sark:

CUTTY SARK EASTER EGG TRAIL

Find the hidden eggs around the historic ship and collect 11 letters on each egg to unscramble the secret nautical code! Ideal for children aged 5+

Time: Performances daily at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm

Location: Cutty Sark, King William Walk, London SE10 9HT. Price: £22 adults, £11 children Tickets: Tickets can be booked here

MEET THE CHARACTERS OF CUTTY SARK

Meet the captain, cook and take a tour of the ship to get a taste of life at sea.

Time: Performances daily at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm

Location: Cutty Sark, King William Walk, London SE10 9HT

Price: £22 adults, £11 children

Tickets can be booked here

ARCHEOLOGY WORKSHOPS AT THE LONDON DOCKLANDS MUSEUM FREE

The London Museum Docklands are

offering a series fascinating workshop where families can get stuck into the archeological history of the Thames.

RISING RIVER POP-UP CARDS

Create a pop-up card with a foreshore littered with treasures and a river that rises and recedes to reveal hidden objects. Suitable for children aged 5 and older

Date: Thursday 18th April (sessions at 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm)Location: London Museum Docklands, No 1, West India Quay, Hertsmere Rd, London E14 4AL

Price: Free

Price: Free. No ticket required

WOOLWICH WORKS: PAY WHAT YOU LIKE

‘CRAFTERNOONS’:

Fun for all the family this Easter with a ‘Crafternoon’ Easter special.Make gorgeous 3D daffodil flower masterpiece to take home. Create handprint Easter Bunnies and even design your own Easter Egg.

Crafternoons are accessible and simple.

Time: Sessions at 2pm on Saturday 5th April, Sunday 13th April and Saturday 19th April

Location: Woolwich Works, The Fireworks Factory, 11 No 1 St, Royal Arsenal, London SE18 6HD

Price: Pay what you like (ticket required) Tickets can be booked on their website

NON STOP DRAMA!

Greenwich

Theatre looks to put its financial woes behind it as it eyes an exciting artistic future

By Chris Mullany

Imagine you’ve nursed your cherished community theatre through the dark days of the Covid pandemic, and are all set to claw some desperately needed revenue in from your ever-popular panto run. Then disaster strikes – ‘the entire cast, understudies, the drummer, the stage manager – they all went down with Covid. We just couldn’t get the show out in Christmas week and New Year week – and we lost a quarter of a million pounds in revenue.

‘Honestly, we just thought… give us a break’ says Greenwich Theatre’s James Haddrell.

That Covid-induced loss equated to almost a quarter of the theatre’s annual income, and put the acclaimed theatrical venue back into financial straits from which it had spent years trying to clamber out, according to its longstanding Artistic Director. ‘The pantomime season for us brings in over forty per cent of our annual income, so it really was so hard to come out of Covid and then face that setback. But we persisted, and we are now finding our way back.’

James joined the theatre back in 2001, quite early in the tenure of the then Artistic Director Hilary Strong. The theatre had lost its Arts Council funding in the late ‘90s, swiftly followed by the loss of council funding too, and had been shuttered. ‘Hilary had been Director of the Edinburgh Fringe and reopened the theatre about eighteen months after its closure’, James recalls. ‘We just hadn’t been selling enough tickets. So funding was being given, but there weren’t

enough local people coming through the doors to justify that funding. I joined first as a press officer, then moved up to marketing manager before taking over as Director in 2007. In those six years before I took the reins we had tried to produce more of our own shows and ultimately got into huge financial debt again.’

Those years had included a play based on Dava Sobel’s book Longitude, and a revival of the Charles Strauss musical Golden Boy that Sammy Davis Jr had performed in at the London Palladium.

‘We were trying to find our way back to an identity’, says James.

‘Producing theatre is expensive, and you have to assume that for the first few years you’re going to lose money, as people get used to your vision and the types of shows you produce. You should build it into your business model but when I took over, we had a deficit of about a quarter of a million pounds.’ Once again, the theatre was fighting for its life.

Fast forward to 2012 and James felt things were back on an even keel, but then watched in dismay as funding drained away towards the Olympics push. ‘Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a naysayer, I thought the Olympics were fantastic, but it was hoped that organisations like ours would feel a knock-on benefit from the games, and that’s just not how it worked out – so we lost a lot of funding.’

When the pandemic struck back in 2020,

James was faced with a stark choice – either to shutter up and wait it out, or radically to change how they offered theatre, which is what they opted to do. They moved a lot of activity online, including the Greenwich Children’s Theatre Festival, with funding from the Arts Council, and produced a reimagined Stephen Berkoff play with a cast of 39 young or emerging actors, each recording their piece at home – with the surprise fortieth performer being Dame Helen Mirren. ‘That brought us a lot of publicity – we were even featured in the New York Times – and a lot of donations, as the production was free to watch’.

Then the world came back, panto was back on… until it wasn’t.

James worries that it sounds like ‘one long whinge’, but really when you hear about the ups and downs this theatre has faced, just the fact that it is still there is testament to the passion and commitment of all those involved – who time and again have refused to give up on it. And James says this is true of community theatre across the country and the love it inspires among staff and performers – and local audiences.

Today, the theatre has battled back, despite receiving no direct funding – although Greenwich Council leases the theatre to them rent free. ‘That is not insignificant!’ admits James. ‘We couldn’t operate if we had to pay rent for the theatre, without doubt, so we’re very grateful. Principally now it’s about bringing a commercial mindset to the organisation’ he asserts,

although there is always the balance to be had with commercial successes and encouraging a variety of work and fostering riskier, less established talents.

‘Our major upside is the theatre tax relief scheme, which in fact was instigated by a previous Conservative government, to try to stimulate more domestic theatre productions. Essentially if you produce a show that doesn’t make a profit, you can surrender the loss against your corporation tax.’

So does that mean they hope for theatrical failures? He laughs – ‘no, we’re not like Mel Brooks’ The Producers! We would much rather have productions that are commercial successes, but what the scheme does mean is that you can get some money back against the loss if it happens, so you can be more confident about taking a creative risk, and that is exciting.’

From a business perspective though, it means that the theatre is constantly enduring a cashflow crisis – where it awaits backdated tax relief, rather than applying for Arts Council funding as before, and then being able to put on performances. ‘We run a business that is breaking even or even slightly better, but the cash flow is a year behind, and that is difficult to navigate.’

The theatre is a 400 seater, and a show, running six days a week, would be adjudged a commercial success if it fills between 40 to 55 per cent of those roughly 10,000

 Paul McGann and Gracy Goldman

in Bad Nights and Odd Days by Caryl Churchill

available seats. Like other community theatres around the country, it could opt simply to put on touring shows, rather than produce its own content. It could also put up its prices, and its bar prices.

‘We’ve worked really hard to keep prices affordable’, James maintains. ‘And what we hope is that we continue to get support from our local audiences –if we could fill even 60 per cent of seats for one of our own shows, it would make a huge difference.

‘What we’ve decided about what we put on is that we will stick to our guns and say – we’re good at this’, James continues. ‘And now artistically we are in a really exciting place. Our primary identity is now built around our own productions, rather than just touring shows or stand-up comedy. There’s an audience for that, and offering a stage to those other companies is important, but it’s no longer what we do all year.’

And as their artistic identity has grown, it’s become easier to recruit the kind of talent that previously they may have struggled to attract. ‘Last year we produced Jez Butterworth’s The River with Paul McGann, and even with Paul attached it took us two years to secure the rights. And then we went back to Jez afterwards and asked about producing Parlour Song - and he just said yes. So we’re doing that next month, with Jeremy Edwards, Kellie Shirley and Naveed Khan in the cast. Our reputation is growing with good, strong shows, and relationships with writers like Mike Bartlett, Michael Frayn, Philip Ridley, Caryl Churchill, Bryony Lavery – a decade ago we wouldn’t have got close to those writers’.

So what does the future hold for Greenwich Theatre? ‘We do want to see more funding, of course!’, James admits. ‘We’re putting a strategy together to apply to a host of possible supporters.

‘But fundamentally, theatres survive on audiences, so we would love people to book to see a showand to book earlier.’ For the theatre world, he says, Covid transformed booking patterns – whereas before you might look through the website or at brochures and advertising and book eight or twelve weeks ahead, in the pandemic, as he found out, entire casts could go ill, a show be cancelled, or the pandemic tiering change overnight. ‘People started waiting until the very day to decide and that hasn’t gone away entirely. Even for our Christmas pantomime season, we used to sell the peak dates at Easter, but last year with three weeks to go there were still huge number of tickets to sell. Do you spend loads on marketing at that point, or hope it’ll be ok?’

James is also a passionate believer in breaking down barriers that might prevent people from

going to the theatre or taking part. And having signed a 24 year lease on their building last year, they have now launched a £50,000 target fundraiser, which would give disabled access to the stage, some disabled toilet facilities, access to dressing rooms, hearing loops and even performances interpreted by either sign language or captioning. ‘We’ve had a really encouraging start, hitting over 10% in a few weeks’, he says.

‘My rallying cry to local people would be this – look at our programme, and there will be something that you want to see. It may be Jez Butterworth’s Parlour Song, it may be a well-known drama, or our new family rep season featuring all-new versions of The Three Musketeers and The Elves and the Shoemaker. Buy something you know you’ll enjoy, but then also take a punt on something you know nothing about. I can guarantee you won’t regret taking the risk.’

And you get the feeling that James, and all the Greenwich Theatre family, haven’t been afraid to take a few risks themselves, in their battle to keep this important local institution alive, and to see it flourish.

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT GREENWICH THEATRE:

1) Visit their site and buy some tickets! https://greenwichtheatre.org.uk/whats-on/

2) Donate: https://greenwichtheatre.org.uk donate/

3) Become a Friend of the theatre: https://greenwichtheatre.org.uk/getinvolved

Pop to Grove Park on the new Superloop SL4

Our new express bus route makes cross-river journeys to Grove Park more convenient

Download the free TfL Go app for real-time bus arrivals

Applies to entire bus route. Touch in as usual with your contactless card or device, or Oyster card. Until at least 7 April 2026.

Plans to ban cars from Deptford High Street

There would also be dedicated zones for busking created along the street

Cars could be banned from Deptford High Street for up to eight hours per day under council plans, , writes Robert Firth

A stretch of the popular shopping street between New Cross Road and Hamilton Street would be closed to vehicles under the proposed changes unveiled by Lewisham Council.

Deptford High Street is currently pedestrianised three days per week. Lewisham Council is asking locals whether they would prefer the street to be closed to traffic every day from 10am until 5pm, from

10am until 6pm or from 11am until 7pm.

The road’s closure is expected to allow for increased street trading in the area and more opportunities for cafés and restaurants to put out outdoor seating, according to the council.

As part of the street’s redesign, repairs would be made to paving in the area, extra parking for bikes would be fitted and additional trees and flower beds would be planted. There would also be dedicated zones

for busking created along the street, as well as new seating areas and better lighting under the railway bridge.

All vehicles would be banned from Hales Street and Frankham Street, except for access to residents’ homes. Residents can share their opinions on the planned changes to Deptford High Street until May 14.

Cllr Louise Krupski, Deputy Mayor of Lewisham, said: “As we look to the future of town centres, we want to work with the community at every

stage to make sure our improvements are designed by and for local people while ensuring no one is left behind.

“With over 60 per cent of Lewisham residents using public transport for commuting, and many walking or cycling as part of their daily routines,

we’re focusing on making it easier for them to travel actively, safely and sustainably while also creating more space for people to enjoy what the high street has to offer.”

To take part in the consultation go to: deptfordhighstreet.commonplace.is

Silvertown Tunnel now open Deptford woman quits high-flying job to open up her own gym in empty railway arch

Silvertown Tunnel IS now open, linking the Greenwich Peninsula to east London, with discounts for local businesses and some residents, writes Issy Clarke...

Opening on Monday (7 April), the tunnel is just under one mile long and will link Newham and the Greenwich Peninsula.

Off-peak charges will be £1.50 for cars, motorcycles, and small vans, while peaktime fees will range from £2.50 to £4.00. Larger vehicles, such as heavy goods lorries, will pay up to £10. The tunnel will be toll-free overnight, starting at 10 pm.

The same charges will now also apply to the Blackwall Tunnel.

Bus travel will be free for the first year ‘at least’ according to TFL, including the Cycle Shuttle Service

which will run every 12 minutes.

To complement the opening, new bus routes will also launch on 7 April. These services, including the Superloop 4 (SL4) between Canary Wharf and Grove Park, will initially be free for at least a year. The number of buses crossing the river will increase significantly, from six per hour to 21, with all vehicles producing zero tailpipe emissions.

Local businesses from Greenwich, Newham, or Tower Hamlets will get a £1 discount on the off-peak charge for the first year, and there will also be a 50 per cent discount for local residents on benefits from the 12 East London boroughs, including Southwark and Lewisham.

First proposed in 2012, the tunnel aims to ease congestion, provide faster and more reliable journeys, and improve air quality around the Blackwall Tunnel. It will also introduce new public transport options and cycle connections, enhancing travel in the area.

Commuters could save up to 20 minutes on journey times during peak hours. To manage traffic and recover construction costs, user charges will apply at both the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels.

empty railway arch in Deptford into a gym, writes Robert Firth

Before leaving her previous job, Kim put in 16 hours days to realise her dream of setting up the group training studio on Resolution Way, off Deptford High Street.

The 35-year-old did personal training in the morning before heading to her 9-to-5, earning £50,000, and then spent the evenings planning the gym project. Her hard work eventually paid off in February when she left her former job and opened Après London.

Lewisham Council granted planning permission for the project a month earlier in January. Ms Mansell told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that she wanted to create something for the community where she lives.

She said: “The thing with Deptford is, we know it’s up and coming. But I live here. It’s my local community.

I love the fact I built this here, on my doorstep, where I’m already part of the community.

“I had £10,000 in savings: [that’s] wiped out completely, gone. That was my only buffer. I have no family that I can go stay with. It’s just me. It’s a massive risk. If it doesn’t work, I lose everything. It’s all or nothing.”

In 2022, Deptford High Street was named one of the coolest 33 streets in the world following a vote by Time Out magazine. The southern half of the high street has undergone a £2.1 million refurbishment in recent years, according to Lewisham Council.

Membership prices at Après London

begin at £125 for nine classes per month. While the cost comes in a lot higher than the average monthly gym membership, Kim said she thought the small class sizes (six people to one personal trainer) and community aspect of group training made the extra price well worth it.

She added: “If you’re someone that’s not very good at sticking to their goals, being part of a fitness community is the best way for you to stay motivated and committed to your goals.”

If the gym is a success, Ms Mansell hopes to also eventually open a coffee shop in the arch on Resolution Way. But her ambitions extend beyond South East London.

She said: “I want to be able to make it work here for the next couple of years and then say to investors: ‘this is the big idea to take Central London, to take abroad’ and make a huge impact on the fitness sector.”

To find out more go to gym website apreslondon.co.uk

Kim Mansell quit her high-flying marketing career and spent her life’s savings turning an

 Deptford High Street as it looks today

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.

The ﬁght to keep the river walk open

were on the site we now call Bay Wharf where now there is the boat yard built by Morden College to compensate for the loss of Pipers – and because it meant the nearest boat repair business would be up in Ipswich. Here Maudslay built Cutty Sark’s two sisters, Hallowe’en and Blackadder. That 1867 Court case had huge public support and the gallery was crowded with local people shouting and clapping. Counter evidence came from Mr. Soames whose soap works was on the site of the later sugar refinery. He said that companies would go out of business if the public could walk along the riverside past them. The Court and Lord Chief Justice Cockburn didn’t agree and declared in favour of the right of way. It is the same stretch which Greenwich Council went to court about in the 1990s when the then occupants blocked it and the right of way was declared again.

In 2000 there was a development agency in place for East Greenwich and they were employing a full-time worker on the Riverside Path. He was an interesting young bloke and he worked very hard to get it all together. There seemed to be some hope that it could be modernised and made more available but in a tactful sort of way. Of course he didn’t last and although the Council put various young planners in charge of it they always had other jobs and priorities.

I see that the Council has a consultation out about what people feel about the Riverside Path. I’m not sure how ethical it is for me to put my fairly detailed research about the path into the public arena at this stage, but I can’t really see why not.

Of course the path goes all the way through the borough - the longest stretch of any ‘riparian boundary’ area of any London borough. It goes from Upper Watergate in Deptford, at the Lewisham boundary, all the way down to where it joins the Bexley boundary in the wilds of Thamesmead. This takes in some interesting areas

Of course the first Deptford stretch isn’t on the actual riverside in that it takes us along Borthwick Street and then crosses the Creek. It then goes along an incredibly boring newish riverside walkway to what we all know at Cutty Sark and the famous bit of Royal Greenwich. Then on to the Peninsula of which more below. Beyond that it goes down through Charlton to a point at the Thames Barrier which was completely blocked until only a few years ago. Then it ends for a bit at the Woolwich ferry and picks up again to go through Woolwich. At one time you were unable to go any further at the Arsenal wall and you certainly couldn’t go through the Arsenal itself. However these days the walk continues on through what was the Arsenal ending in a longish fairly wild section with bushes and undergrowth right the way down to Thamesmead. All of it is interesting with lots to see.

Everyone that I’ve spoken to seems to

take it for granted that what the Council is talking about is the stretch between Pelton Road and Angerstein Wharf - that is the traditional path and has been written about by lots of people, including me.

My copy of ‘Nairn’s London’ is falling to bits. When I bought it in 1966 (price 8/6d) it was the brave new world but now it’s a historical document. One of the reasons it’s so tatty is Nairn’s description of the Riverside path “unknown and unnamed ... the best Thameside walk in London”.

I guess it was originally just a walk along the river wall - and we have no idea how old that is. In 1867 the Court of Queen’s Bench heard that it was there at the time of Norman Conquest and for all they knew it was Roman. The public have walked it ever since but now no longer on the river edge because of the need for a cycle path and ‘health and safety’. Planting between the river and the people means you can’t see the river - which is what you came to see in the first place

Of the oldest pictures of the area which show people on the path, both of them are of the 17th century gunpowder works (on the site of Enderbys). In them people are taking the dog for a walk, sketching, chatting... or just, well, walking. A few

years ago the Enderby Group did a footfall survey on the path – and things haven’t really changed, except for the bicycles. Today with so many residents living so close to the path in all the new flats there must be an enormously increased footfall.

Nairn describes the path starting at the Blackwall Tunnel’s ‘pretty art nouveau gatehouse’ down a passage alongside the Delta Metal Company “which zigs and it zags and it doesn’t give up and eventually comes out at the river”. It’s a bit different now because from where he started, at Ordnance Draw Dock, you couldn’t follow the path round the gas works but it now continues all the way round the Dome.

I would like to think that whoever operates the Dome might do something a bit more imaginative with that stretch of the path. I do remember being herded into a room to meet the developer who was going to take the Dome over and tell us what they were going to do. I, in all innocence, asked in what way they intended to relate the development to the River. They looked surprised – River? they said questioningly. They didn’t seem to be aware it was there or that they should do anything at all to acknowledge it. Which is a pity - but then they’re all Americans!

North of this in 1868 Lewis and Stockwell, shipbuilders, built a large a dry dock (where the hotel is now) and this interrupted and blocked the river path. I don’t know how this was resolved then by the Vestry who thought it was ‘not a good idea to give up these old rights in a hurry’ but they also thought new employment opportunities were important. (Nothing changes, it really doesn’t). The remains of the dry dock lie somewhere under the Dome.

Mary Mills

One of the wharves in that area had a lot of lively workers who claimed they kept finding Roman remains as the Dome site was cleared - saying ‘I’ve put them all in my aquarium, love’.

When the Gas Works was built in the 1890s the riverside path was closed right round its site. Following an enquiry in the House of Lords, Ordnance Draw Dock was built by the gas company as compensation. A sort of 19th century planning gain. I hope Greenwich residents visit this draw dock which is still a right of way despite scary notices from the people in the Dome and the Hotel. You can’t access it for its proper use as a draw dock because you can’t park a car down there and you can’t use a draw dock without a vehicle.

So off we go down the path - and I’m pleased to see that Bullet From a Shooting Star is still there. I always thought it is very much the best of the sculptures which have been put in by the various developers.

Ian Nairn was writing in 1966 – about the world we have lost when the River really was the River with lots of boats and the path was lined with interesting industries - or at least I think they were interesting. He talked about the path taking ‘exciting forms... between walls ... under cranes ... nipping round the back of a boatyard’ . Much of that stretch was straightened out in the 1980s. “A continuous flirtation with the slow moving river choked with working boats” (if only!)

In 1867 the right of way on this whole stretch was taken to the Court of Queen’s Bench by Greenwich Vestry in a case against the shipbuilders, Maudslay Son and Field who had blocked the path. They

I soon discovered that there were a range of agencies which had all sorts of rights on the path. There were always complaints and I guess there still are, from members of the public because ‘the Council had closed the path’. But sometimes the council didn’t even know the path was closed until someone rang in and complained. There were bodies - and they must still exist – with various rights. The foreshore is owned by the Crown and the Environment Agency seems to be able to do what it likes there. The path also has stretches where it is privately owned. I remember that the Enderby Group discovered by accident that a drain was to be built across the path by a maritime body based in Newcastle - who clearly knew nothing whatsoever about Greenwich and the sensitivities around the path.

I do not doubt that the Council Planners do their best. They set a formula many years ago for what they thought the path should be like - paved and decent and with a band of planting between the path and the River for safety reasons. It meant that the view of the River was very much curtailed, although of course there is not much to see these days. I have always felt that we should at least try and preserve the memory of the working River - it was an exciting place. It might have been dirty and dangerous and exploitative and lots of things but there was always something going for it which was interesting and exciting at the same time. I miss so much the noise of it – all the different hoots which told us all what was in Port and where it was going.

As for Nairn - he got to the “final exciting stretch past Greenwich Power station and another good Riverside pub, The Yacht”. Then he says “God preserve it from the prettifiers” and, in a footnote, “They are trying to close it. Walk it as you would a country path, till they are sick to the guts.” Well .. ok..

(My books on it: Greenwich Marsh, 1999 no longer available; Greenwich Peninsula. Greenwich Marsh. 2020 Amazon; The Greenwich Riverside: Upper Watergate to Angerstein. 2021 Amazon)

A S T E R & A D V E N T U R A I L A R T N E T R I L

Royal Borough of Greenwich Notice of Planning Application.

Town & Country Planning Act 1990 (As Amended)

Town & Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015

Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (As Amended)

Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990 (As Amended)

Town & Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 (as amended)

Proposed Development At: Former Lewisham College, 1 Deptford Bridge, London, SE8 4HH

Reference Number: 25/0798/F

Notice is hereby given that an application is being made to the Royal Borough of Greenwich By: Deptford Bridge (RER Deptford Bridge) Limited

Demolition of existing building and construction of buildings ranging from 1 to 31 storeys for residential (Class C3) and flexible Class E, local community (Class F2), education (Class F1), and drinking establishment (Sui Generis) use; cycle parking and facilities, landscaping and highway improvements, servicing and plant and all other ancillary and associated works. (This application is an EIA development and is accompanied by an Environmental Statement) (This is a cross borough application with the London Borough of Lewisham, their reference: DC/25/139390)

Further information not forming part of the formal description of development provided for consultation purposes: This application is located both within the Royal Borough of Greenwich (RBG) and London Borough of Lewisham (LBL). The scheme as a whole provides 903 C3 residential units across both borough (306 C3 residential units within RBG and 597 C3 residential units within LBL)

8,713 GIA flexible Class E, local community (Class F2), education (Class F1), and drinking establishment (Sui Generis) floorspace. (3,593m2 nonresidential floorspace within RBG and 5,120m2 non-residential floorspace within LBL)

Building A is 31 storey, Building B is 7 – 11 storeys, Building C is 15 storeys and Building D is 17 storeys (These are all based in LBL). Building E is 24 storeys, Building F is 10 storeys, Building G is 10 storeys and Building H is 1 storey (These are all based in RBG).

The application site falls within the boundaries of the Ashburnham Triangle Conservation Area.

A copy of the application and any plans and/or documents submitted with it is available for inspection by the public at https://planning. royalgreenwich.gov.uk/online-applications/and by searching via the application reference 25/0798/F Representations to the Council about the application should be made within 32 days of the date of this notice using the above link or to the Planning Department, 2nd floor, Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, Woolwich SE18 6HQ stating the full reference number(s) above. Members of the public may obtain copies of the Non-Technical Statement, the full Environmental Statement and other associated documents as either hard or digital copies from:

i) https://planning.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/online-applications/ and by searching via the application reference 25/0798/F or ii) In addition hardcopies of the Environmental Statement can be requested from the Waterman Infrastructure & Environment Ltd via letter to Waterman Infrastructure & Environment Ltd, Pickford’s Wharf, Clink Street, London, SE1 9DG; telephone on 020 7928 7888 and email on ie@watermangroup.com

Date 09/04/2025

Victoria Geoghegan Assistant Director - Planning and Building Control

To place a public notice, please call 020

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

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 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.

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 Tunnel Avenue outside 46.

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: 14/01/2025

INTERNAL REF: LA482385 FN731 / LIC NO 72564

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 makes 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 (including 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, 3 5 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) PARK ROW

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 RHD UK Production Ltd who need to carry out filming within Greenwich Naval College.

2. The Order will come into operation on 25th April 2025 and would continue to be valid for 18 months. However, the works are expected to take 2 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: 18/02/2025

INTERNAL REF - EM: FILMING PAR FN747 / LIC NO:72882

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: 09/04/2025

Victoria Geoghegan

Assistant Director - Planning and Building Control

List of Press Advertisements - 09/04/2025

Publicity for Planning Applications

Applicant: Goldenspark (Timber) Ltd 24/3746/F

Site Address: THE WHODA THOUGHT IT, 7 TIMBERCROFT LANE, LONDON, SE18 2SB

Development: Partial demolition of locally listed building, partial loss of Public House floorspace and refurbishment works together with the construction of six (6) dwellings within the curtilage with associated landscaping, car parking, refuse and cycle storage. Conservation Area: PLUMSTEAD COMMON

Applicant: Acton Lane II (London) 24/4201/MA

Site Address: 90 ABBEY WOOD ROAD (FORMER POST OFFICE), ABBEY WOOD, LONDON, SE2

Development: An application submitted under Section 73 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 for a minor material amendment in connection with the planning permission 19/1081/F dated 9/11/2020 for Redevelopment of the site to provide a part 4/ part 5-storey building comprised of shared workspace (Use Class B1), and 30 self-contained flats (16 x 1 bed, 9 x 2 bed, 5 x 3 bed) (Use Class C3) as well as three residential disabled off street car parking spaces to allow:

Minor alterations to the ground floor; including the provision of a secondary means of escape for the main staircase at ground floor; Changes to the columns along the boundary of the site; Relocation of Balconies; Rationalisation of flat layouts; Reduction in number of 1 bed homes; Increase in number of 2 bed homes;

Applicant: Padel Social Club 25/0582/F

Site Address: The O2, Peninsula Square, Greenwich, SE10 0DX

Development: The provision of three outdoor Padel tennis courts, landscaping and associated works.

Applicant: Mr Daniel Chen 25/0663/HD

Site Address: 3 LISKEARD GARDENS, BLACKHEATH, LONDON, SE3 0PE

Development: Construction of single storey rear and side extension, loft conversion with dormer and bushes planted to the front of property.

Conservation Area: BLACKHEATH

Applicant: Mr Rajinder Singh 25/0668/F

Site Address: Rear of 23-25 Greenwich Church Street, London, SE10 9BJ

Development: Change of use of existing office building to 8 person house in multiple occupation [HMO] And construction of first floor front extension and associated works.

Conservation Area: WEST GREENWICH

Applicant: Mr U A Umoren 25/0757/F

Site Address: 221 HOLBURNE ROAD, KIDBROOKE, LONDON, SE3 8HF

Development: Change of use from a dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to Small HMO (Use Class C4) for up to 6 occupants and associated works.

Applicant: Mr Murat Demircan 25/0759/F

Site Address: 2 NEVADA STREET, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 9JL

Development: Change of use from single-family dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) into a 6-bedroom 6-person HMO (Sui Generis); erection of ground floor side extensions; other associated alterations.

Conservation Area: WEST GREENWICH

Applicant: The Hyde Group 25/0773/F

Site Address: 62A GRANBY ROAD, ELTHAM, LONDON, SE9 1EN

Development: Replacement of 7 No. front and rear windows to a first floor flat No.62A with double glazed white coloured Upvc of side hung casement styles and Upvc 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: Miss Higgs 25/0805/HD

Site Address: 23 EAGLESFIELD ROAD, PLUMSTEAD, LONDON, SE18 3BX

Development: Installation of a conservatory to the rear of property.

Conservation Area: SHREWSBURY PARK ESTATE

Applicant: Mrs Sarah Quartermain 25/0843/HD

Site Address: 52 KINGS ORCHARD, ELTHAM, LONDON, SE9 5TJ

Development: Partial demolition and construction of side extension and other associated works.

Conservation Area: ELTHAM PALACE

Applicant: Shell Trust (UK Property) Limited 25/0859/F

Site Address: UNIT 3, THE I O CENTRE, SKEFFINGTON STREET, LONDON, SE18 6SR

Development: Change of use of Storage and Distribution unit (Use Class B8) to include E(g)(iii) (Industrial Processes) and B2 (General Industrial) uses to the existing lawful use

Conservation Area: ROYAL ARSENAL WOOLWICH

Applicant: Mr Correia

25/0892/HD

Site Address: 16 PRINCE RUPERT ROAD, LONDON, SE9 1LS

Development: Replacement of existing windows and doors, to match existing with a new render finish and associated external alterations.

Conservation Area: PROGRESS ESTATE

Applicant: Mr R Houston

25/0998/HD

Site Address: 60 CONGREVE ROAD, ELTHAM, LONDON, SE9 1LN

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

Conservation Area: PROGRESS ESTATE

Applicant: Mr & Mrs Greenwood 25/1028/HD

Site Address: 49 CONGREVE ROAD, ELTHAM, LONDON, SE9 1LW

Development: Construction of single storey rear infill extension and external alterations.

Conservation Area: PROGRESS ESTATE

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

SIBTHORPE ROAD

PLANNED PARKING RESTRICTION (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 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

What’s on this Easter

Community Tapestry and Badge Making

Wednesday 16 April, 2pm to 3.30pm, free Woolwich Centre Library, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ

Add your own piece of art to Silkworm Collective’s community tapestry or make your own badge in a family friendly workshop.

Easter Bonnet Parade and Easter Egg Hunt

Thursday 10 April, 1:30pm to 3pm, free Slade Centre Library, Erindale, SE18 2QQ

Show off your best Easter bonnet and see if you can spot all the Easter eggs.

E aster Craft Making

Friday 11 and Thursday 17 April, 10am to 12 noon and 2pm to 4pm, £5 per child

Charlton House and Gardens, Charlton Road, SE7 8RE

Children aged four to 12 can create an Easter bonnet, make a bunny mask, decorate biscuits and model a clay decoration. A sensory/quiet room will be available.

Lambing Day

Sunday 13 April, 11am to 4pm, adult £2, under 16 £1, family £5 (2 adults and up to 3 children)

Woodlands Farm Trust, 331 Shooters Hill, DA16 3RP

Meet newborn lambs, hitch a ride on a tractor or trailer and explore local produce and craft stalls.

The Amazing Bubble Man

Friday 18 April, 2pm, £14.50 adult, £12.50 child plus booking fee

Woolwich Works, SE18 6HD

From square, volcano and trampoline shaped bubbles to people inside bubbles, the Amazing Bubble Man will amaze people of all ages.

Easter Craft Workshops

Friday 18 April, 10am to 5:30pm, free Greenwich Market, SE10 9HZ

As part of its 40th anniversary celebration, Greenwich arts and crafts market are hosting free creative workshops for kids.

Cutty Sark Easter Egg Trail

Friday 18 to Monday 21 April, 10am to 4pm, free with ship entry (adults £22, children £11)

Cutty Sark’s chickens have gotten loose and laid eggs around the ship. Follow the trail to spot hidden eggs around the ship and unscramble the secret nautical code to claim a chocolatey treat.

Easter Crafternoons

Saturday 19 April, 2pm to 4pm, pay what you can

Woolwich Works, SE18 6HD

Make gorgeous daffodil masterpieces, create handprint Easter Bunnies and design your own Easter egg.

Spring Celebrations

Saturday 19 April, 9am to 4pm, free

Abbey Wood Library, Eynsham Drive, SE2 9PT

A day of games, crafts and prizes! Find the eggs and claim your prize, make a bunny headband and get stuck into colouring and Lego clubs.

Easter Craft Workshops

Sunday 20 April, 10am to 5:30pm, free

Greenwich Market, SE10 9HZ

Butterfly, Easter bunny or Spiderman? Kids can get their face painted for free at the arts and crafts market, as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations.

National Theatre Connections Festival

Thursday 24 April to Saturday 26 April, various times, £7 per show, under 16s free

Tramshed, 51 to 53 Woolwich New Road, SE18 6ES

Local actors perform exciting new shows commissioned by the nationwide youth theatre festival.

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 rate

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.

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.

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.

BAND

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 950

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.

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

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

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.

PICK UP A COPY OF CHOICE BASED LETTING IN THE WEEKENDER HERE IN GREENWICH:

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