Weekender December 24 2025 • www.weekender.co.uk
Greenwich & Lewisham
Cinema / Theatre / Education / Arts / Music / Food & Drink / Family / Property
A warm welcome Scheme relaunched to help locals keep the cold away this winter
Information from the Royal Borough of Greenwich for our residents
ADVERTORIAL
Investing £462,00 into Queen Elizabeth Hospital As part of our promise to Getting Things Done in Royal Greenwich, we’re investing £462,00 into the A&E department at Queen Elizabeth Hospital. The improvements aim to reduce waiting times, improve overall experience, and ensure patients receive the right care faster. The funding is made up of financial contributions made to the council by developers, helping to create a more comfortable and efficient environment for residents in need of urgent care.
Councillor Mariam Lolavar, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care and Borough of Sanctuary said: “We know how important it is that our residents can access urgent healthcare quickly and comfortably when they need it the most. By investing this funding into Queen Elizabeth Hospital, we’re helping to create a smoother experience for patients, while supporting our NHS partners to deliver excellent care. “By reinvesting contributions from developers back into vital community services, we’re strengthening the link between growth and wellbeing across the borough and ensuring that everyone’s health supports them in living their best lives.” Read more: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/qe-investment
Support for people sleeping rough during cold weather When the temperature falls to 0°C or below the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is activated to help protect people sleeping rough. In Greenwich, when SWEP is activated, we open 20 warm spaces for people sleeping rough where they can access somewhere safe to sleep and refreshments. If you’re concerned about someone sleeping rough, make an alert using: thestreetlink.org.uk
Include:
We’re creating a new housing register to help working residents in Greenwich find affordable homes and build their future here. It will also support local employers to recruit and keep the staff our community depends on. Intermediate housing offers homes to buy or rent at prices lower than the market but above social rent, giving more choice to those struggling with high housing costs. We want your views. If you’re on our housing register, tell us which key job roles should be prioritised.
• the person’s location • the time you saw them • a description of them
royalgreenwich.gov.uk
Have your say on our new housing register
Take part by Thursday 22 January 2026: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/intermediate-housing-priority
@royal_greenwich
royalgreenwich
greenwichcouncil
royalgreenwich.gov.uk/follow-whatsapp
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.
Pick of the Week by Evie Flynn
Watch the NYE fireworks on the Thames:
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.
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: Kevin Quinn Media Partnerships: Anthony Phillips Advertising team: Clarry Frewin, Mandy Stong Advertising support: Katie Boyd Editorial: Michael Holland; Issy Clarke, Evie Flynn Design Manager: Dan Martin Design team: Ann Gravesen Finance: Em Zeki - Tel: 0779 883 3758 Managing & Commercial Director: Chris Mullany Managing & Editorial Director: Kevin Quinn Published weekly on a Wednesday at: Community Matters Media Ltd 1 Bermondsey Square, London, SE1 3UN. Printed by Iliffe Print Cambridge Ltd – www.iliffeprint.co.uk News: 020 7231 5258 / hello@cm-media.co.uk Ads: 020 7232 1639 / hello@cm-media.co.uk Finance: 0779 883 3758 / em@cm-media.co.uk www.weekender.co.uk @insouthlndn Issue: GLW445
Our next issue will publish on January 7 2026
Date: 31st December 2025 Location: Departure from Tilbury, Gravesend, Barking Riverside, North Greenwich, Greenwich, Canary Wharf, Battersea Power Station, Cadogan or Putney. Time: Various timings, with the earliest pick-up at 20:45 and the latest at 22:15. Tours end between 00:45 and 1:40. Price: £195 per person including the welcome drinks and Champagne
‘Back to the Old Skool’ NYE party at Fox and Firkin: Fox and Firkin, Lewisham’s ‘home of live music’ are hosting a NYE party designed to transport you back to the past. Due to past popularity, their ‘Back to the Old Skool’ night is back, capturing a blend of new and old Garage, Jungle, Breakbeat, Rave and feel-good house party bangers. On the indoor stage, dance the night away to the noise of Sweet Female Attitude, Zed Bias, Chimp, Louise Plus One and Doc Au. In the garden, Slimzee, Benton B2B Chinese Daughter, Clifford and Dubfreq will be bringing the vibes. The event is accessible venue, but is only suitable for over 18s. Date: 31st December - 1st January Time: 20:00 - 04:00 Location: 316 Lewisham High Street, London, SE13 6JZ Price: Tickets start at £18. Book here: https://foxfirkin.com/event/nye-the-fox-firkinback-to-the-old-skool-pt3/
NEW YEAR’S QUIZ AT WOOLWICH WORKS: Kick off 2026 at Woolwich Works whilst reminiscing on the past year, with prizes to be one for the most knowledgeable groups. Hosted in the Visitor’s Book Cafe, bring your friends to test your knowledge of 2025. It starts at 6:30pm with a picture round, before moving to a music round and mystery voices - where you will be challenged to guess the famous voice behind the microphone. The overall winners will receive £50, with second prize getting a bottle of wine and lots of smaller prizes for the runners up. There’s no team size limit, but teams of more than seven will face penalties - so choose wisely! Date: 4 January Time: 18:30 Location: Visitors’ Book Cafe, Woolwich Works, 11 No.1 Street, London, United Kingdom, SE18 6HD Tickets: £2.50 payable by card on the night
© 180 Chord and Too Write Productions
Weekender
Spend New Year’s Eve on an Uber Boat with drinks, snacks and live music - all whilst experiencing the New Year’s Eve fireworks from the best seats in the house. Uber Boat by Thames Clippers are inviting you to their unforgettable New Year’s Eve party, with nine departure piers. Depart from Tilbury, Gravesend, Barking Riverside, North Greenwich, Greenwich, Canary Wharf, Battersea Power Station, Cadogan or Putney. The views of the fireworks are uninterrupted and avoid the crowds, all whilst sailing smoothly past some of London’s most iconic landmarks. There is live music on the night, alongside a welcome glass of red or white wine and a glass of Champagne when the clocks strike twelve. All boats and piers are fully wheelchair accessible.
Watch a play set in a prison at Greenwich Theatre: Following their successful 2022 and 2024 tours, Too Write Productions are bringing 1800 Chord to Greenwich Theatre, from 5 to 18 January 2026. The story follows two convicts in a maximum security prison. One, a former detective and pride of the police force, with the other being a prolific offender. When the inmates find out there’s a police officer in their midst, chaos ensues. An inmate hides him and they flee together, but why is he protecting him? Suitable for ages 16+ Dates: 5 to 18 January 2026 Time: Performances at 7:30pm with a 9:30pm performance on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 January Location: Greenwich Theatre, Crooms Hill, London SE10 8ES Tickets: £17.50 and £14.50 concessions
December 24 2025 3
NEWS Pamela Rustem (centre) at the Sustainable Streets protest outside Woolwich Town Hall on September 24
© Cameron Blackshaw
COUNCIL SCRAPS MOST OF ITS CONTROVERSIAL PARKING SCHEME
Greenwich Council has scrapped most of its plans to introduce controlled parking zones (CPZs) across the borough following widespread public backlash, by Cameron Blackshaw, Local Democracy Reporter The council announced last week that it would only be taking its controversial Sustainable Streets proposals forward in Woolwich, ditching the scheme in Charlton, West Thamesmead, Kidbrooke and Blackheath. Plans for Shooters Hill and Plumstead were scrapped in August. Greenwich Council first released information about the Sustainable Streets programme at the end of last year, which aims to “reduce unnecessary car journeys and encourage more people to walk, cycle, or use public transport where
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practical to reduce air pollution, traffic and improve road safety”. The council hoped to do this by introducing controlled parking measures such as permit zones and paid parking areas, as well as more car club bays, EV charging points, secure cycle parking and street trees on Greenwich roads. The comprehensive transport scheme was met with widespread opposition from borough residents. Although some welcomed the council’s efforts to promote sustainability, many felt the removal of many free parking
spaces and the introduction of permits was financially motivated and labelled it a “cash grab”. Greenwich Council has continually stated that any money raised from parking permits is ring-fenced and can only be used to fund transport and highways improvement schemes in the borough. The council received several public petitions objecting to the plans with some residents also protesting outside council meetings. The authority has now admitted that the majority of people who responded to the Sustainable Streets consultation were not supportive of the proposed measures. Council documents state: “The analysis has found that the majority of respondents feel that the proposed changes either do not reflect what is required on the street or that they object to most elements proposed around controlled parking. “Many felt that the proposals were not necessary given the existing levels of parking pressure, particularly in locations where permit bays had been suggested, and there was
generally limited support for the programme to progress in their area.” Despite scrapping the scheme in Charlton, West Thamesmead, Kidbrooke and Blackheath, Greenwich Council has identified certain streets within these areas flagged by residents in the consultation process that it may consider introducing further measures in the future. These ‘parking stress’ areas include Canberra Road in Charlton and Broad Walk in Kidbrooke. If the council were to make changes to these roads, the proposals would come forth on an individual basis and would not be part of the Sustainable Streets scheme.
‘Relieved and delighted’ Joel Soo, a West Thamesmead resident who campaigned to have Sustainable Streets removed from his area, welcomed the news. He said: “West Thamesmead residents are relieved and delighted that the council has withdrawn the Sustainable Streets CPZ proposals for our area. “More than 1,400 people signed our petition, and this is a real victory for local democracy. It proves that when
communities organise and speak with one voice, the council can and does listen.” Eleanor Restall, Chair of the West Charlton Residents Association, was pleased that Sustainable Streets had been removed from her area, but the association is still keen to have the recently implemented Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) in the borough removed as well. She said: “There is equally strong opposition and very bad traffic displacement to our area from the West & East Greenwich LTNs and we want to see those dropped too.” The leader of the opposition at Greenwich Council was also pleased to hear about the Sustainable Streets change. Cllr Matt Hartley, leader of Greenwich Conservatives, said: “I am thrilled that everyone’s hard work in opposing these disastrous parking charge proposals has finally paid off. “The so-called Sustainable Streets policy has been seriously flawed from the start – and I hope that Labour councillors will take this as a lesson in the risks of trying to railroad communities
NEWS in the way they so often do. “People should make no mistake, though, that if Labour are re-elected next May they will undoubtedly try this again. We haven’t seen the last of this parking charge agenda – and Conservative councillors will continue to oppose any attempt to impose Controlled Parking Zones in areas where they are not needed, wherever they are in our borough.”
Woolwich still on the table Greenwich Council will push on with Sustainable Streets in Woolwich, despite only 38 of 649 online consultees in the area responding positively to the statement: ‘The Sustainable Street proposals will help address the problems caused by environmentally harmful vehicle emissions, road safety and poor air quality’. Council Leader Anthony Okereke has said feedback from Woolwich residents showed support for improving local streets. He said: “This reflects the fact that Woolwich, despite having some of the best public transport connections in the borough, continues to experience high levels of parking stress. Commuter and visitor parking frequently spills into residential roads, reducing parking availability for local households. “With the number of new homes being built, as well as a state-of-the-art leisure centre opening soon, we need
Greenwich residents protesting against the council’s Sustainable Streets proposals outside Woolwich Town Hall on September 24
Eleanor Restall outside Fossdene Primary School
to make sure its transport and parking infrastructure is fit for purpose. This includes providing additional secure cycle parking through bike hangars, expanding electric vehicle charging points, and introducing
car club bays in Woolwich. “Taking Sustainable Streets forward in Woolwich will balance the needs of residents with the demands of a modern town centre.”
Box office 020 8463 0100 • blackheathhalls.com •
Cllr Okereke also said the council had listened to those residents in other Sustainable Street areas, which led to the scheme being scrapped there. He explained: “However, we also
recognise through our extensive consultation with residents that in other areas support was limited with some concerns raised and so we have listened and will not be progressing with proposals in those areas.”
What's On 2026
Courtney Pine & Zoe Rahman Sat 14 Feb Sleeping Beauty The Ballet Mon 16 Feb
Sat 31 Jan - Sun 1 Feb
Pražák Quartet Mon 23 Feb
Sun 15 Feb Sat 1 Mar, 7.30pm
December 24 2025 5
THEATRE Brockley Jack production shots
A casket full of fun and farce A review of The Mystery of Irma Vep at Brockley Jack Studio, by Linda Emmanuel
For a fun alternative to panto this Christmas with dark humour and League of Gentlemen like characters head on down Brockley… It’s always a treat to see a show at the Brockley Jack. The first thing to be noted with this production of Charles Ludlam’s The Mystery of Irma Vep is the well-designed set by Karl Swinyard, which gives a flavour of the story to come. In this case it is a Victorian living room in Mandercrest a gothic manor house with moody lighting, French doors looking out into the dark foggy beyond, and a fire burning in the hearth. We first meet Jane Twisden, the uptight and superior housekeeper, who ‘floats’ in with her nose in the air, busying herself with cleaning, when Nicodemus Underwood, the rough stable-hand with a clomping wooden leg, enters loudly through the French doors, making her jump. He presents her with a basket of turtle eggs, which it is hoped Lady Enid will take a liking to. James Keningale and Joe Newton play all roles - A perfect comical duo, setting the scene for what’s to come further along in the play, full of double entendres and theatrical winks to the delight of the audience. It felt like characters from the League of Gentlemen left Royston Vasey for a stay at Mandercrest. After a swift costume change
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from housekeeper Jane, Newton switches into Lord Edgar Hillcrest, an overbearing man who keeps a candle burning on the mantle that serves as an altar to his dead wife Irma, ‘who liked her meat bloody’ as explained by housekeeper Jane. From clomping Nicodemus, Keningale introduces us to new wife Lady Enid, not quite like the naïve young new wife of Maxim de Winter in ‘Rebecca’, but more like Meghan Markle from the comedy series
‘The Windsors’. She persuades Lord Edgar to blow out the candle on the shrine to Irma and from that moment on we are taken deeper into the madcap journey, referencing all the ‘B’ movies we know, from hammer horrors to werewolves to vampires to Egyptian mummies and the like.
and a couple of shrieks from audience members indicating the enjoyment being shared.
The brilliant sound cues and visual magic meant that not a moment was wasted in the narrative.
This production is a casket full of fun and farce. The use of doors and the comedy timing are handled excellently by Kate Bannister’s direction.
The whole production shows what a great team can achieve when bringing laughter to our lives.
There were points in the show where I almost wanted to call out “Don’t open that!” but I held back.
The quick change of characters is so slick and precise, and enabled by costumes designed by Martin J Robinson.
There were knowing giggles
On at the Brockley Jack Theatre until 4Th January 2026 Tickets £17/ £15 concessions Booking and full details: https:// brockleyjack.co.uk/jackstudio-entry/themystery-of-irma-vep-a-penny-dreadful-2/
NEWS
‘Warm spaces’ scheme re-launched to help locals keep the cold out this winter A visitor at the Warm Spaces scheme running in selected libraries and leisure centres in London this winter
Image courtesy of GLL.
Libraries and leisure centres around London are taking part in the ‘Warm Spaces’ scheme, which offers a place for locals to keep warm and socialise with others over the cold winter months.By Flora Bigham
centres will offer hot showers. Visitors can find the scheme in all ‘Better’ libraries in Bromley, Greenwich and Wandsworth until March next year. Specific sports centres will also participate, offering the service for a designated number of hours. The centres involved include: Ashburton Hall and Park and Waddon Leisure Centre in Croydon. Storkway Children’s Centre, Vista Field Children’s Centre and Waterways Children’s Centre in Greenwich. Forest Hill Pools in Lewisham. The ‘warm spaces’ scheme is part of a year-round range of activities offered by libraries such as ‘knit and natter’ sessions, reading groups and crafting clubs. The campaign aims to bring people together in a warm, comfortable space, creating a community hub for those feeling alone and struggling with the temperature decrease and cost of living.
With temperatures decreasing and energy costs rising, such places are a welcome community space for people to come together.
First launched in 2022, the scheme includes complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits courtesy of Brakes or Selecta, access to a variety of online newspapers and magazines and free access to virtual
fitness classes via the Better UK app. The opportunity to charge your device and connect to Wi-Fi is also available. Selected leisure
The selected leisure centres and libraries are run by charitable social enterprise GLL, which has teamed up with local authorities to offer the service.
LIVE AT THE WORKS with RUSSELL KANE 29 November
CHRISTMAS CANDY GROTTO
CHRISTMAS
29 November - 22 December
LIVE MUSIC • COMEDY DANCE • WORKSHOPS FAMILY EVENTS • CAFE SPACE HIRE & MORE!
CHRISTMAS CEILIDH 12 December
A CHRISTMAS WISH 14-22 December
CHINEKE! CHRISTMAS 19 December
www.woolwich.works
@woolwichworks
Supported by:
The Fireworks Factory, 11 No 1 Street, Royal Arsenal, London SE18 6HD F RO M T H E ROYA L BO RO U GH O F GREEN W IC H , FOR EVERYON E.
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December 24 2025 7 30/10/2025 15:17
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LIFESTYLE
Free Christmas holiday clubs available for Greenwich children on free school meals
Children in Greenwich who are aged 4 to 16 and eligible for free school meals can gain a free place on four Christmas ‘food and fun’ sessions throughout the school holidays.By Evie Flynn
Map showing the thirty-two locations of the sessions in Greenwich
Children in Greenwich who are aged 4 to 16 and eligible for free school meals can gain a free place on four Christmas ‘food and fun’ sessions throughout the school holidays.
creative workshops and cooking.
At thirty-two different locations across Greenwich, children can take part in activity sessions, offering everything from sports and outdoor activities to
Each centre will run their own programme of events, with most centres offering sessions from 22 - 30 December.
The full list of participating centres is available on the Greenwich Council website.
There are also lots of spaces available for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The council will also be running their free holiday meals programme, providing lunch for all children at libraries across the borough, to ensure no child goes hungry over Christmas.
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Councillor Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said: “Holiday Food and Fun makes the Christmas break a much easier and more enjoyable time for families. “Whether children want to burn off some energy at a local sports club or get creative at an arts and crafts session, there’s something for everyone. I encourage parents to check the list of participating clubs on our website and book early as places always fill up fast.”
HISTORY Polytechnic St Woolwich with some of the frontage of the polytechnic
John Day: an apprentice at the Arsenal fuse factory I was thinking about something to write this week – and I’ve had no net access for nearly a week – and so I have been looking at what I had on my system from the past. We had the first Greenwich Industrial History meetings in the late 1990s and we also had a bi-monthly newsletter. I used to get a lot of stuff sent for publication - much of it from elderly men who had worked in various local industries and wanted to tell people about their experiences. So, I thought, nobody’s ever going to read these old newsletters and perhaps I should dig them out and re-publish them somewhere.
Mary Mills One of the most constant and prolific of the contributors to these early issues of the GIHS newsletter was John Day. He didn’t live locally – I think he lived in one of those Surrey towns near the London border ... Woking? Leatherhead? He had however undertaken the massive task of listing 30,000 engineering drawings for the Royal Artillery Library which was then based in the Royal Military Academy – now flats - in Red Lion Lane and he had been working in the Rotunda. Professionally he had been a mechanical engineer following an apprenticeship in the Arsenal. He had worked for the Patent Office, where he prepared instruction books on Rolls Royce aero engines
10 December 24 2025
and much else, eventually actually retiring as Principal Examiner. He was also a keen historian of artillery practice. He was particularly helpful to me when I researched the Blakeley Ordnance factory on Greenwich Peninsula and introduced me to experts on Blakeley and helped me to write an article which would otherwise have been an extremely innocent and inadequate description of this Greenwich works. In contributing to Greenwich Industrial History newsletters he was very concerned to tell us about his apprenticeship in the Arsenal, writing a series of articles which will be far too long and detailed to put here individually, which I might run as a series. There were
other people who wrote about Arsenal apprenticeships, but John’s work was particularly detailed. He began with when he went there in 1934, but said that the site was already well known to him then. John explained that in the mid 1930s his father had been appointed as a craft engineer in the Arsenal’s Central Power Station and on Sundays John took him in a hot lunch in a basket. Then since everything was shut he had the ‘freedom to wander where I liked within the building’. I must admit that I find this surprising - my impression of the Arsenal was that anyone not employed there would be very quickly surrounded by military should they do anything but go where they were told! Perhaps
things were different in the 1930s. He explained that at that time there were three grades of apprentices in the Royal Arsenal: Trade apprentices who, as the name suggests were training in their chosen trade such as fitter, turner, pattern maker, etc. After six months they had one option to change their choice. Student apprentices who spent a couple of years of practical work after college degrees. Engineering apprentices who spent five years working at a number of trades while studying for a degree. Entry was by examinations and interview at the age of 16. The
average intake in the 1930s was about 12 chosen from some 100 to 150 applicants. For the first two years there was compulsory attendance for two days and two evenings a week at what was then the Woolwich Polytechnic. The remaining three years were spent during term time at the Poly. At the end of the five years most of the apprentices had a degree in engineering and the necessary 36 months of practical training needed for membership of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. So he describes his application for an engineering apprenticship by saying: ‘I have no recollection of any examination... perhaps I was exempted by having matriculated with distinction in technical
HISTORY Middle gate Plumstead Rd
MY BOOKS – CURRENTLY AVAILABLE By Dr Mary Mills
Women workers in the fuse factory
The chimneys of the arsenal central power station
n THE EARLY EAST LONDON GAS INDUSTRY: HOW IT BEGAN AND HOW IT HELPED LONDON INDUSTRIES TO GROW. The gas industry in early 19th century London - all the incompetence and all the scandals. Also explores how gas industry waste products were taken up and used by other industries. £15
n SHIPBUILDING IN GREENWICH – A shortish run through those who built ships in our borough and what they built on. It covers two Royal Dockyards, to those who built single sailing barges, and those who built into the 1990s. £10
n THE INDUSTRIES OF DEPTFORD CREEK. A siteby-site description of this amazingly busy Creekside between its mouth with the Thames and the Lewisham border. It includes industries of national importance, from the medieval to electronics pioneers - and the downright quirky. £15
n GEORGE LIVESEY - A BIOGRAPHY. The life of South London’s maverick 19th century gas works manager, who forced the privately owned industry to work in partnership with the public and with its workforce. There is nothing in the industry he didn’t change. This is about a man who wanted to change society – but in 1889 got it very wrong. £10. Illustrated. £15
n THE GREENWICH RIVERSIDE – UPPER WATERGATE TO ANGERSTEIN. A siteby-site description of the Greenwich Riverside between Deptford to Charlton. This is not yet another description of Royal Greenwich but looks at riverside communities, industries and river workers – as well less known site histories. £15
n GREENWICH PENINSULA - GREENWICH MARSH. A HISTORY OF AN INDUSTRIAL HEARTLAND. This is a rewrite of my all-time bestseller Greenwich Marsh, to include the Dome. It describes the history of the Marsh and the industries which grew up there in the 19th century, including Enderby Wharf and the telecommunications revolution, as well as the amazing gas works and much else. £10
Available via Amazon subjects.’ He described how he had also made a model of a ‘two cylinder boiler fitted pump’ which is apparently described in the London and Brighton and South Coast Railway’s magazine ‘Shop, Shed and Road’. He produced this model at the interview when they asked him if he knew anything about metal work. He says there was a pause ‘while the interview board thought of something else to ask me’. He got his place as an Arsenal Engineering Apprentice and when the list of successful candidates was published he was at the top. He listed others who passed with him –Norman Lindsey – a future Lieut. Colonel with REME; Robert Walker who became a civil engineer with the Port of London Authority; Sydney Bacon who retired with a knighthood as Director General of Ordnance Factories; Malcolm Starkey,
manager of a war time ordnance factory in Fazakerley, which made Sten guns. He later had a senior position with Farnborough based motor valve manufacturers, Tranco. On his first day he reported to the Apprentice Supervisor in the Central Office and was taken to the Gauge Shop for the New Fuse Factory. I understand that today it is not possible to identify one exact building which could be called the ‘New fuse factory’ - although I stand to be corrected by people from the Royal Arsenal historical group. As far as I am aware the fuse factories in the Arsenal during the Second World War employed many thousands of women, but had no specific location and that any information about them would be top secret. John commented that where he was first taken was the ‘Fuse
pool room’ - and I assume ‘pool’ does not mean snooker! He says ‘the Gauge shop’ was the high accuracy part of the tool room. This whole complex of buildings was near the Plumstead Gate. He was then handed over to Jim Hands to work as his apprentice. Jim made the jigs and tools for a specific product - the Mechanical Time Fuse No 207, which he describes as ‘a short-term watch mechanism using a swing arm in place of the usual balance wheel’. This was made and assembled by women on the first floor of the adjacent building, which was called ‘The New Fuse Factory’. I am sorry to say that John said that it was always Jim who fixed the belts and bolts underneath the benches while he did all the work on top – and ‘it was a long time before I cottoned on as to why’. An additional hazard for women workers in this
Contact marymillsmmmmm@gmail.com for further information on sales
very male environment which I have never seen mentioned in any article about the problems faced there. Stiletto heels have their advantages but I bet they weren’t allowed! The first job John had was to ‘scrape the faces of depth gauges true and square... they had to be frosted and be accurate to a couple of thousands of an inch’. Made of a light alloy, they were used in the Danger Buildings for measuring the depths of explosives in shells. Jim next suggested John made himself some tools. He began by making an engineer’s square - a precision L-shaped device used for accurate checking of 90-degree angles and straight lines. He had to hack saw the shapes; grind the parts; rivet them and it all had to be acceptable to the View Room – accurate to less than one
ten thousanth of an inch. John comments: ‘I still have the square because I never dared use it.’ By then John had a motor bike - a 1920 Sunbeam ‘the Rolls Royce of singles’ which had cost £2 and which he had restored. Of course he was riding it in to the Arsenal everyday. One morning, part of the handlebars caught in a man’s pocket, tearing it and his lunch fell out on the road. That evening he came to see John’s father. He left with ‘a ten shilling note and an old jacket’. Back at the Arsenal John’s father used his status as foreman of the Electrical Shop to get No.4. electricity substation specially opened morning and evening so John could ‘garage my bike safely in the dry’.
December 24 2025 11
COMMUNITY TRUST At The Heart Of The Community
NEWS FROM CHARLTON ATHLETIC COMMUNITY TRUST
Five standout moments from CACT’s 2025
As Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) continued to fulfil its vision of delivering healthy, happy, resilient and thriving communities throughout 2025, here’s a look back at some of the key achievements that made this year another memorable one for the Trust’s participants, staff and partners. Winning League One Community Project of the Season CACT entered 2025 looking to build on the success of being named as EFL Community Club of the Season for 2023/24. The Trust did exactly that by winning the 24/25 League One Community Project of the Season award, thanks to the groundbreaking work of its Youth Engagement Vehicle Programme.
Double delight at Wembley On the same afternoon the men’s first-team sealed the club’s Championship return, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School enjoyed a historic moment of their own under the Wembley Arch. Eltham-based St Mary’s earned the right to represent Charlton in the national final of the Utilita Kids Cup after coming out on top in the regional
12 December 24 2025
finals against 11 other League One clubs. Ahead of their big day, the squad trained with play-off winning captain Jason Pearce and, on the morning of the final, received advice at Wembley from Alan Curbishley, Chris Powell and Kevin Lisbie. A tight final under the arch against Blackpool-based Norbreck Primary Academy ended goalless and went to penalties, with St Mary’s dispatching the winning spot kick to earn a 3-2 shootout victory.
Revealing record-breaking social value and charitable spend figures CACT’s life-changing work was underlined by the Trust’s recently released Annual Report and Impact Report, which highlighted a record £83.6m of social value generated
across 2024/25. This figure measures the real and long-lasting change created by the work of charities, such as improved wellbeing, stronger community cohesion and increased skills.
when the club marked Community Day by welcoming them pitchside for a memorable half-time lap of honour.
Delivering this impact was made possible by recording the highest charitable spend in the Trust’s 33-year history, with £7,589,000 invested into programmes and services.
Another key figure highlighted in the recently released Annual Report is the staggering number of participants CACT have worked with: 28,000 people. That’s enough to fill The Valley – and still leave people outside.
CACT’s work has once again been supported by players from the men’s and women’s first-teams, as well as the academy. Manager Nathan Jones has also played a starring role in highlighting CACT’s life-changing work in 2025, taking centre stage in the first-team’s competitive Training Ground clash against the Upbeats in March. Match highlights attracted more than 250,000 views across social media, creating wider awareness of the annual Upbeats Walk, which raised £41,000 for CACT’s Down’s syndrome programme.
Hundreds of these participants were recognised at The Valley in November,
Jones also supported the launch of Friends of CACT in November, the Trust’s
Working with enough participants to fill The Valley
Player and staff support
new fundraising initiative encouraging supporters to back its award-winning community work through regular monthly donations. If you’d like to support CACT’s work by joining the growing Friends of CACT network and unlocking the exclusive benefits that come with it, scan the QR code to find out more.
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ScotsCare is here to help and support Scots and their families Financial Support | Advocacy Counselling | Sheltered Housing Homelessness | Befriending Social Events I Volunteering
Visit scotscare.com or call 0800 652 2989 to speak with a Client Support Worker to see how we can assist you. Registered charity England and Wales (207326), Scotland (SC052739) December 24 2025 13
PUBLIC NOTICES Royal Borough of Greenwich Town & Country Planning Act 1990 (AS AMENDED) Town & Country Planning (Development Management Procedure)(England) Order 2015 Planning (Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (AS AMENDED) Planning (Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990 (AS AMENDED) Town & Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 2007 (AS AMENDED) Notice is hereby given that application(s) have been made to The Royal Borough of Greenwich in respect of the under mentioned premises/sites. You can see the submissions and any plans at http://www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/planning. If development proposals affect Conservation Areas and/or Statutorily Listed Buildings under the Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Area) Act 1990 (As Amended) this will be shown within the item below. Anyone who wishes to comment on these applications should be made in writing to Development Planning within 24 days of the date of this notice. Please quote the appropriate reference number. Date: 24/12/2025 Victoria Geoghegan Assistant Director - Planning and Building Control List of Press Advertisements - 24/12/2025
Publicity for Planning Applications Applicant:
Mr Steven & Mrs Samantha Woodford 25/2718/HD Site Address: 57 COURT ROAD, ELTHAM, LONDON, SE9 5AF Development: Construction of loft conversion inclusive of raised ridge height and revised roof form, installation of two rear dormers and rooflights, construction of front porch extension and associated works. Conservation Area: ELTHAM PALACE Applicant: Kemet Engineering and Surveying Ltd 25/3392/F Site Address: 133A CHARLTON CHURCH LANE, CHARLTON, LONDON, SE7 7AA Development: Retrospective replacement of the existing polycarbonate roof on rear extension with a pitched roof containing two rooflights and all other associated works (Re-consultation)-(Revised drawings) Conservation Area: CHARLTON VILLAGE Applicant: Site Address: Development:
Mr Matthew Woodyatt 25/3593/HD 49 BANCHORY ROAD, BLACKHEATH, LONDON, SE3 8SL Restoration of existing roof and chimney including retiling in like for like fashion with associated works. Conservation Area: RECTORY FIELD Applicant:
Mrs Kate Buckingham Marlborough Property Services Ltd 25/3687/HD Site Address: FLAT 24, GREENHILL COURT, GREENHILL TERRACE, WOOLWICH, LONDON, SE18 4BS Development: Retrospective application for the replacement of existing sash windows to the front with new double glazed windows. Conservation Area: WOOLWICH COMMON Applicant: Site Address:
Mr Darken Denktash 25/3727/F 19A GREENWICH CHURCH STREET, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 9BJ Development: Change of use of existing office building to 4 person house in multiple occupation (HMO) (Class C4) along with construction of first floor rear extension and associated works. Conservation Area: WEST GREENWICH Applicant: Site Address: Development:
Mr Eniola Thompson 25/3814/HD 8 WHINYATES ROAD, ELTHAM, LONDON, SE9 6NN Retiling of roof and replacement of render with associated works. Conservation Area: PROGRESS ESTATE
14 December 24 2025
Applicant: Site Address: Development:
Simeon Huang 25/3970/HD 4 CLAYTON MEWS, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 8HZ Construction of a part-one, part-two-storey rear infill extension along with landscaping of the garden, including terracing and patio, and associated works. Conservation Area: WEST GREENWICH Applicant: Site Address: Development:
Mr EUN KO Kokoro UK Ltd 25/3980/F 51 POWIS STREET, LONDON, SE18 6HZ Fit out of vacant Use Class E unit to form a sushi with ancillary takeaway (Use Class E) with new kitchen extract system to the rear and alterations to existing shopfront and all other associated works. Conservation Area: Woolwich Conservation Area Applicant: London & Quadrant Housing Trust 25/3987/F Site Address: 6 - 11 HEATH VILLAS, PLUMSTEAD, LONDON SE18 1PB Development: Replacement of timber windows to uPVC windows on the front and rear elevation, and replacement of timber doors to composite door at the front elevation and uPVC door to the rear elevation. Conservation Area: PLUMSTEAD COMMON Applicant: Lita Homes 25/4056/MA Site Address: Ordnance Arms, 18 & 18A Beresford Square, Woolwich, London SE18 6AY Development: Application submitted under Section 73 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 for a minor material amendment in connection with the planning permission Ref. 22/0891/F (dated 12/08/2022), for 'Conversion of first, second and third floors into serviced hotel rooms (C1 Use Class), retention and alterations to basement and ground floor public house (Sui Generis Use Class) and beauty salon unit (Sui Generis Use Class) with alterations of ground floor façade details and parapet details, construction of a three-storey infill extension at first, second and roof floor on the Woolwich New Road elevation, installation of a mansard roof with associated dormers and all associated external works.' to allow for the amendment to Condition 2 (Approved Drawings) to make the following changes: - Change in the size of the basement level - Various internal alterations - Redesign to hotel entrance at ground floor - Relocation of bin store - Adjustment to level-access door location
- Existing timber stair to be removed and replaced - Enlargement of internal courtyard at first floor level to create plant space and avoid new windows on party wall - Addition of two further rooms at third floor with ensuites - Alterations to roof form - Addition of automatic opening vent and rooflight to roof - Alterations to south-east elevation including increase in roof height, dormer height, resizing in new link windows, opening to ground floor bins store and hotel entrance, replacement of double door sets with single doors, replacement of damaged sash windows on first and second floors - Alterations to northern elevation to reflect roof ridge and height amendments, relocation of public house entrance; - and all other associated works Conservation Area: Woolwich Conservation Area
Conservation Area: EAST GREENWICH
Applicant: Patrick Thomas JOLT Charge Limited 25/4078/F Site Address: Land on the pavement outside of 37 Wellington Street, Woolwich, SE18 6YJ Development: The installation of one JOLT Unit (Electric Vehicle Charge Point, with integral double-sided LCD screen) and associated electrical connection works. Conservation Area:
Conservation Area:
Applicant: Site Address: Development:
Mark Sutheran 25/4089/HD 2 TRINITY GROVE, LONDON, SE10 8TE Construction of a single storey wrap around extension at the rear of the property and alterations to the fenestration. Conservation Area: WEST GREENWICH Applicant: Site Address: Development:
The Hyde Group 25/4143/F 477 ROCHESTER WAY, ELTHAM, LONDON, SE9 1SW Replacement of the existing timber front door with a FD30 fire door replacement. Conservation Area: PROGRESS ESTATE Applicant: Site Address: Development:
Kunle Awosanya 25/4174/HD 18 TRAFALGAR GROVE, LONDON, SE10 9TB Construction of a basement, rear and side extensions, and a rear roof dormer to provide an enlarged kitchen and living room, two additional bathrooms, together with internal alterations, replacement of windows, and all associated works.
Publicity for Listed Building Consent Applicant:
Mrs Buckingham Marlborough Property Services Ltd 25/3688/L Site Address: FLAT 24, GREENHILL COURT, GREENHILL TERRACE, WOOLWICH, LONDON, SE18 4BS Development: Retrospective Listed Building Consent application for the replacement of existing rotten sash windows with new double glazed windows. Conservation Area: WOOLWICH COMMON Listed Building: Grade 2 Publicity for Advertisements Applicant: Site Address: Development:
Verity Cheyne BT PLC 25/3098/A Pavement o/s 741 Sidcup Road, London, SE9 3SA Installation of 2 x digital 75-inch LCD display screens, one on each side of the Street Hub unit.
Applicant: Scott Colvill COOP 25/3752/A Site Address: 196-202 PLUMSTEAD COMMON ROAD, LONDON, SE18 2RS Development: Installation of various window vinyls. Conservation Area: PLUMSTEAD COMMON Applicant: Site Address: Development:
Mr Eun Ko Kokoro UK Ltd 25/3981/A 51 POWIS STREET, LONDON, SE18 6HZ Fit out of a vacant Class E unit to form a sushi & hot food cafe with new kitchen extract system and new adapted shopfront signage fascia sign and projecting sign to advertise the new operation. Conservation Area: Woolwich Conservation Area Applicant: Patrick Thomas JOLT Charge Limited 25/4079/A Site Address: Land on the pavement outside of 37 Wellington Street, Woolwich, SE18 6YJ Development: The installation of one JOLT Unit (Electric Vehicle Charge Point, with integral double-sided LCD screen) and associated electrical connection works.
PUBLIC NOTICES ROYAL BOROUGH of GREENWICH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14(1) PURRETT ROAD 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 complete a valve replacement. 2. The Order will come into operation on 05/01/26 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 Purrett Road outside 77-79. 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: 11/11/25 INTERNAL REF: PL / LA 494395 FN 842 / Lic. No: 75229 /.ROYAL BOROUGH of GREENWICH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14(1) WROTTESLEY ROAD 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 complete a service water pipe connection. 2. The Order will come into operation on 12/01/26 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 Wrottesley Road outside 65. 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: 18/11/25 INTERNAL REF: PL / LA 494396 FN 847 / Lic. No: 75279 ROYAL BOROUGH of GREENWICH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14(1) ANCONA ROAD 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 carry out a water valve replacement. 2. The Order will come into operation on 12/01/26 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 Ancona Road at the side of 14 Conway Road. 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: 11/11/25 INTERNAL REF: PL /LA 494449 FN 843 / Lic. No: 75230 ROYAL BOROUGH of GREENWICH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 – SECTION 14(1) FAIRFIELD GROVE 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 Southern Gas Networks who need to carry out gas mains upgrades. 2. The Order will come into operation on 5th January 2026 and would continue to be valid for 18 months. However, the works are expected to take 22 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 Fairfield Grove at the junction with The Village/ Charlton Park Road. 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 Communities, Environment and Central on 020 8921 6340. Ryan Nibbs Assistant Director, Transport. The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ
ROYAL BOROUGH of GREENWICH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 – SECTION 14(1) WELL HALL ROAD MAJOR GAS WORKS 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 Southern Gas Networks who need to carry out mains replacement. 2. The Order will come into operation on 5th January 2025 and would continue to be valid for 18 months. However, the works are expected to take 5 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 temporarily implement Directional and full closures to prohibit vehicles from entering, exiting, proceeding, or waiting (including waiting for the purposes of loading or unloading) in Prince Rupert Road at the junction of Well Hall Road, Well Hall Parade at the junction of Well Hall Road, Dunvegan Road at the junction of Well Hall Road and Tudor Parade at the junction of Well Hall Road. All temporary restrictions will only be in place during certain phases of the works and not for the full duration and with a prior weeks’ notice. except Prince Rupert Road which will remain a directional closure for the full duration of the works until a full closure is required during its phase. 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 Communities, Environment and Central on 020 8921 6340. Ryan Nibbs Assistant Director, Transport. The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ Dated: 04/12/2025 INTERNAL REF - EM/ LA495339, 495314, 495342 FN848 /LIC No 75424
Licensing Team, 1st Floor,Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, London SE18 6HQ. Tel: 020 8921 8018; Fax: 020 8921 8380; Email: licensing@royalgreenwich.gov.uk NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PREMISES LICENCE LICENSING ACT 2003 Notice is given that DAVY & CO LTD has applied for the GRANT of a Premises License for the following premises: DAVY'S WINE VAULTS, 161-165 GREENWICH HIGH ROAD, SE10 8JA A record of this application may be inspected by appointment. Other persons may make representations to the Council on this application by no later than 12th January 2026 . Representations can be made in writing, by email or fax using the contact details above. Representations can only be made on the grounds of one of the four licensing objectives, namely: • Protection of children from harm • Prevention of Public nuisance • Prevention of crime and disorder • Public safety Any person who makes a false statement in connection with an application is liable on summary conviction to an unlimited fine. It is proposed that the following licensable activities will take place at the premises: This application is made to replace the existing premises licence (which will be surrendered upon grant) with a new-style licence.The proposed activities and hours are substantially the same as those currently authorised, save for two changes: a. A modest extension of the licensed area. b. Recorded and live music in the external Vintners Yard to finish at 22:00 instead of 21:00 daily. To address any potential concerns regarding noise nuisance or cumulative impact, the applicant has voluntarily offered: - a significantly strengthened noise-nuisance condition; and - a comprehensive suite of modern, robust conditions (including full CCTV coverage, Challenge 25, regular staff training, and the maintenance of incident and refusal logs) – all of which reflect the high standards to which the premises have always been operated will now be formally enshrined on the licence. Davy’s Wine Vaults Greenwich is a long-established wine bar attracting a mature and well-behaved clientele. It has an exemplary compliance record with no history of complaints.The limited changes sought will not add to cumulative impact: the later (yet still early) music finish remains tightly controlled, and the additional licensed area will enable more customers to be accommodated indoors under direct supervision. Grant of the application in the terms sought will positively support, rather than undermine, the licensing objectives.
STAY INFORMED ABOUT BUILDING PLANS FOR YOUR COMMUNITY. Visit: publicnoticeportal.uk
Keeping you informed.
Dated: 14/11/2025 INTERNAL REF - EM/ LA493123 FN846 /LIC No 75262
December 24 2025 15
Information from the Royal Borough of Greenwich for our residents
Council partnership improving the lives of families in temporary accommodation
The Royal Borough of Greenwich has been commended at the London Homelessness Awards for its collaborative work with Creating Ground. Creating Ground is a community organisation representing migrant woman, helping improve the lives of families living in temporary accommodation. The council’s project was commended for making a special contribution to helping combat homelessness and ensuring that the voices and real-life experiences of people in temporary accommodation shaped the council’s approach. This helped the council go further, faster and better, which was evidenced by its successful reduction in the number of families in hotel rooms from 271 households in January 2024 (161 families/93 singles) to fewer than 10 single people and zero families in July 2025. Read more: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/LHA-commendation
Bin collections over Christmas Your collection dates will look a little different over the Christmas break. Tomorrow (Christmas Day), your bins will not be collected, our crews will pick these up on Saturday 27 December, and those for Boxing Day (Friday 26 December) will be on Sunday 28 December. Normal collections run from Monday 29 to Wednesday 31 December. New Year’s Day (Thursday 1 January) collections move to Friday 2 January, and Friday 2 January collections will be on Saturday 3 January. Check your collection dates: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/bins
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