Greenwich & Lewisham Weekender - January 7th 2026

Weekender January 7 2025 • www.weekender.co.uk

Greenwich & Lewisham

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Hidden spaces

Explore the crypt area of St. Alfege Church

ADVERTORIAL

Information from the Royal Borough of Greenwich for our residents

Recycle your Christmas tree We’ll take your real Christmas tree as part of the green top bin service. Just remove all the decorations and place your tree next to your bin.

Beware of doorstep crime

Find a trusted trader

Doorstep crime is increasing across the borough. It often involves an unexpected visit from someone claiming to be a tradesperson, saying there is a problem with your home. The work is usually poor or unfinished, and victims are pressured to pay high costs upfront.

There are a number of places where you can check if a trader is legitimate. The organisations below only list companies which have been fully checked and vetted by a local authority Trading Standards service.

Tips on how to protect yourself from doorstep crime

Buy with Confidence:

The Royal Borough of Greenwich is working hard to stop and prosecute doorstep criminals.

• Never buy goods or services from uninvited callers.

• Use a door chain if you need to open the door.

• Always check identification before speaking to anyone.

• If someone is persistent, ask them to leave.

Genuine callers will respect this.

• Get at least three quotes for any work and never rush a decision.

• Do not keep large amounts of cash at home or pay upfront.

• Make sure all home improvement contracts can be cancelled and are provided in writing.

• Display a ‘No Cold Calling’ sticker if possible.

If you suspect you have been visited by a doorstep criminal, report it to Citizens Advice Consumer Service by calling 0808 223 1133.

If you think a doorstep crime is happening to you in real time, call the council’s dedicated helpline on 0771 407 2979.

www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk

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Pick of the Week

by Evie Flynn

The

Greenwich & Lewisham Weekender is an independent weekly newspaper, covering the boroughs of Greenwich and Lewisham.

Tour of St Alfege Church’s hidden spaces and crypt:

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.

As part of the Heart of Greenwich Place and People Project there is a tour of the hidden spaces of the beautiful church of St Alfege.

Descend into the crypt area, revealing the many stories of the people who have played their part in the history of Greenwich.

Visit the galleries of the church for incredible views of the interiors and hear more stories about the cast of characters who worked and worshipped in the church Please note that the tour requires climbing steep stairs and involves some bending.

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.

Date: Saturday 17 January Time: 11:45 - 12:45 Location: St Alfege Church, Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich, London, SE10 9BJ Tickets: £9 per ticket, book here: https://www.st-alfege. org.uk/Articles/682086/St_Alfege_Church_Heritage.aspx

Weekender The Greenwich and Lewisham Weekender is a member of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (which regulates the UK’s magazine and newspaper industry).

We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice and are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism. If you think that we have not met those standards and want to make a complaint, please contact 020 7231 5258. If we are unable to resolve your complaint, or if you would like more information about IPSO or the Editors’ Code, contact IPSO on 0300 123 2220 or visit www.ipso.co.uk Weekender Editor: 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: GLW446

IFS Cable Cars ‘Purple Week’: IFS Cable Car has teamed up with local businesses in Greenwich to host ‘Purple Week’ from 19 to 23 January to fight the new year blues.

The series of free events include Reformer pilates at Sunday Studio, pottery painting, wellbeing walks, and gym sessions.

The full programme of events will be released on the IFS Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite. co.uk/o/transport-for-london-ifscloud-cable-car-74674879523

Free cookery clubs across Greenwich:

A series of free five-week cookery sessions are coming to community centres across Greenwich, with the help of funding from Greenwich Council.

Run by the Greenwich Co-operative Development Agency (GCDA), the classes aim to promote healthy eating in a simple and cost-free way.

Participants will receive hands-on lessons from experienced tutors and a free cookery book upon completion.

Each session is 2.5 hours with spaces for 9-12 participants and spaces are available for anyone who lives or works in Greenwich.

To book, call 0800 470 4831 or email cookeryclubs@gcda.org.uk.

Locations:

Where: Abbey Wood Community Centre, 4 Knee Hill, SE2 0YS When: Every Monday from 12th January - 9th February Time: 10.30am – 1.00pm

Dates: 19 to 23 January Time: Various times: Tickets: Free but advance booking is recommended.

Bring your own beverage pottery painting: Pottery Studio LDN in North Greenwich are hosting an evening BYOB pottery painting session on 14 January.

The two-hour session is a more grown-up approach to their regular pottery painting sessions.

Bring your own drinks and snacks and they will provide the glasses and music.

Fot an £8 booking fee, you can enjoy the studio, instructors, paints, glaze and firing. You purchase pottery at the studio with the items ranging from £10 for a square tile to £65 for a large serving bowl.

Date: Wednesday 14 January Time: 6pm - 8pm Location: Pottery Studio LDN, Unit 1.3, Building A4 10 Monro Way, Greenwich Peninsula, London, SE10 0EJ Tickets: £8 booking fee with additional cost of pottery.

Book here: https://pottery-studio.co.uk/products/ evening-pottery-painting

Where: Woolwich Common Community Centre, 17 Leslie Smith Square, Woolwich, SE18 4DW When: Every Wednesday from 14th January - 11th February Time: 10.30am – 1.00pm Where: Trinity Methodist Church, 265 Burrage Road, Plumstead, SE18 7JW When: Every Thursday from 15th January - 12th February Time: 10.30am – 1.00pm Where: St. Richards Church Centre, 26 Swallowfield Road, Charlton, SE7 7NR When: Every Friday from 16th January – 13th February Time: 10.30am – 1.00pm Where: Clockhouse Community Centre, Defiance Walk, Woolwich Dockyard, SE18 5QL When: Every Saturday from 17th January – 14th February Time: 12.30pm – 3.00pm

January 7 2026 3

NEWS

THE CHANGING FACE OF SOUTH LONDON New developments approved in Lewisham

© Lewisham Council planning documents

© Landsec Ladywell Playtower as it looked in 1905

Model Market will be reopening next year

The crumbling Ladywell Playtower is in desperate need of refurbishment

Lewisham Council approved some major developments in 2025, from the regeneration of Lewisham Shopping Centre to the demolition and redevelopment of the Achilles Street Estate in New Cross, by Ruby Gregory, Local Democracy Reporter While the revised plans for the redevelopment of Leegate Shopping Centre means we will see 620 new homes, a community centre, commercial floorspace and a pub built on the site.

In 2025 the borough also saw a new community venue and pub open in Catford, which features a refurbished pub hall, a landscape garden, a newly installed lift and smaller spaces which can be used for workshops or smaller bookings.

The Catford House, formerly the Catford Constitutional Club, opened on November 19 and can also be hired for private parties and will host pop-up events, fitness classes, workshops, exhibitions and more.

In November, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) also

4 January 7 2026

reported on how two dozen First World War heroes who were buried in unmarked graves for over a century will be honoured for their contributions to the war effort and will finally receive their own headstones.

Lewisham Council, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) and The Friends of Ladywell and Brockley Cemetery worked together to locate the 23 servicemen and one woman who served in the Women’s Royal Air Force and were all buried in “pauper’s graves” at Ladywell and Brockley Cemetery.

It certainly was a busy year for the South London borough, and 2026 has just as much going on. The LDRS has compiled a list of the biggest developments coming to the

borough, including the reopening of a library and a popular street food market which closed in 2019.

Lewisham Library - completed by autumn 2026 Lewisham Library has been closed since 2023 to allow for a major refurbishment which will reopen with brand-new features including a business hub, performance spaces, meeting rooms and a café.

Better lighting, CCTV, pedestrian crossings and cycle lanes are also part of the refurbishment. At the start of December, the council said construction is expected to be completed by autumn 2026.

Reopening of Model Market apply by March to be part of it Lewisham’s Model Market will be reopening in spring 2026, having been closed for the last few years.

The market was a popular food court which closed in 2019, but is being brought back into major use following the approval of the redevelopment of Lewisham Shopping Centre.

Landsec, which owns the site and is in charge of redeveloping Lewisham Shopping Centre, has vowed to bring back the market as a hub for independent kitchens, local makers, and creative spaces. The market is set to take inspiration from its original 1950s market style, and will feature retro shopfronts and string lights. Street-food traders, independent chefs, drinks partners, bakers and artists who are keen in joining the new Model Market have until March 1, 2026 to apply online.

A spokesperson at Model Market, said: “With a nostalgic design inspired by mid-century shopfronts and a commitment to modern, sustainable values, the new Model Market will feel both timeless and completely new, a reimagined street market for a new generation.

homes at Thomas’ Lane Yard, an under used car park site north of Catford Broadway.

“We want to champion local talent, and whether you’re running a kitchen concept, a small shop, or planning community events, we’d love to hear from brands who want to help shape Lewisham’s next great social space.”

The affordable homes will consist of 39 social rent homes and 74 shared ownership flats in two separate blocks which will be eight and twelve storeys respectively.

Work to begin on former homeless hostel site in Lee Green The delivery of 64 new flats on the site of a former homeless hostel in Lee Green is set to begin in early 2026. Planning permission was approved back in February 2024 for the demolition of Mayfield Hostel in Burnt Ash Hill to make way for 23 social rent homes and 41 Shared Ownership homes across three buildings.

The hostel has since been demolished and Lewisham Council has appointed The Hill Group as the main contractor for the redevelopment of the site. The homes will be a mixture of one, two and three-bedroom flats and the site will also include communal gardens, children’s play areas and landscaping that retains trees and will support future residents to grow their own food.

Work to begin on New homes in Catford Work is set to begin in 2026 on building more than 100 affordable

The major regeneration scheme will also see green public spaces, commercial and affordable workspace built on the same site.

This scheme is being funded by Lewisham Council and is also being supported by £1.65million in funding from the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund.

Search continues for Ladywell Playtower development partner In December Lewisham Council announced it was looking for a new partner to restore and secure the future of the Grade II listed Ladywell Playtower. In September, the council reversed previous planning approval to transform the abandoned swimming baths into a cinema and new homes after the developer failed to deliver, saying they can’t afford it.

Ladywell Playtower was built in Lewisham in 1884 and is one of the country’s earliest public swimming pools. It has been vacant since 2004 when it stopped being used as a community centre.

Potential development partners who are interested in working with the council and want to restore Ladywell Playtower can apply here and have until February 28 to do so.

NEWS

DLR extension to deliver 30k homes – a look at where they will go Transport for London says its latest DLR extension plans will unlock up to 30,000 new homes and create 10,000 jobs for Londoners – but where will these new homes be built? by Cameron Blackshaw, Local Democracy Reporter

The capital’s transport authority’s plans to extend the DLR and add stops in Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead received strong public support in its latest round of consultations.

pier. There is also a proposal to build a new Beckton Riverside school.

To combat potential smell problems caused by the sewage works, the Mayor wants the works to be upgraded so that odours can be managed. He also has aspirations that heat energy generated by the sewage works could potentially provide low carbon heating for new developments in the area.

The first phase of the Beckton Riverside regeneration project was approved

by Newham Council in October. The council approved a proposal from St William Homes LLP to build nearly 3,000 homes on the waterfront, but it will be left up to the Greater London Authority (GLA) to rubber stamp the residential development because of its significant scale.

Thamesmead Waterfront The DLR extension would go from Gallions Reach (pictured) in Newham to Beckton Riverside and then over the river to Thamesmead Credit: Google Street View

What developers say the first phase of the Beckton Riverside development could look like. Credit: St William Homes/JTP.

As well as the new DLR station, TfL wants to introduce a new Superloop service. A £23m Government grant will fund the SL11 which will link Woolwich town centre and Abbey Wood via Thamesmead. It is hoped the new bus service will launch in 2026. TfL has also not ruled out extending the DLR from Thamesmead in the future, with possible stops in Abbey Wood or Bexley.

TfL first announced these plans in early 2024, but the DLR extension was given Government backing when Chancellor Rachel Reeves committed to help fund the project in the Autumn Budget. This effectively unlocks tens of thousands of new homes in what are known as Opportunity Areas, so the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) takes a look at where they’ll be built, and what stage of planning they are at.

The Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m really pleased that the Government is backing the DLR extension to Thamesmead, something I’ve long called for alongside London’s businesses and communities. The project is a win-win and a massive vote of confidence in London.

“It will not only transform travel in a historically underserved part of the capital, but also unlock thousands of new jobs and homes, boosting the economy not just locally but nationally.

I look forward to working hand-inhand with ministers to deliver this vital project as we continue building a more prosperous London for everyone.”

What is an Opportunity Area?

The Mayor’s London Plan identifies parts of the city known as Opportunity Areas (OAs). These are locations where a large number of homes or commercial units could be built – typically at least 2,500 homes or creating 5,000 jobs, or a combination of both.

There are dozens of them in London, with a map on the GLA website showing

From the new Beckton Riverside DLR station, TfL wants to build a tunnel that goes underneath the Thames and establish a new station in Thamesmead.

Thamesmead is notoriously underserved by public transport, with Abbey Wood, now on the Elizabeth line, being the only significant travel hub nearby.

Just like Royal Docks and Beckton Riverside, Thamesmead and Abbey Wood have been identified as OAs by the Mayor, and it is hoped that with improved travel links, the riverside area could provide over 15,000 new homes and 8,000 new jobs.

As well as Sir Sadiq Khan’s approval, Thamesmead received Government backing earlier this year when it was named on its New Towns Taskforce shortlist. The Government hopes the 12 locations on the shortlist can collectively deliver up to 300,000 new homes over the coming decade.

where they are located. Infrastructure including transport is key to delivering an OA, which is why projects like the DLR extension can effectively unlock large-scale housebuilding. There are two OAs linked to the DLR extension.

Beckton Riverside TfL wants to extend the DLR from Gallions Reach and add a stop in Beckon Riverside which is in one of London’s Opportunity Areas. This area currently contains a retail park, a business park, the Beckton Sewage Treatment Works and the primary maintenance depot for the DLR. Beckton Riverside is contained within the Royal Docks and Beckton Riverside Opportunity Area.

Within the Mayor’s documents outlining the potential future for this area of London, it is hoped the new DLR stop

The proposed area for the Thamesmead Waterfront project.

Credit: Peabody and Lendlease.

will be the transport hub for a new town centre. The documents state: “The new town centre will build on the strengths of the established retail centre, riverside location, good road access, and continuous pedestrian and cyclist riverside access.”

The station would be built just north of Armada Way, and much of the land currently taken up by the Gallions Reach Shopping Park would make

way for residential tower blocks. The Mayor’s plan also includes plenty of retail space, new social and community infrastructure and green and open spaces throughout the new town centre.

To the south of the DLR station, it is proposed that Beckton Waterfront is developed into a mixed-use neighbourhood as well, with plenty of residential, commercial and cultural options and a potential Thames Clippers

This new town of Thamesmead is being imagined as Thamesmead Waterfront, a joint venture from developer Lendlease and housing association Peabody.

The 100-hectare development site is on the southern bank of the Thames and like Beckton Riverside, it is one of the few remaining undeveloped waterfront sites in London.

More detailed plans for Thamesmead Waterfront are yet to be revealed, but Lendlease and Peabody have said the site has “the ability to deliver a new concept for waterfront living that is accessible, inclusive and productive” and it is “expected to include a strong retail, commercial and leisure offer as well as a substantial number of new homes, of all tenures”.

January 7 2026 5

THEATRE

Call yourself an Irishman?

You’re born in one country. But your parents come from a different one.

So what does that make you?

Written and performed by Declan Duffy who, having performed in local amateur theatre, and hundreds of gigs as a musician, and taken the role of Musical Director on a number of shows, was told by a theatre manager that he should write a one-man show,

By Michael Holland

Never having considered it, he asked himself: “About what?” …before answering “About what I know” …and realising he had so much he needed to say about growing up in the pubs of Irish London, learning that his parents had one accent while he and his sister had another, that they were being raised in two different cultures, and that identity is a complex concept. Am I British? Or am I Irish?

And how do I find out? By creating ‘Call Yourself An Irishman?’

And what if the two countries in question share a profound and complex history, one of conquest and subjugation, of resistance and rebellion? But which happen to be closest neighbours across the Irish Sea, and have grown to a mutual understanding, and (a sometimes uneasy) co-existence?

Where do you find your identity?

How do you define yourself?

Are you British? Or are you Irish? Or don’t you know?

Join Declan Duffy as he attempts to make some good sense out of it all.

descendants, in our consideration of who we are, what we are.

He’ll consider the history of Irish migration to Britain, the difficulties encountered by the people who made that journey, and how all of it has influenced us, their

There’ll be some songs, of course, and a few laughs, as we attempt to answer the question of how many boxes you technically have to tick in order to confidently state: I am Irish (sort of).

Brockley Jack Studio Theatre, 410 Brockley Road, London, SE4 2DH from Thursday 29 to Saturday 31 January 2026 at 7.30pm.

Tickets £17, £15 conc; suitable for 13+.

Booking and full details: www.brockleyjack.co.uk

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.

Book here: https://greenwichtheatre. org.uk/events/180chord/

1800 Chord at Greenwich Theatre for a two week stretch

Chris Leicester’s latest play, 1800 Chord, tells the tale of when a ruthless copper ends up in the same place that he has been sending people to for years,

By Michael Holland The word gets out, and someone on the wing begins living in fear, but 1800 Chord does not take the obvious route for this situation: You’re the pride of the police force.

You’re ruthless and unethical – then fate intervenes. One moment you’re a detective sergeant and the next, a convicted murderer. Now you’re in the very same prison you sent most of your

6 January 7 2026

scalps to. News of your arrival spreads, the riot starts, and they come looking for you. A fellow inmate hides you in his cell and you flee together. But who is Connor and why is he protecting you exactly? You’ll soon find out as your past life comes back to haunt you.

Chris Leicester, who also directs and produces, says, ‘I wanted to find a situation where life completely and

suddenly flips on its head – and this situation fits the bill perfectly.’

With two renowned Midlands actors, Paul Findlay and Dominic Thompson, he is taking his 10th play out on tour and will reach Greenwich TheatreStudio on January 5th for a two-week run.

Dates: 5 to 18 January 2026 Time: Performances at 7:30pm with a

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LIFESTYLE

How to spend the perfect day at the O2 If you’re heading to the O2 Arena for a gig, there’s far more to do than just turn up for the main event.

From a shopping spree at the outlet stores to scaling the roof at Up at The O2 and dining at one of the many restaurants, it’s easy to turn a concert into a full day out, all in one destination, by Evie Flynn Coming out of North Greenwich tube station feels like you are entering a little town, with the grand walkway down towards the arena itself.

I took my dad along for the day, who hadn’t been to the area since it was still the Millennium Dome, and he was transfixed by the sheer amount of activities on offer.

Inside, the O2 really does feel like a mini town of its own, with hundreds of shops, restaurants and bars and of course, the 20,000-capacity arena at its heart.

1. SHOPPING We started the day browsing the a wide array of outlet shops, meaning prices are significantly lower than standard retail, with some items discounted by as much as 70 per cent.

We were gobsmacked by the sheer number of shops inside. We visited just before Christmas, which proved ideal for last-minute shopping, and bargain hunters will be pleased to know many stores currently have winter sales on top of their outlet prices.

My favourite shops included The Cosmetic Store, which was similar to a Sephora or SpaceNK, and they had so many different brands of makeup and skincare, from Clinique to Bobbi Brown and M.A.C. For sport lovers, the O2 is worth a trip just for the discounted activewear from Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Under Armour and Asics. Some running shoes were nearly by half their retail price and the helpful and knowledgeable store assistants made

the shopping experience a delight.

I also picked up a Le Creuset mug for just over £10, with the same mug currently listed on the John Lewis website at £17, showing just how much you save when outlet shopping.

Even better, if you spend more than £35 at the outlet, you qualify for free parking, which is ideal if you are seeing a show later in the evening.

2. CLIMBING One of the most unique things about the O2 is the ability to climb right over the dome while taking in views across Greenwich and Canary Wharf.

We learned that the runway at London City Airport is so short because planes must avoid the IFS Cable Car across the Thames, meaning pilots need a special qualification and years of training to land there.

Up at the O2 is a demanding yet fun experience, suitable for anyone over the age of eight. From the top, key landmarks include the Old Naval College, the Royal Observatory, London City Airport, and the Olympic Park.

We were also told that the dome itself has a 365 metre diameter to represent the number of days in a year, it is 52 metres tall for the number of weeks, and the 12 steel masts on the outside represent the months.

We were harnessed and clipped onto a walkway with the total experience lasting 90 minutes including a stop at the top.

At the top, there was a beautiful transparent snowglobe complete with everything from Christmas trees to artifical snow.

I had climbed the O2 once before, but this time it was dusk, meaning you could watch the city slowly transform into night-time 52 metres in the air.

There’s also the possibility to buy a drink to enjoy on the ‘summit’, from Prosecco to hot chocolate or soft drinks.

The climb itself is challenging but feels very safe, with a harness worn at all times and friendly instructors guiding you throughout.

This experience is priced at £37 on a weekday and £42 on a weekend, with duo and group discounts available.

The climbs run all day, with options for daytime, sunset and twilight climbs.

Along the way, the instructor shared interesting facts about the dome and the surrounding landmarks while we took in the 360-degree panoramic views.

3. EATING After a day spent browsing the outlets and climbing over the roof,

we had built up quite an appetite and we were spoiled for choice.

Ramsay Street Burger and fastfood like Chipotle and KFC.

We chose to eat at Haidilao Hot Pot, which was a memorable and unique dining experience. Hot Pots originate from China and involve a flavoured simmering broth that sits in the centre of the table.

Plus, on the way home I grabbed a delicious dessert in the form of strawberries and melted chocolate from a stall in the main concourse.

You order a range of protein and vegetable sources to dip into the broth and effectively ‘cook’ it yourself. We chose wagyu beef, thin chicken strips, tofu chunks and vegetable dumplings, alongside broccoli and noodles.

After the satisfying meal, it was time for the main eventMadness and Squeeze.

The broths were flavourful and rich, cooking the meat and vegetables perfectly and the whole experience was fun and new.

One of the waiters even did a ‘noodle dance’ whilst he delivered our hand stretched noodles to the table, which is apparently their signature feature.

The meal, including drinks, came to £70 for two people, which I thought was reasonable for such a filling and interactive dinner.

There’s a dining option for everyone, with other options including more pricey places like Gaucho or Gordon

4. ENTERTAINMENT

Most people probably head to the O2 for a gig and we were no different.

I’ve been to the O2 once before but in the standing section, but this time we were seated higher up and despite the distance, the view of the bands was still excellent.

Both the late ‘70s and early ‘80s bands delivered high-energy and nostalgic performances and we spent the night dancing and singing their classics as a perfect end to a fantastic day out.

Check out the O2 website to browse their upcoming gigs, which include Disney on Ice, Biffy Clyro, Jason Derulo and the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour.

Location: O2 Arena, Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX

January 7 2026 9

HISTORY

Building early tanks at the Arsenal

Dragon mark 1

In my last article, a couple of weeks ago, I introduced you to John Day, who was an important engineer at the Patent Office. In his retirement he wrote a long series of articles for the Greenwich Industrial History Newsletter about his apprenticeship at the Royal Arsenal in the 1930s.

Machine shop

Mary Mills I’ve always been quite keen to extend what John had to say to a wider audience but he only ever gave us permission to use his material in the newsletter and if we wanted to reproduce it somewhere else we would need to get permission from his descendants.

I have no idea if John had children or how we could contact them if he did. So I am using quotations from his material as part of these articles, which seems to be the only option we have of getting what he had to say better known.

I hope it’s interesting, anyway.

I should perhaps confess that all of what he says about different types of guns and other weaponry is like a foreign language to me. I am doing my best to record what he said, but I am well aware that I may be making some really silly

10 January 7 2026

mistakes. If you spot any, or just want to comment, please let me know. I think it would be very interesting to learn a lot more about what was actually done in the Arsenal, as it’s an important part of Woolwich’s local history.

In my first article – using material taken from his account – he was at the start of his apprenticeship in the Arsenal. He was given an introductory job in the New Fuse Factory where women workers put together components. He had also been set some easyish tasks and made various items and at the same time helped staff with maintenance work on the shop floor.

His next move was to spend only a month in the Mechanical Test House – a building just across the road from the Power Station. This

was an important part of work in the Arsenal with a long history in state military manufacturing establishments. But there was little for an apprentice to do here apart from watching ‘slinging ropes and chains being tested for load bearing’ and ‘odd samples of metal being broken and tested for hardness on a Vickers diamond machine -a machine, so called, because it left a diamond shaped imprint, had been developed locally at Vickers Crayford works in the 1920s – and has gone on to become standard equipment for the test. However, John said, they were only allowed to watch and not to be involved. I wonder if there were legal limitations which meant testing could only be undertaken by those qualified to do so.

Back in the office there was

homework to do from the classes at the Polytechnic and when they were finished ‘there was a drawer full of western magazines’.

Facilities were not wonderful and a toilet was situated in the middle of the wide roadway outside of the Power Station. It was built from corrugated iron and flushed, continually, by a stream running underneath into a sewer emptying into the river. Nevertheless first thing every morning it was full of ‘newspaper readers’. One morning one of the apprentices made a paper boat, and floated it down the stream having put some paraffin soaked cotton waste in it – with resulting ‘Irate men and a good illustration of pandemonium’.

At the end of the next month John was moved to the erecting bay

of the Main Machine Shop, this was in ‘Laboratory Square’ - the oldest part of the Arsenal. There they were building Mk.1 Dragons, which he describes as “gun towing tractors that held a gun crew of six ‘and which had been developed

by Vickers at Crayford. John says they were powered by a ‘4 ½ litre Meadows engine’ - Henry Meadows was a Wolverhampton based engine and gearbox specialist. John said It had a ‘Wilson preselector gearbox to the front axle, having two steering clutches’ and that they were ‘full track vehicles’ with a top speed, unloaded, of about 30 m.p.h.

John was soon involved in testing these vehicles. To do this apprentices went out with the ganger acting as his mate – in John’s case the ganger was Owen Stott, ‘a large Welshman’. They

HISTORY

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Vickers crayford works shell production

1694 royal laborator square was adjacent

used a tank testing area which was between the Danger Buildings and Plumstead Road. It had ‘built-up single figure gradients’ and was crossed by a railway line. It was also home to some rabbits – we rarely hear of any wildlife on the Arsenal site, but here it was, just off Plumstead High Street. Owen was always overjoyed to spot a rabbit and chase it at full speed over the testing ground and John comments ‘ one soon learnt to hang on tight when this happened’.

Owen taught John a lesson which he said he had never forgotten.

The Meadows engine used on the Dragons had a radiator at the rear that included an oil cooler. When one leaked John was given the job of replacing it. After he had installed the new cooler he ran the engine to see that it wasn’t

leaking and while concentrating on this he leaned very near to the unguarded fan. Owen saw the danger and ‘tossed a crumpled sheet of newspaper into the fan ... which produced a white explosive blur’. John says ‘I shot out over the three foot high side of the vehicle in one bound ... you won’t find me near an unguarded fan again’.

Another job John was given in the erecting bay of the Main Machine Shop was using a hammer and chisel to cut flat surfaces on the sides of cast iron mountings of 6 inch coast defence guns so that ‘the new - fangled predictor gear’ could be added to them. Guns of this type were closely identified with the Royal Arsenal and the ‘new fangled’ gear would enable their use with changing needs and conditions.

He also worked on the scraping of

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 the flat surfaces on the saddles of 2 pounder anti - tank guns. These are said to have been Britain’s main anti-tank weapon and John comments ‘a nice little gun that was too weak for its intended work’.

He also notes a lightweight tank as ‘interesting in having two A.E.C. bus engines on their sides under the floor’. AEC were of course the west London based bus and lorry manufacturers who were to make enormous numbers of military vehicles in the Second World War and it is interesting that their engines were also being used in tanks. In the mid 1930s – at around the time which John was describing - they switched production away from petrol driven engines to diesels, but he doesn’t make clear which fuel was used here. He also comments about these tanks

Contact marymillsmmmmm@gmail.com for further information on sales

that as much of the interior as possible was made in light alloy.

There was also much to be learnt in watching established staff at work. He describes watching three men ‘securing armour plate to magnesium alloy framework with red - hot rivets’. One man ‘held the rivet gun, another held the rivet snap and another had with a lump of sacking to put out the fire!’. He explains that all the joints had to have at least two right angles, ‘since a lead bullet would squirt through one right angle joint .. that’s why tank armour is all one piece, or welded together without joints.’

He then moved on to pattern making ‘which made a change from dealing with metal’. ‘’He describes Tom Hammet, who was the next tradesman he was placed with.

Tom was ‘a craftsman of the old school’ and nearing retirement. He made string musical instruments, including a homemade double bass which he played in a local orchestra.

He was also a Methodist lay preacher. John said ‘To Tom, Picture Post was utter pornography.’

He described how Tom ‘ once he made a small mistake in 2 inch diameter core box, some eight inches long, cutting too deep less than a sixteenth of an inch, over an area of about a square inch. So meticulous was he that although he was on piecework, he neatly cut out the offending area and inserted a new piece - even matching the grain, though it would have several coats of paint and varnish over it.

It was all part of his education.

January 7 2026 11

COMMUNITY TRUST At The Heart Of The Community

NEWS FROM CHARLTON ATHLETIC COMMUNITY TRUST

Limited time left on Summer Football Holiday Courses – book now!

Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) can confirm the publication of their latest Impact Report, revealing that the charity generated an impressive £83,630,780 in social value across south-east London and Kent over a one-year period.

This means that for every £1 invested, CACT delivered £11.02 of social value, providing a powerful demonstration of the far-reaching community impact which is delivered by the charity.

million since the previous impact report for 2021/22, has been independently verified by the University of Greenwich, ensuring robust and credible measurement of CACT’s positive outcomes.

The social value figure, which has risen by more than £34

The Impact Report was released alongside CACT’s 2024/25 Annual

12 January 7 2026

Report, which showed a record committed charitable spend of £7,589,000 during the period.

Over the year, CACT worked with more than 28,000 participants enough to fill The Valley and still have hundreds left outside.

Below are some of the key statistics from CACT’s 2024/25 annual report: • 28,000+ participants engaged • 1,110 mentees supported across south London and Kent • 3,170 cost-of-living referrals, providing crucial support during a challenging economic period • 186 participants took part in mental health programmes • 89% of Short Breaks participants improved their mental and emotional wellbeing through the disability programme • 85% of Young Greenwich

Learning Hub participants improved their educational aspirations • 382 young people volunteered through Young Greenwich • £13,660 worth of fuel vouchers distributed by CACT’s health team to support vulnerable households Discussing these statistics, CACT CEO Jason Morgan MBE said: “I’m delighted that our social value figure has risen by more than £34million since our last measurement for 2021/22.

While the statistics alone can never capture the full stories behind them, the social value calculation provides evidence of the difference we are able to make.

Behind that figure are thousands of individuals whose lives have been improved, whether through better physical and mental health, greater confidence and aspiration, or increased opportunities to participate, learn and thrive.”

This vital work across southeast London and Kent wouldn’t be possible without voluntary donations. Friends of CACT gives supporters the chance to back the Trust’s award-winning community work through regular monthly donations.

From as little as £10 per month, supporters can sign up to become a Friend of CACT and help the Trust continue to deliver lifechanging programmes. Scan the QR code to find out more.

F.A.A.

F A ALBIN & SONS Family Run Funeral Directors

Serving the local community for over 200 years

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020 7237 3637 ROTHERHITHE 52 Culling Road, London, SE16 2TN OUR OTHER BRANCH ADDRESSES ARE: SIDCUP 163 Station Road, Sidcup, KENT, DA15 7AA T: 020 8308 0015

EAST LONDON 378 Barking Road, Plaistow LONDON, E13 8HL T: 020 7476 1861

MOTTINGHAM 54-56 Mottingham Road, LONDON, SE9 4QR T: 020 8857 0330

DEPTFORD 164 Deptford High Street, LONDON, SE8 3DP T: 020 8694 1384

WALWORTH 88 Brandon Street, LONDON, SE17 1ND T: 020 7313 6990

CRAYFORD 30-32 Crayford High Street, Crayford, KENT, DA1 4HG T: 01322 533012

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PUBLIC NOTICES ROYAL BOROUGH of GREENWICH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14(1) ANCONA 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 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) WELL HALL ROAD MAJOR GAS WORKS 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 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

ROYAL BOROUGH of GREENWICH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 – SECTION 14(1) FAIRFIELD GROVE 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 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 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 21 days of the date of this notice.

Please quote the appropriate reference number.

Date: 7/1/2026 Victoria Geoghegan Assistant Director - Planning and Building Control List of Press Advertisements - 7/1/2026

Publicity for Planning Applications Applicant: Site Address: Development:

Miss McWeeney Social Arts for Education 25/1435/F 251-253 ELTHAM HIGH STREET, ELTHAM, LONDON, SE9 1TY Change of use from office (Use Class E(c)) to tutoring facility (Use Class F1(a)).

The Hyde Group Podium Surveying LLP 25/2994/F Site Address: 13 BRADDYLL STREET, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 9AE Development: Replacement of windows and doors.

Conservation Area: EAST GREENWICH

Town & Country Planning Act 1990 for a minor material amendment in connection with the planning permission dated 07/03/2023 (Reference: 22/1332/F) for "Change of use of 1st floor office space (Class E) to residential unit (Class C3) and construction of a roof extension to create 1 x 3B6P residential unit with associated alterations." to allow:

Applicant:

Applicant: Faircharm Investments Limited 25/3959/F Site Address: FORMER GARAGES, ASHBURNHAM PLACE (OPPOSITE ST MARKS CHURCH), GREENWICH SE10 9BJ Development: Demolition of the existing lock up garages and construction of three detached houses, including landscaping and associated works. (Development within the setting of the Grade II listed Queen Elizabeth's Alms houses at 12-23 Greenwich High Road, SE10 and the Ashburnham Triangle Conservation Area).

Conservation Area: ASHBURNHAM TRIANGLE Applicant: Patrick Thomas JOLT Charge Limited 25/4081/F Site Address: O/S 142 GREENWICH HIGH ROAD, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 8NN Development: Installation of an Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (JOLT Unit) comprising of one charging terminal and a double-sided LCD screen and associated electrical connection works.

Conservation Area: WEST GREENWICH Applicant: Patrick Thomas JOLT Charge Limited 25/4083/F Site Address: O/S 3-4 ODEON PARADE, WELL HALL ROAD, LONDON, SE9 6BZ Development: Installation of an Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (JOLT Unit) comprising of one charging terminal and a double-sided LCD screen and associated electrical connection works.

Conservation Area: adjacent to Progress Estate Applicant: Site Address: Development:

c/o Agent 25/4148/F 14 CROOMS HILL, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 8ER Installation of temporary timber hoarding and access gate along front site boundary of Listed Building.

Conservation Area: WEST GREENWICH Applicant:

Verity Cheyne BT Telecommunications PLC 25/4190/F Site Address: Pavement o/s Thyme Restaurant, 43 Greenwich High Rd, Greenwich SE10 8JL Development: The proposed installation of 1no. BT Street Hub. Conservation Area: adjacent to Ashburnham Triangle Applicant: Site Address: Development:

- Amendment to Condition 10 (Flood Intrusive Condition Survey) and Condition 11 (Flood Defence Works Scheme) Conservation Area: EAST GREENWICH Publicity for Listed Building Consent Applicant: Site Address: Development:

c/o Agent 25/4149/L 14 CROOMS HILL, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 8ER Installation of temporary timber hoarding and access gate along front site boundary of Listed Building.

Conservation Area: WEST GREENWICH Listed Building: Grade 2 Publicity for Advertisements Applicant: Patrick Thomas JOLT Charge Limited 25/4082/A Site Address: O/S 142 GREENWICH HIGH ROAD, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 8NN Development: Installation of an Electric Vehicle Charge Point (JOLT Unit) with integral double-sided LCD screen and associated electrical connection works to display adverts on the carriageway.

Conservation Area: WEST GREENWICH Applicant: Patrick Thomas JOLT Charge Limited 25/4084/A Site Address: O/S 3-4 ODEON PARADE, WELL HALL ROAD, LONDON, SE9 6BZ Development: Installation of an Electric Vehicle Charge Point (JOLT Unit) with integral double-sided LCD screen and associated electrical connection works to display adverts on the carriageway.

Conservation Area: adjacent to Progress Estate Applicant:

Verity Cheyne BT Telecommunications PLC 25/4191/A Site Address: Pavement o/s Thyme Restaurant, 43 Greenwich High Rd, Greenwich SE10 8JL Development: The installation of 1no. BT Street Hub and 2no. digital 75" LCD display screens, one on each side of the Street Hub unit Conservation Area: ASHBURNHAM TRIANGLE

Mr Phillip Lucas 25/4197/MA 11-15 HIGHBRIDGE WHARF, GREENWICH, SE10 9PS An application submitted under Section 73 of the

Dated: 14/11/2025 INTERNAL REF - EM/ LA493123 FN846 /LIC No 75262

Join over 150,000 USERS to find out who’s applying for permits in your community.

publicnoticeportal.uk

STAY INFORMED ABOUT BUILDING PLANS FOR YOUR COMMUNITY. Visit: publicnoticeportal.uk

Keeping you informed.

January 7 2026 15

ADVERTORIAL

Information from the Royal Borough of Greenwich for our residents

A NEW YEAR FRESH IDEAS FOR 2026

COULD YOU CHANGE A CHILD’S LIFE?

MAKE A SPLASH WITH OUR SWIM OFFERS

The Royal Borough of Greenwich urgently needs more foster carers to support local children when they are unable to live with their parents.

Foster carers receive generous allowances, full training, 24/7 professional support and the council covers your Council Tax. Start 2026 feeling active and refreshed with great-value swimming across Royal Greenwich.

Enjoy pools at Woolwich Waves, Eltham Centre, Greenwich Centre and Thamesmere.

We welcome applications from people of all ages, sexualities and relationship statuses.

The most important thing is having the time, patience and commitment to care for a child when they need it most.

Woolwich Waves also offers state-of-the-art pools, a leisure water experience, spa facilities

Take the first step: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/fostering

and fitness spaces for all ages.

Find leisure centre offers: better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/greenwich

ITS TIME TO QUIT SMOKING Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions you can make for

FIND A NEW INTEREST

your health. It improves breathing, reduces the risk of serious illnesses like cancer and heart disease, and boosts overall wellbeing.

You will also save money and feel more energised day to day.

Download the free Smokefree app for practical support, digital tools and 24/7 help: smokefreeapp.com

It is never too late to learn something new.

GO FOR A STROLL

Free or low-cost adult community learning opportunities are available for residents aged 19 and over.

Courses range from art and cooking to English language learning and business skills.

Explore what is on offer: greenwichlearns.org.uk

Whatever the season, Royal Greenwich’s parks and green spaces are worth exploring.

From riverside walks to local neighbourhood parks, there are plenty of free ways to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. You can also become a Friend of your local park and help care for these spaces year-round.

Find your nearest park: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/parks

www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk

@royal_greenwich

royalgreenwich

royal_greenwich

greenwichcouncil

Edition 992 HOW DO I APPLY? Get on the list

1

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

For information or assistance contact our Allocations Team on: 020 8921 2941 or email: housing-allocations@ royalgreenwich.gov.uk

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

Find your applicant number

2

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.

ANYONE ON THE HOUSING LIST CAN APPLY

AGE RESTRICTED HOUSING

Pick out your ideal property

3

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 •

4

• •

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 push-button system and calls will be charged at the normal local rate

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.

Hyde Housing Association

Ref Number: 183643 Gladstone House Dowells Street SE10 2 Bed 2nd Flr Flat 1 Dbl 1 Sgl room No Pets/Pkg Lifted Entry phone Rad C/Htg £197.71 pw

Ref Number: 734180 Rickyard Path SE9 1 Bed Bung No Pkg Rad C/Htg £178.80 pw Over 60’s only

Ref Number: 692840 Hargood Road SE3 Bedsit Bung Rad C/Htg £127.60 pw Over 60’s only

Ref Number: 721500 Godstow Road SE2 Bedsit Bung Gdn No Pkg Rad C.Htg £117.00 pw Over 60’s only

ANYONE ON THE HOUSING LIST CAN APPLY

Southern Housing Group Ltd

Ref Number: 727540 Ellison House Lewisham Road SE13 1 Bed 12th Flr Flat Lifted Entry phone No Pkg Rad C/Htg £128.51 pw

Ref Number: 734100 Greenhithe Close DA15 3 Bed Hse Gdn 2 Dbl 1 Sgl room Rad C/Htg £191.74 pw

Ref Number: 239508 Radnor Crescent SE18 2 Bed Grnd Flr Flat 1 Dbl 1 Sgl room No Pets/Pkg Storage Heaters £299.18 pw

Ref Number: 739900 Simnel Road SE12 1 Bed 1st Flr Flat Entry phone No Pkg Rad C/Htg £144.94 pw

ANYONE ON THE HOUSING LIST CAN APPLY

A successful bid will look like this: CBL 179104 12191 You will need to do a separate text for each property you wish to bid for and the text is charged at your mobile provider’s standard rate.

You will receive a text response to confirm your bid within 5 minutes.

If you are unable to bid for advertised properties and have no one that can do so for you please contact the Allocations team on 020 8921 2941 and we will help you with bidding or will bid on your behalf. If you are in temporary accommodation, then please contact your Temporary Accommodation Officer for help with this.

royalgreenwich.gov.uk/homes

Ref Number: 742040 Corelli Road SE3 1 Bed Grnd Flr Flat Entry phone No Pkg Communal Gas Heating £152.02 incl Htg £14.82

Peadbody Trust

Pa Housing

Ref Number: 76305 Hazlitt Court Byron Close SE28 2 Bed 1st Flr Flat 2 Dbl rooms Lifted Entry phone No Pets/Pkg Rad C/Htg £158.16 pw

Ref Number: 396921 Limekiln Drive SE7 2 Bed 1st Flr Flat 1 Dbl 1 Sgl room Entry phone No Pets/Pkg Rad C/Htg £200.69 pw

Royal Borough of Greenwich's Choice Based Lettings Scheme

Choice based lettings hotline 020 8921 4340 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.

BAND A

B1 or B2

is for applicants in unsatisfactory housing, including people moving due to demolition and those under occupying their homes.

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.

Please note that there will still be some properties with age restrictions so only people of this age group can apply for these.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Peadbody Trust

Ref Number: 195306 Harold Wilson House Arnott Close SE28 1 Bed 4th Flr Flat Entry phone No Pets/Pkg Rad C/Htg £206.87 pw

24-hour hotline The UK’s biggest mutual exchang e service, with over 400,0 00 registered u sers er Ov

0 200,d0v0 erts live a

Over

10,000 swaps successfully completed in the last six months

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Ref Number: 215301 Mill Court Titmuss Avenue SE28 1 Bed 5th Flr Flat Lifted Entry phone No Pets/Pkg Rad C/Htg £206.87 pw AFFORDABLE HOUSING

C

is for all applicants on the housing register, including those that are in priority bands A and B1/B2.

Free

HomeSwap

HomeSwapper is free for our tenants to use and is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. With easy registration and search tools, instant messaging and the unique Multiswap tool, it will help you find the swap that’s right for you.

per App

HowFind to use out Homore meSwat apper

1 2 3 4 5

www.homeswapper.co.uk Visit www.homeswapper.co.uk and click register.

You can register with Facebook if you like.

Tell us about the home you want, and the home you’ve got - make sure you upload photos!

We’ll find matches for you, or you can run your own search to find exactly what you’re looking for.

Contact your matches and chat to the current tenant using the in-system messaging.

Once you’ve agreed a swap, ask your landlord for the paperwork.

Peadbody Trust

Ref Number: 750300 Brooker Terrace Rectory Field Crescent SE7 2 Bed Flat 2 Dbl rooms No Pets/Pkg Rad C/Htg £219.02 pw

Keep a note of your login details here: Username

Password

If you need help Email the helpdesk tenants@homeswapper.co.uk Facebook HomeSwapperOfficial

Find out more at www.homeswapper.co.uk

Royal Borough of Greenwich's Choice Based Lettings Scheme

royalgreenwich.gov.uk/homes

MOVE TO A SMALLER PROPERTY If your property is now too big for you, you can apply for the Small is Beautiful scheme.

ALL households can bid for all types of property subject to meeting the bedroom size and any medical requirements.

The next printed edition of Greenwich Homes will be available on 21 January 2026 at midday.

Closing date for all applications for this issue is midnight on 11 January 2026.

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

THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED TO THE HOMES ADVERTISED IN ISSUE 989 Address

BedProperty Type rooms

No of Bids

Reg date of successful app

Band

Lighthouse View SE10 0YF

3

FLAT

527

14/09/2022

B1

Panfield Road SE2 9DQ

1

FLAT

657

07/05/2024

B1

Elderslie Road SE9 1UE

0

FLAT

388

12/08/2025

B1

Southwood Road SE9 3QN

1

FLAT

679

11/11/2025

A

Prince Henry Road SE7 8PP

0

FLAT

392

03/07/2025

B2

Sidcup Road SE9 3SA

1

FLAT

496

18/04/2025

B1

St Domingo House Leda Road SE18 5QW

1

FLAT

510

15/11/2024

B1

Claymill House Raglan Road SE18 7HX

1

FLAT

437

26/04/2021

A

Edge Hill SE18 3TQ

1

FLAT

565

15/10/2025

B1

Woodhill SE18 5HL

4

HOUSE

577

To Be Allocated

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

We’ll help you with costs and finding a new home that better meets your needs.

Financial benefits We’ll pay: • £1,000 for each spare room you give up • an extra £500 if you downsize by mutual exchange • your moving costs • your disturbance costs, for example, for packing, disconnecting and reconnecting your appliances Priority to find a new home We’ll put your household in the highest priority band on the housing register so you can find a new home as soon as possible.

An Under Occupation Adviser will support you throughout the downsizing process.

Extra support for households with adult children If you have non-dependant adult children living with you, we can offer them their own flat, if we can get a bedroom back.

This means you and your adult child will each get a onebedroom 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-Downsizing@ 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.

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.

royalgreenwich.gov.uk/homes

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

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Greenwich University Cooper Building, Students Union, King William Walk, London SE10 9JH

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Forum@Greenwich Trafalgar Road, London SE10 9EQ

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EAST GREENWICH

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Royal Standard 67 Pelton Road, London SE10 9AH

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West Greenwich Library 146 Greenwich High Road, London SE10 8NN

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West Greenwich House 141 Greenwich High Road London SE10 8JA

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Waterfront Leisure Centre Woolwich High Street SE18 6DL

The Point 47 Woolwich New Road, SE18 6EW

McDonald’s 56-58 Powis Street SE18 6LQ

Heronsgate Medical Centre Goosander Way SE28 0ER

Smile With Pride Dental Care Ltd 81A Powis Street SE18 6JB

Waitrose Dreadnought Wharf, Victoria Parade, 1 Thames Street, Greenwich, London SE10 9FR

Greenwich University 54-58 Powis Street SE18 6NL

Middle Park Community Centre 150 Middle Park Avenue SE9 5SD

Equitable House General Gordon Place SE18 6AB

Woolwich Centre 35 Wellington Street SE18 6PW

Vista Childrens Centre Middle Park Avenue SE9 5SD

Greenwich Square Health Centre 12 Lambarde Square SE10 9GB

St.Marks Medical Centre 24 Wrottesley Road SE18 3EP

Post Room Woolwich Service Centre Wellington Street SE18 6PW

Plumstead Library Plumstead High Street SE18 1JL

City Point Concierge Suite Campbell Court, Meadowside, Kidbrooke SE3 9XT

Town Hall Wellington Street SE18 6PW

Greenwich Community College 95 Plumstead Road SE18 7DQ

Woolwich Centre Library 21 Love Lane SE18 6QT

Glyndon Community Centre 75 Raglan Road SE18 7LB

Brookhill Children’s Centre 130 Brookhill Road SE18 6UZ

Abbey Wood Community Group 4 Knee Hill, SE2 0YS

Charlton Athletic Football Club Reception The Valley, Floyd Road SE7 8BL

Abbey Wood Library Eynsham Drive SE2 9PT

Blackheath Newbridge Working Mens Club 22 Charlton Road, Blackheath SE3 7HG

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

Time Court Woodland Terrace SE7 8DD

Queen Elizabeth Hospital Station Road, London SE18 4QH

Charlton Library Charlton House, Charlton Road SE7 8RE

Clockhouse Community Centre Defiance Walk, Woolwich Dockyard Estate SE18 5QL

Gllab Work and Learn Centre Old library Calderwood Street SE18 6QW

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

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