Greenwich Visitor April 2015 by The Greenwich Visitor

GreenwichVisitor for residents & VISITORS since 2010

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greenwich, Blackheath, eltham, charlton,Woolwich, LEE GREEN.

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APRIL 2015 No54

OFFICIAL

WE’RE THE PAPER POP LEGENDS READ!

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H T A E H E H T MADNESS ON

COMEDY CLUB SEE PAGE 9

Pictures: CLIVE REFFELL

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LISTINGS INSIDE

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Appeal after horrific cycle crash in Park

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slow down 27/03/2015 21:17

GREENWICH Park users have been asked to “be considerate” and stick to the 20mph speed limit after a cyclist was airlifted to hospital following a collision with a runner.

The woman rider in her 20s suffered a serious head injury and damaged a shoulder in the crash on The Avenue – the main road which runs downhill to the gates near the National Maritime Museum. She is said to have crashed into the back of a runner competing in a Tough Run challenge – comprising laps of the historic green space. Three ambulances, police officers and the London Air Ambulance went to the scene on a busy Saturday morning. The injured woman was airlifted to Royal London Hospital, where she was reported to be in a critical condition. The runner did not need hospital treatment. Dave Krangel of Tough Run race organisers The Fix said: “The cyclist

AIRLIFT: After crash. Pic: Anna Senkara

was coming down the hill at speed and went in to the back of one of our runners. I believe she may have been distracted and looked around, then collided with our runner. “Unfortunately she wasn’t wearing a helmet. Hopefully she’ll be OK..” Eyewitness journalist Anna Senkara said: “The area was cordoned off and a crashed bike was in the middle of the street.” It is not the first crash involving Turn to Page 14

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egular readers will know we’re not huge fans of the new Greenwich Square development – the giant grey box that replaced Greenwich Hospital (and looks a little bit like it!). It doesn’t help that buildings here must be compared to classics designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Inigo Jones. What do you think? Tell us your choice as the best and worst builidings here. As the population grows there are plenty to choose from! We’d love to know yours. Email Matt@ TheGreenwichVisitor.com he Progress Estate in Eltham was the answer to another housing crisis a century ago. It was built to house growing numbers of workers at the Woolwich Arsenal munitions factory during World War One, and is a Conservation

About the GV THE Greenwich Visitor is published once a month – on the first day of the month – and is distributed every day. We print on average 40,000 copies every month. Of those around 30,000 are taken by RESIDENTS and 10,000 by VISITORS. Readers CHOOSE to read The Greenwich Visitor. We don’t go through letterboxes, so we don’t get mistaken for junk mail or magazines and end up straight in the bin. It means all our copies are taken locally, by people who WANT to read us, within easy reach of your business. Find your copy at: Waitrose, Greenwich: Dreadnought Wharf, Victoria Parade, 1 Thames St, SE10 9FR Sainsburys Greenwich: 55 Bugsby’S Way London SE10 0QJ. Co-Op Greenwich: 200 Trafalgar Road SE10 9ER Sainsburys Eltham: 1a Philipot Path SE9 5DL Sainsburys Lee Green: 14 Burnt Ash Road SE12 8PZ Asda Charlton: Bugsby Way, Charlton, SE7 7ST And at selected hotels, bars and restaurants. If you’d like to stock the Greenwich Visitor for your customers please call 07731 645828. And from our street distributors, Clive, Debbie and Senira. Advertising & Editorial: Matt Clark Matt@TheGreenwichVisitor.com

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The Greenwich Visitor’s admirable social diary, brought to you by the spirit of Horatio Nelson area for its distinctive style, including small windows. Its Centenary celeb-rations have begun with a talk about gardens, and many more events are planned. Congratulations! iverpudlians want their boat back...the former Mersey Ferry Royal Iris is in a sorry

state of repair at its mooring on the Thames in Woolwich. But campigners cannot trace its owner to offer to buy it. A bizarre dilemma. But did you know there are TWO Irises? We spotted MV Royal Iris of the Mersey at Birkenhead on a recent trip North. Aged 55, she still plies her trade and has

had a £500,000 refit. Let’s hope the two Irises are reunited one day. If you know the owner of our own rather sad-looking vessel, call us! We’d love to talk..

here’s what YOU ask US There’s a lot of work going on at Pepys House, 2 Cutty Sark Greenwich Market...are they Gardens (just next to the Cutty building the new hotel they were Sark). It’s officially London’s best talking about? Not any more! TIC. And the excellent staff there Greenwich Hospital, which owns won the Gold Award in the 2013 the site, won permission to build a Information Provider of the Year hotel but the recession changed all category of the Visit England that. We were first to report the excellence awards (after landing plan had been delayed. Then the Silver last year). You don’t HAVE landlords announced it was OFF. to be a tourist to use their But they are improving the roof, expertise either. Get advice, buy putting a new smaller market in a tickets for boats, tube, DLR, rail, yard next door and refurbishing buses and coaches, book a tour, shops and offices. It has new buy tickets for other attractions (if opening days during the work: you must!). Discover Greenwich Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and next door is great for kids. Sundays. There’s been a market We heard about a yacht race here since the 1300s. coming to Greenwich? Too late! Is the Foot Tunnel working yet? The Tall Ships Festival was in After a botched £11.5million September. And it was mostly refurb, the final touches were still great. Around 15 ships will be being put to the 112-year-old back in August and Greenwich Greenwich tunnel as the Tall Ships Council wants an annual event. arrived last September...only for a lift to fail. Things still aren’t right. Is anyone using the cable car See our story on Page 14 about a yet? Cheeky! The Emirates Air possible new app. Info: Fogwoft. Line is amazing. Sadly it’s little use for getting about but it is a org.uk. Updates: www. fabulous, futuristic greenwich.gov.uk/ attraction that we Greenwich/Travel/ love. TfL just need foot-tunnels to tell more I read that people about it. Greenwich is a Yo u k n o w WANT TO ADVERTISE? World Heritage where we are! S i t e ? Ye s , i t HAVE A STORY? We watched gainsd UN the Olympics in Call Matt on 07731 645828 World Heritage Greenwich. It’s Site status in the Matt@TheGreenwich a lot different 1990s. It means now. There was a our buildings and Visitor.com 20,000-seater history are so amazing they’re UNstadium here in 2012. It protected. was controversial, but most And it’s a Royal Borough? Yes. We agree the Games helped our have 1,000 years of Royal links. global appeal. Henry VIII and Elizabeth I were Museums. Are they free? Yes – born here and christened at St except the Fan Museum, which Alfege Church, in the town centre. has no public funding but a In fact Queen Elizabeth played world-leading collection of fans. under the oak tree that now bears And the Wernher Collection of art her name in Greenwich Park. at Ranger’s House, run by English Dating tests have just proved the Heritage. There are some paid for tree – which fell down in a storm exhibitions at the National in the 1990s – is the right age. The Maritime Museum including the Queen Elizabeth granted Royal current Against Captain’s Orders. Status in February 2012. You pay to stand on the Meridian What shou ld we do today? L i n e i n s i d e t h e R o y a l You’ve picked up a Greenwich Observatory too. And since Visitor – good start. Next visit the February it’s been 20p to use the Tourist Information Centre at loos in Greenwich Park.

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rom rollerbladers to runners; cyclists to sightseers; buggy pushers to sunbathers; drivers to diners...fabulous Greenwich Park is the place where millions of us choose to relax. But it’s right after the awful cycle crash last month to remind ourselves that other people’s safety is paramount. Play safe! reat news from the Fan Museum, where an amazing 170 people attended a free open day for seniors last month. Curator Jacob Moss says he was “delighted” with the response. Did it have anything to do with our preview and author Colin Brown’s superb feature last month on the museum’s new Waterloo exhibition? Who knows? Who cares...Just get along and enjoy this treasure of Greenwich.

This is the place where groups and people tell us what they do, why, and how you can help. This month: Greenwich Parent Voice

Greenwich Parent Voice Nothing is more important to parents than the health and happiness of their children.

Sadly families of disabled children have to fight much harder to make sure that their children will have equal life chances. They face huge challenges in education, health, housing, social care, leisure and, later on, employment. Greenwich Parent Voice is an independent group of parents of children with special needs and disabilities. Our goal is to give a voice to all parents in local government and improve services and provision. We do this by listening to parents, finding out what is working and where service gaps exist and – importantly – what their ideas are for creating a better system to support their child. We pass their opinions to decision makers in the council and NHS trusts. While we don’t offer case support we know that no-one understands better the reality of life with a disabled child than another parent in the same situation. For this reason we try and connect parents to each other, and to support groups that can help. Meeting and sharing experiences can make a huge difference. Parents can come together at our monthly walk in Greenwich Park and a free creative drop-in group at a local cafe. They can find out useful information at our free events such as the recent presentation by a top barrister in disability law (above); over one hundred parents came to learn about about legal changes to the education system and the new Care Act. We also make sure we reach parents by visiting schools and holding coffee mornings with speakers. Greenwich is full of great services and some really inclusive schools but more could be done. To to get our issues higher up on the political agenda, last month we invited local councillors and Parliamentary candidates to a reception. We presented a summary of the actions parents are looking for from politicans to support disabled children and their families. It was a really productive evening, and one we hope to hold regularly. For more information on how to get involved visit our website www.greenwichparentvoice.com follow us on Twitter @GPVinfo or connect with us on Facebook.

WHY WE’RE HERE

Vivien Davies

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OLD ROYAL NAVAL COLLAGE THESE are the wonderful winning pictures on the Old Royal Naval College’s new photography competition. Hundreds of entrants captured the unique magic of the former palaces in Greenwich, designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Edmund Ault’s Dolphin Fountain won the Over 25’s section. Dario Ferrazzi’s close up of the chapel’s pulpit was the 16-25 year old section winner. And Daisy Mayhew’s Chain and Reflection won the Under 16s prize. The photographs are on show at the new Hidden Details of the ORNC exhibition at Discover Greenwich from April 1. Info www.ornc.org Don’t forget, we love to see your pictures too. Email your memories of a fabulous day here to Matt@ TheGreenwichVisitor.com

WINNER: Dolphin Fountain

WINNER: Pulpit

WINNER: Chain and reflection

SEND US YOUR PICTURE OF A PERFECT DAY Send us a photo. Email:

matt@TheGreenwichVisitor.com

small ads... big laughs! Get your gag in comedy window

SABO Newsagents in Greenwich is celebrating 90 years of trading…and that’s not the only reason it’s famous here.

The shop is renowned for the quirkiest small ads – anywhere, writes TONY CLARK. Among cars for sale and rooms to let are: FOR SALE: PARACHUTE, USED ONCE, UNOPENED £299 ONO. And... GOLDIE: MY EXTREMELY CLEVER LABRADOR. IF YOU ARE READING THIS, PLEASE COME HOME NOW. Shop owner Bob Sabo says the contributions in the small ads tradition began 15 years ago when a black cab driver called Sabo’s Newsagent, window. To celebrate the shop’s 0 t h a n n i v e r s a r y, B o b i s Derek asked to put a couple of Stockwell Street 9inviting customers to come up gags in the window. with the funniest gag. They were so good, Bob Only the best makers of mirth waived the 60p a week fee for Every day! will join Bob’s hallowed hall of the wannabe comedy writer. humour. The standard is high, Bob says: ‘’It keeps people here’s a recent example: happy and we keep the window fresh.’’ MORSE CODE ENTHUSIAST SEEKS LIKE So if you like: MINDED PEOPLE FOR FRIENDLY - . - . . . . . GREENWICH DISTRICT VENTRILOQUISTS . - - . . . and tap dancing. CLUB, ANNUAL FUND RAISING DINNER. Email Matt@TheGreenwichVisitor.com BRING YOUR OWN GOTTLE. Or... with your best effort or drop a postcard in to FOR SALE; 200 COAT HANGERS. MY WIFE RECENTLY LEFT ME. DAVE... Rob’s shop. You can even get you own comedy Good luck – and may the best gag win!

WHERE WHEN

Marathon

Day

Join us for live race coverage and thirst quenching drinks on tap to celebrate making it to the end in one piece! Greenwich’s finest roast dinners will be served from midday through until 8.45pm with half price deals for runners as a pat on the back from us. Live music from 6pm to finish off your tired legs!

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Miles Hedley’s pick of this month’s best events. Our unique 3-month listings begin on Page 18

THRILL ME Greenwich Theatre presents this musical version of the true story of Leopold and Loeb, two rich-kid US students who murdered a 14-year-old boy simply to prove their intellectual superiority by committing the perfect crime. Only they were dim enough to get caught. Apr 8-18

ROMESH RANGANATHAN

MONSTER BOOK: Frankenthing

Supported by brilliant comedienne Suzi Ruffell, the award-winning stand-up brings his Rom Wasn’t Built In A Day show to Blackheath Halls. If you haven’t already got tickets for this sell-out show, don’t despair - the pair have been booked to make a return visit next month. Apr 10

SHEILA E Dazzling drummer who won worldwide fame providing beats for Prince and went on to play alongside superstars ranging from Lionel Ritchie to Ringo Starr. Sheila and her band will be belting out a playlist of pulsating funk when they headline the 02’s Brooklyn Bowl. Apr 10

OUR MIGHTY GROOVE Borough Hall is hosting this acclaimed show - by pioneering company Uchenna Dance - in which the audience interact with the performers in choreographer Vicki Igbokwe’s tale about five youngsters revelling in a wild night at an underground House music club in New York. Apr 11

RIOT JAZZ

10 TO DO APRIL

Anyone who has seen this astounding brass-driven eight-piece will know that few groups are more appropriately named than this one. If you’re in any doubt at all, check out their latest album Sousamaphone! or, better still, catch them in storming action at the Albany. Apr 11

DOJOJI Ancient Japanese legend - the earliest written version is 1,000 years old - tells how a Buddhist temple acquired a bell. This interpretation at Laban Theatre is performed by dancer Chieko Kojima, Taiko Meantime’s awesome drummers and flute virtuoso Clive Bell. Apr 16

JOHN KIRKPATRICK Having had to pull out of an earlier gig because of bereavement, the iconic accordionist who is one of the greatest names ever in British folk finally makes it to Charlton House, this time headlining a St George’s Day concert organised by Global Fusion Music and Arts. Apr 24

STRING QUARTET FESTIVAL The Trinity Laban event features, among others, such internationally lauded quartets as Quatuor Prima Vista, Benyounes, Piatti, Wihan and Carducci in a series of workshops and concerts held at the Old Royal Naval College, St Alfege and the National Maritime Musuem. Apr 24-25

LONDON MARATHON The 41-year-old world record-holder Paula Radcliffe will be making her farewell run at this year’s outing of the annual race which starts in Greenwich Park and draws thousands of entrants - many of them sporting bizarre costumes - from around Britain and the rest of the world. Apr 26

SUNSPOTS Poet Simon Barraclough launches his latest collection Sunspots at the Royal Observatory, where he will be joined by TV presenter and solar astrophysicist Dr Lucie Green and film-maker Jack Wake-Walker to lead a discussion about collaborations between artists and scientists. Apr 30

monsters ink Banx’ new creation M E E T a h o r r i b l e n e w Greenwich with his wife comedy character made in Elaine and their four children Greenwich...Frankenthing! Grace, Paloma, Ava and Lulu. The monster – designed by Dr Frankenstein as a friend for his monster – is made form something the castle cat Igor dragged in from the garden. F r a n k e n t h i n g ’s c r e a t o r cartoonist Jeremy Banx says: “He and the Monster become great friends. But Igor enjoyed killing Frankenthing so much the first time; he can’t wait to do it all over again.” He explains: ‚“It’s my first eBook and it’s for children and adults of all ages. Frankenthing is a humorous horror/sci-fi story filled with jokes, quirky characters and bizarre plot twists.” Jeremy lives in

He draws a daily pocket cartoon for the Financial Times and, since becoming a professional cartoonist aged 21 in 1980, his work has appeared in Private Eye, Punch, New Statesman, the Evening Standard, Daily Express, Mail o n S u n d a y, M e n O n l y, Mayfair, Penthouse and She. Banx’s books include Cubes, The Many Deaths of Norman Spittal, Big Fat Sleepy Cat and The Dewsburys. In 2008 and 2012 he was voted Pocket Cartoonist of the Year by the Cartoon Art Trust. www.facebook.com/Frankenthing Info: banxcartoons@gmail.com Twitter: @banxcartoons

TOP DRAW: Artist Banx at work. Picture: Andrew O’Carroll

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Astonomers’ home refurb A £140,000 grant will help revamp the Flamsteed Apartments – the home of Greenwich’s Astronomers Royal and their families. The rooms will become a suite of permanent galleries, showing objects relating to the lives of giants like Edmond Halley and Nevil Maskelyne. Charles II created the Astronomer Royal role in 1675. Items on display for the first time from next March include an 18th-century wedding dress, artwork made by the children living there and even household bills! The £140,025 grant is from Department for Culture and the Wo l f s o n M u s e u m s a n d Galleries Improvement Fund. Info: www.rmg.co.uk

mowedness Nutty Boys muck in ahead of OnBlackheath

CUTTY BOYS: Chris Foreman, Mark Bedford, Suggs, and Woody Picture: CLIVE REFFELL

OnBlackheath

WH ERE Dartmouth Field WH EN Sept 12&13

Baroque in Blackheath BLACKHEATH goes baroque this month with two concerts by Solisti Divini – an international group of 12 London-based soloists. Led by Artistic Director and violinist Lana Trotovsek, the group will perform concertos by JS and CPE Bach and Benda. On Friday April 17 they perform at the Church of the Ascension in Dartmouth Row, Blackheath. The following night they are at All Saints Church, Blackheath. Soloists include Lana, violinist Yuka Matsumoto, M a s u m i Ya m a m o t o o n harpsichord) and Boris Bizjak and Chikako Matsumoto on flute. Tickets are £18 (Cons £15; 12 and unders free) from www.eventbrite.co.uk

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MADCAP pop legends Madness muck in to preparations for OnBlackheath ...by helping mow the grass!

And lead singer Suggs confessed it wasn’t the first time he’d put in a shift on the Heath, writes EMMA SUPPLE. He told me: “I did have a job here on a bouncy castle when I was about 16 years old. But some local EM FOR MADNESS: kids punctured it and it went down. Emma meets band “My boss was in the pub and when he came back he found a hugely deflated inflatable Embarrassment and and castle full of screaming Our House. They even Greenwich children and I was played on the roof of sacked and that was Music Time Buckingham Palace the end of that!” a t t h e Q u e e n ’s Fortunately Diamond Jubilee Suggs – real name in 2012... G r a h a m Old Royal Naval College B u t o n McPherson – went September 13 their on to form Madness, feet will be firmly and the fun-loving on the ground when 26 23July “Nutty Boys” became they headline Sunday one of Britain’s best night at the second loved bands with including House of Fun, It Must Be Love, O n B l a c k h e a t h – t h e i r o n l y M y G i r l ’ s M a d A t M e , London gig this year – supported

WHERE WHEN

Tom Jones headline four nights of Greenwich Music Time at the Old Royal Naval College. Surprisingly, Suggs said On Blackheath will be the North Londoners’ first show south of the river in 36 years together. “We’ve never played in South London before and I thought it was about time. It’s a beautiful spot, friends of mine came last year and said it was a fabulous festival.” But at least one band member won’t have far to travel... “We’ve got an emigre – Woody by Laura Mvula and Kelis. The crossed the border into South night before, Elbow headline, with t h e Manic Street Preachers London,” says Suggs. “We see very little of him now, but he’s supporting. going to do the translating for us.” TV illusionist Dynamo has Drummer Woody chips in: “It’s also signed up for a twosimple, you just say ‘I love South day House of Mystery London.’ It’s easy!” stage at the event. And he promises: “We are It will be the second going to recreate Suggs’ bouncy major music festival here castle, aren’t we? We are going to – from July 23 to 26 make sure loads of people former Kink Ray are bouncing up and Davies, the Gipsy down!” Kings, George MYSTERIOUS: Info www.onblackheath.com Benson and Sir Dynamo www.greenwichmusictime.co.uk

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new book tells of triumph & Hidden Details of the ORNC: Exhibition Wed 1 April – Sun 14 June, 10.00 – 17.00

Ever fancied taking a dip in The Thames? Once it was a popular pastime. In her new book author Caitlin Davies tells the story of swimming in the capital’s river How pleasant from that dome-crowned hill To view the varied scene below, Woods, ships, and spires, and, lovelier still, The encircling Thames’ majestic flow!’

Hundreds entered our Flickr photography competition ‘Hidden Details of the ORNC’. Come and see the winning photographs and a selection of others. Venue: Gallery at the ORNC, Discover Greenwich

Hidden Details of the ORNC: Easter Trail until Sun 12 April, 10.00 – 17.00 Explore the ORNC and discover some of the surprising hidden details in the paintings, objects and buildings with the Easter trail, full of games, spotting and activities. £2 per trail, includes a map and prize. Suitable for ages 5+. Trails available at the Welcome Desk in Discover Greenwich.

Architecture for All: English Baroque Thu 7 May, 18.30 Dan Cruickshank opens the season with a talk exploring the notion of the ‘English baroque’ and the work of those architects, including Nicholas Hawksmoor and Thomas Archer, whose distinct, original and sometimes idiosyncratic creations are associated with this unique strand of European architecture. Tickets £5 and £3 for Angels. Glass of wine or soft drink included. Venue: Lecture room 080 in Queen Anne block of the University of Greenwich

William Gifford (1756-1826) – Greenwich Hill

T’S a muggy summer’s morning when I come out of Woolwich Arsenal station on my way to the Royal Arsenal, once one of the world’s leading centres for manufacturing munitions.

There are only around forty miles left of my journey down the Thames and today I’m heading for the Greenwich Heritage Centre, on the hunt for swimming stories and in particular the history of Greenwich Beach. Few people are out today on this recently redeveloped site; a woman is walking a dog; another pushes a crying child in a buggy. I walk down a wide paved boulevard past expensive looking apartment buildings and then Firepower: The Royal Artillery Museum. In the distance, by the Royal Arsenal Pier, there seems to be a group of soldiers and it takes me a while to realise they’re rather menacing cast-iron statues. At the pier itself there’s the usual warning sign, ‘Danger of injury, strong currents and deep water’, but when I look over the wall the Thames is motionless and the water silky. In Victorian times this was the site, just east from here, of the Princess Alice disaster, then described as “one of the most fearful disasters of modern times” and today as the largest loss of life in peacetime Britain. On the evening of 3 September 1878, several hundred passengers were returning from a Moonlight Trip from Swan Pier, near London Bridge, to the Rosherville Pleasure Gardens in Gravesend. The Princess Alice was one of the London Steamboat Company’s largest saloon steamers PROM: Edwardians use and at around 8pm, in sight of North Greenwich beach Woolwich Pier, it collided with a Newcastle-bound collier, the iron-built SS Bywell Castle. The Princess, said to be as “thin as eggshell”, split in author two and sank in less than five Discover more about thes at ok minutes. Many passengers bo er oth r he and were trapped in the wreckage enough life belts www.caitlindavies.co.uk and drowned; others died in for everyone on Follow her on twitter the river in which an hour board. The Thames @caitlindavies2 earlier raw sewage had been River Police’s rowing released from sewer outfalls at boats based at Wapping Crossness. Hardly any of the passengers were replaced with steam would have been able to swim, only “a launches, there was a new plan for few” were reported as having made it to dumping sewage at sea, rather than shore, and the paddle steamer was releasing it downriver, and treatment barely equipped with life belts – the works on shore. press reported “a dozen or more few years later, on the northern lifebuoys onboard”. Around 700 people side of the Thames from here, the Royal Pavilion Pleasure Gardens died, just 100 were rescued. Newspaper reports painted a horrific scene, with (now the site of the Royal Victoria “the river for a hundred yards full of Gardens) was the starting point for a drowning people screaming in anguish race which “severely tested the strength and praying for help.” The captain of a of amateur swimmers,” reported The nearby ship launched a boat and Times, “as they had to go nearly across although he saved eleven people the the river and back again.” But by the early twentieth century vessel was so swamped by crowds “shrieking and drowning” that “it was newspaper reports on Thames swimming necessary to quench their hopes by in this area tend to focus on tragedies. In knocking them off the sides with oars”. the summer of 1920 two men jumped As a result of the tragedy, new safety into the river at midnight “for a rules were put in place, as they would be wager”and attempted to swim across, again after the Marchioness disaster in with fatal consequences. The same year 1989. All ships would pass each other a man was seen swimming fully dressed on the port side, and there would be before he sank opposite the North

find out more

Wren’s twin-domed riverside masterpiece T: 020 8269 4799 E: boxoffice@ornc.org ornc.org

/oldroyalnavalcollege /orncgreenwich /groups/ornc /orncgreenwich

Woolwich Pier. As ever with the story of the Thames, the river has been the scene of pleasure, sport and, because of lack of swimming ability and pollution, tragedy. Upstream from here, to the west, is the Thames Barrier, one of the world’s largest movable flood barriers, run and maintained by the Environment Agency, and where the PLA swimming ‘ban’ from Putney ends. The barrier opened in 1982, spanning 520 metres across the Thames, and is said to protect 125 square kilometres of central London from flooding caused by tidal surges. This was a memorable spot for Kevin Murphy during his 1980 swim, when he ran out of tide. “They were building the Thames Barrier at the time,” he explains, “and I had to fight to get through the pillars, the workmen were cheering and shouting me on but I couldn’t get through. I spent six and a half hours going nowhere. I might have gone backwards a bit. The water was really, really black and sludgy. What I didn’t know then, what no one told me, was I was stuck at the sewage works, which was probably why I got ill.” Lewis

GreenwichVisitor THE

tragedy swimming the thames...

Greenwich Mean Tide PILLARS: Thames Barrier being built

depths of the Depression, ‘when to provide some holiday opportunity for people who had no means of taking one, Greenwich Council imported thousands of tons of sand and – presumably with Admiralty agreement – spread it on the Royal Naval College foreshore’. I open the box of Greenwich beach photos and pick up an undated picture showing a tiny narrow strip of sand with a short flight of stone steps leading down from the Royal Naval College. Another photo, dated 1930, shows groups of children and women – most fully clothed in coats and hats – picnicking on the foreshore. Some of the children are paddling, their trousers and dresses hitched up. Then I bring out a copy of the same photo, only this time it’s labelled ‘the children of Greenwich enjoy a day on their beach in the late 1920s’. So perhaps the beach was only officially opened – or extended – a few years later, as the foreshore was clearly being used well before the 1930s. n illustrated newspaper clipping from June 1933 describes “the beach at Greenwich where little Londoners love to play at being at the seaside”; women sit on the stone steps; children and dogs play on the sand. The background is heavily industrial, full of building and boats, for the southern side of the Thames from Rotherhithe to Woolwich had long been a place of shipbuilding, although the naval dockyards at Deptford and Woolwich had closed in 1869. Postcards were produced of the beach; one also appears to be from the 1920s, in the foreground a young man in shorts seems to be towelling himself dry and it suddenly strikes me that so far no one is actually swimming in any of these pictures. A n o t h e r postcard of Greenwich Beach shows the same landscape – the beach, the steps, the boats – only t h i s t i m e i t ’s Edwardian, judging by people’s clothes. There’s a similar Edwardian bathing scene at low tide in the pages of a guide to Greenwich, issued by the council in the mid1920s, and now there are two naked boys in the foreground who appear to be getting dressed after a swim. The beach “is at the eastern end of the Pier”, a long stretch of “shingle which at low tide and, of course at the proper season, affords facilities for bathing, paddling, etc., of which the juvenile population eagerly avail themselves.” Greenwich had “long been noted for the hospitality it extends to strangers,” notes the guide, with hotels and private apartments, tea gardens and ‘temperance restaurants galore’. Next Month: Curse of the naked bathers

DEADLY: Princess Alice is hit by coalship

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Pugh’s Thames swim around a quarter of a century later, to raise environmental awareness, was rather different. When he reached the barrier he had no problem getting through, but was shocked at what he saw: “the Thames Barrier is supposed to save us from climate change and a storm surge, but when I got there I realised how small it is.” I leave the Royal Arsenal Pier and walk back up the boulevard to the Greenwich Heritage Centre, which houses the local history library and the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s museum. There’s nothing on display about swimming, but archivist Jonathan Partington has some documents in the search room where the local studies collection is kept. It’s quiet inside; there are the usual filing cabinets, wooden tables and the obligatory blue carpet. I sit by an open door, hoping for a breeze; outside I can see a courtyard where a group of primary school

children in full camouflage gear are being told to stand in line. Jonathan hands me a thin manila folder labelled Swimming. Inside there is just one newspaper article, dated September 1895, which explains, ‘we announced that Sam Martin, of Woolwich Baths, would attempt the great swim from Blackwall to Gravesend. He has done it – that is the attempt. But he did not quite succeed in the task.’ Only two others had managed this nineteenand-a-half-mile-course, Captain Webb and Fred Bownes. Martin almost made it; he only had half a mile to go when the tide turned and his friends persuaded him to stop. ‘Unless a man can swim 3¬º miles an hour with the tide for six successive hours,’ noted the paper, ‘he has no chance.’ Jonathan wheels in a trolley with three old books of council minutes, as well as a huge cardboard box of photographs labelled “Greenwich beach, pier

Downstream: A History and Celebration of swimming The River and power Thames by Caitlin station”. Davies, £16.99 Then he hardback, Aurum brings a box of Thames Press. www.caitlin-

riverside pictures, and another until I have five on the table in front of me. This is the best photograph collection I’ve yet to see in any Thames-side archives. ’ve already read that in the 1930s an official beach was created at Greenwich, and, like the beach near Tower Bridge, it became a popular place for those who couldn’t afford to get to seaside resorts. Children went beachcombing, collecting pieces of chalk and selling them, while families spread out on the sand to have tea. I’ve also been told by Dr Pieter van der Merwe, General Editor and Greenwich Curator at the National Maritime Museum, that in the hot summer of 1933, in the

April 2015 Page 7

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THE STORY OF CLERIC THOMAS PLUME Tucked away in the vestry of St Alfege’s Church is a stained-glass window that survived the 1941 bombing of the church. It depicts two former clerics – to the left is longserving Vicar of Greenwich Thomas Plume. To the right, with quill pen and theological work, sits William Paley. David Larkin tells their story

LIFE IN

SAMUEL Pepys was impressed. On September 17 1665, he wrote in his diary: “Being ready, we to church ... and a fine church and very good sermon (Mr Plume being a very excellent scholler and preacher).”

ELTHAM

with GAYNOR WINGHAM

But it is not for his fine sermons that Thomas Plume – appointed vicar of St elthamarts@aol.co.uk @ @ElthamArts Alfege’s Church in the turbulent days after Oliver Cromwell’s death – is ith spring flowers in the parks and garremembered today. dens in Eltham, April must be a time to Plume was born in 1630, at Maldon, get out in the open air. You may have Essex, where in 991, the sporting to dodge a few showers, but a brisk walk or behaviour of the Saxon army famously a gentle stroll around one of our lovely parks, brought about its defeat by Viking Oxleas Woods or the paths behind Eltham Palmarauders. As young Thomas grew up, ace, could be healthy and inspirational. new battles were looming. t is not only William Worsdworth who was inOn a fateful March day, 1642, Charles spired by a host of golden daffodils, but our I rode out of Greenwich Palace and Eltham poets wrote a number of poems celheaded north to raise his standard at ebrating the flora and fauna in Eltham. Perhaps Nottingham on August 22 and start the you could be inspired to write a poem. Try it! English Civil War. The struggle was still raging in 1646 when Plume left aking snapshots on a walk is a great Chelmsford Grammar School for Christ’s thing to do. Catch the moment; a group College, Cambridge. When he graduated of flowers, the twisting shape of branches in 1650, Charles had been beheaded and against the sky, the sun shining through the England was a republic. trees, the view from Eltham Park South, TuThese were interesting times... dor Barn or the roof of Avery Hill Winter Garden Religion was in turmoil. To some, the would make lovely photos. You don’t need a lot of equipment. Take your camera phones liturgy of the Church of England was out and look around. anathema. In 1644, Presbyterians replaced the Book of Common Prayer ur small parks – such as The Tarn – are with a New Directory of Public Worship. lovely in the spring. Why not seek them In 1646, control of the Church by out? Look at the flora and fauna, but bishops was outlawed in favour of also the history which is kept alive by the Councils of Elders. Others wanted no many Friends Groups. Take your sketch pad national church at all. and sit there awhile. Walk up to Severndroog By upbringing Plume should have Castle in Oxleas Woods. The ancient woodland been a Puritan. Maldon Corporation had is at its best. You can climb to the top of the long favoured Calvinism and his father castle and enjoy the wonderful views. Watch – merchant, landowner and alderman – the parakeets in the trees. Is this really South served as an Elder in one of the new East London? Councils. But, perhaps shocked by the troll down to Eltham Palace – English Herturbulent age, the young man favoured itage is opening some more rooms to the the old-established ways of the Church of public from April. You can see the wartime England. basement bunker the Courtaulds built to proAt some point he was befriended by tect them from bombing during World War Two traditionalist Dr John Hacket, later to – rather more luxurious than many Eltham peobecome Bishop of Litchfield. Hacket, ple experienced in the living in his Cheam parish, needed books Blitz! There’s also the from London but so appalled was he at map room and more the execution of Charles I, he felt bedrooms to explore. unable to enter the City. So istoric buildPlume became his agent. At ings and parks some time too, he must have here in Eltham MODEST: Plume and the Observatory he funded at Oxford in 1707 been secretly ordained. inspired many of our On September 22 1658, Greenwich Eltham Postcard Competition entrants. less than three weeks after We have had some wonderful entries. Do come Centre n Tow Oliver Cromwell’s death, along to the Eltham Centre Library in Archery and probably through Road on Thursday April 23 at 6pm to see some Hacket’s influence, Plume of the entries and congratulate the winners of Open every day c o u l d h e l p s a i l o r s fault, Plume never attached his name to was appointed vicar of St the competition. Be part of Life in Eltham! calculate longitude. any bequest. His one known portrait he Alfege’s by Oliver’s son, till 4pm In 1707, his observatory specifically excluded from his library. It Richard. He served the parish was erected on the roof of the hangs today in Maldon’s ancient Moot till his death in 1704, though from This column is your chance to share your passion Great Gate at Trinity College – Hall. 1679 he was also Archdeacon of for the arts in Eltham. Call me with news & views Sir Isaac Newton advising. It was later A confirmed bachelor, Plum professed 200 year-old farmhouse inAndalucía, Andalucía, Spain Spain Rochester. on 07976 355398 or email elthamarts@aol.co.uk 200 year-old farmhouse in But he Change was in the air. From the start, neglected and with its “divers large he had “ill opinion of marriage.” 200 year-old farmhouse in Andalucía, Perfect for family and group holidays 200 year-old farmhouse in Andalucía, Spain “being Perfect for family and group holidaysSpain Plume felt secure enough to re-introduce T e l e s c o p s a n d M a t h e m a t i c a l left £100 to help ten women marry 200 year-old farmhouse ingroup Andalucía, Spain years in for family and Perfect for family and group holidays holidays Church of England services. Deptford Instruments” taken down in 1797. But above 24 years old, and seven Perfect Plume’s Professorship survives. Many one service.” Perfect for family and group holidays diarist John Evelyn received Holy For his burial, he required “small Communion on Easter Day 1659 and, famous astronomers have occupied the Chair, including George Airy, 7th attendance and an ordinary black coffin,” like Samuel Pepys, became a frequent Astronomer Royal whose meridian at not within Rochester’s great Cathedral ALMOND HILL HOUSE visitor. 200 year-old farmhouse in Andalucía, Spain Plume was no scientist. Yet in his will Greenwich in 1884, became the Prime but in the quiet graveyard of Longfield 200 year-old farmhouse Andalucía, SpainSpain 200 year-oldinfarmhouse in Andalucía, Parish Church, near Dartford. Plume 200 year-old farmhouse in Andalucía, Spain he left money for a Professorship of Meridian of the World. Perfect for family and group holidays Perfect forgroup family and group holidays After his death, Plume’s will funded a wrote his own Latin epitaph. A translation Perfect for family and holidays Astronomy and Experimental Philosophy Perfect for family and group holidays Setinintwo twoacres acresof ofolive oliveand andalmond almondgroves groves Set at Cambridge University together with an host of other good causes. For poor r e a d s : “ H e r e u n d e r n e a t h l i e s t h e widows of clergymen at Bromley £100; Archdeacon of Rochester, the greatest of stunning mountain views – large pool – yoga hut Set two acres of olive and pool almond groves observatory. Almost certainly his Set in two acres of olive andinalmond groves stunning mountain views – large – yoga hut sayin of experience at Greenwich influenced him. books for Chelmsford Grammar School sinners, would that I might Set two acres of olive and almond groves stunning mountain views – large pool – yoga stunning mountain views Explore – large pool – yoga hut the Sierra Nevada, hut Moorish villages, the book Explore Moorish villages, the Sierra Nevada, In 1675 he would have seen Wren and £20; relief of five poor tradesmen in penitents also. Seek his name instunning mountain views – large pool – yoga hut beaches ofSierra the Costa Tropical and magical Granada see Moorish villages, Explore Moorish villages, themagical Sierra Nevada, Explore the Nevada, beaches of the Costa Tropical and Granada Robert Hooke’s Observatory rise in the Rochester £50; and so the list goes on. of life. A day will come which will Explore Moorish the Sierra beaches ofmagical theNevada, Costa magical Granada SetTropical in two acresand of olive and almond groves beaches of the Costavillages, Tropical and Granada Park. And from parishioner John For Greenwich, he provided almshouses me restored to light.” mountain views – large pool – yoga hut Naturally, he omitted his name. beaches of the Costa Tropical and magical stunning Granada Flamsteed, first Astronomer Royal, he and the means for educating two poor Next month: William Paley Explore Moorish villages, the Sierra Nevada, would have learned how the heavens boys at John Roan School. Modest to Set in two acresbeaches of olive and groves of the Costaalmond Tropical and magical Granada

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ALFIE raps from the a to the z to raise red nose cash for charity! YOUNG Alfie Pryke raised £1160 by performing a devilishly-difficult tongue-twisting 341-word A to Z rap in a packed Greenwich pub! The 10-year-old rapped Alphabet Aerobics at the Cutty Sark to raise money for Comic Relief on Red Nose Day, writes SOLANGE BERCHEMIN. The track by Blackalicious went viral after Harry Potter star Daniel

Radcliffe performed it on TV (right) – inspiring Alfie’s feat. “It makes me really sad to know that children have nothing when I’ve got so much,” Alfie told me. “I moan when I can’t have a second chocolate biscuit and there are kids who don’t even get one.” Alfie said it took him four weeks to learn the rap, and that difficult letters like S and Z took FIVE HOURS each

SUPERFAST & the furious Your guide to Broadband here

already have a landline with these companies they’ll tell you whether or not you can get superfast. BT claim they alone cover “almost” 90 per cent of the borough with their superfast service, BT Infinity. First the good news: When it comes to Now for the not so good news: Infinity Superfast Broadband – the kind that gets seems to be the time it will take to arrive. you HDTV, lightning-fast web pages and People waiting don’t have a clue when it will great connections for video chat – our come. Neither has BT. The main rival to BT Openreach is Smart City label is spot on. Virgin, who have their own cables. Ninety per cent of Greenwich can They say they cover just 60 per get Superfast broadband – more cent of the Borough, but that than the 78 per cent national figure will increase. While fewer average and near the in Greenwich can get it, Virgin is Government’s national target of rated by Ofcom as best for 95 per cent by 2017 So whether customer satisfaction while BT’s you’re an app designer levels are dropping. You may developing a Greenwich gizmo or RICH: TV ads have to suffer a bit of digging or a householder video-chatting to Oz, garden path abuse to get faster, better you should be able to get it er, fast. supported Virgin if you want the TV But which should you choose? BT, Sky, Talktalk and EE depend on the same outfit – packages. Do some homework. It’s easy to find out if BT Openreach. Buy from these and you’re getting the same raw product, more or less, you can get Superfast – all companies have a down the same pipe, plus diverse TV and web gizmo where you type in postcode to see telephone bells and whistles. Openreach if you qualify. Your existing broadband might be good enough for what you want. doesn’t sell phone or broadband services. It maintains the UK’s local networks – the One day we’ll all get 4G wirelessly. Cables fibre and cables that run to local exchanges – – and grinning Richard Branson ads – not on behalf of service providers. So if you required. But it probably won’t happen fast!

to perfect. Alfie, who’s dad Julian Pryke owns the Greenwich Fishmonger in Royal Hill, said he was “ecstatic” at the support he received. He aimed to raise £260 – £10 per letter – but smashed the target with donations from around the world including Switzerland, USA, Hong Kong and Indonesia. Watch Alfie on YouTube. There’s still time to donate...

Spring time in

Driverless cars...Smart City...Greenwich is said to be blazing a trail as a hi-tech hub. But when it comes to your computer are our links up to the mark? NICK BAKER reports.

Eggstraordinary Fun! Friday 3 and Saturday 4 April Easter egg decorating, card and print making workshops. Have your photo taken with a giant Easter Balloon Bunny.

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book midsummer jazz in the park FABULOUS Mid-summer Jazz returns to Greenwich Park this summer. Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band plays in the Observatory Garden at Greenwich Park on Sunday 21 June. Organised by the Friends of the Park, there is a bar, food and ice cream. Gates open from noon and music starts at 1pm. Advance tickets are £5 (£7 on the gate) and under 16s are free. Send a cheque to Friends of Greenwich Park‚, 52 Greenwich Park Street, SE10 9LT. Call 020 8853 2150 or email cnbevan@hotmail.com To join the Friends of the Park, contact the membership secretary, Fran Tyler, on 0208 852 9540 or email tylerfrantom@ btinternet.com; or download a membership form at friendsofgreenwichpark.org.uk

run for charity RUN and become a fundraiser for Demelza Hospice Care for Children – it’s looking for entrants to the British 10k Run on Sunday July 12. 25,000 runners will take part in the race, which passes iconic sights like St Paul’s Cathedral, Big Ben and the London Eye. Call Community Fundraiser Claire Rogers on 0782 562 6868 or email claire. rogers@demelza.org.uk

trouble yellow GREENWICH Park is to have double yellow lines along footpaths. The Park is becoming so popular that pedestrians will not be allowed to stop to take in views from April 1 to improve “walker through-flow”. Tell us what you think: Email Matt@TheGreenwichVisitor.com

WHERE

Made in Greenwich, Creek Road AN ARTIST who featured in TV’s Too Tough To Teach is holding her first London exhibition here in Greenwich.

WHEN

Friday April 10 to Sunday April 26

And the pupil she helped is helping her set it up in return, writes EMMA SUPPLE. Deborah Larne was seen inspiring Calvin in the Channel 5 series which followed the story of five pupils with learning difficulties at Ian Mikardo School in Bow. This month she exhibits Sounds of Serendipity at the Made In Greenwich gallery on Creek Road. Although the style is in geometric abstract – meaning no faces or places – Larne says Greenwich has had a huge impact on her work. “My father used to bring me to see the Cutty Sark,” she said. “And I love anything maritime so Greenwich is quite important. I’m interested in visual communication and signs and signals, and especially the visual signals from the Cutty Sark.” Larne’s previous work focused on colour but she recently became enthralled by the 3,000 year old encaustic art technique using melted wax. “Because the medium is so ancient I wanted to bring it up to date.”| Pupil Calvin is helping her with the opening of the exhibition. “When I asked him if wanted to be involved, he replied: ‘Well you helped me with my exam, so I’ll help you with yours.’” Info: madeingreenwich.co.uk

When the going gets Tough, the TV teacher gets showing!

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Tunnel App is coming... GREENWICH Council has confirmed it is building an app to tell people when the Foot Tunnel lifts are out of order. We revealed the plan in last month’s edition. The historic walkways under the Thames at Greenwich and Woolwich are still not working properly after a botched £11.5million refurbishment which should have been finished in 2012. A council spokesperson told us: “We are working on a system that will present real time lift status information of all four foot tunnel lifts over the internet. This requires new hardware in the tunnels and creating new software to present the message. “Whilst this is complicated the message will be a simple, one indicating whether the lift is in service or not.” The cost of making the app is not known. The plan follows the failure of a new hi-tech project to manage cyclists and pedestrians using the tunnel. A bid for funding from the Mayor of London failed. But tunnel friends group Fogwoft says the council had promised to find other money. Our Twitter follower @Make_ Trouble said: Errm How much are they spending on this app? Couldn’t that cash be used to fix the lifts properly? @5tewartChristie said: How about just getting them working? Millions down the drain... Tell us what you think.Email Matt@TheGreenwichVisitor.com

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The sinking detective A RESEARCHER from Greenwich University is stufying the history of the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society. Dr Cathryn Pearce has begun an eight-month project looking through the Society’s archives to investigate lifesaving and coastal communities around Britain between 1700 and 1914. The Society’s chief executive M a l c o l m Wi l l i a m s s a i d : “Losses were staggering. In 1859, 1,416 British vessels – and 1,645 lives – were lost on Britain’s coast. Fortunately we don’t deal with shipwrecks on that scale but providing financial support to those in need is still important.” Dr Pearce said she was inspired by her past work on Cornish wrecks. “I began to ask questions – what happened to the victims and how were they cared for? How did communities cope? And what was the role of the charities?” Info: www.shipwrecked mariners.org.uk

WE know we’re hard to put down, but...this is paper as a teaching aid to help some locals learn ridiculous! Reader Nik Kapur says: “Here’s the English. They were fascinated with the stories of life Greenwich Visitor at Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, back in London! We read every issue of the GV Cambodia. as it is by far the best of the various local “My wife Susie, packed the paper to mags/papers.” We’re delighted you read on the way to the airport but in took us, Nik, and thrilled to have the end it made it all the way to Asia been useful! Where will you take with us. We also volunteered some us? Email your photo to Matt@ time at a charity and used the Send us a photo. Email: TheGreenwichVisitor.com

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REVIEW

GREENWICH Yacht Club members get their hands on a brand new safety boat after winning a national competition. Club member Les McKee was one of dozens of members who entered the contest run by Suzuki – sponsors of the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show, writes CLIVE REFFELL. And he won this Rigiflex Newmatic 360 safety boat powered by a Suzuki DF9.9A engine plus towing trailer and accessories for his club – worth a total of £5,300 – which was presented at the show last month. Club Commodore Stephen Wilson said: “Being on the tidal Thames, conditions can be challenging so having this sturdy and reliable boat package will come in very handy. “We will be putting the prize to good use at the club, supporting club activities, training, laying marker buoys and providing safety cover for our dinghy races, and so on.” Want to join the club? Beginners and

A family portrait A Fisherman of Greenwich by Julie Tadman

THE book tells the story of William Bracegirdle (1782-1863), a deep-sea fisherman, boat builder and entrepreneur who lived and worked in East Greenwich in the early 19th century. He was a tenant of Morden College from whom he leased Ballast Wharf and Thames Cottage, which stood on the site now occupied by the Harbour Master’s Office on Ballast Quay. The author, Julie Tadman, who is Bracegirdle’s great great greatgranddaughter, has researched and documented the life and times of her ancestor for this illustrated volume now on sale at the Greenwich Visitor Centre Tourist Information shop (£7.99). The book traces the decline of Greenwich’s once flourishing fishing industry, marked by the arrival of fast rail transport from the coastal ports. Serial entrepreneur Bracegirdle’s subsequent efforts to secure a future for his family in increasingly difficult financial circumstances are documented, as is the ruinous court case for trespass, which he pursued unsuccessfully on behalf of Morden College against the Parish of Greenwich. The book gives a fascinating insight into the life and times of the man and his dealings with those in authority and paints a vivid picture of the poorer part of Greenwich that was his home. Michael Graham-Smith

Winner: Les (centre) with Suzuki’s George Cheeseman and RYA’s SarahTresseder experienced sailors are welcome at regular Tuesday evening Club Nights at its HQ in Peartree Way, Greenwich. It provides dinghy sailing, yachting, and there is a motorboat and even a rowing section. Everyone from beginners to experts is welcome.

airlift after bike crash From Page One pedestrians and cyclists in the Park, which hosts an average 18 running events each year. In November 2013 – after a young girl was hurt in a crash with a cyclist on a footpath – the Royal Parks began putting in more painted No Cycling signs on paths and reminding people about speed limits. At the time a spokesperson told

us: “The steep topography and narrow pedestrian footpaths can lead to conflict and collisions between cyclists and pedestrians. “The speed limit in the park is 20mph but police have recorded both cars and cyclists travelling at more than 40 mph down the steep hills, which is dangerous for other Park users.” Yesterday a spokesperson said: “The comfort and safety of our

visitors is an absolute priority, which is why we work closely with event organisers to ensure adequate signage, barriers and stewarding is in place. “As a result, accidents like this are very rare, however it is a reminder to all park users to be considerate and mindful of each other and the environment they are in.” Tell us what you think about cycling in Greenwich Park - email

POLICE: Emergency services at crash scene in Park Pic: @Anna Senkara

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froggy day in london town THAT’S handy! The annual Frog Day helped raise cash for a new outdoor classroom space at Greenwich Ecology Park. Around 400 people visited the park for pond dipping, interactive workshops, frog mask-making and quiz trails. Other fundraising events included a cash collection at Asda in Charlton, a homemade hand warmer sale by Sasha and Coco and collection by customers at the Lord Hood pub in Greenwich. The planned new classroom will allow 2000 school children to get hands on education and allowing the park – on North Greenwich Peninsula – to hold bigger events in future. Info: www.tcv.org.uk

WISH you were..at the third annual Art Hub Gallery charity postcard exhibition and auction. Artists can send in up to three original 4inch by 6inch postcards in any medium – but not commercially printed – by April 18. The exhibition is from May 1 to 4 described as “an opportunity to bid for some fantastic works of art at affordable prices.” Organisers add: “There is no theme – be imaginative!‚“ All work will go on sale by silent auction with a minimum bid of £20 – minus a 10% admin fee – and proceeds from the event will be divided equally between the Ahoy Centre for sailing in Deptford and the Deborah Ubee Trust, which offers counselling and emotional support whatever your income. There are prizes to be won, although this year there are no payments to artists. Last year the sale raised over £2000 for each charity. More info at the website and blog at www.arthub.org.uk.

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A RED letter day is coming up for Eltham – the winner of the Postcard From Eltham competition will be announced on April 23 (6pm). Designs by adults and children will be on show at the Eltham Centre where the awards ceremony is being held. It’s also World Book Day and local author Dave Brinson will be talking about his first novel. The vent is organised by Eltham Arts. Info: elthamarts.org

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Support new Farm Market IT WAS an honour for me to open the new Farmers’ Market in the heart of Greenwich. An urban market here is definitely something to rejoice about – but it’s a risky and difficult venture to take on. We’ve already seen several – food markets of varying quality – come and go: A French one by the Cutty Sark ship was a poorly attended, overpriced and pompous affair. But this latest venture seems very different. I am, of course, biased...having cut the golden ribbon and declared the market officially open I’ve taken quite an interest. In fact I’ve been back each Friday to watch over its baby steps and teething problems. And there are some: Traders must pay nearly £20 to park in Greenwich town centre for the duration of a day’s trading. That’s no small sum. I really hope that Greenwich Council can help out. The first Friday was fuelled by enthusiasm, with TV celebrity traders present – No, I’m not making this up. They do exist! By week three, the market had found its identity, with a great selection of farm produce on offer: Goat’s milk cheeses from East Sussex; Kent Collection – the only charcuterie producers in the South East; Flicks Fancies offering great meat or vegetarian half-a-pound rolls; and bread from a Deptford baker as well as stalls offering goodies from eggs to chutney. Kevin and Tanya Rider seem just the people for the job. After all, Kevin grew up in Greenwich. The Christmas Tree market has been one of their family businesses for the past 30 years. They know exactly what makes a successful market and they are throwing every single ingredient in the mix. So it’s down to us – residents and visitors alike – to add the final ingredient. Let’s get to know and support the traders and make the new farmers’ market a successful social gathering. The rest will follow. Greenwich Farmer’s Market – between the new University of Greenwich architecture school and the Nat West bank – is open every Friday till 3pm. SOLANGE BERCHEMIN

HAS Britain gone stark, baking mad? Making and decorating cakes – once a gentle activity – has turned into the latest battleground for parents to prove their worth.

Shows like the Great British Bake Off inspire heated competition at school bake sales, the need for ever more ambitious afters at dinner parties and unrealistic requests from the little ‘uns for their birthday cake. But not every baker is as competitive as a Nutty Fruitcake Showstopper – most are as sweet as honey, simply wanting to share their recipes and a slice of cake..... or two. But they like to keep their gentle apprach to baking under wraps...so I had to go undercover to meet the Greenwich cell of the growing Clandestine Cake Club.... The CCC – begun in Leeds in December 2010 – has nearly 200 branches across the country, and a total of 14,600 members. Founded by Lynn Hill who told me that she eats, breaths and sleeps the Clandestine Cake Club, eating the odd slice of cake inbetween. Starting the CCC was, she explained “purely a need to getting more people together over Tea and Cake, without having to do all the baking myself. The people can do the baking and they can invite a guest. It was that simple.” Simple and intriguing indeed... Here in Greenwich there are around 40 members, led by a dynamic duo of passionate bakers – Helen O’Kelly and Sarah Southerton. I made contact with them to set up a meeting. In true clandestine

book now for our charity curry T

DAN’S CURRY CORNER

he Greenwich Curry Club charity came across an great quick fix for the curry will be held on Monday May munchies the other day - Garlic and 11 at the Gurkha’s Inn in Colomb Ginger Chicken. First cut a chicken Street. The set menu is £20 with £5 of breast into cubes and roughly cut two Momo steamed dumplings – Tandoori King Prawn 020 8293 5464 020 8480 7884 that going to the Macmillan Cancer cloves of garlic and a piece of Aachari Lamb – Gurkhali Mixed Karahi Support. Pre-booking is and manyFREE more delicious dishes OVER £12 ginger about 2cm long. HOME DELIVERY MomoRestaurant steamed dumplings – Tandoori King Prawn open every day – Free home delivery essential. Email Heat oil until very hot Lamb – 5464 Gurkhali Mixed Karahi g r21:17 eenwichcurryclub@ before adding half a GurkhasInnApril15.indd Aachari 1 27/03/2015 020 8293 hotmail.com or visit our teaspoon of cumin and many more delicious dishes 020 8480 7884 JustGiving page seeds, half a open every day – Free home delivery 17 ColombRestaurant Street, Greenwich, SE10 9HA (off Trafalgar Road) GreenwichCurryClub2015. teaspoon of mustard www.gurkhasinn.co.uk seeds, three or four op up is all the peppercorns and rage now: a Pop cook for a few Up this; a Pop Up In association with seconds only. Cover that; even a Pop Up Spice Night at the Plume 17 Colomb Street, Greenwich, SE10 9HA (off Trafalgar Road) the pan as the seeds barbers in the market. So 020 8858 1661 www.gurkhasinn.co.uk will pop and spit. Add it’s nice to see Saigon Street, garlic and ginger chunks till the long-running Pop Up Vietnamese in the Plum Tree Cafe in they start to brown (about 45 Greenwich is still going strong. Excellent seconds). Add chicken, a pinch of spicy food and good prices too. Every turmeric and stir fry until cooked. Friday from 6pm till 10pm. Pop along! Munchies satisfied.

020 8293 5464 020 8480 7884

fashion, the location was withheld until a few days before the meeting. At the appointed hour and day, I meet them in the Richard The First pub on Royal Hill, who are in on the identity of their guests. Indeed they have even done some pairing research and suggested a selection of cake-friendly beers. Each meeting has a theme. For

he famous Clifton in Westferry Road near Canary Wharf has reopened after a refurb and rebrand as the Clifton Grill House. It now promises more meaty offerings in Pakistani style rather than traditional curries – great news for those who don’t like venturing up Commercial Road to the Lahore and Tayaabs. eanwhile, a bit closer to home, at last check there was still no sign of the Spice Room along Trafalgar Road having opened its doors. The “opening soon” sign promises March...so hopefully there will be something tasty to report in the next issue.

Daniel Ford

greenwichcurryclub@hotmail.com @GreenwichCurry

GreenwichVisitor THE

with the Clandestine Cake Club

TOP SECRET: Amazing cakes at Club meeting

this secret session, members took a frugal approach to its baking. The challenge: Bake a delicious cake with a budget of just £5. The participants arrived, set their cakes complete with tags on the tables and started talking cake even before the first slice was cut. Each cake was tried in turn as there were six participants, this was manageable but I couldn’t help

asking “What would happen if every member turned up with a cake?” My attempt at interrogation was received with large smiles. “We’ll eat them all!” There is no stopping these enthusiastic amateurs. The Clandestine Cake Club is a great way to learn laterally and try out recipes. Take Nancy for example, she has plans to sell celebration cakes. Her three-tier

lemon cake, received serious and constructive feedback, not just the odd “yum, yum.” Another member explained her motivations: She loves b a k i n g b u t d o e s n ’t h a v e m a n y opportunities with only two people at home. The meetings are a fun way to spend a couple of hours and to exchange tips. Did you know that Stork margarine is “The best fat for baking but don’t use it in icing, otherwise it will slide off the cake”? And that if you were contemplating baking a red velvet cake you should Google Sainsbury’s recipe, which is the one to use? I could go on and on, spreading my newly found knowledge, like jam on a Victoria sponge cake. But that would divulge too much information. You’ll have to or attend the next meeting..or you could wait for the book. The Clandestine Cake Club’s second cookbook will be published this September. It will contain a recipe from a Greenwich member though no amount of bribery and manipulation elicited a name. The Greenwich CCC meets on average every six weeks. The next event will take inspiration from the past to bake “retro cakes” even the much-maligned Black Forest Gateau is welcomed. It will be an opportunity to dust off those 60s and 70s recipe books. It takes place on Saturday Aptril 11 (25pm). But if I told you where they’d have to kill me!

To make contact, email greenwichcakeclub@gmail.com. For writeups of previous meetings and to sign up as a member, go to the website, www. clandestinecakeclub.co.uk/greenwich. Membership is free and you don’t have to live in Greenwich.

SOLANGE BERCHEMIN

njoy Wolf Hall on TV? Dine like a King 15th century banquetstyle at the Old Brewery, on the site of the Royal Hospital’s brewhouse 140 years ago. £15 buys your Ribs, chips and a pint on Monday nights. ood luck to enterprising Olly Temur, 21, who has launched a supper club: Olly’s Turkish. ”l’m running them every Friday in south east London from April 17,” he tells us. Tickets are £25 for a three-course Turkish meal “inspired by my roots in Kastamonu, Turkey; and the cuisine of the Black Sea Region.” Kara Lahana Dolmasi (Stuffed Kale Dolma/ Rolls) Hunkar Begendi (The Sultan’s Delight) and Burma Baklava With Honey Cinnamon Cream sounds mmmagic. Book on www. eventbrite.co.uk. ell done Theatre of Wine, on Trafalgar Road, for devoting one of their April wine tasting sessions to Women Winemakers. HERE are plenty of places to hunt eggs here this month: Woodlands Farm at Shooters Hill offers an authentic setting for the peculiar Easter practice! The hunt on Thursday April 2 10-2 is £2 per child with chocolate egg included and real furry animals to spot. Rivington Grill is hiding eggs in Greenwich Park on April 4 and 5. Find one to claim your prize. Take part in an Egg Decorating contest on April 5. Kids eat free with you from Monday to Saturday there. popped in the Ashburnham Arms – in the eponymous triangle – to see for myself how the new team is doing. Verdict: Fab beer. And don’t change the chef! n Febuary I told you about the joys of dining afloat on a City Cruises boat... now you can dine on The Thames seven days a week. The sight-seeing cruise operator has expanded its Lunch and Afternoon Tea Cruises. Two-course lunch cruises from £30 per adult start from Tower Pier. Afternoon tea trips from £29 per adult. As well as endless tea, you can now order champagne at £8. It’s also launched a window seat booking system for diners. Info: www.citycruises.com

come dine with

BAKING AGENTS

April 2015 Page 17

W T I I

edited by

solange berchEmin Solange Berchemin, writer and blogger, is from Lyon, French capital of food, and has lived in London since 1993. Tell her your food news at: pebblesoup@gmail.com. Follow her blog at www. pebblesoup.co.uk (Scan the QR code left).

GreenwichVisitor THE

April 2015 Page 18

reviews: joy division

GREAT JOY Harry Denford writes great endings. The last line in Weimar Kabarett, spoken by Hitler, brought the house down. And the final scene in its companion piece Joy Division was suffused with irony and heartbreak. I won’t spoil the surprise in case you catch a future show at Lon Theatre in New Cross. Both one-act dramas examine lesser known entries in the lexicon of Nazi h o r r o r. T h e f i r s t c e n t r e s o n t h e relationship between Falling In Love Again songwriter Friedrich Hollander (Andrew Clarke) – a Jew – and US publisher and Nazi sympathiser Ernst Hanfstaengl (Loclann O’Grady) and his fascist-loving wife Helena (Charlotte Nice). The action covers the rise of Hitler (James Lelacheur) and cleverly introduces one of the protagonists in Joy Division, a Polish cabaret dancer called

Kat, played by the excellent Leonie Zeumer. An abundance of quick scenechanges made the play bitty in places but it was held together by excellent performances and terrific song-anddance routines that wouldn’t have been out of place in Bob Fosse’s Cabaret. Joy Division concentrates of Kat and five other Poles (Louise Beresford, Maria Louis, Georgina Blackledge and Ellen Patterson) forced into sex-slavery at a concentration camp who try to save the life of Erin (Lauren Surridge) after she is whipped by a sadistic Nazi soldier. It risks spilling over into melodrama from time to time but it’s an important story given extra edge by the intimacy of Lon Theatre. And the power of the ending, which gives it tragic and terrifying modern relevance, can’t be overstated. I urge you to see this show next time it’s revived. MILES HEDLEY

zoe rahman/Amanda drummond

PAIR OF ACES Award-winning jazz pianist Zoe Rahman and viola virtuoso Amanda Drummond topped the bill at an International Women's Day celebration organised by Global Fusion Music And Arts at Charlton House. The duo – who

played together in a band led by legendary reedsman Courtney Pine – blew away a packed house at the concert after dazzling turns by Chinese pipa sensation Cheng Yu and Indo-French singer Emmanuelle Martin.

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

THE LINES OF FIRE IF you are ever stricken by doubts about the strength in depth of acting standards away from the West End, hie thee to a production by Reading Between The Lines – their dynamic version of Much Ado About Nothing at Greenwich Theatre was an absolute joy. Shakespeare’s great comedy revolves around the high-energy sparring of Benedick and Beatrice and the roles simply couldn’t have been played better than by Max Roll and Dani McCallum. Their unwitting attraction was fabulously disguised in a series of clashes so physical I could almost tangibly feel the pain when McCallum hit Roll in the groin during one allegedly playful exchange. This was slapstick of the highest order. There was also a great clown’s turn by Mark Middleton as

Dogberry in director Hal Chambers’ inventive staging, which perfectly combined heartache and humour thanks to fine acting, brilliantly choreographed action sequences and some of the most realistic physical comedy I have ever seen on a stage. My only gripe was that the play was set in a modern-day barracks housing soldiers newly returned from a tour of Afghanistan. Genius transcends time and audiences are sophisticated enough to work out the relevance of Shakespeare’s battle of the sexes and the tropes of gender politics. But this is a mere quibble. In the main, this was a wonderful production that underlined the amazing talent waiting in the wings of British theatre. MILES HEDLEY

just

Doing Ali Justice TEN years ago Ali Smith wrote Kidbrooke Theatre Company an absurdist play called Just. The troupe celebrated the anniversary by reviving it for two nights at Greenwich Theatre – and like fine wine, it continues to improve with age. Just defies explanation – it’s a sort of melange of Ionesco, NF Simpson and Monty Python and is full of great jokes, many of them self-deprecating and designed to smash through the fourth wall. But its central message of the perils of being an outsider in a closed world is terrifying. And this new production, under the guidance of original director Lucy Cuthbertson, gave it brilliant contemporary relevance by dressing the ranks of the isolationists in Ukip’s colours. The politics was given added mordancy by the skilled young cast who hurled themselves into their roles with glee. Rosemary Akwafo was m a g n i f i c e n t a s t h e fo u l mouthed but doomed Victoria who tries to fight a lone battle for free expression. She was ably abetted by Jack Brook as PC Albert and Khadija Jajue as the blindfolded purveyor of justice, Mrs Wright. The other 17 teenage members of the cast played a brilliantly hideous Greek chorus of grinning automatons whose synchronised behaviour even extended to choreographed fits of the vapours. Smith is now a patron of Greenwich Theatre. Let’s hope that means we will see more plays here from the writer who should have won last year’s Man Booker prize. MILES HEDLEY

wendy houston

Meaning of lives

Philosophy hasn’t been so much fun since the heyday of Monty Python. Two brilliant shows in a fortnight at Laban Theatre investigated existential angst in ways that were wild witty, warm and wise. The amazing Wendy Houston’s solo show Pact With Pointlessness took us on a journey that could have been profoundly sad because she had created it in response to the death of a close friend. And indeed her programme of ceaseless movement and absurdist chatter – riffing on Kant and the meaning of life was sad. But it was also full of humour and humanity as she danced, clowned, punned and tumbled around the stage in her magnificent quest for meaning amid meaninglessness. Hagit Yakira’s show ...In The Middle With You also asked the big questions. Using a text by the pioneering existentialist Kierkegaard, her five fabulous dancers filled the stage with unrelenting energy and sinuous beauty as they worked through variations of the mantra “Run, run, run, rest” over and over again. In a startling finale they erupted into laughter that became ever more hysterical until it was unsettling - then returned to their Sisyphean struggle against the eternal onslaught of life. Breathtaking in every sense. MILES HEDLEY

ParkLife GLOBAL :Should spaceman replace General Wolfe?

By Greenwich Park manager Graham Dear DIG IN: Work is far from boring

ater, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink” wrote poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge in his epic poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. Ironically at Greenwich Park we have the opposite problem – all of our water is drinkable and it has become a bit of an albatross around our neck. I think I need to explain... e use a lot of water: to irrigate the flower beds, fill up the boating lake and flush the lake if there are particularly bad algae blooms in the summer (and there often are). The problem is that our only supply of water is potable water which is drinking water out of the tap. Drinking water is treated so that it is safe to drink. This makes it an expensive way to water the plants and is not very sustainable. To use the lingo it has a lot of “imbedded energy.” o make things even worse, drinking water has a high nutrient load (no need to say where this comes from but our drinking water is recycled at the sewage works). This is bad news when we use it to fill the lakes and flush out the algae blooms, because algae just love nutrients. Like many urban lakes ours is locked into a vicious circle of poor water quality. There is some good new though. The Royal Parks it determined to be more sustainable so we have just sunk a borehole in the Nursery Yard. Drilling through the Blackheath Sands and into the chalk below we hit ground water at a depth of 83m. ike most people enjoy watching other people work but the drillers were particularly fascinating to observe. The three guys drilling the borehole worked with a rhythm that comes with years of practise, each with their own role knowing exactly what to do. It was like poetry in motion. he borehole has been test pumped to deliver 10m3/hour. The next part is laying new irrigation pipes, which has meant closing the Flower Garden for a short while. Each of the flower beds has a new sprinkler installed. These will pop up out of the turf at night when the park is closed. The previous upright sprinklers were not very efficient. On windy nights the spray drifted and half the beds remained dry. ll that remains to do now is build a new pump house and connect to the irrigation pipes. Now we have a more controlled, more efficient, more sustainable irrigation system and it’s cheaper to run so we save money too.

W T L

GreenwichVisitor THE

Wednesday April 1

KIDS Meet James Robson Cutty Sark 11, 12, 1.30, 2.30 KIDS Sailing Ships Cutty Sark 11.30, 2 CHILDREN’S OPERA Brundibar Blackheath Halls 2, 6 WOOLLIES Knitting club Pelton MUSIC Bach’s Mass in B Minor Old Royal Naval Coll chapel 7 FILM/BALLET Rise And Fall Of The City Of Mahagonny From Covent Garden Picturehouse 7.15 JAZZ Jam session Oliver’s FILM QUIZ The Green Pea 8.30

WHAT’S ON

Organising an event you want thousands of residents AND visitors to know about in the biggest and best local listings guide there is? Email essential details and contact number to: matt@TheGreenwich Visitor.com

April London Marathon is here on Sunday April 26

Thursday 2

KIDS Egg-cellent Easter Trail Woodlands Farm Trust 10-2 KIDS Meet Nannie The Witch Cutty Sark 11, 12, 1.30, 2.30 FAMILY Aqua Incognita NMM 11, 12.30 KIDS Peek-a-Boo Portholes Cutty Sark 11.30, 2 MUSIC Trinity Laban Chamber Musicians St Alfege 1.05 FAMILY Venus Watch Royal Observatory 1, 1.40, 2.20, 3 CHILDREN’S OPERA Brundibar Blackheath Halls 6 MUSIC Dr Hook IndigO2 KIDS Cutty Sark Sleepover Ages 7-11. Cutty Sark 7 MUSIC Icarus Club Pelton QUIZ NIGHT Star & Garter 9 MUSIC UKF Building Six JAZZ Renato Paris Trio Oliver’s

Storm Shakers Cutty Sark 11.30, 2 FAMILY Meet Albert Einstein Royal Observatory 12, 1, 2, 3 MUSIC Nelly IndigO2 MUSIC The Simon & Garfunkel Story Churchill Theatre 7.30 MUSIC McBusted O2 ALBUM LAUNCH Let’s Meet Jesus Albany 7.30 COMEDY Damian Clark, Ant Dewson, Chris Betts, Jeff Innocent Up The Creek MUSIC Kisstory Building Six

Sunday 5

KIDS Easter Egg Hunt Cutty Sark 10-4 Friday 3 KIDS Meet Captain Woodget KIDS Easter Egg Hunt Cutty Sark 11, 12, 1.30, 2.30 Cutty Sark 10-4 KIDS Storm Shakers FAMILY Easter Fun Day Cutty Sark 11.30, 2 Easter egg hunt, woodland trail FAMILY Meet Albert Einstein Severndroog Castle Royal Observatory 12, 1, 2, 3 KIDS The Sooty Show TALENT Something for Sunday Churchill Theatre 11am, 2.30 Vanbrugh 7 FAMILY Adventures With Sam HUMOUR Grumpy Old Women: Greenwich Theatre 11am, 2 50 Shades Of Beige KIDS Meet Jock Willis Churchill Theatre 7.30 Cutty Sark 11, 12, 1.30, 2.30 MUSIC McBusted O2 FAMILY Venus Watch Royal BLUES Emanuele Fizzotti Oliver’s Observatory 1, 1.40, 2.20, 3 Monday 6 MUSIC Turn It Loose! KIDS Easter Egg Hunt Brooklyn Bowl Cutty Sark 10-4 MUSIC Sir John Holt Tribute FAMILY Out Of This World IndigO2 Royal Observatory 10am-12.30 BARN DANCE Global Fusion KIDS Meet Captain Woodget shindig. Charlton House 7 Cutty Sark 11, 12, 1.30, 2.30 COMEDY Inel Tomlinson, Sofie KIDS Neptune King Of The Seas Hagen, Angus Duncan, Tom NMM 12, 1, 2, 3 Davis, Jeff Innocent Up The PUB QUIZ Vanbrugh 8.30 Creek JAZZ Corrie Dick Oliver’s JAZZ The Stephen Melowski Group Oliver’s Tuesday 7 FAMILY Out Of This World Saturday 4 Royal Observatory 10am-12.30 KIDS Easter Egg Hunt KIDS Meet James Robson Cutty Sark 10-4 Cutty Sark 11, 12, 1.30, 2.30 KIDS Meet James Robson FAMILY Aqua Incognita Cutty Sark 11, 12, 1.30, 2.30 NMM 11, 12.30 FAMILY Adventures With Sam Greenwich Theatre 11am, 2 KIDS KIDS Peek-a-Boo Portholes

Cutty Sark 11.30, 2 FILM/PLAY A View From The Bridge National Th Encore Picturehouse. Noon FOOTBALL Charlton Athletic v Fulham. The Valley 7.45 MUSIC English folk Lord Hood

Wednesday 8

KIDS Meet James Robson Cutty Sark 11, 12, 1.30, 2.30 KIDS Wet Weather Sailors Cutty Sark 11.30, 2 KIDS Neptune King Of The Seas NMM 12, 1, 2, 3 WOOLLIES Knitting club Pelton MUSICAL Thrill Me Greenwich Theatre 8 JAZZ Jam session Oliver’s FILM QUIZ The Green Pea 8.30

Thursday 9

KIDS Meet Captain Woodget Cutty Sark 11, 12, 1.30, 2.30 KIDS Dr Seuss Make And Do Churchill Theatre 11am FAMILY Aqua Incognita NMM 11, 12.30 KIDS Wet Weather Sailors Cutty Sark 11.30, 2 FILM/PLAY Titus Andronicus From Shakespeare’s Globe Picturehouse. Noon FAMILY The Boy Who Bit Picasso Deptford Lounge, Albany 12.30, 2.30 FAMILY Venus Watch Royal Observatory 1, 1.40, 2.20, 3 KIDS The Cat In The Hat Churchill Theatre 1, 3 MUSIC Trinity Laban Recital St Alfege 1.05 FILM Logan’s Run Royal Observatory 10am-12.30 MUSICAL Thrill Me Greenwich Theatre 7 MUSIC Icarus Club Pelton QUIZ NIGHT Star & Garter 9 JAZZ Renato Paris Oliver’s

Friday 10

KIDS Dr Seuss Make And Do

Churchill Theatre 11am KIDS Meet Captain Woodget Cutty Sark 11, 12, 1.30, 2.30 KIDS Neptune King Of The Seas NMM 12, 1, 2, 3 FAMILY The Boy Who Bit Picasso Deptford Lounge, Albany 12.30, 2.30 KIDS The Cat In The Hat Churchill Theatre 1, 3 MUSIC Hawksmoor Wind Ensemble Charlton House 1 FAMILY Venus Watch Royal Observatory 1, 1.40, 2.20, 3 MUSIC Simply The Best: Tina Turner Tribute Albany 7.30 COMEDY Arthur Smith Cutty Sark Theatre 7.45 MUSIC Sheila E Brooklyn Bowl COMEDY Johnny Cochrane, Nick Elleray, Kate Lucas, Elliott Steel, Addy Borg Up The Creek MUSICAL Thrill Me Greenwich Theatre 8 COMEDY Romesh Ranganathan, Suzi Ruffell Blackheath Halls 8 JAZZ James Beckwith Oliver’s

Saturday 11

BOOK SALE Friends Of Age Exchange SE3 9LA. 10am-4 KIDS Meet Jock Willis Cutty Sark 11, 12, 1.30, 2.30 KIDS The Cat In The Hat Churchill Theatre 11, 1, 3 FAMILY Meet Albert Einstein Royal Observatory 12, 1, 2, 3 MUSIC Alexia Mankovskaya Vocal recital. St Alfege 1.05 KIDS Alan In Wonderland Blackheath Halls 3 RUGBY Blackheath v Ealing Rectory Field 3 MUSIC Riot Jazz Albany 7.30 DANCE Our Mighty Groove Borough Hall 7, 9 MUSICAL Thrill Me Greenwich Theatre 8 COMEDY Rob Collins, Jen Brister, Johnny Cochrane, Addy Borg Up The Creek JAZZ David Angol Oliver’s

Sunday 12

FAMILY Lambing Day Woodlands Farm Trust 11-4.30 KIDS Meet Nannie The Witch Cutty Sark 11, 12, 1.30, 2.30 FAMILY Meet Albert Einstein Royal Observatory 12, 1, 2, 3 MUSICAL Thrill Me Greenwich Theatre 5 TALENT Something for Sunday Vanbrugh 7

Monday 13

MUSIC Blaze Ensemble Blackheath Halls 1.10 WWE Raw/Smackdown O2 PLAY The Unremarkable Death Of Marilyn Monroe Cutty Sark Theatre 7.45 MUSIC Cabaret Playroom Albany 8

April 2015 Page 19 PUB QUIZ Vanbrugh 8.30 JAZZ Corrie Dick Oliver’s

Tuesday 14

TALK Rich Sylvester Greenwich Industrial History Society: Land for Develoent 1840-2015 Old Bakehouse 7.30 WWE Raw/Smackdown O2 MUSICAL Thrill Me Greenwich Theatre 8 DRAMA Backseat Driving London Theatre 8 MUSIC English folk Lord Hood JAZZ Corrie Dick Oliver’s

Wednesday 15

KIDS Toddler Time Cutty Sark 2-4 TEA DANCE Blackheath Halls 2 MUSIC Paul Simon, Sting O2 WOOLLIES Knitting club Pelton MUSICAL Thrill Me Greenwich Theatre 8 TALK Dr Alastair Niven: Judging The Man Booker Prize Blackheath Halls 8 DRAMA Backseat Driving London Theatre 8 JAZZ Jam session Oliver’s FILM QUIZ The Green Pea 8.30

Thursday 16

MUSIC Trinity Laban Recital St Alfege 1.05 MUSIC Paul Simon, Sting O2 FILM/PLAY The Hard Problem National Theatre Live Picturehouse 7 DANCE Taiko Meantime & Chieko Kojima Laban 7.30 DANCE Matthew Bourne: The Car Man Churchill Theatre 7.30 MUSICAL Thrill Me Greenwich Theatre 8 DRAMA Backseat Driving London Theatre 8 MUSIC Icarus Club Pelton HUMOUR Laughing Boy Comedy Club Blackheath Halls 8 QUIZ NIGHT Star & Garter 9 JAZZ Ofer Landsberg Oliver’s

Friday 17

WORKSHOP Watercolours ORNC 10-4 MUSIC Bo Lyu Piano recital Charlton House 1 PLAY This Other Island Albany 7.30 MUSIC SO-UK: Centrepoint Sessions IndigO2 MUSIC Solisti Divini Baroque Concertos by Candlelight. Feat. J.S. Bach, C.P.E Bach and F. Benda. Church of the Ascension,Dartmouth Row, Blackheath 7.30. DANCE Matthew Bourne: The Car Man Churchill Theatre 7.30 TALK Mark Gallant: Restoration & Ecology Of The River Cray Blackheath Scientific Society Mycenae House 7.45 CABARET Charlie Bicknell Cutty Sark Theatre 7.45 MUSICAL Thrill Me Greenwich Theatre 8 DRAMA Backseat Driving London Theatre 8 COMEDY Inel Tomlinson, Luisa Omielan, Tawyna Mayne, Matt Green, Josh Howie Up The Creek MUSIC Filthy Fridays Brooklyn Bowl JAZZ David Angol Oliver’s

Saturday 18

CONFERENCE Harrison Decoded NMM 10.30-4.30 £45 KIDS Meet Captain Woodget Cutty Sark 11, 12, 1.30, 2.30 FAMILY Meet Nevil Maskelyne Royal Observatory 12, 1, 2, 3 MUSIC Kim Reilly Flute recital St Alfege 1.05 TEA DANCE Borough Hall 2 DANCE Matthew Bourne: The Car Man Churchill Theatre 2.30, 7.30

Continued on Page 20

GreenwichVisitor THE

March 2015 Page 20

Venues

The Albany: Douglas Way, Deptford SE8 4AG. 020 8692 4446 thealbany.org.uk Amersham Arms: 388 New Cross Rd SE14 6TY. 020 8469 1499 Blackheath Conservatoire: 19-21 Lee Rd SE3 9RQ. 020 8852 0234 conservatoire.org. uk Blackheath Halls: 23 Lee Road SE3 9RQ. 020 8463 0100. blackheathhalls.com Bob Hope Theatre: Wythfield Rd SE9 5TG. 020 8850 3702. bobhopetheatre.co.uk The Centre: New Eltham Methodist Ch, Footscray Rd. newelthammethodist.org.uk Charlton House: Charlton Rd SE7 8RP. 020 8856 3951 Churchill Theatre: High St, Bromley BR1 1HA. 0844 871 7620 Clarendon Hotel: Montpelier Row SE3 0RW. 020 8318 4321. clarendonhotel.com The Duke: 125 Creek Rd SE8 3BU. 020 8469 8260 The Eltham Centre: 2 Archery Road SE9 1HA. 020 8921 4344 Eltham Palace: Court Yard SE9 5QE. 020 8294 2548. english-heritage.org.uk The Forum: Trafalgar Rd SE10 9EQ. 0208 853 5212. office@forumatgreenwich.org The Green Pea: 92 Trafalgar Rd SE10 9UW. 020 8858 9319 Greenwich Communications Centre: 164 Trafalgar Rd SE10 9TZ. 020 8269 2103 Greenwich Dance: Borough Hall SE10 8RE. 020 8293 9741 greenwichdance.org.uk Greenwich Heritage Centre: Artillery Square, Royal Arsenal, Woolwich SE18 4DX Greenwich Theatre: Crooms Hill SE10 8ES. 020 8858 7755. greenwichtheatre.org.uk Greenwich Playhouse: Currently closed. www.galleontheatre.co.uk Laban Theatre: Creekside SE8 3DZ. 020 8463 0100 www.trinitylaban.ac.uk London Theatre: 443 New Cross Rd SE14 6TA. 020 8694 1888. thelondontheatre. com The Lord Hood: 300 Creek Rd SE10 9SW. 020 8858 1836 Morden College: 19 St Germans Place SE3 0PD Mycenae House: 90 Mycenae Rd SE3 7SE 020 8858 1749 mycenaehouse.co.uk National Maritime Museum: Romney Rd, SE10 9BJ 020 8858 0045 www.nmm.ac. uk 02, Indig02, Building 6, Brooklyn Bowl: 0844 8560202 www.theo2.co.uk The Old Bakehouse: Bennett Park, Blackheath SE3 9LA Old Royal Naval College: SE10 9LW. 020 8269 4799 www.oldroyalnavalcollege.org Oliver’s: 9 Nevada St SE10 9JL. 020 8858 3693 www.oliversjazzbar.co.uk Pelton Arms: 23-5 Pelton Street SE10 9PQ 020 8858 0572. peltonarms.com St Alfege: Greenwich Church St. 020 8853 0687. st-alfege.org Severndroog Castle: Off Shooters Hill SE18 3RT. severndroogcastle.org.uk The Star And Garter: 60 Old Woolwich Rd SE10 9NY. 020 8305 1144 Steinberg Studio: Westcombe Park SE10. steinbergduo.com Trinity Laban: King Charles Court SE10 9JF. 020 8463 0100. trinitylaban.ac.uk Up The Creek: 302 Creek Rd SE10 9SW. 020 8858 4581. up-the-creek.com Woodlands Farm Trust: 331 Shooters Hill Rd, Welling DA16 3RP

Long-term

MARKETS Greenwich Market: 10-5.30. Sat and Sun: Arts & crafts, food, fresh produce. Tues, Wed: Food, fresh produce, homewares. Thurs: food, antiques & collectables, crafts. Fri: Food, arts & crafts, antiques & collectibles Clocktower Market: 166 Greenwich High Rd. Sat, Sun 10-4. 50 quirky stalls specialising in vintage, retro and antiques. 07940 914204 Blackheath Farmers’ Market: Blackheath Station, 10-2 every Sun. lfm.org EXHIBITIONS/CRAFTS/COMMUNITY Royal Observatory: Astronomy Photographer Of The Year. Till July 19 rmg.co.uk Fan Museum: Waterloo: Life & Times. Till May 10. 12 Crooms Hill. 020 8305 1441 fan-museum.org.uk Old Royal Naval College: Hidden Details of ORNC exhibition till June 14. ornc.org Blackheath Halls: Lee Green Open Studios art exhibition. Apr 7-30. blackheathhalls.com Age Exchange: Carers’ group Mon, knitters Thurs, preschool rhyme-time Fri. Old Bakehouse, Bennett Pk SE3 9LA. age-exchange.org.uk. Nat Maritime Museum: Guiding Lights. Till Jan 2016. rmg.co.uk Queen’s House: Unseen: The Lives Of Looking. Film by Dryden Goodwin. Till July 26. rmg.co.uk Greenwich Gallery/The Cave: Linear House, Peyton Place SE10 8RS Paul McPherson Gallery: 77 Lassell St SE10 9PJ. paulmcphersongallery.com Ben Oakley Gallery: 9 Turnpin La SE10 9JA The Forum: Disabled drop-ins, mums’ groups, kids’ classes, advice. Trafalgar Rd SE10 9EQ. 020 8853 5212 Jazz Open Mic Nights: Mondays (exc Bank Hols) Mycenae House SE3, 8.30 Greenwich Heritage Centre: Artillery Square SE18 4DX. 020 8854 2452 West Greenwich Library: 146 G’wich High Rd WALKS Greenwich Guided Walks: Local experts. Walks daily at 12.15 and 2.15 from the Greenwich Tourist Information Centre. £8, £7 cons. Greenwich Tour Guides Association 07575772298 guides@greenwichtours.co.uk Rich Sylvester: Guide, historian, storyteller. 07833 538143. richs@onetel.com Dotmaker: Alternative guided walks. dotmakertours.co.uk FAMILY ACTIVITIES National Maritime Museum: Explore Saturdays. Free. Performance and storytelling for over-5s from noon. Discover Sundays. Free. Activities for families from 11.30am. Play Tuesdays. Free. For under-5s from 10.30

FOOTBALL Charlton Athletic v Leeds. The Valley 3 COMEDY Wahala IndigO2 COMEDY Russell Peters O2 MUSIC Solisti Divini Baroque Concertos by Candlelight. Feat. J.S. Bach, C.P.E Bach and F. Benda. All Saints’ Church Blackheath. 7.30 MUSICAL Thrill Me Greenwich Theatre 8 DRAMA Backseat Driving London Theatre 8 COMEDY Carl Donnelly, Josh Howie, Francis Foster, Kae Kurd, Up The Creek JAZZ Maurizio Minardi Oliver’s

PERFORMANCE The Lady’s Not For Walking Like An Egyptian Albany 7.30 MUSICAL Spamalot Churchill Theatre 7.30 FAMILY Don Q Greenwich Theatre 7.30 DANCE BA2 Show Laban 7.30 MUSICAL The Pajama Game The Centre, New Eltham 7.30 PLAY The Bridge Lon Theatre 8 COMEDY Ian Smith, Eric Lampaert, James Loveridge, Aurie Styla Up The Creek DANCE Time Out Silent Disco Cutty Sark 8.30-midnight JAZZ Basil Hodge Oliver’s

FAMILY Young Shoots Walk Woodlands Farm Trust 10am KIDS Meet Captain Woodget Cutty Sark 11, 12, 1.30, 2.30 FAMILY Meet Nevil Maskelyne Royal Observatory 12, 1, 2, 3 KIDS Shh...bang Albany 1, 3 FILM/BALLET Ivan The Terrible From BolshoiPicturehouse 4 TALENT Something for Sunday Vanbrugh 7 POETRY Wendy Cope Cutty Sark Theatre 7

PLANT SALE Friends Of Age Exchange Bakehouse, Blackheath. 10am-4 MUSIC Trinity Laban String Quartet Festival Artists include Quatuor Prima Vista, Piatti Qt, Benyounes Qt, Carducci Qt, Wihan Qt at ORNC, St Alfege, NMM. Details: trinitylaban.ac.uk KIDS Meet Nannie The Witch Cutty Sark 11, 12, 1.30, 2.30 FAMILY Meet Nevil Maskelyne Royal Observatory 12, 1, 2, 3 FAMILY Don Q Greenwich Theatre 2.30, 7.30 MUSICAL Spamalot Churchill Theatre 2.30, 7.30 RUGBY Blackheath v Fylde Rectory Field 3 KIDS The Worm That Squirmed Blackheath Halls 3 FILM/OPERA Cavalleria Rusticana Live from NY Met. Picturehouse 5.30 MUSICAL The Pajama Game The Centre, New Eltham 7.30 PLAY The Bridge Lon Theatre 8 COMEDY Dan Atkinson, Eric Lampaert, Mo Gilligan, Phil Butler Up The Creek JAZZ Tom Harrison Oliver’s

Sunday 19

Monday 20

MUSIC Kristiina Rokashevich Piano. Blackheath Halls 1.10 COMEDY Wong Tze Wah IndigO2 MUSICAL Spamalot Churchill Theatre 7.30 COMEDY Alexei Sayle Cutty Sark Theatre 7.45 PUB QUIZ Vanbrugh 8.30 JAZZ Corrie Dick Oliver’s

Tuesday 21

FILM/PLAY The Hard Problem National Theatre Encore. Picturehouse. Noon MUSICAL Spamalot Churchill Theatre 7.30 DANCE Mapdance Laban 7.30 PERFORMANCE Chewing The Fat Albany 7.30 MUSIC English folk Lord Hood JAZZ Axel Kaner Lidstrom Quintet Oliver’s

Wednesday 22

ART Curator’s Tour of Unseen exhibition Queen’s House 1 KIDS Toddler Time Cutty Sark 2-4 MUSICAL Spamalot Churchill Theatre 7.30 PERFORMANCE Chewing The Fat Albany 7.30 WOOLLIES Knitting club Pelton JAZZ Jam session Oliver’s FILM QUIZ The Green Pea 8.30

Thursday 23

MUSIC Trinity Laban Recital St Alfege 1.05 LECTURE Arts In The Cycle Of Crime Blackheath Decorative & Fine Arts Society. St Mary’s Church Hall SE3 at 2.30 MUSICAL Spamalot Churchill Theatre 2.30, 7.30 FAMILY Don Q Greenwich Theatre 7.30 PERFORMANCE The Lady’s Not For Walking Like An Egyptian Albany 7.30 MUSICAL The Pajama Game The Centre, New Eltham 7.30 DANCE BA2 Show Laban 7.30 PLAY The Bridge Lon Theatre 8 MUSIC Icarus Club Pelton QUIZ NIGHT Star & Garter 9 JAZZ Malcolm Earle-Smith Band Oliver’s

Friday 24

MUSIC Trinity Laban String Quartet Festival Artists include Quatuor Prima Vista, Piatti Qt, Benyounes Qt, Carducci Qt, Wihan Qt at ORNC, St Alfege, NMM. Details: www.trinitylaban.ac.uk MUSIC Recital Age Exchange SE3 9LA. Noon MUSIC Royal College Of Music Students Charlton House 1 MUSIC John Kirkpatrick Global Fusion St George’s Day gig Charlton House 7

Saturday 25

Sunday 26

BIRDWATCHING Dawn Chorus Walk Woodlands Farm 5.30am RUN London Marathon Starts Greenwich Park 9.30 FAMILY Meet Nevil Maskelyne Royal Observatory 12, 1, 2, 3 MUSIC Steinberg Duo Steinberg Studio 6 DANCE U.Dance London Regional Platform. Laban 7 TALENT Something for Sunday Vanbrugh 7 MUSIC Russell Watson Churchill Theatre 7.30

Thursday 30

FILM/PLAY Julius Caesar From Shakespeare’s Globe Picturehouse. Noon MUSIC Trinity Laban Recital St Alfege 1.05 PLAY The History Boys Churchill Theatre 2.30, 7.30 TALK Sunspots Poet Simon Barraclough, film-maker Jack Wake-Walker, astrophysicist/ TV presenter Lucie Green Royal Observatory 7 DRAMA Titus Andronicus Greenwich Theatre 7.30 MUSIC Icarus Club Pelton QUIZ NIGHT Star & Garter 9 JAZZ Malcolm Earle-Smith Oliver’s

Friday May 1

MUSIC Claire Bournez Soprano recital. Charlton House 1 MUSIC The Vamps O2 MUSIC East 17 IndigO2 DRAMA Titus Andronicus Greenwich Theatre 7.30 PLAY The History Boys Churchill Theatre 7.30 CABARET Bites: Remix Albany 7.30 MUSIC Hospitality London Building Six

Saturday 2

KIDS Meet James Robson Cutty Sark 11, 12, 1.30, 2.30 KIDS Shiny Sea Cutty Sark 11.30, 2 FAMILY Meet Nevil Maskelyne Royal Observatory 12, 1, 2, 3 FOOTBALL Charlton Athletic v Bournemouth. Valley 12.15 MUSIC The Vamps O2 MUSIC Charley Pride IndigO2 PLAY The History Boys Churchill Theatre 7.30 DRAMA Titus Andronicus Greenwich Theatre 7.30

Sunday 3

KIDS Meet Captain Woodget Cutty Sark 11, 12, 1.30, 2.30

Wednesday 29

MUSIC Free Concert Age Exchange SE3 9LA. Noon KIDS Toddler Time Cutty Sark 2-4 WOOLLIES Knitting club Pelton MUSIC Jette Parker Young Artists Blackheath Halls 7.30 DRAMA Titus Andronicus Greenwich Theatre 7.30 PLAY The History Boys Churchill Theatre 7.30 JAZZ Jam session Oliver’s FILM QUIZ The Green Pea 8.30

KIDS Meet Captain Woodget Cutty Sark 11, 12, 1.30, 2.30 MUSIC Olly Murs O2 PUB QUIZ Vanbrugh 8.30 JAZZ Corrie Dick Oliver’s

Tuesday 5

ART Greenwich Open Studios Taster Exhibition West Greenwich Library Gallery Space. Open every day till June 8 except Weds and Sun. Check Library website MUSIC Olly Murs O2 FILM/BALLET La Fille Mal Gardée From Covent Garden Picturehouse 7.15 DRAMA Spring Awakening Greenwich Theatre 7.30 PLAY Hacktivists Churchill Theatre 8 MUSIC English folk Lord Hood

Wednesday 6

KIDS Toddler Time Cutty Sark 2-4 MUSIC Olly Murs O2 WOOLLIES Knitting club Pelton MUSIC Yamato Drummers Of Japan Churchill Theatre 7.30 DRAMA Spring Awakening Greenwich Theatre 7.30 JAZZ Jam session Oliver’s FILM QUIZ The Green Pea 8.30

Thursday 7

LECTURE WW1: The 3 Sisters NMM 11-1 MUSIC Trinity Laban Recital St Alfege 1.05 TALK Dan Cruickshank ORNC 6.30

Building and maintenance. All building and maintenance undertaken. Painting, plastering, carpentry, extensions, etc

WORKSHOP Family History Caird Library, NMM 11-noon MUSIC Olga Stezhko Piano recital. Blackheath Halls 1.10 PLAY The History Boys Churchill Theatre 7.30 MUSIC Trinity Laban Guitars Cutty Sark Theatre 7.45 PUB QUIZ Vanbrugh 8.30 B&TBuilders.indd JAZZ Asukiro Oliver’s VOLUNTEER Drop-In Wildlife Centre, Greenwich Park 1-4 FILM/OPERA Cavalleria Rusticana Rerun from NY Met. Picturehouse. Noon PLAY The History Boys Churchill Theatre 7.30 DRAMA Titus Andronicus Greenwich Theatre 7.30 MUSIC English folk Lord Hood JAZZ Corrie Dick Oliver’s

Monday 4

B&T

Monday 27

Tuesday 28

KIDS Shiny Sea Cutty Sark 11.30, 2 FAMILY Meet Nevil Maskelyne Royal Observatory 12, 1, 2, 3 KIDS Rapunzel Albany 1, 3 TEA Dance Blackheath Halls 2 TALENT Something for Sunday Vanbrugh 7 MUSIC Olly Murs O2 DANCE Pasha Kovalev Churchill Theatre 7.30

Call: 07508 555390 or 07756 586803 Email: Bandtbuilding@gmail.com

Deborah Larne, Signs of Serendipity April 10 - 26 Meet the artist Sun April 19, 12 - 5

Made in Greenwich 324 Creek Road Greenwich SE10 9SW opposite DLR Cutty Sark madeingreenwich.co.uk

open 11 - 5.30 Tue - Sun, showcasing artwork, ceramics, jewellery, glass, textiles and cards.

26/03/2015

GreenwichVisitor THE

FILM The Time Machine (1960) Royal Observatory 7 MUSIC Olly Murs O2 DRAMA Shooting With Light Greenwich Theatre 7.30 MUSIC That’ll Be The Day Churchill Theatre 7.30 SPOKEN WORD Chill Pill Albany 8 MUSIC Icarus Club Pelton QUIZ NIGHT Star & Garter 9

May Historian Dan Cruickshank talks at the Old Royal Naval College Thursday May 7 6.30

Friday 8

MUSIC Royal Greenwich Brass Band Charlton House 1 MUSIC Flesh For Lulu Brooklyn Bowl DRAMA Shooting With Light Greenwich Theatre 7.30 MUSIC A Night Of Dirty Dancing Churchill Theatre 7.30

Sunday 17

Saturday 9

BOOK SALE Friends Of Age Exchange SE3 9LA. 10am-4 KIDS Meet Nannie The Witch Cutty Sark 11, 12, 1.30, 2.30 FAMILY Meet Nevil Maskelyne Royal Observatory 12, 1, 2, 3 MUSIC Jewel Tones, Suzanne Newman St Alfege 1.05 KIDS Rumpelstiltskin Blackheath Halls 3 MUSIC Lee Nelson IndigO2 DRAMA Shooting With Light Greenwich Theatre 7.30 MUSICAL Sex In Suburbia Churchill Theatre 7.30

Sunday 10

FAMILY Birdwatching Walk Woodlands Farm Trust 9.30am KIDS Meet Captain Woodget Cutty Sark 11, 12, 1.30, 2.30 FAMILY Charity Fun Run Blackheath Common. Details: heathforhealth@live.com FAMILY Meet Nevil Maskelyne Royal Observatory 12, 1, 2, 3 KIDS Journey Home Albany 1, 3 BASKETBALL BBL Play-Off O2 TALENT Something for Sunday Vanbrugh 7

Monday 11

MUSIC Cabaret Playroom

Cutty Sark 11, 12, 1.30, 2.30 FAMILY Meet Nevil Maskelyne Royal Observatory 12, 1, 2, 3 MUSICAL South Pacific Churchill Theatre 2.30, 7.30 SHOW Avenue Q Greenwich Theatre 2.30, 7.30 MUSIC S Club 7 O2 MUSIC Kantanti St Alfege 7 COMEDY Romesh Ranganathan & Suzi Ruffell Recital Room, Blackheath Halls 7.30 MUSIC So Solid Crew IndigO2 MUSIC Altan Blackheath Halls Folk Festival 8 PERFORMANCE The Singing Hypnotist Albany 8 PLAY A Doll’s House Lon Theatre 8

Albany 8 PUB QUIZ Vanbrugh 8.30 JAZZ Corrie Dick Oliver’s

WORKSHOP Family History Caird Library, NMM 3-4 FILM/PLAY Man And Superman National Theatre Live. Tuesday 12 Picturehouse 7 SHOW Avenue Q SHOW Avenue Q Greenwich Theatre 7.30 Greenwich Theatre 7.30 MUSICAL South Pacific PERFORMANCE The Singing Churchill Theatre 7.30 PLAY A Doll’s House Lon Theatre 8 Hypnotist Albany 8 PLAY A Doll’s House Lon Theatre 8 MUSIC English folk Lord Hood MUSIC Icarus Club Pelton Wednesday 13 KIDS Toddler Time Cutty Sark 2-4 QUIZ NIGHT Star & Garter 9 Friday 15 SHOW Avenue Q Greenwich Theatre 7.30 WORKSHOP Oil Painting ORNC 10-4 MUSIC Boyz II Men IndigO2 SHOW Avenue Q Greenwich WOOLLIES Knitting club Pelton Theatre 5, 8.30 MUSICAL South Pacific COMEDY Guldur Guldur IndigO2 Churchill Theatre 7.30 MUSICAL South Pacific PERFORMANCE The Singing Churchill Theatre 7.30 Hypnotist Albany 8 HUMOUR C4 Comedy Gala O2 PLAY A Doll’s House Lon Theatre 8 TALK David Rea Blackheath JAZZ Jam session Oliver’s Scientific Soc hear about bees FILM QUIZ The Green Pea 8.30 Mycenae House 7.45 MUSIC Emily Smith Blackheath Thursday 14 Halls Folk Festival 8 LECTURE WW1: The 3 Sisters PERFORMANCE The Singing NMM 11-1 Hypnotist Albany 8 MUSIC Trinity Laban Recital St PLAY A Doll’s House Lon Theatre 8 Alfege 1.05 MUSICAL South Pacific Saturday 16 Churchill Theatre 2.30, 7.30 KIDS Meet Jock Willis

KIDS Meet Captain Woodget Cutty Sark 11, 12, 1.30, 2.30 MUSIC The Big Jig Blackheath Halls Folk Festival 11am till late FAMILY Meet Nevil Maskelyne Royal Observatory 12, 1, 2, 3 KIDS Disco Kids: Down On The Farm Albany 2-5 PLAY A Doll’s House Lon Theatre 5 SHOW Avenue Q Greenwich Theatre 6 MUSIC S Club 7 O2 TALENT Something for Sunday Vanbrugh 7

Monday 18

MUSIC J Cole O2 PUB QUIZ Vanbrugh 8.30 JAZZ Corrie Dick Oliver’s

Tuesday 19

FILM/OPERA The Pirates Of Penzance From the ENO Picturehouse 7.30 PLAY Mess Albany 1, 7.30 SHOW Avenue Q Greenwich Theatre 7.30 PLAY Three Knights And A Welshman London Theatre 8 MUSIC English folk Lord Hood

Wednesday 20

KIDS Toddler Time Cutty Sark 2-4 PLAY Mess Albany 7.30 SHOW Avenue Q

Greenwich Theatre 7.30 WOOLLIES Knitting club Pelton MUSIC The Sixteen ORNC chapel 7.30 PLAY Three Knights And A Welshman London Theatre 8 JAZZ Jam session Oliver’s FILM QUIZ The Green Pea 8.30

Thursday 21

LECTURE WW1: The 3 Sisters NMM 11-1 MUSIC Trinity Laban Recital St Alfege 1.05 ARROWS Betway Premier League Darts O2 DANCE Phoenix Dance Theatre Churchill Theatre 7.30 SHOW Avenue Q Greenwich Theatre 7.30 HUMOUR Laughing Boy Comedy Club Blackheath Halls 8 PLAY Three Knights And A Welshman London Theatre 8 MUSIC Icarus Club Pelton QUIZ NIGHT Star & Garter 9

Friday 22

SHOW Avenue Q Greenwich Theatre 5, 8.30 MUSIC Mark Knopfler O2 PLAY Three Knights And A Welshman London Theatre 8

Saturday 23

KIDS Meet Jock Willis Cutty Sark 11, 12, 1.30, 2.30 FAMILY Meet Albert Einstein Royal Observatory 12, 1, 2, 3 MUSIC Alex Hughes Piano recital. St Alfege 1.05 SHOW Avenue Q Greenwich Theatre 2.30, 7.30 MUSIC Junior Trinity ORNC chapel 5.30 MUSIC Incognito IndigO2 MUSIC Paul McCartney O2 MUSIC Omar Albany 7.30 MUSIC The Chicago Blues Brothers Churchill Theatre 7.30 MUSIC Alice Russell Brooklyn Bowl PLAY Three Knights And A Welshman London Theatre 8

April 2015 Page 21 Sunday 24 KIDS Meet Nannie The Witch Cutty Sark 11, 12, 1.30, 2.30 FAMILY Meet Albert Einstein Royal Observatory 12, 1, 2, 3 PLAY Three Knights And A Welshman London Theatre 5 SHOW Avenue Q Greenwich Theatre 6 MUSIC Paul McCartney O2 TALENT Something for Sunday Vanbrugh 7 MUSIC Think Floyd Churchill Theatre 7.30

Monday 25

FAMILY Out Of This World Royal Observatory 10am-12.30 KIDS Meet Captain Woodget Cutty Sark 11, 12, 1.30, 2.30 FAMILY Make A Talisman NMM 11.30, 1.30 KIDS Weather Mobiles Cutty Sark 11.30, 2 FAMILY Meet Nevil Maskelyne Royal Observatory 12, 1, 2, 3 KIDS The Cat In The Hat Greenwich Theatre 1, 3 PERFORMANCE Elemental Royal Observatory 7, 9.15 PUB QUIZ Vanbrugh 8.30 JAZZ Corrie Dick Oliver’s

Tuesday 26

FAMILY Out Of This World Royal Observatory 10am-12.30 KIDS Meet James Robson Cutty Sark 11, 12, 1.30, 2.30 KIDS The Cat In The Hat Greenwich Theatre 11am, 1 FAMILY Make A Talisman NMM 11.30, 1.30 KIDS Weather Mobiles Cutty Sark 11.30, 2 FAMILY RNLI Presents NMM 12, 1, 2, 3 FILM/PLAY Man And Superman

Continued on Page 22

Fri 24 – Sat 25 apr

strings on film Hear iconic soundtracks performed LIVE at the Royal Greenwich String Quartet Festival 2015 Featuring music from: Psycho An American in Paris The Ladykillers Mishima Plus a screening of the classic horror film Nosferatu with live string quartet accompaniment

trinitYlABAn.AC.UK/sQf/film 020 8463 0100 TriniTy Laban ConservaToire of MusiC & DanCe

GreenwichVisitor THE

National Theatre Encore. Picturehouse. Noon FAMILY Meet Nevil Maskelyne Royal Observatory 12, 1, 2, 3 DANCE 21st Century Tea Dance Albany 1, 7 CLAIRVOYANCE Psychic Sally Churchill Theatre 7.30 PLAY The Overcoat Lon Theatre 8 MUSIC English folk Lord Hood

Wednesday 27

KIDS Meet James Robson Cutty Sark 11, 12, 1.30, 2.30 KIDS The Cat In The Hat Greenwich Theatre 11am, 1 FAMILY Make A Talisman NMM 11.30, 1.30 KIDS Fish On A Dish Cutty Sark 11.30, 2 FAMILY RNLI Presents NMM 12, 1, 2, 3 FAMILY Meet Nevil Maskelyne Royal Observatory 12, 1, 2, 3 FAMILY Explore & Draw ORNC 1-4 MUSIC Fleetwood Mac O2 WOOLLIES Knitting club Pelton DANCE Transitions Triple Bill Laban 7.30 MAGIC Jamie Allan Churchill Theatre 7.30 LITERATURE Ken Follett: The Edge Of Eternity Blackheath Halls 8 PLAY The Overcoat London Theatre 8 JAZZ Jam session Oliver’s FILM QUIZ The Green Pea 8.30

Thursday 28

KIDS Meet Captain Woodget Cutty Sark 11, 12, 1.30, 2.30 LECTURE WW1: The 3 Sisters NMM 11-1 KIDS Fish On A Dish Cutty Sark 11.30, 2 FAMILY Make A Talisman NMM 11.30, 1.30 FAMILY Meet Nevil Maskelyne Royal Observatory 12, 1, 2, 3 FAMILY RNLI Presents NMM 12, 1, 2, 3 SCIENCE Daytime Skywatch Royal Observatory 1, 1.40, 2.20, 3 MUSIC Trinity Laban Recital St Alfege 1.05 KIDS Little Howard’s Big Show Greenwich Theatre 2 MUSIC James Arthur IndigO2 TALK A Journey Into Baroque ORNC 6.30 MUSIC Fleetwood Mac O2 DANCE Transitions Triple Bill Laban 7.30 MUSIC The Carpenters Story Churchill Theatre 7.30 PLAY The Overcoat London Theatre 8 MUSIC Icarus Club Pelton QUIZ NIGHT Star & Garter 9

Friday 29

KIDS Meet Captain Woodget Cutty Sark 11, 12, 1.30, 2.30 FAMILY Make A Talisman NMM 11.30, 1.30 KIDS Fish On A Dish Cutty Sark 11.30, 2 MUSIC Recital Age Exchange SE3 9LA. Noon FAMILY Meet Nevil Maskelyne Royal Observatory 12, 1, 2, 3 DRAMA Picture Of Dorian Gray Greenwich Theatre 7.30 BURLESQUE The Dreamboys Churchill Theatre 7.30 DANCE Transitions Triple Bill Laban 7.30 PLAY The Overcoat Lon Theatre 8

Saturday 30

KIDS Meet Nannie The Witch Cutty Sark 11, 12, 1.30, 2.30 FAMILY Meet Albert Einstein Royal Observatory 12, 1, 2, 3 MUSIC Ursula Arnold St Alfege 1.05 KIDS A Real Mermaid’s Tale Blackheath Halls 3 MUSIC The Illegal Eagles Churchill Theatre 7.30 DRAMA Picture Of Dorian Gray Greenwich Theatre 7.30 BARN DANCE Woodlands Farm

April 2015 Page 22

June

Trust 7.30 MUSIC The Manfreds Blackheath Halls 8

Sunday 31

KIDS Meet Nannie The Witch Cutty Sark 11, 12, 1.30, 2.30 FAMILY Meet Albert Einstein Royal Observatory 12, 1, 2, 3 LIFESTYLE WBFF Fitness And Fashion IndigO2 MUSIC Steinberg Duo Steinberg Studio 6 DRAMA Picture Of Dorian Gray Greenwich Theatre 6 TALENT Something for Sunday Vanbrugh 7

Monday June 1

KIDS Room On The Broom Churchill Theatre 1.30, 4.30 MUSIC Ariana Grande O2 PUB QUIZ Vanbrugh 8.30 JAZZ Corrie Dick Oliver’s

Tuesday 2

KIDS Room On The Broom Churchill Theatre 10.30, 1.30 MUSIC English folk Lord Hood

Wednesday 3

WOOLLIES Knitting club Pelton JAZZ Jam session Oliver’s FILM QUIZ The Green Pea 8.30

Thursday 4

LECTURE WW1: The 3 Sisters NMM 11-1 MUSIC Trinity Laban Recital St Alfege 1.05 MUSIC Take That O2 MUSICAL Dancing Queen Churchill Theatre 7.30 PLAY So It Goes Greenwich Theatre 8 MUSIC Icarus Club Pelton QUIZ NIGHT Star & Garter 9

Friday 5

MUSIC Take That O2 TALENT Star Quality 2015 Churchill Theatre 7.30 PLAY So It Goes Greenwich Theatre 8

Saturday 6

KIDS Meet James Robson Cutty Sark 11, 12, 1.30, 2.30 MUSIC Esther Cavett Piano recital. St Alfege 1.05 KIDS The Great Wave Cutty Sark 2-4 FAMILY Kid Carpet And The Noisy Neighbours Greenwich Theatre 2, 5 DANCE BA3 Show Laban 2.30 FILM Nostalgia For The Light Royal Observatory 6.30 MUSIC Thomas Tallis Society St Alfege 6.30 MUSIC Take That O2 MUSIC Beyond The Barricade Churchill Theatre 7.30

Sunday 7

KIDS Meet Captain Woodget Cutty Sark 11, 12, 1.30, 2.30 KIDS The Great Wave Cutty Sark 2-4 TALENT Something for Sunday Vanbrugh 7 COMEDY Jasper Carrott Churchill Theatre 7.30

Monday 8

FILM/PLAY Antony & Cleopatra From Shakespeare’s Globe Picturehouse 12.30 MUSIC Take That O2 PUB QUIZ Vanbrugh 8.30 JAZZ Corrie Dick Oliver’s

Tuesday 9

MUSIC Take That O2

Friday 19

PLAY Uncle Vanya Lon Theatre 8 MUSIC English folk Lord Hood

Wednesday 10

WOOLLIES Knitting club Pelton MUSIC One Night Of Elvis Churchill Theatre 7.30 LITERATURE Tony Young: The Professor And Women Blackheath Halls 8 PLAY Uncle Vanya Lon Theatre 8 JAZZ Jam session Oliver’s FILM QUIZ The Green Pea 8.30

Thursday 11

LECTURE WW1: 3 Sisters NMM 11-1 MUSIC Trinity Laban Recital St Alfege 1.05 DANCE BA2 Project Laban 2.30, 7.30 MUSIC Take That O2 HUMOUR Laughing Boy Comedy Club Blackheath Halls 8 PLAY Uncle Vanya Lon Theatre 8 MUSIC Icarus Club Pelton QUIZ NIGHT Star & Garter 9

Friday 12

WORKSHOP Linocut Printing ORNC 10.30-4 DANCE BA2 Project Laban 2.30, 7.30 MUSIC Take That O2 BALLET Madame Butterfly Churchill Theatre 7.30 VARIETY House Of Fun, Arthur Smith Blackheath Halls 8 PLAY Uncle Vanya Lon Theatre 8

Saturday 13

BOOK SALE Friends Of Age Exchange SE3 9LA. 10am-4 KIDS Meet Nannie The Witch Cutty Sark 11, 12, 1.30, 2.30 ART Greenwich Open Studios. Various venues 1-6. www. greenwichopenstudios.co.uk MUSIC Jeremy Lowe Clarinet recital. St Alfege 1.05 MUSIC Take That O2 FILM Silent Running (1972) Royal Observatory 7 MUSIC The Earth, Wind And Fire Experience IndigO2 BALLET Madame Butterfly Churchill Theatre 7.30 PLAY Uncle Vanya Lon Theatre 8

Sunday 14

KIDS Meet Captain Woodget Cutty Sark 11, 12, 1.30, 2.30 ART Greenwich Open Studios. Various venues 1-6. www. greenwichopenstudios.co.uk PLAY Uncle Vanya Lon Theatre 5 TALENT Something for Sunday Vanbrugh 7

Monday 15

MUSIC Take That O2 PUB QUIZ Vanbrugh 8.30 JAZZ Corrie Dick Oliver’s

Tuesday 16

MUSICAL Top Hat Churchill Theatre 7.30 DANCE BA1 Project Laban 7.30 MUSIC English folk Lord Hood

Wednesday 17

MUSICAL Top Hat Churchill Theatre 2.30, 7.30 DANCE BA1 Project Laban 7.30 WOOLLIES Knitting club Pelton MUSIC Raghu Dixit Brooklyn Bowl JAZZ Jam session Oliver’s FILM QUIZ The Green Pea 8.30

Thursday 18

MUSIC Trinity Laban Recital St Alfege 1.05 MUSICAL Top Hat Churchill Theatre 2.30, 7.30 MUSIC Icarus Club Pelton QUIZ NIGHT Star & Garter 9

MUSIC Take That O2 MUSIC St Paul’s Sinfonia St Alfege 7 MUSICAL Top Hat Churchill Theatre 7.30

Saturday 20

KIDS Meet Jock Willis Cutty Sark 11, 12, 1.30, 2.30 ART Greenwich Open Studios. Various venues 1-6. www. greenwichopenstudios.co.uk MUSICAL Top Hat Churchill Theatre 2.30, 7.30 BARN DANCE Woodlands Farm Trust 7.30

Want the inside guide to what’s best in Greenwich and Blackheath? We ask a local

MyLife DON SIMMS B.E.M.

Sunday 21

KIDS Meet Captain Woodget Cutty Sark 11, 12, 1.30, 2.30 ART Greenwich Open Studios. Various venues 1-6. www. greenwichopenstudios.co.uk JAZZ Mid-Summer Jazz Concert Friends of Greenwich Park, Observatory Garden 1. Tickets £5 (£7 on gate). U16 free. FILM/OPERA Ravel Double Bill From Glyndebourne Picturehouse 1 FAMILY Summer Solstice Royal Observatory 1-4 MUSICAL Top Hat Churchill Theatre 2.30 TALENT Something for Sunday Vanbrugh 7

Monday 22

MUSIC Fleetwood Mac O2 PUB QUIZ Vanbrugh 8.30 JAZZ Corrie Dick Oliver’s

Tuesday 23

MUSIC The Three Degrees Churchill Theatre 7.30 MUSIC English folk Lord Hood

Wednesday 24

DANCE One-Year End Of Year Show Laban 7.30 MUSIC Fleetwood Mac O2 WOOLLIES Knitting club Pelton MUSIC Johnny Cash Roadshow Churchill Theatre 7.30 JAZZ Jam session Oliver’s FILM QUIZ The Green Pea 8.30

Thursday 25

MUSIC Trinity Laban Recital St Alfege 1.05 LECTURE Illuminated manuscripts Blackheath Decorative and Fine Arts Society St Mary’s Church Hall SE3 2.30 FILM La Belle Et La Bête (1946) ORNC 6.30 MUSIC John Legend O2 DANCE One-Year End Of Year Show Laban 7.30 PLAY Absent Friends Greenwich Theatre 7.30 MUSIC T-Rextasy Churchill Theatre 7.30 QUIZ NIGHT Star & Garter 9

Friday 26

MUSIC Recital Age Exchange Blackheath. Noon MUSIC Fleetwood Mac O2 PLAY Absent Friends Greenwich Theatre 7.30

Saturday 27

OPEN DAY Caird Library NMM 11-4 KIDS Meet Nannie The Witch Cutty Sark 11, 12, 1.30, 2.30 MUSIC Ivan Andrews Cello recital. St Alfege 1.05 PLAY Absent Friends Greenwich Theatre 2.30, 7.30 MUSIC Fleetwood Mac O2 MUSICAL Let’s Hang On Churchill Theatre 7.30

Sunday 28

KIDS Meet Captain Woodget Cutty Sark 11, 12, 1.30, 2.30 MUSIC Steinberg Duo Steinberg Studio 6 TALENT Something for Sunday Vanbrugh 7

29 readers right here choose to take And read the Monday PUB QUIZ Vanbrugh 8.30 greenwich visitor every single day - not just once JAZZ Corrie Dick Oliver’s a week or month. to advertise IN a paper people Tuesday 30 Medea London Theatre 8 really read call matt clark now on 07731 645828 PLAY MUSIC English folk Lord Hood

Former Yeoman Warder

t the Watergate of the Old Royal Naval College I often stand and marvel at the genius of Sir Christopher Wren who created the most sublime view in English architecture. It has been my privilege over the past 16 years to share it with visitors from all corners of the globe as a Yeoman warder. I also thank my good fortune that I found Greenwich 60 years ago and have been here ever since. I was born in Belvedere in 1931. I came to Greenwich, with my young bride Doreen, as a probationer Constable in the Metropolitan Police almost to the day the Cutty Sark arrived in 1954. here were bombsites, run-down housing and general neglect enforced by war...a far cry from today. On my beat I’d pass the Miller Hospital, now a des res. Merryweather’s Fire Engine factory – yes, they built fire engines in Greenwich High Road – the Kentish Mercury Offices, now a Travelodge Hotel, Lovibonds brewery, now Davy’s Wine Bar – all long gone. Our first flat, overlooking Blackheath, was fronted by an estate of prefabs. romotion was not for me and I served 30 years, first at the station in Catherine Grove, now the luxury Mercure Hotel, then Burney Street and later at Shooters Hill in the Juvenile Bureau – a pilot scheme dealing with children in trouble. I loved my time as a PC but do not envy today’s Constables who seem to be under constant fire from the media ur lives changed dramatically with the birth of our first child who was disabled. Traumatic as this was, it led to great happiness. I started as a volunteer driver at Focus Gateway Club for children with a learning disability and led the club for many years. I returned as a volunteer recently and love it. On retirement I joined an innovative personal care scheme for people with a variety of disabilities. Clients soon became friends and it led to my first ‘guiding’ experience. Over the years I have been fortunate enough to accompany many people with disabilities in holidays around the world: China, South Africa, USA, New Zealand. hen I was six, my father took me to see Charlton Athletic – I’ve been a devovted fan through thick (and mostly thin) and for the past 20 years my dear friend George and I have missed very few games. adly,the Foundation for the Old Royal Naval College has reorganised Visitor services and the role of Yeomen no longer, exists. Over the 16 years since the Royal Navy left Greenwich, we have helped establish the ORNC as one of the leading tourist atractions in the UK. I sincerely hope that this work will not be compromised. I have loved every minute at the ORNC and the fellowship of some wonderful people that I call friends. ut it’s time to move on and embark on the next phase of a life well-lived and immensely enjoyed. There are books to read, music to listen to and probably some voluntary work still to do. My Freedom Pass is taking me arund London’s Underground system - what delights await at Cockfosters, Uinster, Ealing Broadway? I have so many great memories, a very happy 60-year marriage, good health - I am richly blessed.

W S B

Tell us your life stories and favourite local places. email Matt@TheGreenwichVisitor.com

GreenwichVisitor THE

April 2015 Page 23

moving toast to admiral nelson

WE’RE proud of our maritime traditions here...and one of them is the Immortal Toast. The Nelson Society raises a glass to the memory of our greatest Admiral each year. This picture of the recent ceremony in the Painted Hall of the Old Royal Naval College – where his body lay before his state funeral in 1805 – was sent to us by Genevieve St george, the society’s Send us a photo. Email: London Secretary. Genevieve says: “Commodore matt@TheGreenwichVisitor.com Martin Atherton MBE did a very poignant Toast.

COME on then cleverclogs. Think of a team name and test yourelf against our legendary quizmaster Deke. Still not authentic enough?

YES you can get a substantial family home for around half a million...this classic 1930s semi in Mayday Gardens is on the market for £564,950. It has four

Get off the sofa and catch his legendary quizzes at The Vanbrugh Tavern every Monday night. 8.30.

bedrooms, has just been refurbished and and overlooks green and pleasant playing fields at the back. Call Peter James on 020 3318 6587.

Wordsearch

Like it? Live it!

1 On what day of the year is St George’s day held? 2 In George Orwell’s Animal Farm, what type of animals were Clover, Mollie and Boxer? 3 What is the capital of the Caribbean island of Grenada? 4 Which TV show featured George, Zippy and Bungle? 5 George Bernard Shaw’s play Pygmalion was adapted to become which musical? 6 Before becoming US President, George W Bush was govenor of which state? 7 In May 2006, Belfast Airport officially changed its name in honour of which famous Irishman? 8 Which famous writer, who used the line God for Harry, England and St. George! in one of his works, was said to have been born and died on St George’s Day? 9 Which other Eastern European City is St George the patron Saint of? 10 Where was St. George born? England or Turkey Answers: 1 April 23. 2 Horses. 3 St. Georges. 4 Rainbow. 5 My Fair Lady. 6 Texas. 7 George Best. 8 William Shakespeare. 9 Moscow. 10 Turkey.

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Mystery object

SEND US YOUR PICTURE OF A PERFECT DAY

He said it was one of the most moving and poignant things he has done in his naval career. “ Send us YOUR picture of an amazing day here. Email Matt@TheGreenwichVisitor.com with your photo. We hope you’ve enjoyed The Greenwich Visitor. We’re the only publication aimed at – and read by – residents AND visitors every day, from supermarkets and from our street distributors. We’re an independent business supporting other local businesses.

GreenwichVisitor WANT TO ADVERTISE? OR TELL US YOUR STORY? Call Matt on 07731 645828 Matt@TheGreenwich Visitor.com

THIS month’s mystery is a walk in the Park...It has a hidden history you may have read about in our paper in the past. Email

Matt@The GreenwichVisitor. com. Last month: The new swing bridge at Deptford Creek, spotted by reader Luca Ruzzoni.

G R E E NW I C H O X N E B R O AD B AN B I MOWN T E O B A N H I MADN E S S R G T T R N R Y T T UN A N C E T O T YU I SM E I V E H E HML R A K S I D L AMUME R NU R AB I MS BMK A M P D WM O E E R E R O R S YO B L S A T F C AMB O D I A F O IF you read the paper carefully this wordsearch should be easy: M A D N E S S ; N U T T Y; B O Y S ; WA N T E D A D S ; S A B O ; FRANKENTHING; BANX;

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SWIMMING; RIVER; THAMES; ARTHUB; PALEY; BROADBAND; C A M B O D I A ; YA C H T C L U B ; FARMERS; MARKET; GREENWICH; MUSIC TIME; Happy hunting – SCF.

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The Blog of Samuel Pepys y wife lately much taken up with her Book Club but whereas last year the ladies read the tale of “Fifty Shades of Grey,” merrily drinking M wine and winking at me, now they do study “Wolf Hall”, and talk most

soberly. When I ask “Who’s for cribbage?” my wife says I love not literature; I have just read the Racing Page in the broadsheet and know she lies. nd so to the Shrimp and Shovel. A woman there did say that my wig looked “cool”, I replying that it was elegant but damnably hot. She then did insist that I was “fund-raising for Wig Wednesday”, a game in which people perform undignified acts and are given money, a strange practice of which I have not heard. She said that in this sport others do shave their heads and earn thousands of pounds, so I did dare to pull off my wig and shew my pate, which put them in a stound. A man then said that yet others make fundraising by wearing hats. “Such a thing is easy,” I cried, and donning my beaver, made a bow and drew applause. eeling most high, I now thrust out my leg and did a gigue. “That’s a new one,” he said, “wearing stockings.” He averred that there are yet others

who perform in a consort called a “sing-a-thon”, and do regale an audience with songs for many hours. Encouraged by my tankard of Greenwich beer, I sang my song “Jocasta Brings Me Woe”, which once made the Duchess of Albemarle shed tears, and then, in more lusty mode, “Come Fill Sweet Mary’s Cup” which did make them roar but the churlish landlord stopped me in the second verse. now cried that I had done my duty, doffed my hat and asked them to fill it with funds. “Who is it for,” asked the man, “the children?” This I denied, as children do plague me by laughing at my wig, throwing eggs at it and pulling it off. “Then it must be for the soldiers‚“ said the woman, to which I said that the King himself would reward his soldiers as soon as he pays off the Duchess of Portsmouth’s pearls. Another woman said that it must be for the animals, but there are but two kinds of animal, those which eat me, and those which I eat, for which Mrs Pepys pays our butcher. I cried that fundraising is but a silly sport and left. In the street a poor man asked me for money. I gave him a pound, saying, “Put this toward a wig. You will perhaps make more money from it than I am able.”

AS IMAGINED BY TONY KIRWOOD: tonykirwood@gmail.com

Visit Samuel Pepys’ new website at www.blogofpepys.com

GreenwichVisitor THE

April 2015 Page 24

~ SUNDAY 26TH JULY ~

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