October 2012

Eltham SE9

nine

www.senine.co.uk

OCTOBER 2012

SENINE CONCERT

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Our experience in health and safety gives us an advantage with working in schools, colleges and high street stores with the confidence of public safety.

We also carry out a design and build service with experienced architects, surveyors, structural engineers and interior designers.

London and Kent construction is a solid player in the construction market with a portfolio of clients and building projects. We also have a great team of talented tradesmen and tradeswomen which has grown in strength over the years.

London and Kent construction is centrally located in Eltham SE9, giving easy access to southeast London and northwest Kent, however we do work in other areas by arrangement.

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Planning Changes P

lans for a relaxation of the planning rules for home extensions will exclude conservation areas such as the Progress Estate and homes around Eltham Park, Greenwich Council have confirmed.

The government has published proposals to allow homeowners more scope to improve their homes without gaining planning permission. www.facebook.com/OvencleanJohnDenoon

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But the Progress Estate, built rapidly during the First World War to house munitions workers at the Woolwich

Arsenal will be excluded.

Keith Billinghurst of the Progress Residents Association said: “The publicity for the initiative might lead people to think that all property owners will be included. But it won’t apply to conservation areas, such as the Progress, where permission for extensions will still be required.”

Further information is available from the council’s planning department on 020 8921 5222.

It is your community, you have the right to a say in what happens

ISSUE NUMBER 71

OCTOBER 2012

SEnine

Opinion, From My Desk

'Come Dine With Me' Some funny requests come across my desk each month. This month it is from Channel 4. They are seeking people in SE London to take part in a new series of 'Come Dine With Me'. While I suspect that by the time this is published they will have filled the vacant places, there is no harm in trying.

Visit www.senine.co.uk for full details.

SEnine Concert The big event for October is the Annual SEnine concert. If you have not been to one you are missing out. They are fun filled entertaining nights where a variety of eclectic performances take place.

This year will be the most diverse in our 6 year history of performances, with Rap to Pop and a lot in betwen.

See back page for details.

Old Co-Op site purchase.

On page 4 we carry the story of the council purchase of the old Co-Op site now leased by Poundland.

The council have not made their intentions clear on plans for this strategic site.

While Eltham has done well with school redevelopment, it seems to have been lagging behind in the regeneration of

the High Street.

While this may not signal a change to council attitude, it seems to be a step in the right direction.

Well Hall Road Toilets The toilets in Well Hall Road are an example of the tardy approach to things in Eltham SE9.

After a constant drive from this magazine and others we were led to believe that, pending a grant application, the redevelopment of the toilets was imminent. The first grant application failed. So here we are back to square one after years of complaining about the disgusting state of the toilets.

We can only hope that what ever the council plans are for the Co-Op site that it does not linger.

Coronet Site There seem to be no takers for the proposed restaurant at the Coronet, and SEnine has been told that the room allocated to a 'Arts' cinema is too small to be viable.

This is a significant gateway building to Eltham and while not in the mess we find the Grove Market Place, how long will it be before it degenerates to that level.

For my money, turn it into housing, that is better than an empty building.

Totally Independent Editor: Phone: Web: Publisher:

Mark Wall mark@senine.co.uk John Webb editor@senine.co.uk 020 8333 7493 www.senine.co.uk SEnine Ltd: PO Box 24290, Eltham, SE9 6ZP

Closing Dates. All copy must be received by about the 15th* of each month to appear in the next edition. Contributions and Stories are always welcome from the residents of Eltham. Submissions are subject to our overall editorial policy. *Some months do vary, check our web page www.senine.co.uk for exact dates.

Pop with Isla, age 22 hours

In what has now developed into a tradition in this column, I am proud to announce the arrival, on September 14th, of my 3 grandchild, Isla Erin Joy, daughter of Erin and Chris.

Isla is the first to be born in the UK, the first two, Dash and Gray, being born in Perth, Western Australia.

Dash, approaching 3yo & Gray 8mths

This Christmas, both my Perth based daughters Kate and Lisa, along with Lisa's husband Danny and their children Dash and Gray are travelling to the UK to celebrate with us.

It should be a great reunion and most certainly the highlight of a big year, 2012.

Enjoy life: Enjoy Eltham.

Cover: Early morning glow. Taken from the Westmount bridge looking toward falconwood.

Photos by: Steve Eldergill Cameo: Chris Lloyd will be leading this years SEnine Concert

Friends Membership.

Support for the magazine is always appreciated. You can help the magazine with an annual Friends Membership The standard membership is ÂŁ24.00 per year (in the delivery area) Royal Mail membership ÂŁ36.00 per year (delivered by post) Payment to 'SEnine' PO Box 24290 Eltham SE96ZP

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This publication is subject to copyright - if you want to use something, ask we will usually grant permission

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NEWS

SEnine

How Many Pounds to Land this Property?

The first step in implementing the council’s long term regeneration plans for Eltham High Street has been taken.

by John Webb

I

n a surprise move, the local authority has bought the freehold from the Co-Op society, now occupied by Poundland, in a central town centre location.

It is expected that the site might be bulldozed to make way for a new development.

The decision was rushed through in five days using emergency council powers which bypass the usual democratic procedures.

The council’s justification for its hasty action was the need to secure the freehold from the Co-op before it became offered on the open market. However, SEnine understands it had been ‘on the cards’ for several weeks.

The purchase price is unknown (It was offered at around £4 million when the CoOp closed), which will come from the £14m fund announced earlier in the summer for the regeneration of High Streets across the borough. The precise amount paid is subject to the council’s strictures on commercial confidentiality.

It will fire the starting gun on a fierce battle on the future of the central site, going to the heart of the future appearance of Eltham’s town centre.

One indication of the council’s thinking is contained in its documentation attached to the ‘delegated decision’ process under which deputy leader Cllr Peter Brooks gave the go-ahead. It indicates that housing will be a key priority for the re-development of the site.

The building is currently on three stories, the ground floor of which is occupied by Poundland. The basement and upper floor are unused.

Greenwich is under pressure to allow increasing housing accommodation and has recently approved six and five storey retail and housing developments at Grove Market Place and the former Eltham Baths.

But any proposal to allow a development

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on that scale in the centre of the High Street will be controversial and bitterly opposed by some local civic interest groups which are keen to avoid an Eltham which is a mini-version of recent developments in Lewisham and Woolwich.

Another possibility is a major expansion of Sainsbury’s which has long craved a High Street frontage in Eltham and is heavily over-trading on its cramped site. The associated arcade, St Mary's Place, behind St Mary’s Community Centre is expected to be subsumed in the new development and is already owned by Sainsbury’s.

Another possible part of the mix is leisure.

Demand for keep-fit classes is outstripping capacity at the successful Eltham Centre and there will be hopes of a post-Olympic sporting legacy boom.

Two other issues which are bound to emerge are parking and pedestrianisation.

In the council’s masterplan, agreed in April, extra parking was a priority and the idea of double-decking Sainsbury’s car park was floated. This would be combined with reduced parking on the High Street itself, with wider pavements and an enhanced ‘public realm’ for seating, trees and pavement cafes.

The outcome of a bid to the Mayor’s Fund for re-generation is expected to be revealed this autumn with up to £2m made available

for making the town centre more attractive for shoppers and inward investors.

The council’s overview statement on the development stated: “The site has the potential to significantly increase the footfall on the high street and reinvigorate the local economy.”

It said the council needed to play a lead role in responding to and creating the right opportunities and climate for economic growth.

“The key to the survival and improvement of Eltham High Street is a pressing need to maintain, support and enhance it. The purchase of the former Co-op department store represents a key opportunity to achieve this.

“The site is under-utilised and has significant potential to intensify the use of the high street The primary objective of this purchase is for the Council to kick-start the development of a key part of the high street which in turn will increase the footfall on the high street, enhance and diversify the town centre offer and re-invigorate the local economy.”

“The town centre is relatively low density and has capacity for further intensification to provide additional housing and business use.”

Don't be a litter lout, find a bin

SEnine

Secret Olympic Players Eight young musicians have had a summer they will remember for ever.

F

or months it was secret. Months of hush-hush preparations and rehearsals meant their mouths were sealed.

Together with 70 others from different parts of London, it wasn’t until a television audience of billions were watching that the truth came out.

The eight, members of the Greenwich Centre for Young Musicians, led by tutor Kate Hands, first heard in March that they would be taking part in the opening ceremony for the Olympic Games.

They were hand-picked to join the premier musicians of the London Symphony Orchestra who were to play a central role in Danny Boyle’s pageant which raised the curtain on the Summer of Sporting Success.

Proud mum Cherylea Wynne said: “It was hard keeping quiet for so long but now they can take credit for what they achieved.”

The group played with the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) in playing ‘Nimrod’ from Elgar’s Variations in the ceremony which put an emphasis on involving youth.

Later, they accompanied Dame Evelyn Glennie in the track ‘And I Will Kiss’ by Rick Smith from the band Underworld.

Rehearsals meant much travelling into central London to the LSO’s headquarters at St Luke’s at Old Street and to the Abbey Road studios where the music was recorded.

But the reward was to be in the Olympic stadium for much of the evening, witnessing the memorable events from the centre of the action.

capital which have an affiliation to the LSO. The centre encourages members to have a go at music from a range of genres and they give concerts to local audiences.

“They all really enjoyed it. It was a great opportunity and experience for them all”, said Cherylea.

The full team was Eren Ali, 10, violin, Lili Evans, 14, viola, Bethany Grogan, 15, viola, Robert Grogan, 13, clarinet, Rofiat Ogundapo, 15, violin, Paula Suciu, 14, violin, Nancy Wang, 15, violin and Hollie Wynne,11, viola.

Greenwich Centre for Young Musicians is a Saturday morning club for aspiring players based at the Corelli Academy (formerly Kidbrooke School). It is one of a network of eight centres across the

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Lights Up T

his year's Eltham Lights Up will take place on Thursday 15 November.

Any local groups interested in taking part in this popular community event, either by providing entertainment or participating in the parade, should contact the Royal Borough's Senior Arts Officer Tracey Sage at tracey.sage@greenwich.gov.uk

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NEWS

SEnine

Just Horsing around When an eleven year old boy asked his dad ‘Why the long face?’ he couldn’t have predicted the answer.

A

t seven o’clock on the first Tuesday of term, Neil Litten, of Lovelace Green on the Progress Estate, awoke to take a doorstep picture of his son, Alexander in his new uniform, ready for his debut at Bexley Grammar.

It was here that they remained while a replacement box was summoned.

The rider wasn’t on her own ‘furlong’ as another kind, local gentleman slept out on the green with them. Their safety was his ‘mane’ priority.

To his surprise, he found three horses grazing on the green opposite his house that definitely hadn’t been there the night before.

“It was quite an experience’ said Mr Litten. ‘It’s not the kind of thing that happens every day and I was bewildered

Story by David Hall

“She has lived here for forty years and has never seen anything like it. I already had the camera to hand so I started snapping. Unfortunately, I don’t operate too well in the morning, I didn’t think to get any of their details before they ‘bolted’ into the distance”

"What's the fuss?"

The horse box that had been carrying the horses from West Malling to a horse show in Aylesbury had broken down at around 3am by the Westmount roundabout.

A local, who was ‘horsing’ around at that time in the morning, directed them to the haven of the Green.

when I opened the door to find three horses outside my front door.

“They were surprisingly calm, which cannot be said for my dog who was very excited. They gratefully accepted the tub of water my ‘neigh’bour brought out for them.

The newly-turned horse stables of Lovelace Green is named after the poet Richard Lovelace who lived from 1618-1685 who was rumoured to have been born in the area. With apologies to his most famous stanza from his poem ‘To Althea, From Prison’: “Rough hedges don’t a prison make, Nor Progress roads a cage; Kind passers-by and local folk Made horse a hermitage.”

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Buy Local, Support the Town Centre

SEnine

Christmas at Tudor Barn Eltham “There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humour.”

Charles Dickens, ‘A Christmas Carol’

Step back in time... ... and celebrate Christmas in a classic grade II* listed building, straight out of a Dickens novel. Situated in the Royal Borough of Greenwich 20 minutes from central London, each December Tudor Barn Eltham offers a full programme of events, which run from the beginning of December right through to New Year and include a special Christmas Eve event when there will be live music and a late opening. So

View our brochure for our Christmas and New Year menus and party options

whether it’s a Christmas lunch with colleagues, a catch up with friends and family or the greatly awaited work Christmas Party, Tudor Barn Eltham promises the perfect setting for a magical festive season.

The Tudor Gallery A classic space, with enchanting features, that guarantee a truly atmospheric party. The space holds a maximum of 150 for a seated dinner or 200 for a standing party, complete with canapés, platters or finger buffet.

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Elthams culinary delights and captivating atmosphere.

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VENUE 7

JANE’S JOTTINGS

SEnine

Things That Go ... 'Noisy' in the Night A party down the road or some home comers from a late bus perhaps?

The answer, a night owl show to itself.

I

t was in the middle of the night recently we heard voices and music.

A party down the road or some home comers from a late bus perhaps? The answer was more prosaic. My old Sony radio had suddenly switched itself on and was broadcasting a night owl show to itself.

The question is, what’s a 40-odd year old radio still doing amongst our household possessions? In truth, it’s because I can’t bring myself to throw it away.

For a start, I reckon the older model has a richness of sound which its young pretender can’t match. It was made for the honeyed sounds of Radio 4 and its cut glass news announcers.

And then, it’s so simple to use. Just one on/off button. Am I the only one to despair of modern devices which seem to require two zappers and a degree in IT just to get them working?

A present from my parents when I went off to university, it sported the latest tuning technology, with built-in cassette recorder, and has followed me everywhere I’ve been since.

These objects take on a life of their own in our imaginations, connected, as they are, with people and places now departed. With the constantly outdated appliances of today, perhaps our children won’t have these companions that travel with them from lodgings to apartments to marital homes.

There’s plenty of life in that old Sony yet, and a shelf in the old folks’ home if it wants it!

How could such an old friend be cast aside? Especially when it still works.

Most of the time anyway.

Behind it stands a much more modern version bought recently, in the age of digital technology, to replace the old Sony. But that just sits there accumulating dust.

My first radio came just in time to tune in to Alan Freeman’s Pick of the Pops on Sunday afternoons for the latest Top Twenty sounds. It was a real trannie with a special button for tuning direct into Radio Luxembourg and an earphone for listening under the pillow in my bedroom after lights out.

It’s amazing how attached you can get to inanimate objects. The Sony’s predecessor came wrapped up one Christmas and took me into teenage heaven. What joy!

Jane Webb has lived in Eltham since '85 with her husband and daughter. She has taught at several local primary schools'

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SEnine

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Vivaldi: Gloria Bruckner: Locus Iste Bairstow: Blessed City Heavenly Salem Parry: I was Glad Saturday, 6 October 2012 at 20.00

Christ Church 229 Eltham High Street, SE9 Christ Church Priory Centenary Celebrations Tickets: £10 and £8 (concessions) available at 020 8850 3532 or Normans Music, Well Hall Road www.elthamchoral.org.uk

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SEnine

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Join in a Community Activity

CULTURE

SEnine

Mini Proms E

ltham opera duo Grant and Elly Doyle of Earlshall Road, Eltham have lived locally for 10 years, are also the brains behind “The Mini Proms”, to be staged at the Blackheath Halls on Friday October 5.

As the name suggests it will be based on “The Last Night of the Proms”, featuring classics such as “Jerusalem” and “Land of Hope and Glory” alternatively in a more intimate setting.

An SE9 professional singing duo Grant and Elly Doyle talk to SEnine's Nicola Jones..

He spent his childhood experimenting with music, singing in choirs, learning the organ, guitar and flute, combining his love for rock music as well as classical. Falling into singing when he joined bands at school, he was then sent to singing lessons which lead to his winning a scholarship in London.

Grant, a baritone opera singer, originally from Adelaide, Australia came to London 15 years ago to further his singing studies after winning a scholarship to attend The Royal College of Music.

Grant Doyle as Sir Ruthven "Ruddigore" (Opera North, 2010/11)

It was there he met Elly, from Devon, who had been learning the violin from the age of four. and who had attended Chetham’s School Of Music, a specialist boarding music school since aged13.

as well as performing with a variety of artists from Katherine Jenkins to Kanye West and a number of TV appearances including X Factor and The Brit Awards.

Grant’s big break was being part of the Young Artists Programme, performing at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, then at venues such as The Royal Albert Hall and working with Channel 4 as well starring in several shows such as Gilbert & Sullivan’s ‘Ruddigore’, and ‘Moby Dick’ where he played ‘Starbuck’ and recently starred at The Edinburgh International Festival.

The couple have been living in Eltham for the past ten years and they can now call SE9 ‘home’. Ideal for their lifestyle Grant explains, “We wanted more of a ‘green’ living style but with our work we can’t live too far out of the city. We do a lot of travelling and Eltham is perfectly situated on a cross-road of motorways and you can’t even tell! I can’t imagine living life somewhere else. We’re so lucky here.”

On the ‘mini-Proms’, they say: “The crowd can really get involved and love the flag waving!” and the show promises to be “charismatic and very personable”.

Both Grant and Elly have been professionals in their field for over 10 years, with Elly having toured with the CBSO, performing at the BBC Proms

Last Night of the ‘Mini’ Proms Blackheath Hall's, Friday October 5th

Pleasaunce Calendar T

he 2013 Well Hall Pleasaunce calendar is now available. Featuring 14 pictures taken in the grounds of the borough’s flagship park, the calendar is produced by the Friends group to raise money to help develop the park and gardens.

Woodhead Hair Stylist, the Tudor Barn and newsagents in Well Hall Road and direct from the Friends on 07894 711765 or wellhall@hotmail. co.uk. Bulk discounts are available.

It is priced £4 and available from

Don't be a Litter tosser, put it in a bin

11

WHAT'S ON

SEnine

Commercial Advertising in What's On

Wednesday-SaturdayOctober17–20

Wednesday7–Saturday10November

Peter Pan the Musical

Wuthering Heights

Rates start at £12.50 per Column Centimetre

Bromley Players £11.50 (Weds and Thurs) £13.50 (Fri and Sat) 020 8850 3702 or www.bobhopetheatre. co.uk - 7.45pm (and 2.30pm Sat)

Dramatisation of Emily Bronte’s epic tale of love and revenge. Bob Hope Theatre production Wythfield Road 020 8850 3702 or www.bobhopetheatre. co.uk £9 (£8 conc, not Fri/Sat even) 7.45pm (plus 2.30pm Sat)

This space would cost £25.00 / month* * plus vat, term booking

Sunday September 30 Soul Grenades cover band Tudor Barn, Well Hall Pleasaunce 2-4pm

Wed 3rd, Sat 6th, Tue 9th, Mon 15th October Open days at Eltham Hill School Eltham Hill Chance to view the school for prospective parents Times as per advert (page 10)

Tue 2nd, Wed 3rd, Thu 4th and Mon 8th Open days at Harris Academy

Tuesday October 23 The mushrooms and toadstools of Eltham Illustrated talk by expert Ann Andrew Eltham Nature Club St Mary’s Community Centre, Eltham High Street. £1.50 members, £3 non-members 7.30pm

Saturday November 10

Saturday October 27

Wednesday14–Saturday17November

Fright Night Challenge

Bad Girls – the Musical

Widehorizons, Bexley Road Camp out overnight or enjoy a spooky evening. £5 per tent or £3 for the evening per child. 020 8850 1581 or julianna.feher@widehorizons.org.uk 6pm

Production by the Glenlyn Academy Fresh funny musical based on TV drama Bob Hope Theatre. 7.45pm (plus 2.30pm Sat) £13.50 (£11.00 conc, not Fri/Sat even)

(formerly Eltham Green)

Chance to view for prospective parents Eltham Green Road 9.00am - 10.30am (6 – 8.30pm Monday)

Thursday – Saturday October 4 – 6 ‘Further Beyond Broadway’ Songs from the musicals, films and adverts!

Eldorado Musical Productions Bob Hope Theatre, Wythfield Road Tickets £13.50 (conc £11.50) 020 8850 3702 or www.bobhopetheatre.co.uk 7.45pm (2.30pm Sat)

Saturday October 6th Eltham Choral Society Autumn Concert Christ Church, Eltham High Street Music - Parry, Bruckner, Vivaldi and Bairstow Tickets £10 (£8 conc) from Norman’s Music or on the door. 8pm

Saturday October 13

Thursday 22 – Saturday 24 November ‘When the Lights Go On Again’

Holiday Art Club

Hulviz Productions. War-time songs and drama. £11 (£12.50 Sat even) 7.45pm (plus 2.30pm Sat)

Range of materials, tuition and techniques Gerald Moore Gallery, Eltham College Tickets £75. info@geraldmooregallery.org.

7 – 10 years 10am – 12.30pm 11 – 14 years 1.30 – 4pm

Thursday Nov 1 and Friday Nov2 Art for A-level students One day courses to develop exam portfolio with contemporary artist Gerald Moore Gallery, Eltham College Tickets £50 from info@geraldmooregallery. org. 10am – 4pm

Saturday October 27th SEnine concert Holy Trinity Church Southend Crescent.

This is a great night.

See details on the back page.

Wednesday October 31

Three halls of working models Eltham United Reformed Church, Court Rd Details www.selmec.org.uk, chris.warrell@selmec.org.uk or 020 8856 0148. Adults £3.00; OAPs £2.50; Unaccompanied Children £1.50; free with adults. - 10.30am – 4.30pm

Tudor Barn Wine Club

‘All About The Voice’ A fun packed show of music and comedy with impressionist, comedian and ventriloquist Bob Hope Theatre, Wythfield Road £12.50 (conc £10.50) - 2.30 and 7.30pm

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St Olaves Prep School, Southwood Road Chance to look round for prospective parents 10am – 12 noon

Monday 29 – Wednesday 31

Meccano Olympics

Saturday October 13

Open morning,

Three course meal and six wines £35, booking essential on 0845 459 2351 7.30pm

Saturday November 3 Craft fayre for NSPCC All Saints Church Hall, Bercta Road, New Eltham. Selection of craft stalls, cakes, books, bric-a-brac, raffle. Light lunches available Admission free. 10am – 2.30pm

December 2012 - January 2013 Annual pantomime Dick Whittington and His Cat Bob Hope Theatre Booking inquiries 020 8850 3072

Monday & Wednesday Evenings Martial Arts taster session Reality based Martial Arts & self defence school. Teen' & adults welcome. Learn to defend yourself while having fun.

Eltham CKD. web www.eltham-ckd.co.uk 020 8304 3500 or 07919 356980

Every Monday Greenwich Community Choir Eltham Park Methodist Church on Westmount Road 7.45pm. All Welcome.

An opportunity for people aged 18+ to enjoy singing in a fun choir. It meets every Monday during term time.

Every Tuesday Greenwich Soul Choir rehearsals Eltham Green Community Church, Westhorne Avenue 7.30pm, contact: 07958 612 582

Alternate Wednesdays Eltham Knitters Social craft group St Mary’s Community Centre 2-4.30pm

Eltham has something for everyone

SEnine

PREVIEW by Beattie Slavin

Never Never Land comes to Eltham Family friendly light-hearted show

B

romley Players last show was Chess, and before that was Rent. They have enjoyed these serious shows, but were keen to put on a more family friendly light-hearted show that would really appeal to children. They picked Peter Pan The Musical.

and is certain to add comedy value.

There are some younger members in the cast. John is played by Harry Butters and Michael by both Joshua Williams and Barnaby Marchant, who at age eight is the youngest member of the cast.

They have been rehearsing hard since June and under the direction of Sarah McPartlan will give Bob Hope a musical show that will lift our spirits no end.

Under Musical Director Richard Sands, the wide variety of musical styles has been mastered. There are child friendly lullabies, traditional musical theatre, rowdy numbers from the lost boys and some very comical pirate numbers.

How can you not laugh out loud to ‘Look back through a rose tinted eye patch’.

Bobby Youle (last seen as the arbiter in Chess) is Peter Pan, and as well as learning lines and music, has had to learn how to fly. Katherine Vennard plays Wendy in her first principle role, and experienced pirate Ian Chapman is Captain Hook (he was the pirate king in Broadway Pirates). Captain Hook’s sidekick Smee is played by Tom Harvey,

The costumes will be very traditional.

Edwardian outfits, for the parts set in London, and Pirates and Lost Boys in customary Never Never Land garb.

Captain Hook, Peter Pan and nd Tiger Li Lily ly have their costumes provided by Larger Than Life Stagewear. The special effects will be as impressive as we are used to at Bob Hope, and the set has been specially designed for this production, with Bromley Players members putting the finishing touches to it around there rehearsals.

To add to the family friendliness of this, after the matinee on Saturday 20th October, children can come and meet Peter Pan, Wendy and Captain Hook.

But it is close to selling out, so you better fly and get your tickets now.

Wednesday-SaturdayOctober17–20 Peter Pan the Musical Bromley Players £11.50 (Weds & Thurs) £13.50 (Fri & Sat) 020 8850 3702 or www.bobhopetheatre. co.uk - 7.45pm (and 2.30pm Sat)

Choral Event Camp Out Dementia F A E ltham Choral Society is holding an evening of popular classics at Christ Church, Eltham High Street on Saturday October 6.

The evening is part of the church’s centenary celebrations which started last year.

The works of Vivaldi, Bruckner and Parry will all feature in the programme, which starts at 8pm, tickets for which cost £10.00 (£8.00 conc).

The Society, whose membership has risen to more than 100, is currently rehearsing for its annual Christmas concert which is being held this year at Holy Trinity Church, Southend Crescent on Saturday December 15. Anyone wishing to take part should contact them via their website on www.elthamchoral.org.uk

Be a good neighbour

amily ‘sleep-over’ with a difference is being offered at the Widehorizons Environment Centre in Bexley Road on Saturday 27 October.

Julianna Feher, events organiser, said: “The challenge will be for families to survive a night of ghostly encounters at our Fright Night campsite. As families venture into the haunted woodland they will be faced with their biggest fears including; a cackling witch hunt, spooky stories around the campfire, a magical bouncy castle and live creepy crawlies”.

To get involved in the overnight camping challenge there is a £5 registration fee for each family tent and a pledge to fund raise for local charity Widehorizons.

Those not brave enough to stay the whole of Fright Night can just come for an evening of Hallowe’en activities from 6pm – 10pm for just £3 a child.

Places are limited so if you are brave enough to take on the Fright Night Challenge or would like to find out more please call 020 8850 1581 or emailjulianna.feher@widehorizons.org.uk

new self-help group for people who care for dementia sufferers has been set up.

The Dementia Carers Group will meet one morning each month at St Mary’s Community Centre in the High Street.

Its aim is to enable carers to exchange information and give support to each other through an informal meeting.

The co-ordinator of the new group, Jenni White, said that carers often found it difficult to share their experiences with other people.

“The group will give people a chance to talk to others in the same position. It will be a combination of sharing practical advice and providing a sympathetic ear”, she said.

The group met for the first time in September and its next meeting will be on Monday 15th October at 11am.

Further details can be obtained from Jenni on 01322 341504 or by emailing jenni_white@hotmail.co.uk.

13

NEWS

SEnine

SE nine 6th Birthday Concert 2012 sees the return of the SEnine concert this year at Holy Trinity Church, Southend Cresent.

This years event will be a variety performance extravaganza.

Featuring, as usual, the Greenwich Concert Band led by Chris Lloyd.

Supporting performances will include The Greenwich Academy of Music and Drama as well as the Greenwich Community Choir.

Eric Whiting and ensemble will present a number of acts including a performance of 'The Elements Song'.

We are also presenting a young Eltham rapper Lee Regelous who is featured in this issue and will present two raps.

Local young song writer and singer Harvey Montague will perfom a number of songs.

The night will be as usual bright and breezy, celebrating the 6th year of operation of the SEnine magazine.

We do appreciate your support and look forward to meeting you at the concert and making this years celebration the best ever.

Ticket are £10.00 cons £8.00 and Friends £6.00 and are available from Normans Music in Well Hall Road or by sending a cheque to SEnine, PO Box 24290 Eltham SE96ZP.

Also In October All About The Voice Saturday October 13th, Details see Page 15 Pater Pan October 17th - 20th Details see page 13

14

Help keep Eltham tidy! Put your litter in bins.

SEnine

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O

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tel: 020 8850 1263

Stand Up Comedy at Bob Hope C omedy’s coming home next month to the Bob Hope Theatre when a three-handed show hits town.

It’s co-ordinated by stand-up Paul Adams, a former member of the theatre, who returns to Eltham, where he did his first ever slot, on the Wythfield Road stage.

But it also marks 30 years since the King of Comedy himself, Bob Hope made the second of his three return journeys to Eltham, the town where was born, in 1903.

His return in 1982 was to re-name the Eltham Little Theatre. The theatre’s board at the time had suggested the re-naming after Bob because he had dedicated some of the proceeds, £58,000, of his charity golf tournament to save the theatre from oblivion, enabling them to buy the building.

Make a difference in your community

They were delighted when he accepted.

In two shows on Saturday October 13, Paul Adams welcomes singing impressionist Maddi Cryer, which closes a further loop in the history of this remarkable amateur theatre.

Maddi actually appeared at the Palladium with the Great Man in 1991 at a benefit concert to help to refurbish the theatre, the highlight of a career which has seen her billing on television variety shows and Dr Who. The sum of £28,000 was raised, which provided many of the internal equipment and furnishings of the theatre building as it stands today.

Maddi’s singing impressions include Wynonna Judd, KD Lang, Dolly Parton, Olivia Newton John, Patsy Cline and many more.

considered one of the country’s most innovative comedy ventriloquists, who has performed internationally alongside stars including Brian Conley, Max Bygraves, Sir Cliff Richard, Ken Dodd, Richard Digence, Felix Dexter, Omid Djalili, Sacha Baron Cohen, Stephen K Amos, Dominic Holland, Jonathan Ross, Russell Brand and many more.

‘All About the Voice’ with Paul Adams, Maddi Cryer and Steve Howlett is on Saturday October 13 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm, tickets £12.50 (£10conc)from 020 8850 3702 or www.bobhopetheatre.co.uk.

Bob Hope, ‘A World of Laughter’: The World Golf Hall of Fame’ exhibition continues at the Greenwich Heritage Centre until October 28 (Tuesday – Saturdays) with 170 artefacts relating to his life

Also on the bill is Steve Hewlett,

15

NEWS

SEnine

School with a View Students at Eltham Hill are now enjoying the most up to date facilities of any school across the borough.

T

he girls technology college moved into its new three storey building alongside the main road on return from this year’s summer break, together with a purpose-built sports and dance centre next door.

But the move marks only half way in the school’s complete modernisation under the previous government’s Building Schools for the Future programme, which has also seen the complete rebuild of Crown Woods and Thomas Tallis.

Eltham Hill just managed to squeeze into the programme, having signed contracts with the builders before the election in 2010. The former Eltham Green school, now the Harris Academy, has been promised funds for a complete re-build from the re-opened programme.

In the second phase of Eltham Hill’s modernisation programme, building will continue throughout the school year at the rear of the new building, which will enable it to accommodate a coeducational sixth form from September 2013.

Madeline Griffin, staff and Board Members on the roof garden of the new building

numbers to rise to more than 1,000.

The students themselves have been fully involved with the new developments, having designed the school’s new logo, its leaf motif internal décor, the re-modelled uniform. Student Megan Clayton was the designer of the image which has been woven into carpets throughout.

The leaf theme runs through the walls of the open public spaces of the three storey building, giving a light and attractive atmosphere, in complete contrast to the hemmed in corridors of the old Eltham Hill.

On the roof, a living landscape has been planted out to increase the building’s biodiversity and supplying an ‘in-house’ environmental teaching resource. From the roof, there are extensive views across Eltham and towards central London.

Local MP Clive Efford inspects the new Sports facility with the School Head and Board Members

It will become the borough’s centre for the International Baccalaureat, an alternative to A-levels, which entail students taking a wider range of subjects and community engagement. The IB is becoming increasingly welcomed by universities as an entrance qualification.

The new buildings will enable student

16

A centrepiece of the new school is the 17th century garden house and boundary wall, associated with Eltham Palace and named after the Flemish artist Van Dyck, who stayed at the Palace at the invitation of King Charles I. The listed building is attractively set in a new area of landscaped gardens between the new blocks.

Powered by energy-saving biomass boilers, the school boasts the latest technology aids for learning, all based on Apple technology, interactive white boards replaced by the latest projection techniques. Students will make use of iPads to enable easier work from home and better direct contact with staff and parents.

Madeleine Griffin has been planning the transition to the new building since she became head at the school five years ago.

She said: “I’m delighted that the new building is finished and able to offer students the latest facilities for their learning.

“It has been a great team effort and students themselves have been involved throughout the process.

MP Clive Efford, on a tour of the building, said: “The re-building of local schools is very important to the community.

Each one is different but none better than Eltham Hill, which will provide its students with up to date facilities.”

Eltham Hill has had a series of open days to allow potential students and parents to see the new facilities. Further dates are on Wednesday October 3, Saturday October 6, Tuesday October 9 and Monday October 15 between 9am and 12noon.

Take a walk in the Tarn

SEnine

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The White Hart is a traditional Carvery & Steak house on Eltham High Street now Operated by HRM Pubs Ltd, (opposite the now demolished 'baths') We pride ourselves on a fantastic service and hope you will certainly agree.

We are a passionate and dedicated company with a team that prides itself in exceeding our customer expectations. Our carvery including; beef, turkey and gammon operate 7 days a week, Mon 12 midday - 10.30 pm, Tue to Sat Evening 4pm-8pm, (early bird discount 4pm-6.30pm Tue - Fri). Sunday. Lunch from noon until 6pm. The Carvery also operates Lunchtimes Wed - Fri Noon - 2pm. We are Closed Mondays (Available for Large groups or Private Hire) Please call to book.

Open for breakfast Tue - Sat 9.30am The Full Grill & Restaurant Menu operates from noon until 9pm Tue - Sat,. Try our Wonderful Steaks from the Grill, T-Bone, Sirloins, Rump, Try our Famous HRM Mixed Grill We invite you, your family and friends to visit the restaurant or just pop in for a drink in the bar. Off the bar we have a lovely lounge area, with big leather chairs as well as a secluded beer garden at the rear. Come and relax and enjoy the great surroundings and atmosphere have a drink or enjoy a meal. You will not be disappointed in the new look White Hart.

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17

SEnine

In September we celebrated our 1st anniversary. We look forward to greeting you on your next visit.

Book now for Christmas

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18

Be active in your community

REVIEW

SEnine

Doomsday Novel An SE9 businessman with a career background in computer technology has turned his hand to creative writing. Adam Gillham spoke with him.

D

avid Roberts, 52, took the old saying "everyone has got a book in them" to heart when he came up with the idea for a bio-thriller Doomsdaystyle novel set in south east London.

David, who runs his own IT management consultancy firm, has finally enabled his imagination to run wild.

With the imminent start of the Olympics Games, the government throws every available resource it has at the problem.

David said: "I came up with the idea one evening as I took Charlie out to try and get him to answer a call of nature. I work in the IT world and this was the first time I had been able to use my imagination in my writing.

An Australian national, his father was an airline pilot with Qantas, David was born in New Guinea. After schooling in England, he has lived in Kuwait, Singapore and Nigeria as his dad changed jobs with different airlines, settling in Mottingham with his partner Catherine 15 years ago and, of course, Charlie.

Now he has become one of a new breed of authors who are by-passing the traditional route of getting books printed thanks to the internet and the boom in electronic reading tablets such as Kindle.

David, from West Hallowes in Mottingham, came up with the idea of writing the book while standing out in his back garden at night trying to encourage his timid greyhound, Charlie, to make a call of nature before bedtime.

His book ‘Fierce Alchemy’ is set in south east London in the run up to the 2012 Olympics when an aeroplane releases an airborne contagion with disastrous consequences.

Panic hits the streets as the mysterious illness takes hold, leaving hospitals unable to cope and society in meltdown.

Unless the authorities can act quickly and decisively to stop the rampant spread, the whole of the country will be put in peril.

David runs his firm, Inala Technology Solutions Ltd, from home.

He said: "Moving to Mottingham was only meant to be temporary but we have been here 15 years. But I think that happens to a lot of people."

"I'd try and spend a couple of hours an evening around 5pm and sometimes at weekends, but I didn't want it to take over my life.”

He began writing his novel in February this year and completed it in August, publishing it on August 20 on Kindle.

Now, a second novel is on its way which he hopes to finish by Christmas.

David, who has a degree in marine biology and zoology from Bangor University in North Wales, has an international background.

Help keep Eltham safe - report suspicious activity!

David said it was very easy to publish his book on Kindle. He is now looking to get an agent to try and get his book published in paperback.

He said: "I would love to get the book into print. I prefer hard copies of books, a lot of people do.”

David's book, Fierce Alchemy is available through Kindle via the Amazon website: Visit http://www.amazon.co.uk and search for Fierce Alchemy

19

HISTORIC ELTHAM

SEnine

St Mary's Community Centre John Kennett looks at the history of this popular venue For over twenty years a variety of community activities have taken place in an historic building in Eltham High Street known as St Mary’s Community Centre which for many years formed part of St Mary’s Roman Catholic Primary School. Standing alongside was a chapel built in 1890 as the first post-Reformation Catholic church in Eltham and as St Mary’s served as the parish church until Christchurch, further along the high street, was opened in 1912.

A house has stood on the site of the community centre for hundreds of years and the present building’s Victorian appearance covers an older house

St Mary’s in 1909 with a front garden

where the rural neighbourhood was disappearing under the spread of urban villas. His eldest son, George Joachim was born in 1831 and at the age of nine travelled by pony to Blackheath Proprietary School.

the adjoining Meadow View house, by Father Cotter of Woolwich for the revival of the Roman Catholic faith in Eltham.

The Sisters of Mercy opened an industrial school for girls at the lodge and a poor school in Meadow View.

Two rooms in Torrington Lodge served as a chapel for the institution and the district. Mother Clare Moore, who worked with Florence Nightingale at

In 1857 George married Lucy Dalley and two years later took up residence nearby at Eagle House, now Christchurch Priory and already alluded to.

George was MP for the City of London from 1863 to 1880 and held many high political offices and in 1900 was created Viscount Goschen of Hawkhurst.

Meadow View and St Mary’s, 1920s

incorporating red bricks from earlier times, as is apparent in the cellar.

Between 1837 and 1852 the house and garden was let to William Henry Goshen and his family by owner William Stace.

Goschen was of German extraction and moved to Eltham from Stoke Newington

20

By 1861 the boyhood home of Lord Goschen was used by William Knightly as a private school for young gentlemen and in the census of that year are recorded five members of the Knightly family, forty eight scholars and four servants.

By 1870 the house was known as Torrington Lodge. It was bought with

Lord Goschen as a boy

the Crimea War, later came to work with the Sisters of Mercy at Eltham.

Various types of schools for disadvantaged children were run from the premises and Torrington Lodge was renamed as St Mary’s Convent. In 1920 the designation was, ‘St Mary’s Diocesan

HISTORIC ELTHAM

SEnine damage over a wide area, but rebuilt after hostilities concluded.

When St Thomas More Secondary School opened at Footscray Road in 1964 St Mary’s ceased to be an all-age school and settled down to cater for the 5-11 age range.

difficult restoration was carried out in conjunction with English Heritage

by Sainsbury's. The work included the installation of a lift and the reconstruction of the rear wall which was attached to the school buildings. A reminder of this attachment is the internal door near the top of the stairs which leads nowhere!

Sainsburys opened on 28 March 1988.

The parade of shops was named as St Marys Place to respect the history of the site as does the Ancient Lights sign on the community centre.

On 17 March 1998 there was an For many years explosion at the side of St Mary’s by Sainsbury's had been seeking a site the bus stop and the high street was for a new supermarket in Eltham and closed as bomb experts checked the had their eye on St Mary’s but only if site. This was to be the last of 36 attacks new premises could be found for the by the so called ‘Mardi-Gra’ bomber school. Following refusal of planning who had a grudge against Sainsbury's; permission by Greenwich Council an his movements were picked up by the appeal was upheld by the Government. Halifax CCTV opposite St Mary’s.

Arrangements were then made for the school to relocate to Glenure Road in premises f o r m e r l y used by the Ava Maria Community S c h o o l .

Adaptations were made for the school to restart the new term in St Mary’s Community Centre, as restored in 1988 September 1984.

The St Mary’s Community Centre Part of the hard fought ‘planning gain’ came into being through the skill of a was the restoration of the Convent small group of local people who were building as a community centre. The determined to make the enterprise building is Grade 2 listed and the a success and secured funds from a variety of sources. The centre was officially opened by Councillor Annette Barratt, Chair of Greenwich Council’s Leisure Services Committee on 20 April 1990, and continues to be a popular venue. The meeting rooms have been named after historical associations with the building and are, Goschen, Knightly, Torrington, Stace, Sainsbury, Moore, and Cotter – all of which will be apparent to the reader of this article.

Shops that replaced Meadow View and the re-fronted chapel, 1984

Orphanage and Skin Disease Hospital for Little Boys and Girls (Sisters of Mercy in charge)’. In 1925 the same sisters were responsible for the ‘School for Poor Law and Rescue Society for Children’.

Time was running out for the poor law school as there was local pressure for the provision of a ‘non-provided Catholic day school’. This was achieved in 1928 and St Mary’s RC School was opened in the former poor law school premises that had been established on the rear gardens of the two houses, which edged Back Lane, now Philipot Path. The new school opened on 17 April when 186 children transferred from other local schools. When the high street was widened the Convent lost its front garden and the chapel frontage was rebuilt in 1932. The former Eltham Church of England Infants School premises, fronting Back Lane, were acquired for similar use in 1934 as the pupils had transferred to a new building at Roper Street.

During the Second World War St Mary’s School was used by Civil Defence. It became a Rest Centre and the HQ of the Eltham Rescue Service which remained there for the duration of the war with lorries parked in the playground south of Philipot Path.

The infant school was almost demolished by a ‘flying bomb’ in June 1944, which landed in Philipot Path and caused

Demolition at rear of St Mary’s Convent and chapel, 1986

All pictures are from the John Kennett collection

21

NEWS

SEnine

Pushing Your Artistic Talents The new Gerald Moore Gallery at Eltham College is proving to be a Big Draw with the community.

A

fter a summer of successful art classes and workshops for all ages, the Gerald Moore Gallery has drawn up an autumn programme of workshops and study.

It starts off with an open access art session, The Big Draw, on Saturday and Sunday October 6 and 7 with the chance to use crazy materials and unexpected tools.

Visitors, both big and small, are invited to drop-in between 10am – 2pm to work on a large-scale drawing with other families and a local artist.

The Gerald Moore Gallery is a new centre for modern and contemporary art that places learning at its centre

and a range of evening and weekend community workshops and courses are running over the autumn period for all abilities.

These include life drawing, art skills and printmaking with the chance to learn from a professional artist on a six-week course, designed for those who wish to create in a relaxed and sociable setting.

For young children there is a termtime Saturday Morning Art Club and Half-Term Art Classes where they get a chance to be an artist, get creative with materials and try out a range of activities.

Alternatively, for secondary school pupils from any school, there is an

Adult Evening Classes (16 years and above) Life Drawing Mondays 5 November to 10 December, 7-9pm £90.00 Art Skills Tuesdays, 6 November to 11 December, 7-9pm £90.00 Printmaking Thursdays, 8 November to 13 December, 7-9pm £90.00

Young People’s Activities Saturday Art Class Ages 7-11 15 Sep to 20 Oct 10-11.30am £7.50 per session 10 Nov to 15 Dec 10-11.30am £7.50 per session

intensive GCSE and A Level portfolio development one-day workshop during the October half-term holiday.

Working closely with a contemporary artist you will explore drawing using a variety of techniques and models perfect for pushing your artistic talents further.

For more details visit the website www.geraldmooregallery.org.uk To book, contact Meghan Goodeve on info@geraldmooregallery.org or call 020 8857 0448.

Half-Term Art Club 29 to 31 October 7-10 years, 10am-12.30pm £75.00 11-14 years, 1.30-4pm £75.00 GCSE Portfolio Development Workshop Age 14 to 16 2 November 10am to 4pm £50.00 A Level Portfolio Development Workshop Age 16 to 18 1 November 10am to 4pm £50.00

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Join you local neighbourhood watch scheme

SEnine Mon - Thur 9 - 6  Friday 9 - 7 Saturday 9 - 6

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23

SEnine

Retirement aged?

Couple or Single?

Restricted income?

Looking for accommodation?

We might be able to help!

The Trustees of Eltham United Charities are seeking applications from couples and single people who are interested in moving into our Almshouse consisting of 19 self- contained flats at 8 Blunts Road, Eltham. The applicants must currently reside in the

parish of Eltham or Mottingham and have done so for at least two years, be of retirement age, capable of looking after themselves and be on a restricted income.

The accommodation is rent, heat and maintenance free.

Application forms can be obtained from the resident manager Mrs Pam Davis at Flat 3, Thurland House, 8 Blunts Road, Eltham, London, SE9 1HT. ELTHAM UNITED CHARITIES Registered Charity No 223491

24

Local Business - use it or lose it

SEnine

Hardy Flooring Where quality, value and service are guaranteed...

Carpets Laminate Vinyls Wood Flooring Obligation free quotations Experienced quality laying We will price match any written quotation

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Eltham

SEnine Friends is Seeking New Members We really appreciate the financial support generously sent by our existing Friends. In this time of austerity every penny counts, but we really believe your support of SEnine is well worth it. Don't delay, send off your cheque today or visit our web page to pay on line.

Friends of SEnine is just £24.00 per year or delivered by Royal Mail £36.00 per year.

To support, visit our website www.senine.co.uk or forward a cheque along with your name, address and phone contact number to SEnine PO Box 24290 Eltham SE96ZP.

It Pa y s To Advertise Does your business really want to reach the people of Eltham?

0208 850 1357 60 Well Hall Road, Eltham, SE9 6SH

www.alans-of-eltham.co.uk

info@alans-of-eltham.co.uk

Yes? SE nine community magazine is the right choice The SE nine has the highest circulation of any magazine in Eltham. It is eagerly read with 11,000 targeted copies delivered by a dedicated local team to people who live close to your business.

It has a strong local support read by up to an est. 30,000 people.

SE nine produces result we only have a small advertising content so your advert stands out Call Mark today on 020 8850 4314 to reserve your space and be part of the hugely successful community magazine.

SE nine serving the community.

When in doubt, do the right thing

25

PERSONAL ELTHAM

SEnine

AHOY Father of two Clive Ongley, 57, who grew up in Eltham, was awarded the MBE in June for his tireless voluntary work as founder and Chair Trustee of the AHOY Centre charity in Deptford. Matt Bell spoke to him.

What are your links to Eltham?

I was born in Sparrows Lane in New Eltham and brought up in Eltham. I went to Wyborne Primary School and Colfe's, then a state grammar school.

Some of my family still live in the area.

I was a workaholic and a number of people were telling me that I needed to slow down before I keeled over! For one of the few times in my life I listened.

How did you first get involved?

I used to work as a builder and the people running the initial project wanted my help. Unfortunately they ran into ‘difficulties’ and I had to step in completely otherwise the council were going to take back the land.

How long ago was that?

It was in 2000. I was the first volunteer.

Within a few months we had over 20 volunteers. We relied on people giving us so much of their time as well as donating so many things. We built the centre from scratch.

Will 2012 inspire more volunteers?

We've got five paid staff and 20 key volunteers but we desperately need more who can commit to maybe half a day or a day or even longer.

You can't put a price on the value of your work when you see the smile on someone's face when you have helped them achieve something.

What is the AHOY centre?

We provide activities and courses including sailing and rowing for young people and adults, both able-bodied and disabled. People gain national qualifications and also life, team and leadership skills. Everyone is treated as a person who can achieve something.

But we have a wide range of courses which anyone can join.

What sort of courses?

We run education and training programmes with schools, various organisations including Youth Offending units and Special Needs Groups. The courses run from ‘starting sailing and rowing’ through to becoming an Instructor and NVQ’s/ Apprenticeships in boat building.

26

When a person attends for the first time what happens?

We teach them safety and explain the different programmes we have.

We put them in a group with a leader.

Then they are put onto courses and training programmes where they learn to sail and row.They're quickly made to understand the River Thames is the most challenging environment.

Have you got expansion plans?

We've just opened a new twostorey building with classrooms for a programme for delivering NVQs and apprenticeships. We can take someone from the age of eight through to 18, not only teach them to pass qualifications, but also equip them with practical skills and the ability to lead. We've recently installed some new state of the art indoor rowing machines for all the community to use.

Do you still live locally?

Now I live in Cornwall. I still come into the Centre for two to three weeks every other month and when not there I'm normally found on the phone and on the computer at home, writing emails, having telephone meetings to try and get funding.

How did it feel to be awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List?

It truly was an honour and also humbling.

I see the award as recognition for all the hard work put in by the volunteers and staff at AHOY. Without them we would not have made AHOY into a success story.

The AHOY Centre: phone 020 8691 7502 email: laura@ahoy.org.uk and websit:www.ahoy.org.uk

How do you pay for the equipment and its maintenance?

We are always applying for grants and asking for charity donations. We've got 20 sailing boats, seven team rowing boats and all the safety kit and adaptive equipment for disabled users. I'm proud to say we've got a Powercat boat ‘The AHOY Freedom’ which we built. It's the world's first boat that can be steered and crewed solely by people with disabilities.

Help keep Eltham tidy! Put your litter in bins.

SEnine

E L T H A M

C O L LEGE

LARGE ENOUGH TO EXCEL SMALL ENOUGH TO CARE

LARGE ENOUGH TO EXCEL SMALL ENOUGH TO CARE

Sixth Form Open Evening at Eltham College Wednesday 10th October 7.00pm – 9.00pm Boys and Girls 16 -18 Eltham College, Grove Park Road, Mottingham, London, SE9 4QF Telephone 020 8857 1455 www.eltham-college.org.uk

WOODCROFT CLUB

Trading name of the Eltham Conservative and Unionist Club Ltd

The Woodcroft Club is nearly finished the building and refurbishment of its club rooms. The official opening is to be announced but will be during October.

Membership is currently open, please contact the club for further details.

 Weddings  Anniversaries  Birthdays  Funerals

Don't find fault, find a remedy

The extension has allowed the club to develop a number of rooms suitable for meetings, training and functions. These rooms can be hired at very reasonable rates. The restaurant an bar is also available and the building has free Wi-Fi access.

254 Eltham High Street SE91AA

020 8850 8659 27

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Eltham Station

Our minimum fare is still only £4.50 West End Heathrow Stansted Victoria Gatwick City Airport

£35.00 £55.00 £55.00 £30.00 £45.00 £25.00

Add £7.00 for estate cars and fare and a half for 5-8 seater

Return journeys add £5.00 for parking, up to 45 min waiting time is free

Saloons, Estates, 5, 6, 7 & 8 seater cars available

Wheel chair access cars available with 24 hours notice

Call 020 8859 7666

£5.00 OFF Outbound

£5.00 OFF Return

Name

Flight Number

Phone number

Phone number

Address

Name

Date

Date

For Airport bookings - outbound journey Quote MD-OUT at booking or clip this coupon

For Airport bookings - return journey Quote MD-RETURN at booking or clip this coupon

Karate Kids A

team of 22 karate kids is heading for Serbia to try to prolong the summer of sporting success.

After a training regime of six days a week, the team from the Lionel Road Community Centre will be taking on the world.

Members of the England Shotokan Karate-do Federation are competing in the World championships for children, cadets and juniors.

The club, which takes members from Lewisham and Greenwich boroughs, is rated second in the country, 15th in Europe and is hopeful of lifting gold at the championships on October 10 -14.

Erica Francoise said: “This is what we’ve been training for. Karate is very competitive and we don’t want to come back empty-handed.”

28

In a sense, they will, as t h a t is the literal meaning in Japanese of ‘karate’; it’s a sport without weapons, relying on punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes.

be bringing back some medals to go with those we won at the European championships last year.”

Not yet an Olympic sport, the world championships is as big as it gets in the martial art, with its emphasis on self-defence.

The team has members up to the age of 18, the youngest just six.

Erica said: “The club has been going since 2005 and has gradually built in strength. I hope we will

Smile , it feels good

YOUNG ELTHAM

SEnine

It's A W'Rap A boy from Avery Hill has been performing his own rap as part of the local 2012 celebrations., and will be a featured artist at the SEnine concert

L

ee Regelous, 13, who attends Kemnal Technology College, has written the rap to commemorate the London games and he has performed it in a number of venues.

Verse 1 S w i m m i n g , George Evans volleyball we’ll win it High jump, long jump easy-ish Red, white and blue that’s our kit We’ll beat everyone bit by bit

Despite only being in Year 9, Lee has already written a number of raps on the issues that affect him and his friends.

Lee got started through his local youth club which has its own recording studio. After making a small number of songs in the studio, Lee was asked to write an Olympic piece which he has successfully performed for the youth club and at the 2012 party organised by St Mary’s Community Centre at the Progress Hall..

His success as a young rapper has prompted him to take music GCSE and he aims to carry on his hobby throughout his school career.

The rap is fast paced and energetic and symbolises the legacy of the London 2012 games, ‘inspiring a generation’, in this case Lee’s musical abilities.

The main problem for Lee and his rapping career has been getting time in a studio; the studio at the youth club is only open twice a week and he has to book it if he wants to use it.

chances to perform, as these are limited at the moment.

“Lots of people have told me there is no point carrying on because there isn’t any money in rapping”, said Lee, “But I think if I keep going at it then it doesn’t matter because I love it and I could make a career out of it if I’m good enough.”

Lee ultimately is looking for a record deal to help him further himself as a musician but at the moment he really just wants to perform on a bigger and better stage to allow himself to progress.

London 2012 Rap

Despite, this Lee’s mum Jo said that “the youth club has been a tremendous help” in helping Lee to further his hobby. But Lee admits that he needs to get more time in recording studios and more

Put your money where your house is - shop locally

Chorus Cummon Britain we must win Don’t let our talents go to waste in the bin Common athletes do us proud Put a big smile on our crowd

Playing football, 4-4-2 That’s old school to me and you Giggs and Sturridge in the crew We will win 2012 we’ll break through Wenlock and Mandeville cheering us on There our mascots day till dawn They don’t stop not even a yawn They are excellent from the day they were born Our new mascots brightening the game Team GB getting all the fame Hopefully it don’t rain Do us good save the pain.

Verse 2 On my bike wizzing round the track Ill keep on tryin I wont lack Going past everyone don’t look back Becoz I wonna be rich and not live in a shack Phillips Idowujumpin in the sand Jumpin so high waitin to land Hearing our national anthem played by the band First place is where I’ll stand We built it we made it We will never break it Serving our nation we will never fail it First place is where we will make it We are bringing this world into this place Andy Baddeley you’ve got pace Running the 1500 metre race But Usain Bolt is who we will face.

29

NATURAL ELTHAM

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Foreign Invaders A

lthough water lilies are among the most exotic and attractive of plants, not everything that floats on water is good.

In many lakes and ponds, it’s duckweed which is the menace. Spreading quickly across the surface of water, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to eradicate.

It often thrives in water with too many nutrients, so cleaning out a pond can help. Growing competing plants can make a difference, as these may take up the excess nitrogen which helps to cause its spread. Reeds and bulrushes are often used for cleansing purposes.

In stagnant water, blanket algae can be an issue, its dense matting clogging up water with its fine filaments.

Pulling these pests out by hand can be satisfying but ultimately this is a time-consuming exercise which needs constant repetition through a hot summer.

In addition to these common water weeds is a new threat.

Creeping water primrose might sound as though it should be a colourful addition to a pond. It is, however, considered a new and major environmental hazard.

One of its footholds in London of the yellow flowering primrose, latin name Ludwigia, is at Kidbrooke Pond, a small nature reserve sandwiched between the old Rochester Way and the relief road.

Although not normally open to the public, Greenwich Council and the environmental charity Froglife are working to renovate the site, which plays host to a range of wildlife, including smooth and palmate newts.

Efforts are being made to lift it from the connecting ponds on the site, to allow native wildlife to thrive.

By

Jason Jason Green Green

taken the London Wildlife Trust more than a decade to eradicate it from its flagship site at Barnes.

Although some was lifted out by hand, given the huge area involved, it could only effectively be tackled using selective weed killers which have been particularly formulated for use in a wildlife setting.

The plant eventually disappeared after careful treatment by handwiping a herbicide directly onto the plant’s stems. The harsh winter of 2010 probably helped to eradicate the species altogether, a rare success when it comes to tackling this type of invasive species.

There are 14 sites across the capital affected by the invasive pest, and it has

Illustrated Fungi L ocal mycologist Ann Andrews will give an expert illustrated talk on fungi which are to be seen in the area at Eltham Nature Club’s meeting in October.

The meeting is at St Mary’s Community Centre, Eltham High Street, at 7.30pm on Tuesday October 23.

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People are encouraged to bring in specimens for identification, preferably in a plastic container and marked with a note of their habitat.

Members £1.50, non-members £3.

Annual membership is £5, payable in the evening.

Take a walk in the Pleasaunce

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New Eltham Butcher Finest Fresh Produce Friendly service & advice

OCTOBER SPECIALS 3lb (1.36kg) Boneless Pork Chops 6 Fresh Chicken Fillets 3lb (1.36kg) Loin Lamb Chops

£7.99 £7.99 £11.99

Star Special Succulent Lamb Shanks £8.99kg Succulent traditional pork sausages - just the way you love them. The finest for Miles. All our sausages are made on the premises from the finest local Kent pork.

They come in a wide range of different flavours;  Cumberland  Pork & Leek  Apple & Stilton  Chilli  Spicy Irish (Garlic & Black Pepper)  Tomato & Basil  Herby Old English  St George (Rosemary & Herbs)  Minted Lamb  Beef & red Wine  and many more

Why not join our Xmas club? e Make the cost of Xmas t a l oo t t i that little easier ve a e l 't n o D

Free Delivery to most areas Major credit cards accepted  Phone Orders welcome

350 Footscray Road New Eltham SE9 2EB Open Tuesday to Saturday Your Community is what you make it

020 8850 4467 31

Electrical Installations

Domestic or commercial Free SSmall mall jobs to complete rewiring.

Quo Inspections & testing. tes Energy saving solutions.

Data D ata cabling, PV Solar panels . ay rW te es ch Ro

Falconwood

We are here

efi el

d

Rd

Lingfield Crescent

To A2

Ri

Phone or pop in to chat with us.

17B Lingfield Crescent Eltham SE9 2RL 020 8850 9704 steve@cselec trical.com w w w.cselec trical.com

www.thestuffedoliverestaurant.com

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BRASSERIE & RESTAURANT The finest in European cuisine offering Greek, Italian & French dishes

Christmas Party Menu Now available Book now to avoid disapointment Fully Licensed and Air Conditioned open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner and 12 till 3pm on Sunday for traditional Sunday lunch.

Stylish and Modern offering delicious food, excellent service and value.

Ideal for celebratory meals and can cater for parties of up to 45 people Children's menu available

7 Market Parade, High Street, Sidcup, Kent DA14 6EP

020 8300 5353

Clive Efford MP SURGERIES

73% OF STUDENTS

ACHIEVED FIVE OR MORE GOOD GCSEs

including English And Maths

First Tuesday of the month 11.00am Anstridge Community Centre, Anstridge Rd SE9 2LL

99% ACHIEVING 5 OR MORE GOOD GCSEs

First Friday of the month 11.00am Horn Park Community Centre, 96 Sibthorpe Rd SE12 9DP

Come and see the new Harris Academy, already one of the highest performing schools in Greenwich and set to accelerate progress even further to outstanding in every area.

Slade Hall, Pendrell Street, London SE18 2PJ

ADMISSIONS OPEN EVENTS

Third Tuesday of the month 11.00am Middle Park Community Centre, 150 Middle Park Avenue SE9 5SD

Tuesday 2nd October 9.00am – 10.30am Wednesday 3rd October 9.00am – 10.30am

Thursday 4th October 9.00am – 10.30am Monday 8th October 6.00pm – 8.30pm For further information or to request a prospectus, please contact us: Executive Principal: Dr Chris Tomlinson Principal: Mr George McMillan Middle Park Avenue, London SE9 5EQ T: 020 8859 0133 E: info@harrisgreenwich.org.uk www.harrisgreenwich.org.uk

32

Clive holds eight advice surgeries a month, where constituents can meet him in private.

He notice will see due everyone who comes along, Suspended until further to renovations but it is best to telephone beforehand so that you can get some indication of when you will be able to see Clive.

Second Friday of the month

6.00pm

Second Saturday of the month 10.00am St Mary’s Community Centre, Eltham High Street SE9

Third Friday of the month 11.00am Coldharbour Library, William Barefoot Drive SE9 3AY Fourth Friday of the month 6.00pm St Mary’s Community Centre, Eltham High Street SE9 Fourth Saturday of the month 10.00am m G Shrewsbury House, Bushmoor Crescent SE18 3EG 132 Westmount Road, Eltham London SE9 1UT T: 020 8850 5744 E: clive@cliveefford.org.uk W: www.cliveefford.org.uk

Support local traders - shop locally!

SEnine Caught red-handed…

An investigation into the theft of some valuable produce is under-way, SPY understands. Woodlands Farm, the lovely community farm on Shooters Hill, has been sending out challenging E-mails about the 'Case of the Disappearing Plums'. A consignment of luscious Victorias went missing under the noses of volunteers recently, coinciding with the impending departure of a walk organised by the farm’s bête noir, Greenwich Council.

Tensions are running high between the council and the farm due to the looming emergence of the Olympic Legacy equestrian centre next door, which they bitterly opposed. Apparently the walk’s organisers received a waspish E-mail from farm bosses telling them keep their hands to themselves while on their premises.

SPY can authoritatively report that the total loss from the farm was one or two pieces of fruit, downed by a peckish rambler, whose identity is known to SPY and whose environmental credentials are impeccable.

One for 'Plum'stead Police perhaps?

Unkind cut…

Keen fruit-pickers came back emptybasketed from a trip to Falconwood Field this autumn, in the Case of the Disappearing Blackberries, SPY understands. The thick hedgerows normally sport enough fruit to make thousands of pies and pots of jam.

But, more importantly, the abundant trees and shrubs supply a whole season’s fruit for a host of wildlife, including over-wintering birds. The official guidelines suggest that hedgerows should be cut back in January or February, after the berries have been eaten and before the bird nesting season begins. That’s from Natural England. The act of environmental vandalism was, naturally, Greenwich Council.

No lodging objections…

Another act is the whacking of a shiny sign on the charming Grade II listed West Lodge at Avery Hill in Bexley Road. For lesser mortals (like the public), a whole planning procedure would have been necessary and the proposal would undoubtedly have been turned down after objections from the civic policemen and women from the Eltham Society. Being the council, however, such niceties can be dispensed with, so the new park sign serves to obscure some pleasant ironmongery, mentioned in the council’s own listing designation. In any case, listed buildings are not meant to be used as billboards. Also, if a consultation exercise had been carried out, someone might have mentioned that the writing is too small to be read by passing motorists.

Have your say, your opinion counts

Pointing the right way..

One positive aspect of this signing exercise is a fingerpost, pointing out the park’s entrance. A pity it’s only visible from one direction through. It raises hopes, however, that one of these days, the borough’s oldest and most historic buildings, the 16th century Tudor Barn at Well Hall, might have heritage signs of its own.

Fly past…

Regulars at Well Hall might have noticed that the clouds of birds, which once frequented the Pleasaunce, have much reduced in number of late. SPY hears it’s a Case of the Disappearing Pigeons. Elderly ladies, mums with kids and animal lovers would often amuse themselves chucking indigestible white bread to the flocks which besieged any passer-by fumbling in their pockets. The reason for their disappearance, however, is the loss of their purpose-built breeding ground, namely, the old Coronet cinema auditorium, which served as their shelter and nursery for many years.

Off yer bike…

Less amusing is the Case of the Disappearing Bike. SPY understands the proud owner of a black Giant two-wheeler, which was severed with bolt cutters from the railings outside the Banker’s Draft at Eltham crossroads, is willing to stand a round or two for information leading to its return.

B16 bummer…

News has reached SPY on south east London’s most inconsistent bus service, the B16, which runs from Bexleyheath to Kidbrooke via Eltham. Regulars have been despairing for months about its late or non-appearance which TfL are blaming on roadworks, now completed, at Crook Log. Further assistance is said to be at hand by cutting the route at Kidbrooke, abandoning the circumnavigation the old Ferrier Estate.

Now you see it..1..3..2..gone!

Meanwhile regulars of the Efford Express bus service to North Greenwich have been luxuriating in double decker status for the duration of the 2012 Games. SPY understands that an informal arrangement had been made for the Bonus Boys from Docklands to sit atop while honest yeoman and Games Makers were on the deck below.

However, passengers with a ‘double vision’ for the future are likely to be disappointed.

Mr Efford’s pleas to TfL to retain the extra capacity to alleviate over-crowding have, so far, gone unheeded. No Olympic legacy there then.

Yalways newsy, sometimes irreverent and often controversial.

Non-developing news..

Rumours continue to swirl about the future of Eltham’s longest-running saga, the Grove Market Place. Like most market places at the moment, deep gloom has set in with the most likely scenario that Tesco has now pulled out of the running, but others are seeking to take their place. With Travelodge also yet to sign on the dotted line, the chances of any crumbling of old mortar by Christmas seem to be receding fast.

In the dark..

But there is gloom in the Cathedral camp about the prospects for finishing off its re-development of the Coronet, SPY understands. Its planning permission requires the foyer of the old cinema to be let as a restaurant and a 60-seat cinema.

But SPY learns that cinema experts have told them that there is insufficient space to install a properly functioning public auditorium. Furthermore, to create a restaurant would need at least £250,000 up front, which is not helping to attract suitors.

SPY wonders whether the government’s planning ‘free-for-all’ might help, allowing the development to be finished off with additional housing units and a renovation of the Art Deco glazing feature.

Not retiring…

Phyllis Duignan, a local Eltham resident, has recently been voted onto the Board of Directors of the Civil Service Retirement Fellowship (CSRF) which is a registered charity. Phyllis has been the Treasurer and Chair of the local Eltham Group which meets every fourth Thursday at the United Reformed Church from 1000 to 1200 noon.

Phyllis said that she was delighted to be chosen to be part of the Board which has some challenges ahead as the Government has decided that the funding from the Cabinet Office for the CSRF should cease from 2014. Therefore some of the smaller Groups throughout the UK would have difficulties in carrying on their vital work of helping the elderly and lonely to enjoy the regular meetings and trips out. Phyllis said that the Eltham Group is fortunate in having an enthusiastic regular membership and therefore funding is not such an issue.

Not all the members of the Eltham Group are Civil Servants as everyone is welcome to come along and as non Civil Servants they are invited to pay a small annual fee.

If you require any further information about joining this local Group please phone Phyllis on 02082650810 for details

33

MAILBOX ....... Have your say Over Developed?

A certain As i off the h Eltham El h area developments start to take shape it is obvious developers and most importantly council planners seem to have thrown any concept of keeping these buildings in character with the area out of the window.

The new housing in Eltham Green Road is vastly over dense as existing local residents are now finding out and the replacements for the Ferrier do not look much better than the buildings they replaced. It’s as if no lessons have been learnt from the past and planners are pandering to the current mantra of ‘build housing and more housing’.

The additions to Eltham Hill School are overpowering being so close to the perimeter and the design seems to be based on a house brick, a more tasteless outcome is hard to imagine.

The housing now rising on the Eltham Baths site is also far too large for the footprint and seems to overpower the area. You could not build any closer to the footpath if you tried. Even the

builders have taken away the footpath and closed half the road just to erect this monolith.

All this and yet more to come if the Grove Market Place development ever sees the light of day. My fear is that as each piece of Eltham’s land becomes available our Planners will approve yet more monolithic, tasteless and politically led over sized developments.

This is all a domino effect from having too many people. Now we have a housing shortage, so they build more houses than is sensible in area like Eltham. More houses mean more people, so we do not have enough school places so they increase the size of the local schools. Then we do not have enough healthcare facilities and so on, the domino effect.

Its time government grasped the problem by the scruff of the neck and built some new towns with hospitals, schools etc to match instead of blighting areas already at maximum density.

Paul Nudds. Eltham

Either go to the SEnine web site at

www.senine.co.uk

SEnine

or write to the Editor at:

SEnine, PO Box 24290 Eltham SE9 6ZP

Moat Morbid W d We do enjoy h having a d drinkk at the h TTudor Barn or even a meal, with family aand friends.

IIn the summer we like to sit by the moat, what a beautiful setting. m U Unfortunately the only thing to spoil tthe vista is the state of the water in the m moat.

IIt would be so nice for the wild life to be able to swim about and also for b vvisitors to be able to watch them.

SSo come on Greenwich Council please cclean up the moat so everyone can eenjoy it.

SSue Williams

Do you have an opinion?

Write and tell us.

Woodcroft Club Official Opening Work on Eltham’s new social venue, the Woodcraft Club, is expected to be completed this month.

suffered considerable bomb damage in the War, which destroyed its east wing.

This has been restored with the removal of a post-war single storey extension.

last year. We’re receiving a great deal of interest in membership with around 80 new recruits so far.

“The bowls team plays in a league and there are also club matches and competitions. We hope to set up snookers, darts and pools team when the club fully re-opens next month.”

The £1m plus refurbishment includes a new 100-seat function room, upstairs snooker suite, lounge bars, meeting room, kitchens and pool room.

Bookings for weddings, parties and celebrations are being taken for the new function room from members and non-members.

An official opening ceremony is expected next month at which prospective members will be able to view the club’s new facilities.

The former Conservative Club occupies a former 19th century villa which

34

The club’s bowls section has been using a new green to the rear of the premises for which re-vamped changing rooms will be provided and extensive landscaping will take place around the green and to the front of the building in the coming months.

Club secretary Richard Todd said: “It has been amazing watching the transformation of the building over the

SEnine does not necessarily agree with or support any letters published.

The club will be open for lunches for members between 12noon – 2pm most days and the bars from 12 – closing time each day.

Membership is £30 a year, plus an initial introductory joining fee. Enquiries can be made on 020 8850 8659 or richard.todd660@gmail.com

Mail Box is for your opinion, express it

SEnine

selling homes

redefining the art of

HARRISON INGRAM  ELTHAM  New Eltham: £249,995

TWO BEDROOM HOUSE OPEN PLAN LOUNGE/DINER FIT KIT/BREAKFAST RM BIG MODERN BATHROOM GAS CENTRAL HEATING Eltham Heights: £650,000

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 ESTATE AGENTS  RESIDENTIAL LETTINGS  PROPERTY MANAGEMENT  156 Well Hall Road, Eltham, London, SE9 6SN T: 020 8859 4419 F: 0208 859 8207 E: info@harrisoningrameltham.co.uk www.harrisoningram.co.uk

You can make a difference in your community

35

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conranestates.co.uk

Simon Hughes, Managing Director

“Goodbye Summer – Hello Sales” Moira Road, Eltham Historically, summer was always a time of slower sales and, according to the NAEA, this year has been no exception.

The “excuse” is of course that the Olympics were a distraction for prospective buyers and sellers, compounded by the traditionally quiet summer holiday period. However, we are acutely aware that even such glorious events as the Olympics pale into insignificance for someone who has a real need to move. Indeed, Rightmove reported a marginal increase in new properties entering the market in August, and dips in buyer activity on their site only at key moments in the games, when activity dropped by up to 50%

£189,995

Two Bedroom Top Floor Maisonette Within The Progress Estate Sole Use of Own Rear Garden Modern fitted kitchen & Bathroom Double Glazing & Gas Central Heating In Good Decorative Order Throughout Easy Access To Eltham Town Centre & Station Long Lease & No Ground Rent

Real buyers and real sellers still need to move and this year seems to be heralding a new focus by sellers to get in ahead of the expected autumn rush to sell before Christmas. Indeed, nearly 128,000 more properties entered the market this summer than last year. Significantly however the asking prices of these fell by their greatest rate on record (2.4% representing an average drop of around £5,837) suggesting that sellers are heeding their agent’s advice to price aggressively in order to compete with properties already on the market.

This of course should alert existing vendors that we are now in a new cycle on the property calendar. If your property has been on the market since last spring perhaps it’s time to consider repositioning your property in the market. The average time on market is 92 days nationally (albeit ours is a lot faster)!

So our message as we enter the autumn is that although volumes nationally remain half what they were at the peak of the boom, activity is hotting up quickly. If you are serious about selling, then a combination of the right agent, the right marketing, the right negotiation skills and the right price advice combined with an Olympian attitude, really should have you moved by Christmas.

Arsenal Road

£250,000

Two Bedroom Cottage Style House Set Within The Progress Estates Set On A Corner Plot With Own Detached Garage Modern Fitted Kitchen & Bathroom Hardwood Conservatory Double Glazing & Gas Central Heating Within Easy access To Eltham Town Centre & Station Chain Free

Search for our properties with ease on your iphone, android or other mobile device Why not follow us on Twitter / @conranestates Why not like us on Facebook?”

36

Pick up litter and bin it

SEnine

Footscray Road £179,995 Two Bedroom Victorian Flat In Good Decorative Order Throughout Newly Fitted Kitchen & Modern Bathroom Partly Double Glazed & Gas Central Heating Share Of Rear Garden Low Service Charges of Only £60.00 Per Month  Share Of Freehold

Rennets Wood House £189.995 First Floor Purpose Built Flat Overlooking Well Maintained Green Newly Refurbished Throughout Well Maintained Communal Rear Garden Double Glazing & Gas Central Heating New Lease Of 125 Years Chain Free

Laburnham Place £158,000 One Bedroom 1950's Purpose Built Flat Set on The Second Floor Modern Kitchen & Bathroom Double Glazing & Gas Central Heating En- Block Garage Chain Free Share of Freehold

Escott Gardens Two Bedroom Mid-Terrace House Modern Fitted Kitchen & Bathroom Two Double Size Bedrooms UPVC Double Glazed Conservatory Double Glazing & Gas Central Heating Chain Free

Mayday Gardens £275,000 Three Bedroom Semi-Detached House With Driveway To Front Through Lounge With Double Glazed Patio Doors Leading To Garden Fitted Kitchen & Modern Bathroom Large Summer House & Garage Further Scope To Extend Chain Free

Marvels Lane £259,995  Three Bedroom Mid-Terrace House  Recently Refurbished Throughout  Modern Integrated Kitchen & Modern Suite Bathroom  Newly Laid Garden With Decking To Front  Double Glazed & Gas Central Heating  Chain Free

ELTHAM / MOTTINGHAM 42 Well Hall Road Eltham SE96SF T: 020 8378 5450 E: eltham@conranestates.co.uk

GREENWICH / BLACKHEATH 221 Greenwich High Road Greenwich SE10 8NB T: 020 8312 8312 E: greenwich@contranestates.co.uk

Look out for you neighbour

CHARLTON / WESTCOMBE 46 Charlton Church Lane Charlton SE7 7AB T: 020 8293 0454 E: charlton@conranestates.co.uk

ASSOCIATED PARK LANE 121 Park Lane Mayfair W1K 7AG T: 020 7409 4693 E: parklane@conranestates.co.uk

£189,995

LETTINGS MANAGEMENT DEPT FINANCIAL SERVICES DEPT

221 Greenwich High Road Greenwich SE10 8NB T: 020 8312 8316 E: lm@conranestates.co.uk

221 Greenwich High Road Greenwich SE10 8NB T: 020 8312 8317 E: greenwich@conranfinancial.co.uk

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SEnine

ST MARY’S COMMUNITY COMPLEX Wedding Reception Rooms.

St Mary's Complex has affordable rooms available for wedding receptions at all its 5 locations. For details and availability contact the main office on 020 8850 2040.

'St Mary's Afternoon Tea 29th October 2012, 2pm to 4pm Special Afternoon 'Tea for 2', £10 please book, and 'Tea and cake £2'

Book our wonderful halls and rooms for Parties, Commercial Training, Business Hire, and other functions Anstridge Hall Anstridge Road SE9 2LL Flintmill Hall Flintmill Crescent SE3 8LU

Lionel Road Hall Westhorne Avenue SE9 6DH Progress Hall Admiral Seymour Rd SE9 1SL

New Groups Encouraged St Mary's Community Complex is keen to encourage and support any new community groups.

Do you have an idea, something you feel would benefit Eltham and its people?

Contact the Main Office for details, more information and support.

Royal Eltham Writers Circle' is looking for new members contact the main office

020 8850 2040 Main Office 180 Eltham High St

ALLOY TEC Alloy wheel refurbishment, On Site, Same Day, Mobile Service, Kerb Damage, Corrosion, Custom Colour finishes.

Est 1998

Featured in Top Gear and Autocar Magazine

Cosmetic vehicle repair solutions.

Plastic bumper repairs, cracks splits, scruffs.

Paint scratches.

Interior trim repairs.

Classified Adverts Entries start from just £25.00 +v Book for a year, pay in advance and space here will cost you as little as £240.00, remember that is for a full year. Call 020 8333 7493 now.

Cleaner Eltham Do you require a regular cleaner?

Call Elana on 07701 023 455 Reliable and efficient.

Plumber, electrician, tiler, PC repairs, handyman, fitness training, any business.

People are waiting to dial your number

Mary Rice 1929 - 2012 Passed away on 26th July 2012 at Lynde House care home in Twickenham and very sadly missed by her family.

07801 789 089

Formerly of Crown Woods Way, Eltham, widow of the late Bernard Rice (d 2009), mother, sister, grandmother and great grandmother.

Donations please for Great Ormond Street Hospital or Dementia UK to W Uden & Sons undertakers.

020 8850 2868, matt@wuden.com

All work fully insured and guaranteed

May she rest in peace.

38

HERBACEOUS

SEnine

Love at First Sight In our last instalment Herbs got a new car.

Now .....................!?

H

aving now adapted his new motor, alias The Flying Carrot, to his special needs, Herbaceous has been turning his attention to that more important form of locomotion, his wheelbarrow.

Word came from an associate who had heard of a house clearance, including an antique barrow which had been thought ideal for a man who believes in traditional values.

A crucial companion in the compost spreading season, soon to be upon us once more, the capacity and robustness of one’s ‘wheel’ can give an important edge over other plot holders.

It was love at first site when Herbaceous spotted its ageing carapace, obviously designed along the lines of a First World War tank, and manufactured not long after.

The choice of his replacement vehicle has come with a seriousness akin to Jeremy Clarkson fingering his way over the curves of the latest GTx. In the midst of viewing countless used models on E-barrow, Herbaceous had a piece of lottery luck, the like of which usually applies only to others, normally those who buy tickets.

Constructed out of some early form of wrought iron, deep rust had set in. But, such was the thickness of the plating, apart from one or two bullethole sized punctures it remained intact, the wounds serving for drainage purposes.

In a previous manifestation, it had clearly been in the hands of builders, as there were the remains of several layers of cement, now serving to protect the metalwork still further.

Its ample capacity would guarantee that huge scoops of manure could be transferred to his plot, at speed, thereby giving him a vital edge on his competitors, or rather colleagues.

From their point of view, however, this item was widely agreed to be skip fodder. Particularly as its broad and bouncy pneumatic wheel seemed only capable of rolling forward at an angle at variance with the vertical, tending to take its drivers on involuntary circular journeys.

To some amusement, one of the younger generation stage-whispered that the barrow clearly had a mind of its own and an intellect not too far removed from the Old Fella with his mits on the handles.

The Family Business that still offers a personal service

W. UDEN & SONS LTD FAMILY FUNERAL DIRECTORS ESTABLISHED 1881

 Covering all areas  Pre-paid Funerals  Monumental Masons

 Private Chapels of Rest  24 Hour Service

In the care of Nicholas & Matthew Uden

Branches also at: Petts Wood, Dulwich, Forest Hill, Sidcup, New Cross & Camberwell

51 - 53 Passey Place, Eltham SE9 5DA Tel: 020 8850 2868 Never stop trying

39

S E nine Wheelchair Access

6th Annual Concert

Saturday October 27th 2012 - doors open 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start Holy Trinity Church, Southend Crescent Eltham Tickets just £10.00 - Cons £8.00 - Friends of SEnine £6.00* Tickets available by sending a cheque to SEnine PO Box 24290 Eltham SE96ZP or from Normans Music, 32 Well Hall Road or at the door. *Limit 2 per member

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