Greenwich & Lewisham Weekender - May 6th 2020

Weekender May 6 2020 • www.weekender.co.uk

Greenwich & Lewisham

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Right up your street

Tackling loneliness in the lockdown

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Spotlight

editor

Laura Burgoine

The

Flower power: Blackheath florist Clare Oliver on lockdown demand

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

We publish every Wednesday, covering every postcode sector of the borough, and boasting, by far, the highest weekly circulation in Greenwich.

Each week, we deliver to homes in every Greenwich neighbourhood, with further copies stocked at convenient public stands. We are also the highest distribution newspaper in Lewisham.

You can also view each edition online, as well as daily news and events, on our website: www.weekender.co.uk The Greenwich & Lewisham Weekender covers all aspects of life in the boroughs, including music, theatre, comedy, film, events, and food and drink, as well as all your community events and campaigns.

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“I had quite a few weddings in March, April and May which have all been postponed,” she says.

“It has been very unsettling and disappointing for these couples, [many of whom] are re-booking for next year rather than risking moving their wedding to the autumn.”

The Greenwich and Lewisham Weekender is a member of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (which regulates the UK’s magazine and newspaper industry). We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice and are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism. If you think that we have not met those standards and want to make a complaint, please contact 020 7231 5258. If we are unable to resolve your complaint, or if you would like more information about IPSO or the Editors’ Code, contact IPSO on 0300 123 2220 or visit www.ipso.co.uk Weekender Editor: Laura Burgoine Advertising Manager: Tammy Jukes Media Partnerships: Anthony Phillips Advertising team: Katie Boyd; Clarry Frewin; Lorraine Wood; Sam Ratcliffe Editorial: Michael Holland; Holly O'Mahony News reporters: Katherine Johnston; Josh Salisbury Cover Photography: Matt Austin Design Manager: Dan Martin Design team: Aurelio Medina Finance: Em Zeki Managing & Commercial Director: Chris Mullany Managing & Editorial Director: Kevin Quinn Offices at: Unit A302, The Biscuit Factory, Drummond Road, SE16 4DG. Printed by Iliffe Print Cambridge Ltd – www.iliffeprint.co.uk News: 020 7231 5258 / news@weekender.co.uk Ads: 020 7232 1639 / ads@weekender.co.uk www.weekender.co.uk @weeknder_life @weeknderSL therealweeknder Issue: GW156

The floristry industry has been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic in unusual ways. On the one hand, there’s been a huge surge in the number of people looking to send flowers to loved ones – a win for the florists with a strong online presence and delivery service. On the other, the supply chain has suffered drastically, leaving florists unable to get hold of the flower breeds their business relies upon. Holly O’Mahony speaks to Blackheath-based wedding florist Clare Oliver to find out more…

“Pretty much as soon as we went into lockdown there was more demand for flowers,” affirms Clare, whose business Clare Oliver Floristry specialises in natural and elegant floral designs with an emphasis on British seasonal flowers. “I had a lot more enquiries for bouquets of flowers to be delivered locally, which I think was partly because many people were not going out to buy flowers and many of the florist shops have had to close,” she says. “People who couldn't visit loved ones for Easter wanted to send them flowers instead.”

Demand was booming, but a major problem soon presented itself: supply. “We started to struggle with the supply of flowers [coming] from wholesalers and from Holland,”

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reveals Clare. New Covent Garden Market – one of London’s major wholesale flower suppliers – closed, as did Clare’s local go-to wholesaler.

Supply is steadily catching up again.

“More flowers are starting to come through now – but the delivery days are much more limited than before,” explains Clare. On the plus side, Clare points out, many British growers are still supplying their breeds. “It’s actually a wonderful opportunity for the British flower industry and I will continue to use them as much as possible.”

Like all florists who specialise in wedding flowers, Clare has lost the main arm of her business this year – at least until lockdown lifts.

Despite the loss of work – and income – that she’s facing as a result, Clare is determined to stay positive. “I currently have one wedding for September and we are just keeping our fingers crossed that things will be back to normal by then,” she says. “I think people are just pulling together to make the best of a bad situation and trying to reassure couples that they will get the wedding of their dreams – it might just be a year later than expected.”

Then there’s the possibility of going ahead with your wedding online with an audience of virtual guests.

“I have seen via social media that some people are still getting married, and inviting all their guests to attend via [video communication platform] Zoom,” confirms Clare.

But virtual weddings require little by way of floral arrangements.

Clare feels fortunate that amid this crisis, she has an advantage: a strong online presence. As a studio-based florist, much of Clare’s business was already organised online. As such, she had already put in the ground work to ensure her website is easy to find.

“I am actually quite lucky as I had enrolled on a ‘How to get found online’ course in January so that I could develop my website and online presence,” she says. “This has turned out to be a real blessing: it’s an online course, so I’ve been able to continue with it despite the lockdown.

It has also helped me to get higher up the Google ranking system when

people are searching for wedding florists in south-east London.”

Before the outbreak, another strand to Clare’s business was running flower arranging workshops – something she’s hoping to continue doing online. “I usually run seasonal flower workshops but have had to postpone a couple of these until we are out of lockdown,” she says. “I would like to try and run some online courses too, especially while spring flowers are around,” she adds. How will her house-bound attendees manage to get hold of the right flowers in order to take part? “While people are self-isolating, they can pick anything from their garden to arrange, or even a sprig or two of blossom to bring inside to cheer up their homes,” encourages Clare.

Weddings might be postponed for now, but Clare is keeping busy helping couples plan for the future.

“While we are not taking orders for bouquets at the moment, we are still open for couples who would like to inquire about their wedding flowers,” she says. “We offer oneto-one consultations, which can be done over the phone or on Zoom.”

Through these calls, Clare advises her potential clients on everything from the range of seasonal flowers that will be available at the time of their proposed wedding date, to the current colour trends and floral styles.

“Many people who are in lockdown have been using the time to plan their weddings – so I have had a lot of enquiries,” she beams. “2020 is going to be a quiet year, but hopefully 2021 will be very busy.”

Clare Oliver Floristry, 1 Princes Rise, London SE13 7PP. For more information visit: www.clareoliverfloristry.co.uk

May 6 2020 3

arts

Greenwich Dance tackles loneliness and cultural inequality with new initiative: Up My Street Online Local dance organisation Greenwich Dance was just about to launch a new borough-wide initiative, Up My Street Showtime, when the government’s social distancing restrictions and ‘Stay Home’ scheme was brought in to tackle the spread of Covid-19. Up My Street Showtime would have seen world-class dance toured to five community centres across the borough in a bid to bring people together around a shared experience, tackling loneliness and encouraging social cohesion, writes Holly O’Mahony…

4 May 6 2020

Artists were contracted, venues booked, posters advertising the events were made and residents were booking their tickets, but then lockdown was enforced and Up My Street Showtime had to be cancelled. Instead of staging dance events in Middle Park and Abbey Wood community centres in early April, Greenwich Dance shifted its entire focus to produce a similar programme in the virtual sphere: Up My Street Online. Holly O’Mahony speaks to Greenwich Dance CEO Melanie Precious to find out more…

Holly O’Mahony: Firstly, tell us about Greenwich Dance's original programme, Up My Street Showtime.

What would it have entailed?

Melanie Precious: Up My Street Showtime was part of a bigger programme that, over the next three years, would have seen shows toured to a network of five community centres twice a year to build relationships with residents in those areas and develop the dance offer available here in Greenwich. Through offering events that are intergenerational, welcoming of all ethnicities and open to all socioeconomic backgrounds [priced at just £2 at most venues], the initiative aimed to bring people together around a shared experience: a love of dance.

If the current social distancing restrictions lift, we still hope to run the programme. Each event will run like a variety show starring different

performers – and local residents, if they’re happy to get involved.

HOM: What was the aim behind these events?

MP: The programme was designed to address cultural inequality. We don’t feel that people living in Middle Park and Abbey Wood have the same opportunities as others to access cultural events, theatres and worldclass performance, so we wanted to bring high quality professional artists directly to them. The events would have been relaxed – food and drink could be brought in and people could kick back and just have a lovely time, not having to travel far to get it.

HOM: What can you tell us about the artists you’ve worked with to produce the programme?

MP: We have three amazing professional companies: ZoieLogic Dance Theatre, Rendezvous Dance and Grounded Movement who are each bringing something incredible to the line up. Grounded Movement specialise in urban lindy hop; Rendezvous Dance will perform a beautiful duet for two men set to music by Nina Simone, which celebrates LGBTQ love; and ZoieLogic Dance Theatre are bringing a taste of their immersive detective show Sleuth, which will hopefully be presented to the borough in full next autumn. There’s also comedian,

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dancer and choreographer Sarah Blanc, who will act as the glue binding everything together.

HOM: Plans have gone awry because of the social distancing restrictions brought in as a result of Covid-19. But you’ve managed to adapt your programme, bringing it to audiences via film instead. Can you tell us a bit more about that?

MP: In the current climate, bringing people together is the last thing anyone should be doing. But still loneliness is rife – maybe more so – and so filling people’s days with alternative, creative entertainment feels so relevant. So we re-thought the concept and have decided to take the tour online.

The experience takes the form of four specially created 'tv episodes' of dance performance, interviews and invitations to move. These will be screened once a week, starting the week commencing June 22.

Our four amazing artists are still involved, but we have asked them to each make a brand new dance piece for camera made entirely within lockdown restrictions.

Each piece will then be screened within its own 'episode' on our website – edited by award-winning filmmaker Roswitha Chesher and hosted by Sarah Blanc. You can watch it on a laptop, ipad or phone, www.weekender.co.uk

arts

©©Sarah Blanc

Temujin Gill

Roswitha Chesher

and if you have a smart TV, you’ll be able to watch it from your sofa via our YouTube channel.

Sarah Blanc

HOM: Watching dance performances is one thing, but in moving the project into the virtual sphere, will it lose the social interaction element?

MP: Up My Street was always intended to give residents an opportunity to gather friends and loved ones together around dance. We are determined to create as best we can that very same experience in a virtual format.

So towards the end of our month of screenings, Greenwich Dance will be scheduling a live Zoom chat with the artists so audiences can ask questions of our collaborators, and hang out virtually with us and other audience members – with a glass or cup of something in hand.

We are also inviting the communities in Greenwich to take part. We put a call-out on social media and have contacted everyone who had booked tickets for the shows themselves.

Those who are interested will be paired up with one of our four choreographers who will involve them remotely in the making of their piece.

HOM: Will you still be able to involve your youth company and over 55s company in the project?

MP: We will be working with both companies, running choreographic sessions over Zoom, through which we might even be able to record them as an ensemble. By the time we’re ready to perform the show, the community centres may have reopened. If not, this will also have to be a virtual show.

What this pandemic has taught us is that we can be versatile and think on our feet so audiences will not miss out – even if this involves bringing the show to them in a different way.

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Mathieu Geffre

Zoie Golding

The experience takes the form of four specially created 'tv episodes' of dance performance, interviews and invitations to move. You’ll be able to watch tham via our YouTube channel HOM: Finally, what do you hope audiences will take away from seeing the series of ‘Up My Street’ Showtime films?

and vibrant events and opportunities.

As an organisation, we’re dedicated to providing these people with more activities in their local area.

MP: Ultimately, it’s about trust and relationships. I hope that local audiences begin to feel like part of our family, and are able to tell us what they like and don’t like about our work.

I want to let those living in areas of the borough that are often overlooked know that we’re looking out for them and are working with their local community centre to create exciting

Greenwich Dance would like to thank Royal Borough of Greenwich, Arts Council England, Surf the Wave and Foyle Foundation for supporting Up My Street Online. To find out more about the scheme, visit the Greenwich Dance website: www.greenwichdance.org.uk

May 6 2020 5

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Coronavirus: Helping each other

Extraordinary kindness The United Kingdom is pulling together as one, with people from all regions and all four nations of the country helping each other through the coronavirus pandemic.

As we all know, we must only leave our homes if we are key workers or cannot work from home, to do essential shopping

and for one period of daily exercise.

By doing this we will all help protect the NHS and save lives.

Despite the absolutely necessary restrictions on our normal lives, people are being encouraged to help neighbours in need where possible. This has led to some amazing acts

of kindness on every street, in every village and town across the country. Communities have never felt stronger. Today, we shine a light on just some of the people from communities across the country to showcase examples of ordinary people doing extraordinarily kind and helpful things.

CASE STUDY GAIL REDMOND

CASE STUDY NEIL MUSGROVE

A CHARITY that supports families has noticed a sharp rise in requests for help due to widespread redundancies.

Gail Redmond of Via Wings’ in the County Down town of Dromore, in Northern Ireland, says the charity normally gives out 85 food bags a month to people in need.

“But last week we gave out 105 already, many of which are going to people who are self-isolating,” she said.

“One guy who contacted me on Friday, said: I have never asked anyone for help like this before.

But I have lost my job and can’t afford to feed my kids right now.’ You could tell that he was absolutely mortified and so humble. So many people have lost their jobs.

“We have told pensioners not to answer their door when we deliver, but one old lady insisted.

We told her she shouldn’t be doing that, but she replied: I just want to say thank you’.

“The older generation are so apologetic when asking for help, they all say:

AN ULTRAMARATHON runner is putting his best foot forward after several running events planned for this year had to be cancelled or postponed.

Last year Neil Musgrove ran seven ultra-marathons and with none looking likely for this year he is running one in his back garden.

He is doing a mile a day in his back garden according to his running watch and is hoping to reach his goal of the 30 mile starting distance for an ultra marathon by the end of April.

For every mile completed, Neil is donating £5 to Leeds Cares and hopes that friends and family will join in with the challenge at their own homes and donate after every mile completed.

He said: “With no ultra-marathons to run I thought I’ll run one of my own. Any experience I’ve had with Leeds Hospitals in the past has been positive, I want to support all of our amazing NHS staff who are currently under huge pressure and working in extremely tough circumstances.

“It is quite a few laps.

All being well this takes me to a 30 mile ultra marathon distance.

Yes it might get a little tedious but I am thinking of it as an ultra with a checkpoint, food and drink at every mile.

“My young niece and nephew have already got involved and I’m hoping to get my own

GAIL REDMOND: ‘Dromore area hit hard by redundancies’.

I’m sorry to bother you’.”

Christian charity Via Wings is offering food deliveries and befriending to anyone who is self-isolating, elderly, vulnerable, an NHS employee, key workers, or those financially impacted by Covid-19.

Volunteers observe social distancing guidelines and food is carefully wiped down before being packed.

Food and toiletry donations can be made

at Eurospar, Supervalu and Vivo in Dromore and Tescos (Boulevard) and Lidl in Banbridge.

Via Wings works with local schools and churches, social workers, care workers and other agencies.

“Working in unity is what our grandparents used to do, and that is what we need to get back to doing, caring for each other,” Gail added.

“There is no ownership, we are just working together.”

Nominate a community hero Do YOU know a volunteer who deserves to be recognised for making a change in their community?

The Prime Minister recognises one person a day with a Point of Light award.

Read more or nominate someone at www.pointsoflight.gov.uk/

MARATHON MAN: Neil Musgrove putting his best foot forward for an ultra marathon in his back garden in Leeds.

PIC COPYRIGHT - NEIL MUSGROVE/SUBMITTED BY LEEDS CARES

kids involved too. I’m sharing the challenge with my colleagues and running club teammates so hopefully lots of us will get involved.

Make it as interesting as you like. I am thinking about obstacles, singing, dancing, whatever. I would love it if people joined in. The only rules are it has to be a minimum of one mile. It has to be fully within your own property boundary. If you don’t have a garden, special dispensation is given to use your street but remember the two metre rule.”

All funds raised through Neil’s challenge will go towards Leeds Cares’ Support Your NHS Hospitals Appeal and provide vital support to frontline staff at Leeds Teaching Hospitals.

This includes, paying for care packages, assistance with travel

and accommodation where needed, as well as helping to fund other health and wellbeing initiatives to boost morale across the wards. He set a target of £750 on his JustGiving page and has raised more than £550 already.

Leeds Cares is the official charity partner of Leeds Teaching Hospitals.

The organisation supports NHS staff to deliver the best care for patients and their families, by raising funds for equipment, services, education and research.

Leeds Cares works collaboratively with all of the hospitals across Leeds (including Leeds Cancer Centre, Leeds Children’s Hospital, St James’ University Hospital and Leeds General Infirmary) to identify charitable projects and causes.

WITH THE UK GOVERNMENT

Coronavirus: Helping each other

across our communities CASE STUDY HARRY RAGLESS

CASE STUDY STENHOUSEMUIR FC

A BOY with spina bifida and his father are both doing their bit for the community - but in completely different ways.

Harry Ragless usually spends 80 per cent of his time in a wheelchair due to his condition, which means his spine did not form properly in the womb and he has neurological damage to his legs and back and cannot feel his feet.

But inspired by the efforts of 100-year-old war veteran Captain Tom Moore, which have seen him raise around £30million for the NHS, Harry decided to raise money by walking with his frame and leg supports.

The determined sixyear-old from Oaksheath Gardens in Durrington, near Worthing, has raised £2,400 and rising within days of his parents launching a fundraising page for his efforts - smashing his £100 target.

He said: “I feel really good. I was shocked.”

His proud mother Selina Ragless said: “He has shocked us all.

Because of his condition he tires easily but the other day he walked from our house to Vancouver Road, which is really far for him. We couldn’t believe it.”

As word of his exploits spread, Selina said people were coming out of their homes to applaud Harry, who attends West Park School in Marlborough Road, Goring, when he went out for a walk.

She said: “I feel overwhelmed to be honest. We owe the NHS so much; they have been there for him since he was born and will be there for him for the rest of his life. If we can give something back, that is all we want.”

In fact, Harry’s exploits grabbed the attention of Captain Tom himself - and his

A FOOTBALL club initiative is supporting hundreds of families by delivering school meals to pupils during the coronavirus lockdown.

With the season shut down indefinitely, Stenhousemuir FC set up its community help hotline in mid-March to assist the most vulnerable members of society as the effects of the global pandemic began to take hold.

A 30-strong squad of volunteers was assembled in the first week to carry out everyday tasks like shopping or dog walking for those in isolation or for whom such activities would prove difficult.

Since then, the number of volunteers has hit 80 although extra help remains welcome.

Government guidelines mean the volunteers can leave their homes to help a vulnerable person and, with almost every volunteer already assigned to an individual, more support is likely to be needed in the weeks ahead.

The idea has been well received by those who live in the Stenhousemuir and Larbert areas and beyond, so much so organisers opted to branch out and ease the strain on mums and dads by collecting and distributing school lunches purchased by Larbert High School to youngsters stuck at home.

Pupils from Larbert High and its cluster primaries are benefitting

WALKING TALL: Harry Ragless has raised £2,400 with the help of his father and his walking frame and leg supports.

picture was featured on the Second World War veteran’s Instagram page.

Harry is not the only person in his family who is raising a smile in the community.

By day, his dad Steve is a warehouse manager but during his daily walk, he dons his Stars Wars outfit to bring a bit of fun to the neighbourhood.

The 45-year-old said: “I love it. From my own experience, I remember the first Comic-Con I went to in Birmingham and I saw all these stormtroopers standing outside, and I went into full fanboy mode.”

The opportunity for him to get his own suit arose when a friend was selling theirs.

He said: “When I finally put it on, I just

STAR MAN: Steve in his dramatic outfit.

felt amazing in it. I love seeing the looks and smiles, and people tooting their car horns and waving. It brings a few smiles in these very strange times.”

Selina came up with the idea for him to wear it after they were put in lockdown, and during their walks around the estate Steve has posed for ‘socially-distant’ photos with some of the children who have come out to see him.

In his spare time, Steve has donned the costume to a variety of events, including birthday parties, weddings and charity events.

When the Connaught Cinema has done showings of Star Wars films, Steve has turned up in his gear to raise money for Sussex Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, a charity which has helped Harry.

When asked if there was anything he wanted to say to the people who have donated so far to his campaign, Harry said: “Thank you.”

To donate, visit justgiving.com/ fundraising/selinaragless1.

ON THE BALL: Stenhousemuir FC players and coaching staff.

from the move.

On just one day last month, volunteers delivered more than 130 meals to schoolchildren.

Stenny chairman Iain McMenemy, who helped to organise the initiative, said: “We put out a few requests for further volunteers and the response to each has been really encouraging.

“We’re doing one-to-one tasks for people like dog walking and shopping and we’re putting in calls to make sure they’re okay.

“The advice was clear: if you’re going out for your own shopping, if you have to go to work, if you’re going out for one bit of exercise or if you’re helping a vulnerable person you’re able to go out, particularly because some people have got nobody else.

“We have even had members of family from farther afield saying they have a relative in the area and they want to give you a call.

“We’re still looking for volunteers as we’re only in week three and the smart money is probably on this being extended for three months. We’ve also expanded out to do school meal deliveries for

a number of the schools.

Carron Bathrooms got in touch and offered two vans so we now have three. On top of that, we’re doing deliveries for Falkirk Foodbank.”

Though Stenny officials admitted concerns over the impact COVID-19 would have on the club itself, their focus has always been on the “health and well-being” of the community.

When the community help initiative was first announced, Mr McMenemy wrote in a statement: “With the continuing spread of the coronavirus, Scottish football faces an uncertain future.

“It is quite clear that there will be a significant impact on football operations and finances and Stenhousemuir Football Club will no doubt be affected by this.

“However, there are other, more important matters to think about.

The coronavirus is a very serious disease that will affect thousands within our communities.

“The health and well-being of friends, neighbours and members of our community should be our top priority.”

HOME ADVANTAGE: Stenhousemuir players brought food directly to people’s houses.

ADVERTORIAL

News from the Royal Borough of Greenwich

Royal Greenwich marks 75th anniversary of VE Day On 8 May 1945, the guns fell silent and years of carnage and destruction came to an end, officially recognising the end of the second world war in Europe.

Greenwich residents have been sharing over the last couple of weeks, paying tribute to the people who saw us through that dark and terrifying period.

Millions of people took to the streets and pubs to celebrate peace, mourn their loved ones and to hope for the future. This day became known as Victory in Europe (VE day). Below is a selection of the photos and memories from the time that Royal

From 8-10 May, we will share more photos and tributes on social media using #GreenwichVE75 and on our website at royalgreenwich.gov.uk/veday75

“My mother Anne May Carter was born in July 1921 and served in the RAF. My father Joseph Carter was born in April 1922 and served in the Army.”

Janis Clark

“My uncle Alf ’s medals from WWII after he served across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. He was in the Royal Engineers and was at Dunkirk. He passed away two years ago about two weeks short of his 98th birthday.”

Alan Wheble

Photo of Leslie Doust taken in India

VE day party in Perrott

“A photo at Trafalgar Square VE Day of my mother Joyce Flynn (2nd from right, age 17) and her sister Connie Flynn (3rd from right, age 19).

My mother was evacuated to a farm in Devon and as Connie was older, she stayed in London for the whole war. Both amazing women who led extraordinary lives and enjoyed life to the full!”

David Lyon

www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk

“My late father, Leslie Doust, joined the RAF in January 1940. He was an electrician. His longest posting was to Allahabad, India. He spent nearly four years there, finally coming home to Britain in December 1944. His ship stood out in the ‘roads’ waiting to dock in Liverpool for seven days. He often said that was the longest week of his life.

On VE day, dad, mum and mum’s parents went to the local pub, but could not get to the bar, it was so busy. Mum was four months pregnant with me, so they decided to stroll home and simply celebrate with relatives, friends and neighbours.”

Carol Doust

@royal_greenwich

royalgreenwich

Street, Woolwich

“I lived with my mother and her parents at 19 Perrott Street, Woolwich during WWII. My paternal grandparents lost their home in Heavitree Road, Plumstead to a bomb.

Most of my family worked in the Arsenal, Perrott Street being right opposite the Second Arsenal gate. My father worked for Oliver Pell, Cambridge Drive, who were doing war work but was away with the RAF. My aunt worked at Colliers, later Matchless who were also doing war work.”

Norma Lawton

royal_greenwich

Food & DRINK

Five of the best restaurants delivering takeaways in Woolwich Pieminister Bristol-born pie chain Pieminister has won multiple awards, established 16 restaurants across the UK and built up a loyal following since it was founded in 2002. The brand’s pies are known for their quirky names (such as the ‘Moo pie’ and the ‘Chicken of Aragon’), quality ingredients (meats are 100% free range), and failsafe accompaniments of silky smooth mashed potato, minty mushy peas and gravy. Pieminister caters for pubs, too, including The British Oak in Blackheath. While the pub itself is closed right now, those based in Woolwich (and other local neighbourhoods) can still order its pie menu on Deliveroo.

Hooray! (Or should I say ‘Mooray’?)

EatFan Greenwich Peninsula’s much-loved contemporary Chinese restaurant EatFan is among our top picks of restaurants delivering to Woolwich.

The menu places just as much emphasis on dishes from other regions of Asia as on Chinese specialities and as such, starters included both Taiwanese and Japanese variations of fried chicken.

The mains portion of the menu tells a similar story, offering diners the chance to top their rice box with either Chinese and Taiwanese braised pork. There’s gyozas, too, and a popular ‘Burning Noodle’ dish made with EatFan’s special chili oil (which is prone to selling out).

Meanwhile, tempting those ordering earlier in the day is speciality coffee, breakfast and brunch classics and baked treats. ‘Chi fan!’ – as the Chinese say before a delicious meal.

Pieminister at The British Oak, 109 Old Dover Road, Blackheath, London, SE3 8SU. Available on Deliveroo. www.britishoakblackheath.com

EatFan, 44 Chandlers Avenue, Greenwich Peninsula, London SE10 0GE. Available on Deliveroo, Just Eat and UberEats. www.eatfan.co.uk

Maya DD’s Woolwich’s popular Nepalese restaurant Maya DD’s is still offering home deliveries through lockdown. From street food staples to the restaurant’s own specials, Maya DD’s menu is one you’ll want to spend some time exploring.

There’s Nepalese curries, biryani dishes and – for those who fancy a bit of everything – several set menu options. Don’t miss ordering a starter of momos: Nepal’s Trademark dish of dumplings filled with spice-tossed juicy meats or vegetables. Meanwhile the desserts here are a bargain – who could say no to rounding off their meal with a lalmohan (a deepfried dough ball stewed in sugar syrup) when they cost just £1.25?

Maya DD’s, 25 Anglesea Road, Woolwich, London SE18 6EG. Available via the restaurant website, Deliveroo and Just Eat. www.mayadds.co.uk

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Rifa’s Caribbean Did someone say goat curry with a side of rice and peas? Woolwichbased food delivery service Rifa’s Caribbean has your craving covered.

The Jamaican hot spot has several other specialities sizzling away in its kitchen too – jerk chicken, plantain and oxtail stew among them. And to drink? In the absence of rum punch, it’s a toss up between ginger beer and pineapple flavoured KA. An online business by trade, Rifa’s was practically made to see us through socially distanced times like these.

Rifa’s Caribbean, 114 John Wilson Street, Woolwich, London SE18 6QD. Available on Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats. www.rifas.co.uk

May 6 2020 9

Food & DRINK Cattleya A restaurant specialising in ‘Thai food and tapas’ may sound like a confusing proposition, but Charlton restaurant Cattleya is regarded – and reviewed – favourably by its clientele.

Starters include a selection of ‘Thai tapas’ (satay dishes, fish cakes and steamed pork dumplings among them), which traditionalists might choose to follow with a Thai salad or soup. So far, so normal. But it’s once you get onto the Gaeng (Thai curry) portion of the menu that things take a turn for the unusual, as all curries can come either with rice or fried potatoes. (Green Thai curry with chips, anyone?)

Scroll further down the menu and you’ll find a selection of Spanish tapas (patatas fritas, garlic prawns, chorizo etc), tortillas and European salads. Just when you start to feel settled on a different continent to where you started, it’s time to ponder the dessert menu, which can whisk you straight back to Thailand (with a portion of mango and sticky rice) or on to Mexico (via churros) depending on which direction your stomach is pulling you.

Perhaps Cattleya is already your favourite local, or maybe you’re looking to take a punt on something a little bit different with your next takeaway. Whichever category you fall into, this atypical restaurant has a home delivery service ready for your business.

Cattleya, 52 Charlton Church Lane, Charlton, London SE7 7AB. Available on Deliveroo and Just Eat. www.cattleyarestaurant.com

F.A.A.

F A ALBIN & SONS Family Run Funeral Directors

020 8857 0330 MOTTINGHAM 65 Mottingham Road, London, SE9 4QZ Our Other branch addresses are:

Serving the local community for over 200 years 10 May 6 2020

wellING 4 Weeling Way, Welling, KENT, DA16 2Rj

eAsT lONdON 378 Barking Road, Plaistow LoNDoN, E13 8HL

sIdcup 163 Station Road, Sidcup, KENT, DA15 7AA

wAlwOrTH 88 Brandon Street, LoNDoN, SE17 1ND

depTfOrd 164 Deptford High Street, LoNDoN, SE8 3DP

rOTHerHITHe 52 Culling Road, LoNDoN, SE16 2TN

www.albins.co.uk editorial@weekender.co.uk

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ADVERTORIAL

News from the Royal Borough of Greenwich

Community Hub is a lifeline for some residents The Royal Greenwich Community Hub has had thousands of volunteers come forward to offer support to those who may be struggling to cope during the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 1,000 volunteers are already out making a difference. They’re helping with everything from dog walking and food shopping to delivering prescriptions and calling people for a chat to help combat loneliness. And this support is proving invaluable for some residents.

Trudy from Plumstead has been in regular contact with our Community Hub to make sure her auntie Jackie gets the essential support she needs to get through this pandemic safely. Yael Sherr, one of our Community Hub volunteers, has been supporting Trudy and Jackie with food shopping over the past few weeks.

Trudy said: “The Royal Greenwich Community Hub has been fantastic! My auntie has learning disabilities and without them she would have gone out as she doesn’t understand rules.

“She’s also undergoing treatment for cancer and the Community Hub has been a lifeline. I know my auntie is safe.

“We don’t have any other family and I have a low immune system myself, so to have Yael, our dedicated Community Hub volunteer collecting my auntie’s shopping each week is a blessing. Yael is just wonderful, she rings me when she’s on her way so I can prepare Jackie for her visit, and then calls me afterwards to let me know what she was able to get and what she couldn’t buy from the shops.

She gets on a bus to do the shopping – nothing ever seems a problem for her. She gets my first five claps every Thursday!

“The contact with the Community Hub is keeping my auntie Jackie going and I know it’s certainly keeping me going. I really enjoy having a laugh and joke with the team each week – it lifts my spirits hugely, even if the calls are only a couple of minutes. I just want to let them all know that I massively appreciate what they’re doing for us, thank you.”

Jackie crocheting in the garden before lockdown.

Yael has been helping several residents across the borough to stay connected during this difficult time.

She said: “It’s been a very rewarding experience volunteering for the Community Hub and helping people in the community who are in need of extra support. There are so many ways of helping – ensuring that people and families have all the essentials, doing food shopping, picking up medication and calling people once a week to have a friendly chat.

“I spoke with one guy earlier this week who is having to self-isolate due to health reasons and was getting really fed up. Having a chat with him allowed him to talk through all his worries and hear a different and friendly voice. He said it cheered him up and made him feel more connected with people. It also gave him a better understanding of the situation and he said he would love another chat next week. It’s nice knowing we are helping those in need by offering support, having a conversation and listening to how they are doing.

I hope the community spirit carries on.”

Do you need help?

If you need help because you are self-isolating and have not got a family member, friend or neighbour who can help, contact the Community Hub. The quickest way to access the Community Hub is using the online form at royalgreenwich.gov.uk/communityhub Alternatively you can call the Community Hub, seven days a week, 8.30am to 6pm on 0800 470 4831 or email covid19support@royalgreenwich.gov.uk

Bin collections We will be working through the May bank holidays, Friday 8 May and Monday 25 May, and are aiming to empty your bins on your normal collection day. If there are Fetching food shopping is just one of the ways Yael Sherr has been supporting residents.

www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk

delays please do bear with us, we’ll get to them as soon as we can.

@royal_greenwich

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History

The medieval tide mill

Mary Mills In 2008 I encountered a strange sight in Trafalgar Road. Local History librarian Julian Watson was walking along the road and, like the Pied Piper, gathering more followers as he went. The word had gone out that a medieval tide mill had been found by archaeologists Granite Wharf is, or was, the next section on the riverside path after Lovell’s. Both are now called Riverside Gardens, but there is a Granite House to remind us of the old wharf name.

That morning in 2008 was all very exciting. Some chap - and I don’t know who he was - gave an explanation of what they had found. We all took pictures, and mine, the first photo I had ever taken with a hand held, went on the front of Greenwich Time. There was even more excitement when we learnt that the timbers dated from 1194 – which put them well within the time of the Ghent ownership of the site. We were also told that

12 May 6 2020

more investigation was needed. And that was – er – twelve years ago.

Perhaps I should explain about tide mills – which are mills worked by water power – but by the power of the incoming tides rather than bubbling mill streams. Tide mills are usually about industry – they absolutely aren’t about your jolly miller grinding up local corn so Mr. Baker can bake your bread!

If you want to see a really big industrial tide mill which was working into the 1940s, go to Three Mills, which is at the back of Tesco on the southbound Blackwall Tunnel approach over on the other side of the River. It’s a huge and very very impressive site – find

out when they are open for visits again at https://housemill.org.uk/

and timbers associated with it. ‘A woven hazel panel’ was also found.

There were tide mills all up and down the Thames. There was also an early 19th century one on the Peninsula – it was over where The Jetty is now, and we’ll get to it eventually. There was another very old tide mill at Deptford Bridge, and down at Ebbsfleet near Northfleet was one of the oldest ever found on the Thames. See https://webapps. kent.gov.uk/KCC.ExploringKentsPast.

Web.Sites.Public/SingleResult. aspx?uid=%27mke20281%27

There was no sign of the mill pond - which would have been inland of the mill building.

So what did they actually find at Granite Wharf? A mechanical digger had exposed some massive timber beams, close to the river front. More digging revealed further flooring and they could tell there had been two phases of building this floor. There were chalk foundations and some scraps of mill stone mixed in with it. They could identify where the river water had entered the mill site

The Museum of London wood expert described the woodwork they had found and talked about the history of carpentry – which apparently is different from older ‘tree wright’ Saxo-Norman techniques. ‘Carpentry’ was an Arabic skill which was being introduced into England from France. It included technology for prefabricated framing, and the joints would have carpenters’ marks. All the wood used in the mill was oak and most had come from trees felled in 1194. Carpentry techniques had been used on most of what they found. These timbers were to be sent for conservation, to York where they would be impregnated with polyethylene glycol.

The base timber of the wheel pit was

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a single three foot wide oak log - like a dug-out canoe. Part of the mill wheel was found in this pit and it was thought to have had 60 paddles and one of these paddles had survived. It was thought from other evidence that the mill had been dismantled after it went out of use and that no accident or fire had ended its useful life The archaeologist said how important the mill was - of national significance.

So what happened next? We were given to understand that there was no time to do a complete dig on the site but that they would be back and that there would be a study done.

However I don’t honestly know if archaeologists did come back and finish the dig, if they did they made no contact that I am aware of and I have see no reports. I also have no idea what happened to those timbers which went to York. Recently I’ve been told that a study is now ongoing and will be published soon. Hopefully we’ll get to see that when it comes www.weekender.co.uk

History out and maybe be able to open a dialogue on this important site.

In a couple of previous articles I wrote about the ownership of this area in the Middle Ages by St.Peter’s Abbey Ghent. It seems very likely that the mill was owned and operated by them. Perhaps it was used to process all the produce which came from their estates in Greenwich and Lewisham – and of course the lands at Cowden in Kent - and then it was shipped off to Ghent. Dare I suggest that it was not necessarily processing food stuffs? It would be good to know if the archaeologists final report will include an assessment of the evidence at the archive in Ghent –and will that build on the hard work which has been done in Greenwich on the Ghent ownership.

Will all the evidence of carpentry techniques used in the mill be compared to work in Ghent? Will there be any suggestions of what might have been milled there?

The archaeologist who worked on the site thanked the developer who, he said wanted to build a replica of the mill on site to encourage future house purchasers. Some years ago I did try to get a plaque about the mill put up at the site – or even a simple paper poster in a frame. I was told the developer said he couldn’t afford it!

This was an important site – it would be good to know more – and for that knowledge to be made public. All those people moving onto the site will know nothing of what was found there – wouldn’t it be good if they could be told.

We’re here to help you on

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LOCAL FUNERAL Basic Funeral

H O R S E D R AW N CARRIAGE

£1,950.00

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• Simulated wood veneered coffin; bronze bar handles and engraved name plate; padded and lined interior; matching dressing gown • Removal of deceased from place of death • Manager, hearse and staff • Including all arrangements

Disbursements

Total Funeral Cost

Biggin Hill Branch TN16 3BD Bromley Branch BR1 3BD Catford Branch SE6 3AB Eltham Branch SE9 1BT

£1,068.00

• Doctor’s Fees – £164.00 • Minister’s Fee – £200.00 • Eltham Crematorium – £704.00

£3,018.00

OUR LOCAL BRANCHES

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To show our traditional family values we also offer a Horse Drawn Carriage.

This will increase the cost of the funeral by only

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£950.00

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public notices

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Licensing Team, 4th Floor, Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, London SE18 6HQ. Tel: 020 8921 8018; Fax: 020 8921 8380; Email: licensing@royalgreenwich.gov.uk

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PREMISES LICENCE LICENSING ACT 2003 Notice is given that: Apulia Blend Ltd of Unit 55, Kidbrooke Lane, London, SE9 6TA, has applied for the grant of a Premises License for the following premises: Unit 55, Kidbrooke Lane, London, SE9 6TA A record of this application may be inspected by appointment.

Other persons may make representations to the Council on this application by no later than Monday 25th May 2020.

Representations can be made in writing, by email or fax using the contact details above. Representations can only be made on the grounds of one of the four licensing objectives, namely: • Prevention of Crime and Disorder • Prevention of Public Nuisance • Public Safety • Protection of Children from Harm Any person who makes a false statement in connection with an application is liable on summary conviction to a maximum fine of £5,000.

It is proposed that the following licensable activities will take place at the premises: Off licence sale of alcohol only through our website: www.theoliveoilmill.co.uk

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Greenwich & Lewisham Weekender

To place a notice, please email: notices@ weekender.co.uk Deadline is 4pm Monday Royal Borough of Greenwich

Town & Country Planning Act 1990 (AS AMENDED) Town & Country Planning (Development Management Procedure)(England) Order 2015 Planning (Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (AS AMENDED) Planning (Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990 (AS AMENDED) Town & Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 2007 (AS AMENDED) Notice is hereby given that application(s) have been made to The Royal Borough of Greenwich in respect of the under mentioned premises/sites. You can see the submissions and any plans at http://www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/planning.

If development proposals affect Conservation Areas and/or Statutorily Listed Buildings under the Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Area) Act 1990 (As Amended) this will be shown within the item below.

Anyone who wishes to comment on these applications should be made in writing to Development Planning within 21 days of the date of this notice.

Please quote the appropriate reference number.

Date: 06/05/2020 Victoria Geoghegan Assistant Director - Planning and Building Control

List of Press Advertisements - 06/05/2020 Publicity for Planning Applications.

20/0679/HD Applicant: Mr Verges Site Address: 9 MANORBROOK, BLACKHEATH, LONDON, SE3 9AW Development: Construction of a two-storey side extension, three dormer roof extensions, new front porch, excavation of basement and alterations to fenestration.

Conservation Area: BLACKHEATH PARK

Applicant: Mr M Gayle Lewisham Southwark College 20/0689/F Site Address: THE OLD BAKERY, 1 GREENWICH HIGH ROAD, GREENWICH, SE10 8JL Development: Demolition of end of terrace domestic building down to ground level, infilling of basement and provision of support to remaining party wall.

Conservation Area: ASHBURNHAM TRIANGLE 20/0706/HD Applicant: Mr M. Parmiter Site Address: 44 Couthurst Road, Blackheath, London, SE3 8TW Development: Demolition of existing single storey outrigger and construction of a single storey full width extension.

Conservation Area: RECTORY FIELD 20/0783/F Applicant: Mr Emery Site Address: 11-15 HIGHBRIDGE WHARF, GREENWICH, SE10 9PS Development: Retention of ground floor commercial space (use class B1a) with change of use of first floor and two storey extension to accommodate 5 x 1 bed (Resubmission).

Conservation Area: EAST GREENWICH 20/0808/F Applicant: Mr Ellis Site Address: Land r/o 34 PLUM LANE, PLUMSTEAD, LONDON, SE18 3AE Development: Construction of a two bed dwelling house.

Conservation Area: PLUMSTEAD COMMON

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Applicant: Mr Wood 20/0822/HD Site Address: 6 MARTIN BOWES ROAD, ELTHAM, LONDON, SE9 1LQ Development: Construction of a front Porch. (Retrospective) Conservation Area: PROGRESS ESTATE Applicant: Mr Amarjeet Mudan 20/0828/HD Site Address: 14 LISKEARD GARDENS, BLACKHEATH, LONDON, SE3 0PN Development: Alterations to boundary wall. (Retrospective) Conservation Area: BLACKHEATH

parking spaces and adjustments to the access to the communal open space, bin and bike stores.

Conservation Area: THAMES BARRIER & BOWATER ROAD Applicant: Mr Smith Happy Samuri 20/0915/F Site Address: 3 STOCKWELL STREET, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 9JN Development: Change of use from Retail (Class A1) to Restaurant (Class A3).

Conservation Area: WEST GREENWICH

Applicant: Mr Alastair Currie 20/0881/HD Site Address: 49 MAZE HILL, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 8XQ Development: Construction of colonnade to support historic garden wall.

Conservation Area: GREENWICH PARK

20/1012/F Applicant: Mr David Silliman Site Address: 201 GREENWICH HIGH ROAD, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 8NB Development: Construction of a single storey side extension at first floor level, creation of lightwell at ground floor with railings on front elevation, removal of existing store on rear elevation at basement level and replacement with new window and door and replacement of windows in flank elevation at first floor with internal doors to proposed side extension.

Conservation Area: WEST GREENWICH

Applicant: Mr Sotayo Atonia Homes Ltd 20/0897/F Site Address: 141 PLUMSTEAD COMMON ROAD, PLUMSTEAD, LONDON, SE18 2UQ Development: Construction of a rear dormer roof extension, installation of two rooflight to front roof slope, other external alterations and Change of use to a 6 persons HMO (C4).

Conservation Area: PLUMSTEAD COMMON

Applicant: Mr & Mrs Squire 20/1014/F Site Address: 203 GREENWICH HIGH ROAD, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 8NB Development: Construction of a single storey side extension at first floor level and replacement of window in flank elevation at first floor with internal door to proposed side extension.

Conservation Area: WEST GREENWICH

Applicant: Mr A Jabari Madura Limited 20/0899/F Site Address: 700 WOOLWICH ROAD, CHARLTON, LONDON SE7 8LQ Development: The erection of a partial additional floor to the west side of the new building to provide 2 additional two bed flats together with changes to the ground floor layout of the existing building to provide additional

Publicity for Listed Building Consent.

20/0857/F Applicant: Mr Valise Cojusco Site Address: FLAT 2, 50 VANBRUGH PARK, BLACKHEATH, LONDON SE3 7JQ Development: Installation of replacement windows.

Conservation Area: BLACKHEATH

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Applicant: Mr Alastair Currie 20/0882/L Site Address: 49 MAZE HILL, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 8XQ Development: Construction of colonnade to support historic garden wall.

Conservation Area: GREENWICH PARK

Listed Building: Grade 2* 20/1013/L Applicant: Mr David Silliman Site Address: 201 GREENWICH HIGH ROAD, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 8NB Development: Construction of a single storey side extension at first floor level, creation of lightwell at ground floor with railings on front elevation, removal of existing store on rear elevation at basement level and replacement with new window and door, removal of internal partition walls at first floor level and replacement of windows in flank elevation at first floor with internal doors to proposed side extension.

Conservation Area: WEST GREENWICH Listed Building: Grade 2 20/1158/L Applicant: Mr & Mrs Squire Site Address: 203 GREENWICH HIGH ROAD, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 8NB Development: Construction of a single storey side extension at first floor level and replacement of window in flank elevation at first floor with internal door to proposed side extension.

Conservation Area: WEST GREENWICH Listed Building: Grade 2

Publicity for Advertisements.

Applicant: Mr Kagantekin 20/0697/A Site Address: C BREWER & SONS LTD, 68-72 CHARLTON ROAD, CHARLTON, LONDON, SE3 8TT Development: Installation of three internally illuminated fascia window signs.

Conservation Area: RECTORY FIELD

May 6 2020 15