Weekender February 24 2021 • www.weekender.co.uk
Greenwich & Lewisham
Cinema / Theatre / Education / Arts / Music / Food & Drink / Family / Property
THE LIDO LADIES Meet Charlton’s flamboyant swimmers
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Pick of the Week By Holly O`Mahony
Chinese astronomy explored online editor
Laura Burgoine
The
Greenwich & Lewisham Weekender is an independent weekly newspaper, covering the boroughs of Greenwich and Lewisham. We publish every Wednesday, covering every postcode sector of the borough, and boasting, by far, the highest weekly circulation in Greenwich. Each week, we deliver to homes in every Greenwich neighbourhood, with further copies stocked at convenient public stands. We are also the highest distribution newspaper in Lewisham.
If the Lunar New Year has left you curious to learn more about China’s ancient belief systems, here’s a chance to take it to the stars. The Royal Observatory is hosting a night of Chinese Astronomy online. In it, an astronomer will dissect the links between the Chinese calendar and the motion of the sun, moon and stars, plus how the phases of the moon relate to festivals still celebrated in China today. Look forward also to hearing about the latest achievements from China’s space programme including the soft landing on the moon and the mission to Mars. Royal Observatory online. 27 February, 10am. Admission: £5 per device. www.rmg.co.uk
Take a virtual tour of the University of Greenwich While physical open days remain postponed, Greenwich University is offering a virtual tour of its stunning campus, which dates back to the 1890s. Whether you have a firm idea of what you’re hoping to study or are keen to learn more about the types of courses available, the virtual open day is a chance to get a feel of a university, listen to subject talks delivered by lecturers and peer inside the on-site accommodation. Greenwich University, 10 Stockwell Street, Greenwich Peninsula, London SE10 9BD. This event is taking place online. February 27, all day event. Admission: FREE. Register online. www.gre.ac.uk/events/opendays
Shop locally at Brockley Market
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.
While lockdown lingers, hot food and mingling are firmly off the cards at Brockley Market, but it’s still a great great place for Lewisham locals to shop farm-to-fork on Saturdays, picking up fresh fruit and veg, baked goods, pressed juices, shrubs and more to be enjoyed at home. What’s more, it’s all open air, so much less confined than taking a trip to your local supermarket. Shoppers must wear a face covering where possible and strive to social distance from others.
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Brockley Market, Lewisham College Carpark, Lewisham Way, London SE4 1UT. February 27, 10am - 2pm. Admission: FREE. www.brockleymarket.com/
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 Editorial: Michael Holland; Holly O’Mahony News reporters: Katherine Johnston; Cover Photography: Stevey Ilabaca 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
A glittering night of Fierce Queens Notflix the musical returns to Greenwich Notflix, the improvised musical created by an all-female cast, returns to Greenwich Theatre this week – albeit online. The show was due to run at the theatre last month but was cancelled to comply with Covid restrictions. Devised on the spot and fed by audience suggestions, each show is entirely different, but likely to contain ‘100 per cent more singing and 99 per cent more women’ than your average Netflix binge. Featuring a live band and original songs, Notflix combines the taste profiles of a virtual room of theatre goers to create a hilarious and completely improvised viewing experience.
In celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month, Royal Museums Greenwich (RMG) is hosting an online edition of its popular Fierce Queens event. Hosts Adam All and Apple Derrieres will guide you through the virtual House of Love, where an evening celebrating queer love stories through the ages awaits. Look forward to luxurious life drawing, love letters and truly fabulous performances from some of the biggest names on the London drag scene: Le Gateau Chocolat, Drag Syndrome and Rubyyy Jones among them. Keep your eyes peeled for pre-event activities too, including a chance to make the royals’ favourite cocktails. The Queen’s House online. February 26, 7:30pm. Admission: Pay what you can. www.rmg.co.uk/see-do/exhibitions-events/fiercequeens-queens-house-late-lgbt-history-month-2018
Greenwich Theatre, Crooms Hill, London, SE10 8ES. February 27 from 7:30pm. Admission: £15. www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk
www.weekender.co.uk @weeknder_life @weeknderSL therealweeknder Issue: GW197
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February 24 2021 3
ARTS&ENTS
And breathe… Greenwich singing teacher launches online breath workshops to help those recovering from Covid-19 “There have been various life events that inspired my fortnightly workshops,” ponders Sing Together Ltd founder Emma Bond, who in ‘normal times’ is the musical director of six community choirs across the borough of Greenwich. Since the first lockdown, Emma has set up a number of virtual singing groups online in a bid to help members of her communities stay connected. Now, to help aid singers recovering from the physical and mental impacts of Covid-19, Emma has established a new fortnightly workshop, Breath and the Voice, writes Holly O’Mahony…
As well as running Sing Together Ltd, Emma is a visiting voice coach at leading London drama schools Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance and Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. She’s also a member of the Singing for Health Network. As such, she’s wellversed in the positive impact singing has on respiratory lung function. “Years ago I suffered PTSD following a car crash, resulting in me speaking with a stammer. It was only with months of practice with a singing teacher who focused primarily on the release of the breath that I learnt how to speak fluently again,” Emma recalls, on experiencing first-hand the techniques she now teaches others. The last few months have given Emma cause to make breathing the focus of
4 February 24 2021
her sessions once more. “Everything became more personal when one of our [choir] members became very ill with Covid-19 and ended up in intensive care at Lewisham Hospital,” she says. According to her doctors, it was the singer’s knowledge of how to breathe properly that strengthened her lungs and sped up her recovery process. This, she thanks Emma’s singing lessons for. “Hearing this, I knew that the time was right so I began to plan [for Breath and the Voice workshops] straight away,” Emma recalls. Emma is not the only professional to acknowledge the potential singing has to help those in remission from Covid to get back on their feet. The English National Opera (ENO) has recently launched ENO Breathe, a
programme designed to help people recovering from Covid-19 who are still suffering from breathlessness and associated anxiety. After an initial conversation with a member of the ENO Breathe team, participants are enrolled in a six-week programme of group online workshops, led by an ENO vocal specialist. Back in Greenwich, Emma’s Breath and the Voice sessions take the form of fortnightly 75-minute workshops held on Zoom. “The content references the work of major voice pedagogical leaders Cicely Berry, Patsy Rodenburg and Barbara Houseman,” revals Emma. “All exercises can be undertaken in a chair or on the floor using a yoga mat. The workshops are designed for all ages and abilities.” Having only launched in January,
sessions are already proving popular. “We ran a pilot session in January and 20 people attended, all of whom have signed up for the next session,” she beams. The workshops have attracted a real mix of attendees, too. “The group includes actors and singers as well as members of the local community seeking calm and emotional wellbeing.” And there’s no need to be a singer, either. “There is no singing in these sessions. The focus is freeing the breath and connecting it with the voice and the body,” Emma explains. You also don’t need to be recovering from Covid to reap the benefits of the sessions. “I recommended the session to a client who I knew was suffering a great deal with anxiety,” says Emma as an example.
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“I believe that the workshops can benefit everyone, whatever their motivation behind attending.” Above all, Emma hopes the Breath and the Voice workshops will teach or remind attendees of the positive impacts of breathing properly. “Breath is essential and fundamental to our lives. I have had first-hand experience of the benefit of this kind of work,” she says. “It feeds into everything we do, as singers, as actors, as speakers and as human beings. I am delighted to be able to share some of what I have learnt with others in order to make a positive impact in their daily lives.” The next Breath and the Voice workshop is being held on March 4 at 10am. Admission: £6. For more information, visit: www.singtogether.org.uk. www.weekender.co.uk
PRODUCED IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE UK GOVERNMENT
Look after your mental wellbeing Now you can reach out and get support from the NHS Every Mind Matters website THE EXPERIENCE of the coronavirus outbreak has been different for everyone but there’s no doubt it’s been a difficult time for many. That’s why it is so important to take time to look after our mental health and wellbeing, reaching out if we need support. Ten simple tips for looking after our mental wellbeing while at home are available on the NHS Every Mind Matters website. With expert advice and practical tips everymindmatters.co.uk acknowledges: “Having good mental health helps us relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more.” The site advises on such subjects as staying at home, job and money worries, worries about coronavirus, working from home, sleeping better, help for parents and guardians,
HELP IS AT HAND n Every Mind Matters: Advice, videos and helplines to help cope with lockdown are available at everymindmatters.co.uk n Talking therapies: If you or a loved one are struggling with anxiety or depression, NHS talking therapies offer a free, effective and confidential way to treat common mental health issues. You can speak to your GP for a referral or self-refer via nhs.uk/talk n 24/7 mental health support: Urgent mental health support is available to all adults and children. Support is available, even if services seem busy at the moment because of coronavirus. Find your local NHS helpline at nhs.uk/urgentmentalhealth
bereavement and coping with loneliness. The latter section offers seven simple tips titled explore ways to spend time together, be more social and check in regularly, share your feelings but do not compare, do more things you enjoy, stay busy by learning something new, volunteer to help others and join an online community. The valuable resource also provides
information on managing stress, anxiety and low mood as well as looking after children’s mental health. Everyone reacts differently so it is OK to feel worried or anxious. For most of us, these feelings will pass. Staying at home during lockdown may be difficult but you’re helping protect yourself and others by doing so.
MANAGING STRESS: Having good mental health helps us all to relax more.
TEN SIMPLE STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO BOOST YOUR MENTAL HEALTH 1 STAY CONNECTED WITH OTHERS Think about ways to stay in touch with friends and family by phone, messaging, video calls or social media.
2 TALK ABOUT YOUR WORRIES
If you cannot speak to someone you know or if doing so has not helped, there are plenty of helplines you can try instead.
3 SUPPORT AND HELP OTHERS
Helping someone else can benefit you as well as them, so try to be a little more understanding of other people’s concerns, worries or behaviours at this time. Try to think of things you can do to help those around you.
4 FEEL PREPARED
information could affect others too. Try not to share information without factchecking against credible sources.
As the outbreak continues, it can help to work through what changes to guidelines mean for you so you feel more prepared and less concerned.
7 STAY ON TOP OF DIFFICULT FEELINGS
5 LOOK AFTER YOUR BODY
Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink enough water and exercise regularly. Avoid smoking, drugs or drinking too much alcohol.
6 STICK TO THE FACTS
Find a credible source you can trust and fact-check information you get from newsfeeds, social media or other people. Think about how possibly inaccurate
TAKE EXERCISE: Look after your body.
favourite hobby if it is something you can still do at home. Or start a new hobby: read, write, do crosswords or jigsaws, bake, or try drawing and painting.
Concern about the coronavirus outbreak and your health is normal. However, some people may experience intense anxiety that can affect their day-to-day life. Try to focus on the things you can control, such as how you act, who you speak to and where you get information from.
9 FOCUS ON THE PRESENT
8 CARRY ON DOING THINGS YOU ENJOY
Try to maintain your regular sleeping pattern – good-quality sleep makes a big difference to how we feel.
Make an effort to focus on your
Focusing on the present, rather than worrying about the future, can help with difficult emotions and improve our wellbeing.
10 LOOK AFTER YOUR SLEEP
Spotlight
Making a splash: Meet The Lido Ladies – Charlton Lido’s most flamboyant swimmers What gets you out of bed in the morning? For some, it’s the thought of a steaming mug of coffee. For others, it’s the necessity of getting the kids up, dressed and ready for school (or home school). But for Jessica Walker and Nicola Foster – aka the Lido Ladies – it’s taking a bracing swim outdoors, writes Holly O’Mahony… Since first taking the plunge together back in 2019, the swimmers, who are both in their 50s, have grown something of a cult following. Known around south London lidos including Brockwell and Charlton for their extravagant costumes – vintage flowery hats, retro ‘great British seaside’ props and a slap of waterproof lipstick – the Lido Ladies are on a mission to encourage everyone, and especially other women their age, to discover the mental and physical benefits of cold water swimming. “We should probably call it outdoor swimming [rather than cold water swimming]; the Lido Ladies don’t swim in anything below 17 degrees celsius,” giggles Nicola when I interview the pair over Zoom. “We swim in unheated pools and lidos in the summer, but we migrate to Charlton Lido which is heated for winter.” Both Jessica and Nicola are dressed fetchingly in maroon-coloured dryrobes – the must-have accessory of any outdoor swimmer. “Dryrobes really changed things for us. They’re really big so you can take off a wet swimsuit under them,” says Jessica, pointing out that while lidos have reopened between the lockdowns, it’s been poolside changing only – no warm showers or dressing rooms. “Covid has meant all the leisure companies have had to make booking systems, so you book a one-hour slot, with five minutes to arrive, 50 minutes to swim and five minutes to get out,” adds Nicola. While we remain in lockdown, however, all swimming pools including outdoor lidos are closed. This has been
6 February 24 2021
tough for regular swimmers like the Lido Ladies, for whom the daily dip isn’t merely about getting a dose of exercise, it’s their raison d’être. “This is our third lockdown and access to any form of leisure activity has been very challenging,” says Jessica. “Depression has been headline news and people have been reading more and more about how cold water swimming can help.” Nicola agrees. “Outdoor swimming has picked up over the last 10 years. It’s much more publicised and written about,” she says. “There are mental health swims and wild swimming groups around the country.” Fifty-six-year-old Jessica rediscovered her love of swimming following a family tragedy that left her suffering from chronic anxiety. In the pool, she found serenity, and swimming became her daily source of meditation. “I’d started swimming to manage my anxiety because I was really really struggling,” she admits. “In the water I was able to get on top of it. I found the coolness of the water really calming.” Jessica typically swims a mile of head-up breaststroke, which gives her a chance to chat to other swimmers. “I found so many people have a story to tell. I’ve really enjoyed hearing about how many people have managed to get on top of their depression and anxiety through swimming,” she says. “It just became more and more fulfilling, and more interesting.” Jessica and Nicola were already friends before they started swimming together. They’d met several years previously, walking their dogs
in Dulwich Park. Soon, they were popping over to one another’s houses for dinner and it was at the end of one such evening, fuelled by several glasses of wine, that Jessica dared Nicola to come swimming with her the following morning. Nicola swam competitively in her youth, but hadn’t swam properly in decades. “I don’t think [Nicola] thought I was serious but I was outside her house at 6am the following morning honking
my car horn,” laughs Jessica. “It was quite a trauma really,” chuckles Nicola, of that first morning swim. “It took three or four months to get back into it properly and get the sense I could swim every day. It doesn’t happen overnight,” admits Nicola. Still, that was spring 2019 and the pair haven’t looked back since. Now, lockdowns permitting, Nicola swims two kilometres freestyle every day.
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In January 2020, the pair set up an Instagram account under the handle @lidoladieslondon to promote the benefits of outdoor swimming. Then two months later, the UK went into lockdown and all public pools were closed. Unable to take to the waters physically, the Lido Ladies transformed their Instagram account into a fantasy lido world – a homage, if you like, to the golden years of the great British lido. Continued on page 8 www.weekender.co.uk
ADVERTORIAL
How much inheritance tax must I pay? The increase in the value of a modest home, especially in London and the South East, means Inheritance Tax (IHT) now affects more families than ever before. With the UK having the highest current COVID-19 death rate of any major country, this is now an issue for many families. IHT is charged at the rate of 40% and can therefore significantly reduce the amount passed to loved ones. Careful estate planning and professional advice can prove cost-effective and worthwhile in reducing the burden of IHT so that a greater share of a person’s hard earned wealth can be passed on. Whether you are acting as an executor of an estate or making a Will,
it is important to consider the impact of IHT. An unmarried or divorced individual in the UK can currently leave an estate of up to £325,000 free of IHT. This allowance is known as the Nil Rate Band (NRB). If the individual has children/step children (or beneficiaries classed as direct descendants) and their estate contains a property or proceeds of a property, an additional allowance known as the Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB) of £175,000 can be claimed. Provided the individual has not made gifts in the 7 years prior to their death to use up the NRB, their estate may pass free of IHT up to the value of £500,000.
If a person is widowed and inherited their spouse or civil partner’s estate on death, an executor can claim an allowance known as the Transferable Nil Rate Band (TNRB) so that the first deceased’s spouse/ civil partner’s NRB and RNRB can be utilised fully. This means a married couple or civil partners can pass on a combined estate currently of up to £1million IHT free to the next generation. It is important to note that there is no IHT between spouses or civil partners, so if a person leaves their estate to a spouse or civil partner in its entirety, there is no change to IHT at that time. If the estate is valued over the
allowances, estate planning can be undertaken to take advantage of the exemptions and reliefs. We can advise on careful use of gifts from capital and income, assets which may attract reliefs such as business property relief, agricultural property relief, and use of Trusts to plan for the next generation. We would recommend reviewing your estate planning arrangements periodically in case your circumstances change. We can also advise on making gifts to charity to reduce the rate of IHT from 40% to 36% if 10% of the net estate is given to charity, or if individuals wish to consider gifts to charities which are free of IHT completely.
Please contact our team of experienced solicitors by emailing privateclient@ grantsaw.co.uk or call us on 020 8858 6971 for advice on the options available.
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8 February 24 2021
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Spotlight “We found creative inspiration in Poundland and started shooting these mad, retro pictures,” Nicola recalls. Flowery swimming caps, inflatable pink flamingos and thickrimmed sunglasses are all regular fixtures of the photoshoots. “We got really into the retro fashion era and had a lot of fun with the pictures,” smiles Jessica, whose penchant for a floral swimming cap was inspired by a glamorous aunt who lived in Italy. “They kept us buoyant in lockdown. We got a real kick out of entertaining people around us. Friends started messaging us saying [our Instagram posts] were excellent and asking what we’d be doing next. This spurred us on.” For those keen to take the plunge themselves, the ladies have some tips. “Personally I would say don’t start at this time of year in an unheated environment,” advises Jessica. “Cold water swimming is a bit of a shock and it’s not for the faint-hearted. Even a lido like Charlton is not freezing but it’s bracing,” she adds. “The wonderful thing Nicola and I have found is having a swim buddy, a friend who encourages you. [Try for] a gentle start with a friend, somewhere you feel safe. And be aware of hypothermia, which is a very real issue.” Nicola agrees. “I’d always treat water with the utmost respect,” she cautions.
“If you don’t have a swim buddy, find a swimming group. While you’re always swimming at your own risk, at least with a group you have people to advise you what to wear and help keep you safe.” With the lidos currently closed, Jessica and Nicola are walking between five and 10 miles a day for their exercise, but it’s putting pressure on the joints and they can’t wait to get back in the pool. “We swim every day when the pools are open. We just laugh and laugh and laugh. It’s so much fun,” says Jessica, nostalgically. “Once you’ve got a flowery hat on, you can’t be grumpy,” she laughs. “I speak to people swimming and know that they’re there because they’re really struggling with all kinds of things in life. I have the privilege to say that a couple of years ago, I was really struggling and now here we are, keeping it under control, wearing a flowery hat and having fun.” For Nicola too, it’s about setting an example and enticing others to get in the water. “I think if we can encourage anyone to get in the pool and enjoy a swim, or brighten their day with one of our mad Instagram pictures, then our job is done,” she grins. For more on the Lido Ladies, follow them on Instagram: @ lidoladieslondon or via their website: www.lidoladieslondon.com/
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February 24 2021 9
History
Coal ships under attack
Mary Mills Last week I wrote about the great jetty at East Greenwich gas works and I thought that I should add to that something about the actual ships in wartime. I am aware of articles and talks which Lewisham gas historian, Brian Sturt, gives on these ships – and I will try not to copy what he has said - although he is much more authoritative than me on the subject. Before the Great War in 1914 coal came to the gas works jetties at East Greenwich and Rotherhithe in chartered vessels from the north east ports. As the war continued this became more and more expensive and unreliable and in 1915 the South Met. Gas Company decided to set up their own fleet of vessels. They already had a considerable number of barges and tugs and a depot to service them at the West Greenwich gas works site – where Waitrose is now at the entrance to Deptford Creek.
SS Lambeth. They were followed in 1918 by SS Kennington and SS Brixton. Other ships were chartered and purchased as necessary and as shipping losses mounted.
To start with in 1915 the gas company bought four steam ships which were in construction. These were of course at the time in great demand and thus extremely expensive. It says a lot about the wealth and profitability of the gas industry that they could afford these ships in the middle of a major war and that they could use them essentially to reduce costs and thus the price of their gas. It was possible for the company to have changes made to the new vessels before delivery – in particular to the design of the access to the holds and also for better accommodation for crews, including heating and baths.
In 1917 an hour after leaving the Tyne brand new SS Ravensbourne was subject to a violent explosion and went down in three minutes. Fifteen of the crew made it into the lifeboat and were picked up by a Danish vessel. As ever, down in the engine room, men died.
The first ship to go into service was SS Dulwich – she had a triple expansion engine and could take 2,250 ton of coal. She was followed by SS Ravensbourne, SS Redriff and
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In 1916 the company bought SS Ravensgarth. Six days after her purchase, in November 1916, she was on her way to the Tyne from Cardiff when she was sunk by a U-boat off Worthing. To compensate for her loss the company bought thirty year old SS Pontypridd. But this was just the start.
A month later SS Pontypridd had just left the Tyne when she hit a mine. Most of the crew made it to the lifeboats. The men in the engine room died. In March SS Quaggy was nearing the Tyne when she hit a mine. Most of the crew made it to the lifeboats and were taken to Hartlepool. The men in the engine room died. In June SS Dulwich, just fourteen months old, had left Seaham and was torpedoed. The lifeboats could
not be lowered and the crew clung to wreckage – and three drowned before they could be picked up. The men in the engine room died. Shall I go on...? In October SS Amsterdam was proceeding south; the men on deck saw the torpedo coming toward them and the Captain was blown into the sea. The ship sank but most of the crew were picked up. The men in the engine room died. On the same day SS Togston was south of Flamborough Head when she was torpedoed and sank in two minutes. As the crew clung to the remains of the vessel the U-boat concerned came alongside to ask the name of the ship they had just sunk. Most of the crew survived. The men in the engine room died. A few months later SS Kennington came into service and was torpedoed on her first voyage to Middlesbrough. She had been ordered into convoy by the Navy and had to move slowly with the other ships although she had been designed to be fast and to outrun the torpedoes. South Met. complained to the Admiralty and after that their vessels could choose their own speeds. In 1918 SS Giralda went down having been torpedoed and many of the crew survived. Her Captain, Captain Macfarlane, was one of them. He had also been captain of SS Ravensbourne when she went down in 1917 and later captain of another torpedoed vessel. He continued to captain the gas company’s vessels after the war was over. He was not the only member of the collier crews who survived ship wrecks and returned to another
ship, and another ship wreck. During the Great War South Met Gas Co. lost ten steamers by enemy action and thirty two men died. As the Company said ‘in the performance of ..a duty so prosaic as the supply of raw materials to our works..a duty as hazardous as any undertake n by those serving in the official forces.’ Let’s not forget too that these men when on land, in the pub, or the street, were those who were sometimes given white feathers by ardent militarists because they were not in the armed services and thus labelled as cowards. Look – I know it was worse than this in the Second World War but I don’t have any details. Roughly, South Met. began the war with seven vessels of which four were lost - SS Brixton mined August 1940; SS Old Charlton dive bombed and sunk 17th February 1941 SS Effra was torpedoed by an E boat and sunk in 1941. Catford sunk by a mine in 1941. After the Great War South Met Gas Co. thought long about their shipping. From 1927 all their ships were fitted with two extra water tight bulkheads to divide the ship up into many water tight compartments to minimise the risk of floundering after damage. As you will see the same names were used for vessels over and over again. Effra is a river which is said to run under the streets of Brixton. SS Effra was the only one of the company’s original fleet to be still afloat at the 1918 Armistice. One of their junior officers was Sidney Smith. Effra had done a thousand trips between the Tyne and Thames by 1935 but in 1941 she was torpedoed with the loss of two lives. In 1946 a brand new ship steamed up
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the river with coal from Newcastle. ‘She was called SS Effra. The new Effra could carry 4,050 tons of coal, twice the capacity of older ships and she could make three trips a fortnight. She could discharge at the East Greenwich jetty in 12 hours. She had a crew of 21. She had an echo sounder with an automatic pencil’. There was central heating, a stove and a refrigerator! Most of all there was a Master’s cabin with blue furnishings and light mahogany furniture, and a private bathroom. And the corridor leading to it had a pale blue carpet! I am sure you will be pleased to know that the Captain, living in such comfort, was the same Sidney Smith who had sailed on the original Effra thirty years previously. I would be interested to know what happened to SS Effra of the 1940s – did she last into the 1970s to be one of the last of the ships which brought the coal to London gas works and power stations. The South Met fleet was not alone – North Thames Gas at Beckton also had a big fleet and so did Wandsworth Gas Co. with special vessels whose funnels could be lowered to go under bridges. These vessels were the last of the massive coal trade which had dominated the London riverway for centuries. When they stopped coming so the river became – and remains -an empty place. Young people today will not understand the shock of the loss of a river once full of boats, in the mid-1980s - and how quickly it happened – a couple of Clippers and the odd cruise liner are nothing at all. Around 1985 I remember sitting on the river bank opposite the silent South Met. East Greenwich jetty amid dereliction. The only sounds came from a scrap metal yard – and the river was empty. It felt like it was the end of the world. Perhaps it was. www.weekender.co.uk
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news from charlton athletic community trust
Charlton legends sign up for Race Europe A number of former Charlton Athletic players have signed up for the Race Europe virtual challenge, set to take place in March. The event will see 14 London clubs race against each other to be the first to cover 6,720 miles – the distance between each of the host cities for the Euros this year. Each club taking part will raise money for its Community Trust, with teams of up to 23 people having individual fundraising pages. Former Charlton Athletic captain Simon Webster has committed to taking part, saying: “It’s about raising money for Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT), they do a great job..” Simon joins his former teammates Bob Bolder and Garry Nelson in taking part in the event. Alongside former players, current members of the Charlton family are also taking part in the challenge with Assistant Manager Johnnie Jackson
12 February 24 2021
and First Team Sports Scientist Ben Talbot gearing up for the challenge. Tracey Leaburn, Charlton Athletic’s Player Liaison Officer, is a Team Leader for one of the CACT teams and has expressed the importance of the challenge and raising money for CACT. “The most important thing is that it is for CACT, we need to support them – they can’t do the activities they normally do so we just need as many people as possible to sign up. “It would just be fantastic to give them the support because they do such amazing projects like the Upbeats, mental health projects, and they need our support. “It doesn’t matter if you live abroad, you can all sign up. You can walk it, even washing the car counts as well; cycling, any sort of exercise can be logged towards our team total.” There is still time to sign up for the event, which kicks off on 1 March. Head to cact.org.uk/ raceeurope2021 to get involved.
Simon Webster (above) and Bob Bolder (right)
“The most important thing is that it is for CACT, we need to support them – they can’t do the activities they normally do so we just need as many people as possible to sign up editorial@weekender.co.uk
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February 24 2021 13
public notices Royal Borough of Greenwich Town & Country Planning Act 1990 (AS AMENDED) Town & Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 Planning (Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (AS AMENDED) Planning (Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990 (AS AMENDED) 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: 24/02/2021
Victoria Geoghegan Assistant Director - Planning and Building Control List of Press Advertisements - 24/02/2021 Publicity For Planning Applications.
Applicant: Mrs Kemp-Longhurst Site Address: 76 PELTON ROAD, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 9AN Development: Replacement of uPVC windows to the front and rear elevations. Conservation Area: EAST GREENWICH Applicant: Site Address: Development: Applicant: Site Address:
Development:
20/1866/HD
Reefmark Ltd 20/3873/F 43-81 GREENWICH HIGH ROAD, GREENWICH SE10 8EW Replacement of timber tongue & groove cladding with aluminium cladding. (Amended existing and proposed plans received for proposal) c/o Premiere Estates 20/3895/F 45 Norman Road, Greenwich, SE10 9QZ, 47, 49 and 51 Norman Road, Greenwich, SE10 9QB, 1 Tarves Way, Greenwich, SE10 9JE, 5 Tarves Way, Greenwich, SE10 9JG, 11 and 15 Tarves Way, Greenwich, SE10 9JP, and 25 Tarves Way, Greenwich, SE10 9JJ The removal of cladding system on the existing buildings and replacement with alternative A1 or A2 rated cladding system. The proposed cladding and other ancillary works will include: • New Window Spandrel Panels • Removal of Timber Decking to be replaced with aluminium decking board (Lite Balcony Board by Alideck) • New Rainwater Goods (where affected by cladding removal) • New Windowsills (where affected by cladding removal) • Replacement Parapet Coping (where affected by cladding removal)
• Other associated works to facilitate the development Conservation Area: adjacent to West Greenwich Applicant: Site Address: Development:
Mr & Mrs Stephens 20/3936/HD 50 ASHMORE ROAD, WOOLWICH, LONDON, SE18 4BY Installation of a replacement window with opening vent, facing on to Ashmore Road. Conservation Area: WOOLWICH COMMON Applicant: Site Address: Development:
Mrs W. 21/0008/HD 6 FRANKLIN PASSAGE, ELTHAM, LONDON, SE9 6RG Construction of a single storey rear extension, formation of a loft conversion involving the insertion of 5 roof lights in the roof slope, and replacement of some existing windows in rear and side (north) elevations. (Re-consultation - Amended description) Conservation Area: PROGRESS ESTATE Applicant: Site Address: Development:
Mr Balendran 21/0095/F 2A BARNARD CLOSE, WOOLWICH, LONDON, SE18 6JQ Construction of an additional storey and conversion of first floor to facilitate the creation of 4 residential units (4 x 1-bed). Conservation Area: Woolwich Conservation Area Applicant: Larner 21/0372/F Site Address: THE HALLEY ACADEMY, CORELLI ROAD, KIDBROOKE, SE3 8EP Development: Construction of a new entrance canopy, replacement windows, landscaping and associated internal and external works to the Design and Technology Department. Conservation Area: Applicant:
Mr Moore
21/0382/F
Site Address: Development:
12 ST MARGARETS GROVE, PLUMSTEAD, LONDON, SE18 7RL Retrospective application for the conversion of property into 2 x 2-bed self-contained flats. Conservation Area: PLUMSTEAD COMMON Applicant: Site Address:
Mr N. Vij 21/0441/HD MULBERRY HOUSE, 37A KIDBROOKE GROVE, KIDBROOKE, LONDON, SE3 0LJ Development: Construction of a rear dormer roof extension including associated works. Conservation Area: BLACKHEATH Applicant: Site Address: Development:
Ms Webster 21/0467/HD 51 ASHBURNHAM PLACE, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 8UG Installation of 7 replacement upvc windows on the front elevation Conservation Area: ASHBURNHAM TRIANGLE Applicant: Site Address: Development:
Mr & Mrs Wraith & Quartermain 21/0483/F 52 KINGS ORCHARD, ELTHAM, LONDON, SE9 5TJ Replacement of cladding on existing roof extension, installation of rooflight on flat roof, replacement of front and rear windows on second floor roof extension, installation of handrails on roof terrace and other external alterations Conservation Area: ELTHAM PALACE Applicant: Mr Cooper 21/0488/HD Site Address: 145 WELL HALL ROAD, ELTHAM, LONDON, SE9 6TS Development: Construction of a single storey rear extension. Conservation Area: PROGRESS ESTATE Applicant: Site Address: 4
Ms Le 21/0556/HD 8 BROOKLANDS PARK, BLACKHEATH, LONDON, SE3 9BL
Development:
Demolition of shed and construction of a single storey rear extension and canopy over front door Conservation Area: BLACKHEATH PARK 21/0576/HD Applicant: Bingham Site Address: 193 PLUM LANE, PLUMSTEAD, LONDON, SE18 3HQ Development: Conversion of garage to habitable room incorporating a raised pitched roof with 1 side rooflight and construction of a single storey side and part rear wrap around extension. Conservation Area: SHREWSBURY PARK ESTATE
Applicant: Site Address:
21/0596/F Cornerstone and Telefonica UK Ltd TELECOMMUNICATIONS MAST OPPOSITE 314 PLUMSTEAD HIGH STREET, PLUMSTEAD, SE18 1JX Development: Replacement of an existing 10.00metre high monopole with a 12.50metre high monopole supporting 6 antennae within a shroud, together with the replacement of 2 no cabinets and ancillary development thereto. (Re-submission) Conservation Area: PLUMSTEAD COMMON
Publicity for Listed Building Consent. 21/0373/L Applicant: Larner Site Address: THE HALLEY ACADEMY, CORELLI ROAD, KIDBROOKE, LONDON, SE3 8EP Development: Construction of a new entrance canopy, replacement windows, landscaping and associated internal and external works to the Design and Technology Department. Listed Building: Grade 2
ROYAL BOROUGH of GREENWICH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 – SECTION 14(1) [Grenada Road] PLANNED ROAD CLOSURE (ORDER)
ROYAL BOROUGH of GREENWICH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 – SECTION 14(1) EASTBROOK ROAD, SE3 PLANNED ROAD CLOSURE (ORDER)
1. The Royal Borough of Greenwich makes this Order in exercise of powers under section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. This is to facilitate works by UK Power Networks who need to carry out connection works. 2. The Order will come into operation on 22nd February 2021 and would continue to be valid for 18 months. However the works are expected to take 3 weeks. The duration of the Order can be extended with the approval of the Secretary of State for Transport. 3. The effect of the Order would be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering, exiting, proceeding or waiting (including waiting for the purposes of loading or unloading) in, Grenada Road at the junction of Shooters Hill Road. 4. Whilst the Order is in operation traffic will be diverted via Shooters Hill Road, Kenya Road, Charlton Dene and vice versa. Prohibitions remain in force, pedestrians are not affected and vehicle access will be maintained wherever possible. 5. Nothing in this Notice will apply to anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform or traffic warden, to emergency service vehicles, or to vehicles being used in connection with the works. 6. The restrictions described above will apply only during such times and to such extent as shall be indicated by traffic signs as prescribed by the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016. 7. Queries concerning these works should be directed to the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Directorate of Regeneration, Enterprise & Skills on 020 8921 6340.
1. The Royal Borough of Greenwich intends to makes this Order in exercise of powers under section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. This is to facilitate works by Open Reach who need to carry out works for network improvements. 2. The Order will come into operation on 17th March 2021 and would continue to be valid for 18 months. However; the works are expected to take 3 days. The duration of the Order can be extended with the approval of the Secretary of State for Transport. 3. The effect of the Order would be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering, exiting, proceeding or waiting (including waiting for the purposes of loading or unloading. In Eastbrook Road at the junction of Shooters Hill Road. 4. Whilst the Order is in operation traffic will be diverted via Eastbrook Road, Hervey Road, Shooters Hill Road & Vice Versa. Prohibitions remain in force, pedestrians are not affected and vehicle access will be maintained wherever possible. 5. Nothing in this Notice will apply to anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform or traffic warden, to emergency service vehicles, or to vehicles being used in connection with the works. 6. The restrictions described above will apply only during such times and to such extent as shall be indicated by traffic signs as prescribed by the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016. 7. Queries concerning these works should be directed to the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Directorate of Regeneration, Enterprise & Skills on 020 8921 6340.
Assistant Director, Strategic Transportation The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ
Assistant Director, Strategic Transportation The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ
Dated 12th February 2021
Dated 10/01/2021
(INTERNAL REF: PL/000/LA400910)
(INTERNAL REF: PL/254/LA383355)
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News from the Royal Borough of Greenwich
Apply for our Sport Ambassador Programme
and practical sport coach volunteering with one of our local sport partners. Participants also have the opportunity to gain nationally recognised sports coaching qualifications.
Are you aged between 16 and 24 years old, not in employment, education or training and looking to get into a career in sports coaching? Join our Sport Ambassador Programme!
The programme runs until summer 2021 (the exact end month will depend on government restrictions at the time). Young people can join the programme at any point, but to get the most out of the programme, we recommend applying early.
It is a flexible training programme that provides young people with an insight into future careers in the sport industry through sport leadership workshops
Find out more about the programme, read about previous participants’ experiences and apply at royalgreenwich.gov.uk/sportambassador
Before
After
Taking on the taggers! Since 2008, the members of the West Greenwich Graffiti Removal Group have been rolling up their sleeves and tackling illegal spray painting in the borough. If they spot any graffiti they spring into action and within 24 hours it’s gone!
We make sure they’re fully supported and offer training and advice, whilst providing them with graffiti wipes and other equipment such as PPE. If they ever spot graffiti that is too large or difficult for them to remove, they let us know and our anti-graffiti team will go in and remove it.
The dedicated group of volunteers monitors areas across West Greenwich, Blackheath and Westcombe Park and with hard work and persistence, they’ve taken down 8,500 bits of graffiti so far.
Do you take pride in your local area? Do you want to take on graffiti too? Why not set up your own group and – with our support – help stop criminal damage in your neighbourhood. It doesn’t have to be a big group, just some dedicated people wanting to make a difference is all that’s needed. Just email housing-caretaking@royalgreenwich.gov.uk and we’ll help get you set up.
One member of the group said, “It is so very, very satisfying seeing the mess disappear, knowing you are doing your bit, improving the look of the area around where you live, and getting one up on the vandals!”
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PREP SCHOOL OF THE YEAR 2020 - 2021 Find out why at our Junior School Virtual Open Day 3 March 2021 | 5:00 - 6:00pm Join Live Q&A with the Head of Junior School Advance booking essential: www.blackheathhighschool.gdst.net