20th September 2017

Cinema ● Theatre ● Comedy ● Books ● Arts ● Music ● Food & Drink

WEEKENDER September 20, 2017

k r a l y l Fami e h t g n i t n u h k r a n S

GREENWICH

Musical comedy m o r f s l e v a r t d n E t s e W the h c i w n e e r to G

Also inside • Have afternoon tea with Thunderbirds' Lady Penelope • Steampunk convention returning to Crossness Pumping Station

Pick of the week

Thunderbirds, Steampunk convention, and Prince at the O2

By Laura Burgoine

Days of Thunder

Keeping it local

T

he Greenwich Weekender is an independent weekly newspaper, covering the whole borough of Greenwich.

The paper is owned, and run, by Chris Mullany and Kevin Quinn, (pictured left to right). Our company, Southwark Newspaper Ltd, is based in Bermondsey.

We deliver 42,000 Greenwich Weekenders every Wednesday, covering every postcode sector of the borough, and boasting, by far, the highest weekly circulation in Greenwich. Each week, we deliver 33,500 copies to homes in every Greenwich neighbourhood, with a further 8,500 copies stocked at over 100 stands. If you don’t receive the Weekender through your letterbox, you can see where to find a copy on our map inside. You can also view each edition online, as well as daily news and events, on our website: www.weekender.co.uk The Greenwich Weekender covers all aspects of life in the borough, including music, theatre, comedy, film, events, and food and drink, as well as all your community events and campaigns.

We would love to hear from you, so if you’re holding an event, launching a business, championing the needs of your local community, or just want to tell us about something that’s happening in Greenwich, feel free to get in touch.

Classic Gerry Anderson series Thunderbirds first hit British TV screens 52 years ago; September 30 -the anniversary of the first episode’s broadcast- marks the first official Thunderbirds Day. There’ll be experiences based on the new show, a pop-up exhibition, and from September 15-30 you can have afternoon tea with Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward in the Meridian Lounge.

The luxury hotel’s lounge will be adorned with pop art prints by Art & Hue, along with the figures of Lady Penelope and Parker. The menu includes Tracy Island coconut pineapple verrine, FAB 1 pink bonbon torte, and Lady Penelope macarons. artandhue.com

PEACE OUT Folk legend Julie Felix returns to award winning charity Global Fusion Music and Arts at Mycenae House to celebrate the International Day of Peace. Celebrating her 80th birthday next year, the dynamic performer hits the stage on Friday 22 September; doors open at 7pm.

Tickets: www.wegottickets.com.

For more information call: 02088589497 or email info@globalfusionarts.co.uk.

STUDIO 338 RISES FROM THE ASHES

WEEKENDER

Greenwich nightclub Studio 338 is reopening after a fire last August forced its closure. They’re celebrating the re-launch with a weekend of parties across October 27, 28, and 29. The newly renovated building has upgraded with cutting-edge lighting and a brand new sound system. Other developments include a world first LED light installation - complete with video screen tentacles, brand new custom built VOID

The Greenwich Weekender is published by Southwark Newspaper Ltd - an independent newspaper publisher, based in Bermondsey, south London.

Acoustics sound system and rubberised dance floor for enhanced acoustics and added spring.

338 Boord St, SE10 0PF. www.studio338.co.uk

Managing Directors: Chris Mullany & Kevin Quinn Group Editor: Anthony Phillips Weekender Editor: Laura Burgoine Reporters: Michael Holland; Nicky Sweetland Advertising Manager: Tammy Jukes Advertising team: Nancy Simpson; Katie Boyd; Sarah Stewart; Michelle Garratt; Catherine Dillon; Colin Watson Design Manager: Dan Martin Design team: Milena Kanakova; Ann Gravesen Finance: David Ellis; Em Zeki Published every week at: Unit A302, Tower Bridge Business Complex, Clement’s Road, SE16 4DG. Printed by Newbury News Ltd. News: 020 7231 5258 / news@weekender.co.uk Ads: 020 7232 1639 / ads@weekender.co.uk Web: www.weekender.co.uk / Twitter: @weeknder_life Facebook: @weeknderSL / Instagram: therealweeknder Issue: GW20

YOUNG AT HEART The Stables in Charlton are celebrating the older residents’ contribution to Greenwich with Forever Young Festival on September 22 (11am-4pm). The event is free, and includes lunch as well as information stalls, activities, music performances and the launch of Dementia Friendly Greenwich..

76 Hornfair Road, SE7 7BD

FULL STEAM AHEAD The second Crossness Engines Sewage Metropolis Steampunk Convivial is a rare chance to visit the beautifully restored Grade 1 building and grounds. With live music by Moth Steampunk Shenanigans, the Abbey Wood event includes an electrifying tesla coil demonstration, tea duelling, umbrella fencing, traders market, and many more family activities. A free coach for local residents runs from Abbey Wood Railway Station, on Wilton Road, to the site from 10.15am. Bazalgette Way, SE2 9AQ. September 23, from 10:30am-6pm.

Admission: £15 for adults, £8 for children.

Online booking essential. www.eventbrite.co.uk

COMING SOON: FRESH PRINCE Throw on your raspberry beret because October marks the world premiere of the first ever Prince exhibition.

The O2’s My Name is Prince exhibition will showcase hundreds of never before seen artefacts direct from Paisley Park, Prince’s famous Minnesota private estate. Pieces on show include instruments, stage outfits, awards and hand written song lyrics, among them: clothing from the 1984/85 Purple Rain tour, the orange cloud guitar from his 2007 Superbowl performance, and the raspberry beret cloud suit from 1985.

Limited London run only. Tickets on sale now: £12-£25. axs.com

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September 20 2017 3

Cinema

By Laura Burgoine

=

Blade Runner: The Final Cut A

chance to see the original film on the big screen before the hotly anticipated new Blade Runner 2049 is released.

In Ridley Scott’s brooding, doom-laden thriller set in a spectacularly imagined future Los Angeles, a hired killer named Deckard (Harrison Ford) tracks down a group of renegade androids who have escaped from slavery on a colonised planet. Loosely based on Philip K. Dick’s paranoid masterpiece Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, and undoubtedly one of the

most influential sci-fi movies of all time, Blade Runner was famously butchered in previous studio versions, including a socalled director’s cut that was nothing of the sort. This ‘final cut’ is the only version over which Scott had full artistic control, and with its intense atmosphere, breath-taking visuals and lavishly eerie soundtrack by Vangelis, it’s an unforgettable big-screen experience.

Thursday 28 September at 8:30pm.

Admission: £9.80-£10.80.

Victoria & Abdul

Judy Dench Ali Fazal in 'Vicoria and Abdul'

Director: Stephen Frears.

Starring: Judi Dench, Ali Fazal, Eddie Izzard.

The year is 1887, and the British Empire is celebrating Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee.

A young Indian clerk, Abdul Karim (Fazal), travels to England to present the monarch with a ceremonial coin.“Whatever you do, you must not look at Her Majesty,” he is told. But he does. And he smiles. And so begins one of the unlikeliest friendships in history.

As the Queen (Dench) questions the constrictions of her long-held position, she forms a strong bond with her newest servant. Their devoted alliance provokes outrage and conspiracy within the Royal

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Household, but it also rejuvenates the cosseted ruler, who begins to see a changing world through new eyes. A lavish, heartfelt period drama with wit and charm, Victoria And Abdul allows us to peek beyond the portraits and imagine the hardships – and joys – of being the figurehead of the last true empire.

From September 15.

180 Greenwich High Road, SE10 8NN. Phone: 0871 902 5732. www.picturehouses.com

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Loving Vincent (Live Satellite Premiere)

The world's first fully oil painted feature film. For one night only, experience the film premiere plus Q&A with special guests.

Broadcast live from the National Gallery presented

by BFI London Film Festival. Monday 9 October at 7pm. Tickets: ££9.10-£15.10



We John Hughes

Life moves pretty fast sometimes, so take a moment to kick back and enjoy it with the Picturehouse’s new Vintage Sunday season is dedicated to six of John Hughes' best ‘80s comedies.

The season kicks off with The Breakfast Club on October 1 (noon start time) and runs until November 5 with Sixteen Candles, Planes Trains and Automobiles, Pretty in Pink, Weird Science, and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Tickets: £8.

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Where to go? What to do? The Weekender has you covered from stand-up comedy to sit-down dinners.

Whether you’re looking for somewhere to take the kids on a rainy day, theatre for under a tenner, or the best burger south of the river, use our directory to find exactly what you need.

We’re also taking care of business: If you’re a company in Greenwich, get in touch for a FREE profile in our directory. www.weekender.co.uk

September 20 2017 5

ARTS & entertainment

By Michael Holland

Where to catch

A

ll aboard! The ship is departing!

All children, animals and silly people welcome! The impossible voyage of an improbable crew to hunt an imaginary creature is brought to life in this sparkling musical comedy adventure for 4 to 94 year olds.

Enter the imaginative world of Alice in Wonderland creator, Lewis Carroll, in this brand new, highly original, ultramodern adaptation inspired by his much loved classic poem. Fresh from the West End, this show features five high-energy actors, life-like puppets, fantastical characters, and lashings of daft humour.

A riotous ragtag gang of

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bold adventurers including the Boy, the Banker, the Butcher, the Baker, the Bellman and the knitting Beaver set off on a quest to catch the mythical Snark… On the journey they encounter the Jub Jub bird, the sly Bandersnatch and the dastardly Boojum… Can a Snark be caught with soap? Will the Beaver escape the hungry Butcher’s clutches? Will the Baker remember his name?

Does anyone know what a Snark actually looks like?

Side-splittingly funny, joyful, fast-paced and bursting with a soundtrack of witty songs by an awardwinning songwriter, The Hunting of the Snark is a tour de force that‘ll delight, excite and entertain.

Londoner Annabel Wigoder is the writer of the

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Hunting of The Snark, with music and lyrics by Gareth Cooper and inspired by the poem by Lewis Carroll.

Annabel tells me “I was a real bookworm as a kid. I loved stories of all kinds so it was only natural that I wanted to write them myself.”

It is great to have dreams as a child but I wanted to know how she took that dream to the next level.

And she told me: “I did an MA in Creative Writing followed by two playwriting courses at the Royal Court, and then started writing short plays and films. I met Gemma (the director) working on one of these plays; we became good friends and worked together a couple more times which led to the idea of doing the Snark - a few

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the Snark years ago now!”

But why The Snark? “I love how surreal and silly Carroll’s work is,” begins the author excitedly. “I was brought up watching Monty Python and Fawlty Towers so my love of silliness was ingrained from an early age! The mad landscape and characters were a joy to play with.”

The Hunting of the Snark has just finished a successful West End run and the excitement of that still lingers: “I can safely say I never in my wildest dreams thought I would have a show on in the West End, and then touring the UK! I still don’t really believe it… It was absolutely brilliant. I’ve loved it and I hope that audiences have too,” she adds modestly. Annabel was on a role and wasn’t stopping there: “I’d been trying for a really long time so it felt brilliant to have people enjoy work that I’d

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written. Comedy especially - there’s no better feeling than making people laugh.”

I had to agree. I asked if there was anything else Annabel would like to add.

Of course there was. “This has been an incredible experience and I think I can safely say that the cast and production team have enjoyed it has much as I have. They’re all brilliant and the fun they have on stage is really infectious.”

Audiences have loved it,

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the whole Snark Crew have loved it, and now we will have our opportunity to love it in Greenwich.

The Hunting of The Snark is on at Greenwich Theatre, Crooms Hill, SE10 on September 24 at 2pm.

Admission: £16 adults; £11 children.

Phone: 0208 858 7755. www.greenwichtheatre. org.uk

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Theatre & comedy

By Nicky Sweetland

From Eltham to Les Mis C

arley Stenson has recently taken on one of the most coveted roles in musical theatre history.

The New Eltham based actress has joined the cast of Les Misérables to portray the tragic ingénue Fantine, a role which has previously been played by some of the most revered names in musical theatre - including Patti Lupone, Ruthie Henshall and Lea Salonga - and was famously portrayed by Anne Hathaway in the 2012 film adaptation.

But it’s not the first time Carley has been a leading lady and having made her name as Steph Cunningham in the Channel 4 television series Hollyoaks, went on to star in the big budget stage musicals Legally Blonde, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Spamalot and as Princess Fiona in Shrek.

I met Carley at the Queens Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue and - as a huge fan of the musical affectionately referred to as Les Mis - I had a little squeal when I was taken across the stage and stood momentarily gazing in awe at the famous revolve.

As we ascended the stairs in the auditorium to the Maggie room (named in honour of Dame Maggie Smith) I asked Carley if she had always been a fan of the show. “I’d only seen it three times before” Carley replied but went on to explain that like many young drama wannabes the score had formed a big part of her musical theatre education.

Les Misérables is based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel and the original London production will celebrate its 32nd anniversary in October. It’s been seen by more than 70 million people in 44 countries and in 22 languages around the globe and is still breaking box-office records.

Set against the backdrop of 19thcentury France, Les Misérables tells the story of ex-convict Jean Valjean, who is hunted for decades by the merciless policeman Javert after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for desperate factory worker Fantine’s young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever.

“Victor Hugo’s story is amazing” Carley tells me, “It’s a remarkable story and it’s huge, with its twists and turns. It connects to people on so many levels. You’re following this man who, through the main thread of the story, keeps getting back up again. It’s the core of someone’s being. He is just a fighter until the very end.”

And Carley tells me that playing the tragic Fantine - whose soliloquy “I Dreamed a Dream”

is one of the most famous showtunes of all time – is a real honour.

“I still find a moment in every show that takes me by surprise and I still say ‘Oh my god I’m in Les Miz!’ It’s a wonderful show to be in” Carley explains, “It’s a great piece of story telling helped by the amazing score.”

But Fantine’s revered ballad isn’t the only well known song in the show. In fact, Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil’s musical phenomenon is littered with showstoppers including “Bring Him Home”, “One Day More” and “On My Own”.

“Everybody’s got a favourite.”

Carley tells me, “They all stand alone as absolutely amazing, heart wrenching, epic numbers” The current West End cast also boasts London stage favourite Killian Donnelly as Jean Valjean and Hayden Tee as the voracious Javert who is seen as the villain of the piece, but I ask Carley if she really thinks he is the baddie?

“That’s a good question. I think he’s a goodie. You know what he is? He’s a jobsworth, that’s what he is. I’ve said it! Javert is a jobsworth. He means well, but you do think, oh Javert, let it go!”

(SPOILER ALERT) Carley’s

character meets an untimely death rather early on in proceedings, so I naturally assumed that meant she got to put her feet up in her dressing for the remainder of the show. Actually, Carley confides in me that after her exit, she gets to return to the stage as a street urchin (who she has given the nickname Phil Phalange) in the famous barricade scene. And being in the big battle makes Carley feel more like part of the team.

“You want to be part of it and that’s where you get the great camaraderie with the cast. It’s the barricade on Les Miz! I don’t want to be asleep listening to Killian

sing ‘Bring Him Home’ and so it’s really special to be a part of that.”

And Carley isn’t the only member of her household taking to the stage over the next few months, as after making the final of Strictly Come Dancing last year and leading the cast of On The Town at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, fiancé Danny Mac will take on the role of Joe Gillis in the forthcoming touring production of Sunset Boulevard.

You can see Carley Stenson in Les Misérables at the Queen’s Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue www.lesmis.com

Fire safety

MATTERS

Plan and practise for an emergency This is a new monthly column from London Fire Brigade’s Greenwich Borough Fire stations for our local residents.

Each month a different firefighter will offer some safety advice that we think would help to keep everyone as safe as possible.

Our full advice to people who live in a purpose-built flat or maisonette is on London Fire Brigade website but in summary we say: • If the fire is actually inside your flat or maisonette, leave immediately and call 999.

• If there is a fire or smoke inside your flat or maisonette and your escape route is NOT clear, it may be safer to stay in your flat or maisonette until the fire brigade arrives.

• Find a safe room close the door and use soft materials to block any gaps to stop the smoke. Go to a window, shout “HELP, FIRE” and call 999.

T

he first columnist we would like to introduce to you is Borough Commander Matt Herrington.

I’ve served the capital’s fire service for the past 20 years and as Borough Commander of Greenwich for the last two.

The Grenfell Tower is at the forefront of everyone’s mind. It was a tragic and unprecedented fire and our thoughts remain with all those affected by it.

I can fully understand why people who live in high rises have questions about their safety but I want to stress that thankfully, fires are rare. However, it’s vitally important to know your fire escape

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plan and where to turn if you have concerns.

I would urge everyone to read our advice to help you plan and practise what to do in the event of a fire. If you live in a purpose built flat or maisonette your landlord must provide you with fire safety information, including an evacuation plan.“ Fire safety in purpose built flats

and maisonettes is dependent upon good maintenance and housekeeping.

Residents should know the following: • All flat front doors and doors on corridors and staircases must be ‘self closing’ fire doors.

• Fire doors must not be held or wedged open as they are

designed to stop the spread of fire.

• Things must not be stored in corridors or staircases as this can block escape routes and stop firefighters doing their job.

• Information about what to do in the event of a fire is understood and easily available • You know who your landlord is and how to contact them.

Good advice for every home in London is: • Fit smoke alarms in every room.

Smoke alarms provide a vital early warning and can allow extra time to escape if there is a fire in your home.

• Always make sure you have an escape plan in place and that everyone in your home knows what to do in an emergency.

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family

By Anthony Phillips

Create your own fan A free fan making workshop and live street art are taking place in Greenwich Market on September 23 and 24.

Run in conjunction with Greenwich’s Fan Museum, the workshop will teach how to make a Fontage fan, widely used in the early 20th century.

There will be several different

sessions on each day. Sticks and equipment are provided but participants are asked to bring their own lightweight paper, such as giftwrap. Classes last one hour and are suitable for children aged 12 and above as well as adults.

You can reserve your place at; http://bit.ly/2guGGNq

Thames treasures A free family festival called Treasures from the Thames is being held at the Museum of London Docklands on the weekend of September 23 and 24.

Youngsters can explore what fascinating objects can be found in the Thames, learn about mudlarking, hear stories about whales that used to live in the river

and discover what goods used to be brought to the docks from around the world.

There will also be performances from the Junk Orchestra, where visitors can get involved and make their own instruments out of everyday recycling to ply.

Events run throughout the day. www.museumoflondon.org.uk

© Bach to Baby

Bach to Baby is holding a piano concert for little ones and their family at Charlton House on Monday, September 25.

Flight of the Nimble Keys, featuring Martin Cousin on piano, will take listeners on a journey, drifting between two shores, fluttering between flowers, and will also include a nursery rhyme or two.

The concert, in The Old Library, starts at 10.30am and last an hour. Doors open at 10am.

Adult tickets cost £12 and children go free. www.bachtobaby.com/ londonsouth/

Toy library boost Families are invited to enjoy Charlton Toy Library’s stay-and-play and toy-borrowing sessions.

The library has just received a huge funding boost from of £8,660 from the Red Nose Day - Evening Standard Dispossessed Fund, which will be used to fund a part-time Toy Library co-ordinator and renew stocks.

Toy Library sessions run on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9.30 – 12.30 during term time at Charlton House. www.charltontoylibrary.co.uk/

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Meet the Captain Captain Woodget, the Cutty Sark’s most daring master, will be on board to share his nautical tales on September 24 and 24.

The captain commanded the ship for ten years from 1885 as it was engaged in the Australian wool shade.

His visit is part of the famous ship’s ‘meet the character’ events, where people from its past are brought back to life to tell their stories.

The event is free with the admission ticket to the ship. www.rmg.co.uk/cutty-sark

Photo: (C) National Maritime Museum, London

Piano play

September 20 2017 11

Homes & Gardens

A woman for all seasons Jackie Power

While there are calm, dry conditions clear away summer annuals

S

ummer has almost slipped away; the sun is lower in the sky and night-time temperatures are cooler. There is not much change in leaf colour yet; they remain mostly luxuriously green – for now.

The Hedgerow berries Hawthorn, Sloe and Elder ripened quickly last month producing an early wild harvest.

several months. Or choose the delicate Cyclamens to grow alongside ferns and ivies. Empty any pots not needed for current planting. Soil in containers quickly becomes sour and depleted of nutrients - it can also harbour pests.

To ensure healthy growing conditions top up containers regularly through the year with good quality compost.

September is a special month; the weather is usually calm (although blustery winds and rain can suddenly occur). Many summer plants remain alongside the new autumn ones; leaf Work in the garden is always colour is subtly changing - and this governed by the weather and its together with harvest time creates the influences; while there are calm, appearance of two seasons within the dry conditions clear away summer same month; the tail end of summer annuals that have passed their best and start of autumn. and tidy border perennials. Watering Plants to enjoy include - autumn is needed as the ground has dried out crocus, the tiny Cyclamen, giant quickly after limited rainfall through the Sunflowers. In the borders there are summer months.

Change window box and Calendula, also known ascontainers pot Marigold summer Roses and seasonal Sedum - the dusky pink flowering ice plant; to seasonal displays; winter Pansies Japanese anemones, Dahlias and and Violas are available – the Calendula the more unusual Hibiscus. This is flowers come in almost every colour a gardener’s favourite - it has about imaginable and these plants will last

200 different species which include perennials, annuals, shrubs and trees.

H. Rosa sinensis (Rose of China) is a tall evergreen shrub or small tree – it has large flowers in pink, scarlet, yellow or white. H. Syriacus is an

upright deciduous shrub reaching three metres. It has more delicate but sizeable flowers in blue, white or cream. Find a space in the garden for a Hibiscus – there is a variety to suit every setting.

The gardening catalogues, with their bargains and dazzling choice of plants, have started to arrive - and so the exciting task of planning for next seasons planting begins once again.

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September 20 2017 13

Homes & Gardens Mouse lamps £60 each Graham and Green www.grahamandgreen.co.uk

Amber Glass Cylinder Lamp Shades £168 Urban Cottage Industries www.urbancottageindustries.com

Shine a

LIGHT!

Large orange T. rex Lamp £40 Small Green Diplodocus Lamp £15 Natural History Museum Shop www.nhmshop.co.uk

Podarok Hannah Nunn - Tall Meadow Grass Lamp £95 www.podarok. co.uk

Homesense Gold Diamond Ceiling Lamp £39.99 www.homesense.com

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September 20 2017 19

Health

By Laura Burgoine

Aesthetically pleasing T

he owners of the Heath and Aesthetic Clinic opened in Greenwich with zero client base. Today, they’ve got people travelling from as far as Lincolnshire for their cosmetic treatments.

Run by doctors, with all treatments performed by doctors, the clinic specialises in facial contouring, wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, laser hair removal and plenty more.

“It’s the only sort of clinic like this, that’s run by doctors,” owner Shilraj said. “When we do the treatments like botox or fillers, people do need doctors to be there.”

The newly refurbished private clinic, which opened in 2011, has parking for clients, and high quality machines.

“We started everything from scratch.

It was a GP surgery before. We have very high spec standards and infection control.”

The clinic offers a HIFU facelift as an alternative to dermal fillers.

“There’s no injections and we lift the face, and reduce wrinkles,” Shilraj said. The body contouring involves a

suction of fat on the body area, which produces a contouring effect. The aqualyx fat dissolving also proves popular. “It’s good for fat pockets that aren’t responding to diet and exercise. We can inject into them and destroy those fat cells,” he said.

“When you kill a fat cell it doesn’t come back in the same place. We can do this for double chins too and

dissolve that fat.”

They also cater to the high Afro Caribbean and Asian local population. “People with darker skin are more likely to have pigmentation problems and are more prone to sun damage and black spots on the face.

Whereas people with lighter skin are more prone to wrinkles,” he said.

Customers are mostly from

Lewisham, Woolwich, and Deptford though there’s a number of people who travel from north London and even Lincolnshire. “We were the first to buy a laser machine in Greenwich.

We use that for laser hair removal, acne treatments, age spots, and colour correction,” Shilraj said.

“We have a huge portfolio of treatments here. People think Harley

Street is the only place you can get these things done.”

The only invasive treatments the Health and Aesthetic Clinic administers are injections. “It’s not dangerous because we have doctors with vast experience,” he said.

“We have doctors who have studied for eight years, and do constant re-training –they never stop learningand you can get the same things done by beauticians who have done a four day course. There’s no regulation in this industry. That’s the main reason why our treatments are safe. We’re responsible. Our doctors will deny treatments if they feel the need to.”

The staff includes two doctors, two therapists, and two management.

Last year they won the title for clinic of the year in the Diamond AwardsSafety in Beauty.

“Both our doctors are from India.

When we came here 13 years ago, we settled down in this area, and people said it’s not a good part of London to open a business in but we saw a huge gap and we wanted to open up a clinic for people in Greenwich.”

Health and Aesthetic Clinic is at 374 Shooters Hill Road, SE18 4LS. Phone: 020 8319 0074.

For more information, prices, and treatment list visit: www.haclinic.co.uk

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September 20 2017 21

FOOD & drink

By Nicky Sweetland

PARK LIFE IN ELTHAM I

t was dinner for one for me at the Park Tavern in Eltham, as despite my legendary magnetism, I couldn’t find a date for a Tuesday lunchtime. Luckily the traditional English pub in the middle of the town has that wonderful homely ambience that makes you feel like you are being drawn into a warm embrace as soon as you walk through the door.

And it wasn’t my first time crossing the threshold either as - due to the fact that the establishment is within easy walking distance of my house - I have been a few times over the summer to enjoy the barmy warm evenings (yes, there were a few) in the well maintained garden.

The summer sun seemed a distant memory on a grey Tuesday lunchtime in September however, but I didn’t allow the inclement weather to hamper my enjoyment of what was on offer. And that was an enjoyable lunch served with a smile. The menu is simple and provides real honest pub grub at a reasonable price, so on the barmaid's advice I plumped for the homemade chicken curry.

HIGH STANDARDS

New owners have taken over the Royal Standard pub in Blackheath and are on a mission to change it into a community hub.

Plans include live music and DJ events, and a second community festival following a successful children’s event in June.

As part of Raising the Standard, the pub owners are hosting a covered marquee with live bands and acts, DJs and a Meantime sponsored outdoor bar.

September 30 from 12noon-8pm in the pub car park.

44 Vanbrugh Park, SE3 7JQ.

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Park Tavern 45 Passey Place,

SE9 5DA

020 8850 3216

www.parktaver

neltham.co.uk

Now look, I'm not going to claim that it was haute cuisine, but the madras sauce was creamy, with a really good element of spice.

The quantity of chicken was very generous and the vegetable accompaniment was well cooked, although I personally would have preferred less onion or for it to be cut into smaller chunks.

I know beer is often the beverage of choice to go with a curry, but as a Somerset girl, I like to stick to the apple whenever possible, so I supped on a Thatchers Katy which helped to douse the flames caused by the heat from the curry and gave me a bit of tanginess on my palate as a compliment.

I think it's fair to say the ambience suits the more mature diner with Classic FM played in the background throughout the day and jazz and soul later in the evenings. I was surprised by how busy it was on a Tuesday and as the sun started to peep through the clouds the garden filled up.

With no desserts on the menu I had to get my sweet fix from somewhere so I finished off my meal with a cappuccino to give my engine a jump start for the rest of working day (who am I kidding? I went home for a snooze).

The damage Chicken Curry Drinks TOTAL

£7.00 £6.70

£13.70

Food (1-5) 0 0 Value (1-5) 0 0 0 Ambience (1-5) 0 0 Disabled access yes Disabled toilet YES Booking NO

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September 20 2017 23

P UB L IC NOT IC ES 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 Dev elopment Planning within 21 days of the date of this notice.

Please quote the appropriate reference number.

Date: 20/09/2017 Victoria Geoghegan

Publicity For Planning Applications.

Applicant: Mr Qureshi 17/2236/F

Site Address: 27 KIRK LANE, PLUMSTEAD, LONDON, SE18 Development: Construction of single storey side extension.

Conservation Area: adjacent to Plumstead Common Applicant:

Mr & Mrs Harman

17/2255/F

Site Address: 34 CIRCUS STREET, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 Development: Construction of side and rear extension.

Conservation Area: WEST GREENWICH Applicant:

Mr & Mrs Haxell Sweeney

17/2412/F

Site Address: 22 BOWATER PLACE, BLACKHEATH, LONDON, SE3 8ST Development: Construction of part 1/part 2-storey rear extension (Resubmission).

Conservation Area: RECTORY FIELD Applicant: Miss Jordana Clark 17/2547/F

Site Address: 6 THORNTON HOUSE, GREENWICH SOUTH STREET, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 8NS Development: Bricking up of window to rear of property.

Conservation Area: WEST GREENWICH Applicant:

University Schools Trust East London (USTEL)

Site Address: Development:

ROYAL GREENWICH TRUST SCHOOL, 765 WOOLWICH ROAD, CHARLTON, LONDON, SE7 8LJ Alterations and additions to expand the Royal Greenwich Trust School from 600 to 950 students including construction of new buildings (3,613 sqm Gross Internal Area) to provide a 4 Court Sports Hall, a Lecture Theatre/Hall, classrooms, education facilities, parking, cycle parking, substation, landscaping and associated works

17/2594/F

Applicant: Mrs Hodgon 17/2678/F

Site Address: 17 MEREWORTH DRIVE, PLUMSTEAD, LONDON, SE18 3ED Development: Installation of replacement windows and doors to front and side elevations.

Conservation Area: SHREWSBURY PARK ESTATE Applicant:

Mr & Mrs Dosanjh

17/2689/F

Site Address: 152B OLD WOOLWICH ROAD, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 9PR Development: Formation of a loft conversion including a rear dormer window and 2 roof lights to the front roof slope.

Conservation Area: EAST GREENWICH Applicant:

Mr & Mrs Kimbell & Drummond

17/2690/F

Site Address: Development:

19 HYDE VALE, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 8QQ Construction of a single storey rear extension, creation of new steps and french doors to existing basement, alterations to rear and side windows and creation of x 3 roof lights to the rear roof slope.

Conservation Area: WEST GREENWICH Publicity for Listed Building Consent.

Applicant: Dr. Ratneswaren 17/2662/L

Site Address: Development:

45 BLACKHEATH PARK, BLACKHEATH, LONDON, SE3 9SQ Repair and reinstatement of existing Ashlar Rendering to the front elevation and a full external decorative refurbishment to all previously painted surfaces.

Conservation Area: BLACKHEATH PARK Listed Building: Grade 2

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ROYAL BOROUGH OF GREENWICH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 AND HIGHWAYS ACT 1980 The Greenwich (20 MPH Zone) (No. *) Traffic Order 201* 1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Council of the Royal Borough of Greenwich (hereinafter referred to as “the Council”) proposes to make the abovementioned Order under section 84 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended.

2. The general effect of the Order would be to impose a 20 miles per hour speed limit on motor vehicles in the roads specified in Schedule 1 to this Notice.

3. FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Council proposes, under section 90A of the Highways Act 1980, to construct: (a) sinusoidal speed humps at the locations specified in Schedule 2 to this Notice. Each sinusoidal road hump would be an elevated section of carriageway with a round top, 75 millimetres higher at its highest point than the surrounding carriageway, extending across the full width of the carriageway and measuring approximately 3.7 metres in length, including the gradients. (b) the type of road humps known as a “speed tables” across the full width of the carriageway: (i) at the locations specified in Schedule 2 to this Notice, with a length of 9 metres including the gradients; (ii) in Rochester Way, with centre line 12.4 metres north-east of the north-eastern kerb-line of Kidbrooke Way, with a length of 13 metres including the gradients; The Speed Tables would each be an elevated section of carriageway with a flat top, 75 millimetres higher at its highest point than the surrounding carriageway. The gradients would each have a gradient of 1:20.

4. A copy of the proposed Order and other documents, including a map, giving more detailed particulars of the Order and road humps are available for inspection during normal office hours until the end of six weeks from the date on which the Order is made or, as the case may be, the Council decides not to make the Order, at the Directorate of Regeneration, Enterprise and Skills, Strategic Transportation, Royal Borough of Greenwich, The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ. 5. Further information may be obtained by telephoning Strategic Transportation on 020 8921 3026.

6. Any person who wishes to object to or make other representations about the proposed Order or road humps should send a statement in writing by 11th October 2017, specifying the grounds on which any objection is made, to the TMO Team, Project Centre, Unit 2 Holford Yard, London, WC1X 9HD, or by email to GreenwichTMOconsultations@projectcentre.co.uk (quoting reference PCL/TMO/CW/1000004147).

7. Persons objecting to the proposed Order or road humps should be aware that in view of the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985, this Council would be legally obliged to make any comments received in response to this notice, open to public inspection.

Assistant Director, Strategic Transportation The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ Dated 20th September 2017 SCHEDULE 1 - Road within the 20mph Zone Annesley Road, Brook Lane, Delme Crescent, Kelsall Close, Kidbrooke Park Close, Rochester Way (north to south arm, between Kidbrooke Way and the Blackwall Tunnel Southern Approach), Susan Road, Westbrook Road (between Kidbrooke Park Road and Rochester Way) and Wricklemarsh Road.

SCHEDULE 2 - Locations of sinusoidal round top road humps (all dimensions are approximate) Annesley Road, with centre lines: (1) 12.6 metres north-east of the south-western wall of No. 9 Kidbrooke Park Road; (2) at the common boundary of Nos. 3 and 5 Annesley Road; and (3) 1.8 metres south-west of the common boundary of No. 17 and 19 Annesley Road; Brook Lane, with centre lines:

(1) 13.4 metres north-west of the north-western boundary of No. 117 Brook Lane; (2) at the common boundary of Nos. 18 and 20 Brook Lane; (3) 2.3 metres south-east of the north-western wall of Nos. 1 to 12 Chiswell Square; and (4) 10 metres north-west of the north-western boundary of No. 8 Brook Lane; Kidbrooke Park Close, with centre line at the south-western wall of No. 18 Kidbrooke Park Close; Susan Road, with centre lines: (1) at the northern boundary of No. 24 Susan Road; and (2) at the common boundary of No. 2 and 4 Susan Road; Westbrook Road, with centre lines: (1) 12.8 metres north-east of the south-western wall of No. 33 Kidbrooke Park Road; (2) at the common boundary of Nos. 5 and 7 Westbrook Road; and (3) at the common boundary of No. 21 and 23 Westbrook Road; and Wricklemarsh Road, with centre lines: (1) at the north-eastern wall of No. 67 Kidbrooke Park Road; (2) 3.2 metres south-west of the common boundary of Nos. 9 and11 Wricklemarsh Road; and (3) 2 metres south-west of the common boundary of Nos. 21 and 23 Wricklemarsh Road.

SCHEDULE 3 - Locations of speed tables (all dimensions are approximate Rochester Way, with centre lines: (1) 4.2 metres north-west of the north-western boundary of No. 30 Rochester Way; (2) at the common boundary of

No. 42 and 44 Rochester Way; (3) 8.3 metres south-east of the south-eastern boundary of No. 56 Rochester Way; (4) at the common boundary of No. 58 and 60 Rochester Way; (5) 27 metres south-east of the common boundary of Nos. 66 and 68 Rochester Way; (6) 41 metres north-west of the common boundary of Nos. 74 and 76 Rochester Way; (7) 7.4 metres south-east of the south-eastern boundary of No. 76 Rochester Way; and (8) 14 metres north-west of the north-western wall of No. 122 Rochester Way.

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P U BL I C N O T I C ES ROYAL BOROUGH of GREENWICH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 – SECTION 14(1) Horn Lane PLANNED ROAD CLOSURE (ORDER) 1. The Royal Borough of Greenwich intends to make this Order in exercise of powers under section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. This is to facilitate works by UKPN who need to carry out new service connections.

2. The Order will come into operation on 29th September2017 and would continue to be valid for 18 months. However the works are expected to take 2 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, Horn lane at the junction of Bugsby’s Way. 4. Whilst the Order is in operation traffic will be diverted via Bugsby’s Way, Peartree Way, Horn Lane 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. All enquiries 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 Dated 15th September 2017 [INTERNAL REF: TIRBG36NOP]

ROYAL BOROUGH OF GREENWICH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 – SECTION 16A PLAYING OUT TRIAL STREETS CHANCELOT ROAD, CHEVENING ROAD, GOUROCK ROAD, GREGORY CRESCENT, GUILDFORD GROVE AND THORNLEY PLACE TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS – Saturday 30th September 2017 1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Council of the Royal Borough of Greenwich with the consent of the Secretary of State for Transport has made an Order to facilitate the staging of trial ‘playing out streets’ events “the events”. The effect of the Order will be to temporarily prevent vehicles from entering or proceeding in Chancelot Road, Chevening Road, Dinsdale Road, Gourock Road, Gregory Crescent, Guildford Grove and Thornley Place on Saturday 30th September 2017.

2. The above prohibitions and provisions will only apply at such times and to such extent as shall be indicated by the placing of appropriate traffic signs or as directed by a police constable in uniform.

3. The Order provides that the prohibition will not apply to – (a) any vehicle requiring access to a property within the closure areas; (b) any vehicle being used for police, fire brigade or ambulance purposes, or for the purposes of a statutory undertaker in an emergency; or (c) anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform or a traffic warden.

Assistant Director, Strategic Transportation The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ Dated 20th September 2017 [INTERNAL REF: 1000004152NOM]

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ROYAL BOROUGH OF GREENWICH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 – SECTION 16A STARS CAR FREE DAY TEMPORARY RESTRICTION OF ACCESS TO CERTAIN ROADS ON FRIDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER 2017 BETWEEN 8AM AND 10AM AND BETWEEN 2PM AND 4PM

ROYAL BOROUGH OF GREENWICH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 – SECTION 14(1) TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES FOR CARRIAGEWAY RESURFACING WORKS CHARLTON PARK LANE, HILLREACH, LITTLE HEATH, LONGLEIGH LANE, MYCENAE ROAD AND TILBROOK ROAD

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Council of the Royal Borough of Greenwich has made an Order to facilitate the STARS Car Free Day event. The effect of the Order will be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering any road or length of road specified in the Schedule to this Notice at any point or junction specified in relation to that road or length of road, between 8am and 10am and between 2pm and 4pm on Friday 22nd September 2017.

2. The above prohibitions will only apply at such times and to such extent as shall be indicated by the placing of appropriate traffic signs and they will not prevent emergency vehicular access to premises in the roads concerned.

Assistant Director, Strategic Transportation The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ Dated 20th September 2017 [INTERNAL REF: 1000004153NOM]

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Council of the Royal Borough of Greenwich intends to make an Order to accommodate carriageway resurfacing works in Charlton Park Lane, Hillreach, Little Heath, Longleigh Lane, Mycenae Road and Tilbrook Road.

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 the lengths of road specified in the Schedule to this Notice.

2. The above restrictions would only apply at such times and to such extent as shall be indicated by the placing of the appropriate traffic signs.

3. Whilst the closures are in operation, vehicular access to properties affected by these works would be maintained wherever possible subject to the extent and operations of the works. The alternative routes for vehicles would be indicated on street via local signage.

4. The Order would come into force on 27th September 2017 and would continue in force for up to 18 months, or until the works have been completed, whichever is the sooner. The works would be conducted on a ‘rolling programme’ and as such not all the restrictions would be in force at one time, the works at each location are expected to take one week to complete and all the works are expected to be completed by 31st March 2018.

5. Queries concerning these works should be directed to the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Directorate of Regeneration, Enterprise & Skills on 020 8921 2773.

Assistant Director, Strategic Transportation The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ Dated 20th September 2017 [INTERNAL REF: 1000004171NOP]

Schedule - Roads or lengths of road and closure points 1. Bassant Road, at its junction with Heathfield Terrace, and Gilbourne Road, at its junctions with Kingsdale Road and

Swingate Lane; 2. Bramshot Avenue (east of Hopedale Road), at its junction with Hopedale Road, Highcombe, at its junction with Bramhope Lane, Sherington Road, at its junction with Charlton Road, and Wyndcliff Road (south of Tallis Grove), at its junctions with Eversley Road/Tallis Grove and Charlton Road; 3. Commerell Street, at its junctions with Blackwall Lane and Pelton Road; 4. Cookhill Road, at its junctions with Panfield Road and Finchale Road; 5. Dahlia Road (north to south arm, south of the west to east arm of Dahlia Road), at its junctions with Fuschia Street and the west to east arm of Dahlia Road, and Fuschia Street (east of Openshaw Road) at its junctions with Openshaw Road and Bostall Lane; 6. Eglinton Road (north-east of Ripon Road), at its junctions with Rippon Road and Herbert Road, Eglinton Road (southwest of Paget Terrace), at its junction with Paget Terrace, Paget Rise, at its junction with the north-westernmost arm of Herbert Road, and Whitworth Road (north-west of Herbert Road), at its junction with Herbert Road; 7. Grangehill Road (between Craigton Road and Earlshall Road), at its junctions with Craigton Road and Earlshall Road; 8. Gregory Crescent (between Churchbury Road and Joan Crescent), at its junctions with Churchbury Road and Joan Crescent, and Middle Park Avenue (crescent-shaped arm fronting Nos. 152 to 186 Middle Park Avenue), at its junction with the main arm of Middle Park Avenue; 9. Haimo Road (south-east of a point 12.5 metres southeast of the south-eastern kerb-line of Westhorne Avenue), at that point and at its junction with Froissant Road; 10. Invicta Road, at its junction with Charlton Road, and Siebert Road, at its junction with Westcombe Hill; 11. Pound Park Road (between Hasted Road and Thorntree Road), at its junctions with Hasted Road and Thorntree Road; 12. Rectory Field Crescent (between Baker Court and The Glade), at its junctions with Baker Court and The Glade [access will be retained to off street parking in Keats Close]; and 13. The Underwood (west to east arm, east of its junction with Wyndford Way), at its junctions with Wyndford Way and Witherston Way, Altash Way (between The Underwood and Witherston Way) at its junctions with The Underwood and Witherston Way, and Witherston Way

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SCHEDULE Charlton Park Lane (from Cemetery Lane to Stadium Road), Hillreach (from Erwood Road to Frances Street), Little Heath (from Cemetery Lane to Erwood Road), Longleigh Lane (from Bostall Hill to Lodge Hill) and Mycenae Road (from Westcombe Park Road to Vanbrugh Park) and Tilbrook Road (whole length).

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Get into the right secondary school in Greenwich Where to start and how the system works

T

he difficulties faced each year by parents and carers deciding which secondary school to apply to for their child remains the biggest problem in terms of education decisions, writes Kevin Quinn...

You can’t expect to name a secondary school and assume that your child will automatically be offered a place. It is simply a case

Blackheath High School pupil

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of listing the schools you prefer and awaiting the outcome of the allocation process.

In a highly competitive process it is vital that you get the order of preference right on your child’s primary to secondary transfer application. The biggest mistake you can make is to put just one school down. That might well be the only school you want for your child, but there are no guarantees that your child will be offered this school. To give your child the best chance possible, try to list up to six preferences on their application.

It is all too easy just to go by hearsay and reputations - visit the schools for yourself. A school that may never have been in your mind before could offer subjects or have specialist facilities that would meet your child’s talents more than the school that was originally top of your list.

There are all types of secondaries, from voluntary aided church schools to academies, foundation schools,

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free schools and independent secondaries. And it is here where the admission criteria vary. It is important you fully understand the admission criteria and match those criteria to your own circumstances. Some schools are heavily oversubscribed, with hundreds applying for just 120 – 240 places. When you go to an open day, make sure you find out how many applications the school usually receives. The more people who apply for a school for their children, the bigger the risk that you might not get in. Armed with this knowledge, you should be better placed to put your preferences down.

Do use all six preferences, however you need to be wary about only choosing schools which are heavily over-subscribed. Put your first preference down, but also preferences into which you have a real chance of getting your child. As a local paper, year on year we have seen parents and carers left in the worst possible situation. They have only picked over-subscribed schools and have got into none. They did not have a fall-back plan. So, from being in a

Head of Blackheath High School Mrs Chander-Thompson teaching pupils

position where they felt they had the luxury of choice, they were left feeling like they had no option but to accept the school they had been allocated automatically by the local authority.

Applying for secondary schools can be emotionally difficult. It is such a vital decision for your child’s future. If your child is in Year 6 and currently attending one of the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s primary schools, you will receive further information from your child’s headteacher.

You can apply online at: www. royalgreenwich.gov.uk/admissions.

The online application process

gets rid of the paperwork, and is available to use 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can find out more about what each individual school has to offer, apply for a place and find out about school open events in one place. The closing date to return forms is October 31, 2017. If you prefer to complete a paper form you can download a printable copy. Make sure you use the correct postage so it does not get delayed, as if your application arrives after the closing date it will be treated as a late application. ...Continued on page 29

September 20 2017 27

28 September 20 2017

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Continued from page 27 ...

Since so many of Greenwich’s secondaries have now become academies, it is vital to check how the admission criteria stand when the school is oversubscribed.

Parents and carers can apply for schools in any area but if you live in Royal Greenwich you will need to apply through the Royal Borough of Greenwich. If you live in another borough, you will need to apply through your home authority even if you wish to apply for a place in a Royal Greenwich school.

Children who have education, health and care plans or full statements of special educational needs are dealt with outside of the transfer process and parents and carers must contact the special educational needs and disabilities

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team for further advice. The Royal Borough of Greenwich Local Offer sets out the services available for children with special educational needs and disabilities, including applying for a school place. Visit www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/ localoffer for more details.

Once you have made your preferences and submitted your online application by the closing date, your application will be processed. If you have successfully submitted your online application before the closing date, you will be able to view the results of your application on the eAdmissions website (www.eadmissions.org. uk) during the evening of 1 March 2018. You will also be sent an email after 5pm on 1 March 2018 which will contain information on what to do next.

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If you are not successful with any of your preferences then the school admissions team will allocate your child an alternative secondary school. This is likely to be the nearest Greenwich school to your child’s home which has a vacancy.

However, you have the right to appeal for any schools at which you have been refused a place, as well as to put your child on waiting lists. The deadline for submitting an appeal is 29 March 2018.

If you have been offered a secondary school place you have until 15 March 2018 to reject the offer of a place. If the school admissions team do not hear from you by this date, your offer will automatically be accepted and your child’s details forwarded to the allocated school.

If you do reject the offer and also provide details of any alternative arrangement you have made for your child’s education, your child’s place will be withdrawn and offered to the next child on the school’s waiting list.

Some parents and carers might also be considering a private or independent school, obviously depending on what budget you have or chance for a scholarship.

The process in this case can be different but the main principle of visiting schools before hand and making sure that you don’t limit yourself to one school with no back-up plan still applies. Head teacher at Blackheath High School Mrs Carol Chander-Thompson told the Weekender: “Draw up a long–

list of the schools that are a realistic option, taking your commute into account.

Many independent schools will offer a supervised minibus or coach service that you can opt into, so do remember to ask.

“Leave yourself enough time to make a visit to the schools on your long-list; open days tend to fall in May or September/October, so work backwards and check school websites for dates and details. And do make a visit on a normal schoolday if you can; this gives you a good sense of the ethos and relationships in a school. It will also confirm or contradict the first impression you received. While there meet as many students as you can. They will be honest and open about their experience at a good school and will give you a good sense of the values of the place.”

But Mrs Chander-Thompson was clear that from that long list a short-list is needed: “Too many interviews or entrance examinations can be overwhelming for your son or daughter. Keep a list of the elements that are important to you and keep coming back to these. You might consider: cocurricular opportunities; strength of pastoral care; academic ambition; competitive sport; musical and creative opportunities; single-sex

Pictured above and left: Pupils from Plumstead Manor, who will have a mixed intake from 2018

or co-ed; ethos; diversity of intake and the vision of the Head for the school.”

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September 20 2017 29