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Totally independent, serving the community for over 8 years
Tell SEnine, we care what happens in our community
www.elthamse9.co.uk www.senine.co.uk nineS S EE
April 2015
Eltham Station
Minimum fare £5.00 for the fi rst 2 miles
020 8859 7666
West End £35.00Heathrow £55.00Stansted £57.00Gatwick £48.00City Airport £25.00
Charing Cross £30.00Euston £33.00St Pancras £33.00Paddington £38.00
Add £7.00 for estate cars and fare and a half for 5-8 seater
£5.00 OFF OutboundFor Airport bookings - outbound journeyQuote MD-OUT at booking or clip this coupon
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Saloons, Estates, 5, 6, 7 & 8 seater cars available
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Return journeys add £5.00 for parking, up to 45 min waiting time is free
For more set fare prices visit www.maydaycars.co.uk or call our office
SEnine
2 It is your community, you have the right to a say in what happens
J & K Rackley & SonsAuto Repairs
To book call 020 8850 6243
Well Hall Road SE96SX Next to Dominos
Behind the Petrol Station.
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We are truly a family run business, and understand how important keeping you car running is. We offer both a comprehensive car maintenance service and a compassionate understanding when things go wrong with your car.
We care about you, your safety and your car.
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I was writing to my friend Francis of Normans Music fame and my mind went blank. The next line I wrote was “Is this what getting old is, remembering that you have forgotten something”.
More often these day I fi nd myself staring off toward the horizon without actually remembering to think about anything. I am told it is not an uncommon occurrence.
But that is not what I wish to write about, I think.
It is nice to see spring arrive, and while still sometimes chilly the sunshine is glorious.
I wonder if the weather aff ects our moods. I know there is a ton of Psycho-babble on the internet. It states that heat ‘makes’ us more aggressive and rain ‘makes’ us more aggressive.
But it may depend on your weather personality type, broken into; Summer lovers, Summer haters, Rain haters and unaff ected.
A researcher named Connolly concluded
in 2008 that men responded to unexpected weather by simply changing their plans. Raining? Let’s stay in instead of going for a hike. Unexpectedly warm day? Let’s take advantage of it by going to the water park or beach. Women, on the other hand, didn’t seem as likely to modify their activities, thereby more often taking the brunt of the unexpected weather on their mood.
Some will claim that research has proven that warm temperatures and exposure to sunshine have the greatest positive impact on moods. A report published in the British Journal of Psychology found that warmer
temperatures lowered anxiety and scepticism while more hours of sunshine increased positive thinking. The same study showed that high levels of humidity made it hard to concentrate, increasing fatigue and sleepiness. One would not need a degree to have come to the conclusion that humidity increases fatigue and sleepiness.
I then read that a woman named Xenia Gonda from Semmelweis University, Hungary concluded that those born during certain seasons are at a greater risk for experiencing irritability and depression, as well as mood swings. Her summation was;
•If you were born in either the spring or the summer, you have a tendency to be “excessively positive.”
•People born in the summer are more
likely to experience rapid mood swings consistent with bipolar disorder.
•Autumn-born adults show less indicators of depression than those born in the winter.
•People born in the winter were less likely to have irritability issues.
Now I am not sure where I fi t and if this is all true, partly true or total fi ction. I was born in July, winter in Australia but gloriously in the summer here in the UK.
Will that confuse my moods?
I do know that as summer approaches and I shrug off my layers, my mood does seem to lift. Bring on the sunshine, I am ready.
General ElectionIn the next issue we will have an SEnine look at those that are standing for election to represent us as our local MP.
As we did for the last general election, we will be providing space for the candidates to have a say. SEnine will not change, edit or infl uence what they submit.
Well that is it for me, I hope you enjoy this issue which is again jammed to the gunnels with stories, news, information, facts and of course that discourse that we aff ectionately call SPY.
Cover: The Galipoli Chapel. Holy Trinity, Southend CrstCover photo by: Mark Wall
Next issue, May 2015, due out May 3rd 2015, we will have a special ellection feature.
Main Offi ce: Mark Wall [email protected]
Phone: 020 8333 7493 (For all matters)
Editor: John Webb [email protected]
Publisher: SEnine Ltd:PO Box 24290, Eltham,
Royal Greenwich, London, SE9 6ZP
Totally Independent
Friends Membership. Support for the magazine is always appreciated. You can help the magazine with an annual Friends Membership The standard membership is £24.00 per year (in the delivery area)
Royal Mail membership is £36.00 per year (Outside the current delivery area a magazine is delivered by post)
Send your name, address and contact details along with payment to 'SEnine Friends' PO Box 24290 Eltham SE9 6ZPWe look forward to hearing from you.
Closing Dates. Please visit our web site to get exact dates.
Submissions: Contributions, Stories & Photos are always welcome
relating to or with a connection to Eltham. They are subject to our overall
editorial and publishing policy. These policies are on line.
Advertisers: SEnine Magazine does not recommend or endorse any
advertiser. You should make you own enquiries as to the suitability and
value of the service or product.
We only use the very best industry standard vegetable oil based inks. We use environmentally friendly papers, from a sustainable source, with a chain of custody from well managed forests through the supply chain to our printer.
Enjoy life:
Enjoy Eltham.
Elthamse9.co.uk is a limited company
and is part of the SEnine Limited group.
See the links on
www.elthamse9.co.uk
SEnine offi ce is 51O27’13” N 0O3’72” E
SEnine OPINION, FROM MY DESK
3
ISSUE NUMBER 101
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing
APRIL 2015
This publication is subject to copyright - if you want to use something, ask we will usually grant permission
Postcards A library of old postcards of the borough has been flung open to the public. John Webb reports
More than 2,000 postcards dating back to the early days of photography
have been digitised and put online by Greenwich Heritage Centre.
They comprise mainly of black and white production, but there are some colour images, perhaps hand painted, of the area including views of the High Street, parks, public buildings and residential roads.
They are available for sale in a variety of diff erent sizes, from 6” x 4” to 20” x 16” with
prices, including post and packaging, starting at £11.25, with the largest costing £35.24.
The move is part of a drive to make the Greenwich Heritage Centre and its contents more widely available to the general public and is spearheaded by its new Chief Executive, Tracy Stringfellow.
The images have been gradually uploaded to the website over recent months, a move which is now complete.
The next stage will be the digitising of other areas of the Centre’s collection, including old pictures and images of the various historical objects. The vast majority is kept behind the scenes at the Centre, on Woolwich’s Royal Arsenal, only emerging when exhibitions are staged.
The collection can be found at www.boroughphotos.org/greenwich/places
2
45
3
1
Mini QuizCan you name the locations
depicted in pictures 2-5?
In picture 1, who now occupies
the building with 13 white
windows? How many windows
does it now have?
Answers; www.senine.co.uk
SEnine
4
FEATURE & MINI QUIZ
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SPRUCE UP YOUR GARDEN THIS SPRINGWITH A LARGE RANGE OF LED GARDEN LIGHTING THIS SPRING AND SUMMER, WE HAVE EVERYTHING
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email [email protected]
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Full range of skin treatments.
Dermalogica® stockists.
Gift vouchers. Graham Webb salon
202-204 Eltham High StreetEltham SE9 1BH
Telephone 020 8850 6311www.beautywithineltham.co.uk
SEnine
5Find and Support Local Tradespeople
51 Welling High Street Welling, Kent DA16 1TU
F I R E P L A C E S
020 8303 1131
Well ing-- Modern & Traditional
Fireplaces
Large showrooms
Wide Selection on
Display
Site Survey & Fitting
Service
Friendly Service
Easy parking
Over 20 years in
business
We service gas fi res
Issue landlords
certifi cates.
Browsing on my iPad (just thought I’d drop that in) I’ve become a fan
of those review sites where people can post their comments on everything from hotels to the latest fi lms.
An invaluable tool, I fi nd, in making the right holiday arrangements, they are also testament to how diff erently we all see the world and, I suppose, how weird other people can be.
Before making a purchase at a local department store, we stopped for a cup of coff ee, giving a chance to browse other people’s comments via smartphone on a purchase we were considering.
There were 25 contributions on this item with titles ranging from ‘CLASSY’ to ‘LOOKS
FAB’, ‘NOT IMPRESSED’ to the slightly worrying ‘LOVELY BUT RUSTY’.
As ever, I tried to fi lter out the eccentric and borderline bonkers to reach a balanced conclusion.
Peggy from Cheshire said it was just what she needed to give that classy look to
her bathroom. SE75 from Woking opined philosophically that it ‘costs a little more but is good quality’
Susan1952 from Castleford said it was very smart, she’d been looking for something a bit diff erent while ‘chilly from Sheffi eld’ said it was ‘great, very stylish’
However, ‘Surrey’ refl ected snobbily ‘I should have realised that the price was too good. I should always remember ‘buy cheap, buy twice’.
Reading further a new theme emerged. ‘VegasCupcake’ from Leicester warned ‘beware, went rusty very quickly’ and PW from Ashford agreed. He/she reported: ‘went rusty very quickly and stained the white ceramic as well as leaving nasty ‘rust dust’ (which looks
like something else!) everywhere.
By far the most intellectual return came from ‘Recipient’, location unspecifi ed, under the heading ‘LOVELY BUT JUST ONE
FLAW’.
She took issue with the French lettering on the product and its use of the word ‘vedette’ to mean ‘star’. This, ‘Recipient’ tells us in all earnestness, should have read ‘etoile’, the former meaning fi lm star, rather than the astronomical variety. It should have been run across a native speaker of French before its production.
‘Never mind, I like it anyway’, she said, forgivingly.
Oh, and the product? A lavatory brush. Jottings from Eltham said ‘Oui’ (pun intended) and decided to go ahead with the transaction.
Jane Webb has lived in Eltham since '85 with her husband and daughter. She has taught at several local primary schools
FOOT PAIN IS NORMAL ISN’T IT?FOOT PAIN IS NORMAL ISN’T IT?Our Podiatrist/Chiropodist, with over 20 years experience is able to treat
and advise on a huge variety of foot problems, no matter how large or small, whether they are causing you pain or are just unsightly.
Common complaints include:
Hard skin, corns & cracked heels
Ingrowing nails
Arch and heel pain
Verrucae
Bunions
Diabetic feet
020 8294 0066 020 8294 1113
James Grabham
MChS SRCh DPodM
Eltham Podiatry
93 Eltham Hill
Eltham SE9 5SU
DON’T IGNORE FOOT PAIN!CALL JAMES GRABHAM NOW
Home visiting service available
Free Parking
A Stranger’s Opinion
wf
t
SEnine
6 Vote at elections, it is your right
JANE’S JOTTINGS
NOW OPENEltham Warfarin (INR) Clinic
A new warfarin clinic is now available for patients to have their INR checked locally. A quick and efficient new service.
No more trips to the hospital and no more long waiting times! Simply pop in or give us a call and we can arrange everything for you.
Clinic address: Eltham Pharmacy,
560 Westhorne Avenue, Eltham,
SE9 6DR
You will need to bring your yellow record / diary book to each appointment.Modern Clinic Room
Tel: 020 8850 1944
J O H NGINTY
&ASSOCIATESDENTAL SURGEONS
19 Glenshiel Road Eltham SE9 1AQ
020 8294 3082
Looking for a Dentist?CONTACT JOHN GINTY & ASSOCIATES
WHO ARE STILL REGISTERING NEW NHS PATIENTS
We off er late night and Saturdays appointments for all our NHS Patients.
Hygienist appointments available Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday
and Saturdays. The Practice has surgeries on the ground fl oor and we hope that
the elderly and those in wheelchairs or
with pushchairs will fi nd access easy.
To book an appointment
on-line visit
johngintyandassociates.co.uk
Alternatively contact our
reception team on:
020 8294 3082.
Monday To Saturday
Same day appointments
available
Did you know you can book an appointment with our Hygienist without
seeing a Dentist? 1 in 5 patients have severe GUM DISEASE without
knowing, so book an appointment today to discuss your Oral Health needs.
SEnine
7 Don't wait for people to be friendly, show them how.
News in BriefNews in Brief A Sponsored 10k Walk, cycle or run has been organised on 9th June 2015 starting and fi nishing at Royal Mail Eltham Delivery Offi ce. The 6.7 mile route will be around the streets of Eltham.
All money raised will be donated to C.R.Y – Cardiac Risk in the Young. Cry raises awareness of young sudden cardiac death and off ers support to families who have been aff ected by this. CRY runs a number of regular screening clinics and mobile heart testing programmes within local communities and also contributes to medical research.
The walk has been organised by Patrick Mckenna, Delivery Manager at Eltham post offi ce and as well as collecting money for CRY it will be a remembrance of Pat’s cousin Jack, 16, who passed away on 20th December 2014 with Sudden Adult Death Syndrome.
“The date is Tuesday 9th June as this would have been Jack’s 17th birthday” said Pat.
After the walk there will be a celebration of the event and Jacks life in the Bankers Draft Public House.
CRY Wide Horizons
London’s Docks’Eltham historian Dr Tom Wareham will be giving a talk about ‘The Rise and Fall of London’s Docks’ at Eltham Library on Thursday April 16 at 2.30pm. Tom is a former curator at the Museum of London, and now visiting lecturer at the University of Westminster. Entry free, more information at www.better.org.uk/areas/greenwich/news/3635 or from 020 8921 3452
SEnine readers challenged to take part
in incredible local night walk
On Saturday 20th June, local children’s charity - Wide Horizons - is inviting SEnine readers to take part in an incredible 25km or 50km night walk!
‘Nightline’ starts in Eltham and will see you trek some of the most famous trails in the region including the Green Chain Link, London Loop and Darent Valley Path before witnessing a glorious sunrise over the North Downs.
This is a fantastic event to improve your fi tness, spend time with friends and see stunning local landmarks. You’ll be supported every step of the way with regular stops, hot soup at the halfway point and a hearty hot breakfast at the fi nish! The route will be lit up by illuminated arrows and walking marshals will be on hand to assist with any problems.
Participants will be fundraising for Wide Horizons, who provide life-changing adventures for 34,000 children every year. Locally, the charity operates Wide Horizons Environment Centre in Eltham where children as young as two learn about the world around them through exploring the nine-acres of ponds, meadows and woodlands.
To sign up go to www.widehorizons.org.uk/nightline or contact Wide Horizons on 020 8294 8160.
The friends of SEnine Magazine have played
a very important role in its growth and well
being. There is no doubt in my mind that
were it not for the wonderful SEnine Friends
support, that the magazine would have
suff ered during the fi nancial troubles of the
last few years. The contribution of Friends
members helps the magazine maintain a
community focus by not having to act in a
purely commercial fashion.
If you would like to become a friend send your name, address, telephone number and email contact along with a cheque for £24.00 (or £36.00 for Royal Mail delivery) to SEnine PO box 24290 Eltham Royal Greenwich SE96ZP. More details can be found at the bottom of page 3 or at www.senine.co.uk
Friends are like stars, you do not always see them but you know they are always there.
That’s ProgressCelebrations for the Progress Estate’s centenary this year have been helped along by two street improvements.
Firstly, fencing alongside Well Hall Road has been replaced after representations were made to Hyde Housing association by the Progress Residents Association.
And now new paving has been laid in Granby Road under a council scheme to repair highways with work experience labour.
The paving replaces tarmac which the council had previously laid down when paving stones were broken.
The Association said: “The tarmac off ended people’s conception of how a conservation area should look. The new paving stones are a relatively recent development. They are laid on concrete foundations and, being smaller than fl agstones, are better able to withstand the weight of parked cars.”
Do not Miss The traditional ‘Good Friday Singers’ concert, who are celebrating over 60 years of performing will hold their 2015 event on Friday 3rd April at 7.30pm in the United Reformed Church, Court Road (next to the main Post Offi ce). Performance of John Rutter’s “Requiem” along with other seasonal music. Entrance is free, with a retiring collection in aid of the Greenwich & Bexley Hospice.
Concert News
Flower ClubMottingham Flower Club is celebrating its 55th anniversary this year with a full programme of events during the spring and summer.
The club, which meets on the third Wednesday of each month, holds themed fl ower demonstrations at St. Andrew’s Church Hall, Court Rd, Mottingham from 7.30 to 9.30pm.
On April 15, Christine Brazier’s theme will be “Around the world in eighty minutes”, followed by Carol Campbell in May, Graham Harmer with “June is bursting all over”, on the 17th of that month and Sally Booth with ‘Summer Shades’ on 15 July.
More details from Sian Tribe on 07887790028
SEnine
8 Join in a Community Activity
NEWS IN BRIEF
tudor barn eltham, well hall pleasaunce, well hall Road, Eltham, SE9 6sz - call 0845 459 2351
www.tudorbarneltham.co.uk @tudorbarneltham
bar restaurant venue
Situated within the picturesquesurroundings of the award winning
well hall pleasaunce
winner
Certificate ofExcellence 2013
by trip advisor
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Eltham London SE9 6SP
ANGELA McNEILL
INTERIORS
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www.angelamcneillinteriors.co.uk
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PHARMACY
PHARMACYmanga l
Travel ClinicGoing somewhere exotic for your holidays? Don’t forget your travel jabs and malaria tablets. Travel Clinic now open at Mangal Pharmacy.
Mangal Pharmacy 71 Sherard Road, Eltham, London SE9 6ER
020 8859 0036
8 Green Place, Greenwich, London SE10 0PE
020 8305 0748
59 Well Hall Road, Eltham, London SE9 6SZ
020 8850 6860
www.mangal.net
SEnine
9Don't Litter, put it in a bin
Saturdays until April 11Contemporary British AbstractionWork by 35 UK-based artists, group show
SE9 Container Gallery
Free entry, parking on site 11am until 3pm
Saturdays until April 26 ‘Death of Nature’Exhibition of paintings by Michael Porter
Reflects on environmental concerns
Gerald Moore Gallery, Mottingham Lane
Free entry 12 – 4pm
020 8857 0448 or www.geraldmooregallery.org
Sunday March 29Comedy@Bob Hope TheatrePaul Adams and guests
Bob Hope Theatre, Wythfield Road
Tickets £10 (£9 pre-book) 7.30pm
8850 3702 or www.bobhopetheatre.co.uk
Sunday March 29Tudor Barn Sunday music in the bar Steve Mac and Gordon Marc Webber modern classic
vocals in the bar. 6-8pm
Wednesday April 1Charity Quiz NightFull carvery meal and entry to quiz £10
On behalf of Demelza children’s hospice
White Hart, Eltham High Street
www.whiteharteltham.co.uk or 8850 1562
6.30pm onwards
Friday April 3Easter Egg HuntSeverndroog Castle £2 (under 10s only)11am-12noon.
Friday April 3Traditional Good Friday concert.7.30pm in the United Reformed Church, Court Road (next
to the main Post Office). Performance of John Rutter’s
“Requiem” along with other seasonal music. Entrance
is free, with a retiring collection in aid of the Greenwich
& Bexley Hospice.
Sunday April 5Easter Egg HuntWell Hall Pleasaunce Meet outside Tudor Barn
10am – 1pm
Sunday April 5Easter stories and craftsSeverndroog Castle
Hear the Owl Babies story and build birds’ nests.
£2 with one free parent or carer 10.30am – 12noon
Sunday April 5Tudor Barn Sunday music in the barSuzie Bailey, vocals and Johnny Meanie, keyboard
Jazz and pop classic 6-8pm
Sunday April 12Tudor Barn Sunday music in the barSteve Mac, acoustics and Gordon Marc Webber, vocals
Pop and folk classics 6-8pm
Wednesday April 15 – Saturday 19‘Blitz’Sidcup Operatic Society Wartime community drama with
Lionel Bart hit songs Bob Hope Theatre, Wythfield Road
Tickets £11 and £13 7.30pm (plus 2.30pn Sat)
8850 3702 or www.bobhopetheatre.co.uk
Wednesday April 15Charity Quiz NightIn aid of the Catholic Fellowship for the Disabled
Full carvery meal and entry to quiz £10
White Hart, Eltham High Street
www.whiteharteltham.co.uk or 8850 1562
6.30pm onwards
Wednesday April 15‘Around the world in 80 minutes’Talk by Christine Brazier. Mottingham Flower Club
7.30 to 9.30pm
Thursday April 16‘The Rise and Fall of London Docks’Talk by local historian Dr Tom Wareham
Eltham Library Entry free 2.30pm
Friday April 17‘Any Questions?’Live Radio 4 broadcast from Gordon Primary
Part of the Progress Estate centenary 8pm
Saturday April 18Quiz nightRoyal Eltham WI, all welcome
Prizes, raffle, refreshment, cake stall.
Sherard Hall, Eltham UR Church, Court Road
To book table ring Sue on 07427 187143 - 7.30pm
Sunday April 19Eltham Farmers MarketA range of local produce Passey Place, Eltham High Street
10am – 2pm
Sunday April 19Tudor Barn Sunday music in the bar Modern classic vocals
Richard Finch-Turner, 6-8pm
Wednesday 22 – Saturday 26 AprilLend Me A TenorMusical comedy set in pre-war US. Bromley Players
Bob Hope Theatre, Wythfield Road
Tickets £12 and 14 7.45pm (plus 2.30pm Sat)
8850 3702 or www.bobhopetheatre.co.uk
Thursday April 23 Eltham Postcard design competitionWinners awards ceremony
Eltham Centre Library 6pm
Saturday April 25 and Sunday 26Centenary services to Commemorate GallipoliHoly Trinity Church, Southend Crescent
Saturday 2pm: Commemorative Liturgy at 2pm with the
Bishop of Woolwich, Dr Michael Ipgrave
Sunday 10am. Annual Gallipoli commemoration during
the Parish Eucharist, led by the Bishop of Lincoln, the Rt
Rev Christopher Lowson. Followed by refreshments and
a chance to see the church’s renovated Gallipoli Chapel.
Sunday April 26Tudor Barn Sunday music in the barSteve Mac, acoustics and Gordon Marc Webber, vocals
Pop and folk classics 6-8pm
Wednesday April 29Tudor Barn Wine ClubThree course themed meal and six different wines
£45 per head Bookings only 0845 459 2351 or www.
tudorbarneltham.co.uk
Wed April 29 - Saturday 5 May ‘Dad’s Army’.Roan Theatre Company’s take on the comedy classic
Bob Hope Theatre, Wythfield Road
Tickets £9 (£8conc) 7.45pm (plus 2.30pm Sat)
8850 3702 or www.bobhopetheatre.co.uk
Every SundayEltham Cycle Club: ridesStart Eltham Park 9.30am. All ages and abilities, varied routes. www.limitededitioncycling.co.uk
Every MondayGreenwich Community ChoirEltham Park Methodist Church on Westmount Road 7.45pm. All Welcome.An opportunity for people aged 18+ to enjoy singing in a fun choir. It meets every Monday during term time.
Every MondayOpera Appreciation 7.00pm All Welcome. Royal Blackheath Golf Club. Phone Pam Norris on 020 8850 6710
Every WednesdayEltham Folk MobBlackheath Rugby Club. Kidbrooke Lane.Singers welcome. 8.30pm
Every ThursdayEltham Chess & Games ClubAll ages and abilities welcome. St Mary’s Community Centre, 7.30 – 9.30pm August is our quiet period and a great time for new members of any age to join. Contact Alan 020 8355 4316
SEnineThis page is sponsored by ElthamSE9 Limited
10 Need a service or product in Eltham? Visit ElthamSE9.co.uk
WHAT'S ON
COMING ATTRACTIONS
April is another exciting month at Bob Hope Theatre. Sidcup Operatic
Society who brought us the wonderful Oliver last year, bring us Blitz! Director Chris Williams picked this piece because it is also by Lionel Bart, and everyone enjoyed doing his Oliver so much. They also felt it was timely in the 70th year commemoration of the end of World War II. It’s a very cheerful piece, about the interplay of various families, with a real religious and racial mix. The story centres on the love aff air between the Jewish Carol Blitztein and the cockney George Locke. Carol is played by Nicole Tribe last seen in the pantomime Beauty and the Beast as one of Belle’s selfi sh sisters Grace. George is played by Andy Noakes, who played the dame Nanny Moo-Moo in the same pantomime. At the start of the play he is on leave with his friend Harry Blitztein (Myles Ballisat) before they ship out. He spends his week of leave wooing Carol. The Blitztein family is led by the matriarch Mrs Blitztein (Sandra Vamplew) who has a herring stall on Petticoat Lane. The Locke family is led by Alf Locke (Mac Mercer) who has the stall next door
selling fruit and veg. These two are forever bickering and are not keen on their children having a relationship. The cast have been rehearsing since January. Many of the children in the cast come from the Saturday stage school All The Arts. The set involves a lot of brick work to get the real sense of 1940s east end and the underground where they shelter from the air raid uses really atmospheric lighting. MD Alan Thompson leads a live band playing a great mix of tunes, reminiscent of the period. Many are ‘knees up’ and inviting of foot tapping. They have hired the military costumes, and the non-military cast will look equally authentic. This piece is suitable for children of all ages. It is an entertaining light hearted piece that everyone will enjoy. Next on is Lend Me a Tenor by Bromley Players, who brought us the magnifi cent Hairspray in October last year. This piece has only just been released to amateur groups, and the light funny piece appealed to them. Following Hairspray they have a great group of dancers looking forward to the tap element. Set in a hotel suite in 1930s Cleveland, there
is subterfuge involved in getting a world class tenor Tito Merelli (Adrian Smith in his Bromley Player debut) to appear on stage after he has ‘died’. The general manager of the Cleveland Opera Company Henry Saunders (Cory Wordlaw in his fi rst lead) plans to substitute his assistant Max (Daniel Lawrence who was Jesus in 2013’s Godspell). With a live eight piece band under MD Hannah Ockendon-Rowe, this will be another exciting show. Get your tickets sharpish as they often sell out very early. April concludes with the Roan Theatre Company’s Dad’s Army. Another World War II based comedic piece, closing April with plenty of laughs. This will be the classic sitcom at its best, and another light hearted must see play.
Blitz, Operas and the Army
BOB HOPE THEATRE
WEDNESDAY 22nd - SATURDAY 25th APRIL
SEnine
11Be a good neighbour
CULTURE & ARTS by Beattie Slavin
The unit, whose hours are expected to be 8am – 8pm, will handle urgent but non-
emergency cases and be a satellite of the facilities at QE II Hospital, Woolwich.
It will be combined with new out-of-hours GP services under a contract which is being let by the Greenwich Clinical Commissioning Group, which runs the hospital.
The new £14m hospital has been having a gradual opening before it becomes fully operational over the next few months.
Surgeries of doctors from the Eltham Medical Practice and Eltham Palace teams will be moving from Court Road to Passey Place in the last week of April.
Already, the upper fl oor of the hospital has 24 intermediate care patients, which will gradually increase to 40.
Prizes were given to local residents who suggested names for the two wards of the hospital.
The names chosen were ‘Nesbit’, which was suggested by Val Hall and Janice Hall (no relation) and ‘Fergusson’ by Ann Gurney.
Ann, who has lived locally for 86 years, said: “I suggested the name Fergusson to remember a well-loved local GP who practised in Eltham for many years who looked after my parents.”
Janice Hall said: “Both Val and I live close to Well Hall
Pleasaunce where E Nesbit wrote her most famous books, so it’s good to have her name remembered in the new hospital.”
98 Riefi eld Road Eltham London SE9 T: 020 8333 0452E: scott @londonandkent.co.uk
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Eltham community leaders were among those honoured in the Royal Borough’s annual civic awards.
They included John Kennett, as a Founder Member of the Eltham Society and a local history guide; Laurie Baker, for his work with Shooters Hill Working Party,
Greenwich Wildlife Advisory Group and Eltham Society; Chris Evans, for his work and involvement with swimming clubs in the borough; Terry Powley, Chair of the Friends of Eltham Parks and the Greenwich Parks Forum; John Briggs, Chair of Friends of Sutcliff e Park.
The Severndroog Castle Building Preservation Trust, Greenwich Talking Newspaper Association and the Woodlands Farm Trust also won awards for their contribution to the community.
C o m m u n i t y Awards
Left then
clockwise
John Kennett
Laurie Baker
Chris Evans
Terry Powley
John Briggs
Welcome Nesbit & Fergusson A seven day a week urgent care centre will open in Eltham’s new
community hospital in Passey Place this summer.
L-R Ann Gurney, Clive Efford, Val Hall, Annabel
Burn from NHS Greenwich CCG and Janice Hall
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12
NEWS
Take a walk in the Tarn
St. Luke Eltham Park Cnr Westmount Road &
Dumbreck Road
Palm Sunday March 29th8.00am Said Mass10.00am Parish Mass with Blessing of Palms and Procession Monday in Holy Week March 30th7.30pm Mass with Homily Tuesday in Holy Week March 31st7.30pm Stations of the Cross Wednesday in Holy Week April 1st7.30pm Mass with Homily Maundy Thursday April 2nd8.00pm Mass of the Last Supper with foot washing followed by Watch until Midnight Good Friday April 3rd10.30am – 12noon All-Age Workshops and Worship. Families especially welcome2.00pm The Liturgy of The Day Holy Saturday April 4th8.00pm The Easter Vigil Easter Day April 5th8am Said Mass10.00am All-Age Festival Parish Mass
Holy TrinitySouthend Crescent SE9 2SD
Palm Sunday 29th March8.00am Said Eucharist10.00am Palm Procession and Mass of the Passion
Holy Week Preacher: Father Mark Steadman Chaplain to the Bishop of Southwark
Holy Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday8.00pm Eucharist with Address
Maundy Thursday8.00pm Mass of the Last Supper and Watch of the Passion
Good Friday10.00am Children’s Workshop3pm Solemn Liturgy of the Passion
Easter Day5.30am Great Vigil, Renewal of Baptismal Vows and First Mass of Easter8.00am Said Eucharist10.00am Festival Eucharist
Eltham Park Baptist ChurchCnr of Westmount Rd and Glenure Rd
Maundy Thursday April 2nd4.00pm; Traditional Communion & High Tea7.30pm – Communion & Refl ection
Good Friday April 3rd11.00am – ‘At the foot of the Cross’ Service
Easter Sunday Celebration April 5th 10.30am
Eltham Park Methodist ChurchWestmount Road, Eltham, SE9 1XX
Tuesday March 31st 9.30amMessy Church for Easter
Maundy Thursday April 2nd 8.00 p.m. Holy Communion - a service of light and darkness
Good Friday April 3rd 10.30 am. A service of prayer and refl ection for Good Friday Easter Sunday April 5th9.00 am Holy Communion 10.30 am Morning Worship for Easter Day
ChristchurchEltham, SE9 1TX
www.christchurcheltham.org.uk
Palm Sunday March 29th9.30am & 11.30am Mass start 15 minutes early in the Priory garden
Maundy Thursday April 2nd8.00pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper.
Good Friday April 3rd10.00am The Stations of the Cross 12 noon Children’s Good Friday Liturgy3.00pm The Solemn Liturgy which includes the Reading of the Passion, Veneration of the Cross and Holy Communion.
Holy Saturday April 4th10.00am Blessing of Food for the first meal of Easter11.00am – 12 noon ReconciliationNo evening confession due to preparing the church for Easter.The Easter Vigil from 9.00pm includes the blessing of the Easter fire in the Priory gardens and procession, the vigil readings by candlelight.
Easter Sunday April 5th9.30am Children’s Mass – includes Baptisms and renewal of Baptismal Promises.11.30am Sung Mass – with renewal of Baptismal Promises.6.30pm Said Mass – with renewal of Baptismal Promises.
Eltham parish church of
St John the Baptist
Palm Sunday March 29th10.00am Parish Eucharist with Procession of the Palms
Monday 30th, Tuesday March 31stand Wednesday April 1st7.30pm Eucharist
Maundy Thursday April 2nd7.30pm Eucharistwith Washing of the Feet and Stripping of the Sanctuary followed by the Watch
Good Friday April 3rd1.00pm The Way of the Cross (non-Eucharistic) 2pm Good Friday Eucharist - The Final Hour
Easter Day April 5th6.00am Vigil and First Eucharist of Easter10.00am Parish Eucharist
SEnine
13
Holy Week March 29th - April 5th
Join a local community group
Spencer Drury: Getting a better deal for Eltham
Twitter: @Spencer_Drury Email [email protected].
74 Westmount Road Eltham SE9 1JE. T: 020 8850 2880.
Spencer has worked with
Boris and the GLA to:
Fund improvements
to Eltham High Street
Improve safety on red route roads
Provide family homes across
the borough
Force the Labour Council to put
DLR for Eltham back on the agenda
Printed and promoted by Andrew Lee on behalf of Eltham Conservatives, both of 74 Westmount Road, Eltham, SE9 1JE.
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If you have not been out in Eltham in a while, visit the White Hart. You will be glad you visited 'The Hart of Eltham'.
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SEnine
14 Be active in your community
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Battle of ÇanakkaleServices to commemorate the centenary of the First
World War Gallipoli campaign are being held in April at Holy Trinity in Southend Crst
The services will also
celebrate renovation
work to the church’s
Gallipoli Chapel,
established by the
then vicar of Holy
Trinity, the Rev Henry
Hall, who served
in the campaign.
On 25 April,
Anzac Day in
Australia and
New Zealand,
and exactly 100
years since the
first Gallipoli
landings, there
is a service, at
2pm, led by
the Bishop
of Woolwich,
Dr Michael
Ipgrave. It will
be attended
by diplomatic
and military
representatives
f r o m
Commonwealth
and other
nations, including Turkey for the second
year in a row; also from many of the
regiments involved in the landings who
are commemorated in the Chapel.
The next day, Sunday 26 April, there is
the annual commemoration during the
Parish Eucharist, led by the Bishop of
Lincoln, the Rt Rev Christopher Lowson,
a former Vicar of Holy Trinity.
Both events will feature some music,
and after there will be a chance to see
the renewed Chapel on which specialist
r e s t o r e r s
and lighting
t e c h n i c i a n s
have been
working in
recent weeks.
More than
£ 1 2 0 , 0 0 0
has been
raised to help
undertake the
renovations. Another £40,000 is needed
to complete the work with a target date
of next January, the centenary of the
evacuation of Allied troops.
The Turkish and the Allies each lost more
than 50,000 soldiers in the campaign
with large contingents from Australia,
New Zealand and Canada.
The restoration appeal was launched in
2009. Around the walls are the shields
of the 21 Allied regiments involved in
the action, many of which were badly
cracked and faded.
The new lighting scheme will highlight
the various features of the chapel.
Heroes who shed their blood and lost their lives!
You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country.
Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference
between the Johnnies and Mehmets to us where
they lie side by side here in this country of ours. You,
the mothers, who sent their sons from far away
countries wipe away your tears; your sons are now
lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having
lost their lives on this land they have become our
sons as well.
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
SEnine
15Help keep Eltham safe - report suspicious activity!
WWI
Traditional Family Butcher.After 25 years of providing fresh meat to the people of
Eltham, New Eltham Butchers is going digital.
It was 25 years ago when Fred Still set up shop in Westmount Road and started
to build his business. Ten years later the business moved to its current location in Footscray Road New Eltham. Since the start the reputation of New Eltham Butchers has continued to grow and today it is acknowledged as one of the best butchers for miles. New Eltham Butchers are the suppliers to most of the restaurants in and around E l t h a m including Royal Blackheath Golf Club, the Tudor Barn & White Hart.
“We use our fantastic local Butcher Fred in New Eltham. All our food is fresh and homemade.” White Hart owners Simon and Dave told SEnine.
Not content with these accomplishments, the New Eltham Butcher is about to launch itself head fi rst into the digital age.
Driven by new staff member Louis Webb the business will promote specials and discounts that will only be available on Facebook ™ Twitter ™ and Instagram ™.
Louis, who has 10 year’s experience is joining the experienced staff Steve and Barry, and will continue to off er exceptional ‘over the counter’ service.
Social MediaCommencing on Monday April 6th, each week one extra main special will be
off ered on social media via Facebook ™ Twitter ™ and Instagram ™. In addition to this special of the week, messages will be sent out on random days off ering a 10% discount on all purchases for that day.
“We hope customers will check daily for these off ers” said Louis who has been dubbed Head of Social Media by the team.
DeliveryNew Eltham Butchers has taken delivery of new refrigerated delivery vans, all kitted out in the new livery the business is adopting.
“Our new sign written vans will effi ciently deliver orders in a timely fashion” said
Fred. “And our free delivery service means that you can phone in your order, pay by credit card over the phone and the delivery will be made the following day at a time convenient to you”.
As part of the changes, New Eltham Butchers will also be off ering Hog Roasts and BBQ facilities suitable for parties and functions as well as at your local summer fund raiser or fayre. Contact the store for details.
New Eltham Butcher New Eltham Butcher
350 Footscray Road 350 Footscray Road
New Eltham SE9 2EBNew Eltham SE9 2EB
Open Tuesday to SaturdayOpen Tuesday to Saturday
020 8850 4467020 8850 4467
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SEnine
16
BUSINESS NEWS
Take a walk in the Pleasaunce
Free Lo cal Del iver y
350 Footscray Road
New Eltham SE9 2EB
Open Tuesday to Saturday
Major credit cards accepted Phone Orders welcome
020 8850 4467
You’ll love our lamb It’s sweet, it’s succulent, it’s is simply gorgeous.
Fresh chickenReally tasty, it melts in your mouth, from birds who have enjoyed the great outdoors
Pork A pork joint with crunchy crackling is always welcome at the table
BeefFinest Scotch & Manx reared Beef
3lb (1.36kg) lean beef mince £ 7.99 3lb (1.36kg) Scotch braising steak £11.99 3lb (1.36kg) English Loin Lamb Chops £12.99
April Specials
Facebook Star Specials Each week a star special will be announced on our social
media to coincide with our april specials. In addition one day a week we will broadcast a 10%discount day. Make
sure you follow us to benefi t.
New! Hog Roast & BBQ facilities. Make your next function, party or
community function a huge success. Phone or call in to book.
All our meat has complete traceability
100% British Beef Guaranteed
New eltham butchers
N_elthamButcher
Your Traditional Family Butcher
Newelthambutchers
Our regular customers tell us that we have the best sausages in the South East, but we will let you be the judge of that.
SEnine
17Report unusual or suspicious activity!
It is surprising to consider that Eltham station exists due to a road scheme.
Plans for the Rochester Way Relief Road of 1982-1988, now the A2, necessitated the removal of Well Hall station to accommodate a rail bridge over the new road and the opening of a new station to the east of the existing one ‘and while we’re at it we’ll close Eltham Park station and remove a historical anomaly’.
The new station site was alongside Glenlea Road, a residential road with seasonal fl owering cherry trees, which exited into Well Hall Road by the railway bridge. To secure the new station site piling was necessary on the railway embankment. Users of Well Hall station could watch progress as the large hole was being dug where Glenlea Road stood. Over this hole a raft was fi tted to accommodate the new bus and train stations.
The fi rst trains to use the new station arrived on Sunday 17 March 1985 with a fl urry of snow to bless the proceedings. An offi cial opening of the new facilities took place on 18 March when representatives of British Rail (BR) and the Greater London Council, that had funded the only partially completed station, cut a ribbon. Several wooden cabins were erected alongside the new station to accommodate BR staff , a ticket offi ce, sweet shop, Kelsey
Car Service, a toilet, and bus operating staff . The London trains are accessed by a ramp to narrow platforms seemingly inadequate to accommodate passengers from two closed stations; there were few opportunities to sit while waiting for a train and the pigeons soon became a problem, as they still are. The down side has ramped and staircase access. On Sunday 16 June the fi rst buses used the new parking facilities from their stand off Sherard Road.
From the new station passengers could watch, and later experience, the diversion of the track made possible by the demolition of Well Hall station as the new bridge was constructed with the realignment of tracks completed in 1987; the bridge was opened in February by local MP Peter Bottomley, then a Government Transport Minister.
The completed red brick station building was opened on Sunday 3 July 1988 with an offi cial opening on Wednesday 12 October by the Mayor of Greenwich, Councillor John Austin Walker. A plaque was unveiled which was later fi xed to the brick wall opposite the ticket offi ce. Other permanent facilities included a newspaper shop, toilets and accommodation for the bus services.
Eltham StationJohn Kennett looks at the first thirty years of Eltham’s newest station
Eltham Station with temporary cabins (Harry Jones picture)
Glenlea Road to site of Eltham station, 1981
SEnine
18
HISTORIC ELTHAM
Only historians can alter the past. So
All pictures are from the John Kennett collection
The price of station car parking rose from 50p in 1985 to 70p in 1989. From 28 July 1991 the car park
was used for a Sunday market, which attracted a large variety
of stalls, and crowds who had to fi nd somewhere to park in the local
roads. The market was soon to come under planning regulations seeing
closure on 29 November 1992.Trains initially using the station were of the slam-door variety but in 1993 the more advanced Networker stock was being introduced. The use of diesel engines for propulsion was limited to works to improve the tracks but in 1990 an empty Orient Express train came through the station one evening in June pulled by the ‘Gatwick Express’ diesel unit.
Today we are quite used to seeing the electrically operated destination signs with the anticipated train arrival times. When the station opened the destination of each train was given on a wooden board slotted into a wall bracket by the
platform access on both platforms and physically changed when necessary.
In February 1997 many diesel hauled trains were seen through Eltham station as the Sidcup Loop line was closed due
to a freight train derailment just outside Bexley station.
In 1998 the French-backed Connex operation took over the running of our local services under the banner of ‘Connex Metro’. New signage appeared as did a house magazine promising station improvements including controlled
ticket barriers at Eltham. They also increased the parking charge from £3 to £5 at busy times but reduced it to £3 in December as cars had taken to free parking in the local roads. More revenue was generated by the installation of one internal and one external hoarding
and smaller ones within the station
On an approach footpath twelve cycle storage units were installed in 2002 (recently replaced by stands) and by June the Café Mont Blanc had opened obscuring the opening plaque. Two years later a TVM ticket machine was operating which accepted cash
or card for fare payment and a further hoarding fi xed by the London-bound ramp with smaller illuminated advertising panels around the station. A large hoarding survived for about a year alongside the down platform but that was disallowed by the local planners.
Since 1995 when English Heritage opened Eltham Palace on a regular basis many visitors arrive by train and signage from the station was strategically
fi xed to guide them in the right direction. In 2006 this information was increased when under the ELTHAM sign was added - ‘alight here for Eltham Palace and the Green Chain Walk’. A mainly light mauve painting scheme was applied a year later and further seating installed.
To accommodate the proposed longer Southeastern trains the platforms were extended from 2012-2013 in the direction of the former Eltham Park station, which necessitated extensions over the pedestrian Dunvegan Path subway. This footpath dates back to the mid 1920s when the train service was electrifi ed as previously the alignment of this ancient trackway was across the railway via a swing gate.
A grim discovery occurred in September 2013 when the body of a man was found by a skip between the station and the car park. Due to the result of an unsuccessful bid the owners of the Café Mont Blanc removed their kiosk in January 2015 – the nearby newsagent has been with the same family for a number of years and still sports the ‘Eltham Times’ sign of a long-departed local newspaper. What will the next thirty years bring for our Eltham station!
Station opening, 1985. Note train destination board
On the way out, slam-door train, 1992
Sunday market in car park, 1991
Completed station, July 1988
SEnine
19
HISTORIC ELTHAM
. So we must do it right the first time.
Spike Milligan was one of the quintessential comedians of the 20th
Century. Shortly after the Second World War his radio show The Goon Show, with its archaic humour, pre-empted the new breed of alternative comics we enjoy today, from Monty Python to Black Adder. It was Spike who wrote about the Missing 10 Downing Street and being part of the fi rst expedition to conquer Mount Everest… from the inside! Milligan was seen as the Godfather of modern humour; but despite this, and his prolifi c output of books and TV shows, his life was plagued by depression, which he put down to battle fatigue experienced during the Second World War.
‘I was called up,’ Spike told me matter-of-factly, when discussing his invitation to join World War Two. ‘To celebrate I hid under the bed dressed as Florence Nightingale. Three months later I received a card through the front door cunningly inviting me to attend a medical examination at the Yorkshire Grey in Eltham (Picture Below). I walked there from Lewisham. It was a pub.’
The Yorkshire Grey was once a very popular public house to the west of the namesake roundabout, which is now a McDonald’s, as I told Spike at the time of our interview.
‘A McDonald’s you say? Really? Well it should have been back then. The service may have been quicker. I was told to be there at 09.30hrs prompt, which I was. I was then seen promptly at 12.15hrs. It’s true,’ he explained with his trademark quick-fi re wit. ‘There was a group of us. We were told to strip. A group of undernourished pale youths with hairy legs, that’s what we were. My God, the sight of us. A press photographer was going to take a photo of us; but was stopped by the Recruitment Sergeant. “You can’t do that,” he said. “If you show the public that, no one else will come!” So they didn’t take the photo.’
‘So what happened next?’
‘They introduced me to a grey-faced, bald-headed, doctor, who scared the life out of
me. “How do you feel?” He asked. “All right,’” I replied. “Do you feel fi t?” He asked. “No,” I said. “I walked here from Lewisham. And with that he wrote Grade 1 Fit on a card in blood red letters and sent me on my way.’
‘So you were then fully signed up into the British Army?’
‘That’s right; but I was born in India; but they didn’t see that as an excuse, so I claimed Irish sovereignty, which they still read as British, the cunning swines. I remember walking away from my sergeant and he said “You’re walking away from World War Two Milligan, you’re a coward.” I said “No sir, it’s only my legs walking away, I’m a coward from the waist down.”
‘But you still joined the Army, even though you didn’t want to go?’
‘Yes,’ Spike said with a laugh. ‘It was a proud day for the Milligan family when two military police offi cers dragged me screaming from the house and threw me on a train bound for the barrack rooms of Bexhill-on-Sea, where I disembarked. It wasn’t easy, the train didn’t stop there.’
‘So you were made to feel welcome then?’
‘I landed at the feet of a red-faced sergeant major,’ Spike continued unabashed. ‘He had a face like Tommy Cooper’s upside down. “You,” he said. “You wouldn’t be Milligan would you?” I could have answered with a million diff erent names; but stupidly I said I was. “Silence when you speak to me,” he barked, and there began my military career.’
And with that Spike began to laugh again, his laughter an antidote for the horrors of the war in Europe that he witnessed fi rst-hand, from Algiers to Monte Casino; and
b e c a m e the basis of so m u c h c o m e d y over the next 60 years. And just to think, it all started in Eltham.
Shortly before his death in 2002, Spike granted a rare interview about his war years to SEnine features writer Craig Cabell
It all started in Eltham
Spike Milligan KBE 1918 - 2002
SEnine
20
FEATURE
Strong People, Strong Families, Strong Community
RIP PacoThe funeral of legendary rock drummer Paco Carreno was due to be held as
SEnine went to press.Paco (Francisco) was born and raised in Eltham and went on
to become a giant in his fi eld of punk rock from the early 1980s.
His career only became curtailed recently through ill health after a lifetime of touring and recording.
Sister Maria said: “It was his life from when he got his fi rst drum as a present when he was 12. You couldn’t stop him drumming on everything from that time onwards.”
Paco went to St Thomas More primary school and then Crown Woods after which began his rock career.
Paco joined up with local friends to form the punk band ‘Strontium Dog’, playing at many local venues, and then ‘Confl ict’, who hit their peak in the mid1980s.
For the last 16 years, Paco has toured the world with then anarcho-punk band Inner Terrestrials until ill health led him to step down.
But he was targeting a return to the circuit when he died suddenly from pneumonia in February.
There will be ‘Confl ict’ tribute concerts to honour Paco on Sunday and Monday April 5 and 6 at the 100 Club, 100 Oxford Street, London, tickets priced £15 Tel: 020 7636 0933 running from 4.30 - 11pm.
Public Realm ImprovementsIdeas for improving our High Street are being
sought as part of its re-development.
At a stakeholder meetings held during March it wasproposed that a £2m grant from Transport for London be used
to provide cycle lanes, wider pavements, tree planting, pedestrianising Passey Place and improve junctions.
The public is being invited to contribute its views using an internet-based survey site.
Julian Lewis, director of East Associates architects, who is tasked with drawing up proposals said: “We would like people to tell us what they think is necessary and what the issues are.
“We’d like to take on board as many comments as possible before making defi nite proposals and making it fi t within a budget.”
The grant is being matched by the council, which will need to gain approval from TfL for its plans.
TfL will insist on cycle lanes as part of the initiative in line with its strategic drive to improve safety and encourage greater participation, as an alternative to road transport.
The development team will be working on more detailed plans after Easter which will be put out for consultation later in the spring.
To take part in the consultation, the website is https://elthamhighstreet.stickyworld.com/home
New ElthamNew Eltham is celebrating winning £15,000 from the Mayor of
London’s Fund which will pay for a village sign, a festival this summer to promote the area’s shops, new planters, landscaping and the formation of a business association.The scheme was put forward jointly by the New Eltham Residents’ Association and the Community Association of New Eltham.Coun Nuala Geary, who put in the application on their behalf, said: “I am so relieved that the time and eff ort devoted to making the application has paid off . This money will make a positive diff erence locally.”
Civil Service Retirement FellowshipEighteen regular members of Eltham’s branch of the Civil
Service Retirement Fellowship received Certifi cates of Merit at the recent AGM at the Sherard Hall, Court Road. They are; Ray Bennett, Ann Bennett, Grace Brown, Joyce Burns, Alice Burridge, Joan Ells, Grace Groves, Val Hammond, Sheila Harris, Lilian Haylett, Joan Nicholson, Grace Neilson, Patricia Pearce, Rosemarie Price, Ivy Roberts, Margaret Southam, Mary Sterry and Peggy Weaver
Membership is open to any retired person who would like to join and enjoy the fellowship.
SEnine
21Eltham has something for everyone
NEWS
As we enter the fi nal month of the season, it looks to be a three way battle at the bottom of the Southern Counties East Football League to see who will be relegated from the League. Last season, Woodstock Sports were reprieved from the ‘dreaded drop’ but this year it appears to be a three way dog-fi ght between Rochester United, Fisher and Erith Town. The Dockers are the team currently stranded at the bottom while Deal Town, Croydon and Lingfi eld sit just above the bottom three. The Dockers form has been erratic since the new management team of father and son, Martin and Joe Ford took over the reins at the end of February. A debut 0-5 home loss to Rochester United before another home loss quickly followed to Ashford United. The Dockers then won two games in a row against fellow relegation candidates Lingfi eld and Deal Town and grabbed a point in
the rematch with Rochester United before another 5 goals were conceded in the home defeat to Greenwich Borough. The Dockers have a tough looking run in, including the ‘Badgers Derby’ with Cray Valley, but there are still plenty of vital points to play for as the Dockers look to claw their way to safety. Meanwhile, Cray Valley sit comfortably in mid-table as we look to fi nish as high in League as we can. Our London Senior Cup campaign was again halted at the Semi-Final stage for a second consecutive season as we went out of the competition to a 1-0 defeat at Tooting & Mitcham United. We reached the semi-fi nal stage following a 2-1 home win over Ryman League Premier Division side Wingate & Finchley with player manager Paul Gross scoring the winning goal! It was a marvellous evening at Badgers and although the Millers rode their luck at times, fully deserved to secure their place
in the Semi’s. The match at Tooting was a dour aff air with the home side scoring early and then proceeded to ‘park the bus’ to frustrate the Millers but we can have no complaints with the result on the night and hope that Tooting now go on to win the Cup. With the climax of the season fast approaching, both the Millers and the Dockers have some exciting fi xtures to round off the season and we hope to see you at Badgers soon!
Frank MayChairman, Cray Valley (PM) FC
Badgers Sports ClubHome of Cray Valley (pm) FC & Erith Town FC
For Cray Valley: Contact
Dave Wilson (Secretary)
07715 961886
or Frank May (Chairman)
07778 987579
Middle Park Avenue Eltham SE95HT
020 8355 [email protected]
www.badgersportsclub.co.uk
For Erith Town: Contact
Paul Carter (Secretary)
07863 347587
or Ian Birrell (Chairman)
07956 291274
Set in the grounds of Cray Valley & Erith Town
Football Clubs, Badgers Sports Club is the
ideal venue for a variety of functions & events.
Our professional catering & hospitality team
can tailor a package that best suits your
requirements. Our newly rebuilt & refurbished
Clubhouse has lifted the whole venue, now
with air conditioning, while the large glass
domed roof fi lls the hall with sunlight. As
part of our package we can also recommend
a range of services, from Wedding cars &
fl owers, to DJs & even live bands if you require.
April at BADGERSSouthern Counties East Football League unless stated Saturday fi xtures kick off at 3pmMidweek fi xtures kick off at 7.45pm
Saturday 4Cray Valley v Phoenix Sports
Monday 6 Erith Town v Tunbridge Wells (3pm)
Wednesday 8Cray Valley v Sevenoaks Town
Saturday 11Cray Valley v Lordswood
Saturday 18 Erith Town v Lordswood
Wednesday 22Cray Valley v Crowborough Athletic
Saturday 25 (Last day of season)Cray Valley v Erith & Belvedere
Left: Jamie Millers battles
for possesion against
Woodstock Sports
Right: Ronnie Vint heads
the Millers in front at
Tunbridge Wells
SEnine
22
SPORT
Join you local neighbourhood watch scheme
Normal Hours9 am to 6 pm Mon to Thurs 9 am to 5 pm Friday. Closed for lunch between 1 pm and 2 pm.
Eltham Park Dental Practice
Eltham Park Dental Practice provides a friendly and modern dental service in the heart of Eltham Park, South London.
The practice was established in 1974 with a philosophy of providing the highest standards of dentistry to our local community. We provide a full range of dental techniques in a friendly yet effi cient environment.5 Westmount Road,
Eltham Park, SE9 1JB
020 8850 8515www.elthamparkdental.co.uk
New patients are always welcome.
Addicks to Build AcademyAmbitious new plans to transform Charlton Athletic football training
facilities at Sparrows Lane have been released by the club.
The major expansion plans, which could cost up to £15m, dwarf a previous
scheme which only last year was given planning permission.
New owner, multi-millionaire Belgian businessman Roland Duchatelet, ordered a re-think as part of his plans to take Charlton into the elite band of English clubs.
He hopes the Charlton academy system can produce the Premier League stars of the future, the sale of which might easily recoup his investment
The plans involve construction of a three storey clubhouse with all the facilities required to bring the club in line with the Premier League’s ‘Category 1’ academy status.
An all-weather indoor facility would be attached to the clubhouse, to the north of the existing pavilion.
Two further all-weather pitches could be added, one with fl oodlit facilities.
All the latest sports injuries, fi tness, social and indoor classroom facilities will be contained within the new clubhouse, with the club’s community headquarters sited in a new building to the south of the site.
The fi nal bill, which will depend on the fi nal specifi cations of the pitches, will be footed by the Belgian’s personal fortune; previous plans were dependent on grant funding, which required a greater community input, more integrated with the fi rst team squad set-up.
It would propel the training base of Charlton into the top rung of professional football, alongside the likes of Sunderland, Aston Villa and the Wolves and the club’s Under 21 and junior teams would become
eligible to play against a higher level of opposition.
It is hoped that this will help to lure and retain prospective top youngsters to the club, who are currently lost to Premier League rivals.
The new plans have also ditched the suggestion of access onto Footscray Road with all vehicles approaching via Sparrows Lane. The club insists movements will be no greater than at present.
Story by John Webb
SEnine
23
SPORT
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SEnine
24 Local Business - use it or lose it
A world record shattering game of musical chairs held in Sutcliff e Park
in the 1970s will be among the topics of conversation when former members of an Eltham Boys Brigade company celebrate their 60th anniversary next month.
Well in excess of 4,000 people took part in this moment of madness, one of the many events and happenings organised by the 22nd West Kent Company over the last six decades.
The company is holding a reunion next month in which it hopes that as many past members and helpers as possible will be able to attend.
It was founded in May 1955 by Sid Hewett, a man who showed charisma, common sense and experience in successfully launching the company.
Since then, it has been based at Eltham Park Methodist Church in Westmount Road, where it still meets each Wednesday, taking recruits from fi ve years upwards.
Sid passed the Company Captaincy over to Dave Hodgkiss, and the company began to peak during the 1970s where the pre-junior Mounties (now Anchors) section, Juniors and then Company section hit numbers in excess of 120.
For many years, the community would be reminded of the Company’s existence when it held its monthly church parade through the local streets, headed by drums, bugles and cymbals band, the boys along with seniors and offi cers marching proudly behind.
Each year, there have been camps to all points of the UK and company display nights; also many appearances at the Royal Albert Hall at national boys’ brigade gatherings.
Activities over the years have included a range of sports including volleyball, table tennis, badminton and gym as well as jumble sales and fetes, and classes. Summer camps see the Company heading for Devon.
The Company is actively recruiting at all ages from fi ve upwards. More details are available from Dave Hodgkiss on 07801 878501 or [email protected].
The reunion will take place on Saturday 30th May at
Horn Park Sports & Social Club (formally Old Colfeians
Rugby Club), Eltham Road, Lee, SE12 8UE from 7pm.
All welcome, tickets at £15 each to include a pay bar
and buff et. Postal applications (enclosing a SAE) to
BB22WK60, 2 Calvert Close, Belvedere, Kent DA17 6EU
with cheques made payable to The Boys Brigade, 22nd
West Kent Company.Giant game of human snooker
SEnineSEnine
25
YOUNG ELTHAM
When in doubt, do the right thing
Our Highest Security PrisonCarole Homan was awarded an MBE at a ceremony
at Buckingham Palace in February. She talks to Matt Bell about her work monitoring one of the country ’s highest security prisons.
What was it like receiving your MBE? I’d been to Buckingham Palace before as a tourist but this was totally diff erent. I took my husband David and sons, Mark and Nathan, with me. I saw Zandra Rhodes, the fashion designer, become a Dame. She had shocking pink hair and, of course, a beautiful outfi t. We were led to the ballroom where the Princess Royal handed out the awards.
How was she? She talked to everyone for a few minutes. She was knowledgeable about young off enders, their diffi culties and the infl uence of gangs.
When did you become involved in prison monitoring?I have been a board member since 1999 at HMP Belmarsh and joined Isis when it opened in 2010. Every prison statutorily has an Independent Monitoring Board. I have found the work fascinating and worthwhile and I have never felt scared or threatened.
What does the work involve? Our job is to make sure that prisons off er a safe, secure, fair and decent environment for both prisoners and the staff that work there. The monitoring, which is carried out weekly, covers all aspects of prison life including prisoners in segregation, food – which we get the opportunity to taste – healthcare and living conditions for prisoners. We also monitor
education services and workshops which it is hoped will prepare prisoners for release. Members can visit all areas with no restrictions. Prisoners can see a board member weekly to discuss their concerns and members try to resolve their issues. Whilst the
Board cannot eff ect change in itself, Governors value the
independent reporting by its members.
Who do you report to? The governor. If necessary, any issue can eventually be brought to the attention of the Prisons Minister. Our annual reports can be read on the Independent Monitoring Board web site.
Is prison life too cushy? I say “try living in a prison and keeping your individuality”. Many prisoners have problems that they cannot resolve themselves as they are locked away for considerable periods of time and have little freedom of movement. Prison, of course, is a punishment but decency and fairness should be aff orded to all prisoners and every eff ort should be made to prevent re-off ending.
Why the name Isis? It is an ancient name for the river Thames and was chosen long before it became a high profi le acronym. There was some
discussion as to whether the prison should change its name it was decided to keep it.
Are there any innovations going on at Isis? Worthwhile work has been undertaken with the police to identify gang-aff ected young men which has helped to diminish violence in Isis. Isis is a training prison and the Governor initiated two recent innovative pieces of work. A Dragon’s Den project was set up with funding from Lush and supported by the London Evening Standard to help off enders who wished to start their own business. Three off enders from Isis have, as a consequence, gained funding for business ventures on release. Pimlico Opera has a prisons project, and recently produced a performance featuring the music of Our House by Madness.
Is there a diff erence between adult prisoners and young off enders?The young off enders are more violent to each other and to the staff and are quicker to resort to violence to resolve issues.
What are the diffi culties facing Isis? Budget cuts and staffi ng levels have impacted on the prison. The Chair wrote to the Prisons’ Minister as the freeze on staff recruitment has adversely aff ected delivery of the core day to prisoners.
How much longer will you stay on the IMB?My 15 year tenure ends at both the Belmarsh and Isis boards at the end of 2015.
Do you have any interests away from prison life? Yes, I like to sing. I am a member of Eltham Choral Society and I greatly enjoy going to the Opera. My husband and I sail.
Before volunteering did you have a career?Yes, I worked at Lewisham Hospital in the Pathology Department whilst being a board member and continued after retirement.
Something on your mind? Tell us at SEnine. We care.
SEnine
26 Help keep Eltham tidy! Put your litter in bins.
PERSONAL ELTHAM
News in BriefNews in BriefContinued
There has been a three-fold increase this year in the number of parents who have been allocated secondary schools which were not one of their six preferences.
The number of dissatisfi ed parents has leapt because of increasing school roles and the popularity of local schools which are drawing in extra applicants from outside the borough.
More than 450 students came from Bexley borough in 2014, a number expected to rise further in September.
Nearly one in fi ve Greenwich borough applicants were allocated places at schools they didn’t request, with only 60 per cent receiving their fi rst choice preference for starting this September.This compares with 2014, when 94 per cent received one of their six choices, mostly their fi rst and second preferences.
School AdmissionsIncreasing numbers of applications are been received from outside the borough, particularly to Crown Woods Academy, which is drawing in students from Bexley.
The borough is drawing up emergency proposals to increase school capacity, particularly in the north of the borough where demand is expected to rise steeply over the next fi ve years.
SeverndroogOne of the area’s most romantic buildings is to be available for weddings. Severndroog Castle, built in memory of her seafaring husband, Sir William James, by his widow, has received a license for wedding ceremonies. The Castle, and tea rooms, has been a major hit with local trippers since its opening following a £750,000 restoration. Now, the fi rst fl oor chandeliered Lady James room is to be off ered for wedding ceremonies by the Severndroog Trust. There is also space for a marquee for additional reception space.
More details via http://www.severndroogcastle.org.uk/venue-hire.html
The height of the proposed ‘King Kong’ Kidbrooke
tower has been reduced to 21 storeys and approved by Greenwich planners, but still 9 stories higher than the original Kidbrooke buildings.
The size and density of the Kidbrooke development has increased massively since it was fi rst conceived in 2009.
Three other adjacent towers around the so-called ‘Village Square’, opposite Kidbrooke Station, will be 17 storeys in height, all higher than those demolished, with a range of others from six fl oors upwards.
Berkeley Homes has also been chastised for using the term ‘village’. The national guardians of the urban landscape, The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment, dismissed the notion saying that a more ‘meaningful and convincing’ description should be used.
The whole revised ‘masterplan’ has now been approved by the council despite objections from local amenity groups.
Both the Commission for the Built Environment (CABE) and the Greater London Authority argued that the density and relatively poor
public transport links meant that the scale of the development broke normal planning guidelines.
But their agreement was bought off by Berkeley’s pointing to the nearby open spaces of Sutcliff e Park and the ‘high quality’ of their design.
In all, there will now be 4,763 units on the site; more than the originally planned 4,000 and three times more than the original Ferrier Estate. But the proposed density has increased from 100 to 166 per hectare because part of the original planned site, north of Kidbrooke Station was lost to Berkeley’s with TfL beating off a compulsory purchase order. This has meant intensifi cation of the area south of the railway.
Aff ordable homes will make up more than a third of the overall development, concentrated in the ‘Village Square’ sector.
When originally announced, the 31 planned storeys of the highest tower was widely seen as an ‘opening bid’ by Berkeley’s which has been reduced to 25 after consultation and then 21. The vista from King John’s Walk and Eltham Park North were both said to be in danger.
Mr Eff ord told Architects’ Journal magazine last year: “I’ve been staggered by the sheer naked greed and opportunism of Berkeley Homes.”
“The tower has been overwhelmingly rejected and condemned by local residents.”
Kidbrooke 21 story monster get the green light from Greenwich plannersKidbrooke Version II
Image for demonstration purposes and
does not relate to the location of the
building nor is it to scale.
New BurgersLocally there was the introduction of a the “Left-Handed
Burger” specially designed for the 8 million left-handed
people in the UK who struggle with right handed food.
The new burger includes the same
ingredients as the original (lettuce, tomato, hamburger
patty, etc.), but all the condiments are rotated 180
degrees for the benefi t of their left-handed customers, so
they do not have to turn the burger around to eat it.
This burger is in its test stages “ said company
representative Ms April First, “But we hope it will not be
left on the shelf”.
To try one, ask at our local burger outlets, you
never know your luck.
SEnine
27Don't fi nd fault, fi nd a remedy
NEWS
SEnine
28
Eltham Park Guide Price £725,000-£750,000 Restoration project - 6 bedroom triple-fronted Corbett house ready
and waiting for someone to bring back to its former glory. In the same
household for almost a century, the property has a wealth of original
features, providing plenty of character take a look and see for yourself.
EPC – F
Eltham Heights OIEO £550,0003 bedroom mock Tudor style s/d house in the popular Eltham
Heights! Handy for local shops at Bexley Road, the scenic Avery
Hill Park & Falconwood station approximately less than a mile
away. Spacious, tastefully decorated and with plenty of natural
light, potential to extend (stpp) in a sought-after area. EPC - D
Eltham OIRO£530,000Larger style 3 bed Corbett house, 2 receps, kitchen, family
bathroom and utility room, this Edwardian Corbett house retains
some period features close to the popular Gordon school and
handy for Eltham station and amenities. Take a look and make us
an off er! EPC - E
Eltham Guide price £400,000 - £420,000Semi-detached Corbett houses of this size are few and far between
so don’t miss out! Close to the highly regarded Deansfi eld primary
school and Oxleas Meadows. Through living room, recently fi tted
kitchen and family sized bathroom, well-tended garden, off street
parking, take a look! EPC – tbc
Mottingham OIRO £410,000Well-proportioned three bed semi close to Mottingham
station. Open plan living space, family bathroom, conservatory
overlooking landscaped garden. Ample off street parking and
scope to extend (STPP). Call the offi ce to book a viewing. EPC - D
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receptions rooms, stylishly fi tted bathroom to fi rst fl oor. EPC E
School crossing?Interesting to see the council deciding to nibble the corner of Orangery Lane from Eltham CoE primary to help vehicles turning in from Archery Road. Perhaps, as part of this, some thought might be given to how pedestrians are supposed to safely navigate the junction. Pantechnicons 1 v Pedestrians 0.
Bus plop....Bus passengers waiting in Well Hall Road outside Eltham Station have more than showers to protect their heads against, SPY observes. The local pigeon cohort, evicted from the derelict Coronet cinema by Kinesis gym, have taken up residence in the metal rafters of the bus station canopy and spend their days taking plop shots at passers-by. So has TfL been swinging into action to protect their paying customers perhaps? In fact, they have been busy trying to divert responsibility to Network Rail, Southeastern Trains, in fact, anybody but themselves. The fact that the canopy is in the bus station above a bus stop sheltering bus passengers seems to have had little impression on the pigeon-brains managing the station locally who seem to have been taking some pleasure in rebuffi ng complaints playing a silly game of corporate blame-shifting, all the while their customers having to suff er in silence. Following some pressure from the SPY investigative branch and local councillors a promise, of sorts, has been received from TfL to take action. Columba livia domestica 1 v Pedestrians 0.
Bus stopped….As park visitors at Avery Hill stumble out into the spring sunshine, they might start to ponder whatever happened to the promised crossing point over Avery Hill Road. Billed as a ‘Toucan’ crossing, it was to allow safe passage from the Anstridge Estate and the Shuttle River Walk into the park itself. To facilitate this, a new path was tarmacked into place in the park and gate constructed. But months later, no crossing. Apparently something to do with a wrangle over the re-location of the bus stop. Let’s hope no youngster or oldie dodging traffi c en route to the park pays for the delay with their lives. Traffi c 1 v Pedestrians 0.
Lay bye?Outside the new hospital in Passey Place is a useful-looking ‘drop off ’ zone at which poorly passengers can be deposited close to the new facilities while a driver goes in search of a parking space. SPY hopes this
works a little better than the equivalent space at QE hospital in Woolwich where the 10 drop-off spots are always full of parked cars, the hospital apparently unable or unwilling to take the appropriate enforcement action. Drivers genuinely wishing to drop-off immobile passengers there have to joust with ambulances for space. Cars 1 v Pedestrians 0
Managing the bills……..Flat dwellers moving into the new Grove Place development will have more than just a hefty purchase price to stump up for, SPY learns. On top, there will be substantial management fees starting at around £1,600 a year up to nearly £4,000 for the three bedroomed penthouse, which has just sold for getting on for £600,000. About three quarters of the 144 units are now sold, and only eight of the £25,000 car parking spaces are still on the market. The annual charges will cover such luxuries as a concierge, as well as external maintenance, shared areas and buildings insurance. The fi rst residents, many local, will start taking up occupation in January 2017, only a modest number going into the buy-to-let rental market; the aff ordable homes are corralled above the new shops in the lower High Street.
Mansion tax?These substantial charges make SPY wonder about the new development which looms over the Avery Hill Mansion site. With the sellers, University of Greenwich, indicating that there would be planning agreement obtainable for at least 350 dwellings on the site, how much are the new tenants going to pay towards the upkeep of the Winter Garden and surrounding park? Given the undoubted benefi ts any of the new occupants would gain from the proximity of such lovely facilities, a fee of £500 a year on average wouldn’t seem unreasonable.
Green goof…With a big shed now destined to appear in Sutcliff e Park to accommodate a major sports complex, SPY was wondering whether any account had been taken about the extra fl ood risk caused by all that hard landscaping? Householders wishing to tarmac over their front gardens are now required to install porous surfaces to reduce fl ash fl ood run-off into the sewers. No mention in the recent consultation about creating a ‘green roof’ as a sop to those who value Sutcliff e Park as a local nature reserve. As the borough can’t fi nd the resources to employ an ecologist, this kind of idea tends to get overlooked.
Remote Control…With the future of Greenwich Pravda hinging on the outcome of the general election, council tsars are frantically casting around for Plan Bs. SPY understands that some of the money from TfL’s generous grant of £4m to improve the High Street night be diverted to this cause with a giant television screen in Passey Place blurting out propaganda. In Tescotown’s Skateboard Square (soon in need of a new name for when the supermarket pulls out), a screen is left on all day, leaving passers-by desperate to reach for the remote control’s off button. Apparently, the fi g-leaf for this screen would be to relay occasional arts-related material. Seems a little extravagant and intrusive for these purposes though. The council’s second Plan B, a Labour government, might also backfi re. Former Labour Culture Secretary, Ben Bradshaw is quoted as saying: “You’ve got local authorities spending considerable amounts of taxpayers’ money employing armies of press offi cers to produce these propaganda sheets masquerading as newspapers. They remind me of Pravda. I think it’s very dangerous.” Apparently, the council’s plea in mitigation is that Greenwich Pravda doesn’t harm the independent local media. SPY knows that SEnine has lost revenue to GT and has recent evidence should anybody care to ask.
Punctured ego..If the person who walked, or possibly pedalled, off with SPY’s trusty bike from Passey Place recently, would return it quickly to the gates of SEnine’s HQ at 84 Well Hall Road, no further questions will be asked. It has been a regular sight in SE9, with the bicycling reporter on top, for nearly 30 years. It is of absolutely no worth to anyone but SPY himself for whom it has a practical use and nostalgic value, having bought it in 1985 from the old Well Hall cycle shop.
SEnine
29Have your say, your opinion counts
Either go to the SEnine web site atwww.senine.co.uk
or write to the Editor at:
SEnine, PO Box 24290
Eltham SE9 6ZP
Would you please publish this letter so I can express my gratitude and thanks to the proprietors of the Wavefresh Fish Shop on Eltham Hill for their generosity. When my husband was in his last days, he asked for a piece of steamed fi sh. When it was ready and we went to pay they would not take payment for it. That was the last meal he had. I am and will be forever grateful for their act of generosity.
Mrs Jeanne James.Eltham.
Names, new direction
The two parts of SEnine that I enjoy the most are those about the history of Eltham and letters from other readers.
I thoroughly agreed with Terry Jones original letter. After reading the letters in the February edition of SEnine I simply had to write to you. I expect you might be tired of receiving letters on this subject. However mine is slightly diff erent.
Why is it nowadays that offi cial correspondence has to be addressed with your full Christian names as well as your surname. Greenwich Council used to address my Council Tax Bill with my full Christian names as well as my surname. When requested to use just my initials and surname they changed the way they addressed the Bill immediately. However, the Valuation Offi ce and those dealing with my appeal concerning my Council Tax Band simply ignored my request.
A catalogue, which I sometimes shop from told me they are obliged to use at least one Christian name when addressing customers. What utter rubbish. When we are being told that identity theft is on the increase, I fi nd this totally illogical. And before someone blames computers, this technology is only as good as the people that programme and operate it and many operators have never been taught how to correctly address a letter. My generation were taught in school how to write both business and personal letters, something which seems to be sadly lacking nowadays.
Carol Doust
Coff ee Shop StationIts a terrible shame that the tea and coff ee kiosk at Eltham station has disappeared without trace! This was a real boon to commuters and the staff were lovely.
Nothing has replaced it - apparently they lost the lease - so now we have nothing, no reasonably-priced option for teas and coff ees while negotiating Southeasterns unpredictable trains!
Moira Davies
W ld l bli h hi l I
Thank you
SPY mistaken?
CCCC ffffffff SSSShhhh SSSStt ttiii
Spy’s detective skills were a little adrift in your mention of the Costa Book Awards. It is true that I was a judge for this year’s awards. But the book we chose was H is For Hawk - which won both the biography category and the Book of the Year Award - not How to be Both. best wishes Wendy Moore
Got something to say? Tell SEnine
We care about your opinion
There’s gold in Eltham! Gold from two of Eltham’s
gardens. To be precise Eltham Gold, strong cider! Now,
you may have thought that cider making was the province
of Somerset and Cornwall, and that the last place you
would expect it to be made is in Eltham in S. E. London,
but it is and it has been recognised by aficionados.
The person behind Eltham Gold is Eltham resident Mike
Allen, who lives very near to where the old farmhouse
was when it was a farm. It is made primarily from apples
from two Eltham gardens. It is thought that some of the
apple trees used for the cider were part of the original
orchard and so Eltham Gold truly is a produce with a firm
local connection.
Eltham Gold has had recognition, including being cider of
the festival at both South East London and Bromley Beer
festivals last year. But unfortunately it is only made in
small quantities and so truly is cider gold. On the other
hand it is strong at 7.8% and so a little goes a long way.
Should you wish to sample this delight, the good news is
that it will feature at this year’s Bexley Beer Festival along
with a staggering range of real ales.
This year’s Bexley Beer Fest, 23rd – 25th April, is itself a
milestone celebration being the 10th such Fest and which
in turn marks the 40th anniversary of the formation of
the Bexley Branch of CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale.
The Bexley Beer Fest regularly sees visitors from outside
Bexley, and even from beyond London. Eltham folk will
be most welcome, and if they come to sample some of
their community’s cider then so much the better: what
better way to celebrate local heritage than imbibing it.
The beer fest will be held at the Old Dartfordians Sports
Club, War Memorial Club House, Bourne Road, Bexley,
DA5 1LW. This is not far from Bexley rail station and is on
the 132, 229, 492 and B12 bus routes. See
www.camrabexleybranch.org.uk.
All welcome. Cheers.
Eltham Brewed Cider a Beer Fest Star
Regarding your readers request for any information about the air raid shelters found in the garden
Most of the air rain shelters were built with corrugated iron, not brick. However, on a Time Team dig broadcast on channel 4 some years ago evidence was found in the woodlands on Shooters Hill of something similar built in two gardens. This was thought to have been part of a signalling station as there is the remains of cables and what appears to have been a telephone exchange.
The programme was about a lot of activity that took place all over Shooters Hill and surrounding areas during the Second World War.
This may or may not be connected to this newly found shelter, but it would be worth contacting channel 4 to see if you could get a copy of the fi lm. It is a very interesting part of our history.
Miss A Brooks, Eltham.
Regarding your readers request for any information
Air Raid
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MAILBOX ....... Have your say
ELTHAM
HARRISON INGRAM
rede
finin
g th
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sellin
g h
omes
ESTATE AGENTS RESIDENTIAL LETTINGS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
156 Well Hall Road, Eltham, London, SE9 6SNT: 020 8859 4419 F: 0208 859 8207 E: [email protected]
www.harrisoningram.co.uk
TWO BEDROOM ‘CORBETT’ HOUSE
LOUNGE; SITTING/DINING ROOM
OPEN PLAN TO KITCHEN
LARGE BATHROOM
TV/PLAYROOM
GARDEN; OFF ROAD PARKING
SPACIOUS SEMI-DETACHED HOUSE
THREE GOOD SIZE BEDROOMS
LOUNGE; MODERN FITTED KITCHEN
SMART GROUND FLOOR BATHROOM
GCH &; DOUBLE GLAZING
CHAIN FREE
BRIGHT SEMI DETACHED HOUSE
TRADITIONAL LOUNGE
SEPARATE DINING ROOM
EXTENDED KITCHEN
THREE BEDROOMS
VACANT POSSESSION
Eltham: £300,000 Eltham: OIEO £310,000
New Eltham: £190,000 Guide PriceEltham: £350,000
Eltham: £380,000 Eltham Green: OIEO £350,000
TWO BEDROOM END OF TERRACE HOUSE
LOUNGE; SEPARATE DINING ROOM
OPEN PLAN TO FITTED KITCHEN
LARGE BATHROOM WITH WHITE SUITE
100’ GARDEN; PARKING ON OWN DRIVE
GCH/DOUBLE GLAZING; CHAIN FREE
”CHOCOLATE BOX” SEMI-DETACHED COTTAGE
TWO DOUBLE BEDROOMS
SMART GROUND FLOOR SHOWER ROOM
LOVELY LOUNGE OVERLOOKING THE GREEN
SOCIABLE DINING ROOM
DETACHED GARAGE/AMPLE OFF ROAD PARKING
REFURBISHED TOP FLOOR FLAT
ONE BEDROOM
OPEN PLAN LOUNGE/KITCHEN
BRAND NEW FITMENTS/APPLIANCES
SMART SHOWER ROOM
LONG LEASE
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31Look after your garden, if not for yourself then for your neighbours
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£320,000Dunblane Road
32 Pick up litter and bin it
facebook.com/conranestates
mobile friendly website
Three Bedroom Semi Detached House with Garage
Two Reception Rooms
Upstairs Bathroom
Double Glazing & Gas Central Heating
In Need Of Updating Throughout
Scope To Extended Further
Chain Free
EPC Rating: E
Now Available
@conranestates
SEnine
Oakways £385,000
33Look out for you neighbour
ELTHAM / MOTTINGHAM42 Well Hall RoadEltham SE96SFT: 020 8378 5450E: [email protected]
GREENWICH/ BLACKHEATH221 Greenwich High RoadGreenwich SE10 8NBT: 020 8312 8312E: [email protected]
CHARLTON / WESTCOMBE46 Charlton Church LaneCharlton SE7 7ABT: 020 8293 0454E: [email protected]
ASSOCIATED PARK LANE121 Park LaneMayfair W1K 7AGT: 020 7409 4693E: [email protected]
LETTINGS MANAGEMENT DEPT221 Greenwich High RoadGreenwich SE10 8NBT: 020 8312 8316E: [email protected]
FINANCIAL SERVICES DEPT221 Greenwich High RoadGreenwich SE10 8NBT: 020 8312 8317E: [email protected]
Branches across London
Four Bedroom Mid Terrace Town House Over Three
Floors
Offered In Excellant Decorative Order
Modern Fitted Kitchen & Bathroom
Downstairs Cloakroom WC
Two Reception Rooms
Laundry Room
Decked Rear Garden
Double Glazing & Gas Central Heating
Driveway To Front For Two Cars
Within Walking Distance To Eltham Town Centre
EPC Rating: C
Gas Engineer Central Heating and Gas work.
Breakdown, repairs & Installation. Gas
Safe Reg, Insured, Lives Locally.
Call Steve on Mob
07 930 327 889
Painters & DecoratorsInternal & External- Dulux Approved
40 years experience, Family run
Free estimates
Paul 07835779167
Victor 07985547621
Home Appliance RepairsWashing machines Dishwashers,
Tumble Dryers, Electric Cookers
David Sanderson
020 8301 0251
New Builds or Repairs
New Builds or Repairs
ALL ROOFINGALL ROOFING
Local Eltham
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Sapsford & Baker Roofi ng Sapsford & Baker Roofi ng 07947 624 737 or 07784 483 17007947 624 737 or 07784 483 170
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Free Free quotesquotes
You could have this spot for as little as £33.60 per month.
Not fi nd what you are
looking for?
Try www.elthamSE9.co.uk
Our peaceful back gardens are an important nature habitat but not
normally associated with violent death and destruction.
But a mess of pigeon feathers on the lawn normally denotes a sudden and brutal assassination.
The usual culprit is a fox, or a sparrowhawk, but thanks to recent breeding successes across London, an alternative explanation is possible backed up by recent witness statements.
Since 2001, peregrine falcons have bred in increasing numbers in London, nesting on ledges of tall buildings that are equivalent to their more traditional cliff sites.Their success has been due to the abundance of their preferred food, the pigeon and the action of people working on their behalf, protecting and sometimes building nests.
The falcons take their prey on the wing,
and that’s what one householder in Eltham was lucky enough to see with his own eyes recently. A peregrine will fl y above its intended victim then, folding back its wings, it dives on its prey, either grabbing it in fl ight or striking it dead on impact.
During normal level fl ight, they’re one of the fastest in the air, with speeds of around 40 – 50 mph but in a dive, it is thought that speeds of up to 200 mph are possible. Not surprisingly, a pigeon is unlikely to know what hit it.
Locally, the best known breeding site has been Marlowe House by the station in Sidcup, and successful fl edging of up to three chicks has been known. However, there is scaff olding around the building currently, so the human activity might serve to put them off .
For people wanting to see them in action, Tate Modern, on the Thames
at Blackfriars has been a breeding site for more than a decade and the RSPB and partners often arrange viewing facilities and advice nearby. This often runs through the summer, including the period when the chicks start to fl edge, taking their fi rst journeys in the air.
More information is available by visiting www.rspb.org.ukand putting ‘peregrines & tate modern’in the on site search facility.
This is a no brainer.This spot is now £33.60 including vat.
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An attacking Peregrine. Note the alula on the leading edge of the wing. The alula is the bird’s ‘thumb’ and
is covered with three to fi ve small feathers depending on the species. Normally it lays fl at on the wing
and is hard to see, but birds raise their alulas to provide lift and prevent a stall during slow fl ight.
Local Hunter
Home MaintenanceHome Maintenance ►►Painting and DecoratingPainting and Decorating
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Anglia Sun BlindsAnglia Sun Blinds
Two Vertical Blinds any size Two Vertical Blinds any size supply and fi t £150.00supply and fi t £150.00
Carpenter & Builder
All aspects of building work undertaken
kitchens, bathrooms, garden structures
using qualifi ed gas and electrical installers
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GardenerGardenerPlanting, design and maintenance for family Planting, design and maintenance for family
gardens. RHS qualifi ed. Free consultations.gardens. RHS qualifi ed. Free consultations.
Call Tom atCall Tom at 07534 577 29907534 577 [email protected]@gmail.com
SEnine
34
NATURE NOTES
Support small business, give them a call today
W. UDEN & SONS LTDFAMILY FUNERAL DIRECTORS
ESTABLISHED 1881
The Family Business that still off ers a personal service
51 - 53 Passey Place, Eltham SE9 5DATel: 020 8850 2868
Covering all areas Pre-paid Funerals Monumental Masons
Private Chapels of Rest 24 Hour Service
Branches also at:Petts Wood, Dulwich,
Forest Hill, Sidcup,
New Cross & CamberwellIn the care of Nicholas & Matthew Uden
Upcycling, Freecycling & Recycling
Deeply imbued with the ‘something for nothing’ philosophy, Herbaceous
has always been a keen participant in the ‘pavement purchasing’ movement.
It’s a trend which has waxed and waned through the years, becoming fashionable of late via notions of ‘upcycling’, ‘freecycling’ and ‘recycling’.
Many years ago, an elderly neighbour and possessor of a giant pear tree bearing fruits beyond the capacity of any human to consume, had the practice of piling the produce in a cardboard box and leaving it on her front wall.
In the days when home cooking meant more than just watching the repeat of a Jamie Oliver programme on iPlayer, the neighbourhood would gorge on this benefi ce, creating all manner of pies, crumbles and perries.
As time went by, her practice seemed increasingly outmoded to the extent that the local youth would treat the fruit as footballs and, on occasions, return the compliment by using them to pepper her front window.
In fairness, the pears in question had deteriorated in quality to the extent that they were never less than bullets with the texture of liquid sandpaper.
Others would join this movement by leaving surplus cuttings and bedding plants for neighbours to enjoy.
A recent manifestation has come with the skip generation. Some are apparently guarded by CCTV in an attempt to stop people adding to the contents rather than taking them away. So Herbaceous is always on the look-out for discarded pallets or carpets to construct compost heaps or keep down the weeds.
Furniture is now also a commonly donated pavement item. Herbs’ fi rst cottage was kitted out for less than £200, beds, drawers and all, from a local second-hand
warehouse, a genre which seems to have all but disappeared in these days of IKEA and eBay.
The 20 or so items he collected then have gradually been thrown out one by one over the years. The fi nal one, a slightly shabby1930’s ornate oaken creation was recently about to be given the pavement treatment until it was spotted by a local antiques fancier.
‘You’ll get a good £200 for that, old son!”, words which were music to Herbs’ ears, sensing that his canny investment of 40 years back had at last come good.
SEnine
35There is always hope, never stop trying
HERBACEOUS
020 8850 2040 Main Offi ce 180 Eltham High St
Anstridge Hall
Anstridge Road SE9 2LL
Flintmill Hall
Flintmill Crescent SE3 8LU
Lionel Road Hall
Westhorne Avenue SE9 6DH
Progress Hall
Admiral Seymour Rd SE9 1SL
St Mary's Community Complex 180 High Street Eltham
For more information on
Halls and Rooms for Hire at
aff ordable prices contact the
main offi ce on 020 8850 2040Supported by The Royal Borough of Greenwich
Our friendly weekly ‘Story Telling’ group meet on Tuesdays
between 8pm and 10pm and are looking for new members.
More info at www.storytellinginhope.com
Special off er Children's Parties held at 'Lionel, Anstridge or Flintmill Hall', 3 hours for the price of 2 Please contact our offi ce for further details, Conditions Apply
We host 80 community groups in our 5
community buildings.
A full list of activities and Affi liated Groups
who off er a wide selection of activities and
available from our web site www.stmarys-
eltham.co.uk or from our high street offi ce.
Do you have any ideas for new groups or
activities?
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ST MARY’S COMMUNITY COMPLEX
One of London’s oldest music stores. Celebrating 100 years in Eltham.
We stock a large range and variety of musical instruments and printed music, including Associated Board Publications
amammm.
32 Well Hall Road Eltham SE9 6SF tel: 020 8850 1263
Why risk buying from the internet or a catalogue shop when you can buy from the specialists?
www.normansmusic.co.uk
Free advice and guidance on all our products before and after your purchase.
It is never too old to learn to play a musical instrument. Music-
making is linked to a number of health benefi ts for older adults.
Call in to the shop and see what instrument might interest you.
SEnine - Your Community Magazine
