nine
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S S EEENOVEMBER 2013 Opening November 1st
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SEnine
2 It is your community, you have the right to a say in what happens
Cover: Last of the Summer Light
Cover photo by: Sarah Brundish
Cameo: See page 2 for details
Main Office Mark Wall [email protected]
Editor: John Webb [email protected]
Advertising Mark Wall [email protected]
Phone: 020 8333 7493 (For all matters)
Web: www.senine.co.uk
Publisher: SEnine Ltd: PO Box 24290, Eltham, SE9 6ZP
Totally Independent
Friends Membership. Support for the magazine is always appreciated. You can
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Send your name, address and contact details along with
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We look forward to hearing form you.
Closing Dates. All copy must be received by about the 15th* of each
month to appear in the next edition. Contributions and Stories are
always welcome from the residents of Eltham. Submissions are
subject to our overall editorial policy. *Some months do vary, check our web page www.senine.co.uk for exact dates.
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.
MilestoneThis is issue number 84, a 7 year
milestone for the SEnine magazine. Are you a friend of SEnine yet?
Clocks go backThe days are getting shorter as winter
approaches, remember on the night of
the 26th/27th of November the clocks
go back to GMT.
ConcertIt is the day after the SEnine concert
which was a great success. Each year
I stress over this event, thinking this is
the year it will all go wrong, but it always
seems to come together on the night.
This usually has little to do with me and
lands on the shoulders of others who
work out of the spotlight to make sure
it all runs smoothly. The list is always too
long to mention, but a few stand out,
they know who they are and that they
have my gratitude. Story page 6.
RemembranceNovember is a special month for me
because of remembrance day.
In Australia, ANZAC Day is one of the
most important national occasions. It is
held on April 25th each year and marks
the anniversary of the fi rst campaign
that led to major casualties for Australian
and New Zealand forces during the First
World War.
Remembrance Day in Australia is always
observed on 11 November, regardless
of the day of the week, and is not a
public holiday; it is a time when people
can pay their respects to the substantial
number of soldiers who died in battle.
However Remembrance Day has been
largely eclipsed as the national day of
commemoration by ANZAC Day, which
is a public holiday in all states.
As ANZAC is not widely commemorated
in the UK I have embraced November
11th.
My earliest memories of ANZAC Day are
accompanying my father to the dawn
service each year. We would set off in the
dark of night about 4 am to King Park in
Perth. My dad, and others would carry
small torches as the men assembled in
their groups, and once done, all lights
would go out. Total darkness.
Then, out of the dark, would come the
bark of the parade marshals and in the
dark silence that followed, all that could
be heard, as I remember, is the clink of
medals as the men marched toward
the memorial on a promontory of Kings
Park.
The sky would start to slowly lighten as
the sun crept westward, and then came
the lone soulful sound of the bugle
playing the Last Post.
I knew that it would
be followed by a
canon salute, but
no matter how
hard I tried, I would
always jump,
startled, when they
fi red.
My dad has gone now, but I like to
honour his life and service by marching
each year, on ANZAC Day when in
Australia and November 11th here in
the UK.
This year's march will be held on Sunday
November 10th (more details page
10) and, as has become the practice,
returned and currently serving soldiers
will start at about 10.30 am from the
top of the High Street and march to the
memorial at St John the Baptist Church,
arriving just before 11am.
It would be really great if the people of
Eltham turned out en masse to show
their thanks and support. Why not fi nd
a union fl ag and wave it as they march
past, that would take an hour out of
your day and would be really great.
It is hoped this year that the parade will
be join by members of the
Kings Troop based in
Woolwich, and even
better if they were
mounted, we can
only hope. Enjoy life:
Enjoy Eltham.
SEnine
3
OPINION, FROM MY DESKISSUE NUMBER 84
This publication is subject to copyright - if you want to use something, ask we will usually grant permission
NOVEMBER 2013
The revamp will focus on sympathetic
re-development of the Old Post
Offi ce public house, the creation of
a new café hub in Chequers Parade
and expansion of the Passey Place
pedestrian area.
In a move co-ordinated between the
council and rapidly expanding pub
chain Antic London, the aim is to
regenerate the heart of the High Street
for leisure and shopping use.
It is seen as a response to potential
growth in the economy and increasing
footfall in the high street, with new fl at
developments and the new hospital in
Passey Place, due for opening by next
Christmas.
The long-stalled plans for improving
the ‘public realm’ in Eltham’s High Street
area will be unlocked by a fresh bid by
the council for more than £2m to the
Transport for London major projects
scheme.
Previous bids to the Mayor of London’s
Fund for regeneration fl oundered and
Eltham has had to watch while other
boroughs across the capital have won
tens of millions of pounds for high
street improvements.
But SEnine understands a fresh bid has
now been made which would see Passey
Place extended as a pedestrianised
precinct, wider pavements and
sympathetic landscaping. A new look
at the current ad hoc bus stops, which
create crowding, could also be on the
agenda.
Alongside the ‘public realm’
improvements, Antic London, which
now owns more than 40 hostelries
across the capital, intends a major re-
development of the Old Post Offi ce site.
This will be based on the 100 year
old post offi ce building but will see
the south and west of the site, which
backs on the Chequers Parade, given a
complete new look including:
Three new café/restaurant units in
Chequers Parade, which will give the
arcade a long-awaited double-sided
appearance;
Problems for the developers are seen as
being two-fold; fi rstly, parking is likely
to come under increasing pressure
with the Grove Market development
promising only 49 spaces for 144 new
units and no extra provision planned for
the new hospital.
In addition, arcane council planning
rules limit the number of cafes in any
parade of shops with Delicios having
had to battle for planning approval.
Therefore a re-think of usage of the
three proposed cafes in Chequers
Parade might be needed, unless a tacit
understanding between Antic and the
council has been reached.
Antic told SEnine: “Our model is to
provide an all day and evening public
house establishment with users ranging
from commuters wanting their morning
coff ees, to family brunches and café
style dining; cooked meals for lunch
and a functioning bar of an evening and
night.”
Face LiftAmbitious plans to re-vitalise Eltham Town Centre are being taken
forward this month. John Webb reports
Three new café/restaurant units
in Chequers Parade, which will
give the arcade a long-awaited
double-sided appearance;
Demolition of the pub’s side
extension, making way for
landscaped outdoor seating
area;
A new fi rst fl oor level roof
terrace;
Sympathetic restoration and
extension of the building’s
‘period’ appearance.
A new dining/coff ee/drinking
remit for the pub itself.
SE9
SE9
SE9
SE9
SE9
SEnine
4 Don't be a litter lout, fi nd a bin
NEWS
“Chequers Parade is ominous and un-
welcoming and we aim to maximise
the potential of the site adding to the
vitality of the area, especially within the
pedestrianised areas.”
“The key design ethos is to improve
transparency between the building
and the street with new glazing to the
south and west.
“With the use of hard landscaping,
potted planting and dining furniture,
we again hope to improve the vitality
of the street scene and soften this
pedestrianised area.” Pa
ssey
Pla
ce
Chequers Parade
Chequers Parade
Pass
ey P
lace
AdventChurches in Eltham
A ecumenical gathering of worshipers
will launch the start of the Advent
season in Eltham.
The service, starting at 6pm on Sunday
December 1st, will this year be held
at the United Reform Church, 1 Court
Road Eltham (020 8850 5199).
All are welcome to this multi-faith
gathering.
The churches involved include
Eltham Park Methodist Church
Eltham Park Baptist Church
St Lukes
United Reform Church
Holy Trinity Church
St John the Baptist
Christchurch RC
For more information please
contact one of the church offi ces
SEnine
5Strong People Strong Families Strong Community
NEWS
98 Riefi eld Road Eltham London SE9 T: 020 8333 0452E: scott @londonandkent.co.uk
• Free detailed quotes and
professional advice
• We survey and provide design
services for planning permission
• All aspects of building works
undertaken, from new build to
patios
• We have a portfolio of work
available for you to see
• References available
• £5,000,000 Public Liability
Insurance
• Landlord and property
management services
• Punctual and polite we
always commence work on
time.
Concert SuccessThe 7th annual SEnine concert played to a packed audience
Well Hall Pleasaunce has been given
its highest ever award in this
year’s London in Bloom competition.
It was awarded a ‘silver gilt’ in the
competition’s Small Parks category in
recognition of the work of the Friends
group, the positive contribution of the
refurbished Tudor Barn and the council’s
gardening team.
The judges were impressed by the new
features added over the last 12 months
under a programme of work planned
by the Friends group under the Queen
Eizabeth ll Jubilee Fields in Trust scheme.
These included three new wooden
sculptures based on the novels of
author E Nesbit, who lived at Well
Hall from 1899 to 1922; new entrance
signs, urns, re-paving the alpine area, a
Jubilee avenue of beeches and 20 new
specimen trees.
Eltham Winner - London in Bloom
Saturday November the 19th, the
SEnine Magazine hosted the latest
in a series of annual concerts. The
venue, Eltham Hill School was a winner,
providing plenty of room for the 250
people in attendance.
The night was headlined by Chris Lloyd
and the Greenwich Concert Band who
played a variety of wonderful music as
well as supporting the choir and soloist
singers.
A professional performance by Harvey
Montague led list of guest performers
singing a number of his own songs
and fi nishing with McCartney's Rocky
Racoon.
A fi rst-time appearance by The Celtic
Hearts was very well received by the
audience. The Celtic Hearts sang and
played a mixture of new and traditional
Irish Folk Music.
Amy Lloyd, Musical Director of the
Greenwich Community Choir, led the
choir through four songs, the highlight
being Brindisi, sung in Italian and staring
soloist Maureen Cook.
Better known for her role at the Tudor
Barn, Suzie Bailey superbly delivered
two songs while being expertly backed
by the Greenwich Concert Band.
The compere for the evening, SEnine's
Mark Wall, kept the show moving with
anecdotes and witty stories during
stage changes.
The excellent and entertaining night
fi nished, as has now become customary,
with the band, choir and guests leading
the fl ag waving audience in a rousing
rendition of Pomp and Circumstance
March No. 1, better know colloquially as
Land of Hope and Glory.
If you missed this professional
production this year, make sure you
keep an eye out for it next year, it is a
great night and worth every penny.
Harvey Montague
Suzie Bailey
The Celtic Hearts
All pictures by Roger M Stevens ARPS DPAGB
SEnine
6
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SEnine
7Find and Support Local Tradesmen
From a young age, I’ve been
surrounded by words; our family
has always thought that shelves full
of books provided the best form of
decoration.
I remember once at my grandpa’s
rambling and dusty country vicarage
taking a book down from his wall when
a bat fl ew out and did several circuits of
the room. Beat that for a scary pop-up.
So I’ve always taken a close interest in
the evolution of our language.
Apparently, if I was to say that I was
taking 'a charabanc to the aerodrome'
'to a youngster, they wouldn’t have a
clue what I meant, both words having
recently been excised from
shorter dictionaries.
But other words come screaming into
fashion with some people literally
unable to complete a sentence without
using them. Literally! That’s one of them.
‘We were literally killing ourselves
laughing’, I heard someone say recently.
Really, did anyone call the cops?
It’s a polite way of emphasising
something without swearing I suppose.
On an open top bus ride round New
York, the guide used ‘awesome’ about
50 times. Fair enough for the Statue of
Liberty, but once it was just for a row of
fl owering cherry trees in Central Park.
And when did ‘iconic’ leap from
the shallows of ancient Greek
mythology into mainstream
usage? Who starts these crazes?
Aware of its devaluation, people
have moved to ‘totemic’ or
‘emblematic’. Perhaps the
words ‘characteristic’ and
‘archetypal’ will have to
go in a charabanc to the
aerodrome.
Mind you, I fi nd some
of the new words,
as opposed to
old ones given
a diff erent twist,
quite fun.
A favourite
is ‘omnishambles’
meaning "a
situation that has been comprehensively
mismanaged, characterised by a string
of blunders and miscalculations" which
would adequately describe my personal
fi ling system.
And some come from the world of new
technology with 'selfi e' making the
new dictionaries for a portrait taken of
yourself taken by you with your own
phone.
Also, the new acronyms from the world
of text and Twitter speak, including
tl:dr which I hope hasn’t applied to this
article. Look it up.
But for users of those new founded
gadgets I recommend 'digital detox':
both as words and a concept.
Jane Webb has lived in Eltham since '85 with her husband and daughter. She has taught at several local primary schools'
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8 Vote at elections, it is your right
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SEnine
9 Don't wait for people to be friendly, show them how.
News in BriefNews in Brief
Progress Sign
Lost Ring
OrangeryEltham Lights Up
Kings Troop to Parade on
Remembrance Day?
Anonymous benefactor restores & returns lost sign
The historic road sign which disappeared
from the Well Hall Road/Congreve Road
pathway has been returned.
It had not, as was supposed, been
removed from its posts.
An anonymous resident who walks past
it most days found it lying face down
on the pavement; it had been more
or less hanging on by one screw for a
number of weeks. He took it home and
repainted it. He had planned to build
a new wooden frame and reinstall it
himself but had not had the time to
source suitable reclaimed wood before
he read of its apparent theft.
The sign was returned to Royal
Greenwich for its secure re-installation.
A lost wedding is causing some distress.
The owner lost it somewhere between
Rochester Way just past the bus stop
at Glenesk / Rochester Way going
towards Falconwood and his house in
the middle part of Elibank Road. The
ring has great sentimental value as a
reminder of his departed wife, after 52
years of marriage.
If you or someone you know has found
it please contact the SEnine magazine
The Eltham Lights Up celebrations return
on Thursday 21 November to kick start
the Royal Borough’s Christmas and winter
holiday activities and events.
This year’s event will take place from
4–7.30pm and will include a range of
entertainment on stage and in the High
Street featuring many local favourites and
new faces including Deansfi eld Primary
School Choir, All the Arts Performing Arts
School, Rock Choir and many more. There
will also be sporting activities and fi tness
challenges to keep people healthy – and
warm!
Passey Place will feature a ‘nativity photo
booth’ alongside local charity stalls selling
Christmas gifts and novelties, and the fi re
station will again join in the festivities by
holding open house from 4-7pm.
The Christmas tree at The Eltham Centre
will be lit by the Mayor of Royal Greenwich,
Councillor Angela Cornforth and Clive
Eff ord MP at 5pm, to be followed by
carol singing with the Eltham Choral
Society. Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL) will
be holding taster sessions and free prize
draws from 4pm.
The Eltham High Street Christmas
lights will be lit at 6pm followed by the
wonderful lantern parade, ending with a
spectacular fi reworks display.
The High Street will be closed to traffi c
throughout the event.
This year’s theme focuses on the books of
famous former Eltham resident and author
Edith Nesbitt – and other stories from her
era. Local children will be hard at work
preparing for the famous lantern parade
at special lantern making workshops
taking place in local schools from the end
of October.
There are also two free drop-in community
workshop will be held at St Mary’s Centre
(180 Eltham High Street) on Saturday 9
November between 11.00am – 2.00pm
and at The Eltham Centre (Archery Road)
on Saturday 16 November between
11.00am-2.30pm.
The Remembrance Day Parade, to be
held this year on November 10th, will
march down the High Street, from the
Woodcroft Club, starting at 10.35.
This year, are well as veterans, the march
will be joined by the 2nd battalion
Princess of Wales Royal regiment.
In addition the Kings Troop Royal Horse
Artillery, now resident in Woolwich,
have been invited to the parade.
John Anderson, Parade Marshal said,
"We are hopeful that the Kings Troop
will be able to join the Royal Borough
of Greenwich Remembrance parade
in Eltham, if not on horse back,
dismounted".
The parade will also be joined by Local
Sea Cadets, and Scouts from both
Eltham and Erith.
Along with other important guests,
dignitaries such as the Mayor of
Greenwich, Cllr Angela Cornforth, the
leader of the council Chris Roberts,
Eltham MP Clive Eff ord and SEnine
Publisher Mark Wall will lay wreaths.
Commit an hour to come
out and support those
that serve. They deserve it
A site worker with a sense of humour
'crowned' the gargoyle on the
redeveloped Orangery.
SEnine
10 Join in a Community Activity
NEWS
8859 65848859 6584209 Eltham High 209 Eltham High
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SEnine
11Don't be a Litter tosser, put it in a bin
Thursday October 31Halloween at Eltham ParkFun and games for the kids in a safe environment
Take away goody bag. Costume prizes. Bite the apple,
face painting. Prizes for best dressed adult.
£5.00 per child - 6pm - 10pm
Thursday October 31Eltham Jazz Club Jim Mullen, guitar and Christian Brewer, sax
Woodcroft Club, Eltham High Street
More details from [email protected]
Tickets £9 - 7.30pm
Wednesday November 6 Quiz Night - White Hart, Eltham HillOn behalf of Eltham Lions Youth football
£10 including carvery meal
From 6,30pm quiz starts 8.30pm
Saturday November 9Cray Valley v Woodcock SportBadgers Sports Ground, Middle Park Avenue
More details: www.cray-valley.co.uk
Entrance £8 inc programme, 3pm
Wed November 13 – Sat 1684 Charing Cross Road’Drama of long distance relationship of book lovers
Bob Hope Theatre Wythfield Road - 7.45pm
Tickets £9 and 8 from 8850 3702
or www.bobhopetheatre.co.uk
Thursday November 14Simon Bates,sax/clarinetistEltham Jazz Club, Woodcroft Club, Eltham High Street
More details from [email protected]
Tickets £9 - 7.30pm
Thursday November 14Quiz for Cancer ResearchSt Thomas More school, Footscray Road
Teams of six, bring own food and drink
£6 per person from 8850 5901 - 7.30pm
Saturday November 16HALO Christmas bazaarStalls include Christmas gifts and decorations, bric a
brac, books, cakes, refreshments, raffle. Raises funds to
help towards days out for local adults and children with
special - St Luke’s Church, Westmount Rd - 10.30am – 12
Tuesday November 19Birds of the river ThamesIllustrated talk by Karen Sutton of Thames Water
Eltham Nature Club - Members £1.50, non-members £3
More details www.elthamnatureclub.org.uk - 7.30pm
Thursday November 21Mistletoe and Wine Christmas Shopping EveningSt Thomas More Comprehensive School, Footscray Road
Adults £3, under 16s £0.50p - 7pm-10pm
Thursday November 21 – Sat 23The Adventures of Tom SawyerMusical adaptation of one of America’s favourite books
Hulvitz operatic society
Bob Hope Theatre, Wythfield Road
Tickets £12.50 and £11
8850 3702 or www.bobhopetheatre.co.uk
7.45pm and 2.30pm (Sat)
Tueday November 26 – Sat 30 ‘Fame - the Musical’ Glenyln Academy
Bittersweet and inspiring story of students
£13.50 and £11.50. Preview (Tues) £10
Bob Hope Theatre, Wythfield Road
8850 3702 or www.bobhopetheatre.co.uk
7.45pm and 2.30pm (Sat)
Wednesday November 27Tudor Barn wine clubEnjoy up to 6 wines and 3 courses
£35 booking essential 0845 459 235 - 7.30pm
Thursday November 28Sue Rivers, vocals and Jimmy Hastings, sax/fluteEltham Jazz Club, Woodcroft Club, Eltham High Street
More details from [email protected]
Tickets £9 - 7.30pm
Saturday 30th NovemberChristmas Bazaar St. Luke’s Church, Westmount Road.
Hand made cards/crafts, tombola, Christmas gifts, toys,
books, cakes, bric-a-brac, books, CD’s & DVD’s, games,
raffle & refreshments - 10.30a.m. – 1.00p.m.
Adults 50p, children free.
Saturday December 7Progress Residents Association AGM and Christmas Party
Progress Hall, Admiral Seymour Road - 1-3pm
Saturday December 14Eltham Choral Society Christmas ConcertFeaturing Britten’s ‘St Nicholas’ and carols for choir and
audience - Holy Trinity Church, Southend Crescent
Tickets from 8850 3702 or Norman’s Music.- 7.30pm
Sun December 29 to Sat February 1Alice's Adventures in WonderlandAnnual panto - Bob Hope Theatre, Wythfield Road
Tickets £10 and £8 from 020 8850 3702
or www.bobhopetheatre.co.uk
2.30pm, 5.30pm and7.30pm
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 ThursdayEltham Chess & Games ClubAll ages and abilities welcome. St Mary’s Community
Centre, 7.30 – 9.30pm (Recess all Aug & Sep 1st)
Contact Alan 020 8355 4316
Age UK Bromley & Greenwich 2-6 Sherard Road
Every TuesdayExercise class. 10am – 11am
Chair based exercises to help keep you fit!
Yvonne 020 8315 1850
Every TuesdayFrench Group 2pm – 4pm
Join other Francophiles and brush up your
French. Beginners and improvers welcome. 020
8315 1883
Tuesday 19th Nutritional advice 10am -1pm
1 to 1 tailored advice.
Contact Wendy 020 8294 3013
Wednesday 27thHistory Group 10am - 12pm
With different subjects each month there is
something to interest everyone. 020 8315 1883
Wednesday 6th & 13th Let’s Cook and Eat 10.15am – 1.15pm
5 Week Cooking programme for people 50+
Wendy 020 8294 3013
Thursday 7th & 21stCraft Group 10am – 12pm
Bring along your own craft project or try
something new with fellow enthusiasts!
020 8315 1883
Every ThursdayForget-me-not Singing 2pm – 3.30pm
Fun and friendly singing group for people with
dementia. Rose 0781 118 7490
Every Friday Technology Club 10am – 11.30am
Support on a range of subjects to help you
‘Keep in Touch with Technology’ from mobile
phones, tablets, cameras to lap-tops.
Louise 020 8315 1883
Saturday 23rd Men in Sheds 'Making Traditional Christmas
Toys' 10am – 12pm
Learn the skills to make traditional Christmas
toys with our shedders from the Men in Sheds
project. Steve 020 8294 3017
Every Saturday Knit-And-Natter
Bring an existing project or start from fresh with
your own materials. 020 8315 1883
SEnine
12 Eltham has something for everyone
WHAT'S ON
In 1970 Helene Hanff wrote a
book about her twenty-year
correspondence with Frank Doel,
the chief buyer for Marks and Co,
an antiquarian bookseller located
at 84 Charing Cross Road. In 1949
Helene had been unable to fi nd
certain obscure classics and
British literature titles in her native
New York and contacted the shop.
It fell to Frank to fulfi l her requests
and what started as a business
relationship evolved into a deep
and lasting friendship, between
Helene and Frank, and other staff
members. This delightful story
was adapted for the stage and
comes to Bob Hope Theatre in
November.
Directed by Sue Owen, the cast
of six have been rehearsing since
August. In her fi rst straight role
(she has appeared in a number
of musicals) is Penny Walshe as
Helene Hanff . As Frank Doel is
Bob Hope regular Nigel Taylor. In
support are David Fewkes (last
seen in When We Are Married)
and well known faces Sarah Pinel,
Nicole Tribe and Rab Cowan as
the bookshop staff and Helen’s
friend.
Using an open plan set piled high
with books to defi ne the diff erent
spaces, period music, and simple
costumes, this will concentrate
on the spirited characters. Bring
all the family to fi nd out why
Helene sent food parcels and their
thoughts on the coronation of
Elizabeth II, alongside the sharing
of personal news and their hopes
for the future.
This is a warm and captivating
tale of friendship and the love of
books.
BOB
HOPE
THEATRE
COMING ATTRACTIONS
All aboard for 84 Charing Cross Road
The White Hart Pub is a
suppoter of Bob Hope Theatre
and open for pre-show drinks
& meals and post-show drinks.
SEnine
13Be a good neighbour
PREVIEW by Beattie Slavin
1811At Westminster Abbey, a group of Church
of England clergymen and some wealthy
landowners and tradesmen set up ‘The
National Society’. Its purpose was to
encourage the setting up of schools for
the education of the poor. By the end of
the 19th century, this body had helped
establish over 11,000 schools.
1813‘Eltham National School’ was about the
100th one registered with them. There
had been a schoolmaster at Eltham
Church in 1592, paid to teach the children
and wind the clock. Since 1716, Mrs
Elizabeth Legatt’s charity had paid for a
few children to be taught. But 1813 saw
the start of the fi rst purpose-built school
for all Eltham’s needy children.
The chief founder was the Vicar, 1783-
1840. Revd. John Kenward Shaw-Brooke.
He knew that several affl uent parishioners
were supporters of the National Society
and three were his fellow Trustees of Mrs
Legatt’s charity. Having preached that
it was the duty of the rich to provide
education for the poor, he called a
meeting, which formed a Committee of
13 men on 19th September 1813.
Over one of the coldest winters ever,
they acquired a lease of a piece of land
in Pound Place. A two-storey school
measuring 35 ft by 22ft was built. It was
intended for up to 100 boys, with 100 girls
upstairs too.
1814The Committee chose Mr & Mrs Richard
Pater as the fi rst teachers. They listed the
fi rst rules for pupils and for Management.
The school opened on 16th April 1814.
Children aged 6 to 14 years walked in
from the whole of Eltham. The fi rst known
boy was James Houltum, aged 14 years:
the fi rst known girl, Elizabeth Stubbing, 6
years.
1818After several staff changes, Richard Davis
was appointed schoolmaster. Vicar Shaw-
Brooke conducted his wedding to local
girl Elizabeth Cliff e, and, in due course,
baptised their six children. They taught
the boys and girls of the school from 1818
– 1834.
1833On 5th September 1833, they led the
children down to the Vicarage Field to join
with almost everyone else in the village,
in celebrating Revd. Shaw-Brooke’s 50
years as Vicar of Eltham. He had been the
school’s main founder. After speeches
came food, games, dancing and fi reworks.
The site is now Sowerby Close.
1834Mr & Mrs Davis left Eltham, and teaching,
to run a pub in Tooting. Richard and Mary
White were appointed to replace them.
As the elderly Vicar grew increasingly
deaf, he could no longer deal directly
with the children but still served as the
Committee’s Treasurer until his death in
December 1840.
1840Earlier that year, a temporary Infant School
had been built, taking pupils from the
age of 2. They progressed to the National
School at 6 or 7 years old. The fi rst-known
Infants were Sarah Hooper and George
Russell. The fi rst Infant Mistress was Miss
Sarah Loader. She was expected to deal
with up to a hundred 2 – 6 year olds.
1852A permanent brick-built Infant school was
provided, alongside ‘Back Lane’.
(The Sainsburys’ front entrance is there
now). Eltham resident Mr Richard Mills
gave the land to build the Infant School
on. Mr William Tasker, a local architect,
planned it. The opening was another
reason for a festive picnic in the Vicarage
Field!
Within a few months, a house for the
Infant Mistress was built, adjoining the
school. A widow with two daughters was
then the teacher. Between them, Mrs
Margaret Miller and Miss Emma Miller
were in charge there from 1846 – 1883.
Meanwhile, the Eltham Boys and Girls
National Schools made progress. There
was a free Sunday School for children
who still wanted to learn, but had to go
to work instead.
Miss Augusta Levick led the fi rst known
school outing, by taking the girls to Crystal
Palace in 1852. When the Committee said
it couldn’t aff ord a Master to teach the
Boys to sing, Mrs Charlotte Lewin went
in as a volunteer every week for six years,
and did so.
1856Miss Isabella Harrison married local baker
William Scriven but, as Mrs Scriven,
continued as the Girls’ Mistress 1856 –
1880. The Boys School was directed by
gifted water-colour artist Charles Moff att
Sharpe 1841 – 1869. His pupils nicknamed
him ‘Bishop Sharpe’.
The teaching system
in use nationally by
then involved ‘ pupil-
teachers’. These were
usually teenagers,
given charge of
classes of younger
pupils, under the close
supervision of the
Master or Mistress. The
existing building of
1813, was no longer
suitable. Often there
were 150 pupils in a
space designed for
only 100.
Eltham's Oldest Primary SchoolMargaret Taylor tells the story of the first 200 years. Part 1 - 1813 to 1913
(Part two will appear early next year)
SEnine
14 Help keep Eltham tidy! Put your litter in bins.
FEATURE
1860The National School had received several
very generous legacies. Mrs Legatt’s
Trustees also gave £400. So the Committee
stopped saying “We cannot aff ord it!” to
every request. Lawyers advised them that
the money could be used to build a new
school, not just support the old one. In
May 1866, the Trustees of Roper’s Charity,
founded in 1616, to benefi t the poor of
Eltham, gave them a patch of vacant
land. That land is where the school still
stands in 2013.
After considering nationally-known
architects, they again asked local man ,
William Tasker, to design their building.
He was thus on hand, to supervise the
builders, from Naylors of Rochester.
It was estimated the cost of Boys and
Girls Schools, with adjoining houses for
the Master and Mistress, would be £2,420
plus extras for boundary walls, fi xtures,
and fees. Money banked or promised
totalled £2,550. The real total cost was
nearly £2,821.
1868The Bishop of Rochester ( in whose
diocese Eltham then was ) declared it
offi cially open on 12th November 1868.
The rooms were elongated rectangles in
plan. (The Boys’ Schoolroom is now the
Assembly Hall.)
From extant Architect’s plans it appears
the pupils sat at fi xed bench-seats in class
groups, but the Master or Mistress could
command a view of them all. There were
also small separate classrooms, where the
Heads could tutor their pupil-teachers
and assistants after the younger children
had left for home.
Both the 1813-1868 National Schools,
the Infants School, and the newer Roper
Street building 1868 to date were used by
the wider Eltham community after school
hours. The school had a lending library
from as early as 1832. There was the
Eltham Town Band by 1867. The Eltham
Cricket Club was formed there in 1872,
the Eltham Choral Society by 1882, and
many other worthy organisations which
still fl ourish, but meet elsewhere.
1870In 1866, with the coming of the Sidcup
railway line, Eltham’s population grew.
In 1870, the Government had fi nally
made what we call ‘Primary Education’
compulsory. The School
Board for London
was formed. Eltham’s
Congregational Church,
having set up its own
small school a few years
before, approached the
School Board. Briefl y, in
1873, that was Eltham’s
fi rst Board School. But,
instead of the fi nancial
support they had hoped
for, the Board cut its staff .
George Rathbone left
to teach in Yorkshire. He
returned fi ve years later
as Eltham’s Postmaster,
and promoter of evening
lectures and concerts in
the National School.
1881Eltham’s fi rst purpose-
built Board School was
‘Pope Street School’
in New Eltham, opened in 1881. Pupil
numbers in Eltham National School rose
to the point of overcrowding; then fell
dramatically as most New Eltham children
went to their new local school. Modern
residents will know it as ‘Wyborne’ school,
re-named at their centenary in 1981, to
commemorate the schoolmaster of 1592,
who had to wind the church clock too.
For the last 30 years of the 19th century,
Frederick Francis was the National School’s
Master. From his nickname of ‘Gaff er’, we
imagine a diff erent character from ‘Bishop’
Sharpe. It took Government until 1891
to realise education would need to be
free, as well as compulsory, if the poorest
children were to be included. With the
Bexleyheath railway line’s building in
1895, and Woolwich Arsenal’s need for
workers, Eltham’s population grew again.
In the earliest years of the 20th century, The
London School Board ( & later the L.C.C.
) provided the Gordon and Deansfi eld
Schools. It had the same eff ects on the
Eltham National Schools in Roper Street
and ‘Back Lane’ as had happened in 1881.
Pupil numbers swelled to impossible
levels, then suddenly dropped as the
new schools opened. Forecasting future
staffi ng needs was extremely diffi cult.
1901Mr Richard Gregory served as Eltham
National School’s Headmaster 1901
– 1921. He was also a Churchwarden
of Eltham Church (St. John’s), wrote
a weekly column for the local news-
paper, and was the author of “The Story
of Royal Eltham”, published in 1909. In
1906, London County Council proposed
that the separate Boys and Girls National
Schools should be called ‘Eltham Church
of England School’ and be ‘Mixed’. Despite
vociferous protests, especially from
mothers of girls, the Diocese agreed and
the change was offi cially made. Pupils still
said they attended the Eltham National
School.
1911New classrooms were added to the front
and the east in 1911. It is largely the 1911
frontage we see today at the end of Roper
Street. Building work overran the summer
holiday schedule and Mr Gregory
reported the problems of teaching while
decorators were still scraping adjoining
walls.
With Mr Gregory’s love of history, he
made sure the school’s Centenary was
celebrated in style in 1913. Eltham’s
residents, both ex-pupils, newcomers
and others, were invited in to see displays
of work that the pupils, boys and girls,
aged 6 to 14, had prepared. There were
thanksgivings in church and parties in
school and in parks.
There will be in 2013-14 too.
SEnine
15Make a diff erence in your community
FEATURE
This summer I cycled 325 miles
from London to Paris in four days
in aid of the charity ‘Practical Action.’
The previous year, I decided to do the
London to Brighton and joined Limited
Edition to get some training as I hadn’t
cycled since I was a kid.
For 2013, I wanted to take on a charity
challenge. I had spoken to several
people who had ridden London to Paris,
so I thought, ‘Why not?’ I registered
for a London to Paris bike ride,
31st July – 4th August, just
before Christmas with ‘Discover
Adventure Ltd’.
The challenge was to cycle the 325
miles from London to Paris in four days,
in aid of the charity ‘Practical Action’
There were 65 riders and my training
comprised regular Sunday morning
club rides and then longer training runs
from May onwards.’
Sixty fi ve of us started from The
Clarendon Hotel Blackheath heading
for Dover. The weather was cool and I
managed to get lost on the way – really
embarrassing as I live the nearest to the
start point! We all managed to catch the
ferry, however and stayed overnight in
Calais.
Our second day’s riding was from Calais
to Arras, and to minimise the risk of
getting lost again, I teamed up with four
riders from Scotland!
The day started well and then it
became really tough as we cycled
into a heat wave - 40C! - and
some challenging hills. At one
point, we were picked up by a
support vehicle, curtailing 12
miles.
All day we cycled in baking
heat and there was no one
to be seen. We cycled past
fi elds of wheat and maize, the
occasional combine harvester
and shuttered villages.
Whilst seriously challenging,
I had enjoyed the day and we
were already more than halfway to Paris.
Our third day’s cycling took us from Arras
to Compiegne and our morning water
break at the First World War Memorial at
Thiepval was a sobering moment.
The heat was even more sapping as it
was 40C and humid. We went at a snail’s
pace and were forever stopping to drink
as our bodies would not work otherwise.
There was a wonderful moment when
we found a tap at a cemetery with cool
water. We did a rain dance, drank, fi lled
up our bottles and left three euros in
Thanksgiving!
Our fi nal early evening leg was
exhilarating! At last the heat disappeared
and we regained our energy. We fl ew in
together!
It was already our fi nal day’s cycling. The
soaring temperatures had disappeared.
Villages gave way to suburbs and our
spirits lifted as we saw a sign for Charles
de Gaulle Airport. We then cycled
through Paris and arrived at Bois de
Boulogne at 2.45pm.
Everyone had made it! High fi ves and
hugs before our fi nal cycle in convoy to
Champs des Mars, behind Eiff el Tower,
where we did a lap of honour and were
met by friends and family.
After the photos, we cycled to our
hotel for an evening of celebration. The
London to Paris bike ride, which took so
much time in preparation and training
is already a memory – and a much
cherished one!
I feel it was quite achievement, only 18
months after joining Limited Edition. I
started on Saturday rides and then the
longer Sunday morning to the gorgeous
Kent countryside. Club members are
friendly and supportive and it is a good
way to maintain fi tness.
Practical Action uses technology to
challenge poverty in developing
countries. This enables poor
communities to build on their skills and
knowledge to produce sustainable and
practical solutions
http://practicalaction.org/
If you would like to support Paul with
his fundraising, please visit the link on
SEnine Magazine’s home page at
www.senine.co.uk
And if you would like to fi nd out more
about cycling in Eltham with LEC, please
visit their website:
http://www.limitededitioncycling.co.uk;
Eltham cyclist has followed in the wheels of Chris Froome and triumphed in Paris. Paul Walsh, a member of the Limited Edition Cycling club tells his story.
London to Paris or BustSEnine
16
NEWS
Take a walk in the Tarn
ST MARY’S COMMUNITY COMPLEXST MARY’S COMMUNITY COMPLEX
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 2040
5 Wonderful sites for your CHRISTMAS Function
The Friends of St Mary's
Christmas Fayre 2013Saturday
23rd November
10:30am to 3pm, St Mary's Community Centre,
180 Eltham High Street
Christmas is Coming!
Crafts, stocking fi llers & more
Children's craft activities
........ reassuringly diff erent
........ reassuringly diff erent
Supported by The Royal Borough of Greenwich
COME AND PLAY CLUB RUGBY
WE ARE LOOKING TO STRENGTHEN
OUR YOUTH SECTION
Our youth sponsor, IQ Education Recruitment Limited, wishes to expand the youth section and we are looking for players in the 10-16 age groups. No experience is necessary with all training by properly qualifi ed and accredited coaches.
With the Rugby world cup coming to the UK in 2015, this is a great time to get involved in the sport. Improve your fi tness, meet new people and learn new skills. We train on Thursday (5:30-7:30pm) with games and / or training on Sunday (10am-12pm). Simply come along to a training session and see what you think or call us on 020 8856 1025 or the Youth Chairman, Pat Brown on 07787 500 252.
We have excellent facilities in Broad Walk, Kidbrooke, SE3 which boasts 3 fl oodlit pitches, gym and squash court and bar, kitchen and function hall. The club has 4 senior teams competing in the South London league and the youth section is the Senior squads of tomorrow.
Charlton Park RFC, 60a Broad Walk, Kidbrooke
London SE3 8NB
Telephone 020 8856 1025
Web www.charltonpark.org.uk
SEnine
17Join a local community group
Following the recent Conservative
Conference the ‘Help to Buy’ scheme
has been brought forward from January
to immediate eff ect with the principle
idea that it would help fi rst-time buyers
especially those who are not fortunate
enough to have the bank of Mum & Dad
to get onto the housing ladder.
A recent statistic suggested that 94%
of renters would prefer to buy and this
scheme is designed to help them.
Or will it cause a housing bubble?
There are many questions and this
report, I hope, will answer many of them
for you and if not then you are welcome
to contact any of the companies
mentioned at the end of this report.
Why is this needed?
Back in 2007/2008 the majority of
people could go to their mortgage
broker with a 5% deposit or less and
get a mortgage, even those with
questionable credit history. Many
people took advantage of 125%
borrowing which caused immediate
negative equity. Since the credit crunch
of 2008 banks were exposed with bad
lending books and this caused massive
gaps in the lenders balance sheets. This
meant that the lenders who were still
willing to lend could not take on any
risk so overnight the 100% and low
deposit mortgages were gone and
you needed a 25% deposit to get onto
the housing ladder (with the better
rates needing a 40% deposit). With an
average house price in Greater London
being £475,940 (source: BBC News 16th Sept 13), this
meant you needed £118,985 deposit to
get onto the ladder. Needless to say the
fi rst-time buyer market dried up hence
the need for this scheme.
How does this work as surely the
banks have the same risk?
Actually no, the bank’s exposure is less
as the government reduce this risk by
ultimately acting as guarantors for a
portion of the mortgage. Therefore
the banks can off er 95% loans again
and if the borrower defaults on the
mortgage, the government guarantees
the extra 15% so the banks ultimate risk
is 80% which means their lending book
remains strong and hopefully this will
be refl ected in the rates off ered.
So can I buy immediately?
Not exactly. You can source your
property and source your lender but
you are not able to complete until the
New Year albeit you can exchange
contracts beforehand it is believed.
In reality, even if you
found a property today
you would have to rush
things through to beat
this time line anyhow!
I couldn’t get a
mortgage before
because I had some
credit issues, will this
scheme help me?
Sadly you will be in
the same position as
before. The lender still
has to undertake a due
diligence process and
if you have had past
problems then you
are likely to still have
a challenge on
your hands to get a
mortgage. However
if your credit issues
were historic and you
have had clean credit for a long period
then it is worth seeing an Independent
Mortgage Adviser to assess your options
I am led to believe I can only buy a
new build property, is this true?
Nope this was the case until now. You
can buy an older property or newly
built if you wish. Please note that the
lenders criteria for property types
still stands so take advice especially
before you purchase an ex-council,
high rise property, decked access,
past subsidence or any questionable
property.
I was informed that I would get a
20% loan from the government
towards my purchase?
This is the scheme for new builds only,
whereby the government scheme
loans you 20% deposit, then you can
add a further amount to get the benefi t
of cheaper interest rates at 75%. The
new scheme for non-new builds is a
guarantee scheme rather than a
physical loan.
The Facts: Help to Buy SchemeSimon Hughes, Managing Director of Conran Estates
writes for SEnine on this latest government housing initiative
SEnine
18 Be active in your community
REAL ESTATE REPORT
I am not a fi rst-time buyer, can I still
take advantage of the scheme?
Yes you can as it is also designed for
those who cannot move due to a lack
of equity in their property. However,
you could have an abundance of equity
and still wish to take part in the scheme
but this is highly unlikely as it would not
make fi nancial sense for those in this
position.
What is the maximum property
value I can purchase?
£600,000
Can I buy a second property if I am
going to live in it (i.e. rent out my
existing residence)?
No, certainly not. You must only own
one property to take advantage of this
scheme.
What lenders are signed up to the
scheme?
At the time of writing this (01st October) it
is only the banks where UK Plc's have
ownership who are participating (RBS
group which Incorporates NatWest
and Lloyds being their Halifax brand).
I am reliably informed that banks such
as HSBC, Santander, Nationwide and
Barclays are considering, and hopefully
by time of print they will be fully
signed up members of the scheme. I
would recommend speaking to an
Independent Mortgage Adviser.
Could this scheme infl ate prices?
I am saddened to suggest that in my
opinion it will infl ate prices especially in
London, but I feel it will create a potential
bubble which is not sustainable over
the medium term unless the authorities
manage the scheme in a steady and
sustainable way.
For over 25 years we have been
successfully serving the needs of local
residents from our busy ‘family run’ offi ce
here in Eltham. One of the few agents still
open 7 days a week.
With property ‘open days’ attracting
viewers into double fi gures, its no surprise
we’ve been achieving ‘asking price’ off ers
and above on many properties and
Landlords are able to select tenants from
several interested applicants.......
WE JUST NEED MORE PROPERTIES!
Although we take pride in off ering a
‘personal hands on’ service, details of
your home will be published through
numerous leading Web sites, reaching
local, regional, national and international
buyers and tenants.
MORTGAGE NEWS LATEST: ‘Help to
Buy Mortgage Scheme’ - Thought you
couldn’t move? Think Again! it’s not just
for fi rst time buyers - call for full details.
HARRISON INGRAM
New Interactive Website
www.bernardskinner.co.uk.
Our website has been redesigned and
upgraded to enhance the exposure for
our clients with property for sale or to
let, and to give further details of the
services which we off er.
Househunters can go online to
see the photos and descriptions of
available properties, and can book a
viewing for ones they like the look of.
Anyone needing further information
on the new ‘Help to Buy’ scheme, or
up-to-date information on mortgage
availability, can submit an online
enquiry to our mortgage adviser.
For those who have already found a
property to buy, details of the various
survey options are available on the
website, and a survey quote enquiry
can be submitted online.
www.bernardskinner.co.uk
or 020 8859 3033
LOVE ELTHAM
Albeit we have 3 offi ces in the
borough I have always had a true
passion for Eltham. My grandfather
owned a lighting company in Grove
Market Place and my father owned a
carpet shop at the top end of Eltham
High Street so it makes me rather
proud to be the third generation of
my family to own a shop in such a
great area.
Eltham, to me, has great memories and
what I especially love about Eltham is
how passionate the locals are about
their independent small businesses
and this is one of my passions too. In
actual fact my newsletter which goes
to 20,000 individuals always makes
reference to local businesses, so if
you are a good local business owner
I would love to hear from you should
you want some free advertising on
our newsletter? Yes I did say FREE, not
often you hear that from an estate
agent eh!!
If you are considering selling or
letting, and you want to deal with a
lovely small independent and local
business then do consider us. We
have a great deal on at the moment
(see our double-page advert).
How much will prices increase in
2013/14?
Again, only my opinion, but I feel it
will increase by 15% in London. Some
other analysts and industry experts are
suggesting that the market is purely
catching up from 2007 to date but,
being sceptical feel diff erently.
SEnine
19Help keep Eltham safe - report suspicious activity!
REAL ESTATE REPORT
The main outdoor war memorials
were dedicated at Mottingham
Village in 1920 and at St John’s
Church, Eltham, in 1924. A larger
commemoration of the First World War
lies at the top of Shooters Hill in the form
of the Woolwich & District Memorial
Hospital, which was paid for by public
subscriptions and opened in 1927 by
the Duke of York (later King George V1)
accompanied by the Duchess. It houses
an impressive Hall of Remembrance
with a Book of Remembrance recording
names of lost military and civilian
citizens born or resident in the Parishes
of Woolwich, Plumstead, Abbey Wood,
Eltham, Mottingham, Lamorbey, North
Woolwich, Silvertown 5171; Charlton,
Kidbrooke 553; Bexley, Bexleyheath,
Welling and East Wickham 506. An
additional book records losses in the
Second World War and a page is turned
every day. In the great hall at Eltham
Palace is a decorated wooden box
bearing the inscription ‘Gifts for the War
Memorial Hospital’ that may date from
1936-1944 when Stephen Courtauld
served on the Board of Management.
In front of the main war memorial in the
grounds of Christ Church, Shooters Hill
stands another in the shape of an historic
milestone previously standing across the
road. Having been abandoned during
roadworks (and subsequently replaced)
it was resurrected after the First World
War with the inscription shown on the
accompanying photograph (right); the
original information is also recorded, ‘8
Miles to London Bridge’ and ‘7 Miles to
Dartford’.
A seemingly incongruous war memorial
(below right) stands in Courtlands
Avenue amid a 1960s housing
development with the inscription,
THIS MEMORIAL STANDS ON THE SITE OF
ST PETER’S ELTHAM. BUILT 1870. IT WAS
DEMOLISHED IN 1960 FOLLOWING DAMAGE
SUSTAINED BY ENEMY ACTION DURING THE
1939-1945 WAR.
A newspaper report of 6 August
1920 reports that, ‘This beautiful war
memorial has recently been erected
in the churchyard of St Peter’s, Eltham
Road, Lee, as a memorial to the fallen
from this parish. It was designed
by Messrs Hatchard Smith and Son,
ARIBA, and was executed by Messrs.
Farmer & Bradley, Ltd. Of Westminster
Bridge Road.’ The names of the fallen
are inscribed on the memorial but are
becoming diffi cult to read.
They Are Not Forgotten
St Peter’s memorial, Courtlands Avenue
John Kennett looks at some local war memorials
Memorial Hospital, Shooters Hill, Hall of Remembrance
Milestone memorial, Christ Church, Shooters Hill
SEnine
20
HISTORIC ELTHAM
Following sale of the church site to
Wates for housing the war memorial
was restored and re-dedicated by the
Bishop of Woolwich, Dr John Robinson
in May 1962. The present St Peter’s
Church stands at the junction of Eltham
Road and Weigall Road.
Wrought-iron gates are often used as
war memorials. An example can be seen
in Kidbrooke Lane at the entrance to the
sports fi eld now used by the Blackheath
Rugby Club, which were dedicated by
the Bishop of Woolwich in November
1948. The gates were then opened by
Dr P Dunsheath, CBE, MA, Chairman
of the Governing Body of Woolwich
Polytechnic in honour of members,
students and staff who gave their lives
in the two world wars. Known as the
‘Gates of Memory’, they were designed
by Mr LSM Prince, ARCA, and a former
art master at Woolwich Polytechnic
and incorporate the letters ‘W’ and ‘P’.
In a contemporary report they were
described as, ‘A fi ne example of the best
of Kent craftsmanship by Hyders, Ltd., of
Sevenoaks’.
The Royal Arsenal Co-operative Society
(RACS) purchased the Essenden Sports
Ground (now Eltham Town Football
Club) in Footscray Road, which was
opened in August 1947. In May 1950
the bowling green was inaugurated
and on August Bank Holiday Monday
that year a plaque was unveiled on the
new entrance gates as a memorial to
employees who died in both wars; the
plaque was later removed.
A war memorial is fi xed to the outer
wall of the chapel at Eltham College,
Mottingham, recording the loss of staff
and pupils in the Second World War
including the athlete Eric Liddell. A
plaque on the cricket pavilion records
that, THIS FIELD WAS PRESENTED TO THE
SCHOOL BY THE OLD BOYS IN MEMORY OF THOSE
OLD ELTHAMIANS WHO FELL IN THE GREAT WAR
1914-1918; their names are recorded in
the school chapel.
A cabinet at Eltham C of E School,
Roper Street, holds the school’s Book
of Remembrance that was compiled
after the First World War; the London
County Council issued such books to
all educational establishments where
losses occurred but have not always
survived.
Churches are a natural place for outside
memorials including Holy Trinity,
Southend Crescent, and All Saints,
Bercta Road, New Eltham, which are
a focus of tribute on Remembrance
Sunday. At St Luke’s, Westmount Road,
an internal Roll of Honour lists those
from the parish who died in the First
World War of which most are also
recorded on the Eltham Memorial in
Eltham High Street. Inside Holy Trinity
Church is a memorial to fi ve members of
the 2nd Royal Eltham Scout Group who
lost their lives in the same confl ict while
opposite stands the unique Gallipoli
Memorial recording those who lost
their lives between 1915-1916 at that
abortive campaign in the Dardanelles.
The Vicar, Rev Henry Hall, was the
Chaplain to the 29th Division and got
permission for the Chapel of St Agnes to
be re-dedicated in 1917 as a permanent
memorial to those who fought in those
foreign parts. A remembrance service is
held every April.
A carved wooden memorial was
installed in the HQ of the 18th Royal
Eltham Air Scout Group at Southwood
Road to remember six members who
had lost their lives in the Second World
War particularly as members of the
Royal Air Force. When the group folded
the building was sold; the memorial
was later installed at the Royal Eltham
Scout District HQ.
The earliest local war memorial, recently
restored by the Eltham Society, stands
near the entrance to the church hall
at St John’s, by Well Hall Road, and is
dedicated to nine local men who lost
their life between 1899 and 1902 during
the South African War.
We Will Remember ThemAll pictures are from the John Kennett collection
Woolwich Polytechnic memorial gates (1939-1945),
Kidbrooke Lane
This year's service will be held
on Sunday November 10th.
The parade will fall in at the
Woodcroft Club car park, 254
Eltham High Street, and march
off at 10.35am, to arrive at the
War memorial at St John's
Church at 11am. Following
the 2 minutes silence, wreaths
will be laid followed by a
service at St John the Baptist
Church, Eltham.
See page 10 King's Troop
2013 Remembrance
Service
South African memorial at St John’s churchyard
SEnine
21
HISTORIC ELTHAM
As I write, Cray Valley are enjoying a run of 7 games without defeat, including 5 consecutive victories. But it’s Erith Town who sit proudly at the top of the Southern Counties East Football League following a 1-0 win at Phoenix Sports while the Millers were seeing off Holmesdale by 5 goals to 1. In Cup competitions, Cray excelled this month with a 2-0 win at Deal Town in the Kent Senior Trophy, setting up a trip to Beckenham Town on 30th November, before Barkingside were beaten 3-1 in the London Senior Cup. We will now travel to Welling United in the next round on Wednesday 27 November. Our FA Vase tie with AFC Croydon Athletic was due to be played as this edition of SEnine went to print and to fi nd out how we fared, and for all the latest fi xture news from Badgers, visit our website, www.cray-valley.co.uk or our League’s website at www.scefl .com.
Erith Town were also in FA Vase action so let’s hope that both of our clubs managed to get through to the next round which is due to be played on the weekend of 16 November. Meanwhile, Erith’s Kent Senior Trophy campaign came to an end in the fi rst round as they went out 3-1 on penalties at Ashford United, after a 2-2 draw. November sees the start of the League Cup where the Millers face a two legged fi rst round tie with Deal Town while Erith Town face home and away ties with Holmesdale. With League fi xtures also planned for this month, it’s action all the way at Badgers! As if that wasn’t enough, we are hosting a Family Quiz Night on Friday 29 November, and with Salsa classes every Wednesday evening, we hope to see you at Badgers very soon.
Frank MayChairmanCray 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
James Davie (Secretary)
077807 712149
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.
As at 15/10/2013
SEnine
22
SPORT
Join you local neighbourhood watch scheme
Suspended until further notice due to renovations
Full range of beauty treatments.
Dermalogica® stockists.
Gift vouchers. Graham Webb salon
202-204 Eltham High StreetEltham SE9 1BH
Telephone 020 8850 6311www.beautywithineltham.co.uk
LARGE ENOUGH TO EXCEL SMALL ENOUGH TO CARELARGE ENOUGH TO EXCEL SMALL ENOUGH TO CARE
C O L L E G EE L T H A M
Autumn Tours also available for 11+ entry.
Call 020 8857 1455to reserve your place
Junior School Open Morning at Eltham College Sat 16th November10.00am – 12.30pm Boys 7-11
Eltham College Junior School, Mottingham Lane, Mottingham, London SE9 4RWTelephone 020 8857 3457www.eltham-college.org.uk/Junior
SEnine
23
SEnine
Take an interest in local events
Experience the complete Trophy Pet Food Service • Quality Pet Food & Advice
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Come & meet our friendly team in our 97th Anniversary year
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Eltham Church of England primary
school, in Roper Street, was
originally founded in 1813 as part of the
new ‘national school’ movement for the
education of the poor.
A local committee had fi rst met in
September 1813 and the school
opened in Pound Place the following
April, moving to its current site in 1868.
Attended by the Bishop of Woolwich,
the Rt Rev Dr Michael Ipgrave, the
Mayor Cllr Angela Cornforth, teachers,
staff , parents and members of the local
community were present for the service
of hymns, prayers
and readings.
The entire school, led
by the Bishop, the
parish priest the Rev
James Bryson and
Eltham’s MP Clive
Eff ord, processed
along the High
Street, back to Roper
Street where singing
continued led by
the school choir, in
the playground.
At the service, the
children presented
a tableau representing scenes of the
school’s life over the generations.
Four cloths,
representing the
church’s seasons,
in purple, white,
red and green,
made by church
members Verina
Cliff ord and
Janet Wykes,
were presented
to the school to
c o m m e m o r a te
the anniversary
to act as a focus
for the collective
worship in the
school.
Educating Eltham, 200 Years.A Service of Thanksgiving at Eltham Parish Church
has fired the starting gun on the 200th anniversary celebrations of SE9’s oldest school.
Footnote; To read about the history
of the fi rst 100 years of the school see
the story on pages 14 & 15.
SEnine
24 Local Business - use it or lose it
FEATURE
SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING
Thursday 7th November 5.00pm-7.00pm
Executive Principal: Dr Chris TomlinsonPrincipal: Mr George McMillan
Middle Park Avenue, London SE9 5EQ
T: 020 8859 0133
For further information or to requesta prospectus, please contact us:
Come and visit Harris Academy Greenwich, the top performing non-selective school in the borough, a school that is top of the
League Tables and in the top 5% of schools in England.
Meet the Sixth Form Team and find out what our Academy can offer you.
Sixth Form
Cut & Blow Dry's Short Hair £36.95 Long £39.95Highlights (Bleach) with Cut & Blow Dry (foil)Short Hair £75.00 Med Hair £85.95 Long Hair £95.95Tinting extra per colour £13.50
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020 3417 0148 or 07725 669 559
www.crystalspalace.co.uk
Mon - Sat; 9.30am-7pm. Sun 10am-6pm
Meridian Acupressure Massage
✪ Full Body Massage 60 minutes £45
✪ Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage
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All treatments by Appointment
Pedicure, Manicure, Eyebrow Treatment & Waxing also are available.
Beauty Facial Treatment
✪ Classic Facial
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F I R E P L A C E S
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We service gas fi res
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SEnine
25When in doubt, do the right thing
By day, he’s a ‘nine to fi ver’ helping
the government to boost Britain’s
trade with the world.
By night he inhabits a heady world of
celebrity friendship. When most people
are sinking fi rmly into their armchairs
Craig Cabell is logging on to his
computer for a session of authorship.
For up to four hours thereafter, the
Eltham author works on books which
sell around the world on characters in
the ‘A’ section of most people’s list of
celebrities.
It’s a routine that he’s had for nearly 20
years and has led to a list of books which
would outstrip many full time authors.
But his output in 2013 is set to beat his
own records for number and breadth of
interest.
Amongst the star line-up are James
Herbert, styled British best chiller writer,
who died in March; Dr Who; John F
Kennedy, 50 years since that terrible day
in Dallas; and, in the pipeline, a work on
Iain Banks, best-selling author who also
died this year.
If that’s not enough, in his day job he’s
interviewed generals, princes, lords,
arms-dealers, prime ministers and, in
the occasional quiet moment between
engagements, written three regular
wine and book columns.
“I do enjoy working”, said Craig, who
also has time to be father to three and
Vice Chair of Governors of the school
they have all attended, St Thomas More,
in Appleton Road.
As an antidote to the world of celebrity,
Craig likes nothing better than to
give talks and read to the children of
St Thomas More, inspiring their own
passion for the written word.
Craig’s career in celebrity writing started
when he left school and just pitched
up at the newly-founded Independent
newspaper, off ering to write about
authors and rock stars. Their reaction
was an encouraging ‘who would you
like to interview then?’
It was to be the fi rst of many journalistic
commissions. After several years of
hobnobbing in showbiz circles, it
occurred to him that he had enough
material to write a book. Craig is now
working on his 20th.
Among this year’s subjects are two top
authors who he had come to know well,
James Herbert, a great friend, who died
on 20 March aged 69. And Iain Banks,
who died earlier this year of liver cancer.
The books are biographies, based on
interviews he has conducted with them,
their literary connections and family.
Even Craig wouldn’t claim to have met
Dr Who himself, although he has met
most of his incarnations, William Hartnell
aside, and he is hoping to speak to Peter
Capaldi, the new Doctor, and who was
also in the BBC version of Banks’s ‘Crow
Road’
His book contains biographies and
pictures of all the doctors and is being
released to coincide with the series’
50th anniversary in this month.
As fans will know, and some remember,
the fi rst ever episode of Dr Who was
broadcast the day after the shooting of
the American president, J F Kennedy,
the subject of Craig’s other book being
released this year.
“I’m not a conspiracy theorist”, said
Craig, who has a knowledge of ballistics
through his day job, writing about
defence hardware, “But the shooting
couldn’t have happened as we’re led to
believe by the authorities.”
His book, based upon sound ballistic
evidence and offi cial medical records,
rules out the possibility that Lee Harvey
Oswald, the man arrested, was the real
assassin.
“Each book takes around seven to eight
months to complete, much written after
extensive research and in those post-
twilight hours in the study of his three
bedroomed home on the Progress
Estate.
A by-product of Craig’s work is an
abundance of celeb' anecdotes which
suggest he would almost become a
one-man Parkinson show.
Here’s just one, told to him by Goon
Spike Milligan, who he visited many
times at his home near Rye. He told Craig
one day: “I've got a new joke: Man loses
dog. Man puts advert in newspaper.
Advert reads: Here boy!’
Eltham author Craig Cabell had more interest than most in the identity of the new Dr Who.
The Whose of WhoSEnine
26 Help keep Eltham tidy! Put your litter in bins.
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Eltham MP Clive Eff ord joined riders
from local cycling club Limited
Edition to ride around the boundary of
his Eltham Constituency to raise money
for Demelza Children’s Hospice and for
cycling charity Wheels for Wellbeing
and to mark Britain’s Personal Best Day.
Britain’s Personal Best (BPB) is a year-
round programme that aims to inspire
people to set themselves goals and
potentially attract sponsorship to
achieve those goals to raise money for
their chosen charity.
“I was delighted that so many turned
up to join me today” explained Clive.
“I would like to thank the young riders
from Limited Edition who kept me
going” said Clive.
“Demelza really is a fantastic charity
providing an amazing service for sick
children and their families so it is an
honour to be able to put something
back like this.”
If people still want to donate to Demelza
then they can do that through Clive’s
JustGiving page
www.justgiving.com/Clive-Eff ord-MP.
If people want to donate to the cycling
charity Wheels for Wellbeing then
simply visit
www.justgiving.com/Neil-Robertson-
Limited-Direction-cycling.
"Wheels for Wellbeing is another
excellent charity that helps ensure that
everyone can share in the joy and many
benefi ts of cycling, regardless of any
physical, health, mental or psychological
barriers they may experience.” said Clive.
Clive Efford rides the border as he raises money for good causes
Parliamentary Performance of Pedal Power
Home in the saddle
SEnine
27Don't fi nd fault, fi nd a remedy
NEWS
At the Court Yard Surgery
28 Court Yard,
Eltham SE95QA
020 8850 7623
Open 6 days
a week plus
home visits
Lorna McGucken & AssociatesBSc(Hons) HCPC 12250
1 s t H e a l t hF o o t C l i n i c
Contact Sally for details
0751 009 4170or [email protected]
Fitness Classes
St. Luke’s Church,
Westmount Road,
Wednesday 7-8 pm
Thursday 7-8 pm
Fi
St
W
W
T
50 plus Ladies
Classes (all levels)
Eltham Park
Methodist Church
Westmount Road,
Monday 11.00am - 12.00pm
Wednesday 2.00pm - 3pm
5
C
E
M
W
Plans for a major modernisation of
Charlton Athletic’s training and
community headquarters in New
Eltham have been unveiled by the club.
The £3-4m development is aimed at
improving the facilities and integrating
the club’s elite and community wings.
Charlton’s existing clubhouse would be
demolished to make way for a new all-
purpose building in the centre of the
site.
The site is currently divided between the
professional and community elements
with the elite squads training nearest
to Sparrows Lane. The club’s extensive
community facilities are on recently
acquired areas to the north, much of it
in temporary buildings.
Bringing the two together would
re-emphasise the club’s community
credentials.
Although the club is cash-strapped at
fi rst team level, much of the funding
for the new development would come
from football grant funding bodies,
such as the Football Foundation, which
recycles some of the huge monies
fl owing from broadcasting rights, and
donations.
A planning application is expected
around the turn of the year which will
enable to club to lodge defi nite bids for
funding.
A start to any works might not take
place until next year at the earliest.
One concern is that traffi c problems
for residents in Sparrows Lane might
be exacerbated and locals will be
looking to the council to put in place
traffi c calming measures
to ensure their safety and
that of the residential
neighbourhood.
The club is also looking
to improve the exit to
Footscray Road with a
proper entrance and
approach road. This could
couple with enhanced
cycle and footpath access
to Avery Hill Park which
fringes Charlton’s site to
the east.
Architects for the scheme have been
told to prepare a scheme which meets
the highest possible environmental
features in recognition of its location on
a greenfi eld site.
On three levels and making use of a
natural slope, they aim to create a multi-
functional building with changing
rooms in the basement, club rooms on
the fi rst fl oor and community function
rooms above.
Alongside it will be a whole-pitch
indoor facility for the elite squads to
ensure that training and ball skills can
continue throughout the winter.
The precise construction for this is
still being considered but could be a
tent structure similar to the facility at
Greenwich University’s sports centre
nearby.
The Addicks plans
Old club House
New Club House
All Weather Pitch
Spar
row
s La
ne
Foot
scra
y R
oad
SEnine
28 Smile , it feels good
SPORT
Brickwork & DrivesPainting & decoratingTilingAny home improvement and instalment work
Mobile: 07944 575 848 Home: 020 8850 0354Email: [email protected]
Building Contractor
For free estimates and advice contact
Bill Treadgold
Reasonable rates and reliable
Residential Property ConveyancingResidential Lease Extensions
Commercial Property LeasesLasting Powers of Attorney
Employment Law AdviceFamily Law Advice
Probate & WillsLitigation
We refuse to pay estate agents for recommendations – we prefer to give you impartial advice and represent your best interests, without outside infl uences.
*Terms & proof to be provided
www.wattsandleeding.co.uk
Quality Legal Services
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Our fi rm will better any other local solicitor’s quotes* by 5%.
S o l i c i t o r sWatts & Leeding
Established 1969
4 Novar Rd, New ElthamSE9 2DN
We would love to help you with:
Two local young actors have been
honoured by the Bob Hope theatre,
whose youth section, the New Stagers, is
itself up for an award
Two of the New Stagers’ recent alumni,
Emma Francois and Tom Ardhern-Mulhern,
have won the Molly Haff enden Award, given
to outstanding members for their hard work
and dedication to the group.
Emma, 16, is studying for her A-Levels
working towards a career in teaching and
drama therapy, infl uenced by her time at
the New Stagers
“It feels like home,” she says. “The Saturday
morning workshops are
great and are diff erent to
the way drama is taught at
school.”
The group has workshops
every Saturday morning
under leader Sheila Ingram,
who has seen around 1,000
go through the ranks.
She is writing their next
production,
based on
the London
riots of 2011.
”Sheila takes on board any feedback we
give her and adapts the way we learn
accordingly”, said Emma
“Emma is an ideal New Stager,” said Sheila
“She tries everything, puts her heart and
soul into all, and is so supportive to others.”
Tom, 17, puts his ability to communicate
well down to his time at New Stagers.
“I’m president of the student council
and student governor, where I have to
deliver speeches'. He
hopes to do speech
language and therapy
in the future.
The group has been
short listed for the
Lloyds Banking Group
Community Fund
2013 giving them a
£300 shot in the arm
with a £3,000 grant if they win. “It means we
could buy our own equipment, and it will
help towards running costs. We may even
be able to take the children to the theatre in
central London”, said Sheila.
You only need to chat with Sheila for fi ve
minutes to feel the passion she has for all
things theatre.
“We don’t hold auditions, and accept
children of all abilities and backgrounds,”
she says. “New Stagers is all about coming
out a more confi dent, well-rounded person.
If we put on a good show in the meantime,
that's a bonus.
“Lots of them have gone on to work in the
theatre; one is a director at the National
Theatre and another a stage manager at the
National Youth Theatre,” she adds.
Ingram’s play was inspired by the riots in
2011. “It’s a love story with a diff erence,”
says Ingram. “It’s about people living under
diffi cult circumstances, where drugs,
poverty and weapons are all issues.
Story by Amy DuffinActing Awards
SEnine
29Put your money where your house is - shop locally
YOUNG ELTHAM
The county of Kent has always been
known as ‘the garden of England’
and, because of its warmth and sun,
it is still an important area for fruit
production.
It’s some time since
Eltham was part of
Kent – 1889 – and
there are few vestiges
of the orchards that
once bordered on to
the old village high
street.
All that remains are
the old fruit trees in
Well Hall Pleasaunce
– Black Worcester
pears – and some back gardens on
the Corbett estate boast the fruit trees
which were off ered to new owners
there in the 1900s.
A small patch which seems to have
survived are the hop bines growing at
the top of Butterfl y Lane off Bexley Road
which have either continued to grow in
the hedgerows or somehow managed
to adventitiously propagate themselves
in recent years.
Local involvement in hop
production revolved mainly
around their harvesting, with
large numbers re-locating en
masse each year to help gather
in the crop. Families would
camp in the hop fi elds for weeks
on end, forging friendships
which were renewed each year.
This annual pilgrimage ended
only post-War when harvesting
machines were devised and
the area under cultivation reduced to a
fraction of its peak, around 3,000 in Kent
compared with 77,000 at the turn of the
century.
The specimens in Butterfl y Lane are
best seen in the autumn when their
characteristic fruits turn lime green and
assume the layered appearance which
often features on brewing crests and
logos. The crop’s main, if not only, use is
for the fl avouring of beer, imparting its
bitterness and fl avour.
Perhaps these specimens are distant
ancestors of those planted when
Eltham was on the fringe of the Kent
hop growing area, maybe supplying
Eltham’s old breweries on the High
Street and, at one time, on the site of
St John’s vicarage, which supplied pubs
across south London
Although frequently referred to as
the hop "vine", it is technically a bine.
Unlike vines, which use tendrils, suckers,
and other appendages for attaching
themselves, bines have stout stems
with stiff hairs to aid in climbing.
Hops
One of the country’s most impressive
new cemeteries has been offi cially
opened on the borders of SE9.
Kemnal Park Cemetery and Memorial
Gardens have been developed on 55
acres alongside woodland in New Eltham.
A light and airy chapel with a futuristic
design, seating 160, is at the heart of the
cemetery, which has been accepting
burials since it opened earlier this year.
It was offi cially opened by the Mayor of
Bromley Cllr Ernest Noad, who unveiled
a plaque after a ceremony attended by
local clergy and the choir of West Lodge
school.
The cemetery has been designed as a
place for those of all faiths and the non-
religious.
Michael Burke, operations director, said
that the park had been designed as a
‘place for the living’ in which ceremonies
could take place with no time pressures
and with a
greater range of
options.
He said relatives
were fi nding
the beautifully
l a n d s c a p e d
gardens a
peaceful place
to re-visit and
refl ect on the
lives of loved
ones.
The state of the art chapel had the latest
communications equipment ensure that
people unable to attend can ‘be there’
remotely; presentation screens and
speakers are placed across the chapel
so even the largest of funerals can be
hosted. Recent services have seen over
500 people on site.
The cemetery, which will be developed
in stages over the coming years, could
eventually be the fi nal resting place for
well over 40,000 people, some of them in
family plots of four and woodland burials.
Families are being off ered a variety of
ways to remember their loved ones;
including lawn graves, mausoleums,
chambers, woodland burials, private
gardens and iconic memorials. Although
non-denominational, there is also a
separate, dedicated Muslim cemetery
within the grounds.
Further information available from
www.kemnalpark.org
or 020 8300 9790.
Kemnal Park
SEnine
30 Take a walk in the Pleasaunce
NATURAL ELTHAM
EAR8
070
06/2
009
While everybody is talking about themarket we are letting homes. While otheragents are asking what can they do, weare doing it. If you want results ratherthan talk, get in touch.
Thinking of letting?Talk to the agentswho get results.
LETLETLETLET BYLET BY
Eltham's letting market is on the rise!
Call us on 020 8850 1101*
SEnine
31Your Community is what you make it
SEnine
32
MORTGAGES
Need an update
on the mortgage
situation? Contact
us to speak to our
fi nancial adviser.
SURVEYS
Already found a
property? Call our
Chartered Surveyor
for details and a free
quote.
THINKING OF SELLING?
Free valuations –
phone for one of our
experienced valuers
to call.
Independent Estate Agents serving the SE9 area for over 50 years www.bernardskinner.co.uk
020 8859 3033
22 Well Hall Road, Eltham, SE9 6SF OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
PROBATE SERVICEPhone for details of our comprehensive service designed to help you through the process.he
YS
p
DA
Enviably Located Backing Onto Jack Woods, With Meadows Nearby And Highly Regarded Deansfi eld Primary School Within A Few Hundred Yards, This 1930’s Bilton Semi Has Four Bedrooms And No Onward Chain
• Four Bedrooms (3 Doubles) * • Master Bedroom With Extensive Fitted Furniture * • Two Reception Rooms * • Kitchen * • Bathroom/wc * • Separate Wc * • 73’ Garden Backing Onto Woodland
More properties wanted- selling out fast!Our current hotspots are:Dumbreck Road area – we have just sold (stc) a 2 bedroom house within a few days and have more buyers waiting for similar 2 or 3 bed. houses.
Eltham Heights – our offi ce has sold a record number of houses in this year and still have a list of buyers for 3 and 4 bed. houses in this area.
Progress Conservation area – always a popular area but especially so in the last 6 months, both houses and fl ats are in demand.
Eltham Park – there are keen buyers looking for houses in the ‘Glen’ Roads, Greenvale Rd and the Earlshall/ Elibank Rd area.
Please contact us if you have a property to sell - 020 8859 3033
To those that have….
SPY hears good news that a £5m scheme
to regenerate Bromley North is underway;
SE9 residents will appreciate that on the
occasions they drive through. Paid for by
the Mayor of London’s fund for improving
the ‘public realm’ in conjunction with
Transport for London, it will mean new
pavement surfaces, new lights, more trees,
new street furniture and the pedestrian
access. Obviously Bromley Council has
a slightly higher standard of political
leadership and vision than those in Royal
Greenwich, whose application to the
Mayor’s Fund disappeared in a haze of
confusion and contradiction, despite other
boroughs having three or four successful
bids approved. They might be able to get
things done in Tescotown but for Eltham,
there’s not much news fi t to print.
Hokey-cokey hospital…
The on-off saga of the facilities to be
contained in the Eltham Community
Hospital has taken another twist, SPY
learns. After months of denying that an
out-of-hours facility was ever part of the
£14m development, health bosses have
put it back on their agenda. The volte face
has been caused by increasing meltdown
in the A&E department at Woolwich, with
around ten per cent of patients having to
wait for more than four hours for treatment.
This is caused by increased demand, not
enough staff and squeezed budgets. Health
staff are bracing themselves for the winter
surge with trepidation. In and amongst
is exasperation from health bosses that
people with minor injuries clog up the
system for the seriously sick. It’s all our fault,
gettit! About half of attendees shouldn’t be
there at all although, not being doctors, it’s
not always obvious which half one falls into
in advance. But a revealing statistic shows
that patients from some GP surgeries are
nearly twice as likely to rock up at A&E as
others, SPY understands. A central theory
behind this is the ease or otherwise in
booking an appointment to see the doctors
concerned. Either way, bonuses are now
being awarded at NHS HQ to anyone who
can cook up ideas to solve the problem. SPY
understands that an ‘out of hours/weekend’
service in the new Passey Place facility
would tick that box. Sounds more congenial
than having to go over Shooters Hill.
Lidl by Lidl…
The Battle of the Porcupine hots up this
month with Lidl poised to put in a planning
application for the site of the Mottingham’s
only pub. Having been made ‘an asset of
community value’, the village awaits with
baited breath for local people who fancy
buying and running the hostelry to snatch it
from under the German retailers’ noses.
They have six months to mount a
bid. This is under a fairly hopeless
piece of recent legislation, part
of the government’s ‘localism’
agenda, itself a subset of the ‘Big
Society’ initiative, remember that? The
main purpose appears to be giving local
politicians a PR possibility, while leaving
derelict sites in limbo. SPY even heard
suggestions that it might have been used
to convert the old Coronet cinema at Well
Hall into a community badminton court,
rather than the splendid £15m gym and
fl at renovation which launches this month,
all with private sector money. Maybe Lidl
see profi ts to be made in the Porcupine
site because locals would fl ock in there
to shop, rather than having to trek to
adjacent suburbs? It would certainly give
Mottingham high street a fi llip.
No ways…
The latest twist on the Thames river
crossings saga seems to have by-passed
SE9. No mention of a possible DLR
extension to Eltham as part of the new
Blackwall relief tunnel at Silvertown. And no
mention of Oxleas Woods in consideration
of a bridge or superferry at Gallions Reach
to replace the one at Woolwich. No
mention so no promises. Only mentions
of ‘early stage’ thinking about how to deal
with the resultant extra traffi c fl ows. A likely
story. One amusing detail. Any tunnel built
at Woolwich would have to emerge in
Eltham, six kilometres long. SPY considers
the idea is included in TfL’s latest paper by
way of a joke as it would be the longest
underground section of road in the country.
Hill to climb
Pushers of disabled wheelchairs have no
promised land in sight at Eltham Station.
The two giant ramps pose no problem for
the able bodied but pose a challenge for
all but the fi ttest pushers. Despite being
built comparatively recently, the crackpot
architects who designed the ‘death by
a billion bricks’ structure omitted lifts,
consigning the halt and lame to years of up
and downhill struggle. The latest schedule
from Southeastern Trains doesn’t even have
Eltham down on the long list for 2019.
The truth, the whole truth…
But nothing like the truth. The police and
the Mayor’s offi ce recently leafl eted us all to
say more police are being put on the streets
with ‘larger’ Safer Neighbourhood teams. If
having fewer offi cers means 'larger' then
ok. Each team used to have a sergeant, two
PCs and two PCSOs. Now they have one
sergeant (in the case of Eltham North and
South, shared), one PC and one PCSO.
Jolly sporting...Obviously buoyed up by bumper profi ts
and the prospect of shirt sales for next year's
World Cup, JD Sports are set to introduce a
little competition of their own in the High
Street, SPY understands. The mega leisure
wear company is eyeing two units currently
occupied by temporary tenants wedged
between the multiple phone shops. This
means the two biggest sports shops, JD
and Sports Direct, will be going head to
head on opposite sides of the street. Good
for shoppers as the mammoth Sports Direct
needed a local rival, also one with a ground
fl oor shop display will add to the street
scene.
Lording it at the Palace...SPY hears that our betters at English
Heritage are planning a new interpretive
centre, in the former tennis shed near
the car park, at Eltham Palace, part of the
general refurbishment there over the winter.
Perhaps it will give the heritage cognoscenti
a chance to explain why loads of lovely
shrubs and plants are being hoyed away in
the name of historic purity, returning the
place to exactly how the Courtaulds were
thought to have wanted it. Bizarrely, this
also includes a rockery with expensive-to-
maintain grass, rather than plants.
Re Cycling news...Having spent years assuring Avery Hill park
users that the new paths were for the shared
use of pedestrians and wheeled users, the
spinmeisters at Royal Greenwich have been
advertising organised outings on the new
'cycle paths'. With that sort of endorsement,
hardly surprising that a wheeler coming up
behind SPY the other day preferred to 'ding'
him out of the way rather than overtake
using the adjacent stretch of grass.
Christmas shopping news...SPY understands that the gift wrapping
will be taken off the council's plans for the
old Co-op building in the run up to the
Xmas season. By way of light relief, SPYBET
off ers the following odds: Building to be
demolished 1 - 2 on favourite; refurbished
4 -1 against; re-let to Poundland unchanged
16 - 1 against. Future uses: new housing/
some shops 4 - 6 on; expanded Sainsbury
2 - 1 against; car parking/public square 6 - 1;
cinema 20 - 1 against...
SEnine
33Have your say, your opinion counts
Yalways newsy, sometimes
inaccurate or irreverent, often
controversial or gossip, but never
the opinion of SEnine.
Believe it or not, I’ve been living in Eltham for nearly 10 years, even though most residents still ask me what I'm doing down south! And you know, I really like Eltham. Its history is fascinating, the people are friendly and the beautiful parks provide lots of places to go for us as a family.
One thing that must say I have always been slightly surprised at was the lack of a really good family pub in the area. My partner has lived in Eltham all his life and he never has had a " local " which is a strange concept for a girl from Manchester, as I've had the same one for years. So I was always secretly on the look out!
Purely by chance we noticed the change of ownership of the White hart and with two year old twins limiting our dining options somewhat, we decided to give it a go .The new management, Simon, Dave and Alex have created a place that could not be further from the image of what you may think a South London pub to be.
These guys clearly know what they are doing and they welcome you with a smile and positively adore their younger customers. Its a spacious and roomy pub but still manages to retain the feeling of English pub intimacy. A small but perfectly formed beer garden at the back sets the view off beautifully, but on a practical note the kids can play safely in it as it is totally secure.
The restaurant provides both A la Carte and Carvery. The portions are generous, fresh and extremely good value. Nothing is pre-cooked which is such a treat and a wonderful antidote to the ’fun’ pubs that are usually the only option for families nowadays. Cleverly, though when the kids are in bed the pub turns into a really grow-up place to dine with a smashing wine-list.
The management takes pride in sourcing produce locally too, putting something back into our local community. They also serve food all the time, so none of the modern generic “sorry we’ve shut down the kitchen now” when you are 10 mins late nonsense (which personally drives me mad!)
The guys also are not afraid to try something new. Every Friday morning the pub transforms into a Mecca for parents with pre-school age kids namely Bopping Bunnies!
I take my 3-year-old twins every week. It’s a brilliant musical playgroup that they adore and more importantly completely tires them out!
What a face lift of a beautiful old building but more importantly what a welcome addition to our area. It’s clear that the White Hart clearly intends to be a valuable part of community life in Eltham and has already been commended for its input to local life. The White Hart could not be more friendly, and with a old fashioned snug bar tucked away from the busy restaurant to just enjoy a pint or a lovely alternative to the chain coff ee shops for a cappuccino in the morning, there’s something for everyone.
Well, the old saying “if you build it they will come” is certainly coming true for this new management and more importantly we have fi nally found our Local!!
Hurray!
Either go to the SEnine web site atwww.senine.co.uk
or write to the Editor at:
SEnine, PO Box 24290
Eltham SE9 6ZP
What is your opinion?
Believe it or not I’ve been living in Eltham for These guys clearly know what
High Praise for "Local", Sally Lindsay writes
ITV's 'Loose Women' star and SE9 resident
Sally Lindsay with Dave Hinchley from the White Hart
Why not book your Christmas party with us
here from 1st December - 23rd December 2013?
We are off ering set
Christmas meals , Christmas
Buff et Menus. We also will
be hosting 'Bring a party to a party' on Friday evenings.
Full Christmas Buff et and
Disco. Price per person to be confi rmed
Christmas will be full of fun and laughter with
colleagues , friends old and new here at White Hart.
Just call us at 0208 850 1562, or send us an e-mail
Follow us on Facebook &
Twitter@TheWhiteHart3
2 Eltham High StreetEltham London SE9 1DA
020 8850 1562www.whiteharteltham.co.uk
Special Lunch MenuMonday - Friday
12pm - 4pm
2 course meal for £10.95
3 course meal for £12.95
New Beer Garden
Open
Christmas is comingChristmas is coming
SEnine
34 SEnine does not necessarily agree with or support any letters published.
MAILBOX ....... Have your say
You can make a diff erence in your community
SEnine
35
ELTHAM
HARRISON INGRAM
rede
finin
g th
e a
rt o
f
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
'BILTON' SEMI-DETACHED HOUSE
LOUNGE & SEPARATE DINING ROOM
RECENTLY FITTED KITCHEN
THREE BEDROOMS
GCH INSTALLED IN 2012
SOUTH FACING GARDEN
STUNNING 3 BED APARTMENT
SPACIOUS LOUNGE/DINER
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LUXURY BATHROOM/2ND W.C.
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PENTHOUSE APARTMENT
IN THE HEART OF BEXLEY VILLAGE
FANTASTIC OPEN PLAN LOUNGE/KITCHEN
THREE BEDROOMS
MAIN BATHROOM + EN SUITE
ALLOCATED PARKING & MUCH, MUCH MORE!
Bexley: £400,000 Bexley: £375,000
Charlton: £159,995Bexleyheath: £179,995
Eltham: £289,950 Eltham: £145,000
BRIGHT MODERN GROUND FLOOR APARTMENT
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MODERN FITTED KITCHEN/DINER
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OFF ROAD PARKING
SEnine
36 Pick up litter and bin it
Greenwich Borough Property Groupconranestates.co.uk
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mobile friendly website
Three Bedroom Mid Terrace Cottage Style House Within Progress Estate Many Of The Original Features Remaining Tastefully Decorated Throughout Extended Kitchen/Diner Separate Utility Room South Facing Mature Rear Garden With Paved Patio To Front
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SOLDSOLD SOLDSOLD
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SEnine
37Look 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
Three Bedroom Top Floor Split Level Maisonette En- Block Garage Original Parquet Flooring To Lounge Modern Four Piece Bathroom Suite Double Glazing & Gas Central Heating Walking Distance To Eltham High Street & Train Station
One Bedroom First Floor Maisonette Lounge With Feature Gas Fireplace Fitted Kitchen & Modern Suite Bathroom Sole Use Of Own Rear Garden Double Glazing & Gas Central Heating Lease Of Approx 103 Years
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Bexley Road £425,000
SOLDSOLD
Tarnwood Park £200,000 Castlecombe Road £147,500
Footscray Road £189,995
SOLDSOLD
SOLDSOLD
C.I. Carpentry - Solid wood fl oors (or
engineered) supplied and fi tted. Bespoke
kitchens, bedroom furniture, bathrooms. Call Carl
07985113701. Email: [email protected]
Wanted
Plumber, Electrician, Handyman, any trades or
service to fi ll this space.
Call SEnine 020 8333 7493 for your space.
Classifi ed Adverts Entries start from just £25.00 +v (2cm). Or book for a
year, pay in advance and pay as little as £240.00+v,
that's £20.00+v per entry (2cm). Call 020 8333 7493
Sunshine Window Cleaning Regular & one-off cleans available. Competitive
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Call Martin on 07821 403 577 Ref available
Gas Engineer Central Heating and Gas work.
Breakdown, repairs & Installation. Gas Safe Reg,
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Call Steve on Mob 07 930 327 889
PLUMBING & HEATING ENGINEER - GAS SAFE
Installation,Breakdowns,Repairs,
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25 yrs exp Call Richard on 07850 965568
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All electrical work, no job too small.
Kitchens & Bathrooms installed.
Free quotes. Call Mike 07837 881 330
C l e a n e r - H o m e o r O f f i c eEltham, New Eltham, Mottingham
C a l l E l a n a o n 0 7 7 0 1 0 2 3 4 5 5Reliable and effi cient.
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Call 07908 693 293 for a free quote.
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07835 850700
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Paul 07835779167 OR Victor 07985547621
Your business could be
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out on local business?
Not fi nd what you are looking for?
Try elthamSE9.co.uk
JOHN GINTY & ASSOCIATESDENTAL SURGEONS
www.johngintyandassociates.co.uk
0844 375 [email protected]
The practice provides a full range of NHS and private dental treatments and a private hygienist service, including;
• Crowns, Bridges and Dentures
• Cosmetic dentistry such as veneers, invisalign
and whitening
• Treatment of gum disease
• Sedation Dentistry
• CAD/CAM technology for colour matched
(non mercury) fillings
• Replacement of missing teeth with
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• Denplan; a monthly payment plan
Appointments available Monday to Saturday
19 Glenshiel RoadEltham
SE9 1AQ
SEnine
38
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
There’s nothing Herbaceous likes so
much as to visit famous gardens
around the country.
But unlike most people, who enjoy
the spectacle and possibly pick up
some ideas, for the Old Grump it’s an
opportunity to sharpen his critical
faculties.
So, therefore, he strolls around some of
England’s most beautiful locations with
the air of a health and safety inspector,
spending much of his time in the tea
rooms rolling derogatory comments
round in his mind.
For example, the famous ‘white
garden’ at Sissinghurst he concluded
was singularly lacking in imagination.
Everything one colour! He’d done that
one year with his bedding display when
they were selling plants off cheap at
B&Q and got it in the neck from Mrs
Herbaceous all summer.
Another day, he visited the lavish new
water feature installed by the Duchess
of Northumberland at Alnwick Castle,
conveniently using squillions of lottery
funds (picture bottom left).
Described by some as ‘the garden’s
extraordinary centrepiece’, the Grand
Cascade is said to be ‘a magnifi cent
tumbling mass of water with
spellbinding displays’, Herbs’ verdict
was that it was cheap and nasty, like
something Barratt Homes put on their
modern housing developments, the
better to sell the overpriced fl ats.
And Great Dixter, the serious gardener’s
shrine, which was designed by Lutyens,
Herbaceous
c o n c l u d e d
that the
plants were
all too close
t o g e t h e r ,
a type of
horticultural
jumble sale
which was
in need of a
proper sort
out.
Kew Gardens, he always feels, is spoilt
by the aircraft noise, so he savagely
describes it as ‘Heathrow East’ and at
Regents Park, elegant as it no doubt
is, his nose always gets a whiff of the
unmentionable from the elephants’
enclosure at the nearby zoo.
As ever, of course, such attention to
critical detail is really aimed at putting
his own triumphs in a proper light.
Tell me this, he often says, St James’s
Park’s OK, if you like that kind of thing,
but why hasn’t it got a display of
champion quality Swiss chard?
Exactly.
Growing GrumpierSEnine
39Never stop trying
HERBACEOUS
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020 8859 161663 Well Hall Rd Eltham SE9 [email protected]
Open Monday to Wednesday
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Sunday 10.00am to 1.00pm
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Support SEnine - Your Community Magazine
One of London’s oldest music stores. Approaching 100 years in Eltham.
We stock a large range and variety of musical instruments and printed music, including Associated Board Publications
hamamamam.
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.
Deposits being taken on items for Christmas.
Order early to avoid disappointment