Meridian Magazine August 14

50,000 COPIES DELIVERED EVERY MONTH SINCE 1996

AUGUST 2014

Your local magazine

Blackheath Village a Great Place to be Go GreenExploring The Local Area

ietsnfor W Tick

Dover Castle and the TallShips

HOMES

F

FOOD

F

BEAUTY

F

FASHION

F

INTERIORS

F

SHOPPING

F

EDUCATION

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CONTENTS August 2014 4

LOCAL NEWS

Win a family ticket for Dover Castle

6 FASHION

Excess Baggage – travel light

9 RETAIL

Latest Trends

13 DELOPMENTS COVER: Royal Greenwich TallShips Regatta

Greenwich Peninsula

17

AREA FOCUS

00 50,0 es i p o c ered Delivmonth! ever y

DISTRIBUTOR : Walkers Distributions

19 LIFESTYLE

Coffee Culture

23

FOOD NEWS

25

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Reviews and Foodie news

Ask the Expert

26 LEISURE

Go Green – exploring on foot

29

EDUCATION NEWS

31

PARENTING NEWS

Meridian magazine is published monthly with a genuine distribution of 50,000 to selected residential properties and businesses within the borough of Greenwich and in Blackheath, Westcombe Park, Charlton, Eltham, Lee, Docklands, Canary Wharf, Bromley, Chislehurst, New Eltham, Hither Green and Kidbrooke. Copies also go to Greenwich Tourist Information Centre, libraries and leisure centres, pubs, restaurants and hotels. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part (including advertisement designs) without prior written permission will result in legal action. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily shared by the editor or the publisher.

Blackheath Village

Round up

Fostering – Looking for foster parents

32-34 GALLERY NEWS

New exhibitions and more

37-41 LISTINGS

If it’s on, it’s in Win A Pair Of Tickets For The Tall Ships

43 INTERVIEW

Best For Last - Rich Hall

46

PROPERTY NEWS

New estate agents for Charlton Village

Meridian Line Publishing Ltd 68 Summerhouse Drive, Bexley, Kent DA5 2EE Tel: 01322 557794 Email : enquiries@meridian-magazine.co.uk Publisher: Joy Johnston Editor : Valerie Breese Art & Production Director : Paul McPherson Display Sales: Cheryl Voller, Emma Forbes Classified Sales : Laurie Monshall Contributors : Claire Allen, James Haddrell, Heather Scott, Nicola Berry and Chrissy Iley

Printing : Polestar, www.polestar-group.com Distribution :Walkers Distributions w w w. m e r i d i a n - m a g a z i n e . c o . u k facebook.com/meridianmagazine

MeridianmagLDN

www.meridian-magazine.co.uk | 3

local N E WS

August 2014

Dover Castle – a day out to remember Standing strong on the iconic White Cliffs, Dover Castle is an imposing symbol of royal power and the country’s historic struggle to maintain independence.

Step into the lavishly furnished Great Tower and meet costumed actors and hear about the royal court and times of King Henry II. Descend deep into the Secret Wartime Tunnels, where you’ll see, hear and feel the danger as you witness the story of Operation Dynamo: Rescue from Dunkirk. Sights, sounds and smells recreate the drama of the journey of a wounded soldier as he’s rushed to the World War II underground hospital.

Explore the acres of castle grounds, which include the Roman Lighthouse and Saxon Church or simply roam the ramparts and take in the stunning views across to France. As well as all this, throughout August there is a packed programme of events including: Clash of Knights on 16 and 17 August and Siege!

On the bank holiday weekend, 23 - 25 August.

For more information visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/dover.

Green Credentials

Broadway Shopping centre in Bexleyheath has boosted its green credentials by installing a state-of-the-art water harvesting system.

The shopping centre flushes around 8 million litres of water a year down its public toilets to the concern of environmentally conscious Operations Manager Sue Wilders.(pictured above) Sue, a keen and experienced scuba diver in her spare time, has spent months researching the best system to improve the water usage efficiency of the community shopping, which welcomes 10m shoppers a year and is home to more than 60 stores.

The new system is expected to save 1600 cubic metres of water a year or 1.6 million litres (over 350,000 gallons) with an annual cost saving to the centre of more than £2,000, at least 20 per cent of the current water bill of about £10,000.

The amount of water now saved each year would be enough to fill five 25-metre swimming pools or around 200,000 baths.

St Alfege Greenwich benefits from Restoration

The Chairman of St Alfege Restoration Appeal, Tim Barnes, today announced the award of a major grant towards the restoration of the church. The Thames Steering Group of Viridor Credits has awarded a grant of £119,000 towards the stonework cleaning and conservation of the upper levels of the East Portico. Viridor Credits Environmental Company was established in 2001 to distribute funding via the Landfill Communities Fund.

This grant follows other major awards from, among others, the Cathedral Group, the Getty Trust, Heritage of London Trust, Allchurches Trust and the Garfield Weston Foundation, and a recent legacy from Greenwich artist, Anne Christopherson.

Have Your Say… Proposals for a series of river crossings at a recent TFL public consultation, have met objections from local residents on the possible impacts caused by the new crossings on neighboring areas.

The planned crossings, which include the Gallions Reach Bridge, would provide transport links across the river between Thamesmead and Beckton at Gallions Reach. The construction could create up to 18,000 jobs and cut commuting time across the river.

Locals however have organised a “No to Gallions” congregation, in fears the bridge will cause implications with traffic congestion, noise and air pollution on local areas.

To find out more and take part, visit www.tfl.gov.uk/new-river-crossings and have your say.

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Tripadvisor Award The Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, Sir Christopher’s Wrens Jewel on the River Thames has received a Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence award.

The award honours excellence in hospitality and is given to establishments that receive consistently positive reviews on tripadvisor.com.

The ORNC appears in the top 100 things to do in London and Marc Charron, President of Tripadvisor for business said, ‘The Certificate of Excellence award gives top performing establishments around the world the recognition they deserve, based on feedback from those who matter most – their customers.’

Tickets to Dover Castle Three lucky winners can win family tickets to Dover Castle, worth £45.50 each and valid for 2 adults and up to 3 children 5 15yrs (under 5s go free). Tickets can be redeemed until 31 March 2015 Simply send your name, address and daytime telephone number to Meridian magazine (DOVER), 68 Summerhouse Drive, Bexley, Kent DA5 2EE. Or email your details to competition@meridian-magazine.co.uk by 31 August.

London Vintage Award Winner Park it In the Market has been shortlisted in the London Vintage Awards in the category of Best Vintage Event. Over 60 businesses and entertainers have been nominated for this year’s awards, which aim to determine the best vintage the capital has to offer.

Image Keith Cardwell Co-organiser, Johnny Rocket commented, ‘I am as surprised as the rest of The Park it in the Market team over this nomination, and even more at reaching the finals! We are up against huge corporate events and our humble volunteer-run event is punching way above its weight. It’s a tribute to the Market management, The Mean Old-timers Car and Bike Club, the independent traders, and bands, DJs, the Admiral Hardy and the Coach & Horses that we have all driven the event into the spotlight.

Enjoy your meal in an intimate and cosy setting with stunning views of of Property the Royalsaid Park.

Located Gillie Bexson, Head that she’s right outside gates,Market the Greenwich delighted thatthe thispark’s great lower Greenwich event Tavern is nominated. the place to ‘The be this summer - come rain has been hard work and dedication orthe shine!

Start off with some of entire market team are filling at thefalafel centrebites of or moreish meatballs before pleasure one this success.

We always trytaking to embrace theinlocal of our tastywith burgers or freshatsalads, with a tangy community our events the market.’ and refreshing lemon tart or chocolate brownie cheesecake to finish up –onallthe washed down withof Park it in Market meets last Thursday a nicemonth glass of to cleanse your from palate.

With every inwine Greenwich Market 7pm. a friendly atmosphere and a wide variety of food options, the Greenwich Tavern has a lot to offer the lucky winner of this competition.

Local jobs to help fix roads

AOne £5million creation is getting underway lucky job winner can scheme win a 3-course meal for in Borough of at Greenwich, allowing local 2 the andRoyal a bottle of wine the Greenwich Tavern unemployed to applywith for new jobs to carry in the heart people of Greenwich our amazing out repairs to some of send the borough’s roads. competition.

Simply your name, address and daytime telephone number to Meridian The new initiative will seeTavern), around 100 new workers magazine (Greenwich 8 The Village, taken on toSE7 help8UD. improve the borough’s roads Charlton, Or email your details tomost in need of repair. The upgrade to the roads is in competition@meridian-magazine.co.uk addition to the regular planned programme of work by 31 July. to fix and maintain local roads.

0208 3089286 www.meridian-magazine.co.uk | 5

Excess baggage!

Fashion

Flight booked, hotel confirmed - it’s time to pack On average women pack 36 items and eight pairs of shoes for a week away, and 91% admit to not wearing all the clothes they take on holiday, there’s a surprise.

Cardinal Rules of Carry-Ons:

Most airlines now charge for checked-in baggage but if you’re prepared to pack a cabin bag and carry it on the plane you can avoid the extra charge, the chance of lost baggage en route and the time wasted waiting to collect your bag at arrival.

Each airline has their own guidelines so check before hand.

Limit yourself to two pairs of shoes, (flats and heels) and wear the heavier items, like a jacket, on the plane.

As a guide, easyJet allows one item of cabin baggage per passenger. If you bring one piece of cabin baggage no bigger than 50 x 40 x 20cm including handles and wheels, they guarantee it will always travel with you either in the overhead locker or, if necessary, under the seat in front of you. No weight restriction.

Roll your clothes instead of folding them, it minimizes wrinkles and maximises space.

British Airways on the other hand allow one bag no more than 56 x 45 x 25cm eels. Plus a personal bag 45 x 36 x 20cm (both including handles, pockets and wheels). Maximum weight per bag is up to 23kg.

Some travellers jam two weeks’ worth of gear in their bags for a long weekend, while others pack a bit too lightly and forget important things like medicine or passports. Savvy travelers strike the perfect balance and bring just what they need with a little help from our list of road-tested packing tips, of course!

Photo: Fashion World Tunic : White Kaftan £24.00 www.fashionworld.co.uk

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Don’t pack more than a week’s worth of clothes.

For longer trips, plan to do laundry along the way.

Pack only garments that can be colourcoordinated with everything else in your travel wardrobe. If it doesn’t work in multiple outfits, leave it at home.

Many travellers swear by compression bags to help save precious space but keep in mind that they won’t help you stay within airline weight limits. (Some carriers do weigh carry-ons).

Every little bit of space helps. Clean all those old grocery store receipts out of your purse, swap your pile of paperbacks for an e-reader and forget about those ‘just in case’ items you could easily buy at your destination. Buy miniature bottles of shampoo, conditioner etc. or decant from larger bottles into smaller ones.

Maximise your personal item. In addition to a carry-on bag, airlines allow you to bring a personal item such as a handbag or laptop bag.

Swap that for a small backpack, which can hold a lot more but will still fit easily under the seat in front of you. If you need a handbag during the holiday, fold it up inside a larger bag. Don’t forget a hat, one that folds and disappears into your case will be a lot less trouble and less likely to be left in the back of a cab.

Once you’re free of the large suitcase you can avoid the queues and head for the sun. Taxi!

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The Dovetail Joint Ltd

Bespoke Kitchens Bedrooms Studies

Wood

Steel

Paint

Corian

Glass

Granite

Tel 020 8291 5578 Unit 15, Forest Hill Business Centre, Clyde Vale, Forest Hill, London SE23 3JF www.thedovetailjoint.co.uk

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info@thedovetailjoint.co.uk

RetailLeisure News

Latest style ideas

Italian Style

Natuzzi Italia’s Novecento collection has been designed with ultimate flexibility in mind. The collection comprises stylish and practical products from sideboards to open shelves. Some pieces are available in up to eight different colour options. With two wood finishes available as well as glossy or matt lacquer options, all the Novecento pieces are smart and sophisticated storage solutions – storage has never been so stylish.

Why waste wall space? The Novecento open cube cabinet (from £380) is available with or without the horizontal or vertical interior accessory, which provides practicality based around personal preference.

Updating your tired bathroom - where do you start?

A good place is Beautiful Bathrooms Welling Ltd, a small family run business, established over 45 years ago in 1968, and situated in Upper Wickham Lane Welling since 1981. The showrooms have a wide selection of bathrooms suites and bathroom furniture and accessories on display to suit a good variety of tastes and bathroom sizes.

Derek and Jim in the showrooms have a vast knowledge of products and are happy to help you with design and to choose the right goods for your needs.

If you haven’t explored a bathroom showroom for some time, you may well be amazed at what is now available. Who would have thought you would be able to turn your shower on from another room? Or install a mirror that plays music!

A variety of products for the less mobile are also on display, including the walk-in bath and the new innovative Kinemagic shower is well worth a look. We have on display several comfort level toilets a little higher than the standard level to enable easier use.

The Proxima (from £1,110) is a freestanding bookcase, which creates a stunning centrepiece. The extra clear, 12mm thick, tempered glass shelves and lacquerfinished panels are both stunning and useful. The coffee oak veneer or white oak veneer side panels are scratch and abrasion resistant, while the varnished steel back tie-rods provide an extra stability for better functionality. www.natuzzi.co.uk/ Stockist: 01322 771442

Your ideal bathroom may be a sanctuary with a bath for leisurely soaking or a smart shower cubicle for a crisp short shower; only you can know what you prefer.

A complete supply and installation service with a fiveyear guarantee on all our workmanship is available, if required.

Beautiful Bathrooms, 76-78 Upper Wickham Lane, Welling DA16 8HQ. 020 8855 4747.

blackheath flooring and interiors

local family run business 133 lee road blackheath SE3 9DS

classic & contemporary flooring carpets, rugs, sisal, coir, seagrass, wood solid & engineered boards, laminate, rubber, amtico, moduleo, vinyl. for a free estimate call today 0208 297 9600 blackheathinteriors.com blackheathinteriors@gmail.com

for all of your home, whatever you need we are here to help with our expert knowledge & experience.

We are now proud stockist of Charles Rennie MacKintosh Kitchens www.meridian-magazine.co.uk | 9

Not to be missed ‘shabby chic’ and ‘vintage’ Owen Pine and Oak is a family run business that has been established for 30 years now on a farm in rural Chelsfield just 1 mile from Junction 4 of the M25.

Owen Pine and Oak started off as a pine shop and over the years they have expanded to both classic and contemporary pine and oak, antiques and a wide selection of stylish gifts. The newest trend of ‘shabby chic’ and ‘vintage’ has not been missed up at Owen Pine and Oak and they have embraced it having some truly unique pieces. All reproduction ‘shabby chic’ pieces take 2 weeks to make and finish and then the ‘antique shabby chic’ pieces come along as and when an interesting piece is sourced and then done up, which at the moment is weekly! Owen Pine and Oak really do pride themselves on being able to offer something for everyone.

The recent trend in ‘shabby chic’ is perfect for people wanting to re vamp a room as it is becoming increasingly popular to mix contemporary solid oak furniture in the same room as some vintage or shabby chic. This mix and match allows you to add style to a room without spending a fortune. Both pine and oak can be finished in a number of ways to get that shabby chic look. A paint-wash finish can also bring out the grain, giving it a subtle seaside or vintage look. A spray paint finish totally covers the wood but over time the grain will show through. A particularly popular style at the moment is to have the base painted using a Farrow and Ball colour and leave the top as natural wood.

Over the years, Owen Pine and Oak have established great relationships with the clients and understand that sometimes the standard size furniture just won’t fit in the room. They offer a full bespoke service so the client really can get exactly what they want. If you need any help or advice on styling your furniture or choosing the right colour and finish then please do contact the team at Owen Pine and Oak, where they are only too pleased to help.

So why not take a visit to the barn showroom where you will be met by friendly knowledgeable staff, with over 30 years of experience in the furniture trade. They will be able to deal with your queries on a one to one basis and you can even enjoy a cup of coffee and a piece of homemade cake from their newly opened tea room.

Owen Pine and Oak, Pump Lane, Orpington, KENT, BR6 7PW www.owenpine.co.uk www.facebook.com/Owenpine Twitter @owenpine

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Promotional Leisure

Trading for 25 years Your local design & build company

Extensions | Lofts | Basements Refurbishments | Design & build service Complete design & build service from initial conception through planning to final completion Brigade House, Brigade Street London, SE3 0TW 020 8318 5001 / 08456 802 341 www.meridianconstructionservices.co.uk

We manufacture and install Timber Windows & Doors, specialising in box frames & sashes, casement windows and doors / frames. These can be made in both modern or traditional styles, double glazed to comply with current building regulations, or single glazed for renovation projects.

Please contact us for a non obligation quote.

We welcome your enquiry! www.greenwichjoinery.co.uk

enquiries@greenwichjoinery.co.uk www.meridian-magazine.co.uk | 11

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Property

The Greenwich Peninsula Regeneration Once the sight of the Millennium celebrations, Greenwich Peninsula will become one of the hottest new districts for living, working and relaxation

New river frontage

Enderby’s Wharf The Greenwich Peninsula site is part of the Mayor’s ambitious plans to release surplus public land to boost construction jobs, drive investment and deliver the additional housing so desperately needed in London.

The area is already home to the O2 Arena and the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Digital Enterprise Greenwich Centre, next door to the cutting-edge, Ravensbourne College. The Peninsula has an established community at Greenwich Millennium Village; a development that is expanding, with the next phase of development on site.

Working in partnership with the Mayor of London and The Royal Borough of Greenwich, the developer, Knight Dragon, is creating a new district for London on Greenwich Peninsula.

The development site is 190 acres, with over 1.6miles of river frontage which will include; 10,000 new homes for up to 23,000 residents Mix of studio, one, two, three and four bed apartments, townhouses and penthouses

NOW Gallery environment reflects our ambitions for the wider Peninsula and sets the tone for the quality of development being brought forward.”

Construction of the southern quarter of the site, Peninsula Riverside I, is underway and will deliver 704 new homes by the end of 2015. A further 882 homes secured planning permission in early 2014 and will start on site in early Autumn 2014.

Knight Dragon will shortly be submitting a planning application for a new residential led mixed-use development to the north east of the Peninsula. Around 1000 new homes will be developed alongside new public squares, retail provision and a riverside walkway.

To the south east of Peninsula square, the six storey 14 Pier Walk building houses offices for Transport for London. Adjacent to this is the 11 storey 6 Mitre Passage office building. New restaurants and shops have opened facing onto Peninsula Square and Green Place.

- Also planned: 2 hotels with 400 beds, 30,000 sq. retail space for shops bars and restaurants, schools, shops and community facilities plus 48 acres of open and green space. It is one of the largest regeneration schemes in Europe.

NOW Gallery, at Green Place, is a new public space for contemporary art and design, is set to launch on 17 September. Designed by architects Marks Barfield, the gallery is a permanent, free public space which will programme a revolving series of unique three-month commissions from established and emerging artists, designers and creatives. The gallery is developed by Knight Dragon Developments and is curated by Jemima Burrill. Its exhibitions will show for three months each, featuring commissions from wellknown and upcoming artists and designers.

Sammy Lee, Director of Knight Dragon, said: “Remastering Peninsula Quays to introduce iconic, cohesive architecture in a beautifully landscaped

Simon Heijdens will be the first artist to showcase his work with, Shade: a site-specific, immersive installation to coincide with the London Design Festival.

8 plots are under construction currently, with the first phase completing in Q2 2015 10,000 units have outline planning - of these, 1,600 have detailed consent

A responsive covering on the gallery’s 7m tall windows will react to the wind outside, creating a kaleidoscope of shadows within. These patterns will be reversed come evening, as light inside the building will project shadows outside, appearing similar to a lighthouse.

Central Park runs through the central spine of the Peninsula, a welcome peaceful green space for families, in addition to the Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park further south providing a haven for many different species of bird, plants and insects.

At the southern end of the peninsula, Enderby’s Wharf, which was occupied by a succession of famous submarine cable companies from 1857 onwards, will become the Greenwich cruise ship terminal. The project was first approved back in 2011 and had been expected to open in time for the 2012 Olympics. But now the project - which could cater for 40,000 tourists and take large cruise ships up to 240m long - is not expected to be fully operational until 2017, with some use of the pontoon prior to that at the end of 2016.

The Mayor has also proposed a new road tunnel between Greenwich Peninsula and Silvertown in the Royal Docks, which could potentially move 2,400 vehicles an hour in each direction under the river.

One of several proposed new river crossings that are currently under public consultation.

More sedate forms of travel are the commuter boat service from North Greenwich Pier offering a service to both east and west London. Or the Emirates Airline cable car link, connecting Greenwich Peninsula with London’s Royal Docks, only ten minutes from the Siemens Crystal and the exciting new developments at Silvertown Quays and Royal Albert Docks creating the capital’s next business district.

www.meridian-magazine.co.uk | 13

Diary of an Estate Agent Tips to help buy a home.

I thought this month I would share a few thoughts to help if you are buying a home. It’s not intended as a comprehensive guide, but more a few suggestions as to what you should do based on some of the problems we encounter on a day to day basis.

A good starting point is to check you can get a mortgage.

An obvious point, but it’s amazing how many people start looking for homes and then think about the mortgage. With the new regulations in place it’s a lot tougher to get a mortgage, especially if you are self-employed, so the earlier you start looking into it the better.

Having agreed to buy somewhere, get your mortgage application under way as soon as possible and importantly pay your survey fee. You can either choose to have the lender do a combined mortgage valuation and homebuyers report, or if you choose to just get a mortgage valuation done then you will need to think about instructing a surveyor privately to do the homebuyers report. At present many surveyors have a two week lead time, so again the sooner you get the ball rolling the better. Also from a perception point of view

Greenwich

many sellers only think the buyer is doing anything when the survey is booked.

At the same time as getting your mortgage underway, you also need to instruct your solicitor straight away. Make sure you reply to any correspondence from them quickly as otherwise nothing will happen. This includes providing them with proof of your ID and paying money on account for searches etc. Local authority searches in Greenwich are taking 10 -15 working days, so the earlier your solicitor gets these under way the better.

I won’t go through the nitty gritty of what the solicitors will do thereafter, but another thing to consider once you are getting near to exchange is getting your deposit money to your solicitor. Usually it’s 10% of the purchase price, but discuss this with your solicitor as it can be negotiated and sometimes you might be able to use the deposit from your buyer if you are in a chain.

As I said this only mentions a few points of what is a complicated process but the key thing is to get your solicitor and mortgage application started as soon as possible after agreeing to buy somewhere.

offers in excess of £825,000

Blackheath

Feel free to call into our office in Blackheath (the old sweet shop on the corner of Wemyss Road) for a chat.

If you would like to chat through any these points feel free to contact me E: richard@jdmonline.com T: 020 8463 0091 All the best Richard Piddock

Guide £1,200,000 to £1,300,000

Fabulous 3 bed cottage in heart of Greenwich next to old Naval College. DLR, train and river bus less than half a mile. Private courtyard garden and parking.

020 8463 0091

Edwardian 5 bedroom family home close to Maze Hill and Westcombe Park train stations and within half a mile of the much sought after Halstow Primary School.

020 8463 0091

Shooters Hill

Eltham Heights

Offers in excess of £300,000

Two double bed terraced house in the ever popular Brook Village development, just off Shooters Hill Road. Own garden and allocated parking. 020 8463 0091

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

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Guide £800,000

Wonderful 3/4 bedroomed detached home. 155’ magnificent garden backing Eltham Warren Golf Course. Falconwood Station 0.2 miles away. 020 8463 0091

Blackheath 020 8463 0091

Locksbottom 01689 880440

Bromley 020 8313 6800

Petts Wood 01689 819819

Chislehurst 020 8325 8000

Lettings 01689 838040

Beverley Morris

Geoff Cohen

Angela Stanton

Your local legal experts...

Specialising in:

Peter Anderson

Huw Jones

Christine Bolam

• All aspects of Family Law • Litigation and Employment Law • Residential & commercial conveyancing • Lease extensions • Planning Law • Collective freehold purchases • Wills and the administration of estates • Lasting powers of attorney Tel: 020 8852 4433 | Fax: 020 8463 9494 Web: beverleymorris.co.uk | Email: enquiries@beverleymorris.co.uk 35 Montpelier Vale, Blackheath Village SE3 0TJ

Martin Hopkins

Tony Stafford

Richard Hutson

(ground floor offices - adjacent to Montpelier’s Delicatessen)

62 High Street, Lewisham SE13 5JH (Close to Lewisham DLR)

S O L I C I TO R S Shirley O’Neil

Esther Hudson

www.meridian-magazine.co.uk | 15

RESIDENTIAL JLL have an enviable reputation for handling some of the most desirable properties in the area. Therefore we attract the best quality tenants and purchasers.

The JLL team would welcome the opportunity of meeting with you to discuss your requirements. We will then offer

To Let

a free, no obligation market appraisal.  Blackheath Sales & Lettings

020 8852 8383 / 020 8852 8855

 Greenwich Sales & Lettings

020 8858 9986 / 020 858 9944

 Canary Wharf Sales & Lettings 020 7715 9700

 New Homes

020 8104 1111

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For Sale

Area Focus

Blackheath Village SE3 A personal view on where to live and why, by Nicola Berry Blackheath is one of London’s true villages, which makes it a very popular place to live

The Paragon

Blackheath Halls

Blackheath is one of London’s most famous open spaces; on a summer’s day one could almost be in the country. Yet the stunning views of Canary Wharf are a reminder that the Capital is just over the hill. Today, Blackheath is internationally renowned as the start of the London Marathon and it’s certainly a desirable place to live, but it wasn’t always that way. In fact, it took the foresight of wealthy merchant John Cator, who back in the late 1700s purchased what is now known as the Cator Estate, to really put Blackheath on the social map.

One of the oldest buildings on the ‘Heath’ is Morden College, which was founded by Sir John Morden in 1695 for ‘poor merchants’. Built by Sir Christopher Wren’s master mason, Edward Strong, this Grade 1 listed building is still true to its charitable roots, providing older people with sheltered accommodation and nursing care.

The distinctive All Saints’ Church, built in 1885, is another local landmark, as is the Georgian Clarendon Hotel in Montpelier Row. Property wise, Blackheath has often been at the cutting-edge of architecture. The Cator family began developing the Cator Estate in 1820, building the beautiful Georgian houses which are still so fashionable today. The Brooklands and Pond Road estates were built after WW2 followed, rather controversially, by the first Span houses designed by Eric Lyons in 1957. Of course, the other famous address in Blackheath is The Paragon. It’s hard to imagine it now but The Paragon was almost demolished following severe bomb damage in WW2. Thankfully architect Charles Bernard Brown came to the rescue, restoring the building back to its former glory and turning it into apartments.

Blackheath is one of London’s true villages, which makes it a very popular place to live. The Village has two highly regarded primary schools: John Ball and All Saints’ Blackheath plus good transport links. Property prices are high; at the top end of the market a detached, Georgian mansion will cost around £3m whilst a Captains’

Blackheath alfresco dining

house overlooking the ‘Heath’ is £1.8m. Many of the larger houses on the Cator Estate have been converted into apartments; expect to pay £500,000 – £700,000.

A half mile walk from the Village offers better value; a modern townhouse on the popular St Joseph’s Vale development is for sale at £700,000. Just starting out? A two bed flat designed by architects’ of London’s Barbican is for sale at £335,000.

Blackheath residents (well, some of them) are famously sporty. Blackheath Rugby Club, which was founded in 1858, organised the first rugby international between England and Scotland and hosted the first international between England and Wales in 1868. Cricket has been played on the ‘Heath’ since 1820, although kite flyers and kite-buggying are now a more common sight. Blackheath is also the original home of the Blackheath Golf Club – reputed to be the oldest in the country.

For many people Blackheath is synonymous with culture; namely The Blackheath Halls and The Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance which together form the oldest surviving purpose built multi-arts complex in London. Unbelievably, The Halls were scheduled for demolition in 1980 and were only saved following support from local businesses and the community. Now, The Conservatoire is a very important cultural hub, offering classes in music and the arts, whilst The Halls is the place to go for musical concerts, operas, stand-up comedy and even tea dances.

Perhaps it’s the sense of community that really defines Blackheath. Much work has been done by The Blackheath Society to preserve its character, and the Village is an oasis of independently owned shops, restaurants, wine bars and pubs, with a Farmers’ Market, an annual fireworks display attracting over 100,000 visitors and even its very own festival – OnBlackheath. One thing’s for sure; life here is never dull!

Next month our area focus will be on Chislehurst.

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Coffee Culture

Lifestyle

Nicola Berry On the Rise of the Independent Coffee Shop

Where do you buy your cup of coffee? Just five years’ ago it would, in all probability, have been from Starbucks or Costa, but now the chances are you buy it from a fabulous, independently owned coffee shop just around the corner from where you live.

offers in line with the best crops from each season. “When we find a coffee that we love, we take the time to develop the roast profile to bring out the best flavour characteristics.” Sounding a bit technical? Well, yes it is and the cult of the coffee bean is only just beginning.

In Meridian’s own little corner of south east London, there has been an explosion of new coffee shops over recent years. In the last six months alone I can think of three: The Scullery in Blackheath Standard, The Pantry in Sundridge Park and Archibald’s in Manor Lane, Lee. There’s probably a new one opening up whilst I write this!

It’s the same when it comes to what type of coffee you drink. In the early days my coffee of choice would have been a Cappuccino. Then I moved on to Latte and now it’s a Flat White. Yet the list is growing. Much has been written about what your coffee says about you. Personally, I think it comes down to whether you like it short, black and strong (Espresso), long and milky (Latte) or somewhere in-between (Flat White). Either way, there is a huge amount of choice. Of course, that’s before you even get on to the subject of milk. Full cream, semi, soy, almond?

The combinations are endless. Confused? Here’s a guide to some trusted favourites and a few new ones:

Independent coffee shops tend to be owned by people who are passionate about coffee – that’s why they opened them in the first place. Ask which brand of coffee they use and it will inevitably be from one of a small number of ‘boutique’ roasters such as Square Mile or Caravan. These independently owned companies have done much to further the quality of the coffee now available in the UK, and the serious coffee drinker will have his or her favourite.

It’s all about the beans and, much in the same way that different wine regions produce different types of grapes, so the same is true about coffee. The Pantry in Sundridge Park uses Square Mile’s best-selling espresso brand ‘Red Brick.’ Square Mile says: “Right now the blend is composed of two different lots of coffee from 2 different origins, but will vary depending on what’s in season at the time.” The Scullery uses ‘Alchemy’ from Caravan, who are also based in London. They explain that they are constantly developing their seasonal espresso blends and single origin

Espresso (single/double/triple): one shot or more of coffee. For the coffee purist.

Corto: Half a shot espresso. For those in a serious hurry.

Americano: I shot, espresso, hot water. Coffee, but not on the strong side.

Cappuccino: I shot, steamed milk, milk foam. In Italy it’s only for breakfast.

Flat White: 2 shots, less milk and less foam than a Latte. Originally from Australia.

Latte: 2 shots, steamed milk, milk foam. The easy drinking coffee.

Mochaccino: I shot, chocolate powder, steamed milk, milk foam. For the undecided.

Marochino: I shot, foamed milk, cocoa powder. Small but neatly formed.

Macchiato: I shot, drop of milk. Go easy on the milk!

THE SCULLERY

Old Cottage

An exciting new cafe for the Blackheath area.

Coffee Shop

48 Vanbrugh Park, Blackheath, London SE3 7JQ T: 020 8858 2244

Charlton Park OPEN Mon & Tues 10am - 5pm Wed to Sun 10am - 5pm

Local. Seasonal. Sustainable. www.meridian-magazine.co.uk | 19

NEPALESE & INDIAN CUISINE

Bringing a taste of Mediterranean to You From contemporary Greek to delicious Italian, Aqua Bar & Grill offers an exciting Fusion of modern Mediterranean cuisine and impressive cocktails in a relaxed and friendly environment.

LET’S DO LUNCH Monday - Saturday Lunch Menu 2 Courses - £12 3 Courses - £15

STEAK NIGHT MONDAY NIGHTS

50%

OFF ALL STEAKS

COME DINE WITH US Monday - Thursday Set Menu 2 Courses - £15 3 Courses - £18

TRADITIONAL SUNDAY ROAST 2 Courses - £15 3 Courses - £17

25% OFF

your food bill with this voucher A la carte menu only. Sun-Thurs. Maximum 6 diners. Expires 07.09.14

New Dining Area Outside

Why not come and join us for alfresco dining BROMLEY

020 8460 2346

4-6 Market Parade, East Street, Bromley BR1 1QN

www.aquabarandgrill.co.uk

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BLACKHEATH

0208 318 1143

3-5 Montpelier Vale, Blackheath SE3 0TA (Former Bella Vista location)

www.aquarestaurantblackheath.co.uk

Awarded for the Best Nepalese Restaurant in the UK and Winner of the Asian Curry Awards for the three consecutive Year 2011, 2012 & 2013

Come along and enjoy a first class dining experience in one of our award winning Restaurants.

••• Quality Food, Exceptional Service and Outstanding Value Are you thinking of Having a party Or Special function?

Let us organise it for you, as Everest Inn also caters for: Dinner parties • Wedding receptions • Birthdays parties Business meetings And presentations Catering for Outdoor Events Barbeques in your Garden • Canapés Receptions at your place!

Everest Inn caters for any Occasions to your requirements and your budgets.

Tel : 01233 643643 41 Montpelier Vale, Blackheath, London, SE3 0TJ Tel : 020 8852 7872

www.everestinn.co.uk

Restaurant reviews

Keeping it real Chrissy Iley tastes the difference at Chapters, Blackheath’s most distinctively independent restaurant.

I am sitting in Chapters, Blackheath, sipping a cucumber and mint martini, looking out onto a lush, green common. The waiter had remembered that I love this drink from the last time I was in. I adore that attention to detail. Chapters feels cosy, feels real.

My starter was a delicious olive toast with grilled cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinegar and yoghurt, chosen from the menu of the day. Simple, delicious, comforting. A magical combination. The tomatoes were so sweet, the balsamic so piquant, it could have been tailor made for me. Tomatoes with toast is one of my favourite things.

My companion started with a Josper-grilled beef salad: leaves, baby onions, white balsamic mayonnaise and Parmesan, which she said was delicious. The meat was super-tasty and melt-in-the-mouth tender.

You feel at ease instantly in Chapters. You can taste the attention to detail in the food. You know that it’s fresh and hand crafted in their kitchen.

Walking up to Chapters, I saw a changed high street. Whereas there used to be quirky shops and a plethora of individually-owned restaurants, now you see ubiquitous chains: a gorgeous and special spot in the world now just like any other high street.

I remember the last days of the King’s Road being special. Vivienne Westwood ruled. Punks with spiky hair and chains patrolled the streets. It was about individuality and crazy boutiques that catered for and encouraged it. Now it too is a collection of chain stores and conformity. Fashion is over in that part of the world now, as is uniqueness. Apart from Chapters, food is over in Blackheath.

value. Monday – Thursday lunch: two courses £12.95, three courses £14.95. Dinner: two courses £14.95, three courses £17.95.

For only a smidgeon more you get creatively cooked, fresh gorgeous food. Other restaurants around the corner will deliver you food from a central kitchen that tastes, well, of not very much. You will see the same places in shopping malls and high streets all over the country. Just because it’s familiar, it doesn’t mean it’s good.

My main course was a Josper-roasted breast of corn-fed chicken, which was juicy and delicious, with a pane of sweet potato and leek – a lovely sweet potato cake – and purées of celeriac and spinach. I loved the purées. I loved the way they looked so pretty, arranged on the plate. And I loved the creaminess of the taste. It was comforting and interesting at the same time.

My companion had the fish of the day, which came with other yummy purées. Both plates were cleared entirely.

I was really too full for dessert, but our waitress recommended the coconut sorbet because it ‘tastes like summer on the beach.’ This home-made sorbet was certainly transforming and it did feel just as she said. All the ice creams are home made and there’s always an intriguing selection.

I left feeling so satisfied and cared for. Chapters has such special food and for such good prices, but more than that it feels real, not made by a computer in a central kitchen. It feels like a beacon of culinary hope shining over a sea of thoughtless, bland mediocrity.

You wonder how people fall for it: ubiquity and a centralised kitchen, providing the food equivalent of Polyester. We purport to be a nation of foodies. We pride ourselves on knowing about farmers’ markets and artisan produce. Bake Off and MasterChef are two of the most watched programmes on TV, followed by millions.

They encourage flair and authenticity. The high street reflects the opposite.

Chapters All Day Dining 43-45 Montpelier Vale Blackheath Village London SE3 OTJ Tel: 020 8333 2666 See more at: www.chaptersrestaurants.com

Anyway, back to Chapters. A single beacon of well-thought-out food that caters to the individual rather than the masses. Specials of the day are locally sourced and seasonal, are always creative, and the fixed price set menu is always incredible

‘Chrissy Iley is renowned for her celebrity interviews and is obsessed with food.

She writes for the Sunday Times Magazine, Sunday Telegraph Seven, Saturday Times Magazine, Daily Mail Weekend and The Mail on Sunday.

www.meridian-magazine.co.uk | 21

CELEBRATE SUMMER, ENJOY TABLE SERVICE ON OUR BRAND NEW BENCHES OUTSIDE. Relax on the ‘Thames Riviera’ and have your drinks delivered to your table. Whether it’s a refreshing summer wine, beer or glass of Sipsmith summer cup, enjoy long sunny afternoons then watch the sun go down over one of the most glorious vistas in London followed by a delicious dinner in our candlelit Willis Dining Room Make the most of the summer by visiting us, we even provide sun tan lotion!!

4-6 Ballast Quay, Greenwich, London, SE10 9PD 020 8858 3146 cuttysark@youngs.co.uk

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Food news and reviews

Bottomless Brunch on Saturdays I love shopping at Canary Wharf and at the moment you can catch the latest photographic exhibition, Carpe Momentum, a stunning selection of works

by Christopher Jonas, in the lobby of One Canada Square, (the iconic Canada Tower) until the end of the month. But the lobby is not only home to regular exhibitions but also a smart, contemporary restaurant named after its location, One Canada Square, homage to Cesar Peli’s architecture with its stone and stainless steel interior.

On a Saturday they offer ‘Bottomless Brunch on Saturdays’, with two courses for £20 or three for £25, add an extra £15 and they will throw in bottomless bloody marys, raspberry bellinis, prosecco, or wine throughout your meal. How could one resist.

We couldn’t, so my niece and I, once seated, studied the menu and both agreed retail therapy gives you a healthy appetite, so opted for the three courses while sipping our first of several raspberry bellinis.

A starter of eggs royal, in fact a single egg on a bed of smoked salmon, but a perfect performance, simple, appealing and delicious, interrupted our conversation.

The heritage tomato and whipped feta salad was delicate and tangy and beautifully presented along with a scattering of shoots and leaves and small filo pastry cylinders piped with a light whipped feta that was simultaneously sharp and sweet. The assortment of red and green tomatoes complimented it perfectly. The salad was light and perfectly balanced and a refreshing start to the meal that fired up the taste buds.

Spice up your lamb Panas healthy food for the BBQ Panas Gurkha Restaurant is a family run business and always committed to providing healthy meals and here is one for the summer BBQ: Poleko Khasi is diced shoulder or leg of lamb marinated in olive oil, pinch of salt, pinch of turmeric powder, chopped garlic and cumin seeds. Leave it in the fridge for couple of hours or overnight and cook either on the BBQ or if the weather isn’t so good in the oven, until the meat is tender. Serve with salad. Delicious.

Never losing sight of my West Country roots, the Dorset crab linguini with chilli oil pressed all my buttons, from the first aroma of sweet crab to the last twang of chilli pasta, it was one of those dishes you don’t want to end.

My niece likes her meat rare, even raw. The steak tartare was, as she declared, ‘heavenly’ and topped with a perfect little golden yolk that was creamy and delicious.

The spice was well judged and not overpowering and the chips that came with it combined a salty crunch with the smoothness of the tartare.

Desserts were stunning to look at and the bitter chocolate delice, salted caramel with burnt orange ice cream will not fail to impress any chocoholic.

We agreed, that as a light brunch it was perfect for the start to a shopping trip in the surrounding stores, unless you choose to slow your pace down with their ‘bottomless cocktails,’ delivered by their friendly and discreet staff.

Throughout the meal the pianist seamlessly combining modern classics with show tunes, creating a happy and laid back atmosphere punctuated by applause and chatter that leaves this restaurant feeling like a great place to relax and enjoy the weekend in.

Valerie Breese.

To make a reservation call 020 7559 5199 or email reservations@onecanadasquarerestaurant.com One Canada Square, Canary Wharf E14.

New arrival at the O2

More than just a teashop…

All Bar One has opened the doors of its largest venue to date at The O2, Greenwich. Comprising of 1,283 square metres, the venue is set across three floors and can accommodate 400 covers. Located in the main entrance of The O2, it’s only a short walk from North Greenwich tube station, making it the perfect location for that pre show meal or meeting point for drinks with friends.

Newly opened, the Tea Boutique is an inspiring arts and crafts space offering family workshops, as well as serving fabulous cakes, refreshments and light lunches.

The interior is a combination of natural wood and glass with quirky design touches that give the venue a contemporary feel and welcome at the same time.

The top floor offers an intimate lounge atmosphere with subdued lighting and plenty of deep leather sofas. The space has a DJ booth, big screen TV, its own bar and a ‘cocktail mixology table’ where you can learn to mix your own favourite cocktail. It will make a great location for the office party or birthday celebration.

The Tea Boutique can be booked for birthday parties and other events.

Opening Times: Mon - Sat 9.30am - 5.30pm.

Tel:07956 398465 Commonwealth Studio 2, Commonwealth Building, Woolwich Church Street, Woolwich SE18 5NS.

All Bar One is open from 9am until late everyday offering an all-day menu covering breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner, where you can choose from traditional meals or the tapas styled sharing plates. Whatever the time of day or occasion, All Bar One has it covered.

Meridian will be reviewing All Bar One at the O2 next month.

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• Tan Truth & Lauren’s Way spray tan • Sunbeds retuned to 0.3 EU regulations • Anti-wrinkle injections (Botox) • OPI & gel Manicures & pedicures • Creative acrylic nails • Dermalogica facials • Dermalogica AR35 skin resurfacing treatment •

(same resalt as microdermabrasion) Waxing and eyelash extensions

020 8293 3939 | www.b-brown.co.uk 8 Old Dover Road, Blackheath SE3 7BT

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Ask the Expert

Health & Beauty

Health & beauty tips and advice

Health’s Angels - Courses

Treat your hair Is your hair ready for the sun, sea or pool? Two new products on the market will help protect and repair damaged hair. Both from Ogx, the Coconut Milk Anti Breakage Serum has a unique formula which helps repair damaged hair and cuticles, and mend split ends and calm frizziness. The blend of weightless coconut oil with silk and keratin proteins promotes longer hair by helping reduce everyday damage while adding strength and elasticity to weak and brittle hair.

Weightless Hydrating Oil Mist is an exotic blend of lightweight coconut oil to nourish the hair strands along with hydrating bamboo extract for a silky feel to your hair with each use.

All OGX products are paraben free and not tested on animals. RSP £6.99 available from Boots the Chemist and supermarkets.

Amanda Elias, beauty expert and founder of Bravura London (www.bravuralondon.com) with her top tips for a skin friendly summer.

The first thing you want to think about is sun protection; the sun is the main cause of premature ageing and can leave your skin dull, dry, wrinkled and with hyperpigmentation (brown spots). Protect all exposed skin with a broad spectrum SPF (protects against both UVA & UVB) of at least 30, preferably a mineral SPF, which acts as a sunblock to instantly block the sun’s rays. Look for a product that’s waterproof and don’t forget your lips, ears and the back of your neck. Re-apply frequently.

You may know about cleansing, exfoliating and moisturising your face but do you spend as much TLC on your body? Ensure you exfoliate at least twice a week and, if possible, slather yourself daily (after your shower) in your favourite body lotion.

Avoid wearing perfumes on your skin; when the sun hits the areas of skin that contain perfumes it can cause irritation. Fragrance your hair by spraying your hairbrush then brush through your locks, every time you swish your hair you’ll be surrounded by a beautiful fragrance.

Parched skin after too much alcohol and sun? Intensely nourish your skin with an oil such as jojoba oil, this non-comedogenic (won’t block your pores) oil is more of a wax and is close to your skin’s natural oil. For sun burnt skin, help the healing process with pure Aloe Vera gel and apply 3-4 times a day.

Don’t forget to hydrate yourself, to keep your body functioning properly and to aid in the removal of toxins from our body it needs to be well hydrated, so be sure to drink 2-3 litres of liquid (sadly this doesn’t include dehydrating substances such as cocktails and coffee) per day.

Are you fascinated with natural health therapies and recognise their role in people enjoying better health when embracing them? Maybe you’re looking for a career change or a new direction in life?

Do you want to be part of a life changing and inspirational course that will transform your perception and understanding of natural healthcare, where you can develop new skills, knowledge and techniques to help not only you, but your family and friends to live a healthier and happier life?

Maybe you are already a therapist and want to add a new dynamic to your practice and skill set, plus broadening your client base and earning potential?

Then Kinesiology Foundation courses are for you!

Health Angels Systematic Kinesiology Foundation courses are fully accredited

by The Association of Systematic kinesiology (ASK) and are suitable both for the complete beginner to healthcare and for other healthcare professionals.

Tutor, Vanessa Spiers, has been practicing Kinesiology for over 13 years. She runs a thriving health practice and is a registered Tutor for TASK teaching, from foundation levels through to Practitioner and Diploma levels in London, Kent and the South East.

Health’s Angels, 23 Bourne Road, Bexley. Limited spaces reserve your place or contact us now for a full prospectus. 01322 555600. Bookings are now being taken for the Autumn Full Foundation Balanced Health Course Levels 1-6.

Reduce the Aging Process Every year, on our birthday, we celebrate your chronological age, but are the number of candles on the cake a true representation of the body’s actual physical age?

If you want to find out your biological age there is a free community health awareness event, organized by Nicola Hull. On the day everyone will have the opportunity to get a free scan using cutting-edge technology by Dutch company DiagnOptics. In just 20 seconds you have an accurate reading of the amount of A.G.Es in your body, which stands for Advanced Glycation End-products, harmful compounds that are formed by glycation: a chemical reaction that happens naturally as we age, but can be accelerated by poor lifestyle choices.

Saturday 30 August from 1pm-5pm at Blackheath Quaker Hall, Lawn Terrace, Blackheath, SE3.

www.meridian-magazine.co.uk | 25

Go Green…

Leisure

by Valerie Breese Get walking and discover parks, open spaces and ancient woods, with plenty of surprises

Lesnes Abbey

Michael Shaw

Severndroog Castle

View of The South East London Green Chain Area

Maryon Wilson, Animal Park

The South East London Green Chain, also known as the Green Chain Walk is a linked system of open spaces between the River Thames and Crystal Palace Park.

In 1977 four London Boroughs, (Bexley, Bromley, Lewisham and Greenwich) and the then Greater London Council created the Green Chain of 300 open spaces to protect them from building activity. Many parts of the system are also part of the Capital Ring route.

The system begins at three places on the River Thames: Thames Barrier, Thamesmead and Erith. There are various circular walks along the route, and there is an offshoot from the main route to Chislehurst; and the final section reaches Crystal Palace via Bromley.

Along the routes you will come across some interesting local history, as a taster here are just a few.

Bostall Heath, an area of 159 hectares of woodland and heathland, is adjacent to Abbey Woods and here you will find the ruins of Lesnes Abbey.

Lesnes Abbey, as it is known, was founded by Richard de Luci, Chief Justiciar of England, in 1178. It’s speculated this may have been in penance for the murder of Thomas Becket, in which he was involved.

In 1179, De Luci resigned his office and retired to the Abbey, where he died three months later and was buried in the chapter house. The ruins are surrounded by parkland and an ornamental garden. There is a cafe and a small exhibition about the abbey.

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Over time the estates surrounding the Jacobean, Charlton House were gradually broken up, and once the Maryon-Wilson family died out in 1925, the surviving open spaces were converted into public parks. The house itself became the property of the Royal Borough of Greenwich and is used as a library and community centre. There is a café on the ground floor of the house and another in the grounds by the outdoor gym.

The estate was originally wooded and what is now Maryon Wilson Park was known as Hanging Woods.

This was a wild wooded area and formed an ideal retreat for highwaymen who robbed travellers on Shooters Hill and Blackheath. Those who were caught were hanged here – hence the name. The park is now home to an animal park open to the public for tours on certain days.

A large area that was known as the Charlton sandpits became Maryon Park and another pit became Charlton Athletics’ football ground, The Valley.

Woolwich Common is bounded to the south side by the A207 Shooter’s Hill Road, and to the east by Academy Road (part of the A205 South Circular road) that the former Royal Military Academy, now residential apartments. Occasionally you will see the spectacular King’s Own troops practicing with their gun carriages near the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Leaving Woolwich Common and crossing over Shooter’s Hill at the crossroad you can walk up the hill

through the ancient woodland, with a height of 129m, it is one of the highest points in London with views across London and Kent.

Severndroog Castle is a folly situated in Castle Wood, part of the Oxleas Woodland, on Shooter’s Hill. It was designed by architect Richard Jupp in 1784.

It was built to commemorate Commodore Sir William James who, in April 1755, attacked and destroyed the island fortress of Suvarnadurg (then rendered in English: Severndroog) of the Maratha Empire on the western coast of India, between Mumbai and Goa. James died in 1783 and his widow, Lady James of Eltham built the castle as a memorial to him.

A Grade II* listed building, the Gothic-style castle is 19m high and triangular in section and after many years of disrepair has been brought back to its former glory.

Now open to the public for the first time in 25 years, with a viewing platform open Thurs, Fri & Sun 12.30-4.30pm and a tearoom open Tues-Sun 9am-5pm.

See More...

Visit www.greenchainwalk.com for routes, maps and information and get out there.

Razzle and Dazzle them this summer with a SparklySmile Sound, healthy but stained teeth (often victims of tea, coffee, red wine, smoking or general ageing) can be dramatically, but convincingly, whitened and transformed by a simple Sparklysmile treatment.

They have been safely and successfully whitening teeth for over 18 years and use their own brand at-home tray based systems or the ‘in office’ procedure, (Wy10), combined with trays to achieve the result you want in a time frame that suits your schedule.

Healthy enamel whitens well and they can make sure your teeth are professionally cleaned in advance of any whitening. They can also advise you how to maintain your improved smile so that it does not fade back to its previous colour. Sensitive teeth can also be whitened with careful use of the new gels and the protocols they advise.

When carried out professionally, whitening can really make a difference to your smile and be part of a programme of making your mouth healthier.

Did you also know, that these days, you can book to see the dental hygienist without seeing the dentist?

If you suspect you have tooth problems then it is always best to see a dentist first – but if you feel that you just need your teeth cleaning then this is something they can also arrange.

Their three hygienists have all the knowledge to help you keep your teeth for life and have had extra training brought to the practice from the USA. Their expert care will remove stains, control dental decay and keep your breath fresh and gums healthy.

Some people are more susceptible to gum problems than others and if that is you, then you had better become best friends with a hygienist – it will pay off in the long run.

Health & Leisure Beauty

Sparklysmile are offering a free consultation over whether you will be suitable for whitening when you mention the Meridian magazine during the months of July and August, 10% of the cost of the whitening programme you choose and also a complimentary travel pack for the first 10 people who book their whitening using whitening@sparklysmile.co.uk You can also ask them to email their advice sheet about the best way to use their tooth whitening systems.

Say goodbye to a stained, yellow or discoloured smile this summer – it’s a great way to remain looking younger and feeling healthier.

Sparklysmile - tooth whitening – the professional way

Young Education Services Give your child a head start At YES we can help pupils fulfil themselves academically

New CEM 11+ timed practice tests, held weekly.

Now booking for summer school courses and autumn term courses.

We are now a mock exam centre for 11+ exams.

Not sure of your child’s ability?

Worried about your child’s academic progress?

Book a formal assessment with us.

TUTORS, ADMIN STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS WANTED

www.meridian-magazine.co.uk | 27

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Education

Education News Pigs Did Fly

During July 32, creatures and book benches were on display in various venues across Greenwich Village.

They are on prominent display in windows, inside shops and cultural venues. The month-long event was one of the most highly anticipated public exhibitions to hit the streets of south London in years.

‘Corelli’s Creature Carnival was the absolute benchmark for all future education projects for Wild in Art. The scale, ambition and variety of techniques used in the decorating of 32 of our sculptures are unprecedented, astonishing and inspiring. Then to secure the support of shops, cafes and cultural venues (many of them household names) in Greenwich; all who have been very happy to host the sculptures as part of an art trail; is even more impressive. Corelli College have worked so hard on the planning and delivery of this project and it really shows!’ said Ben Reed, Wild in Art. An auction will take place at Corelli College in the autumn as a grand finale to raise money for animal welfare charities. This will present the perfect opportunity for the community to own a lasting memento of this fabulous occasion and to raise money for a good cause.

Look out for further details. www.corellicreaturecarnival.com/ www.facebook.com/corellicreaturecarnival.

Corelli College, Corelli Rd, London SE3 8EL

National Drive to Improve Maths Education

Flying High

Woolwich Polytechnic Secondary School, working in partnership with Windrush and Hawksmoor primary schools, has been selected as one of only 32 schools and colleges in England to take the lead role in a new network of school-based centres, or hubs, designed to improve maths education for children and teenagers of all ages across the country.

In July, Eltham Brass released on iTunes their very own recording of ‘Gonna Fly Now’, Bill Conti’s iconic theme to the 1976 Oscar-winning movie, ‘Rocky’, accompanied by the school’s premier percussion ensemble ‘Stick Attack’.

Despite being placed in the most competitive category of Pop, rather than Soundtracks as had been requested, Eltham Brass still managed to achieve an iTunes chart position of 149!

The Maths Hubs programme, backed by £11 million from the Department for Education, places schools and colleges in the ‘driving seat’ to tailor improvement initiatives in their locality, concentrating exclusively on one school subject: maths.

Woolwich Polytechnic has been chosen as the lead school in the Maths Hub that will cover the Royal Borough of Greenwich and the neighbouring boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Lewisham and Southwark, whilst also reaching further afield, well beyond the mentioned boundaries.

Among the activities undertaken to start making these improvements will be an exchange of teachers between schools in the hub and schools in Shanghai, China.

This research project will start with two teachers from a primary school in the local hub area travelling to Shanghai in the autumn term this year. The Chinese teachers will make a return visit later in the school year.

Woolwich Poly’s co-headteachers Tim Plumb and Byron Parker said, ‘This accolade is a result of the wonderful work of our dedicated staff and the amazing achievements of our students. We look forward to helping raise maths standards in other schools across the region.’

Headmaster of Eltham College, Paul Henderson said, “Every brass player in the school aged 8 to 18 performed in this massed recording session, under our Head of Brass, Steve Thompson.

Their track was exclusively released as a digital download with all proceeds going to Demelza Hospice Care for Children.”

Eltham College is looking forward to presenting the final amount of money raised on iTunes to Demelza House in the autumn.

Eltham College, Grove Park Road, London SE9 4QF

Woolwich Polytechnic School, Hutchins Rd, Thamesmead, London SE28 8AT

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The Pointer School (Blackheath)

First Class Examination Results Organic Food Christian Evangelical in ethos Breakfast Club & After-School Care Large variety of outdoor and PE activities ‘The Brazilian Kickers’ teach football the Brazilian way Numerous Extra-Curricular Activities (Chess to Horse Riding) Holiday Club (Christmas, Easter, Summer and half-term) OFSTED: OUTSTANDING IN ALL AREAS

19 Stratheden Road, Blackheath SE3 7TH 020 8293 1331 secretary@pointers-school.co.uk www.pointers-school.co.uk 30 | www.meridian-magazine.co.uk

Fostering Agency - Seeking New Families Vulnerable children in need of a loving home are the business of Lesley Ward who is on the lookout for good foster carers some 100 children. It also runs a separate service for vulnerable, expectant parents to be fostered in homes where they can learn helpful coping strategies.

‘We recruit our own foster parents and our greatest success in engaging them is through word of mouth.

We welcome carers who can offer a loving home and have a dedicated team to assess candidates.’

Foster carer, Jo Sidney took in her first child nearly six years ago and that young girl is now staying permanently as part of the family.

‘She’s nearly 16, having come from a troubled London environment,’ says Mrs. Sidney. ‘She has thrived and flourished and is well loved. She’s now part of us.’

‘We all had to share each other’s space and time.

Fostering is a big decision. It must be made as a family - it’s a group decision and the commitment is 24 hours a day. So they all needed to be on board.’

A key element is the excellent level of support Mrs. Sidney, 49, says she receives from the Next Step Fostering agency.

‘Their training, their advice, the support they give, even their 24 hour on-call service, is all highly valuable. So my message to people considering fostering is to be with an organisation like Next Step that offers you good quality support. I have a wonderful relationship with my supervising social worker who is on-hand to assist me whenever I need help.’

Mrs. Sidney, from Lynsted, has three children in their 20s and is very active within the local community. She looks back with pride at the once vulnerable foster child who came into their lives.

The agency, which has its headquarters in Faversham, has expanded to sub offices in Chatham, Burnham in Buckinghamshire, Romford and Croydon.

Miss Ward, 44, is director of the Next Step Fostering agency that was founded by her mum Maureen and dad Alb 25 years ago. ‘My parents fostered for some 15 years so that gave me a really good understanding of what’s required,’ says Miss Ward.

‘She is not only a part of our family but also a member of the church youth, and part of the village community.

I’m so proud of her. She’s doing well in school and has adapted to life in the country.

It has 68 fostering families who look after 100 children and is always on the lookout for good carers with a dedicated team of experts who will assess their suitability.

‘Fostering requires compassion and tolerance. So experiencing that at first hand helped my understanding of the support and protection these children need, and ensuring they are not discriminated against.’

Her agency has 68 fostering families who look after

‘In the early days it was difficult integrating a total stranger into our home and getting the balance right with our own children. Both sides had to learn to adapt and consider each other’s feelings, because really you foster as a family, not as an individual.

Its director is Lesley Ward, who herself has a deep insight into the service. Her parents were foster parents, and she grew up alongside cared-for-children in the family home.

Contact Next Step Fostering: 01795 521 739.

It’s estimated that some 9,000 new foster families will be needed by the end of this year to cope with the number of children needing care.

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This summer get out and about for art’s sake The Flood Gallery

The Flood Gallery is run by a small group who are fanatical about concert poster art format and the gallery space brings the most focused and unique portal to this world, in London.

A one stop-shop for gig and movie posters, specially commissioned contemporary gig posters of bands as diverse as Iron Maiden and Wilko Johnson.

Good framing too. The concept of concert-posteras-art emerged in the late 60s but dwindled away when music went mass market and stadium rock took hold.

Over the past 10-20 years there has been a resurgence of the form with a whole new breed of talented artists expressing their love of music through beautiful and hand crafted gig posters.

The posters are special, collectable yet affordable and are a gateway drug for music fans wishing to bring more art into their lives and on their walls at home.

020 8269 0372. 8 Greenwich Market, SE10 9HZ.

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The Massive Miniatures Show.

Ben Oakley Gallery asked over 40 artists to do what they do but on a miniature scale (Paintings 4.5 inches square, sculpture under 8”.)

The results are amazing; it’s a breath taking multi media exhibition full of colour and texture, from artists such as Ray Richardson, Pam Glew, John McCarthy and Mark Melvin. Exhibition runs until 31 August. www.benoakleygallery.com

Leisure

HUBBA BUBBA: TAKE 2

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Get yourself down to Art Hub Gallery, Creekside, for the very best in contemporary art and design. This is a fantastic chance to buy work direct from the makers and creators. Everything from fine art, limited edition prints to cushion covers, leather handbags, glassware and ceramics - are all on sale at great prices, as well as some surprising and inspiring installations. Contributing artists are both emerging and established, including RA artist Ashley Greaves, London Group artist Peter Clossick and ceramicist Orli Ivanov.

Open every weekend throughout August 1-5pm.

Art Hub Gallery, Creekside SE8 4SA. arthub.org Follow events on twitter and facebook @arthub3

Ripley Arts Centre, this charming

Victorian house, known as Ripley, has a remarkable history of musical association and is located just a short distance from Bromley town centre. Bromley Arts Council is based at Ripley Arts Centre and represents amateur arts organisations throughout the borough; offering opportunities for artists to exhibit and musicians to perform. If you would like to know more about our activities or the Ripley Appeal Fund – to help us develop further – please contact us T: 020 8464 5816. www.bromleyarts.com. enquiries@bromleyarts.com.

24 Sundridge Avenue, Bromley, Kent, BR1 2PX.

Venus

Art

Gallery News

Unlimited Festival

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Southbank Centre will be a hub of creativity, showcasing the work of over 100 international disabled dancers, choreographers, theatre makers, cabaret stars, stand-ups, puppeteers, musicians, poets, filmmakers, visual artists, activists and thinkers. The festival includes over 20 performances, 11 exhibitions and installations and a wide ranging programme of talks, debates, workshops and free outdoor and indoor activities, including a mass participatory signing and dance to Pharrell Williams’s Happy. 4-7 September.

Margate explodes into a festival of colour Aylesford Pottery.

There has been a pottery on the site of Aylesford Priory since 1954, even though the priory itself dates back to 1240. Today, Alan Parris and Billy Byles run the pottery. Both master potters in their own right, but with very different backgrounds, they took over the pottery in 1999.

For more info visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk/ unlimited or call 0844 847 9910.

Turner Contemporary presents Dwelling (Margate / Folkestone) until 2 November, the first public commission in England by Dutch artist Krijn de Koning. This new temporary artwork has been produced by Turner Contemporary for its Summer of Colour festival and the Folkestone Triennial 2014 and is the first time both organisations have collaborated on an artist commission.

One of the unique features that visitors will find at the pottery is the ability to watch the master potters at work each day in the studio. Passing on their skills has always been a central philosophy. This ranges from working with local schools to being asked to demonstrate master classes in ‘throwing’ at Central Saint Martins, London.

The artwork, a colourful architectural labyrinth, is conceived and sited in two different outdoor locations in Kent: Turner Contemporary’s South Terrace (adjacent to the gallery) and within a Victorian grotto on Folkestone seafront. Both versions of the work open simultaneously this summer as part of Turner Contemporary’s Summer of Colour festival and Lookout, the third Folkestone Triennial.

For more info visit www.aylesfordpottery.co.uk.

Aylesford Pottery, The Friars, Alyesford, Kent ME20 7BX.

Turner Contemporary, Rendezvous, Margate, Kent CT9 1HG. Info@turnercontemporary.org. Turner Contemporary, Rendezvous, Margate, Kent CT9 1HG.

Latest Acquisition

Curator of Art, Melanie Vandenbrouck, looks at the latest acquisition ‘Working Boats from around the British Coast’ at the National Maritime Museum on display in the Sammy Ofer Wing.

Working Boats from around the British Coast

by Alan Sorrell, © National Maritime Museum, London.

FRAMING SERVICE

High quality wood and float glass readymade and bespoke frames Available in a large choice of mouldings and sizes with optional non reflective glass Fast service at a very reasonable price Visit us at the gallery, email or call us for a quote 8 Greenwich Market, London SE10 9HZ www.thefloodgallery.com tel: 0208 269 0372 email: info@thefloodgallery.com

Contemporary limited edition screen printed gig posters, art prints ad film posters

Arts, Crafts, Exhibitions, Bromley Valley Gymnasts, Beckenham Junior Choir & Beckenham Youth Voices, Face Painting, Bouncy Castle, Stalls, Model Shipwrights, Books, Raffle, CDs,DVDs, BBQ, Beer Tent, Pimms, Strawberries & Cream, Cakes, Teas, Ices and much more.......

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Gallery News - Whats On And Where?

SECOND FLOOR STUDIOS & ARTS:

2 Aug–14 Sept Modern Makers Ceramic and Enamel. Explore a showcase of works in ceramics and enamel by seven makers, demonstrating a fascinating range of approaches to this material. Gallery at the ORNC, Discover Greenwich.

GREENWICH ANNUAL PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION

4-17 AUG Makes its seventh appearance showcasing 30 photographers. It can now claim to be an established event but not a predictable one.

Special events 7 Aug 7-9pm Exhibition critique led by Elisabeth Blanchet & Mandy Williams and 14 Aug 7-9 pm Pecha Kucha. Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.30pm; Sat-Sun 1pm-5pm. Greenwich Gallery, Peyton Place, Greenwich SE10 8RS.

MORPHISISATION

7-17 Aug A.P.T Gallery is showing an exhibition of contemporary artists that has been curated by artist Ben Woodeson. ‘Morphisisation’ brings together a diverse range of artists with a creative interest in pre-existing objects. Some of the artists translate, some revolutionise and others subsume the selected objects into the final works.

Exhibiting artists: Bestué and Vives, Ruth Claxton, Julie Cockburn, Susan Collis, Paul Eachus, Andrea Jespersen, Simon Lewandowski, Alan Magee, Philip Newcombe, Michael Samuels, Tom Walker, Laura White & Ben Woodeson.

Open Thursday to Sunday from 12noon to 5pm. Harold Wharf, 6 Creekside, Deptford SE8 4SA.

SHORTLIST 6 EXHIBITION

Until 16 Aug Shortlist 6 Exhibition at the Shape Gallery Westfield celebrates the works of the Adam Reynolds Memorial Bursary nominees as well as bursary recipient Aaron McPeake.

A stunning showcase of the diverse talent and high standard of submissions. Supported by Sir Antony Gormley, this unique award that supports mid-career disabled artists by offering a three-month residency at a high profile gallery or cultural institution.

The Shape Gallery at Westfield, Wed - Sat from 10am - 6pm.

Westfield Stratford City, 91/92 The Street, London, E20 1EJ.

LIVE ART AND PRINTS

16 & 30 Aug Sclater Street Stalls Eat your Art Out presents live art and prints, hot & cold street food, and cool collectables. 2 minutes walk from Shoreditch High Street Overground.

Support local artists and independent traders. Sclater Street E1 6HR.

RIPLEY GARDEN PARTY

23 Aug Our fund raising Summer Garden Party is on 23rd August 2014 12.30 to 5pm. This family day is a great attraction and showcases arts, crafts and garden performers as well as side stalls, beer tent, BBQ and much more…. Adults £2, children free. 24 Sundridge Avenue, Bromley, Kent, BR1 2PX. www.bromleyarts.com

GREENWICH PRINTMAKERS

Until 14 Sept Current Exhibition. Featured artists: Jon Crane (until 10 Aug), Diana Croft (12- 24 Aug), and Martin Mossop (26 Aug – 14 Sept). Tues-Sun, 10am-5.30pm. 020 8858 1569.

Greenwich Printmakers Gallery, 1A The Market, SE10 9HZ. If you would like your exhibition promoted in this section please contact Cheryl on 020 8319 0555.

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This month’s listings ONGOING 8Art, Drama, Music, Language & Wine courses. One-to-one instrumental & vocal tuition for all age groups, plus a range of courses. The Conservatoire, Lee Road Blackheath, SE3.

Info: 020 8852 0234 or info@conservatoire.org.uk 8Blackheath Decorative & Fine Arts Society.

Stimulating lectures and intriguing outings.

Fourth Thursday of the month except Aug and Dec 2.30pm. www.artsinblackheath.org.uk St Mary’s Hall, Cresswell Park, Blackeath SE3.

8Greenwich Decorative & Fine Arts Society.

Monthly lectures at King William Court, Room 315, University of Greenwich, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, SE10. 8pm on 2nd Monday of the month, except April & August. Refreshments from 7.15pm. 020 8852 6248 or www.gdfas.org 8Greenwich Market. Tues - Collectables & crafts. Weds - Food market with local producers & organic produce. Thurs & Fri - Antiques, collectables, arts & crafts. Weekends & Bank Hols Arts & Crafts & Food. 10am-5.30pm, www.shopgreenwich.co.uk 020 8269 5096. Greenwich SE10.

8Guided Walk in Maryon Wilson Park. With an animal park & deer enclosure. Tours held at 1.30pm every Wednesday, meet by the deer pen, limited to the first 50 people. During school holidays 1.30pm every Mon, Wed & Fri except for public holidays. Free. Maryon Wilson Park, Thorntree Road, Charlton, SE7.

8Kids Knitting & Crochet Workshops. Every Fri & Sat 11am-1pm. Special discount £8/2h session (quote:MERIDIAN) Book online at www.knitshop.co.uk or call 020 8144 4523, Boutique Outlet, 326 Lee High Road, Lee Green SE13 5PJ. 8Learn Tarot Cards. Develop your intuition and communication skills. Private tuition and workshops with an experienced reader. Email: marieclaire@tarotgift.com, www.tarotgift.com Tel: 07791 139 380, 020 8293 1737.

EVERY MON

8Rotary Club of Lewisham & Penge. Local businessmen and women giving help locally, national and internationally. We meet at 7pm for a dinner, with speakers on a variety of subjects.

Contact Peter Earll 020 8303 3361 or Alan Davis 020 8467 2032. Bromley Court Hotel, Bromley.

8Live Music & Open Mic. Jive jazz hosted by Dave Silk (bass) fusing legendary and experienced musos together with first time and amateur performers. In relaxed candlelit setting. Bar opens 8pm. £10 on the door. www.jazznights. co.uk. Mycenae Road, Blackheath SE3 7SE.

2ND TUES OF EVERY MONTH 8The Blackheath & Greenwich Amnesty Group. Monthly meetings. 8pm. St. Margaret’s Church, Lee Terrace, Blackheath SE3.

EVERY WED

8Keep Fit & In Shape + Line Dancing. 10am 12 noon. Donation £5 to Cancer Research UK. 020 8852 7127. Kingswood Hall, Kingswood Place, off Dacre Park, Lewisham SE13.

8Woolwich Singers. A community choir. No audition required to join. The aim is to sing together and have fun! Call Wendy 07812 477 775. £2 per week, refreshments provided. 6.30pm-8pm. The Clockhouse Community Centre, Defiance Walk, Woolwich Dockyard, Woolwich SE18 5QL.

On stage Greenwich Theatre’s Artistic Director, James Haddrell

Celebrate with us

Greenwich Theatre may be one of South East London’s best equipped venues, one of London’s prized Off-West End theatres, home to a stage which young companies from around the country compete to perform upon, but we also pride ourselves on being a team of experienced theatre professionals, ready, willing and excited to forge partnerships across the country, across the arts and across the business community.

From 5 to 9 September this year, Greenwich is set to host an astonishing celebration of our iconic position on the Thames, when up to 50 majestic tall ships will arrive for the Greenwich Tall Ships Festival – and we are all set to play our part as just one of the many partners brought together by Royal Greenwich for the festival.

Royal Greenwich is planning five days of activities based around the Regatta, which will see ships moored at Greenwich, Royal Arsenal Woolwich, West India Dock, Enderby Wharf and Victoria Deep Water Dock. Greenwich + Docklands International Festival will present a puppetry parade

by Catalan street theatre company Sarruga, Greenwich & Lewisham Young People’s Theatre (GLYPT) will present an all-new community production of Brecht’s Mother Courage highlighting the history of Woolwich Arsenal, performances will be presented by Greenwich Dance as part of Greenwich Dances, and for the first time ever we will be working with GLYPT to extend the Greenwich Children’s Theatre Festival programme into the Autumn.

With the support of Royal Greenwich we have also been working with our partners at Montage Theatre Arts to build on our existing weekly performance classes for older people (which have already attracted the interest of Sadler’s Wells and the Southbank Centre) and put together a dedicated tall ships project. We will be gathering a group of local people for an exciting series of free workshops, starting on 5 September and culminating on 8 September with a series of pop-up performances presented at sites along the river. Participants don’t need any experience of performing, just a willingness to get involved, meet some new friends and enjoy being part of a performance – and this is the perfect chance to meet our workshop leaders as we are also recruiting participants for the Autumn.

Aqua Comp

The prospect of 50 tall ships sailing up the Thames to Greenwich, surrounded by professional and community arts from across the borough, is a truly exciting one – and one which we are delighted to be able to invite our audiences and participants to join.

For more information, or to sign up to take part in the free project and be a part of the astonishing Royal Greenwich Tall Ships Festival, contact Montage Theatre Arts on 020 8692 7007 or email office@montagetheatre.com.

For more information on the festival programme, visit www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/tallships

EVERY THURS

8Blackheath Morris Men. Practice 8.45-10pm.

St Marks Church Upper Hall, Greenwich South Street SE10. Free. Contact John on 020 8461 2440. www.blackheathmorris.com 8Rotary Club of Greenwich. For like-minded business people to meet & help the community.

Fred Nunn 020 8858 6410. Charlton Football Club, Floyd Rd; Charlton SE7 8BL.

EVERY FRI

8Lunchtime Concert. 1pm – 2pm. Free 020 8856 3951.Charlton House, Charlton Rd; SE7 8Tangoworkout. Classes connecting Tango with health and well being, for men and women.

7.15pm - 9.15pm. Beginners and intermediate classes. £7. West Greenwich Community Centre, 141 Greenwich High Road, SE10 8JA. 8Bromley Green Gym. Meeting weekly to carry out wildlife gardening tasks to bring back some of the site’s heritage, and transform the space for the benefit of wildlife and the local community. www.tcv.org.uk. Free. 11am-2pm. 07740 899 689. College Green & Slip, West Street, Bromley, BR1 1PA. 8Charlton Judo Club. Judo training sessions for anyone aged 10 years and over. If you do not have a judo suit wear baggy t-shirt and old jog bottoms. From beginners upwards.

8.15-9.30pm. £3 per session. Contact Lorraine Thundercliffe on 07932767385 or email lollyjudo1975@aol.com. NCCA Community Hall, 217 Maryon Road, Charlton SE7 8DB.

EVERY SUN & 2ND TUES

8Blackheath Quakers. Meeting for worship.

10.30am-11.30am every Sunday, and 1.30pm on 2nd Tues of each month. Visitors welcome. For more details, including room hire on 07908 587 695 or email quakerhall@aol.com. Quaker Meeting House, Lawn Terrace, Blackheath SE3 9LL.

UNTIL 27 AUG

8Big Wednesdays. Activities for families inspired by the pastimes including art & crafts, storytelling, ponding and mini-beast safaris. 11am-3pm. www. horniman.ac.uk for details. Horniman Museum, London Road, Forest Hill SE23.

UNTIL 29 AUG

8The OnBlackheath Beach: Friday Food Nights. Bring a towel and have a night out on the beach! Enjoy live music, activities, bar and pop up restaurants. Entrance to all beach events is Free. First served basis. Check-in at reception.

However, for the extra keen visitors there are a small number of reserved spots available via eventsbrite at £4. 6pm – 10pm (beach open from 10am). 020 8852 0234. The Conservatoire, 19-21 Lee Road, Blackheath SE3 9RQ.

UNTIL 31 AUG

8Time Machines: Daniel Weil and the Art of Design. The exhibition focuses of how a designer thinks and works. Featuring clocks specially created for the exhibition as well as commissions for Swatch, United Airlines, Krug, Mothercare and the Pet Shop Boys. 10am-5.45 daily. Adults £12.40, Students £9.30 and under 6 Free. Design Museum, Shad Thames, SE1 2YD.

UNTIL 15 SEPT

8Books About Town. The National Literacy Trust is working with Wild in Art to bring Books about Town to the streets of London. Trails of benches shaped as open books, decorated by professional illustrators and local artists, will appear for the public to enjoy. Free. ww.ornc.org.

Old Royal Naval College Greenwich SE10 9NN.

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Listings continued UNTIL 27 SEPT

8What did you do in the War? Exhibition looking at the impact of the First World War on local life and on Bromley’s role in caring for casualties.

Free. 01689 873826. Bromley Museum, The Priory, Church Hill, Orpington, BR6 0HH

UNTIL 31 OCT

Greenwich Music Time Greenwich Music Time. Artists including: The Australian Pink Floyd, Goldfrapp, Russell Watson with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra with special guests Mel C & Marc Almond.

8Ping! A street Ping-Pong project, which provides people with opportunities to play social and competitive table tennis. Free. Bats and balls form the Old Brewery. £10 or bankcard as deposit. The grounds of the Old Brewery, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich SE10.

Thurs 20 August–Sat 24 August. Gates open 5pm.

Set within the grounds of the iconic Old Royal Naval College, the event welcomes some of the biggest music stars the UK has produced. GMT concerts has something for everyone from contemporary to classical music, with the four day event welcoming 5,000 guests a night.

UNTIL 4 JAN 2015

Acclaimed tenor Russell Watson lends his distinctive style to the very first ‘Proms on the Thames’ on August 22nd, which takes place at The Old Royal Naval College as part of the Greenwich Music Time concert series.

Described by The New York Times as an artist ‘who sings like Pavarotti and entertains like Sinatra’, Watson will be joined on stage by the 32-piece Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and special guests Rhydian and Kerry Ellis. The evening concert will present a mix of classical music, songs from the musicals and well known standards.

8Longitude Punk’d. The Royal Observatory celebrates the creations of wacky inventors, stargazing scientists and extremely elegant explorers of the 18th century. 10am-5pm. Included in Royal Observatory admission price. Royal Observatory, Greenwich Park SE10.

8Ships, Clocks & Stars: The Quest for Longitude. To mark the 300th anniversary of the passing of the Longitude Act in July 1714, this landmark exhibition tells the extraordinary story of the race to determine longitude (east-west position) at sea.10am-5pm, open till 8pn Thurs. Book online now: £8.50 combined adult ticket includes entry to Ship, Clocks & Stars and Longitude Punk’d. www.rmg.co.uk. National Maritime Museum, Greenwich SE10.

MON 4-22 AUG

8Summer Arts. Three weeks of intensive arts courses for 13-19 years in five venues across the borough of Lewisham. Young people will have the chance to try their hands at everything from drama to dance, and circus to comedy. 10am4pm, with Wed Extras from 5pm. £10 per week.

Contact www.thealbany.org.uk or call 020 8692 4446.

MON 4 AUG 8Jazz. Mick Collins Modern Jazz Orchestra.

8.30-10.45pm. £6. 020 8466 1726. H G Wells Centre, St Mark’s Road, Bromley High Street South, Bromley BR2 9HG.

WED 6 AUG

8Animal Magic. Meet jumping geckos, cute bunnies, mischievous meerkats, hungry ducklings, a digging porcupine and much more.

Get close up and personal with all the amazing animals from Animal Magic. A wonderful family experience. 10-11am, 11.30-12.30pm, & 2-3pm.

Adults £6, Child £3. www.bexleyheritagetrust. org.uk/events. Advance booking reqd. on 01322 621238. Hall Place and Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexley, Kent, Kent DA5 1PQ. 8Dinosaur Jr. Widely recognized as one of the most significant American rock bands of all time.

8pm. £20. London.brooklynbowl.com. Brooklyn Bowl, The O2, Peninsula Square, North Greenwich SE10 0DX.

WED 6 & 13 AUG

8Summer Sounds- Canary Wharf. Now the sun is out to play, why not brighten up your day with an al fresco lunch, listening to the sweets sounds of vintage styled Verity & Violet (6/8) & Guitarist Nick Zala-Webb (13/8) 12.30-2pm. Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf E14.

To receive your complimentary upgrade to top price tickets for the Proms on the Thames concert simply enter the promo code COMPUPGRADE when booking tickets here: www.greenwichmusictime.co.uk/lineup/russellwatson.html Location: Old Royal Naval College, London SE10 9NN Tickets available online at www.greenwichmusictime.co.uk

Rat Race at Canary Wharf

WED 6, 13 & 20 AUG

8Urban Safari in Deptford - Crab Catching, Den Building, Bread and Fire making (Age 5-12yrs), Bug Hunting (Age 3-10yrs) and various other activities. You don’t have to leave the city to go on a wildlife safari – just head down to Deptford!

The Creekside Discovery Centre is bringing back summer holidays as they used to be. Children (5+) can be left under the care of Creekside Discovery Centre’s CRB checked staff but parents are very much encouraged to stay and join in the fun too! Most activities are aimed at 5-12 year olds. Children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult. All equipment provided. Dress in old clothes. www.creeksidecentre.org.uk/events/holiday-workshops/Cost: Varies. Creekside Discovery Centre, 14 Creekside.

THURS 7 AUG

8Lunchtime Recital. Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. 1.10pm. Free. St Alfege Church, Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich SE10 9BJ. 8Edwardian Late Tea Dance. With live music, music hall acts, silent film screenings, a period photo booth, street performers, tours and refreshments. 6.30pm – 9.30pm. www.horniman.ac.uk for details. Horniman Museum, London Road, Forest Hill SE23.

FRI 8 – 10 AUG

8POP Up Cinema. Picture the scene… sunny summer evening, cold beer in one hand, tasty burger in the other, your favorite classic movie on a big screen, surrounded by friends. Sounds like the stuff dreams are made of doesn’t it? Fri – The Royal Tenenbaum, Sat - The Big Lebowski & Sun – Top Gun. As well as satisfying any cravings for cult classics, this year Pop Up Screens will also be serving up bespoke Pop Up Burgers. It goes without saying there’ll also be a fully stocked bar and it just wouldn’t be cinema without popcorn and sweets. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.popupscreens.co.uk for £10, or a weekender pass to see all three films at any one location is £24. Manor House Gardens, Lewisham SE13.

SUN 10 AUG

8Coach Ramble. A 6-mile flat walk along esplanade from Chalkwell to Southend-on-sea pier.

Meet at 9.45am at Goldsmiths’ College or 10am at the Blackheath, Greenwich Park Gates. Must be prebooked. Goldsmiths Rambling Club. Contact Rona Sullivan on 020 8850 4417 for details.

New members welcome.

MON 11-15 AUG

8Crafts in the Clore: Glorious George and Regal Royals. Help us celebrate the 300-year anniversary of King George I’s coronation in a week of family craft activities inspired by Greenwich’s many royal connections. 1-4pm. Free. Clore Learning Centre, Discover Greenwich, Old Royal Naval College, SE10 9LW. The 10km water course will see participants run, jump, swim, kayak and climb their way around The Docklands in East London. The charity Shelter in partenship with Rat Race Adventure Sports will be holding London’s first ever, aquatic obstacle course ‘The River Rat Race’ The race will start inside the ExCel London with participants facing a quick fire barrage of obstacles before they head out on to the dockside.

Saturday 16 August 2014 For more info www.ratrace.com.

MON 11 – 17 AUG

8HMS Belfast: Family Activities. Tattoo T-Shirts.

Impress your friends and family by designing your very own t-shirt, inspired by traditional Navy tattoos to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of DDay. (Cost included in admission) 11am-12.30pm & 2-4pm. Ship open 10am-6pm. Adults £15.50, Child under 16 free. HMS Belfast, The Queen’s Walk SE1 2JH.

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Listings continued WED 13, 14, 18, 19 & 20 AUG

8Fairy School (3-9 yrs). Calling all trainee fairies! Attend an enchanting school where pupils enjoy storytelling, fairy cake decorating, dancing, crafts and other magical skills. Can you graduate this year? Fairies include both girls and boys.

10am & 2pm. £8 per child, Adults Free. www.hallplace.org.uk. Advance booking reqd. on 01322 621238. Hall Place and Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexley, Kent, Kent DA5 1PQ

THURS 14 AUG

8Lunchtime Recital. 1.10pm. Free. St Alfege Church, Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich SE10 9BJ. 8Meridian Time Breach. Come along in your steampunk finery for a special late night opening of the Longitude Punk’d exhibition. Meet artists involved in the exhibition, bump into Astronomer Royal, Nevil Maskelyne, and his human computer, Mary Edwards, or view the night sky through the Victorian telescope, all whilst enjoying some of Meantime Brewery’s finest ale. 7-9pm. £12.

18+. Royal Observatory, Greenwich Park.

THURS 14 & 28 AUG

8Softball Cricket Fun day. 5 hours of Softball fun and games, all led by an experienced, fully qualified, and CRB checked coach. This event is for boys and girls aged 5 - 10 years old. No experience is necessary. 10am-3pm. £20 per child. Packed lunch required. Bookings www. bromleydistrictcricket.com. 0208 658 3878 / 07872 109834. Langley Park Sports Centre, Hawksbrook Lane, off South Eden Park Road, Beckenham BR3 3BE.

Tall Ships Be part of London’s largest Tall Ship event in over 25 years! From 4 to 9 September the Royal Greenwich Tall Ships Regatta and Festival will take place. This is your chance to cruise the Thames on a majestic Tall Ship and be part of this amazing event.

The cruises depart from Woolwich Royal Arsenal pier a couple of times per day. On leaving the Royal Arsenal Pier you sail through the Thames Barrier towards the O2 Arena taking in the magnificent views of the Old Royal Naval College, the Cutty Sark and Canary Wharf. The Tall Ship passes the prime-meridian several times. All cruises sail alongside the fleet of Tall Ships moored in the Thames. This way you experience at close quarters the grandeur and romance of the different international Tall Ships.

For more information and if you would like to book tickets, visit www.thamestallshipcruise.co.uk.

One lucky winner can win 2 tickets for a Thames Tall Ship Cruise during the regatta in Greenwich. Simply send your name, address and daytime telephone number to Meridian magazine (Tall Ships), 8 The Village, Charlton, SE7 8UD. Or email your details to competition@meridian-magazine.co.uk by 27 August.

FRI 15, 16 & 17 AUG

8Jazz Festival. London’s largest free jazz festival with three days of superb live music. Fri 7-10pm, Sat & Sun 1.30-8.15pm. Free. For line up visit arts&events@canarywharf.com or call 020 7001 3016. Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf E14.

SAT 16 AUG

8Meet Joe Brown. Join Joe Brown and find out about life as a Greenwich Pensioner including what the sailors ate and drank, punishments for breaking Hospital rules and stories of the Battle of Trafalgar. 12noon, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm. Free. The Painted Hall, Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, Greenwich, London SE10 9LW.

SAT 16-17 AUG

8Extreme Torque Show. Monster Trucks, freestyling, super bikes and much more. £7. Tickets from www.extremeeventseurope.com. The Hop Farm, Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood, Kent TN12 6PY.

MON 18 AUG

8Charlton & Blackheath Amateur Horticultural Society. The British Clematis Society: A Clematis for Every Month of the Year talk by Denise MacDonald. 7.45pm. £1 visitors. Charlton House, Charlton Road SE7 8RE.

MON 18 – 22 AUG

8Theatre Bugs Summer Workshops. Summer holidays are just around the corner. Four or five fun filled days of acting, singing, dancing, arts and crafts and dressing up for your little ones. On the final day there’s a spectacular performance that mums and dads are invited to. Cost 5 days £120 or 4 days £96. For more info call on 07531 804 242. At Blackheath – Friends Meeting House, Lawn Terrace SE3 9LL or Greenwich – Greenwich West Community & Arts Centre, 141 Greenwich High Road, SE10 8JL.

OnBlackeath New artist added to lineup Worldwide superstar Grace Jones has been announced as the very special guest at OnBlackheath festival.

Grace Jones said, “SE3 me, here I come. Looking forward to blowing you all away on Saturday the 13th September.”

Performing on Saturday 13 September, the multi-platinum recording artist has been personally chosen by the day’s headliner Massive Attack, who are curating the main stage.

Other artists already announced for the weekend include Aloe Blacc, Young Fathers and Hot Chip’s Joe Goddard.

OnBlackheath festival, in partnership with John Lewis, is the first ever food and music festival on Blackheath Common and brings together the nation’s love for both in one weekend this September.

Besides all the incredible music and amazing food, there’s also a whole host of interactive fun, games, workshops, entertaimnment and activities for kids (and adults) of all ages at the festival.

To top it off, kids under 5 are free on Saturday, and kids under 12 are free on Sunday – so it’s easy to bring the whole family!

TUES 19 AUG

8Print It! Experiment with printmaking techniques to create your own printed artworks, inspired by the imagery and architecture of the ORNC. 10.30am – 3.30pm (Age 11-14 yrs.). £5 per person. Clore Learning Centre, Discover Greenwich, Old Royal Naval College, SE10 9LW.

TUES 19 & 21 AUG

8Bat Walks. Join us on a dusk walk to listen to, and hopefully catch a glimpse of, these nocturnal creatures in their natural habitat. Followed by tea and cake. 8pm. Adults £10, Under 16 £8.

Advance booking reqd. on 01322 621238. www. hallplace.org.uk. Hall Place and Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexley, Kent, Kent DA5 1PQ

THURS 21 AUG

8Lunchtime Recital. 1.10pm. Free. St Alfege Church, Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich SE10 9BJ. 8Blackheath Decorative and Fine Arts Society.

Warning: No meeting today. New term starts next month. Enrol and you could join us for a special autumn day at the Victoria and Albert Museum based on “Disobedient Objects in Social Change.” more info www.artsinblackheath.org.uk.

SAT 23 AUG & 6 SEPT

8Who Put the Royal Into Greenwich? Find out who put the Royal into Greenwich with our irreverent look at the famous royals who loved to come to glorious Greenwich. 12noon, 1.30pm & 3pm. Free. www.ornc.org/events. Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, Greenwich, London SE10 9LW.

SUN 24 AUG

8Ramble. A 5-mile walk from Brighton Station to Hove and back. Meet either at London Bridge station for 10.11am train (platform 5) or Brighton station concourse, centre seats at 11.25am. Goldsmiths Rambling Club. Contact Rona on 020 8850 4417 for details. New members welcome.

TUES 26 - 29 AUG

8Theatre Bugs Summer Workshops. Summer holidays are just around the corner. Four or five fun filled days of acting, singing, dancing, arts and crafts and dressing up for your little ones. On the final day there’s a spectacular performance that mums and dads are invited to. Cost 5 days £120 or 4 days £96. For more info call on 07531 804 242.

9.30am-12.30pm. At Lochaber Hall Community Centre, Manor Lane Terrace SE13 5QL. 8Summer School: Booking Now. 4 days of nonstop hilarity for 4-14 year olds. Sports, performing arts, art activities, workshops and prizes! Classes grouped by age. www.lcnperformingarts.co.uk.

Email laura@lauranewman.co.uk. Held at John Ball School, SE3 0TP.

SUN 31 AUG 8Bexley Donkey Derby and Summer Fayre.

Come along for a great family day out and place your bets for the donkey races! Plenty of food and drink available including beer tent and ice creams. Gates open 12 noon with first race 2pm. £1 adult, 50p child. Car parking £1 per car. www. wellingroundtable.co.uk. Danson Park, Danson Road, Welling, London Borough of Bexley, London DA6 8HL

Tickets on sale NOW and available from www.onblackheath.com.

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Saving the Best for Last

Interview

as Heather Scott finds out His critically acclaimed grouchy deadpan style has established him worldwide as a master of absurdist irony and the king of rapid-fire wit, now Rich Hall heads to Greenwich for the finale of his hugely anticipated spring tour of the UK. 59-year-old Rich begins by underlining his enduring passion for the live arena. “What I love about stand-up is the immediacy of it. Having run the gamut of TV panel shows, after a while you know how to do them and they are not so much fun anymore.”

“But now I know I’m going to be on stage somewhere, and that prospect is really exciting. For those two hours, no one is looking at their phones. It’s a true non-media event. Those sorts of occasions are rapidly disappearing, and that’s why I value them so much.”

The Montana resident is renowned for his expertly crafted tirades. His biting, yet compelling comedy has helped earn him a Perrier Award in Edinburgh and a Barry in Melbourne.

The comic, who won two Emmys for his work as a writer on The David Letterman Show, explains that, “I do what Americans call ‘crowd work’. I really enjoy that because I can turn it into improvised songs, which is a big thrill for me. I always have a guitar beside me on stage in case something happens.”

Rich continues that he does not need a lot of material to work on. “It’s funny, the less information I get from people, the more you can improvise. Nothing is out of bounds. I want them to tell me, ‘I’m a clerk,’ rather than, ‘I work for the council finance department and am involved in the end of year expenditure’. As soon as I hear the word ‘clerk’, my head immediately starts formulating rhymes for it.”

The fuel that powers Rich’s act is a marvellous sense of simmering fury. The stand-up, who also starred regularly on Stand Up for the Week, QI, Live at the Apollo, Have I Got News For You and Never Mind the Buzzcocks, gets riled by, “The level of incompetence and amount of crap in the world. I’m also incensed by the fact that we are all turning into button-pushing squirrels. That has brought about a serious loss of personality in this impersonal, digitised world.”

Of course, Rich is not that irate in reality – it is simply a persona he adopts for comic effect on stage. The comedian, whose latest audio CD, “Waitin’ on a Grammy”, is available to buy on CD and download now from http://store.offthekerb.co.uk, says that, “It works because people know that I’m not really that angry. Anyone that angry should not be doing comedy. With my style of slow-burn comedy, the crowd knows that you can’t be that worked up. The worst thing you can do is get really angry on stage – then you’ve lost it and you’re in Michael Richards territory.”

Rich, who in the past was a regular on Saturday Night Live, has enjoyed particular success in this country, where his trademark downbeat style really strikes a chord.

The comedian reflects that, “British audiences are always very appreciative of the spoken word.”

The stand-up adds that, “People here also find it refreshing that I’m very detached from America. I’m not waving a flag or pretending that I’m hipper than you because I happen to be from the US. You get that a lot from American comedians.”

Rich also enjoys the fact that, “Brits like to insult you. Sometimes they come to the stage door after the show and say, ‘We really prefer Lee Mack.’ They don’t even say, ‘We really enjoyed your show – you’re our second favourite behind Lee Mack’! But I know the subtext – they must quite like me if they have waited in line to insult me!”

Finally, Rich reiterates how much he is relishing the idea of playing to British audiences once more and receiving our rapt attention. He concludes that, “You have someone’s complete attention, which is almost impossible nowadays.

You can’t go to a sports event without someone Tweeting about it every five seconds.”

He adds that, “People don’t even listen to President Obama speaking without looking at their phones all the time. So maybe those two hours when I’m up there on stage provide a respite from all of us slowly turning into gadget-pedalling robots.”

“If that’s the case, then it’s pretty cool!”

Rich performs at the Greenwich Comedy Festival on 24 September.

Tickets can be bought at www.greenwichcomedyfestival.co.uk

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Spencer Garner Company Director, Spencer Ferguson has worked and lived in and around the area for more than twenty years, and had his eye on their village shop for a number of years before it came onto the market.

Spencer Garner Estate agents have recently moved into Charlton Village, and are proud to represent Charlton, and advocate the local area, its history, and residents.

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Since obtaining the shop, the team have refurbished the space offering a vintage school classroom look within to reflect the company’s good old fashioned values, whilst maintaining a modern approach to their business with it’s marketing and following of trends.

Spencer Ferguson said, “We are delighted to be able to offer our clients a personalised service and have our shop window right in the heart of Charlton Village, with Charlton being one of the last remaining true villages in London. Steeped in history with its existence dating back to the Iron Ages, the beautiful Charlton House standing proudly at the heart of the village along with 17th century St Luke’s Church. We feel that the area has plenty to offer with its charm and warmth reflected along with its residents.

“When showing a client around Charlton, if they are from outside the area they are often surprised at hearing about the local amenities that include, Maryon Wilson Park with its woodland trails, a deer pen, and animal enclosure. The refurbished Charlton Lido perfect for summertime and the beauty of Charlton House and its grounds. Whilst being located within easy distance of the delightful Blackheath and Leafy Greenwich, it really is a desirable area. Charlton with good transport links is only seven miles from the centre of London and is a discreet treasure.”

Unlike some businesses on the high street, you can walk into this family-run, independent estate agency,

PropertyLeisure News and speak directly with the owner and experienced team including Spencer, Beverley, Emily and Ally. All of who can offer a personalised service alongside years of knowledge of the area and the property market.

Emily added, “we are not focused on targets; we are focused on integrating within the area and offering our neighbours a good service with good results. To this day after working within estate agency for over 10 years, I personally still enjoy meeting new clients and being invited to visit their homes and feel our whole team is passionate about what we do. We hope to reflect this to our clients.”

Special Offer Spencer Garner are currently offering 50% off their fees if they do not rent or sell your property within 4 weeks (speak to the office on 0203 417 2990 to discuss terms). They are also offering the first 10 vendors and landlords the opportunity on reading this article to take part within a raffle to sell or rent your property for 0%.

So pop in and see the team at 1a The Village, Charlton SE7 8UG or give them a call on 0203 417 2990.

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