Meridian Magazine July 2014 by Meridian Magazine

50,000 COPIES DELIVERED EVERY MONTH SINCE 1996

JULY 2014

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tickets for OnBlackheath festival

Keep Your House Cool This Summer

Follow The Herd This Month HOMES

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INTERIORS

SHOPPING

EDUCATION

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CONTENTS July 2014 4

LOCAL NEWS

RETAIL NEWS

Win Dinner for Two at Greenwich Tavern From Riverside living to luxury windows

13 GARDENING

Is your garden ready to party

15 PROPERTY

COVER: Elephant Parade Intu Bromley

Living in E14

17 INTERIORS

00 50,0 es i p o c ered D e l i v nth! ever y

Keeping your cool

ASK THE EXPERT

AREA FOCUS

Health advice and beauty tips Blackheath Standard reveals all

25 LEISURE DISTRIBUTOR :

OnBlackheath at last

The Distribution Company 020 8983 9944

PARENTING NEWS

Early Years Foundation

29 EDUCATION

Education News

FOOD NEWS & REVIEWS

EXHIBITION FOCUS

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.

A taste of Provence

The Elephants are coming to town

36-37 ART

Looking to buy Gallery News

39-43 LISTINGS

Pages of ‘Don’t miss events’ Plus win tickets for the OnBlackheath Festival

46 LIFESTYLE

Taking to the river

Meridian Line Publishing Ltd 8 The Village, Charlton SE7 8UD Tel: 020 8319 0555 Fax : 020 8319 4555 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, Michael Breese, Kat Breese, James Haddrell, Nannette Fielding, Nicola Berry.

Printing : Polestar, www.polestar-group.com Distribution : The Distribution Company

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local N E WS

July 2014

ArcelorMittal backs Young People’s Workshops The world’s leading steel and mining company, ArcelorMittal, announced that it would support Theatre Royal Stratford East’s workshops with young people from Newham and east London. The firm will provide the theatre with significant financial support to fund its work with 13 – 24 year olds, including those who are not in full-time education or who are at risk of disengaging from formal learning. The iconic ArcelorMittal Orbit, a landmark representing the regeneration of East London, is just a short distance from the world-class producing theatre, with the funding the latest in a string of local community initiatives planned by the company throughout 2014. Jan Sharkey-Dodds, Head of Young People’s Work at Theatre Royal Stratford East said: “We are delighted that ArcelorMittal have chosen to support our young people’s workshops. We work very closely with these people so that they get the chance to discover what inspires them and find their own strengths; these can be creative aspects or more practical skills used behind-the-scenes. Without support we wouldn’t be able to deliver this valuable work.”

Recruitment Drive for Kids Club A young Bexleyheath shop assistant and dedicated volunteer are on a recruitment drive for a community children’s club. Almost every minute he’s not working at JD Sports in the Broadway Shopping Centre, 21-year-old Albert Akoto is helping out at Smiley Ark in Belvedere, which runs successful breakfast, after-school and school holiday clubs for youngsters aged three to 11 and a youth club for 11 to 19 year olds. Smiley Ark’s founder and manager, Susan Ikpefuran, says she’d like to have many more dedicated volunteers like Albert to help keep the club, (which works with deprived children and is run on a not-forprofit basis) running as smoothly as it does. This community-spirited young man is no stranger to voluntary work, which started when he volunteered with local youth organisations while he was at Canterbury Christchurch University working towards his degree in police studies. A volunteers’ registration evening from 4pm on Thursday July 10 from 4pm. Anyone who is interested can come along and get the full details and have some fun.

New Cinema for Eltham A leading cinema operator has been found to run a new cinema in the heart of Eltham. The new cinema and restaurant complex is due to open in the area to give a major boost to the local economy and to stimulate more nighttime trade and spend in local restaurants. The operator cannot be named yet for commercial reasons but an announcement is expected soon. The Council bought the site where Poundland used to be after identifying it as having the potential to spur on local regeneration, through its position at the heart of the High Street. It’s part of an overall masterplan for Eltham, which is seeing a number of major changes to the town centre, including a new-look high street with new public realm. Eltham Town Centre is one of four masterplan areas in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, which have been identified as the best locations to develop and stimulate economic growth which spread spread across the whole of the borough. The three other masterplan areas are Woolwich Town Centre, Charlton Riverside and Greenwich Peninsula.

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2gether The 2gether charity shop held a special event on the same day as the Rotary Summer Fair. There were 150 cup cakes for sale - made by Justine Grant and a large selection of teacups, crockery, jugs and cupcake themed donated - goods for sale. £900 was raised at this whole day event, with the profits going to youth charity Chislehurst YFC, who employ 3 full time youth workers to work with teenagers locally. Clare Herriot - Shop Manager said: ‘we had saved cup cake themed goods for months and set everything up the night before. The shop looked lovely and there was quite a buzz among the volunteers who wore special aprons and sold the cakes and crockery. Thank you to all my team of volunteers, the customers who donated and bought on the day and of course my assistant manager who is my rock!‘ For more information: www.2gethershop.org.uk www.chislehurstyfc.org.uk www.duncanraban.co.uk

International Day Of United Nations Peacekeepers Sujan Kutuwal of Panas Gurkha Restaurant in Lee had the honour of providing lunch for the Gurkha Regiment at the 12th Annual Conference of UNP–UK.

Enjoy your meal in an intimate and cosy setting with stunning views of the Royal Park. Located right outside the park’s lower gates, the Greenwich Tavern is the place to be this summer - come rain or shine! Start off with some filling falafel bites or moreish meatballs before taking pleasure in one of our tasty burgers or fresh salads, with a tangy and refreshing lemon tart or chocolate brownie cheesecake to finish up – all washed down with a nice glass of wine to cleanse your palate. With a friendly atmosphere and a wide variety of food options, the Greenwich Tavern has a lot to offer the lucky winner of this competition. One lucky winner can win a 3-course meal for 2 and a bottle of wine at the Greenwich Tavern in the heart of Greenwich with our amazing competition. Simply send your name, address and daytime telephone number to Meridian magazine (Greenwich Tavern), 8 The Village, Charlton, SE7 8UD. Or email your details to competition@meridian-magazine.co.uk by 31 July.

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Diary of an Estate Agent The World Cup and leases.

Well its finally here, the World Cup, St Georges flags and busy pubs on match nights. Interestingly one of my colleagues who keeps our in house statistics worked out that viewings and sales figures are comfortably above average for the duration of a World Cup Tournament than for the corresponding weeks in other years. So does this mean there is more to life than football? Swapping subjects completely the question of shorter leases and what to do. First of all, the landlord can be approached to see if they will negotiate an extension, which can sometimes be a quicker option if the landlord is willing to conclude a deal. However if this is not the case, help is at hand. This is in the form of rights granted under the Leasehold Reform Housing and Urban Development Act 1993. Subject to owning the flat for two years, the leaseholder can force the landlord to extend the lease and on attractive terms. The flat owner is entitled to an extra ninety years on top of what is remaining and with the whole of the term then being at a peppercorn (nil) ground rent.

Napier Court SE12

Going down this route involves the service of formal notice on the landlord and this should be calculated by a professional valuer. We can help to put you in touch with a local surveyor specialising in this type of work. Also If the lease is less than 80 years then the so called ‘marriage value’ comes into the calculations, so if you have 83 years remaining you should consider extending the lease. If you are in a rush to sell another option is to start the process and then pass that benefit onto the buyer, as the process can take several months. Lastly if you have a share of the freehold, the lease length is still important especially if a mortgage is involved. The good news is you only need to agree an extension between the other flat owners and there is no premium to pay. You will of course need to get a solicitor to do the paperwork, but if you all extend at the same time its more cost effective. I have only scratched the surface of this issue so again we can happily put you in touch with a local solicitor to discuss further, but it’s worth checking how long you have left.

offers in excess of £375,000

Eltham Park

Feel free to call into our office in Blackheath (the old sweet shop on the corner of Wemyss Road) for a chat. Claire H, Clare B, Josephine or I would be pleased to see you. 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 £500,000

Chain free 3 bed townhouse on this popular development only 0.3 miles from Grove Park Station. Great opportunity to put your own stamp on it! 020 8463 0091

A sought after 3 bed ‘Corbett’ semi with great potential to turn into your dream home. 0.2 miles from Eltham Station. 120’ south facing garden. 020 8463 0091

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Spacious 2 bed top floor flat with potential. The Heath and Greenwich Park within walking distance and M&S is only 0.4 miles away at the Standard. 020 8463 0091

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Guide £2,000,000 to £2,250,000

Superb double fronted residence. Wonderfully convenient location backing onto the grounds of Eltham Palace with Royal Blackheath Golf Club across the road. 020 8463 0091

Blackheath 020 8463 0091

Locksbottom 01689 880440

Bromley 020 8313 6800

Petts Wood 01689 819819

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Lettings 01689 838040

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E-mail: enquiries@citysouthconstruction.co.uk 7 Delacourt Road, London, SE3 8XAT. www.meridian-magazine.co.uk | 9

Beautiful, Energy Efficient, Luxury Windows and Doors

RetailLeisure News

Riverside Living Paynes & Borthwick is a riverside development providing 257 highly specified one, two and three bedroom apartments in a comprehensively landscaped setting. The sensitively restored listed buildings, a proud reminder of Deptford’s dockyard past. It was formerly used as a factory providing engines and boilers for ships such as HMS Warrior, the first built iron warship. A landmark residential tower, art galleries, private gardens, underground car parking, restaurant, 38,000 sq. ft. commercial and retail space completes the new development.

Greenwich Joinery has been a family business for over 35 years and takes pride in their manufacturing and installations, specialising in windows and doors. They make box frame and sashes, casement windows, French doors and bi-folding doors. Providing a range from double glazing, single glazing, obscure glass, and toughened/laminated glass to the most energy efficient. Any windows made from timber will guarantee a touch of class; their timber range of solid wood/laminated oak is sourced from Europe.

The company is fully insured and members of Fensa and the British Woodwork Federation. All supply and fit jobs all come with a 10-year guarantee.

Greenwich Joinery care about each customer and by thoroughly discussing his or her specific needs will create a customised solution. Their staff are skilled and factory trained, and the work is only finished when you are thrilled with the completed work.

www.greenwichjoinery.co.uk, email enquiries@greenwichjoinery.co.uk. 020 8692 0217 or 01332 225 700.

Most front door designs can be copied and any ‘making good’ or plastering is done at the end of the job. Quotations and surveys are all free of charge with no obligation to proceed.

There are only 11 flats left and 6 live/work units. There is also a new two bedroom duplex on the first and second floor and is 1,147 square foot. It has been totally kitted out by super cool interior designers, Honky. Apartments range from £250,000 to circa £900,000. Borthwick Street, Deptford, SE8 3GH. www.paynesandborthwick.com

Garden waste disposal made easy

New Homes

If life seems increasingly busier, Bromley residents can take advantage of our green garden waste collection service. Over 13,000 households across the Borough have already discovered this easy, convenient, green garden waste collection service. As a member, for an annual fee of £60, you will receive a large 240-litre wheelie bin to hold all of your unwanted green garden waste. Our dedicated waste services team will make regular scheduled visits to your home to collect all types of green garden waste, including grass cuttings, leaves, prunings and hedge trimmings. If you have a gardener, this service may help to reduce their over-all costs as they will not need to take the waste to dispose of it elsewhere. Members of the all-year-round service receive fortnightly collections from March to November, then monthly from December until February. All green garden waste is taken to a local facility where it is treated and turned into compost, and then used in local farms as a soil improver. For membership and full details of the Green Garden Waste Collection Scheme, please visit our website www.bromley.gov.uk/gardenwaste or telephone 0300 303 8658. Membership of the scheme is exclusive to Bromley borough residents.

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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

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Gardening Leisure

Is Your Garden Fit For Purpose? By Nannette Fielding

The garden can be many things to many people, but on a warm night, it can be your dinning room or party venue.

It’s a primitive instinct, playing with fire and food. But as well as the ritual burnt offerings, the smells wafting over the fence this summer are also likely to be pizza, juicy pulled pork and Sunday roast. Our methods of barbecuing are evolving. Wood is the new charcoal briquette, and the latest outdoor cooking kit is the new glamorous garden accessory, rather than something to hide behind the shed. We have all watched in awe, as Jamie Oliver takes amazing food creations from his wood burning pizza oven in one of his summer television programmes. Not just pizza, but pork joints with sizzling crackling, and roasted vegetables that look divine. You can now buy an oven liner kit and create your own brick beehive or Moorish-tiled dome. Or splash the cash for one of Jamie Oliver’s dome ovens (www.jamieoliver.com). Look for ovens that are Defralicensed for smoke control areas. Stiff upper lips used to be the form, but these days we don’t like it too fresh while partying al fresco. Gas

Star Lights from Smart Solar are the ideal choice for an arch, a doorway or inside a parasol. A string of 30 stars is £14.99 from garden centres (08448 009163; smartsolar.co.uk). Everbright Solar Fairy Lights, £39.98, from The Solar Centre, use state-of-the-art LEDs for reliable, brilliant mainsequivalent bright lights even in winter. Six different light patterns are easily set, from gentle shimmering to chasing, alternating and fast flash. A string of 100 bulbs more than 10m (33ft) long comes with a solar panel (0845 094 1250; solarcentre.co.uk).

heaters are not eco-friendly and although orangeglowing halogen is instantly effective, the appliances are unattractive. Fire is the romantic choice. A fire pit will add warmth and an ambient glow to any al fresco evening. Dark gardens need light, or winding paths and steps become no-go areas. The good news is laying lowvoltage cable is easy and inexpensive. It’s not just about safety and security: lighting can really transform a space, and with the continued development of LED lighting – which allows you to use tiny, discreet light fittings that don’t make your garden look like runway two at Heathrow, and which makes the running costs far less expensive. Another option for your path might be to up-light the trees either side using a spiked light or a spot. The angle of light the lamp throws can vary; a 60-degree angle will flood a wide area (a bushy shrub), whereas a 15-degree angle produces a slim, narrow beam — perhaps to highlight a narrow pencil cypress. In between, a 30-degree lamp would throw a pronounced medium beam of light. Another approach would be to

create a moonlit effect by mounting a luminaire high up in a tree near the path, giving a smooth and gentle light to wash the surface. It is also important to highlight steps. I like the small flush circular lights set into the adjacent wall. Mini eyelids have an eyelid-type feature which directs light down so it does not dazzle you. As for theatrical effects, apart from spotlighting gates or other features you could consider shadow lighting: this is where you throw light onto a tree or sculpture so it casts a shadow onto a wall behind, adding drama. Imagine having sun-powered fairy lights around the garden without the need for a plug. The electricity-free option is solar garden lights, they use light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs because they require very little power, and offer unparalleled brightness for their size and never need replacing (one bulb typically lasts 300,000 hours). Party on!

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A Guide to Buying New

Property

The residential housing market remains buoyant and all the more so for new-build properties. Canary Wharf has undergone a major transformation with an attractive riverside location. When buying a new-build we recommend you research the area and compare it against existing stock. A premium is payable for a new-build property which will often not be realised if you intend to sell straightaway, and there can often be delays in completion. However a new property is an attractive purchase, as you may be able to select some of the finishes and fittings and you will be first owner. In a booming market investors often buy “off plan” with a view to selling on for a profit before completion. Quite often the developer’s contract is weighted in their favour and they will allow an assignment of the benefit of the contract but not the burden. This means that if you assign your contract to another buyer and they fail to complete the purchase the developer can sue you as the original buyer as well as the sub-buyer for breach of contract. Developers should subscribe to the ‘Consumer Code’ for Home Builders which gives additional protection and rights to purchasers of new homes. You should ask to see proof that they do.

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We recommend that a reputable firm of solicitors is instructed to carry out the conveyancing, which includes advising on the contract and to ensure compliance with planning and building regulations and provide information on the type of newbuild warranty to be provided. Some warranties provide more value during the construction phase compared to others. If you are buying a leasehold property ensure that you check that the layout of the flat shown on the lease plan is correct, and location of any parking space. Canary Wharf remains a desirable place to buy either for investment or to occupy because of the good transport links and spectacular location. Over the years it has become more than a financial district with its array of shops, bars and restaurants and hotels. We have a good working relationship with the new homes department of Jones Lang Lasalle and in the past we have offered discounted conveyancing fees if a number of buyers buying in the same building instruct us at the same time.

Grant Saw Solicitors offers a professional and comprehensive conveyancing service and our clients are given a named lawyer to act on their behalf who will handle their matter from beginning to end. We are accredited by the Law Society for the Conveyancing Quality Scheme and members of Lawnet, which is a group of law firms committed to providing an excellent service and clear advice to clients. For further information please call us on 0208 858 6971 or e-mail conveyancing@grantsaw.co.uk

Enviable Living in the Heart of London’s Financial District

Property

Canary Wharf has undergone a radical transformation over the past 25 years to become one of the world’s great financial districts, with some of the finest residential, retail and leisure opportunities in the Capital by Valerie Breese

Providence Tower Apartment

Limehouse Basin

Today, Canary Wharf is the gleaming hub of international trade and commerce; historically, though, it was part of the West India Docks, the world’s largest port. This blend of heritage and modern gives Canary Wharf a unique vibrancy that has been enhanced by the huge investment and excitement generated by the Olympic Games, held a stone’s throw away in Stratford. Norman Foster’s futuristic and cavernous Canary Wharf tube station symbolises more than anything the grandiose intentions of this now legendary postcode that has endured, in recent times, the most rollercoaster of rides. In little more than 10 years, Canary Wharf, the nucleus of E14, has gone from zero to hero, from a soulless and near bankrupt business park in the middle of nowhere, to a skyrocketing global financial centre and one of the Capital’s most fashionable postcodes.   The area has been helped, admittedly, by excellent travel links: the Docklands Light Railway and Jubilee Line, whisking you into the City and West End in 10–15 minutes, and the City Airport is only ten minutes away. Living in Canary Wharf isn’t going to be cheap. Developments, which consist almost entirely of sleek, chic and contemporary apartments, ranging from studios and one-bedroom pied à terres to the last word in ultra-luxurious penthouses, have prices to match. A rare development opportunity to invest

Millharbour

Jubilee Park

Pan Peninsula

and redevelop one of London’s most breath-taking 4-bedroom penthouses has arisen: situated in this prestigious Waterside development, the Pan Peninsula development (also known as 1 Millharbour), is near South Quay DLR and Canary Wharf Underground stations. The development comprises of 762 luxury apartments in two towers (referred to as the West and East Tower, respectively) rising to an impressive 38 and 48 storeys.

million, as the estate agent says, ‘Early viewing is strongly recommended’. Coming down to earth, prices in some apartment blocks around the Wharf mightn’t be as expensive, one bedroom flats and small modern houses in Westferry can go for £300,000. But ultimately, it’s the same old story: the closer to water you get, and the better the view, the more expensive the properties become.

The towers which were completed in early 2009, are connected by a reception area containing a concierge foyer, multi-floor gym, private cinema, terraced restaurant and 24-hour concierge service. The tops of the towers have been designed to resemble lanterns, providing strong LED lighting features that are very visible on the skyline and gradually change. The 48th floor of the tallest tower houses the exclusive cocktail bar, the Attic at Pan Peninsula, open to residents and their guests. Residents living on premier floors (e.g. 31st and above in the East Tower) have exclusive access to the Sky Lounge, located on the 31st floor of the East Tower.

Shared ownership (the only opportunity for many to get onto the property ladder) offering a 30 percent share, plus a rental to a housing association, might secure a two-bedroom apartment in a gated development; a modern addition to a converted Fire Station in Bartlett Mews on the Isle of Dogs.

This amazing penthouse is one of only several lateral penthouses in London measuring in excess of 5300 square feet with eight balconies and three secure underground parking spaces. Situated on the 45th floor of the building the 360-degree views of London are breath-taking. Needing complete redevelopment, this penthouse acts as the perfect canvas for any developer or investor or end user. With a price of 7

The attractive Limehouse Basin, with its modern developments of one, two and three bedroom apartments – expect to pay £300,000–£400,000 for a two bed flat – is not dissimilar to St Katharine Docks, but minus the tourists. It can also lay claim to being the starting point of the country’s entire canal system. And if your passion is to live on the water, a recent 4-bedroom houseboat came to auction. Moored at Poplar Dock with a guide price of £150,000. If your des res doesn’t come with a garden, don’t worry as Canary Wharf has a remarkable 20 acres of outside space with landscaped gardens and fountains to be enjoyed in the summer and one of the most popular ice-rinks in the winter.

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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

R.B. INTERIORS Kitchens Bathrooms Bedrooms Established 2004

We provide a supply only or supply and installation service specialising in timber 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 16 | www.meridian-magazine.co.uk

enquiries@greenwichjoinery.co.uk

From supplying a door to a complete installation including ﬂooring, plumbing, plastering & all electrical work FREE no-obligation planning & design service Visit our showroom at: 3 Church Road, Farnborough, Kent BR6 7DB Open Tuesday & Friday 9.30am to 3pm; Saturday 9.30am to 1pm. All other times by appointment

01689 862 417 sales@rbinteriors.co.uk www.rbinteriors.co.uk

Interiors Leisure

Cooling Your House by Valerie Breese On really hot days it’s just not enough to open your windows to cool down. Meridian takes a look at preventative measures to take the heat out of the sun

ABC Blinds!!!

On summer days, wouldn’t it be cool (pun intended) if your windows reflected back the sun’s heat automatically? Likewise, in the dark depths of winter, wouldn’t it be great if the windows of your home helped to stop all that expensive heat from escaping? If you have heat-reflecting glass in your windows, that’s exactly what will happen. Low-E glass works by treating light and heat in different ways. On hot summer days, light can pass through, but the heat from the sun will reflect back out again. On cold winter nights, more of the heat generated inside your home will stay there instead of leaking out through your windows. Pilkington K Glass™ is perhaps the best-known type of low-E glass. Specially designed for conservatories and large glazed areas, Pilkington Activ SunShade™ is perfect for use in both the roof and verticals. It uses daylight and rainwater to break down and wash away organic dirt from exterior surfaces, making it ideal for hard-to-clean areas. Typically the blue is used in the roof and the neutral in the verticals of a conservatory giving you a year-round clearer view of your garden. Its unique solar control coating also helps keep internal temperatures cool whilst still maintaining excellent light transmittance. If you don’t have E glass in your windows, shutting

your blinds and curtains during the day will help block the sun’s heat. As soon as the sun hits your home in the morning, close all windows and keep exterior doors and windows closed throughout the hottest part of the day. Do this until night falls and it’s cool enough to open the windows for the night. For even better protection add an insulated lining to your curtains, which will help keep the heat out and can be removed, stored and brought back into use during the winter, when you need to keep the heat in and the cold out. Or for a more sleek appearance shutters, take up less space but have the same effect. Keeping direct sunlight off soft furnishing, wallpaper, even carpets and rugs will stop them fading. Transform your sitting room into a haven from the heat with white linen fabric throws for leather or wool sofas. Light-colored fabric will reflect heat instead of absorbing it, and the smooth texture will give you the look and feel of coolness. If you can’t sleep at night invest in silk bedding, which will stay cool to the touch. Silk is naturally hypoallergenic so it can also be highly beneficial for those suffering from eczema or sensitive skin conditions, and the natural proteins present in silk

together with its amazing smoothness mean that your hair doesn’t get matted or dried out when your head rests on silk overnight. That’s why top models always insist on silk pillowcases. Turn off all unnecessary heat sources, including lights and your computer, when you’re not using them. Don’t use the hob or oven for cooking, in the heat it will be unbearable and the latent heat will stay in the house. Eat outdoors and use the BBQ, it turns dinner into a much more pleasurable and enjoyable time. If you decide to create an outdoor space for dining al fresco, position your patios judiciously. Don’t build unshaded patios of concrete, stone or brick right against the house where they will reflect sun heat onto walls or windows, especially on the south or west sides. Rocks, stone and concrete also retain heat longer than planted areas after the sun goes down. If you already have such a patio feature next to your home, plant a tree so that both the patio and that side of the building will be shaded during the hot parts of the day or add a retractable awning to create shade, just when you need it.

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info@roomskitchens.co.uk

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local family run business 133 lee road blackheath SE3 9DS

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door replacement I made to measure service I worktops bedroom doors I appliances I sinks and taps I drawer replacement improved storage and access solutions door refurbishment service Instant hot water taps fitted

carpets, rugs, sisal, coir, seagrass, wood solid & engineered boards, laminate, rubber, amtico, moduleo, vinyl.

The Kitchen Doctor’s bespoke service supplies and fits a comprehensive range of components to give your kitchen an new lease of life.

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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

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Ask the Expert

Health & Beauty

Health & beauty tips and advice

Mark Twain declared, “I have spent most of my life worrying about things that have never happened.” Although much quoted, the sentiment is nevertheless very true, especially when applied to the patient waiting nervously in the dentist’s chair. “Patients often imagine the treatment is going to be far worse than it actually is”, says Greg Finn from Finn Dental Specialists, “but modern dentistry offers so many solutions, that we find patients are often amazed at how stress-free even a fairly invasive treatment can be.“ That may be so, but what advice can Greg offer to the truly terrified among us? “Find a dentist who is prepared to listen to your worries. People will feel more anxious if they are rushed, so the length of the appointment needs to be long enough to allow adequate discussion. In turn this helps you to feel more confident and ultimately, more in control.” Greg recommends telling your dentist what has happened in the past to make you feel so nervous. In his experience, patients generally feel much less anxious having discussed their fears with a receptive professional. It would seem that people of all ages can fear the dentist’s chair. Younger patients of the ‘fluoride generation’, have little or no experience of having dental treatment. In contrast, older patients often carry with them bad experiences from times long past. For some people, the solution can be intravenous sedation, which is usually administered by a doctor. The advantage of this is that although the patient remains conscious, they are blissfully unaware of what is going on. However, other patients find the use of topical anaesthetic is often sufficient. This ointment can be placed to numb the gums prior to injections, making the procedure enormously more comfortable.

The Salt Cave

Greg also suggests that some people can benefit from hypnotherapy, cognitive behaviour therapy or neuro-linguistic programming, “These approaches help us to reframe our anxieties and view them in a manageable way.” A few final tips:“Book the first morning appointment – that way you know you won’t be kept waiting - and have regular check-ups, as maintenance is so important. If you always wait until you have toothache, you will inevitably associate dentistry with pain. Your best chance of breaking this cycle is to find a compassionate dentist and establish a rapport well before you need treatment. This also increases the chance that you will prevent the need for any treatment altogether.” Finn Dental Specialists, Backwoods, Kelsey Lane, Beckenham BR3 3NE. www.finndentalspecialists.com

Health’s Angels - Courses

Salt Therapy aka Halotherapy is a powerful, natural treatment in a controlled air medium that simulates the natural salt cave microclimate to treat respiratory and skin conditions. This is no health fad – from the ancient Greeks to modern-day doctors, medical experts have championed its amazing effects. In fact, the NHS officially endorses Salt Therapy to treat Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Testimonial by Mrs Janet Bignell, Bexleyheath, Kent. ‘Before I knew about the Salt Cave, I was breathless and generally not well at all. I had continuously chest infections and umpteen antibiotics that didn’t touch me. I had a bad ear for about three months. I thought I had fluid behind the ear. Every time I bent down, it was very uncomfortable. I could hear myself in echo every time I spoke. A friend told me about the Salt Cave and I said I had nothing to lose, so I tried it out. The best thing I have ever done. I am no longer breathless and I can walk a long way quite comfortably without having to stop every five minutes to get my breath back. And my ear now has cleared up and is fine. I have not felt this well for a long time. I will definitely be coming back if I need to without hesitation.’ Promotional offer buy-one-get-one free throughout July. The Salt Cave, 81-87 Avenue Road, Bexleyheath, DA7 4EQ. Tel 020 81664100. Email: bh@saltcave.co.uk

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. Join us on Wednesday 2 July or Tuesday 22 July 7pm-8:30pm for a taster talk on the foundation course, including practical demos and Q&A sessions. (£15 instead of £25 for Meridian readers) Health Angels, 23 Bourne Road

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.

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.

Rituals’ new look Ayurveda Collection The collection, which blends the delicate fragrance of Indian rose and nourishing sweet almond oil, has three additional products; Ayurveda Scrub, Shanti Shower Oil and Chakra Water Bed & Body mist. The range’s much-loved Himalaya Wisdom Salt Scrub has been given a beauty makeover, with a bigger jar to ensure smoother skin for longer; perfect for that pre-tan exfoliation, to ensure your tan lasts longer. www.rituals.com.

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Cat Protection Charity Shop Quality donations always needed. Your donation will help us continue to care for cats in your area. Come along to our friendly shop and grab a bargain. 18 Old Dover Road Blackheath SE3 7BT Tel: 020 8858 2220 www.catsgn.org.uk

15%

off when g mentionin in Meridian July

Mara Interiors Ltd

Overlooking the green at The Standard, we can help with all of your soft furnishings and interior design needs 180 Westcombe Hill, Blackheath, London. SE3 7DH Tel: 020 8858 9088 E-mail: mariasoftfurn@btopenworld.com

Blackheath Cooks

An innovative cookery school and cookware retailer, with a range of kitchen utensils and much more. A custom built cookery school offering courses and one off events. Contact Amanda on 020 8465 5292 13 Old Dover Street, Blackheath, Se3 7BT www.blackheathcooks.com

The Scullery

An exciting new cafe for the Blackheath area. Local, Sustainable, Seasonal. 48 Vanbrugh Park Blackheath London SE3 7JQ T: 020 8858 2244

• 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

GET FITTER, FIRMER & FASTER NATURE’S GYM ON BLACKHEATH! Blackheath Bootcamps Train & trim on Nature’s Gym Choose from outdoor sessions 6,7,9.30 am & 7.30 pm Mon & Weds. 6,7 & 9.30 am Thurs. June 23rd Bootcamp (4wk course.12 or 8 sessions. £140/£100 Any time slots) July 21st Fab Abs (2wk course. 6 or 4 sessions. £70/£50 Any time slots August 4th Bootcamp (4wk course. 12 or 8 sessions. £140/£100 Any time slots)

0788 422 1343 @ natashag reen_1 www.natashag reenpersonaltraining.com info@natashagreenpersonaltraining.com

SUN YA

The Sun Ya Chinese restaurant has been established at Blackheath Standard for more than 30 years. Providing Chinese cuisine at its very best, it is a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike. Offering all the classics and an expanded seafood selection, the restaurant has a friendly, intimate atmosphere that is perfect for family celebrations as well as quiet dinners for two. The Sun Ya also offers lunchtime specials and an excellent takeaway service. Open Mon - Thurs 12 - 2pm & 5 - 11pm Fri - Sat 12 - 2pm & 5 - 11.30 pm Sunday 5.30 - 11pm 9-10 Stratheden Parade Blackheath SE3 7SX 020 8858 0728, 020 8305 1961

Blackheath High School celebrated being judged to be ‘excellent’ in all areas by school inspectors. Students and staff at Blackheath High School are celebrating this month after receiving an ‘excellent’ inspection report from the Government approved, Independent Schools Inspectorate. The school was inspected from Tuesday 25th to Friday 28th March. The report officially recognises and summarises that “pupil achievement in their work and activities is excellent throughout the school and they are very well educated, fully in line with the school’s aim to promote academic excellence. High achievement is strongly supported by the pupils’ excellent attitude towards learning, which richly fulfils the school’s aim to nurture a love of learning and develop independent and enquiring minds.“

Headteacher Lisa Laws commented, “We are very pleased with the inspectors’ judgements which recognise the many strengths of the school, including outstanding teaching and the hard work and high achievements of our pupils.” An Open Morning at both the Junior School and Senior School will be held on Saturday 4th October and also on selected weekday dates, see website for details: www.blackheathhighschool.gdst.net The full ISI report can be downloaded from the Independent Schools Inspectorate website (www. isc.co.uk) and the school’s website.

Blackheath High School, Vanbrugh Park, London, SE3 7AG Tel: 020 8853 2929

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Area Focus

Blackheath Standard SE3 A personal view on where to live and why, by Nicola Berry

Where exactly is Blackheath Standard? It’s a question many people ask but if you’re looking for a friendly place to live with, good schools and a strong community, this could be it.

How did Blackheath Standard get its name? The area derives its name from The Royal Standard public house, a local institution built in 1848. Why live here? A visit to The Royal Standard pub sums up all that is good about the area. Long-standing locals mix happily with newcomers in a refreshingly unstuffy atmosphere. Bar staff are ultra friendly; Penny says that within ten minutes people will start chatting to one another. St John’s Church is a real centre of the community and provides activities and groups for all ages. Where to live? Maria Nocerino from Peter James says the area has become very popular with young families, who value the excellent transport links, good schools and strong community feel. Particularly popular are the cottages in the Rectory Field conservation area (the cluster of roads to the east of the Rectory Field sports ground); expect to pay £575,000 for a two bed, three storey Victorian house in Reynolds Place. St. Johns Park is an attractive, tree lined road leading down to local landmark St John’s Church. Here a two bed, purpose built flat will cost around £370,000, whilst two bed conversions in one of the many large Victorian houses can be found for between £500-600,000. Looking for something special? Peter James is marketing a stunning, double-fronted Victorian detached house (also in St Johns Park) for £3,750.000, but if this is beyond your budget there are plenty of four bed homes for around £900,000. Transport: It’s a 20 minute journey by train from nearby Westcombe Park to Charing Cross. Numerous buses go straight to the heart of the Capital.

Schools: It’s no wonder families move here. The area boasts two ‘Outstanding’ primary schools: Invicta and Sherington, and two very popular independent schools: Pointers Pre-Prep and Prep and Blackheath High School For Girls (3-18). Where to eat: The Royal Standard (obviously!) for good, honest pub food and Mara Interiors; part super-stylish café for coffee and cakes, part home to Mara’s flourishing interior design business. Her carrot cake is simply stunning. Where to shop? GG Sparkes Traditional Butchers on Old Dover Road is the place to buy organic meat. Learn how to cook it at Blackheath Cooks. New owner Amanda Keyzers runs a comprehensive timetable of cookery classes for adults, teens and ‘munchkins’ as well as stocking an exciting range of high quality cookware. Check out the amazing fashion bargains at the British Red Cross Shop at 46 Vanbrugh Park and pamper yourself at friendly beauty salon B-Brown, 8 Old Dover Road. Finally, reader Catherine Salt recommends HealthWise Therapy Centre, which she says is “caring, warm and welcoming.” What’s New? There was much consternation among locals when Gambardella’s closed down after 85 years and much joy when it reopened as The Scullery. Owner Colin Woolven has kept the fabulous1920s décor but added a few 21st Century touches; namely locally sourced food, cakes and pastries direct from Borough Market and Volcano coffee from East Dulwich. Look out for their upcoming twicemonthly supper club. Next month our area focus will be on Blackheath Village.

Leisure: Blackheath Sports Club in Charlton Road has been in existence for over 100 years and provides a sporting base for four clubs: Rugby, Cricket, Tennis and Squash. Welcomes playing and social members. Yoga and Pilates at Blackheath Complementary Health Centre, 184-186 Westcombe Hill.

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As featured in LivingEtc - Best flooring shops in London -

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Leisure

OnBlackheath Glastonbury, Isle of White, Blackheath… Yes, the festival is coming to town!

Blackheath is known for many things but a summer festival is not one of them. That’s all set to change when it hosts OnBlackheath, an eclectic mix of top musical acts, cult DJs and a whole host of great British chefs. It’s being held in partnership with John Lewis, and is a really exciting opportunity to see top chefs creating dishes using local produce as well as appearing in the ‘Chef Club’ hosted by the Sunday Times’ Chef Gizzi Erskine. So far the gastronomic line-up includes: Richard Bainbridge (MorstonHall), Simon Hulstone (The Elephant), Adam Simmonds, Jack Stein (executive chef of Stein Restaurant), Neil Rankin (Smokehouse), TV chef Valentine Warner, Punk chef Carl Clarke (Rock Lobsta), the glamorous Meringue Girls and Italian/Welsh siblings the Chiappa Sisters. Meanwhile, London-based craft brewery, Meantime Brewing Company will be selling some of its best-selling brews, and Meantime Beer Tanker will be providing brewery fresh beer on-site. Street food and a farmers’ Market complete the foodie line-up. Of course a festival isn’t a festival without music. Massive Attack will be headlining on Saturday with other artists including Aloe Blacc, Young Fathers and Hot Chip’s Joe Goddard. The second stage will be hosted by national radio DJ Gilles Peterson who will be bringing an array of live music and DJ sets to his Worldwide Stage. So far BadBadNotGood, Hiatus Kaiyote, Anushka, Swindle (live), Zara McFarlane and Ibibio Sound Machine have all been confirmed, along with DJ sets from Giles Peterson, Thris Tian (Boiler Room) and Bradley Zero. Headlining the festival on Sunday will be punk folk rocker Frank Tuner with support from Imelda May, Levellers, Athlete, Slowclub and Tom Hickcox. Leading independent label Heavenly Recordings will curate the second stage ‘Heavenly & Friends’ which will feature the likes of Radiophonic Workshop, TOY, Stealing Sheep, Charlie Boyer and the Voyeurs, The Wytches, Kid Wave and JUST ADDED Steve Mason and Jagwar Ma. DJ sets will come from Don Letts, Heavenly Jukebox and Dave McClean (Django Django). OnBlackheath takes place on the 13th & 14th September. Tickets are available for the festival via www.onblackheath.com. Get separate tickets for Gizzi’s Chef Club. See page 41 for chance to win tickets.

A Star For The Night

A Beach In Blackheath?

OnBlackheath has also announced that it will be giving local talent and rising stars the chance to perform at the festival. Fresh and emerging musicians can enter a competition by submitting a video of themselves performing to the festival’s Facebook page. Entrants must submit their videos by Sunday 6 July, after which the competition will be opened up to voters who will be asked to pick their favourite acts. These will be shortlisted and the final winner will be picked by music and entertainment legend, Harvey Goldsmith.

Who would have thought it? A beach in Blackheath? Yes, really, and this one is at the Blackheath Conservatorie. It’s sponsored by OnBlackheath Festival and John Lewis, and promises to bring a little sunshine and all the fun of the seaside to the heart of Blackheath. What’s more, it’s completely free and will offer a full schedule of daily children’s activities as well regular, live, acoustic evening sessions. The weekly Friday ‘Family Food Night’ and ‘Chill out Sunday Brunch’ sound great fun. For more information visit www.conservatoire.org.uk #onblackheathbeach

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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 term & summer school 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

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Parenting News

Education Starts with EYFS Is your child starting nursery or school this September? Nicola Berry takes a look at The Early Years Foundation Stage.

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

When was the last time you went into a classroom? If you’re the parent of a very young child it could well be some fifteen years ago, so be prepared for a shock. Where are the chalk boards? Is that child using an iPad and look at all those amazing paintings on display – are they really created by five year olds using a computer ‘drawing’ programme? In some ways teaching has changed beyond all recognition; modern teaching aids include interactive whiteboards, extensive use of audio and video content and a vast array of educational software. Yet the most successful schools combine modern technology with the best in traditional teaching methods. To learn more I visited Colfe’s Pre Prep & Nursery in Lee, where I spoke to Nursery Manager and Early Years co-ordinator, Colleen Russell. Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the official term for those vital first few years of a child’s education. Colleen explains that the EYFS is divided into two distinct phases: The PRIME areas of learning: Physical Development, Communication and Language and Personal, Social and Emotional Development, and the SPECIFIC areas of Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World and Expressive Art and Design. Various themes will be studied throughout the year, but each topic allows the children opportunity to experience activities across all seven areas of learning. If, for example, the topic is ‘The Sea’, a child may find themselves making a clay fish in EAD, a computer-

generated bar chart showing different types of fish in maths, whilst developing their knowledge and understanding of the world by exploring the habitat of different sea creatures. Even painting a fish is an exciting learning experience. Colleen says: By using a computer paint programme, very young children can learn to ‘draw’ a fish, select a ‘paintbrush’ and choose which ‘colour and texture’ to use. They also know how to edit and send their picture to print. She explains that the whole process encourages children to interact with one another, as they often paint pictures in groups. Of course this doesn’t replace the physical experience of using real paper and paints; there is still plenty of opportunity to design and create using traditional methods. Developing a child’s computer skills is an integral part of EYFS. Colleen says that even the youngest children will probably have had some experience of using a computer/tablet at home, and this continues through all areas of the curriculum. The aim is that children should be able to produce an illustrated piece of work on a computer with relative ease. Not that writing skills are forgotten; rather the two are learnt side by side. Learning through play is an important part of EYFS, as it encourages young children to develop their curiosity and ability to learn from others. They are

also encouraged to investigate and broaden their horizons. Colleen explains that a great emphasis is placed on developing the child’s self-confidence and this can be achieved through music, drama and taking part in seasonal celebrations, performances and sporting activities, together with educational visits and close relationships with the wider community. It’s also important that they are able to learn and explore outdoors in the fresh air. Colfe’s Pre Prep Head, Gordon James, acknowledges that his pupils are incredibly fortunate. I toured the school’s new extension which, from September, will provide the Pre Prep & Nursery with three new Year 2 classrooms, a dedicated music room, a library, a multi-purpose hall and enlarged nursery accommodation. He says: ‘A great start to schooling is the key to future success. These outstanding new facilities, combined with excellent staffing, will give our Nursery and Pre Prep children terrific opportunities to thrive in their learning at Colfe’s.’ It’s hard to imagine what the workplace will look like to the children starting school this September. They will be applying for jobs that haven’t even been invented yet. However, the building blocks provided by the EYFS seem certain to provide them with a solid foundation. And they’ll be a whizz on the computer! www.colfes.com

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Education

Education News

Music to their ears Music filled the air when Corelli College’s Green Scene used the power of sound to add a unique flavour to their innovative display at the recent Chelsea Flower Show.

New Head for Blackheath High Following Mrs. Lisa Laws’ retirement in August, Blackheath High School welcomes a new Head, Mrs. Carol Chandler-Thompson. Under Mrs. Law’s leadership, Blackheath High has grown and academic standards have gone from strength to strength; developing an outstanding reputation for its holistic approach to education, underpinned by innovation and enterprise. Mrs. Chandler-Thompson has returned from South Korea to take up the position, where she was part of the start-up team, creating and becoming Head of the North London Collegiate School in Jeju.

The Green Scene team led by teachers Tracy Nutton and Shermaine Slocombe, and featuring Year 9 student, Nora Malakauskaite, and Year 7 student, Velizar Kirilov were selected to grow plants for the fourth successive year as part of Miracle-Gro’s school Learning Journey Gardens. The team wanted to build on their previous award-winning success by creating a challenge unlike any other; one that could add an extra element to its typically stunning displays. Science.

Mrs. Chandler-Thompson is a firm believer in single sex education and also attended an all girls’ school herself. She is committed to the values and ethos of Blackheath High School, which ensure that excellent pastoral care reinforces academic success and that girls are inspired and encouraged through skillful, innovative teaching. Mrs. Chandler-Thompson applies an individual approach to help and develop her pupils and she is described as ‘a superb educationalist and a role model for her pupils and staff. She has enormous energy and drive and is focused on drawing out the best in each and every student.’ She herself said, ‘I am delighted to be joining Blackheath High at such an important juncture in its history. It is a fitting tribute to Mrs. Laws and the teaching staff that this exceptional school has just received such a glowing ISI inspection report which quite rightly applauds the outstanding

educational provision throughout the Junior and Senior schools. It is a privilege to lead Blackheath High into the next phase of its development and I am looking forward to working closely with the staff, students and parents in taking the school forward and building on these achievements.’

The past few months has seen students and staff extensively testing the effect vibrations from music can have on plant growth. With the help of the music department, students composed their own piece of classical music. They used this alongside genres such as indie, rock, hip-hop and pop in classrooms and offices to test the theory that music can affect plants by either accelerating or hindering growth. The results themselves were surprising, with plants played BBC Radio 2, Radio 3 and classical music becoming greener and larger that plants that were not. These impressive results that captured the attention of countless celebrities and visitors that questioned the students at Chelsea.

Graduate Recruitment Last month saw 927 students from the University attended the Graduate Recruitment Event organised by the REED NCFE Team. With the help of academic and support Staff, the team managed to attract over 70 employers to meet with students and staff to discuss work experience, internships and graduate level jobs that they had to offer. The number of businesses compared very favourably with those taking part in the national recruitment fairs held each year – a great achievement for the university. Lady Mayoress, Angela Cornforth of the Royal London Borough of Greenwich, attended the event. The Lady Mayoress was speaking with academics and Employers about the importance of Graduates receiving the right support to progress onto successful careers. She felt the message of support was so important that she gave up her time the day before elections! Amy Holland, Team Leader at REED NCFE within the university said ‘It’s fantastic to get such a positive response not only from students and academic staff, but also from employers. I’m already looking forward to the next one!’

Bishop Challoner welcomes new Head Teacher This September Bishop Challoner in Shortlands welcomes Mrs. Paula Anderson as the school’s new Head Teacher. Mrs. Anderson has been at Bromley High School for Girls for the last ten years; most recently as Senior Deputy Head. Before this she taught in a number of independent schools including The Royal High School in Bath, where she was Head of a Faculty and Deputy Director of Studies. Mrs. Anderson, who is married with two teenage boys, says: ‘I feel very privileged to be appointed the new Head Teacher of Bishop Challoner School, and I am very much looking forward to ensuring that the school continues to develop, building on past successes and taking the school forward.’

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HOLIDAYCLUB @ POINTERS Come and enjoy the Summer Holiday Club! Monday 7th July â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Friday 29th August 2014 (Excluding bank holidays and weekends)

TUESD AY TRIPS The Holiday Club is now BIGGER than EVER and we now have two age groups with lots of different activities planned for each group!

AGE 3-6 AGE 7-11 We have themed activities for each week including Baking, SPORTS from the Brazilian Kickers Sports Academ I Cooking I Competitions I Clay Modelling I Pizza Making Pirate Bouncy Castles I Treasure Hunts and lots of CRAFTS! We also organise fun trips for age 7-11! Organic fruit snacks supplied. A cold packed lunch is required for each day. To see more of the activities and to download your booking form, see www.pointers-school.co.uk The Pointer School, Early Years Department Building, 0208 858 7977 37 Shooters Hill Road, Blackheath, London SE3 7HS

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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!!

PANAS GURKHA R E S TAU R A N T

318 LEE HIGH ROAD, LEWISHAM, LONDON, SE13 5PJ

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ORDER ONLINE www.thepanas.co.uk 2013

2014

Where can I ﬁnd authentic Nepalese food in London? ‘It’s not a common cuisine, but that doesn’t mean it’s not available in London. Try Panas Gurkha Restaurant.’

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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

TRADITIONAL SUNDAY ROAST

OFF ALL STEAKS

2 Courses - £15 3 Courses - £17

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your food bill with this voucher A la carte menu only. Sun-Thurs. Maximum 6 diners. Expires 07.08.14

COME DINE WITH US

Monday - Thursday Set Menu 2 Courses - £15 3 Courses - £18

Summer is here! Which can only mean one thing... It is time to open the doors at Aqua Bromley! East Street has recently undergone a major facelift as part of the Bromley North Village Public Realm Improvements. We now have 40 covers outside the restaurant giving an alfresco Mediterranean feel perfect for relaxing with one of our impressive cocktails on a warm summer’s evening. Come and join us, sit back and enjoy the Aqua experience. Both Aqua Bromley and Aqua Blackheath restaurants oﬀer a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, with beautifully presented food and charming service. Dishes oﬀer a heady and delicious fusion of Greek, Italian and modern Mediterranean cuisine. A visit to Aqua is a must!

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

Food news and reviews

From Dorset to Provence Philippa Davis works as a private chef. Her clients are scattered across the globe and no two jobs are ever the same. She can find herself grilling fresh lobster and shaking cocktails on a private beach in the Caribbean one week then off to chilly rural Scotland and roasting haunches of venison and braising wild hare the next. She now writes about these adventures in her food blog www.philippadavis.com postcard recipes.

How it all began... Growing up on a small farm in Dorset, the kitchen table was central to family life. At 18 she already knew her career would have to involve food and went to London to work at Lidgates the butchers in Holland Park. “Mr Lidgate would take me to Smithfield market at 4 am. Walking down the rows and rows of hanging meat, picking the best pieces for his shop, he would fire questions at me as to cuts and quality. It was certainly an education. “ Philippa then went on to work at the Michelin stared River Cafe in Hammersmith, Moro in Farringdon and then set up the Mudchute Kitchen at Mudchute Park and Farm on the Isle of Dogs.“Mudchute was a fantastic time, it was like being in the countryside but not having to leave the city. We started a kitchen allotment, foraged the 32 acres for wild ingredients like berries and leaves, built an outdoor wood oven and a smoke house, I loved it!”

270 g filo pastry (about 6 sheets) 1 egg white 75g butter 200g (approx.) icing sugar Gooseberry and Lavender cream 250g double cream 200ml crème fraîche 300g gooseberries 150g sugar 4 tbs lavender syrup

The decision to become a private chef happened after being asked to cook for a dinner party for a friend. “I loved being launched into a new kitchen, cooking for a special occasion and being part of a different environment. I looked into becoming a private chef full time and saw the endless possibilities - there were families, businesses, individuals all requiring something different. It might be cooking for a shooting, stalking or fishing party in Scotland, an important business meeting in London, catering for the family holiday in the Mediterranean or helping to kick start a healthy eating regime in the Caribbean. It was very exciting”. This month she is off to Provence to cook for a family gathering and wants to share with us her recipe for gooseberry and lavender Mille - feuille (seves 6).

Greenwich Tavern Dressed for a hot summer evening, we were caught out by a sudden burst of rain and arrived at Greenwich Tavern feeling damp. Situated on King William Walk, the Tavern governs a corner across the road from the huge ornate gilded wrought iron park gates. This is the nearest pub to Greenwich Park. The pub has a sheltered garden perfect for when the sun shines. First things first, we ordered a bottle of Chilean Santa Puerta Cabernet Sauvignon and sipped until our clothes dried. Looking around the well-kept, traditional London pub’s bar I noticed carved heads of famous dog breeds. This is a dog friendly pub, and to prove it, in came a couple of ladies with a beautiful wire haired terrier as damp as we were, but not at all put out. Orders for dinner are taken at the bar. The menu is a mix of British and European dishes and features handmade burgers, and chef’s favourites include fish and chips (cider & Tarragon battered Cod). My partner chose lamb chops, served pink and juicy, with a nutty crust, quite a lot of food with a grilled fllatbead, homemade delicious red cabbage coleslaw and hummus.

Looking for something different, I settled for the falafel burger. It was a mistake, really. In most parts of the Middle East you can get Falafel at street stands. It may vary, but the keys to it are flavour and texture. Falafel is most often made with cooked chick peas and fava beans, chopped onion, fat leafed parsley, garlic, harissa and spices to suit your taste. How the cooked chickpeas and beans are broken up or ground lightly gives the texture of the falafel. I have only ever eaten it as a fairly coarse- grained highly flavoured mixture, which has been made quickly into patties, floured and shallow- fried to leave a crisp coating. This one was homogenous and smooth and relatively lightly flavoured. As a vegetarian option it may please diners with a lighter palate than mine.

Pre heat the oven to 170 C Melt the butter then stir into a lightly whipped egg white Brush a sheet of filo pastry with the egg white mix, dust with icing sugar then lay the next filo sheet on top. Repeat with all the filo sheets and top with the brushed egg white mix and a dusting of icing sugar. Cut into 18 rectangles then bake in a 170 C oven for 8 - 12 minutes until golden. Leave to cool. To make the cream; Slowly cook the gooseberries with the caster sugar until they have burst and are tender (you may want to add a little water). Leave to cool then lightly mash with a fork. Whisk the cream until thick then add the crème fraîche, lavender syrup and cooled gooseberries. To serve, layer the mille -feuille with the goose berry cream (can be made up to 3 hours before serving).

We shared a side order of fried onion rings and chips and sat soaking up the peaceful atmosphere, until we stepped outside into a perfectly balmy summer’s night. Greenwich Tavern dinner served until 9pm and on Sundays until 6pm.

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The Elephants Are Coming To Town It’s the last chance to see the world’s largest open air art exhibition of gorgeously decorated elephant statues, as The Elephant Parade concludes its tour of the UK at Intu Bromley. Arriving on Monday 30th June, the elephants will be at the Bromley Shopping Centre for four weeks before they are auctioned or sold to raise funds for the conservation charity The Asian Elephant Foundation. The elephants have been created by prominent artists and celebrities; a herd of 28 will be placed throughout the mall, as well as one in the Churchill Theatre and one

Exhibition Leisure at the Bromley Court Hotel. There will also be a shop where visitors can purchase miniature elephants and design their own. In addition, intu Bromley has worked with a number of local schools as well as Bertha James Day Centre to design six baby elephants. Children as young as five submitted designs, which were then painted onto the elephant statues. The winning statues will be on display alongside the elephant sculptures. Bid for one of these beautiful elephant sculptures through the on-line auction, or secure one outright by paying the ‘buy now’ price. The auction closes at midnight on 26th July and all funds raised will go to The Asian Elephant Foundation. For more information visit: intuelephantparade.co.uk. The Elephant Parade closes on 31st July.

Image PR Supplied

Elephant parade design winners are chosen Five local schools and a day centre were invited by intu Bromley to submit their designs in a bid to win a commission to take part in a nationwide art exposition. Designs will not be on a canvas however - the winning entries will be painted on an elephant statue that will join the forthcoming Elephant Parade national tour which is coming to Bromley for the month of July. The Marjorie McClure School in Chislehurst, Highfields Infants and Junior School in Shortlands, Coopers Technology College in Chislehurst, Manor Park Primary School in Orpington, Bishop Justus School in Bromley and the Bertha James Day Centre in Bromley are all involved in the 2013/14 Elephant Parade. The 10-month tour visits 12 towns and cities around the UK that, for the first time, will feature school and community elephant designs standing shoulderto-shoulder with creations from top artists and international celebrities. The tour is being brought to the UK by lead sponsor intu, the UK’s leading shopping centre owner and manager that runs centres such as Lakeside in Thurrock and the Trafford Centre in Manchester. With a vibrant community investment programme already in place, intu was keen to directly involve schools from around the UK in the Elephant Parade tour.

The Intu team enjoy the submissions

Over the past month, participants in the Bromley programme have created more than 600 design ideas. Elephant Parade is a public art festival, which brings together the worlds of art, business and charity to create vibrant parades of elephants that are sold or auctioned to raise money for the Asian Elephant Foundation, a charity which supports conservation of the Asian Elephant. Past Elephant Parades have attracted top celebrities and artists, including the likes of Tommy Hilfiger, Jodie Kidd, Joss Stone, Ricky Gervais, Leona Lewis, Fernando Alonso and Cat Deeley and this year’s national tour includes contributions from Claudia Schiffer, BBC One Show’s Alex Jones and Rylan Clarke. Mike Spits, Co-Founder of Elephant Parade commented: “From the outset, a key objective of the

Elephant Parade national tour was to move beyond just fund raising for conservation and focus more attention on raising deep and lasting awareness of the issues. In the months ahead dozens of schools will be invited to create an elephant, which will join their local leg of the tour. The school competitions promote artistic talent in the classroom, raise awareness of conservation issues in an engaging way, and participating schools will have the option to auction the elephant to raise funds to support school projects.” Maria Cooper Manager at intu Bromley commented: ‘Elephant Parade needs no introduction. Wherever it goes, it enlivens, energises and stimulates the places it visits and offers something for everyone. In sponsoring the new tour, we will be showcasing the elephants in our shopping centres that attract 320 million visitors a year. In giving school children the opportunity to create elephants that will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the designs of top artists, we hope to showcase tomorrow’s talent today. We are proud to be presenting what we think will be the definitive Elephant Parade, a national tour with local flavour that offers a welcome boost to retailers and will give millions of people a reason to smile.’ intu Bromley, High Street, Bromley Greater London, BR1 1DN www. intu.co.uk/bromley

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Art

Leisure

Looking with a view to buy First stop was Second Floor Studios, a thriving establishment with more than 200 studios all making their own art and crafts. Within this small area there are artisans who cobble, throw, knit and whittle to their own demanding specifications. Across the river from the original Sugar Hut (not the establishment in Essex) but the Tate & Lyle factory and the City Airport you can have your own shoes made, a motorbike to a bespoke design, an original piece of furniture, art or sculpture. Then there is also within this area The Thames Barrier Print Studio where artists make their own prints. Also life drawing takes place twice a week (Wed & Sun) for those people who are interested in taking part in making their own art. It has its own art gallery (No Format) and café (the café has a balcony that overlooks the river) so in itself is a pleasant place to sit. We previewed the Score Card Art Auction in the No Format Gallery; a silent auction of original art could be yours for £20.

Barry Andre

Maggie Ossbourn takes a look at the art scene within the Greenwich peninsula, including galleries and art studios Art Hub gallery at Creekside is a similar establishment to SFS with like-minded practitioners making art for those who wish to have an original piece of artwork on their walls. There are many new loft apartments springing up around these studios (that are just located off the Creek Road) that should take a look for an original for their walls. They, too, have their own print studio and framing services (this is located at their other site in Woolwich). They have a busy gallery at Creekside which holds regular exhibitions, events and workshops throughout the year - showcasing cutting edge art and design by studio members as well as selected artists. I recently previewed an art auction Mayday! Mayday! which showcased 350 artworks on postcards with an opportunity to buy a piece of original art at an affordable price. There is a lively atmosphere and they have opportunities for the public (especially school holidays) to involve themselves in learning a new skill. This is a collective, run by the artists themselves and there is also an opportunity to rent studio space.

New Homes

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Moving on to Greenwich I popped into the Paul Mc Gallery, showcasing artwork from Marcus Davies. They were primarily safari creatures but it was only on closer inspection that you realised they were all worked as intricate collages. The eyes of the jaguar or the hornbill were piercingly staring out at you but had been specifically fashioned out of pieces of coloured paper. This gallery has a rolling, eclectic series of exhibitions, with Barry Andrews (above) and National Maritime Museum Art Club this month something for every ones taste and pocket. In the heart of Greenwich Market is Flood Gallery. A preview of GodMachine, the art has a Victorian/ Gothic/Lithographic appeal. They could be Blake/ Hogarth inspired. Black and White prints at a very affordable price and make a great impression on your walls. Maleficence magnificence with a Joli-esque-like portrait of horned headgear, very of the moment – all prints could be had (unframed) for £30. There was also a book available to accompany the exhibition, ‘The Art of the Godmachine” packed with his illustrations.

Gallery News

ICONINK’ a solo exhibition by Rugman

Season of Street Photography – On Our Streets

Embodied Vistas Until 13 July

www.aptstudios.org

Ben Oakley Gallery is Proud to present an exciting new artist to its roster, ‘RUGMAN’. Hailing from Glasgow originally, he has been carving out a reputation fine tuning his illustration and Street art skills in London now for over 10 years. Creating his own very distinctive style as he carefully blends the two skills together. There are obvious life influences in RUGMANs work from Skate Punk, Tattoo & Pop Art Culture all condensed into each exquisite painting.

Embodied Vistas sees artists Wilson-Eflerová responding to the unique character of Deptford creek, using time-based media and an interdisciplinary approach that will include performance and immersive video installations. Re-contextualising the creek history and its present role they will offer audiences an embodied experience, blurring the distinctions between place, one self and other. Audiences will be invited to participate in workshops to create their own artistic endeavours inspired by Wilson-Eflerová’s work, and these will be showcased alongside the installations exhibited at APT Gallery, please check the APT Gallery website for details of the workshops.

From 19 July The Greenwich Gallery will be holding a season of photography based on a single theme. For three months our walls will be made available to individual street photographers whose work will be seen to explore the varied aspects of this genre during a two-week period. The outstanding street photographers are: Stephen Smith, Dave Mason, Nick Sack, Norman Smith, Paul Halliday, Kate Hooper and Stefan Lubomirski de Vaux.

This latest show is presented as his finest most sophisticated and complex works to date. A positive and conscious move up in to a gallery that seems made for this show. A series of figures with their identities white washed/erased then re interrupted reflecting on their ICONIC status Using Tattoos As Symbols To Realize Their Relevance.

During the season we will cover many different approaches of those who photograph on our streets. Typically, these will include: urban landscapes, captured moments, purposeful messages, unusual cultural events, activism, destruction and construction. Alongside the work of some of this country’s leading exponents will be a chance for all photographers to take part.

Ben Oakley Gallery, 9 Turnpin Lane, Greenwich, London SE10 9JA Opening Times: Thursdays – Sundays 11-6pm Monday –Wednesday by appointment.

Shape Arts

Redstart Arts return to Deptford’s Creekside this summer with a highly anticipated new installation on the roof of the APT studios entitled selfSCAPE. A group of audacious and distinctive young artists with learning disabilities, the Redstarts, have already begun making waves on the South London art scene. This is a follow up to the widely acclaimed skySCAPE project, their first installation atop the APT studios. Created as part of the Cultural Olympiad it established the group as a new and dynamic force in an already exciting art scene based around Deptford.

The Adam Reynolds Memorial Bursary is supported by Garfield Weston Foundation and Arts Council England This bursary, established by Shape in memory of sculptor Adam Reynolds, is for mid-career disabled visual artists and offers a three month residency at a high profile gallery and £5000 bursary. In 2014 our successful recipient was Aaron McPeake, who took up residency at Spike Island, Bristol. Shape’s annual Shortlist exhibition is an opportunity to showcase the breadth of talent and standard of submissions to this unique and notable art award.

A set of sculptures entitled selfSCAPE, a unique and lively take on the ‘selfie generation’. Working with artists Cash Aspeek and Chris Marshall these distinctive self-portraits burst with energy and are sure to bring life to the South East London skyline. Taking particular influence from the current Henri Matisse exhibition at the Tate Modern, the Redstarts went through a series of experiments using collage, paints and projection before translating their patterned portraits into eight-foot high wooden sculptures.

Exhibiting artists: Christopher Sacre, David Lock, The Vacuum Cleaner and Aaron McPeake (2014 bursary recipient).

Each entrant will be invited to submit a portfolio of three images from which the judges will select the 80 images to be shown on the screen during each exhibition. From these the winner will be invited to hold a two week exhibition in the gallery in 2015. www.thegreenwichgallery.com/on-our-streets 8

SkySCAPE

In the Gallery will be a large plasma screen on which we will show work submitted by anyone who enters their work during the season. A judging panel made up of the curators and the exhibitors will award the prize for the best image.

Shape Gallery Westfield Stratford City,   The Street, London,  E20 1EJ   Exhibition continues until 16 August. Wed – Sat 10am – 6pm Free admission Artist Talk 3 July 6 – 8:30PM   Please RSVP to exhibitions@shapearts.org.uk or call 0207424 7366

Aaron McPeake residency image, Ceramic shell burnout.   Image credit Richard Broomhall

Summer Art Programme

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Gallery News - Whats On And Where?

GREENWICH PRINTMAKERS

Current Exhibition. Featured artists: Mary Cosey (until 13 July), Angela Brookes (15-27 Jul) and Jon Crane (29 Jul-10 Aug). Tues-Sun, 10am-5.30pm. 020 8858 1569. Greenwich Printmakers Gallery, 1A The Market, SE10 9HZ.

AND QUIET FLOWS THE THAMES

1 - 12 July The Thames littoral is documented in these paintings by Barry Andrews “Thames is a metaphor for what is constant in our lives almost a spiritual presence. A beacon that is dependable, it does not judge us for all our interventions and the ‘bridging’ across her back. Twice a day every day the tide sweeps in and the tide sweeps out, the detritus is carried out renewed and brought back again, and that pattern in constant and has never changed.” 1 - 12 July Paul McGallery, 77 Lassell Street. London SE10 9PJ Tel:020 8269 2990 www.paulmcgallery.com

EXPLORE THE STREET’RPS LONDON STREET PHOTOGRAPHY.

1-30 July With the resurgence in street photography, RPS London is creating a small group to support street photographers. The exhibition complements the season of street photography ‘On our Streets’ which commences in the adjacent Greenwich Gallery during July. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm / Sat-Sun – by appointment via LondonCave@rps.org. RPS London, The Cave, Linear House, Peyton Place, Greenwich SE10 8RS

THE ZEITGEIST SUMMER SHOW PREVIEW.

10 July Works on paper under £100 by ZAP Members. 5-8pm. Exhibition continues 11/12 July 1-5pm. Bond House Gallery, ASC Studios, Bond House, Goodwood Road SE14 6BL.

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

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

Last Summer Kat Bridge, Artistic Director of Greenwich Dance, called me to ask if we would like to work with them on offering a small commission to a dance or theatre artist wanting to try out a new project. At Greenwich Theatre we are passionate about unearthing new and exciting performance and finding ways to bring it to the stage, and in these days of reducing arts funding collaboration is one of the major ways for new work to be produced so we were immediately keen. After meeting a range of exciting artists, we finally selected a proposal by Tristan Shorr and Rachel Champion, and after testing out some ideas at the Greenwich Dance Family Cabaret last Autumn, followed by further development this Spring, the company are ready to show the piece – THE LOST ROOM - to a wider audience. With the company in residence at Greenwich Theatre for a week, I caught up with Tristan and Rachel to find out more. JH Tell us about The Lost Room TS & RC The Lost Room isn’t a conventional piece of performance – it’s probably best described as an interactive installation. Two people at a time enter the room wearing wireless headphones, immersing them in an audio environment with music, a narrator and a series of tasks. JH Without giving too much away, can you give people an idea of what The Lost Room contains? TS & RC The Lost Room is about unlocking people’s imagination. There could be invitations to create images, to crack codes, to move through the room in different ways, but always together, and people will go away with new memories. JH Many theatre audiences will have a vision of a script being written, a director reading it, and then a play being produced. This is very different, with you trying out ideas with audiences over a period of time. Is this an important way for you to work? TS & RC At the beginning of a project like this we could only imagine how various elements might work – how people might respond to certain activities, or to being guided by an audio track instead of a live actor. The Research and Development period has allowed us to test important areas of the work and the feedback has been brilliant in helping us to perfect the experience.

Aqua Comp

JH What have you learnt from working with Greenwich Dance and Greenwich Theatre?

TS & RC Being supported by Greenwich Dance and Greenwich Theatre has given us the chance to learn how to organise a project in a larger sense, and to look to the future with what will be a large scale touring production – an incredibly exciting prospect for our company and not something we could have done by ourselves. The Lost Room can be visited on 24 & 25 July, Greenwich Dance – 020 8293 9741 www.greenwichdance.org.uk

3 & 4 August, Greenwich Theatre – 020 8858 7755 www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk

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.

EVERY SUN & 2ND TUES

8Blackheath Quakers. Meeting for worship. 10.30am-11.30am every Sunday, and 1pm1.30pm on 2nd Tues of each month. Visitors are 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 18 JUL

8Action for Kids Beach Volleyball Championships 2014. The beach is back and team entry is now open as the Beach Volleyball Championships return. Anyone can enter a team of 5 – 12 people in the tournament for a registration fee of £250 and a willingness to raise funds. Professional training is provided and with plenty of great prizes to be won there is something for everyone to get involved with. For further information on 020 8237 8111 or visit www. actionforkids.org/citybeachvolleyball.asp. Free. Wood Wharf, Canary Wharf.

UNTIL 19 JUL

8Orpington’s Forgotten Man: George Allen. An exhibition about George Allen, one of Orpington’s earliest and most successful residents and friend of John Ruskin. Showcase some of Allen’s finest engravings, books and bindings from a private collection. Free. Bromley Museum, The Priory, Church Hill, Orpington BR6 0HH.

UNTIL 3 AUG

8The Kopparberg Urban Forest. Scandinavian and East London cultures collide. Hidden away behind the urban streets of Dalston, you will find a mix of live music, street art and mouthwatering food and drink. Visit bespoke woodland bar and listen to the live music and DJ sets from 6pm every night. Free - entry arrive early to avoid disappointment. Thurs: 12pm – 11pm,  Fri: 12pm – 12am,  Sat: 12pm – 12am , Sun: 12pm – 11pm. www.kopparbergurbanforest.com. The Bootstrap Company, E8 3DL.

UNTIL 19 AUG

8Canary Wharf Summer Screens. Enjoy a packed programme of sports, entertainment and news hightlights on large, outdoor screens. For more info visit www.canarywharf.com. Canada Park Square, E14.

UNTIL 31 OCT

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 deposit. The grounds of the Old Brewery, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich SE10.

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PA U L MCP H E R S O N GALLERY

Paintings by Barry Andrews and Quiet Flows the Thames A CELEBRATION OF TIMELESS STRENGTH 1 - 1 2 t h J U LY

www.paulmcgallery.com

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Monday to Friday Noon - 5pm* Saturdays 10.00am - 2.30pm 77 Lassell Street, Greenwich, London SE10 9PJ *Lunch Break 3.00-3.45pm

Listings continued UNTIL 4 JAN 2015

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.

WED 4, 11, 18 & 25 JUN

8Tapestry Group. Enjoy sewing and would like to get involved with this project at St.Alfege. 10am-1pm. Caton Room, St Alfege Church, Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich SE10 9BJ.

Competition One lucky winner can win a pair of tickets to brand new musical festival On Blackheath in partnership with John Lewis. Simply send your name, address and daytime telephone number to Meridian magazine (OnBlackheath), 8 The Village, Charlton, SE7 8UD. Or email your details to competition@meridian-magazine.co.uk by 31 July.

THURS 5 JUN

8Lunchtime Recital. Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. 1.05pm. Free. St. Alfege Church, Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich SE10 9BJ. 8The Pearl Izumi Tour Series. Cycing fans won’t want to miss this event. Stage 8 of this race will take place in Canary Wharf. From 6pm. Free. Thoughout Canary Wharf, for more info visit www.canarywharf.com.

SUN 6 JUL

8Children’s Theatre Festival. Outdoor children’s theatre performances for all the family to enjoy together. Fun and Games by The London Ballet Company - A quirky and original dance performance celebrating this year’s Commonwealth Games with professional dancers showcasing an athlete’s journey of sporting prowess, competition and glory. Free. 3pm. Jubilee Park, Canary Wharf E14.

FRI 6 JUN

8Lunchtime Recital. The Friends of Blackheath Halls presents the London Chamber Collective piano quartet. 1.10pm. Free with a retiring collection. Blackheath Halls, 23 Lee Road, Blackheath SE3 9RQ.

WED 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 JUL

8Tapestry Group. Enjoy sewing and would like to get involved with this project at St.Alfege. 10am-1pm. Caton Room, St Alfege Church, Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich SE10 9BJ.

WED 2-5 JUL

8Handel’s Belshazzar. One of Handel’s most exciting, colourful and, rarely staged, works. Trinity Laban Opera with director Emma Rivlin and conductor Nicholas Kraemer, and featuring a student cast of emerging talent. 7.30pm. £15, £12. 020 8305 9300, www.trinitylaban.ac.uk. Great Hall, Blackheath Halls, 23 Lee Road, Blackheath SE3 9RL.

THURS 3 JUL

8Lunchtime Recital. Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. 1.05pm. Free. St. Alfege Church, Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich SE10 9BJ.

FRI 4 JUL

8Independence Day: American Revolutionary Beers. To celebrate Independence Day, enjoy a thigh-slapping 4-course USA menu, matched with especially imported American beer. 7.30pm. For more info www.ornc.org or call 020 3327 1280. The Old Brewery, grounds of Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich SE10.

FRI 4 – 6 JUL

8Hop Farm Music Festival. New promoter and fantastic line-up. Performers include Ray Davies, James Blunt, Grace Jones, Brian Wilson, The Feeling, 10 CC and Squeeze. www.thehopfarmfestival.co.uk. The Hop Farm, Maidestone Road, Paddock Wood TN12 6PY.

SAT 5 JUL

8Treasures of the Thames. Family archaeology workshop. Sort and identify archaeological objects on the foreshore of the River Thames in this hands-on workshop led by Thames Explorer Trust. 10.30am-1.30pm. £8 adult, £6 child.

Suitable for ages 7+. Wellington boots/suitable footwear. Meet in Discover Greenwich, Greenwich SE10. 8Summer Fete. Face Painting, Tours of the Crypt and tower, stalls, refreshments and much more… In aid of St Monica’s School, Zanzibar and St Alfege with St Peter’s School, Greenwich. 2-4pm. St Alfege Church Green, Greenwich SE10. 8Woolwich Antiquarians. Enid Bagnold and her nursing role, speaker Susan Bullivant and First World War memorials to local Postmenm, speaker Jim Marrett. 2.15pm. Charlton House, Charlton SE7 8RE. 8Children’s Theatre Festival. Outdoor children’s theatre performances for all the family to enjoy together. The Gingerbread Man by Bok Theatre Company - Experience this intimate, magical and interactive storytelling performance of the cheeky biscuit’s journey and all the adventures he gets up to on the way. Free. 3-3.40pm & 4.305.10pm. Jubilee Park, Canary Wharf E14.

A brand new music festival with a difference. An eclectic music line-up, immersive food experience, farmers market and much more will be on offer over the weekend of 13 and 14 September on Blackheath Common SE3. Headlining the event, and what will be both their only London festival shows this year, iconic music pioneers Massive Attack (Saturday) and punk folk rocker Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls (Sunday). This family-friendly festival also offers a fabulous area designed specially for kids, with arts & crafts workshops, games and special performances. www.onblackheath.com T&C Pair of weekend tickets valid for Sunday 14 September only with Frank Turner headlining, subject to availability.

MON 7 JUL

8Celebrate Shakespeare’s 450th Birthday. The Tempest by Miracle Theatre Company - Take a trip into uncharted waters and find yourself wrecked on a treacherous shore. Discover an enchanted island with sweet airs and instruments, beating with old jealousies and young love and all stirred up by a cross magician. Free. 6.45pm. Jubilee Park, Canary Wharf E14. 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. 8Happy Mondays Comedy Night. With Bridget Christie and Sarah Kendall. Edinburgh preview shows. 8pm. The Amersham Arms, New Cross SE14 6TY.

TUES 8-9 JUL

Try Golf Eltham Warren Golf Club, on Bexley Road in Eltham, is holding their annual “Try Golf” event on Saturday 19 July. Following on from last year’s successful event, and to coincide with the televised Open Golf Championships, the club will be open from 1.00pm until 4.00pm to those interested in taking up golf. Their PGA qualified golf professional Gary Brett will be holding group golf classes for beginners free of charge, and there will also be the opportunity for more experienced players with their own equipment to play a few holes for free to see for themselves the superb condition and experience the challenge of the course, which was first laid out way back in 1890. The Kent Golf Partnership will be in attendance to give advice on all aspects of the game, and will also be providing fun golf equipment especially aimed at junior players keen to try golf. Call the club office on 020-8850-4477 for details or visit www.elthamwarrengolfclub.co.uk.

8Robbie Williams Swings Both Ways Tour. Described as ‘riotously entertaining’ this tour follows the huge response to Robbie’s one-off show at the London Palladium. 6.30pm. From £55-£125. The O2, Peninsula Square, Greenwich SE10 0DX.

THURS 10 JUL

8CNT Associates: New Summer Funding Workshop. Funding for schools and education projects – this workshop will review new funding opportunities in the changing education environment.10am-3pm. £130 + Vat per person. Thames Innovation Centre, 2 Veridion Way, Veridion Park, Erith DA18 4AL. 8Lunchtime Recital. Trinity Laban. 1.05pm. Free. St. Alfege Church, Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich SE10 9BJ.

FRI 11 JUL

8James Arthur. X Factor 2012 winner has scored the biggest selling X Factor single of all time with the BRIT nominated ‘Impossible’ and has recorded a stunning debut record collaborating with some of the world’s hottest producers. 7pm. £23.20-£45.90. indigO2. Peninsula Sq. Greenwich SE10.

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Listings continued SAT 12 JUL

8Through & Out: Skipping Extravaganza. As part of the Big Dance, this large-scale outdoor performance of dance and rope skipping by choreographer, Jorge Crecis. 11.30am & 2.30pm. Greenwich Park, SE10 8QY. 8Eltham Choral Society Summer Concert. Rutter’s Gloria, Whitbourn’s Son of God Mass, and Elgar’s Sea Pictures, sponsored by Norman’s Music of Eltham. 7.30pm. £12, £10 conc., £5 under 16’s. 020 8850 3532. www.elthamchoral.org.uk. Holy Trinity Church, Southend Crescent, Eltham SE9 2SD.

SUN 13 JUL

8Ramble. 5-6 mile walk through Kentish orchards that once formed part of the Dering Estate, to Little Chart and back. Meet at 11am at Pluckley Station. Goldsmiths Rambling Club. Contact Rona Sullivan on 020 8850 4417 for details. New members welcome.

MON 14 JUL

8Celebrate Shakespeare. Much Ado About Nothing by Chapterhouse Theatre Company The incomparable Beatrice and her begrudging match Benedick are tricked into confessing their love for each other, hilarious and heart-stopping romantic consequences ensue. Free. 6.45pm. Jubilee Park, Canary Wharf E14.

TUES 15 JUL

8Charlton & Blackheath Amateur Horticultural Society. Summer Party. 7.45pm. Charlton House, Charlton Road SE7 8RE.

WED 16 JUL

8Twilight Delights: Wartime at the West End. A special journey through West End classics including performances of songs from Oh What a Lovely War!, On the Town, Sound of Music, Cabaret and South Pacific – accompanied by The Central Band of The Royal British Legion with special guests Scarlett Strallen, Norman Bowman and Simon Green. 7pm. Free. Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf E14.

THURS 17 JUL

Welcome return for London’s favourite comedy festival! A new home & sponsor rejuvenates the capital’s brightest comedy festival. The Magners Greenwich Comedy Festival makes a welcome return to the heart of Greenwich this September in the brand new setting of the National Maritime Museum grounds. From 24 -28 Sept the stunning lawns of one of Greenwich’s most iconic locations will be hosting the annual comedy extravaganza renowned for featuring the very best in UK and international comedy talents in a full-on festival setting. Once again the festival will host a fantastic programme of comedy heavyweights including grouchy deadpan genius Rich Hall, one-liner maestro Milton Jones, ventriloquist/comedian Nina Conti, British Comedy Award winners Cardinal Burns, Father Ted Star Ardal O’hanlon, The Irrepressible Mark Thomas, Lo-Fi Irishman David O’Doherty And Many More. National Maritime Museum, Royal Museums Greenwich, London, SE10 9NF. Tickets From £15. www.greenwichcomedyfestival.co.uk

Pop Up Screens. Cinema under the stars at Mycenae House.

8Lunchtime Recital. Trinity Laban. 1.05pm. Free. St. Alfege Church, Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich SE10 9BJ.

MON 21 JUL

8Happy Mondays Comedy Night. With Al Murray and Joe Lycett. Edinburgh preview shows. 8pm. The Amersham Arms, New Cross SE14 6TY.

TUES 22 JUL

8Twilight Delights: The Best of Gershwin & Porter with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. Enjoy Rhapsody in Blue and Who Wants to be a Millionaire plus much more. 7pm. Free. Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf E14.

8Lunchtime Recital. Trinity Laban. 1.05pm. Free. St. Alfege Church, Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich SE10 9BJ. 8Blackheath Decorative and Fine Arts Society. How would you feel watching a Downton Abbey star portraying your father on film? This happened to our speaker today, Robert Evans, son of a real life crossed lover in summer in February played by Dan Stevens. Today Robert will talk about another liaison between the painters, Harold and Laura Knight. 2.30pm. Visitors £5. www. artsinblackheath.org.uk. St Mary’s Church Hall, Cresswell Park, Blackheath SE3.

SAT 26 JUL

8Ramble. 4 1/2 mile walk beside the Thames, Richmond to Kingston. Meet at 11am at Richmond Station booking hall. Bring a picnic. Goldsmiths Rambling Club. Contact Rona Sullivan on 020 8850 4417 for details.

MON 28-30 JUL

8Summer Art Adventurers. Multi art skills for ages 7-11.Bookings info@geralgmooregallery.org or 020 8857 0448. Gerald Moore Gallery, Mottingham Lane, SE9 4RW.

MON 28 JUL – 1 AUGUST

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 West Community & Arts Centre, 141 Greenwich High Road, SE10 8JL.

TUES 29 JUL

8Twilight Delights: Rockafellas & Summer Dreaming. The Rockafellas rock the first half of the show with the sounds of yesteryear including The Beatles and The Beach Boys and a fabulous 1950s musical tribute show will get you jiving during the second half. 7pm. Free. Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf E14.

WED 30 JUL

8Deptford’s Urban Safari! Den Building, Bread & Fire making. You don’t have to leave the city to go on a wildlife safari, just head for Deptford. 11am-2pm. (5-12yrs). £7 pp. The Creekside Discovery Centre, 14, Creekside, Deptford SE8 4SA.

SAT 19 JUL

8Charlton Society. Talk on The Thames Footpath by speaker Mary Mills. 2.3-pm. Charlton House, Charlton SE7. 8PopShack. A red letter day in the diaries of millions of young pop fans across the country as PopShack, the UK’s fastest growing music network, celebrates the end of the school year with a massive teen party. PopShack Live will give the country’s 5 million teenagers a unique chance to get together, scream, dance and sing with all their friends & celebrate the start of the summer holidays. Doors 5pm.

THURS 24 JUL

THURS 31 JUL

The picturesque park will play host to an outdoor cinema on (25 - 26 July 2014) complete with a 30ft big screen, licensed bar, Drum and Kernel Popcorn, sweets and for the first time Pop Up Screen’s very own bespoke Pop Up Burgers! On Friday, cinemagoers can see 2004’s British zombie comedy Shaun of The Dead, staring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. The following night, the ladies are in for a treat, as the big screen at Mycenae House will screen every mum’s favourite, the Full Monty. In advance at www.popupscreens.co.uk for £10. 8.30pm. Mycenae House Gardens, Mycenea Road, Blackeath SE3.

8Teenage Kicks. Workshop – Photography, Magazines & Fashion. 10am-4pm. info@geralgmooregallery.org or 020 8857 0448. Gerald Moore Gallery, Mottingham Lane, SE9 4RW. 8Lunchtime Recital. Trinity Laban. 1.05pm. Free. St. Alfege Church, Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich SE10 9BJ. 8Thursday Club. Art Classes for adults. Bookbinding, Photography & Journaling. 4.306pm. info@geralgmooregallery.org or 020 8857 0448. Gerald Moore Gallery, Mottingham Lane, SE9 4RW.

TUES 26-29 AUG

8Summer School: Booking Now. 4 days of non-stop 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.

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Lifestyle

Taking to the River With the summer holidays just around the corner, City Cruises is calling on Londoners and visitors to the Capital to take advantage of some of the best cultural attractions the city has to offer. As London’s number one sightseeing tour on the Thames, a trip with City Cruises is one of the best ways to take in the highlights of the city, with Greenwich being a favourite drop-off destination for both domestic and international passengers. Stretching from the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site, to crossing the Prime Meridian of the World, Greenwich offers some of the UK’s top attractions and independent shopping, along with a generous spread of green spaces, boutique coffee shops and restaurants. A world away from the hustle and bustle of central London, visitors can browse the eclectic Greenwich Market or explore the worldfamous visitor sights, including Henry VIII’s historic hunting ground, Greenwich Royal Park, the Royal Observatory - home of the Prime Meridian and London’s only planetarium - and the Cutty Sark tea clipper. From Greenwich visitors can hop back on another City Cruises boat to head westwards and enjoy the freedom of the river – with stops including Westminster, Millennium (London Eye) and Tower piers. Departing twice hourly from Greenwich pier, the cruises are the perfect means of seeing London from the unrivalled vantage point of the Thames, offering expert guided commentary, refreshments and light snacks to visitors as they head down the river. Heading to Westminster pier you will see the sights of the Houses of Parliament, Portcullis House, Cleopatra’s Needle and on the south side is The London Eye, County Hall and the Southbank area. To St. Pauls and Blackfriars you head under Blackfriars Bridge and past the Tate Modern. With the option to hop-on and hop-off at leisure, passengers can take a tour and also take advantage of nearby destinations: shopping in the West End and

Theatreland’s many shows are just a short walk from the Westminster pier and the Southbank Centre is right next to Millenium Pier, ready to be explored. For lunch, dinner, afternoon tea or even just cocktails, a visit to City Cruises’ restaurant ship, Hispaniola, would be the perfect option. Permanently moored at Victoria Embankment, the boat offers fine dining on the Thames blended with cocktails and sprawling views of the river. For something more action-packed, Thamesjet is the perfect option for an adrenaline-fuelled sightseeing experience. Picking up the boats at Westminster Pier, and heading down to either the Thames Barrier or Tower Bridge, the trip guarantees a fast paced and exciting way to see the river and City Cruises are privileged to be the only company on the river to offer this fast paced experience on a RIB. A variety of tours and tickets can be found at www.citycruises.co.uk. Tickets for the River Red Rover hop-on hop-off sightseeing tours are available at £16.20 for adults and £8.10 for children, with Thamesjet available from £35 per adult and £21 per child.

50% River Red Rover Offer expires

31st July 2014

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