Meridian Magazine May 2015 issue by Meridian Magazine

Meridian May 2015 ÂŁ1.00 Where Sold

Your Local What, Where and When Magazine

Weddings Celebrate in a Different Way

Tickets for Greenwich Music Time

Canary Wharf

Crossrail Place More Than a Station

Meridian MAGAZINE M AY 2 0 1 5 Publisher: Joy Johnston Editor: Valerie Breese Art & Production Director: Paul McPherson Display Sales: Cheryl Voller Emma Forbes Gary Smythson Classified Sales: Laurie Monshall Contributors: Claire McKinson James Haddrell Nicola Berry Accounts: Janet Franklin Dawn Maguire Printing: Headley Brothers Ltd Distribution CWT Meridian Line Publishing Ltd 68 Summerhouse Drive, Bexley, Kent DA5 2EE Tel: 01322 557794 Email: enquiries@meridian-magazine.co.uk

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Meridian Magazine is for you, published monthly and distributed to selected residential properties and businesses within the Royal Borough of Greenwich and in Blackheath, Westcombe Park, Charlton, Eltham, Lee, Hither Green, Bromley and Chislehurst. 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.

YOUR LOCAL “REPAIR GENIE” BuildingGenie is London’s local reliable Home Repair & Installation service company registered with FENSA and KESTREL. BuildingGenie aims to give local home owners access to a one stop shop for all their home repairs. Our range of services includes: • Window & Door Repairs as well as New Installs • Replacement of Misted Window Units • Draught Proofing, Handles & Hinges Repairs • Window and Door Locks Repairs and Replacements • Conservatory • Blinds & Shutters • Roofing, Fascias & Soffits • Plumbing • Gas & Boiler Repairs • General Property Maintenance With BuildingGenie local home owners have access to a real money-saving option. One that will reduce what could be an alarming bill in the thousands to an honest one in the low hundreds – or even lower than that. For example, the average single repair or replacement undertaken by BuildingGenie is less than £95.

all putting off calling out window firms for fear of the costs and upheaval involved. BuildingGenie’s team have many years of experience which means there are few jobs we can’t do. From the initial survey to the completed repair or installation, we provide a premium bespoke service that guarantees excellent service and a satisfying customer experience.

BuildingGenie offers a practical solution that other companies simply can’t – or won’t – provide. We cater for anything from a sticking door to a full conservatory installation. And with no call out charge finally repairing these snagging items can be completed in cost effective and stress free way. We aim to recycle the majority of our waste which makes us an environmentally friendly firm as well!

Whether you are looking to fix that annoying handle or draught, increase the value of your house or extend your living space with a fresh new look, Building Genie can help.

Great news for those home owners tired of peering through misted up windows and, or parents with broken handles that have been swung on one time too many,

Contact Building Genie today on 0800 975 0175 or visit www.buildinggenie.co.uk

M E RID IA N

HAVE YOU HEARD? Team Everest Inn Have Done it Again! The Blackheath branch of Everest Inn hosted a sell out event in support of the Little Sherpa Foundation, a charity based in the Solu Khumbu region of Nepal, which aims to provide help for local families who have lost a member due to a climbing incident. The evening marked the beginning of a series of events to celebrate the 200-year old bond between Nepal and Great Britain. James Lamb, co-founder, along with Tashi Lama, of the Little Sherpa Foundation and Tengboche Trekking, a trekking agency running treks and photo tours, (which donates its profits to the foundation) gave a presentation on behalf of the charity, including amazing video footage and photography. The raffle alone raised £400, with great thanks to Laxmi Bhandari for generating so much interest. Three limited edition

London Marathon Playing Field

framed photographs by professional photographer, James Lamb were then auctioned, adding ust over £200, adding to a final total of £1815, on the night. The hard work and dedication of the entire Everest Inn team is equally matched by their compassion for others and the generosity of their guests. This compassion has benefitted many charities in the UK and Nepal. Their motto, “I will succeed” is reflected in the excellence of Pashupati Bhandari’s businesses in the UK and Nepal. www.everestinn.co.uk

Restoration and Rededication The third stage of the conservation programme at St Alfege Church which began with the cleaning of the tower in 2010, is now completed. A ceremonial opening to celebrate the restoration of the East Portico took place in April.

The Royal Borough of Greenwich, in partnership with Fields in Trust and Friends of Hervey Road has protected London Marathon Playing Field on Hervey Road forever, as a Field in Trust - with plans to restore the playing field to full use by summer 2016. Fields in Trust is a national charity that works to protect and improve outdoor recreational spaces in partnership with local owners. Spaces are protected by a legal document, which means the site is protected in perpetuity. The local community has used the much-loved site since 1890 for various sports activities, including tennis, football, rugby, athletics, cricket, hockey and bowls.

On a Sunny Afternoon Greenwich Music Time transforms The Old Royal Naval College’s breathtaking riverside location into the ultimate open-air venue, providing music fans with the opportunity to experience a unique series of concerts set against the stunning backdrop of Greenwich’s magnificent historic landscape.   Former Kinks frontman, Ray Davis, headlines Greenwich Music Time on Friday 24 July. Performing a mix of classics, as well as tracks from his solo career. To be in with a chance of winning 2 x tickets to see this legendary performer simply go to www.meridian-magazine.co.uk/win www.meridian-magazine.co.uk

ME R IDIA N LIV ING

Grand Garden Designs Not all designs need to start from a completely blank canvas, consider elements you already have and build around them where possible. The 24hour garden (above) features weather resistant furniture; including: an outdoor carpet, heating solutions, outdoor lighting, entertainment technology and alfresco dining ideas. This innovative feature stimulates visitors to become more imaginative about how they can use their garden as an extra entertaining and living space, all year round. Rebecca Weir, Design Director at Light IQ, who designed the lighting commented: ‘Creative lighting is an ideal way of transforming your garden and providing an extended space for the family to enjoy all year round. I believe that less is definitely more; with just a scattering of carefully placed light sources, a

sense of drama can be created, or the proximity of nature can be highlighted so that feature trees and plants become focal points at night.’ TV gardener, James Alexander Sinclair added: ‘Lighting certainly extends the life of the garden as season change, so you are not just looking at plants but the effect of light on plants when planning your garden for the year.’ Grand Designs Live London 2-10 May at ExCel, Royal Docks. www.granddesignslive.com

We can all suffer from a little garden envy, looking in to other peoples gardens is a national pastime.

If you live in a conservation area you’ll find that your trees (with the exception of fruit trees) are likely to be covered by a TPO (tree preservation order) so proceed with caution when removing or pruning them. Bear in mind that old trees provide useful shade, as well as privacy, and protection from harsh winds, plus they’re great at screening your garden from ugly views. They can also be given a new lease of life as support for climbing plants, frames for climbing kids or a home for a new hammock.

If you’ve just moved house and inherited a junglelike space with huge weeds, or just stepped out into your garden for the first time this year and found it looking worse for wear, fret not. What may seem an unpromising patch of scrub can become a place to be proud of. Take a long hard look at any patios, paths and steps, and bear in mind that however unpromising they may look now, they’ll look a whole lot better after a jet wash and a scrub. Are you still not convinced they’re in the right material or that they are in the right place? Before ripping them up, consider what they’ll be replaced by. Likewise, check the soundness of any structural features

Small back garden? create a larger garden space by opening up the back of the house with bi-folding doors and a seamless patio extended from the kitchen flooring. Linking the indoors and outdoors can make the most of your space. such as arches, pergolas, sheds and load-bearing raised beds. Are these features fit for purpose? Are they beyond repair? Are they ‘adding’ anything?

If this all sounds too much for a weekend make over, maybe it’s time to get the experts in. From landscape gardeners to an odd job man, help is at hand.

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ME RID IA N RETAIL

Crossrail Place – Canary Wharf More than just a station, a Retail and Leisure Destination

The roof garden and the first phase of shops, bars, restaurants and an Everyman cinema will open above Canary Wharf Crossrail station this month.

and leisure space above the station is owned on a long lease by Canary Wharf Group and will complement and enhance the existing offering.

Crossrail station at Canary Wharf has progressed ahead of schedule and under budget since the formal commencement of works in May 2009. The Station will increase the catchment population within one hour of Canary Wharf by 1.5 million, cutting travel times across the capital – Canary Wharf to Liverpool Street in six minutes, to Farringdon in eight minutes and to Heathrow in 39 minutes. Trains are due to commence in 2018 with completion of the station box anticipated this summer.

The Culture Line has engaged world-renowned London art galleries to create a permanent linewide exhibition across Crossrail’s new central London stations. The result will be a unique art commission of international importance embedded into the design and architecture of each station.

Designed in collaboration with Foster and Partners the station will include 115,000 sq. ft. of retail within the six-storey development. Opening three years in advance of the actual station, the forthcoming retail and leisure destination will play home to some of the UK’s popular brands including Bespoke Cycling, the Breakfast Club, Chai Ki, CPress, Notes Coffee Roasters & Wine, Natwest, Poncho 8, Sports Bar & Grill, Sticks ‘N’ Sushi, Tiger and the Roof Garden. By mid May the Everyman Cinema and Psycle London. The roof level of the station will also hold a pavilion restaurant and a landscaped roof garden covered by an elegant, semi open-air lattice roof. The retail

As well as the retail and leisure facilities the station will also feature art installations.

As well as Canary Wharf, artworks will be permanently integrated into new Crossrail stations at Tottenham Court Road, Paddington, Bond Street, Farringdon, Liverpool Street and Whitechapel. It is hoped they will deliver pleasure and inspiration to Londoners for generations to come and become a global destination for art-lovers. Turner Prize winning artists Douglas Gordon and Richard Wright were recently commissioned to create artworks at Tottenham Court Road Crossrail station, The Culture Line falls outside Crossrail’s £14.8 billion core funding and is funded through private sponsorship. The City of London Corporation is match-funding art at central London stations. Crossrail is working to secure the additional 50 per cent of funding. Funders will have a once in a generation opportunity to associate their brand with

an iconic piece of London infrastructure and some of the world’s most famed galleries and artists. Artist Michal Rovner will install large-scale video screens on elevator shafts and walls inside the 250m long station. Installation will take place in early 2018 ahead of trains running through the new station at the end of that year. The panels on the elevator shafts will depict streams of human figures moving up and down like waves and will extend over two floors. Passengers will be able to view the floor above and below through space left around the elevator shafts. Additional wall panels in the ticket hall will depict human figures moving in and out on horizontal lines, referencing trains coming in and out of the station. Michal Rovner said: “The preliminary ideas for these works were inspired by the site, envisioning the human interaction and passage and the accelerated movement of people within the architectural layer and through the space. My aim is to address the multi-layers and vectors of this space and the human flow. that will take place in this immense station.” The £1m installation will allow the artist the ability to change the images over time and is co-funded by Canary Wharf Group plc. and the City of London Corporation. www.canarywharf.com

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ME R IDIA N PRO PERT Y

The nuts and bolts of moving home. Its been an interesting few weeks since I wrote my last article! I say this because sometimes finding a buyer for your home can be the easy part, it’s getting to the exchange of contracts that can be the challenging and frustrating part. There are so many hurdles to get over these days and I think as all professions get more risk adverse with more and more legislation put upon all of us, the days of your surveyor or solicitor taking a professional view I don’t think can happen anymore. I often get asked either by those who haven’t moved for a long time or by first time buyers what some of the jargon means and what actually happens, so I thought I would try to cover a few basics. Exchange of contracts is when the sale becomes legally binding and your buyer normally puts down a 10% deposit. That’s also when the completion date is finalised and that’s the day you actually move. From a practical point of view on the day of completion, the normal procedure is that you pack up your old home in the morning, drive to your new place over lunchtime and hopefully the money will have changed hands (via the solicitors of course) and you can pick up the key from the agent and unpack in the afternoon. As agents we can only release the keys when the owners solicitor confirms that they have the money, and that can be the frustrating part if the money is slow to arrive or work its way up the chain. The chain, as we agents like to call it. If we assume that you are a first time buyer, you won’t have a property to

sell, so you’re the beginning of the chain. You are buying from the Smiths, who in turn are buying from the Browns who are buying an empty house and that’s a chain. The empty house will be the end or top of the chain. Surveys – there are three main types of survey. A valuation survey is the minimum requirement if you are obtaining a mortgage on the property. If any of you have seen a valuation survey, it doesn’t tell you an awful lot, but it will flag up if the surveyor has any major concerns and if further specialist reports are required. They will also give a valuation figure confirming or not if they agree with the price you are paying for the property. Then there is the ‘Homebuyers Report’, which is probably the most popular one. This is a detailed report and you can either arrange your own or you can ask the lender for their surveyor to do it at the same time they do the valuation report. Finally you can have a full structural survey done which is very in depth and is normally, but not exclusively, carried out on older properties. If in doubt about which survey to have done, its best to chat to a surveyor once you have found your new home.

Feel free to call into Richard Piddock’s office in Blackheath (the old sweet shop on the corner of Wemyss Road) for a chat or contact me on. E: richard@jdmonline.com T: 020 8463 0091 All the best Richard Piddock and Dougal

One last request for all those buying and selling, once you have instructed a solicitor, do please fill in all the forms as quickly as you can and return them, as though I know sometimes they seem to go on forever, without them your solicitor can’t start their part of the process. That also applies to paying them any money on account so they can start searches etc etc.

Blackheath Village £685,000

Hither Green to let £1,300 p.m

Vanbrugh Park Estate £365,000 - £375,000.

Blackheath £800,000 - £815,000

020 8463 0091

Located in the heart of Blackheath Village this charming two bedroom single storey cottage, is only a 2 minute walk from the train station. Direct access to a southerly aspect shared garden. Share of freehold and Chain free

Established 1996

The Old Biscuit Factory is a recent development right next to Hither Green Station. This 1 first floor bed apartment has a balcony and is offered part furnished. If you want a short walk to the station this is the place for you!

Stunning two bedroom apartment completed to a high standard. Newly refurbished with a beautiful new kitchen. and a luxury bathroom with Travertine tiling. Great location between Greenwich Park and The Standard.

Blackheath 020 8463 0091

Locksbottom 01689 880440

Bromley 020 8313 6800

Petts Wood 01689 819819

Chislehurst 020 8325 8000

Lettings 01689 838040

3 bed house in a fabulous spot. Garden with studio and parking for 2 cars. Blackheath Standard is at the end of the road, and the Heath and then Greenwich Park at the other end. Westcombe Park Station is 0.7 of a mile.

M E R IDIA N PRO PERT Y

CHISLEHURST - offers in the region of £3,500,000

In 1951 as the Cold War intensified, the government decided it would be prudent to build secret bunkers from where its officials could run the country in the event of a nuclear attack and the first incarnation of this unique building came into being. However it wasn’t long before the building was abandoned but in 1998 The Glass House was reborn. Two years of reinvention and reconstruction commenced and a fabulous home was created with many features only appreciated from an internal viewing. EPC rating D 020 8325 8000

CHISLEHURST - £1,395,000

SUPERBLY EXTENDED AND ENTIRELY REFURBISHED FAMILY HOME. Located in a private road convenient for Elmstead Woods station (Zone 4) with trains from 18 minutes to London Bridge this 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom family home is a must see. Presented to the very highest standard with a new roof, new windows, new bespoke kitchen with quartz stone surfaces, all new appliances, flooring and much more! EPC rating B. 020 8325 8000

CHISLEHURST - £1,450,000

In this semi rural sought after location, just 0.6 of a mile from Royal Parade is this 5 bed detached home at the entrance of a quiet cul de sac. 3 receptions, kitchen/breakfast room with a utility room. Garden areas to both sides of the house, east and west with a grassed walled garden with an original folly seating area and a paved and decked walled garden, ideal for barbecues and parties. Huge garage. EPC rating D 020 8325 8000

CHISLEHURST - £1,625,000 On entering this impressive 3,600 sq ft 5 bed, detached home, you get the feeling straight away that this is a very spacious light and impressive home. Large lounge and dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, family room along with a very large utility room and cloakroom to the ground floor. Large private south facing garden to the rear, with heated swimming pool and Jacuzzi. 0.25 miles to Elmstead Woods station. EPC rating C 020 8325 8000

Chislehurst 020 8325 8000

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ME RID IA N ELT HAM PALAC E FO CUS

Following a £1.7m restoration, Eltham Palace invites visitors to experience the fun of a pre-war house party. Nicola Berry is captivated.

Royal Blackheath Golf Club

There’s a wonderful portrait at Eltham Palace of its fabulously wealthy owners, Stephen and Virginia Courtauld. It was painted in 1934 at their London home and shows the exquisitely dressed couple with their beloved lemur, Mah-Jongg. In Stephen’s hands are, we presume, plans for their new country house in Eltham.

panelling and sleek art-deco furniture. Apparently, Virginia insisted on every conceivable comfort. At a time when large country houses were habitually freezing, Eltham Palace boasted under-floor heating, an internal telephone system and one of the first centralised vacuum cleaning systems in the UK. Mah-Jongg even had his own little heated bedroom!

One can just imagine the conversation they must have had with their innovative young architects, Seely and Paget, as they explained their vision for an ultra modern house on land they had acquired on a 99-year lease from the Crown. Oh, and it needed to incorporate a half-restored, medieval great hall. Today, SE London might seem a strange place to build a country house, but back then Eltham was relatively undeveloped and the Courtaulds wanted somewhere close to London. It also enabled them to protect a swathe of countryside that was at risk of being swallowed up by property developers (for which local residents must be eternally grateful).

The Courtaulds were enthusiastic explorers and were away for up to six months at a time. A new £1.7 m restoration project by English Heritage has recently uncovered a rare 1930s map room, buried for years under layers of paper and paint, where the couple used to plan their exotic journeys. Another newly restored room is Virginia’s walk-in wardrobe, which surely must have been the envy of her friends. It’s crammed with rare 1930’s outfits including driving coats and evening dresses.

The lavish new house divided opinion; one journalist famously compared it to a cigarette factory. Today visitors can only applaud the Courtaulds for their magnificent art deco legacy. Stepping inside is like entering a luxury 1930s liner; it’s all inlaid wood

Down the hall are the recently renovated bedrooms of Virginia’s two nephews, Peter and Paul Peirano. The boys spent their holidays with the Courtaulds and shared a bathroom featuring the only shower in the house; one of the first in the country to be installed in a residential bathroom. They must have had strong constitutions as the shower had only one setting: COLD.

The Courtaulds loved to entertain, and weekend house parties consisted of their rich and titled friends plus stars of the British cinema. Guests were often entertained to dancing in the great hall or a screening of the latest film. WW2 put an end to the parties but the Courtaulds lived out the war in some style, as their newly renovated wartime bunker reveals. A row of beds provided them with a comfortable place to sleep whilst the servants bedded down in the neighbouring billiard room. A visit to Eltham Palace is a wonderful opportunity for all ages to immerse themselves in the glamorous world of a 1930s house party. I didn’t get the chance to try on any of the outfits, but you can if you want. A new Visitor Centre and Cafe is a much welcome addition, as is the new guided handset tour, which vividly brings the house to life. Even if you’ve been here before, the new restorations make Eltham Palace well worth another visit. Eltham Palace: Admission £13 for adults, £7.80 for children. English Heritage members free. www.english-heritage.org.uk

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www.devernois.fr

42 Tranquil Vale, Blackheath SE3 0BD (T) 020 8318 5998 Mon - Sat: 10am-6pm Sun: 11am - 4pm

Celebrate the arrival of our Summer Collection with a special Champagne event from Friday 15th May to Saturday 15th May.

Celebrate In A Different Way

Claire McKin Celebrant, Li weddings an with couples significant, no

nson speaks to local in Donnelly about Humanist nd why they a popular choice s wanting to create truly on-religious ceremony.

M E R IDIA N W E DDIN GS

If you and your partner are looking to have a meaningful, symbolic wedding ceremony, but aren’t religious, what are your options? The key to any memorable wedding day is hosting a wedding that reflects you as a couple. Some couples want a level of flexibility and uniqueness in their ceremony that’s not necessarily achievable with a civil or register office ceremony. That’s where a Humanist wedding could be your answer. Crafted and directed by the help of an experienced celebrant, Humanist weddings are known for tailoring themselves around the couple, rather than the other way around. Meridian: When you first meet a couple who are getting married what is the process of creating a ceremony with them? Lin: It’s really important that the couple feel comfortable with the celebrant and can connect with them. Because of this, they may wish to meet up with more than one celebrant to find the one that is right for them both. Humanist wedding ceremonies are highly individual, so having that connection is hugely important. The couple will meet up with me at my home, where we discuss their wishes and hopes for their wedding day. I find out about their relationship, and how they came to be at this place in time; the better we get to know each other, the more meaningful their ceremony will be. Meridian: What elements can be included in a Humanist wedding? Lin: The beauty of them is that each one is very individual and unique, and no two ceremonies are the same. It is an organic process, taking on a life and personality of its own, unique to the couple concerned. The celebrant will work with each couple to create the ceremony that they want. It can include poetry, prose, readings from friends and family, or by the couple themselves, music, singing, etc - in short, whatever you can imagine, we can incorporate it into your wedding. If necessary, each couple will write their own wedding vows, with help and guidance from me, too. Meridian: How long have you been conducting Humanist ceremonies? Lin: I have been conducting Humanist ceremonies (weddings, funerals and babynamings) for 20 years, now. In recent years there has been a growing interest and increase in Humanist weddings, particularly amongst couples who choose to live without religion, but who still want to acknowledge and celebrate the significance of their union with family and friends. The couples I have conducted ceremonies for have come from all backgrounds, all ages, many different nationalities and ethnicities. Humanism is fully inclusive. Meridian: Can you tell us a few things we might not know about Humanist weddings? Lin: Although Humanist weddings are legal in Scotland, the British Humanist Association are currently working towards full legalisation in England. The legal paperwork has to be completed at a registry office prior to a Humanist ceremony. Often couples until their Humanist ceremony to exchange rings, as they see this as their true wedding day. With a Humanist wedding, you can hold the ceremony anywhere you want. Weddings can take place on the beach, a boat, mountain top, farm; in a grand location or in your own back garden. If the couple have children, they can be involved in the ceremony too. It is not unusual to have a combined Wedding ceremony for Mum and Dad, and a Naming Ceremony for the baby. These are particularly wonderful occasions. You can find out more about humanist wedding ceremonies by visiting: humanism.org.uk/ceremonies/non-religious-weddings/ or you can contact Lin at: lindonnelly@btinternet.com

WED D ING PLANNING

One of the first things to think about when planning a wedding is how much you can afford to spend. Whether your budget is £1000 or £100,000, you can be sure that there are wedding venues and services out there that will suit your needs — and are within budget. Create fully bespoke, handmade works of edible art for any occasion. With impeccable attention to detail your cake is sure to be a stunning centrepiece for your celebration. They also offer cake decorating classes in the studio in Greenwich, all details are on the website.

Daisy Cakes

Karen Woolven Flowers perform a central role in creating a wedding experience. Unique designs reflect the individual style and character of the bride and groom, whether in large and lavish or intimate and romantic settings. www.kwfloraldesign.co.uk 020 8858 1112 Karen Woolven, 18 Royal Hill, Greenwich SE10 8RT.

www.daisycakes.co.uk. info@daisycakes.co.uk 020 8465 5534

Silver Service Royal Blackheath Golf Club A wedding tasting is about the choice and quality of the food, but it’s also about building a comfortable relationship with your caterer. Tastings at Eltham Lodge cost £50per person, a sound investment as food usually consumes the biggest percentage of your wedding budget. www.royalblackheath.com. 020 8850 1795. Royal Blackheath Golf Club, Court Road, SE9 5AF.

Stylish Vintage trays for weddings, top tables, canapes and designer tables. Sourced in the UK they make any surface look luxurious adding to any interior. Beautiful wedding gifts and presents and can also have dates engraved upon the tray as a lasting momento. 07747801970. email lyndaphelps@yahoo.co.uk

Ripley Arts Centre A Unique Wedding Venue Ceremonies, receptions, birthdays and conference facilities. Our delightful Georgian Music room in a fine period Victorian house overlooks attractive gardens with illuminated fountain and sensory garden. The perfect venue for any occasion. Our premises also hold art exhibitions, cinema evenings, Educational classes Leisure and children’s activities

Ripley Arts Centre www.bromleyarts.com Tel. 020 8464 5816 e: enquiries@bromleyarts.com 24 Sundridge Avenue, Bromley BR1 2PX

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WE DD ING FASHIO N

Two local bridal boutiques – two different looks for this season Wedding dress shopping comes with its own language, and the more you know about which dress styles flatter you, the easier shopping for your dress will be. Familiarise yourself with the gown and all of its parts: neckline, waistline, sleeve style, skirt details, fabric, finishes, train. Learn the basic dress silhouettes, and figure out which one will best suit your body. Consider the formality of your ceremony and the location. Your gown should also reflect the time and place of your nuptials. A formal candlelit ceremony is not the time to be sporting a short sundress, nor is an afternoon garden party the place to break out the cathedral-length train and veil. Take advantage of a salesperson’s expertise. She works with brides every day, if anyone knows about dresses, she does. Bounce ideas off of her, and consider her advice. If anyone tries to talk you out of or into something, or makes you feel uncomfortable about your decisions, remember that a good salesperson will never push you to buy something you’re unsure about. Something else to remember: Give yourself options and lots of time to think before you buy. Even after you think you’ve found your gown, take a little time to be absolutely sure it’s the one for you.

Blackburn Bridal Are the largest stockist of the Claire Pettibone collection in the UK and Europe. The Claire Pettibone collection embodies the designer’s vision of vintage romance with an enchanted bohemian spirit. Dresses from the Romantique collection and simple cotton designs are available for under £2,000. www.blackburn.co.uk. 020 8297 1188. Blackburn Bridal, 56 Tranquil Vale, Blackheath SE3 0BD

Gillian Roberts Bridal Precious detailing sets this fit and flare gown apart. Misty tulle Alouette features delicate hand-beading coupled with tender lace appliqués, emphasizing the distinct quality of the design. A back corset and chapel length train with matching scalloped hem lace are also offered. Removable spaghetti and halter straps included. www.gillianrobertsbridal.co.uk. 020 8859 7120. Gillian Roberts Bridal, 6 St. Mary’s Place, Eltham High Street, SE9 1BL.

Featured Designer Sophia Tolli - Alouette £1840. www.meridian-magazine.co.uk

ME RID IA N HEALT H & BEAUTY

A Beautiful Secret

Indulging in an aromatherapy massage is one of life’s pleasures but it can be expensive. Imagine my surprise, however, when I discover that this and other beauty treatments are all available for under £10 at The Hair & Beauty Salon, Shooters Hill Campus, SE18. The Campus is certainly a lively place, with nearly 1,300 16-19 year olds studying a huge range of subjects. The Hair & Beauty salon is something of a surprise; there’s a smart, modern hair salon offering everything from highlights to a cut and blow dry (£7) and a busy beauty salon where students put their new-found skills into practice. All work under the supervision of professionally qualified teachers. Of course that’s the difference between this and a high street salon; the treatments are all carried out by students (hence the low prices - my aromatherapy massage was just £7). The results, however, are no less professional. My lovely student, Lauren, is about to finish her two-year course and will soon be a professionally qualified therapist. She is keen to demonstrate the results of her learning; I’m carefully welcomed, my choice of treatment discussed and I’m soon tucked up on the couch ready for what turns out to be an excellent massage.

The Hair & Beauty Salon is a real find: for an appointment ring 020 8319 9702 or go to: www.shootershill.ac.uk

OFFER

Asthma Open Day 5 May

Meridian readers can purchase 20 therapy sessions for £300 throughout May. The clinic offers a natural, drug-free, salt therapy for adult and children with respiratory illnesses (asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, allergy, hayfever, flu, common colds, COPD, cystic fibrosis, etc) and skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis). Patients sit relaxing in our salt therapy room for 60 minutes, breathing in salty air. Minute salt particles, once within your lungs and airways, clear them, absorb moisture (excess mucus) and kill bacteria which then reduces inflammation and infection, boosts energy and provides great relief to sufferers. It’s an effective prevention of common colds and flu, too.

The Salt Cave Bexleyheath 81/87 Avenue Road, Bexleyheath DA7 4EQ. Tel: 02081664100 bexleyheath@saltcave.co.uk

Meridian loves the Magi:Bobble Switch. Wearing your hair in a tight ponytail to wearing your hair loose has never been quite so easy with the launch of Magi:Bobble, from the professional hair colour specialists at Quif. Magi:Bobble has been designed to prevent split ends and hair breakage by reducing tension on the scalp. The hygienic, easy-clean bobble grips hair of all types firmly and still leave it fresh and kink-free when you take it down! www.magibobble.com Quif Magi:Bobble RRP £2.95 Acrylic Nail Enchancements B Brown offer a fantastic acrylic nail system from creative nail design, which achieves a beautiful pink and white acrylic nail. Full set of Clear - £29 or Pink & white - £34. www.b-brown.co.uk. 020 8293 3939. 8 Old Dover Road, Blackheath Standard SE3 7BT.

Getting Fit Can Be Fun Before I became a fitness expert I was a size 18 gymaphobic, whose idea of exercise was pushing a trolley around the biscuit aisle in my local supermarket. It wasn’t until my 40s that I discovered the fantastic benefits of exercise, and also that it could actually be fun. Now, I’m a Personal Trainer, offering completely personalised, one-on-one experiences in the privacy of a private gym. For a FREE consultation, call Alex Riley on 07845 192 653 or e-mail alexrileypt@gmail.com www.alexrileypt.com REPs registered Level 3 PT TRX Suspension Instructor (TRX FORCE L2 Qualified) Functional Performance Specialist Certified PadBox Instructor

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ME RID IA N HEALT H

Delivering Personal Care Choosing the correct care for your needs Whether you are looking to support your parent through home care so that they can continue to live at home, or considering the important decision of choosing a care home for the longer term, being aware of what is on offer will help you make that important choice. As we age some tasks at home may become more difficult and some additional support can make our lives easier, helping us to still enjoy living independently. Nightingales has a long history of providing quality care to the elderly in the local area. Based with 30 years’ experience in caring for the elderly in their retirement home, Nettlestead, in Bromley, they have extended their services to individuals needing additional support at home. They are passionate about delivering personal care that matches the needs of the individual and can provide as little or as much support as is needed, so that people can continue to enjoy living at home for as long as is possible. This ranges from help with shopping and getting out and about, to meal preparation and home chores, through to full, 24-hour live-in care, all carried out by their trained, talented and committed team. They do not use agencies; each carer is employed by Nightingales to ensure stability and consistency

in the service provided, and with the flexibility so arrangements can be easily adapted as needs change. In addition to this, they are currently undergoing a change in structure to their business; moving towards a family-employee partnership. This means that, as well as consistent and reliable care, clients will be cared for by employees who think and act like owners. Donna Roche, Head of Homecare at Nightingales, said, “The very nature of homecare and, the needs of each individual is that a ‘one size fits all’ approach simply cannot be applied. This is at the heart of our service, which evolves as the needs of the client changes. One piece of advice I would give is to not to let the adoption of homecare, or the move into a retirement home, wait too long. Often the decision is made after an accident, or a circumstance that prompts a quick choice. Obviously, this is not the ideal circumstance for making a choice, so I urge anybody to consider and plan the care that their loved one needs even when it does not seem immediately pressing.” Moving from your home into a care home can be daunting, but consider the benefits of smaller more personal care homes that can tailor their services to the needs of the person, rather than a larger establishment that offer a range of care which might not apply to your relative.

Nightingales understand that choosing the correct care provider is of great importance, and invite you to sample a free trial of their Home Care Services. Simply phone us on 020 8466 9664 and speak with our Head of Homecare, Donna Roche or visit www.nightingales.co.uk

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M E R I DI A N E DUCATI O N

Creative Burps - Therapeutic Play and Public Art in Primary Schools Corelli College Co-operative Academy was awarded a grant from the Big Lottery to enable children to learn through play. Creative Burps was designed by Corelli College to encourage primary school students to develop an inspiring relationship with public art. Five primary schools in Greenwich (Timbercroft, Brooklands, Henwick, James Wolfe and Nightingale) were offered the opportunity to have their very own professional public artist allocated to their school to create a piece of interactive art for their playground. Artists from Emergency Exit Arts included: Gordon Allum, Emma Garofalo, Patrick Bullock, Julia Vogl and Cristina Ottonello were given the task of creating a Creative Burp in each school. 30 students, at each of the five schools, were selected by their school to be Commissioners who worked with the professional artist to explore their work and discover what public art is. All participating schools came together for an event at Corelli College to celebrate this innovative and exciting project at the end of April. Shermaine Slocombe, Arts College Manager explained: “It has been wonderful to see so many enthusiastic young school children with their teachers and families so proud of their artwork and seeing how much power their ideas have.” www.corellicollege.org.uk

The Secretary of State for Education has agreed that an application to establish Bullers Wood School for Boys should proceed to the next stage of the free schools process. This is a significant step towards opening our school and is an endorsement of our vision, and plans to provide an outstanding education for boys in the area at a time when there is a growing shortfall in secondary school places. Parents of boys in Years 4 and 5 at primary school can still register their interest in securing a place for their child, if they haven’t yet done so. Please call the Headteacher’s PA, Mrs K McCarthy on 020 8467 2280 ext. 305 or alternatively email: kmccarthy@bullerswood.bromley.sch.uk or complete the survey on our website: www.bullerswoodboys.co.uk/survey.html

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S H EA R S ACADEMY’S GRADUATI O N E V E N T 20 1 5!

Shears Academy’s 2015 Graduation Event was held recently at the Warren, Hayes, to celebrate success and achievement. Hairdressing, Customer Service and Barbering Graduates took to the stage to be presented with their certificates and qualifications by Shears founder Ken Cooper who celebrated 50 years in the business in 2014. Ken said: “We are so proud of all our achievers and award winners and wish them luck and success for the future – this is an amazing career to be in! The whole Academy team have worked incredibly hard over the last year– and they deserve all the successes they’ve achieved”

The Award winners this year (pictured above) won trophies, gift vouchers and special certification: Pictured from left to right: Amy McCormack from Gossip Sisters – Most Theory Focused, Sophie Walsh from Mirror Mirror - Advanced Graduate of the Year, Paula Spice from Oliver Stephens -Most Committed Student, Jade Slattery from Harold George – Apprentice of the Year, Michael Jones from Antonio’s Male Grooming – Best Newcomer & Shannan Tolster from Morgan Hair, Level 2 Graduate of the Year.

The Shears Team thank all the salons who came to make it such a great event and cheer their apprentices on or supported them in presenting their Salon’s work. Colour-Colour! by Keisha Stewart, Oliver Stephens

Hair-up By Jade Slattery, Harold George

Advanced Creative by Lizzie Stoneman, Hashtag.

Men’s Barbering by Joseph Dalby, Claus & Co

For all the images go to the Gallery on our website, or check us out on facebook If you would like to know more about joining this exciting, fashion industry and how YOU can be part of next year’s success, talk to Shears Academy, the experts in salon training – call on 0208 461 3504 now for all the information, advice and guidance you’ll need, Shears even have salons waiting to employ enthusiastic apprentices

www.shearsacademy.co.uk

www.facebook.com/ShearsAcademy

PRIVATE L2 NVQ, 24+ LOAN STUDENT AND REFRESHER COURSES ALSO AVAILABLE! + BEAUTY AT LEVEL 2 & 3 COMING SOON!

M E RID IA N FO O D & DRINK

Tea For Two at The Bull’s Head

01 01 A major refurbishment sees a newlook dining room with a theatre-style kitchen, a main bar serving Young’s cask ales and London craft beers, plus a vintageinspired tea room.

02 Why not treat someone you love to a Most Decadent Champagne Tea, which includes sandwiches, scones, cakes and a flute of champagne (£23.00 per person). 03

The Bull’s Head, Royal Parade, Chislehurst, Kent. www.thebullsheadhotel.co.uk 020 8467 1727

Live la Dolce Vita at The Peroni Bar at The Parlour Al fresco terrace, beautiful beer, cocktails & spring sunshine: All the makings of long lunch, after-work drink or weekending The Park Pavilion, 40 Canada Square Park, London E14 5FW www.theparlourbar.co.uk 0845 468 0100 Info@theparlourbar.co.uk

Nicolas Bistro & Wine Shop

Lewisham Model Market

North Pole Garden and Shisha Lounge

This wine bar and shop is the perfect spot for either a glass of wine, some fine French fare, from platters to three course meals... and, of course, picking up a bottle or two, along with a wide range of selected spirits. Enjoy something from their range of 300 + range of wines covering all price levels, with any help you require from their friendly and very knowledgeable staff. Open Monday to Friday from 12 noon till late. www.nicolas.co.uk. Nicola, 1 Canada Square, Unit R.P 480, Canary Wharf, E14 5AX.

Last summer a disused 1950s indoor and outdoor market in Lewisham was transformed into a street eating destination, breathing new life into a great local community. Model Market has returned for another summer of street food, drinking, dancing and vibes. Every Fri/Sat until 3 October. 5pm to late £3 entry after 7pm.

The vibe is hot and the crowd is cool, experience our terrace, a cocktail, a shisha and you might think you’ve been whisked off to Miami or Ibiza. Within its fragrantly smokey confines – all is right with the world! The people who gather here appreciate that smoking the shisha pipe is one of life’s great pleasures. A profoundly relaxing way to spend the evening.

www.streetfeastlondon.com. 196 Lewisham High Street, Lewisham SE13 6LS.

www.northpolegreenwich.com. 020 8853 3020. 131 Greenwich High Road, Greenwich SE10 8JA.

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All Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

IMAGE TO FOLLOW

Côte Brasserie is already a Blackheath favourite. Now this popular group of French inspired brasseries has taken its winning formula to Chislehurst where, on the strength of my first visit, I can confidently predict they have a big success on their hands. Firstly, the transformation of the 150 year old site is simply breathtaking and well worth the £1m cost of this exacting refurbishment. A cleverly designed extension provides a sophisticated and intimate dining area at the back whilst the front houses the bar and a number of tables overlooking the high street. During the day, this area is a hive of activity, particularly when the sun shines, the folding doors are open and the little tables on the pavement bring a real taste of French cafe life to the village. Chislehurst residents just love eating out and it’s obvious they’ve already taken to Côte in a big way. On the night I went, which was only a few days after opening, the restaurant was already full. I couldn’t help noticing an animated party of glamorous Chislehurst mums who ordered wine and a couple of Pissaladière (the traditional warm flatbread from Nice) before skipping straight to dessert. And why not? After all, flexibility is the beauty of a brasserie and being able to pop in to Côte for a dessert and a glass of wine one evening makes a welcome change. I find Côte’s A la Carte menu to be a good source of well-flavoured, authentic French dishes and the arrival of my French onion soup, with it’s deliciously crusty topping, was a moment of pleasure. I also like to explore their fortnightly changing specials and my braised lamb shank with wholegrain mustard potato purée and a veal and rosemary sauce (£13.95) was meltingly good. Did I mention the desserts? Oh yes, their classic tarte fine aux pommes with its crisp puff pastry base, finely layered apples and vanilla ice-cream (£5.50) is a thing of beauty, whilst the chocolate and praline crêpe with caramelised bananas and crème Chantilly is self-indulgent bliss. I was pleased to find my favourite picpoul de pinet (£21.95) on the well-chosen wine list, and the manager and his young team are friendly and attentive. Côte’s arrival in Chislehurst may have been a long time in the planning but like all good things, it’s been worth the wait! www.cote-restaurants.co.uk 020 8468 7470 Côte Brasserie, 43 High Street, Chislehurst BR7 5AF

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W H AT TO DO W HERE & WH E N

GREENWICH & LEWISHAM YOUNG PEOPLE’S THEATRE Vavien Circo, Do Not Disturb The cultural scene in Greenwich is incredibly rich, with arts event and activities presented at an incredibly high standard right across the borough, throughout the year and in large and small venues. Last week Greenwich & Lewisham Young People’s Theatre staked their claim to be one of the borough’s cultural leaders with the launch of their latest season. At a launch event held at GLYPT’s home, the Tramshed in Woolwich, artistic director Jeremy James showed that GLYPT is not just about workshops for young people, although the programme of workshops and activities run by the company is undoubtedly impressive. The Merely Players, a Shakespeare company last seen in Greenwich performing as part of our inaugural Shakespeare Shuffle at Greenwich Theatre are lined up to bring both Henry V and A Midsummer Night Dream to the venue in the summer, and Bristol Old Vic returns this year having previously brought a double-bill of shows for teenagers to the borough, this time with War Game, telling the story of the WWI Christmas Day football match. GLYPT are also partnering with us at the theatre for the eighth Greenwich Children’s Theatre Festival, part of The Royal Greenwich Festivals, which this year takes place during May half-term. The

JAMES HADDRELL, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF GREENWICH THEATRE, INTRODUCES ANOTHER OF GREENWICH’S CULTURAL ORGANISATIONS…

programme launches with the Big Workshop Day (a borough wide day of free arts workshops for all ages), features a line-up of professional family shows at both venues, and ends with Do Not Disturb, the UK premiere of an acclaimed piece of family circus by Spanish company Vavien Circo. Having been invited to speak at GLYPT’s launch event I was then lucky enough to sneak backstage into the dance studio at the Tramshed and catch a rehearsal of The Little Ghost, an impressive new dance piece for young audiences with both professional and young dancers, created by Sophie Nuzel. GLYPT has been part of the cultural scene in the borough for many years. Ewan Hooper, who launched the modern era for Greenwich Theatre in 1969 also launched Greenwich Young People’s Theatre, now GLYPT, and recently received a civic award from Greenwich Council in honour of that dual achievement. To see the growth not only of the company but also of a new professional arts venue in the borough, and knowing that we have another reason for the country’s finest theatre-makers to bring their work to Greenwich, gives me confidence that the arts in Greenwich are destined to go from strength to strength.

ONGOING ART, DRAMA, MUSIC, LANGUAGE & WINE COURSES

GREENWICH DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS SOCIETY

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

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 7873 or www.gdfas.org

BLACKHEATH DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS SOCIETY

GUIDED WALK IN MARYON WILSON PARK

With an animal park & deer enclosure. Tours held Stimulating lectures and intriguing outings. Fourth at 1.30pm every Wednesday, meet by the deer pen, Thursday of the month except Aug and Dec 2.30pm. limited to the first 50 people. Free. Maryon Wilson www.artsinblackheath.org.uk St Mary’s Hall, Cresswell Park, Thorntree Road, Charlton, SE7. Park, Blackeath SE3.

EVERY MON ROTARY 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.

2ND TUES OF EVERY MONTH THE BLACKHEATH & GREENWICH AMNESTY GROUP Monthly meetings. 8pm. St. Margaret’s Church, Lee Terrace, Blackheath SE3.

EVERY WED WOOLWICH SINGERS

A community choir. No audition required to join. The aim is to sing together and have fun! £2 per week, refreshments provided. 6.30pm-8pm. Call 07812 477 775 Public Hall, Wellington Street, Woolwich SE18 6PW (entrance via Town Hall)

EVERY THURS BLACKHEATH 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

ROTARY 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 LUNCHTIME CONCERT

1pm – 2pm. Free 020 8856 3951.Charlton House, Charlton Rd; SE7

TANGOWORKOUT

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.

BROMLEY GREEN GYM

Meeting weekly to carry out wildlife gardening tasks to bring back some of the site’s heritage, and transform the space for the benefit of wildlife and the local community. www.tcv.org.uk. Free. 11am-2pm. 07740 899 689. College Green & Slip, West Street, Bromley, BR1 1PA.

CHARLTON JUDO CLUB

Judo training sessions for anyone aged 10 years and over. If you do not have a judo suit wear baggy t-shirt and old jog bottoms. From beginners upwards. 8.15-9.30pm. £3 per session. Call Lorraine on 07932767385 or email lollyjudo1975@aol.com. NCCA Community Hall, 217 Maryon Road, Charlton SE7 8DB.

EVERY SUNDAY CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SOCIETY,

Blackheath. Services and Sunday School held at the Clarendon Hotel, Blackheath at 11am. Also at the Clarendon Hotel, our monthly Testimony Meeting is held every second Wednesday of the month at 8pm.

BLACKHEATH QUAKERS. Meeting for

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

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W HAT TO DO W HERE & W H E N

MUSEUMS AT NIGHTS

UNTIL 10 MAY WATERLOO LIFE & TIMES

2015 marks the bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo and this exhibition of fans and fan leaves designed to commemorate battles and campaigns. The Fan Museum, 12 Crooms Hill SE10 8ER.

13-16 MAY The UK’s annual after-hours festival of arts, culture and heritage, will be taking place over four days.

UNTIL 31 DEC 2015 INSIDE THE ARSENAL

Nature Late: The Horniman Museum, London (May 14) 6.309.30pm. £5. Nature is hotting up - and not just with global warming! From reinventing taxidermy, 1920s nature films with an electronic live score to street artists painting wildlife, tours, cocktails, food and more. 18+.

This free exhibition tells the fascinating story of the Royal Arsenal and the Royal Woolwich Dockyard by looking across 400 years of history, from Henry VIII to modern times. You can see films and pictures, also read and listen to first-hand accounts of what life was like inside and outside the Arsenal gates. Free. 9am-5pm. 020 8854 2452. Greenwich Heritage Centre Main Gallery, Artillery Square, Royal Arsenal, Woolwich SE18 4DX.

THURS 7 MAY WINE TASTING

With a long history of producing great wines the Bordeaux and Rhone regions are arguably some of the best in world. During this course we will taste at least 6 wines and discuss the factors that have made these wines so great. 7-9pm. £25. wwwsouthlondonwineschool.com to book. The Mitre 291 Greenwich High Road, Greenwich, SE10 8NA.

THURS 7, 14, 21 & 28 MAY LUNCHTIME RECITAL

Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. Visit trinitylaban.ac.uk/whatson for details. 1.05pm. Free. St Alfege Church, Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich SE10 9BJ.

FRI 8 MAY LUNCHTIME CONCERT

Royal Greenwich Brass Band. 1pm. Free. The Old Library,Charlton Road, SE7 8RE. Blackheath Halls Lunchtime Recitals Anyssa Neumann. An all Bach recital – includes English Suite No 5 in E minor. 1.10pm. Free with retiring collection for the benefit of Blackheath Halls. 23 Lee Road, SE3 9RQ.

THE MAGIC FLUTE

PuzzlePiece Opera company’s adaptation of Mozart’s opera, condensed into 50 minutes will entertain and amuse. 7.30pm. £8/£5 concs. 020 8463 0100. Recital Room, Blackheath Halls, 23 Lee Road, SE3 9RQ.

SAT 9 MAY FRACTURED FAIRY TALE WORKSHOP

Local author Rachel Mortimer will introduce her fairy tales with a difference. Running time 45 mins. Suitable for 3+. 11am. £7. 020 8463 0100. Recital Room, Blackheath Halls, 23 Lee Road, SE3 9RQ.

LUNCHTIME RECITAL

Jewel Tones, Suzanne Newman. 1.05pm. Free. St Alfege Church, Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich SE10 9BJ.

RUMPELSTILTSKIN

An enchanting, colourful production using hand and shadow puppertry. Running time 50 mins. Suitable for 4+. 3pm. £7. 020 8463 0100. Recital Room, Blackheath Halls, 23 Lee Road, SE3 9RQ.

Dunkirk Little Ships 75th Anniversary festival (May 16) 6-10pm. Over 20 Dunkirk Little Ships with gather in London’s Royal Docks over Museums at Night weekend, ahead of their Return to Dunkirk journey to mark the 75th anniversary of the Dunkirk Evacuations. Any Age. Royal Docks.

SUN 10 MAY 1ST GREENWICH SOCIAL DOG WALK

A social group to meet other walkers/dogs and have a stroll in Greenwich park. For young and old alike, all breeds welcome. A 45min/1hr walk and perhaps a cup of tea at the end! Details on Facebook.com/events. Meet 10am at the Boating area at North West Entrance (Park Vista) Greenwich Park.

URBAN VILLAGE FETE

A contemporary twist on the traditional village fair taking place on the Greenwich Peninsula. Celebrating the best in design, music art and innovative events and modern craftsmanship. 12noon – 7pm. Free. Peninsula Square, North Greenwich SE10 0ES.

LECTURE – MANY MANSIONS

Neil Rhind, local historian, will repeat his popular talk. 11am. £10 to include a glass of wine. From Friends of Greenwich Park, 3 Orchard Dive SE3 0QP. King William Building, University of Greenwich SE10.

MON 11 MAY BLACKHEATH HALLS LUNCHTIME RECITALS

Guildhall School Cantata Ensemble. Charpentier Actéon changé en biche, one of Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s finest pieces of musical theatre. 1.10pm. Free with retiring collection for the benefit of Blackheath Halls. 23 Lee Road, Blackheath SE3 9RQ.

TUES 12 MAY GREENWICH INDUSTRIAL HISTORY SOCIETY

The Rise and Fall of Robert Cocking, Experimental Parachutist by Anthony Cross. 7.30pm. The Old Bakehouse (rear of Age Exchange), Bennett Park, SE3. No parking.

Put That Light Out! Sleepover, Firepower Royal Artillery Museum, Woolwich (May 16/17) 6pm9am. £30. An evening packed with fun activities such as Military Drilling, Rocket Firing, World Wars Tour and Medal Making Crafts followed by a sleepover in among the guns and exhibits of the Museum. Family friendly.

THURS 14 MAY BACH TO BABY

Classical Concert series for Baby and You founded by concert pianist and mum, Miaomiao Yu. Classical music, feeding, crying, dancing and nappy changing. Be amazed at how your child will love Bach, Beethoven and Brahms. 4pm. £10. 020 8858 1749. Mycenae House, 90 Mycenae Road, SE3 7SE.

FRI 15 MAY CHANNEL 4’S COMEDY GALA

The UK’s biggest-ever stand-up comedy show in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. For the line-up www.the02.co.uk. 7.30pm. From £44.75. The O2, Peninsula Square, North Greenwich SE10 0DX.

BLACKHEATH SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY

HAVEN’T STOPPED DANCING YET!

Get ready to boogie with music from the 70s & 80s, funk and disco. Prizes for best outfit and dance moves. 10% of profits will go to Cancer Research UK. 7.30pm - 11pm. £10 in advance or £12 on the door. www. haventstoppeddancingyet.co.uk. St Swithun’s Church Hall, St Swithun’s Road, Hither Green, Se13 6QE.

SUN 17 MAY COLOUR RUN

Join the party as we walk, jog & dance 5km through colourful clouds of (safe) powder paint! For this 5km with a difference, you’ll be showered with a different colour of powder paint at each kilometre! So wear white and by the end you’ll be work of art! Registration in advance will be £15, or £25 on the day. Registration includes a pair of neon sunglasses, a bag of powder paint for you to celebrate with at the finish line party, a medal and a well deserved hot drink. www.communityhospice.org.uk. 11am. 16 yrs +. Danson Park, Bexleyheath.

MON 18 MAY BLACKHEATH HALLS LUNCHTIME RECITALS

Ellerdale Trio piano trio. Beethoven Trio in B flat major Op.97, ‘Archduke’, Cilia Petridou from Piano Trio ‘Black July 1974’: Lament for Famagusta; Optimism-Sadness. 1.10pm. Free with retiring collection for the benefit of Blackheath Halls. 23 Lee Road, Blackheath SE3 9RQ.

TUES 19 MAY BREEZE SKYRIDE

Join us on this new ride, which offers a mix of parkland, cycle paths and some road riding. A 7-mile short and mainly flat ride, starts in Norman Park and follows back roads, looping around to Jubilee Country Park, through bridle paths before briefly rejoining the road down to the cycle path on the A21 to access quieter country lanes to bring us into Hayes. Breeze rides are women only events. To register visit www. goskyride.com. 10-11.45am. Free. Norman Park (Hayes Entrance) BR2 9EF.

Bees. How bees communicate to others in a hive where to locate food souces is fascinating. However, bees face threats from pesticides and the parasitic Varroa mite. A talk by Mr David Rea, Environment Agency. 7.45pm. Visitors welcome with a donation of £3. Mycenae House, 90 Mycenae Road, SE3 7SE.

SAT 16 MAY MARYON WILSON ANIMAL PARK OPEN DAY

Come and visit the animals, feed them and find out more about them. With stalls and many other activities. 10am-4pm. Maryon Wilson Animal Park, Flamsteed Road, Charlton, London SE7 8HT

GOLDSMITHS RAMBLING CLUB A 5½ -mile linear walk, taking in three counties from West Drayton, passing Iver and finishing at Langley, following the Grand Union Canal and the River Colne. Meet at 10.15am at Paddington St. by platform 1. Contact Rona Sullivan on 020 8850 4417 for details. New members welcome.

FANS OF THE BELLE ÉPOQUE 12TH MAY -2ND SEPT This exhibition will feature a spellbinding assortment of exquisitely crafted fans, evoking the extravagance and theatricality commonly associated with this alluring epoch (c.1890-1910). Tue -Sat 11am -5pm Sun 12pm -5pm www.thefanmuseum.org.uk

E:MAIL events@meridian-magazine.co.uk

FRI 22 MAY COMEDY CLUB

Comedy night with stellar line-ups of new and emerging comics, this month featuring talent from Tom Allen, Iszi Lawrence,Bec Hill and Jamali Maddix. 8pm. £9. www.mycenaehouse.co.uk. 020 8858 1749. Mycemae House, 90 Mycenae Road, SE3 7SE.

QUIZ NIGHT

Being held on behalf of the charity Cruse. Tables of 6 max. 7.30pm. £5 per person pay on arrival. Take your own snacks etc. Email briony_crammond@ hotmail.com to confirm a table. St Matthew Academy, St Joseph’s Vale, Blackheath SE3 0XX.

FRI 22 -24 MAY GREENWICH BOOK FESTIVAL

This inaugural event organized by the University of Greenwich. Victoria Hislop, Jon Ronson and the university’s writer-in-residence, Paul Ewen are amongst a host of writers to speak at the festival. Plus family events, creative writing workshops, a dedicated festival shop and food stalls in the grounds of the university. For full programme details & booking www. greenwichbiikfest.com

AGAINST CAPTAIN’S ORDERS AT THE NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM

SAT 23 MAY LUNCHTIME RECITAL

Win a family ticket for four to experience the ground breaking new show for 6-12 year olds presented by the National Maritime Museum and Punchdrunk Enrichment.

SAT 23 – 25 MAY BREWFEST

Experience history like never before, as you and your family join the crew of HMS Adventure to go on the journey of a lifetime through the Museum’s incredible wealth of maritime history and artefacts. Complete your day out in Greenwich with a visit to the world-famous Cutty Sark – climb aboard and experience what life was like at sea. Special family activities take place on the first weekend of every month and during school holidays. Meet the ship’s cook, captain and other characters from Cutty Sark’s past. Try your hand at making masks, ships, maps, hats and more, or follow one of the free family friendly trails. Prizewinners must be aged between 6 and 12 and children must be accompanied by an adult. For your chance to win a family ticket to Against Captain’s Orders and for the Cutty Sark, go to www.meridian-magazine.co.uk/win to send your name, address and phone number by Friday 29 May Terms and Conditions Apply

Alex Hughes. 1.05pm. Free. St Alfege Church, Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich SE10 9BJ.

Rugby legend, Tom May will pulling pints at the bar, followed by a delicious three-course sit down dinner, Q&A session with coffee and to round the evening off in style, a fundraising raffle with all proceeds going to the children’s charity of rugby, Wooden Spoon.  www. dialarch.com for info. Dail Arch, Number 1 Street,  The Warren,  Royal Arsenal Riverside Woolwich, SE18 6GH.

WED 20 MAY THE SIXTEEN – THE CORAL PILGRIMAGE

The Sixteen takes a trip back to 16th-century Spain and more specifically to one of the biggest, richest and most cosmopolitan cities on earth - Seville. It was during this Spanish ‘golden age’ when arts and culture flourished, that Francisco Guerrero and Alonso Lobo made their mark. 7.30pm. From £18-£40. www.ornc.org. The Painted Chapel, The Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich SE10.

THURS 28 MAY BLACKHEATH DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY

If you’ve ever wondered about abstract art you will find all the answers in our stunning lecture by the oldstanding Russian expert, Theodora Clarke, as she examines all aspects of the work of Wassily Kandinsky. Refreshments 2pm for 2.30pm. Visitors £5. Refreshments .www.artsinblackheath.org.uk. St Mary’s Church Hall, Cresswell Park, Blackheath SE3.

JAMES ARTHUR

Winner of the ninth series of The X Factor, James is starting his new UK headline tour. 7pm. From £23.20. 14years +. Indigo at The O2, Millennium Way, Peninsula Square, North Greenwich SE10 0AX.

THURS 28 MAY –13 JUN IN THE NIGHT GARDEN LIVE

Over half a million people have seen the world’s only live production of the CBeebies top-rated show, don’t miss it! Visit www.axs.com for info and booking. The O2, Peninsula Square, North Greenwich SE10 0DX.

FRI 29 MAY – 6 JUN BROCKLEYMAX

Community-led arts festival packed with events ranging from gigs, film, live street art, open studios, poetry and kids activities. Topped off with a night of cabaret from a New York style, pop-up piano bar. Visit www. brockleymax.co.uk for more info. Venues in Brockley, Ladywell and Crofton Park.

Chance to taste some outstanding examples of craft beer from around the world, with over 80 draught lines and 150 different beers. 11am-9pm. £20 in advance or £25 on the day www.meantimebrewing. com. Grounds of Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich.

MON 25-26 & 27-29 MAY HALF TERM HOLIDAY EVENTS

Weather Mobiles – Cutty Sark sailed in all kinds of weather. Bring waves and storms to life by designing your own weather mobile to take home. Mon & Tues. 11.30-1.30pm, 2-4pm. Cost included in admission to Cutty Sark. Fish on a Dish – What lives in the water? Using a paper plate and your imagination, create a colourful sea creature to take home. Wed-Fri. 11.30-1.30pm, 2-4pm. Cost as above. www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark Curry Sark, Greenwich.

TUES 26 MAY BACH TO BABY TUES 19 MAY PLAYER AT THE PUMP

Classical Concert series for Baby and You founded by concert pianist and mum, Miaomiao Yu. Classical music, feeding, crying, dancing and nappy changing. Be amazed at how your child will love Bach, Beethoven and Brahms. 10.30am. £10. 020 8464 7674. Bromley United Reformed Church, 20 Widmore Road, Bromley BR1 1RY.

WED 27 – 30 MAY THE ESSENCE OF LOVE

A comedy by Philip Ayckbourn performed by The Alexandra Players. 8pm. £9, concs £8. www.alexandraplayers.org.uk. 07867 627 987. The Alexandra Hall, Bramshot Aveue, SE7.

LAUGHING BOY COMEDY CLUB THURS 21 MAY. 8PM. Line Up: Joe Dommett - Star of Impractical Jokers, Nathan Caton - Star of Live at the Apollo and Andrew Ryan - This evening’s MC, appeared on Russell Howard’s Good News. COMEDY HAPPY HOUR! 20% off all drinks 6.30pm7.30pm at all comedy events. Show your Laughing Boy Comedy Ticket at Bianco43 and receive a 20% discount off your choice of pizza. £10. www.trinitylaban.ac.uk. 020 8463 0100. Recital Room, Blackheath Halls, 23 Lee Road, SE3 9RQ.

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SAT 30 MAY GOLDSMITHS RAMBLING CLUB

A 4½ -mile walk, incorporating 3 parks, starting at Well Hall Pleasance and the Tudor Barn. Meet at Eltham Station at 10.30am. Contact Rona Sullivan on 020 8850 4417 for details. New members welcome. Drop in at the Wildlife Centre. A chance for children to find out about the wildlife in Greenwich Park. 1-4pm. Free. The Wildlife Centre, Near the South end of the lake in the Flower Garden, Greenwich Park SE10.

ORCHESTRAL CONCERT

Sidcup Symphony Orchestra with conductor James Ross. Includes Bramhs Tragic Overture and Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto. www.sidcupsymphony.org.uk. 020 0800 3268 or 01322 557458. 7.30-9.45pm. £12/£10. St John’s Church, Church Road, Sidcup DA14 6BX.

LUNCHTIME RECITAL

FRIENDS OF MARYON PARKS - CLEAR UP

SUN 31 MAY THE 2015 LONDON TO BRIGHTON CLASSIC CAR RUN

SAT 6 JUN

Ursula Arnold. 1.05pm. Free. St Alfege Church, Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich SE10 9BJ.

A great day out for motor vehicle enthusiasts. Whether participating in a rally, showing your vehicle, or attending as a spectator. The race will start from Greenwich Park. 8.15am. Free, to wave them off. Greenwich Park, Charlton Road, SE3.

CHAMBER MUSIC ON VANBRUGH HILL

Every month the Steinberg Duo open the doors of their purpose-built chamber music studio for a small audience to listen to an hour’s recital followed by refreshments. Violin & piano recital: Elgar & Ireland. 6pm. £10 booked in advance on line at www.steinbergduo.com. Steinberg Studio, 137 Vanbrugh Hill, Greenwich SE10 9HP.

ART

The Friends meet at 10am every first Saturday of the month at the Flamsteed Road (SE7) entrance to Maryon Wilson Park. New volunteers should wear suitable clothing for the weather conditions and task involved i.e. gloves. For more info email FriendsofMaryonParks@gmail.com

SEND YOUR EVENTS TO LISTINGS@MERIDIAN-MAGAZINE.CO.UK

UNTIL 31 OCT VIVIENNE WESTWOOD: CUT FROM THE PAST

This exhibition brings together for the first time a number of her groundbreaking designs, and explores the collections that were her turning point both critically and commercially. Sunday to Friday 12noon – 5pm. £8/£6, under 16 free. www.dansonhouse. org.uk. 020 8303 6699. Danson House, Danson Park, Bexleyheath DA6 8HL.

UNTIL 31 MAY ART EXHIBITION

Local artist Jane Lydbury, printmaker and illustrator and Jane Daniell artist printmaker show a collection of their work. 10am-5pm. Free. Café Bar, Blackheath Hall. 23 Lee Road, SE3 9RQ.

ON GOING CURRENT EXHIBITION SELECTION OF PRINTS FROM LOCAL ARTISTS Tues–Sun, 10am–5.30pm. 020 8858 1569. Greenwich Printmakers Gallery, 1A The Market, SE10 9HZ.

SEND YOUR ART EVENTS TO LISTINGS@MERIDIAN-MAGAZINE.CO.UK

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MERIDIAN PICKS...

Blackheath Elegant early Victorian family house wonderfully presented and excellently located on the edge of Blackheath Village. Spacious and well planned interior in excess of 3000 sqft. Five double bedrooms, three reception rooms and the additional benefit of a detached guest house set within its gardens. Custom built family kitchen opens out to the landscaped west facing rear garden and an expansive driveway to the front. www.kershaws.eu 020 8297 2922 37 Montpelier Vale Blackheath SE3 0TJ

ME RID IA N ART & DESIGN From the 21 May – 9 August, British fashion designer Phoebe English will present her most ambitious installation to date at NOW Gallery, Greenwich Peninsula. A beaded canopy will drop from the seven meter high ceiling to float on the floor, alongside this there will be an in depth exploration of the numerous processes behind her past work, installations and sets – cabinets of curiosity drawing the visitor into her fashion story.

NOW Gallery

NOW Gallery opens it doors for an exclusive talk for Meridian Readers by the Jemima Burrill the curator of NOW Gallery on 11 June between 2-3pm. Please join us for a glass of wine and a talk about NOW Gallery’s third exhibition. Call to reserve a place.

READER OFFER

www.nowgallery.co.uk 020 3770 2212 Gateway Pavillions, Peninsula Square, SE10 0SQ

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For two weekends this month twenty artists, all members of Blackheath Art Society, show their work at 8 venues in the area. Paintings, drawings, prints, ceramics, sculptures, textiles, jewellery, photography, tideline art and combinations of all of these can be seen and enjoyed free. This is an exciting opportunity to talk to the artists and watch some of them at work. This year the Open Studios are clustered around Blackheath Village and Blackheath Standard creating the opportunity for an enjoyable (and culture filled ) walk and day out! Map and list of venues is available at www.blackheathartsociety.org.uk or from 020 8853 2269. 9-10th and 16-17th May. 12-6pm Admission free A taster exhibition of the work of some Open Studio artists is at the Greenwich Picture House upstairs Bar from 1st-18th May. More members of Blackheath Art Society will be showing their work at the Summer Exhibition at Blackheath Halls SE3 9RQ 4th-29th June and at the Paul McPherson Gallery 19th-30th October 2015.

Flood Gallery Bake In Black draw influence from the world of rock and heavy metal to create awe-inspiring edible tributes in the kitchen. The lovingly created cookbook is a music-themed collection of 58 sweet indulgences. All are as unique in presentation as they are in favour. From cakes to brownies, biscuits and cookies, through to doughnuts, pies, tarts and desserts, Bake In Black features contemporary recipes alongside time-honoured classics. Written with a twist of humour, and a generous pinch of musical reference, with titles such as Pantera ‘Far Beyond Risen’, Sex Pistols ‘God Save The Cream’, Led Zeppelin ‘Glazed & Infused’ and Meatloaf ‘Battenburg Out Of Hell’, available from. The Flood Galley Greenwich Market and online at thefloodgallery.com £14.99. www.thefloodgallery.com. 020-8269 0372. The Flood Gallery, 8 Greenwich Market, London SE10 9HZ.

Creekside Open Studios A.P.T’s two CREEKSIDE OPEN exhibitions will be a personal snapshot of the breadth and diversity of contemporary visual art in the UK today. Lisa Milroy and Richard Deacon have independently selected recent work by 113 artists from one anonymous submission for two shows, which will be held at the A.P.T Gallery, Deptford in May and June 2015. The first exhibition has been selected by Lisa Milroy and includes work by sixty three artists. After two days viewing over 2100 images, Lisa responded to her selection process in a very personal way, “Following my heart in selecting work for Creekside Open 2015, I responded to the submission by exploring my own artistic interests. I felt intrigued, surprised and delighted by such a diverse, thought-provoking range of work submitted by hundreds of artists.” CREEKSIDE OPEN 2015 selected by Lisa Milroy 7 to 31 May 2015 Exhibition open Thursday to Sunday from 12noon to 5pm Prize-giving and Opening Event Saturday 9 May 2015 at 3pm A.P.T Gallery, 6 Creekside, Deptford, London SE8 4SA

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