Meridian October 2014 for issue

50,000 COPIES DELIVERED EVERY MONTH SINCE 1996

OCTOBER 2014

Your local magazine

Latest Autumn Fashion Trends Autumn Food and Drink

Weitsnfor

Tick the Foodies Festival

Lifestyle Whats New in New Cross HOMES

F

FOOD

F

BEAUTY

F

FASHION

F

INTERIORS

F

SHOPPING

F

EDUCATION

020 8308 9286

2 | www.meridian-magazine.co.uk

CONTENTS OCTOBER 2014 4

LOCAL NEWS

Win one of three Playmobile Advent Calendars

7 FASHION

Autumn/winter trends

9 BUSINESS

New Build Focus

13

RETAIL NEWS

19

HEALTH & BEAUTY

23

AREA FOCUS The New Face of Bromley North

Spotlight on Floors and Bespoke Kitchens

COVER: The Cooking Doctor

5

0 0,00 copie

s

ered D e l i v onth! ever y

m

25 EDUCATION

News & Views

29

PARENTING NEWS

DISTRIBUTOR : Walkers Distributions

Corebar Training & Timeless Beauty

Change your Career, Change a Life

31 LIFESTYLE

New Cross – New Businesses

35 LEISURE

After The Festivals…

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.

36-37 FOOD NEWS AND REVIEWS

Locale’s New Look The Cooking Doctors Recipe Win tickets for the Foodies Festival Christmas

39 ART

News & Exhibition Win a Workshop of Your Choice

41-43 LISTINGS

If its on its in Win Tickets to the GD Ball

46 PROPERTY

Greenwich Peninsula – A New District

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

Printing : Polestar, www.polestar-group.com Distribution :Walkers Distributions

w w w. m e r i d i a n - m a g a z i n e . c o . u k facebook.com/meridianmagazine

MeridianmagLDN

www.meridian-magazine.co.uk | 3

local N E WS Mini Manhattan

Charlton RDA Needs You Over 18,000 volunteers, give their time to centres all over the UK, run the Riding for the Disabled (RDA) – and they always need more. With the support of people like you, investing a couple of hours each week, they can continue to provide their lifechanging activities.

Whatever your skills, you will have something to offer the local Charlton branch of the RDA (9am-1pm) – and it’s not just about horses and ponies – there are plenty of other jobs that need to get done and you’re bound to find a role that suits you. Contact RDA on 020 8317 1528.

Developers have announced plans for a new river crossing near Canary Wharf.

The development, dubbed ‘mini Manhattan’, will see an 80-metre bridge over the River Lea at City Island.

It is expected to be completed by 2016 and will allow people easier access to Canning Town station.

Property Company, Ballymore proposed the scheme as an enhanced link between London boroughs, Tower Hamlets and Newham. Designed

by Davies, Maguire & Whitby, the crossing will create a link for those looking to move into the 1,700 new apartments on the 12-acre ‘island’ neighbourhood at Bow Creek.

Sean Mulryan, chairman of Ballymore, said: ‘Acting as a vital bridge between the business might of Canary Wharf and the creative dynamism of East London, it will have a unique identity that draws from the character of each.’

The development also promises waterside parks, bars and restaurants, art studios, boutique shops, a school and a private residents’ club.

October 2014

Work starts at Lesnes Abbey Woods

Tickets to Dover Castle

Work on the Lesnes Abbey Woods Enhancement Project has started. The £4.2m project is funded by the London Borough of Bexley and the Heritage Lottery Fund (which is investing £3.5m).

Construction of the new community hub building - Lesnes Lodge - begins next year. The site needs to be prepared over the coming weeks to ensure that plants, trees and wildlife are unaffected and the preparations are made at the best time of year, when plants are dormant and birds and other animals are not breeding.

Zone Out The Royal Borough of Greenwich is calling on TfL to move Woolwich Arsenal to Zone 3/4. The Woolwich Arsenal DLR and Southeastern rail stations are in Zone 4, which means travel to and from central London costs more than for stations in Zones 1-3.

The council has received a petition calling for Woolwich to be moved into Zone 3.

While it broadly supports the aims of the petition, it does not want to disadvantage people travelling into Woolwich from other parts of the borough, such as Plumstead or Abbey Wood. Therefore the Royal Borough is calling for Woolwich to be given the status of Zone 3/4.

Councillor Denise Hyland, Leader of Royal Borough of Greenwich, has written to the Mayor of London to request this change.

Add your name to the petition on www.change.org.

Jennings and Barrett Offer Solutions

Throughout the winter, a series of shrub and tree works will take place right across the site. Most of the work will focus around the formal garden and recreation ground areas of the park.

An independent ecologist has reviewed all the main proposals and their recommendations have helped shape the programme of work, by minimalising potential environmental or wildlife impacts.

During mid-November the existing information centre will be closed to make way for demolition.

This includes the closure of the public conveniences.

Information about the Lesnes Abbey Woods Enhancement Project is available at www.visitlesnes.co.uk Image Keith Cardwell

Jennings and Barrett are a well-established, experienced and dedicated team of agents, offering: chartered surveying, block, property and estate management, lettings and sales services. Founded in 1910, we have long been known for our professionalism, localism and reliability.

With offices in Erith and Sidcup, we manage, survey, let and sell property across London and the Southeast, within 25 miles of our offices. Operating with flexibility, pride, personality and efficiency, our agents have long been providing solutions for tenants, landlords, house-hunters and businesses.

For all enquiries, call 0203 598 9665, or head to www.jenningsandbarrett.co.uk.

Opening hours Monday to Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday’s 9am-1pm.

Meridian loves…

The Playmobil Advent Calendars for Christmas, a fantastic, longerlasting alternative to the conventional chocolate Advent Calendar.

Children can battle fierce, feisty dragons, transport to a fantastical fairyland or help Santa build his Christmas gifts with three exciting new themes for this year!

Little ones will love building a magical story piece by piece over the 24 days, immersing children in creative play this Christmas and beyond.

WIN…To Win one of the three calendars available, simply send your name, address and daytime telephone number to Meridian magazine (advent), 68 Summerhouse Drive, Bexley Kent DA5 2EE or email competition@meridian-magazine.co.uk by 30 October.

4 | www.meridian-magazine.co.uk

www.meridian-magazine.co.uk | 5

6 | www.meridian-magazine.co.uk

Fashion Leisure

In Fashion Trends Look out for the following trends this autumn/winter…

This autumn /winter season will see a muted colour palette with pastels, burgundy, electric blue and, of course, black and grey. With styles that include slim-fit trousers, fine tops and boxy, sweaters/cardigans.

Suzanne Swords of Devernois, Blackheath

Anoraks It’s time to get nostalgic about anoraks.

Chances are, your not going to have fond memories of the rubbery like smell and constant slight sweat caused by these 90’s fashion faux-pas. Designers such as Stella McCartney however, are featuring 2014 redesigns of this classic safeguard against the gloomy weather that signifies the end of summer. Being damp-free has never been so chic.

Devernois

Woollens Woollens return to the spotlight once more with earthy and relaxed styles in the preparation for winter.

Designers celebrate cosy with these new-school knits featuring the knitted two-piece, as seen on the Celine 2014 catwalk. Models were layered in wools from head to toe! A milder take from this over-exaggerated knit look would be sweaters with wooly leggings and jumper dresses with chunky scarves. You’ll be toasty to say the least!

Top Shop

Shimmer and Sequins Shimmering fabrics will never lose their glamour and charm. Shine at night with head-to-toe sparkle as featured on the Marc Jacobs and Marco de Vincenzo catwalks, where coordinating pieces were paired to dazzling effect.

If the full sparkle look seems a bit too much for you, then throw a casual jacket over your cocktail dress, keeping this look modern and sophisticated.

Dorthy Perkins

Transitional There’s nothing worse than preparing for a rainy day, only for it to be sweltering sunshine by midday. Thankfully, this incoming season brings innovative versions of classic rainwear, that you can adjust to suit the ever changing British weather. Chunky heels and heavyweight footwear ensure you can be comfortable and trendy without slipping on the rain-strew floors. Oversized goggle sunglasses are your transitional mark when the sun decides to come out, and a swanky scarf draped around your neck will give you fuss-free relief from the unpredictable autumn climates.

Spylovebuy PR Shorts

The Vestery

Shadow See -Through Featherlike sheers and delicate chiffon are the more subtle and elegant interpretations of this artistic autumn mood. Keep it simple with minimal jewelry and hair and makeup, and let the nearly transparent material stand out with incorporated embellishments, embroidery and lace on the fabric that provide all the drama you need.

www.meridian-magazine.co.uk | 7

8 | www.meridian-magazine.co.uk

Property

New Build Focus The London Housing Market which was booming at the start of the year is still buoyant despite the occasional wobble here or there. One particular area, which shows no signs of slowing down, is New Build property. One doesn’t have to look too far to see a large tower crane at work, constructing another development of luxury apartments.

For the same reason that many people buy a new car, there are many who love new build properties. They want a home that has not been lived in by anyone else and is customisable to their particular tastes. Just like when buying a new car, you often pay a premium for the privilege of buying New Build and this is often not recoverable if selling on within a few years of purchase. In the writer’s experience, New Builds can become an obsession. I’ve had many clients who have moved from one New Build to another, trying to keep up with the latest fads, trends and designer postcodes. I’m sure the Chancellor is happy to see all that extra Stamp Duty Land Tax revenue being generated by so many moves over a short

About the author: James Johnston is an experienced property solicitor at Grant Saw solicitors. He deals with all residential property matters and has a particular expertise with New Build property. For all enquiries he can be contacted on 0208 858 6971 or at jj@grantsaw.co.uk

If you are interested in buying a New Build property in the near future, here a few things to bear in mind.

1. Assignable Contracts – Many new build purchasers will buy off plan for several reasons.

Firstly, as mentioned before they should be able to have their choice of kitchen and bathrooms and accessories. Others will buy off plan in the hope that as the property won’t be finished for possibly another 2 years, they might be able to take advantage in a boom period and sell the property before it has been finished for a tidy profit. To do this you need to have an assignable contract. There are 2 points to note here. Firstly, most developers will prohibit the ability to assign their contract. If you plan on doing this, you will need to negotiate upfront with the developer as it may provide difficult or impossible after you have agreed to buy the property and paid your holding deposit. The second point is that if you have been successful in agreeing an assignable contract, it may be difficult for the person who wants to buy your property to obtain a mortgage. Lenders will generally not lend where the seller has owned the property for less than 6 months. In this scenario, the property hasn’t been owned at all by the seller as they have not completed their purchase from the developer. If the ultimate owner is a cash buyer then there is not an issue but sadly cash buyers are a rare commodity.

2. Oral Representations – During the negotiation process, the sales staff will talk to you a lot about the development and it is possible that what they say may influence your decision to purchase. They may also discuss with you extras to the standard property specification e.g. upgraded appliances or floor coverings. All of these oral representations need to be confirmed in writing by the sales representatives otherwise you will not be able to rely on them. You should always ensure that your solicitor is aware of what has been agreed so that they can seek confirmation in writing from the developer’s solicitors directly and to ensure that that they form part of the contract.

3. Reservation deposits and incentives – Every developer will require that you pay a reservation fee. This is a pre-exchange sign of commitment from you and is deducted from the final purchase price at completion. These deposits are usually £1000.00 although £2000.00 is not unusual. Some mortgage lenders will not accept a reservation fee of more than £1000.00 so you will need to be careful when it comes to this stage of the purchase as you might need to negotiate a lower fee with the developer. On some developments, you may be offered various incentives to help “persuade” you to buy the property. These may include things like a contribution towards your stamp duty, free flooring or even part of your deposit paid. Mortgage lenders usually frown on incentives but they will not normally have an issue when the incentive forms part of a new build purchase. There are however limits on what is accepted and most developers will be aware of this.

Your solicitor, as part of the conveyancing process will advise your mortgage lender of what the incentives are and obtain their approval.

www.meridian-magazine.co.uk | 9

10 | www.meridian-magazine.co.uk

Opposite Ends of the Spectrum!

There are many pitfalls whilst trying to buy your dream home and a surveyors down valuation can be one of the most frustrating, especially when you are borrowing at a high loan to value, as it will reduce the amount the lender is prepared to offer you on the mortgage. Unfortunately there is not much that can be done and trying to appeal the decision even if you think the valuation is wrong will most probably fall on deaf ears, although worth trying.

The difficulty is that buyers and surveyors will look at it from different ends of the spectrum. Though you as a prospective buyer may have spent months viewings lots of properties and will feel comfortable with the price you have agreed, the surveyor will base his valuation on properties that have completed, so especially in a fast moving market, were as you have offered in line with market prices now, the surveyor has to look back at past evidence, which can cause a difference.

You are left with two choices if you want to go ahead. Either to come up with the shortfall yourself or try and renegotiate the price which never goes down well from the owners perspective, especially when all the owner hears is how prices are rising.

I wish there was a magical answer to stop this happening

Westcombe Park

but ultimately because putting a value on a property is so subjective, you are always going to get differences of opinion, but in the lenders case they have to take the surveyors view whether you think it’s right or wrong.

I am often asked by owners what they should do to improve the saleability of their home before they put it on the market.

Interestingly buyers and sellers will look at properties from opposite ends of the spectrum. Whilst home owners will focus on the detail, i.e ‘we have been meaning to paint that wall in the spare room for a while’, buyers are looking more at the overall picture such as the location, size and the condition is the least important factor as it’s the easiest thing to change.

Having said that a degree of common sense is always useful when thinking about marketing your home. Decluttering, making sure the house is clean and tidy are good starting points. Also think about the kerb appeal, so by putting some plants outside the front or painting that flaking external paintwork is always worth doing. I am more than happy to pop round and give you some advice if you are thinking of selling, so feel free to contact me and we can fix up a mutually convenient time.

Guide £265,000

Westcombe Park

Feel free to call into our 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

Guide £390,000 - £410,000

One bedroom ground floor apartment just 0.2 miles to Westcombe Park Station.

Own courtyard garden, well presented internally, off street parking.

020 8463 0091

Spacious 2 bedroom first floor maisonette situated in a popular road close to the areas many wonderful amenities. Modern fitted kitchen and bathroom.

020 8463 0091

Blackheath Village

Blackheath/Kidbrooke borders

Guide £500,000 - £525,000

Wonderfully located two bedroom terraced house in the heart of Blackheath Village. West facing garden, off street parking, further potential.

020 8463 0091

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

£600,000

3 bed semi within close proximity of Thomas Tallis secondary school and only 0.3 mile from Kidbrooke railway station. Good family home with further scope.

020 8463 0091

Blackheath 020 8463 0091

Locksbottom 01689 880440

Bromley 020 8313 6800

Petts Wood 01689 819819

Chislehurst 020 8325 8000

Lettings 01689 838040

www.meridian-magazine.co.uk | 11

12 | www.meridian-magazine.co.uk

Retail Leisure News

Spotlight on Floors

Arabella Budd from Lordship flooring Co. in Blackheath Village discusses the latest in flooring and her personal favourites;

Nothing dictates the personality of a room more than the flooring.

It is arguably the most important decision when planning a room and will set the tone for the whole scheme.

Marmoleum has had a bit of an overhaul recently following the opening of their Clerkenwell showroom. Their new Modular range is just stunning. Allowing the customer to customise the design and colours to create a unique floor.

Amazingly practical and hard wearing, it is also completely natural. Suitable for all areas but most commonly used in kitchens, bathrooms and in a checkerboard design in hallways.

Quirky B Fair Isle carpet

by Alternative Flooring

Patterned carpet is making a revival. It’s easy to make a statement on the stairs without having to contend with other soft furnishings. More and more people are opting for patterned carpet in rooms as a feature and they have the added benefit of being really practical.

Creating rugs from a carpet means you can customise the size and width to suit any space, be it in a hall or under a dining table. You can also select the binding colour to create a totally bespoke rug. Visit in-store for details.

Dressing your stairs with a woven runner provides a stunning entrance to your home sets the tone for the whole house.

Quirky B Zip carpet by Alternative Flooring All flooring featured available at lordship flooring Co. Venetian woven runners

by Roger Oates

Are you looking for a local bespoke kitchen manufacturer?

Would you like to have control over the design and manufacture of your kitchen or built in furniture? The Dovetail Joint has built beautiful kitchens since 1990 and all our furniture is handmade in our Forest Hill workshop. Our customers are closely involved at all stages of the process, from design, through to manufacture and installation.

Here is an email from just one of our many happy customers: “We just want to let you know that we absolutely love our new kitchen and so do all our visitors - they walk into the kitchen and say ‘wow’! The layout is great and works perfectly for the way that we use the space. The quality is superb and the huge oak worktop is spectacular. We get so much pleasure from all the little extra features - soft close, bespoke inserts and enormous pantry cupboards. We have so much storage space. Thank you for doing such an incredible job!”

If you would like a stylish, practical, hardwearing and competitively priced kitchen or other built in furniture, call The Dovetail Joint or visit www.thedovetailjoint.co.uk Tel: 020 8291 5578

Versatile and practical, there will be a species, design, colour and finish perfect for any scheme.

Herringbone and Chevron designs are proving popular and we particularly like the striking, yet dramatic effect of this over-sized board. Suitable for all areas except bathrooms.

I always encourage our customers to come in with pictures or pinterest boards of ideas they have gathered. We can then work together to achieve a look which is as close as possible to their ideal, whilst considering their practical needs and budget.

Lordship flooring Co and Lordship Lane Carpets in East Dulwich are independent flooring experts. They were recently voted in the top 10 Flooring Shops in London by LivingEtc magazine.

Lordship flooring Co., Brigade House, Brigade Street, (Next to Cote), Blackheath Village 020 8852 8109 www.lordshiplanecarpets.co.uk

www.meridian-magazine.co.uk | 13

www.meridian-magazine.co.uk | 14

www.meridian-magazine.co.uk | 15

16 | www.meridian-magazine.co.uk

Interiors

Building Genie The Secrets Most Door, Window & Home Repair Companies Don’t Want Customers To Know For years doors, double glazing and home repair firms have had it their own way. Often charging customers thousands for new doors, windows and installs when a replacement part is all they need. And that’s hitting households hard at a time when every penny counts.

Fortunately that era has come to an end. With BuildingGenie, a reliable London based window, door, conservatory, roofline and general home repair specialists, 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 £75.

The business is owned by James Douglas who previously established a specialist local window company. After 2 years, the firm re-launched with an expanded range of services including gas, plumbing and boiler repairs. BuildingGenie aims to give local home owners access to a one stop shop for all their home repairs.

“There’s nothing else quite like BuildingGenie in the UK,” he adds. “We offer a practical solution that other trade companies simply can’t – or won’t – provide.

And while saving money is the biggest draw, we’re an environmentally friendly option too. We take the stress out of a situation that worries a lot of households, with many repairs usually completed within a couple of hours”

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, all putting off calling out window firms for fear of the costs and upheaval involved.

“This is the time of year when homeowners begin to notice the window that doesn’t shut properly or the draught coming through the door. uPVC and Aluminium windows can normally be repaired simply and cost effectively. Wood windows and doors can be draught excluded to create a better seal” says James.

BuildingGenie is committed to excellent customer service with a team passionate for home repairs.

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

www.meridian-magazine.co.uk | 17

18 | www.meridian-magazine.co.uk

Timeless beauty Inspired by Mother Nature, Face Matters’ new skincare collection is ready to face Father Time and help you to effortlessly reveal healthy, brighter skin in just 4 weeks.

It’s not about huge beauty regimes (who has time anyway?) and it’s not all about the newest, manmade ingredients either (because sometimes Mother Nature does have a trick or two up her sleeve) it is about collagen, the natural protein in our skin which is responsible for elasticity and youthfulness. The younger we are, the more we have, but as we age our collagen levels decline and it is then that wrinkles and imperfections begin to appear.

It is also about organic silicon, because collagen is mainly made up of silicon and if our body has enough

Health & Beauty of it, the collagen makes us look younger... so building silicon levels and stimulating collagen is the key to flawless skin.

Face Matters Skincare founder, Sally Curson, has spent 20 years as a senior therapist in the beauty industry, working with many brands and taking a serious interest in what we put on our skin and what goes into what we put on our skin.

A percentage of all sales from Face Matters go to the women’s charity Refuge. This association is down to Sally’s past and very troubled times, which resulted in and her living in a refuge for a period of time.

The range consists of 5 products: Daily Moisturiser, All Day Spritz, Evening Elixir (the hero product), Anytime

Foaming Cleanser and the 24/7 Balm, a truly multifunctioning product; use as an exofliant, daily cleanse, overnight deep nourishing mask or brilliant for dry lips, elbows, heels and even the ends of frizzy hair. www.facematters-skincare.com

Corebar Taster Day Meridian’s Heather Scott gives it a try

The Corebar, introduced into the UK this year from Norway after winning Training Concept of the Year in 2013, focuses on the fun factor whilst giving you a complete body workout. Not for the faint hearted, this high intensity, exhilarating workout will test your endurance and fitness as you move along to aerobic influenced routines with a weighted bar.

After only 30 minutes, sweat was pouring from all over my body, and that was just the warm up! The best part is I didn’t even notice, as I was having too much fun keeping up with our instructor. I certainly felt it in the morning though!

Reebok, Canary Wharf. www.reebokclub.co.uk

reebok

www.meridian-magazine.co.uk | 19

20 | www.meridian-magazine.co.uk

www.meridian-magazine.co.uk | 21

22 | www.meridian-magazine.co.uk

The New Face of Bromley North

Area Focus by Nicola Berry

Student Night Calling all students. Head down to intu in Bromley between 6pm and 9pm on Thursday, 9th October and bag yourself some fabulous discounts and freebies at what’s set to be the centre’s biggest and best Student Night. Deals include 30% off at Levi’s and 20% off at Superdry, H&M and New Look.

The end is in sight for the construction work which has dominated Bromley North and Market Square for the last couple of years. By Christmas 2014, the £5.5 m facelift, which has been undertaken by Bromley Council in partnership with Transport for London and the Mayor’s Outer London Fund, will be complete and the noisy but necessary road works will be a distant memory.

Stroll down East Street on a sunny day and it’s clear to see that the project is already a success. Long-established restaurants have been joined by several newcomers, all of whom now have room for tables and chairs on the attractive tree-lined, granite pavements. It may not be Paris but East Street can now boast its own cafe culture; a concept which local people appear to have fully embraced judging from the number of al fresco diners I saw enjoying the late autumn sunshine when I visited the area recently.

Bop while you shop with intu’s live DJ or show off your new purchases at the free photo booth. Game will be hosting a FIFA 15 tournament as well as offering a 10% discount on purchases, and intu also has a limited number of free goody bags to give away.

Skip the queue by pre-registering at www.intubromley.co.uk/ studentnight2014. Alternatively, register on the night using your student ID number (so don’t forget to bring your ID card with you).

New arrivals There have been some exciting new store openings at intu recently.

These include Popular Italian eatery Carluccios, the contemporary jewellers Thomas Sabo and the casual clothing company White Stuff (not to be confused with The White Company which is just next door!).

Commuters need to brace themselves for one last phase of roadworks. During September the junction between Widmore Road and Market Square has been closed to traffic but should be completed by early October, when access to Market Square and the High Street will re-open. The next phase of work will be to improve the junction of East Street with Widmore Road and the East Street junction with West Street. This will understandably require further diversions including changes to bus routes, but should be finished by the end of November.

The area around Market Square has also been transformed with new paving and trees, again providing attractive outdoor space for the cluster of coffee shops and restaurants at the top end of the High Street. This now completes the first part of the vital Bromley Town Centre Area Action Plan, a visionary 15 year scheme which aims to transform Bromley into a vibrant metropolis in which to live, work and shop. Parts Two and Three of the scheme consist of the recently started residential and leisure development at Bromley South and the proposed redevelopment of the area around the Churchill Theatre.

www.meridian-magazine.co.uk | 23

24 | www.meridian-magazine.co.uk

E D U C AT I O N Cobham Hall The term ‘International Baccalaureate’ may not have the same familiar ring as ‘A Levels’, but for anyone who wants a broad, balanced, internationally accepted qualification it would be a good idea to become familiar with the IB. Increasing numbers of schools are turning to the IB. At Cobham Hall, an all-girls independent boarding and day school in Cobham, Kent, the IB is considered of such value that it is offered exclusively, replacing A Levels in 2009. The IB is the perfect complement to the school’s Round Square ethos, which prepares girls to be thoughtful citizens in a complex modern society where the most successful are multi-skilled and versatile.

So what is the IB exactly and should you choose it over the familiar?

The IB Diploma is a Sixth Form qualification that equips its students with life skills, character and academic experience, all of which put them a cut above the rest, whether they take the university route or decide to go straight into the workplace.

The strength of the IB lies in its breadth. Students who take the full diploma study six subjects across a number of different disciplines as well as pursuing physical and creative extra-curricular interests. In addition, the compulsory service component develops other elements of character and experience. Along with a critical thinking course and a student-led extended research essay, all parts of the IB Diploma combine to produce a young adult who is reflective, globally aware and who understands the value of hard work and reasoned, intellectual analysis. Within the IB there is also an option for students to study fewer subjects than the full Diploma, while still benefitting from all the elements of the IB, outside of academic subjects.

St Olave’s Prep School At St Olave’s Prep School, our small class sizes and outstanding pastoral support provide an environment that stimulates, supports and nurtures the potential in each child from three to eleven years old. We prepare children for life after prep school by giving them a varied academic programme. Pupil’s curiosity is challenged and their creativity inspired.

In a safe environment, our children take risks and learn from their mistakes. We believe that children’s potential can be unlocked by offering experiences both in and beyond the classroom. Residential visits, day trips, clubs, visiting speakers and workshops ignite a thirst for enquiry. Pupils’ efforts and achievements are rewarded and celebrated in a variety of ways within the school community.

Children take part in fundraising, compete and perform publicly both locally and nationally.

Year after year, our children move on to leading independent schools and local grammar schools.

The preparation for this exciting transition includes individual curricula, after-school and holiday clubs.

The pursuit of high academic attainment is matched by our desire for the arts and sport. Specialist teachers teach Music, PE, ICT, French and Speech and Drama. Contact the School Office to arrange a visit or come to our Open Day. www.stolaves.org.uk

What sets the IB apart from A Levels is the philosophy behind the qualification. Where A Levels provides three or four separate, largely unrelated qualifications, the IB has been intentionally developed as a fully integrated education. The IB Learner Profile along with the IB Organisation’s

mission statement gives students context for their studies within the wider world and encourages learning to be seen as a lifelong process.

According to both former Cobham Hall IB students and independent research, the IB is widely believed to prepare young people well for university with the top IB achievers faring even better than the A Level contemporaries.

Wrote former Cobham Hall IB student, Lisa-Elen, now at Durham University, “After receiving grades for my first essays, I was really surprised how good the standard was compared to that of my A Level friends. My professors told me that it was already the basis for publication, which I could have never done without the IB.” www.cobhamhall.com

Mayfield pupil wins place with the English National Ballet Zoe Snowball Yudowi, a Sixth Form pupil at St Leonards-Mayfield School in East Sussex, is celebrating after securing a hotly contested place with the world-famous English National Ballet Youth Company.

Zoe, who lives in Mayfield, has the honour of being one of only five students to be accepted this year into the exclusive Youth Company, which is made up of just fourteen students. www.mayfieldgirls.org

www.meridian-magazine.co.uk | 25

26 | www.meridian-magazine.co.uk

Sixth Form Success with an International dimension

Advertorial

Educating girls for success in an ever changing world. orchestras and bands. LAMDA tuition and examinations are also available and students can participate in school productions whether or not they are taking Theatre Studies at A level.

Broadening minds and developing life skills is very much the focus of a sixth form education at Blackheath High, which includes a bespoke, unique philosophical enrichment programme “Theory of Knowledge,” offered to all sixth form students. Through the programme girls develop evaluative and critical awareness, which also helps to prepare them for taxing university and job interviews. Based upon the core and most distinctive component of the International Baccalaureate Diploma, the course encourages and develops the students’ ability to question ‘knowledge’ and ‘truth.’ The course promotes healthy debate, whilst broadening students’ general knowledge and is very much enjoyed by students of all disciplines.

At Blackheath High School we aim to provide every one of our students with an excellent, well-rounded educational experience. We are committed to developing each student as an individual, drawing out each girl’s unique talents. We focus not only on the academic requirements our girls need to gain entry to the university of their choice but also on the upon developing the character and skills of the girls, equipping and inspiring them to flourish in whatever path they choose beyond sixth form study.

An education at Blackheath High School has an international dimension and focuses students’ attention on the rich and vibrant cultures in our international community and sets us apart from other schools.

We are located in the heart of stunning Blackheath, an area with a wealth of cultural diversity which is reflected at our school, to the benefit of our girls.

Adding an international dimension to education ensures that our students are truly international citizens and helps prepare them for successful future careers in an increasingly global economy. We are delighted that this has been officially recognised by the British Council, with the award of the prestigious International School Award this month. Our Headteacher Mrs Chandler-Thompson said: ”We are delighted to receive this award, which is testament to our commitment to embedding an international outlook throughout the school. Our girls participate in a rich array of cocurricular activities and are encouraged to broaden their horizons through meaningful community service and a globally-minded approach.”

We have well established links with partner schools in Spain, France, China and Germany. Our girls enjoy an exciting array of trips that have recently included a Geography expedition to Iceland, an Art trip to New York, a Latin trip to Sorrento, plus a challenging exploration to Borneo with another to Peru being planned. As our girls start to look to university courses and careers, we encourage them to undertake workexperience abroad and several of our sixth form girls enjoyed work placements during the summer holidays in countries as diverse as France and Tanzania.

Sixth form student Elara Shurety, spent three weeks completing an internship in Madrid with ‘La Real Academia de las Bellas Artes de San Fernando’, a museum and cultural hub in the centre of the city. She said of her experience:

“ It would be an understatement to say I learnt a lot while there; everything from living independently to art history to experiencing the ‘world of working’. The school has been invaluable in helping me develop an international perspective through global links with other schools and opportunities to go on many, different trips. It is an outlook I certainly benefited from this summer, and one I suspect I will always have an impact on me.”

Sixth form students flourish in small tutor groups led by passionate, dedicated teachers who give an exceptional of support and encouragement to every student within a warm, caring atmosphere. Girls leave Blackheath High School as aspirational young women with the confidence to see a world of opportunities and challenges, not boundaries and obstacles.

As Mrs Carol Chandler-Thompson summarises: “When pupils leave us, they will be able to thrive in the world beyond school. Not only will they have a sound knowledge of the subjects they have studied, but they will have developed the skills and intellectual flexibility to make the most of their talents. This enables them to succeed at the universities of their choice and beyond that, in the world of work and adult life. Blackheath girls have real strength of character. They are confident, resilient and adaptable and they know their own minds. “ Come and see for yourself what makes Blackheath High School’s Sixth Form so special. Your future starts here.

Our Sixth Form Information Evening is on Tuesday 14th October from 6.00pm. See our website for full details and for further information on our Sixth Form offer.

Blackheath High School’s sixth form offering is designed to enable girls to flourish academically, intellectually, spiritually and physically. Sixth Form girls participate in a rich array of activities including debating, Amnesty International, Eco Club and Duke of Edinburgh Award. Lunchtime clubs and societies build upon the academic curriculum; and enable students to explore their subjects at an undergraduate level. The Arts are very popular at BHS and all students have the opportunity to join the school’s highly popular, talented choirs,

www.meridian-magazine.co.uk | 27

28 | www.meridian-magazine.co.uk

Parenting News

Change Your Career, Change a life

A national shortage of foster carers means that children who cannot live with their family are being moved away from their home.

Next Step Fostering, a leading independent fostering agency, is seeking new foster carers for its London and Kent offices to provide essential foster care services to children and young people in the local area.

Many people considering a career as a foster carer think that the local council is their only option. Most are completely unaware that independent fostering organisations even exist.

A family-owned business, Next Step Fostering has provided fostering services for over 25 years across Kent and most areas of London. Next Step is urgently seeking foster carers in the London and Kent areas.

Next Step Fostering was established 25 years ago by Maureen and Alb Ward – who were foster carers themselves – and therefore have had personal experience of caring for vulnerable children.

Next Step Fostering remains a family company as Maureen and Alb’s daughter Lesley is the Director and she plays an active role in day to day decisions about the company and enjoys visiting foster carers to hear first-hand how they are.

As a family-run company, Next Step Fostering is able to offer a personal, individual service to its foster carers and children. Supervision, support and training can be tailored to individual needs, and foster carers have an open invitation to approach Lesley Ward directly to discuss any issues They many have. As a company we advocate for the children in our care and strive to achieve the best outcomes for them.

A national shortage of foster carers means that children who cannot live with their family are being moved away from their home communities, resulting in a change of school, community, friends and religious contracts. Every day, Next Step receives child referrals from local authorities across the south east of England, but due to high levels of demand, do not have sufficient families to meet the needs of the many children being referred.

Fostering a child is not an easy task, but it is possibly one of the most rewardingand thanks to the generous allowance Next Step Fostering pays, many people give up unfulfilling jobs to undertake a career in fostering, where they feel they can really make a difference to young lives.

Neil McCarthy, Registered Manager of Next Step Fostering says, ‘People often worry that they won’t be suitable, based on things they have heard from friends or the media, but I would encourage anyone thinking about fostering to speak to us directly. We can answer all of their questions about the type of people we are looking for and what fostering is like’.

If you are considering a career in fostering or simply want to learn more, call Next Step Fostering on 0845 603 8354 for further information, or visit their website at: www.nextstepfostering.org Change your career, change a life.

Call 0845 603 8354 or visit www.nextstepfostering.org

www.meridian-magazine.co.uk | 29

30 | www.meridian-magazine.co.uk

Great Things Happen in Threes

Lifestyle

There is a segment of shops along an otherwise overlooked stretch of New Cross where something beautiful is happening: New independent businesses, run by local people, are changing the face of an area for the better. Claire McKinson speaks to the delightful people behind these projects, who tell a story of individuality and partnership.

Keeping it local; being green It really is heart which drives each of these businesses.

The sheer love of people, mixed with preparing highquality thoughtful food, and the wish to see New Cross thrive once again, really does sing above all else. From the sustainable and reclaimed items that adorn the walls of the LP Bar (salvaged airplane fuselage, seats, tail wing, escape hatches and more) to the small local suppliers and Kentish and Sussex farms, whose fresh produce is a staple on every menu; keeping it local really is essential to the cause.

The background; the businesses What began with one brave business move is now an inspiring collaboration, which forms three neighbouring businesses, being driven by like-minded locals wanting to revitalise New Cross and get it back on the map.

You all have Becky Davy to thank; her small but perfectly formed coffee house on New Cross Road, the London Particular, opened in 2010 next to a succession of rundown shops. It was a bold step but a genius one. ‘I just wanted to go somewhere for a decent cup of coffee and couldn’t find that in New Cross, plus, it presented a real challenge. We started from absolutely nothing, offering free cake in hotpants to passersby’, says Becky. But that was four years ago.

These days, the London Particular has a reputation for serving up consistently high-quality food in a warm and friendly atmosphere (just take a look at the stack of great reviews online).

Then Becky teamed up with fellow entrepreneur, carpenter and veteran New Cross local, Barry Yarde (originally a London Particular fan and customer) and expanded to the premises next door in April this year, and so the LP Bar was born. Here you can enjoy the refined aeronautical-themed decor (where you can

lounge in a genuine airplane recliner), great coffee, loose leaf teas, fresh pastries and sandwiches by day, then see it shape-shift to a fully licensed cocktail bar with DJs and eclectic events by night. (future plans are for poetry and book readings, bands, musicians, singers and more).

Finally, the triumvirate was completed with the recent opening of Maddy’s Fish Bar –it may be on the site of what has traditionally been a fish and chip shop for generations, but it’s not your ordinary chippy. Madeline Inoue and Kanji Kohanda offer a small, simple menu, which changes seasonally and where fried fish isn’t greasy and stodgy but cooked in a light, crisp tempura coating. As with the London Particular and LP Bar, Maddy’s has a strong philosophy at its heart: “Nothing is frozen, our fish is delivered fresh daily and we source the best vegetables. We believe you should eat within the seasons, so we only stock what is available at that time of year. When we can’t source cod, we cook ling (a tasty alternative), for example; and local customers are really interested in what type of fish will be on the menu for their next visit’, Madeline explains.

But Barry pointedly expresses that these projects aren’t an attempt at gentrication: ‘We are not trying to gentrify New Cross, it’s the last thing we want to do. Everyone should be entitled to good food and somewhere nice to eat it; it’s more about a re-education and showing people that for a £1 more you can eat such better quality food’.

Good times Maddy’s and the LP Bar have been welcomed with open arms by local residents, and hope to share the same storming success as the London Particular enjoys. By combining passion for superb food, stylish interiors and a deep love for New Cross, this savvy crew have created something special that really resonates within the New Cross community. And with such a wealth of experience between them, we can’t wait to see how this mini empire will blossom.

The moral of the story is, don’t skip New Cross by; it’s an exciting time for the area, with a booming property market that has much to offer young professionals. But especially don’t bypass these wonderful venues. In fact, why not visit Maddy’s for dinner, pop in to London Particular for pudding and then nip in to LP Bar for a drink afterwards? Great food, gorgeous drinks and wonderful people all within 10 meters. What more could you want?

www.meridian-magazine.co.uk | 31

32 | www.meridian-magazine.co.uk

Promotional

Arabian Nights

Catherine James Events presents “Arabian Nights� with our new Moroccan inspired theme that will exceed all your expectations!

Catherine James Events is an inspirational full service event management company that prides itself on client recommendation, attention to detail and seamless planning to create something magical.

With over 10 years experience and many happy clients, Catherine James Events can transform your party or event with our unique Moroccan themed marquees and interiors, creating the warmth and mystique of an Arabian Night. You and your guests will have that extra special WOW within a beautiful warm venue and the fun does not stop there. Included in our package is authentic Moroccan furniture, rugs, lamps, low level seating, lighting and plants.

We also transform your space with colourful fabrics and drapes. Our amazing professional staff are themed for the occasion and can provide endless entertainment options from belly dancing to authentic drumming. To finish we can always tempt you with our exceptional catering with a Moroccan twist from canapes, bowl food, seated fine dining to buffets, BBQs, Hog Roasts all delivered by our excellent team of chefs. This makes us a perfect choice for a wedding, event or party.

Quite simply without lifting a finger, (except to call us), your venue can be transformed whatever size, your event organised and we even provide a clean and clear service afterwards, leaving you to sit back, relax and enjoy your party without any hassle or inconvenience.

We love what we do and so do our clients. We are therefore proud of our many references and testimonials which are always available either verbally or written.

With Catherine James events the possibilities are endless and this is just one of our many themes. @CatherinesEvent CatherineJamesEvents www.catherinejamesevents.com or contact Catherine James on 0208 306 2957/07956 340918

www.meridian-magazine.co.uk | 33

34 | www.meridian-magazine.co.uk

Leisure

The Mop Up

Photograph ©Tim Eyes

How did the Tall Ships Festival and OnBlackheath Music & Food Festival fare?

And more importantly will we see them again?

Greenwich and Woolwich were buzzing at the beginning of September with the arrival of the Tall Ships Festival.

Shops, businesses and tourist attractions across the Royal Borough of Greenwich reported their busiest days in recent memory, as thousands of families and visitors of all ages poured into the Royal Borough for the Royal Greenwich Tall Ships Festival.

Among the feedback from businesses and visitor attractions, The Greenwich Heritage Centre received well over a month’s visitors in one day, on both Saturday and Sunday. While The Royal Borough of Greenwich Tall Ships website had 1.3 million page views during the festival week.

Local businesses in Greenwich Town Centre reported that they had experienced the ‘busiest day ever’ on Saturday and most had had a very positive festival experience.

On Greenwich Peninsula, the Emirates Cable Car and Aviation Experience reported huge visitor and passenger numbers and local cafes had seen their sales up by 100%. And in Woolwich, the Travelodge had been fully booked during the festival, while the pubs and cafes had seen a significant increase in trade.

The Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Councillor Denise Hyland said: ‘Our special role and iconic images associated with our role as a London 2012 host Borough brought the Royal Borough to wide global attention. The Royal Greenwich Tall Ships Festivals is building on that success, and opens our shop window to an ever growing national and international audience.’

This won’t be the last time we see Tall Ships in Royal Greenwich and I look forward to welcoming these glorious vessels back in the future.’

Kat Breese

More than 600,000 visitors flocked to the borough to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the packed programme of festivities, both on the water and at festival sites on the Royal Borough riverfront. The five-day Tall Ships Festival climaxed with the stunning vessels departing in a dramatic Parade of Sail. Locals and visitors lined along the riverbank for a better view of the vessels.

‘It was well organized and cleared promptly. In fact it was quieter that I expected. On a business front there wasn’t any increase, people were here for the festival not to shop.’ SS Slightly more contentious, due to it being the first of its kind, was the OnBlackheath Music and Food Festival held the following weekend.

Over 25,000 festivalgoers enjoyed the late summer sun at the inaugural OnBlackheath festival, in partnership with John Lewis. Saturday’s headliner Massive Attack pulled in a huge crowd entertaining them with hits including ‘Teardrop’, ‘Angel’ and closed the night with their anthemic ‘Unfinished Symphony’. Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls ended the weekend with an energetic old school rock n roll set, as festivalgoers watched on across the heath on Sunday night.

Grace Jones wowed the crowd on Saturday with her show stopping outfits and theatrical performance. And the likes of Scottish newcomers Young Fathers and Hot Chip’s Joe Goddard take to the main stage as well as special guest Jarvis‘s DJ set on the Village Stage.

Chefs unveiled their spectacular menus at this first ever food and music festival, offering up their delicious dishes in Gizzi’s Chefs’ Club, hosted by Gizzi Erskine.

As well as the food and music entertainment, visitors were treated to a whole host of other attractions including hoola hooping, The Flying Seagull Project and their ragtag team of travelling musical clowns, as well as sack races, egg and spoon races, tug-o-war, and a whole lot more.

OnBlackheath organisers said: ‘We are extremely pleased with how the weekend went and it’s great to hear the positive feedback we have been getting from the festivalgoers. There was something for everyone and attractions such as the Kid’s Area proved really popular. We are very proud of OnBlackheath’s inaugural year and would like to thank everyone who came along and made it such a memorable weekend.

We look forward to planning OnBlackheath 2015.’

Greenwich and Blackheath are definitely on the map when it comes to festivals and events in the future.

Valerie Breese

www.meridian-magazine.co.uk | 35

Locale A firm favourite gets a new look and feel for the new season.

A firm fixture on the Blackheath restaurant scene for many years, Locale has re-opened with a new look for the new season. Locale is, as the name suggests, about great, local neighbourhood dining, and the new décor, new menu and great bar should ensure Locale Blackheath continues to be one of South London’s premier dining destinations.

Mark Elphicke, director explained the internal makeover “Great food and drink, deserves a great home. The design keeps Locale Blackheath as fresh as its new menu. “ The new menu by Executive Chef Paolo Barone, (past experience Osteria Basilico and the renowned Locanda Locettelli,) is an exciting mix with new choices including a great seafood section. The seafood is based on the catch of the day and brings affordable lobster, as well as Sushi and oysters to SE3.

Mark Elphicke explained the new menu additions “We have seen a growing taste for Lobster and sushi and wanted to make sure the Locale menu offers people exactly what they want as tastes change and also to offer them some new and exciting flavours.”

The grill is very important at the Locale, specialist meats include steaks from Chianina beef, imported direct from Tuscany, cooked to perfection on a new Josper, the world’s hottest indoor barbeque. The new menu provides diners with the perfect mix of a treat, family favourites and the chance to branch out and experience some new tastes and flavours. There is also a brand new lunch menu; offering guests two courses for just £9.95.

36 | www.meridian-magazine.co.uk

“Opening for lunch is new for Locale but we think that lunchtime is sometimes forgotten and should be celebrated. It is a great chance to catch up with friends and our new menu provides an easy and affordable platform for people to make lunchtime more than just a quick sandwich” said Mark Elphicke.

The re-opening also brings some exciting and much needed changes to the bar scene in Blackheath. The Locale bar has been given a new look with the addition of a truly stunning architecturally salvaged bespoke brass and copper bar. Discerning drinkers can enjoy a cocktail list worthy of the West End, a concise wine list designed to suit the restaurant menu and the best of London’s craft beer. There is also a great range of bar snacks including Pulled Pork sliders, perfect for a little nibble with a tipple or two Locale looks forward with its new menu, bar and interior to continue to be the neighborhood restaurant and bar in Blackheath where great things happen.

It is the ultimate neighbourhood dining experience; casual and relaxed but just a little bit special.

1 Lawn Terrace, Blackheath SE3 9LJ 0208 852 0700 www.localerestaurants.com

Food &Leisure Drink

Hello from The Cooking Doctor Food…Simply delicious

Food & Drink

How it all started…

‘The Cooking Doctor food blog was created back in 2010, initially as my own documentation of recipes cooked in my humble kitchen.

Having learned the tricks of the trades from my mother, I wanted to expand my horizon to recreate my childhood’s magical culinary memories in my own home. I have always found cooking therapeutic, and the kitchen shall always remain as my little escape from the busy life of a mother, daughter, wife and surgical doctor’. said Jehanne

Figs, the fruit of paradise Try this heavenly dessert from the Cooking Doctor There are just so many things you can to do with figs. Tart them up, or bake them into a pound cake or turn them into upside down cake puds. But this time we really enjoyed the simplicity of this dessert, which was ready in literally 15 minutes from start to finish.

A simple dessert using fresh figs, caramelised with honey and enjoyed with yoghurt or Crème fraîche.

Ingredients 4 figs, washed and halved 2 tbsp clear honey 1 tsp olive oil a pinch of sea salt 2 tbsp pistachios, shelled A dollop of Greek yogurt or Crème fraîche for serving Instructions Preheat the oven to 190C. Mix the olive oil with honey.

Place the figs on a baking tray line with silicone mat or baking paper.

Drizzle with honey-oil mix, and scatter the pistachios.

Sprinkle some sea salt and bake for 15 minutes.

Serve warm with Greek yogurt or Crème fraîche – simply deliciously www.thecookingdoctor.co.uk

A Great British Pie for Blackheath’s British Oak A pie and a pint is widely celebrated as the perfect British pub feast and now the recently refurbished British Oak in Blackheath is offering this winning combination under one roof, thanks to a mouth-watering partnership with expert pie makers Pieminister.

Many know Pieminister’s pies from their permanent stall at London’s world famous Borough Market and the British Oak is the first venue in Blackheath to stock the full range. This means that - as well as being home to an impressive array of cask ales – the British Oak on the Old Dover Road now serves a full multi-award winning pie menu, seven days a week.

Inaugural London Christmas Foodies Festival Foodies Festival, the UK’s largest celebration of food and drink, launch their inaugural ‘Foodies Festival Christmas’ to be held at the Old Truman Brewery, this November. The festival offers a range of culinary activities with some of London’s top chefs cooking live in a new open air Chefs Theatre. Visitors can learn from the experts how to prepare the perfect Christmas feast, with a full range of produce available to buy in the artisan market.

As well as traditional mince pies, mulled wine and roast chestnuts, the festival boasts a huge selection of new features including a Whiskey Arena with a range of whiskeys and malts for sale. These are complemented with a Soda Bar and food and drink matching masterclasses, with experts in the Drinks Theatre who will advise on the best champagne and wines to buy this season.

Visitors should visit the Producers Grotto where they will discover a Craft Beer Market, highlighting London’s top craft brewers. Pudding Hall is a haven of sweet treats with pâtissiers and chocolatiers selling eggnog tarts, marzipan bonbons and macarons; as well as a life-size gingerbread house serving warm ginger beer and roasted ginger marshmallows.

Just like Christmas day, there is lots of post-feasting fun to be had with entertainment throughout the day. There are also live reindeers to pet and snow balls fights to be had in the courtyard.

Tickets are available now from www.foodiesfestival.com or by calling 0844 995 1111. Opening times: Fri 28 Nov 11am - 9pm, Sat 29 Nov 11am - 9pm, Sun 30 Nov 11am - 8pm.

Fri adult ticket £12/£10 conces. Sat/Sun adult ticket £15/£12conces.

Three day adult ticket £22/£18 conces. VIP day ticket £48/£38Fri - includes a glass of bubbly on arrival, access to the VIP area, goody bag, priority entry to theatre and masterclass sessions and refreshments. Group tickets - Buy five get one free. All accompanied children aged 12 and under go free. Tickets on the door: Fri adult ticket £15/£12 conces, Sat/Sun adult ticket - £18/£15 conces.

TICKETS Meridian has ten pairs of tickets to give away. To win a pair of tickets simply send you’re your name, address and daytime telephone number to Meridian magazine (Foodie), to 68 Summerhouse Drive, Bexley, Kent DA5 2EE. Or email your details to competition@meridian-magazine.co.uk by the 31 Oct. Please indicate on your entry if you do not wished to be contacted by Meridian in the future.

www.meridian-magazine.co.uk | 37

38 | www.meridian-magazine.co.uk

Art

Ben Oakley Gallery

Sometimes we become trapped in a recursive struggle with our history – reliving a past, which cannot be relived, trying to forge a future that will not be determined. But it is this very act of contemplating a history, which brings the self into being. RECURSIVE is an exhibition about this act of contemplating a personal history through artworks which show visible evidence of this thought process. ‘This presents an unusual premise for an exhibition, the show is not about the work or the artists primarily, but about the underlying thoughts of the artists, thoughts that go beyond decision-making to thoughts of self-contemplation,’ says Jane Boyer, curator for RECURSIVE. No Format Gallery

BP Portrait award winner, John McCarthy’ 03 10 14

Ray Richardson.

31 10 14

“I want to experiment with that idea of taking a second-hand image and focus on it as an object. When I take an image from a magazine advertisement, I remove the text and information so that the original message is lost and the painting develops an ambiguity and becomes like a ghost”.

We welcome back Ray Richardson and a new series of works to the gallery, after just being chosen to show alongside some of the best and most influential British artists of the last 60 years at the Sainsbury’s Centre for Visual Arts. It is a fitting testament to Richardsons’ continued and consistent body of work that it now hangs alongside Francis Bacon, John Bratby, Lucian Freud, L.S Lowry and Paula Rego amongst others. Ben Oakley Gallery

BOG_invite_front_29.08.14.indd 1

‘Once the image is selected, I screw the picture up and re-photograph it, adding new light sources to accentuate the creases, then crop it to fit the canvas. The image is then painted. The original image, with it’s new information, becomes a painting of a piece of paper, rather than a portrait in the classical sense”. John McCarthy

29/08/2014 18:31

Origin Gallery

Shape Open Shape Open is an annual exhibition of 2D and £3D work by disabled and non-disabled artists within disability focused theme. This year’s theme is ‘[In] Visible’: Hidden from sight or in plain view, how does impairment affect visibility within society? Do medical diagnoses, labels and changing definitions help or hinder our understanding of an individual’s lived experience? What are the implications of ‘disclosing’ or ‘coming out’ for people with invisible impairments?

Shape Open’s patron is renowned artist Yinka Shonibare.

Exhibition: Shape Open Venue: Shape Gallery Westfield, Westfield Stratford City, 150-151 The Street, London, E20 1EJ. Opening: 23 October – 10 January 2015.

Based in Greenwich Market is a new gallery selling affordable art with many pieces of work under £100 and nothing more than £600.

The gallery also specialises in hand made art for children’s rooms.

Owner/artist Pamella East, established Origin Cards at the market over two years ago, providing both locals and tourists with unique locally made and handcrafted products, as well as offering workshops.

The gallery has continued the popular workshops for adults and children and in the run up to Christmas. Its workshops will include: seasonal gift ideas, giftwrapping and Xmas decoration making.

WIN - In fact, Pamella is open to suggestions as to the type of workshops our readers would like to attend, and has offered one lucky reader a free workshop of their choice. To win this, simply send your idea for a workshop along with your name, address and daytime telephone number to Meridian Line Publishing Ltd, 68 Summerhouse Drive, Bexley Kent DA5 2EE or email the details to competition@ meridian-magazine.co.uk by 31 October.

Origin Gallery. Monday - Sunday: 10am - 5.30pm.

Shop 10a Greenwich Market, Greenwich SE10 9HZ. 07527 070 339.

www.meridian-magazine.co.uk | 39

40 | www.meridian-magazine.co.uk

This month’s listings ART LISTINGS A.P.T GALLERY Until 12 Oct Continuum of Ceaseless Change A group show of twelve London-based artists curated by Laura Smith, Poppy Whatmore and Morgan Feely. The exhibition is based around the idea that actions are left exposed when works of art are created.

Each of the works on show will testify to some past impulse or physical happening, or else will contain within itself an ongoing force.

A.P.T Gallery. 020 8694 8344. 6 Creekside, Deptford SE8 4SA. GERALD MOORE GALLERY Until 25 Oct Let’s Sit Down & Talk About It Is an exhibition by two London based artists, Fay Nicolson and David Ben White. This experimental project has grown around a series of discussions on décor, design, taste, domestic space, modern ideals and personal histories.

The artists invite visitors to take a seat…

6-9pm. 020 8857 0448. Mottingham Lane SE9 4RW. VITRINE GALLERY Until 25 Oct Sculpture at Bermonsey Square. Blue Curry: Souvenir. A solo exhibition by Bahamas-born artist, Blue Curry, who repurposes commonplace objects to explore themes of exoticism, tourism and cultural commodification.

6-8pm. 020 7407 6496. VITRINE Bermondsey Square, SE1 3UN. COLOUR AND OTHERNESS Throughout Oct The exhibition curated by John Crossley, brings together 16 artists who mostly live in the London Borough of Lewisham to the Grace Teshima Gallery in Paris this October. This vibrant exhibition brings together a shared concern with colour as a potent ingredient which establishes a sense of space and place that the work inhabits.

The images or work are from artists who all live in the borough, Clyde Hopkins, Eric Moody, Tricia Gillman, David Redfern, Rebecca Bergese, Marilyn Hallam, Alex Ramsay and Jeff Dellow and John Crossley.

Grace Teshima Gallery, Paris, France.

GREENWICH PRINTMAKERS Until 16 Nov Current Exhibition. Featured artist: Carolyn Fuller (until 26 Oct), Jennie Ing 28 Oct-16 Nov) TuesSun, 10am-5.30pm. 020 8858 1569. Greenwich Printmakers Gallery, 1 The Market, SE10 9HZ.

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 7873 or www.gdfas.org

On stage Greenwich Theatre’s Artistic Director, James Haddrell

Sir Ian McKellen shares his experiences with Coreli College

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. 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, 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

As well as working as Artistic Director of Greenwich Theatre, I also have the privilege of being a school governor at Corelli College, and this month I was lucky enough to attend an inspirational event at the school.

As a Stonewall Champion school Corelli has worked hard over the years to promote inclusivity among the students and to eradicate any and all homophobia. Many of the teachers are content for their sexuality to be known across the school, and students are encouraged to discuss issues around discrimination, sexuality and bullying in schools, at home and in the wider world. This June, while we were raising money for Stonewall at the theatre with the European Arts Company production of The Trials Of Oscar Wilde, staff and students of Corelli participated in Stonewall’s Youth Pride event in central London, and were the only school group in the whole of the UK to join Stonewall and the many youth groups present at the event.

As a result, it seemed entirely fitting that Sir Ian McKellen, one of the original founders of Stonewall, should choose to visit Corelli to talk to the students about his life, his experiences growing up at a time when it was still illegal to be a practicing homosexual, and his views about the challenges still facing people in this country and abroad as they grow up and try to find their way in the world.

“I thought I was the only person in the world who felt like this” he said. “I lived two secret lives - one on a personal level, where if I said goodbye to my partner at the station all we could do was shake hands, nothing else in public, and one with the media who I had to talk to in my job. My biggest regret was not coming out to my parents and receiving the reaction that I now know would have come – being welcomed into their arms.”

Known best to the students as Magneto from the X-Men movie franchise, or as Gandalf from the Lord of the Rings trilogy, the global star praised the school for the work done on inclusivity and for the attitudes of staff and students, but he urged the students not to be complacent. “It clearly wouldn’t happen somewhere like here” he said, “but wherever you hear discrimination against gay people, against black people, against white people, against stupid people, against wise people, against anyone who is being told they’re different, you have to step in and do something about it.”

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! £2 per week, refreshments provided. 6.30pm-8pm. Call 07812 477 775 The Clockhouse Community Centre, Defiance Walk, Woolwich Dockyard, SE18 5QL.

EVERY THURS

8Blackheath Morris Men. Practice 8.45-10pm.

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

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

EVERY FRI

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

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

8.15-9.30pm. £3 per session. Call Lorraine on 07932767385 or email lollyjudo1975@aol.com.

NCCA Community Hall, 217 Maryon Road, Charlton SE7 8DB.

www.meridian-magazine.co.uk | 41

42 | www.meridian-magazine.co.uk

Listings continued EVERY SUN & 2ND TUES

8Christian Science Society, Blackheath. 11am Services held at the Clarendon Hotel, Blackheath.

8Blackheath Quakers. Meeting for worship.

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

It’s just a Ball

SAT 18 OCT

8Lunchtime Recital. One of Gloucester’s leading Chamber Choirs with lunchtime classics. 1.05pm.

Free. St Alfege Church, Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich SE10 9BJ. 8Trafalgar Night Dinner. Marking the 209th Anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar Night Dinner at the ORNC. Promises a rich blend of naval tradition and culture in the magnificent surroundings of the Painted Hall. 7-11pm. For more info and to book tickets call 020 8269 4799 or email boxoffice@ ornc.org.

MON 6 OCT

8Blackheath Halls Lunchtime Recitals.

Olga Paliy, piano. Beethoven, Ravel & Alberto Ginastera. 1.10pm. Free with retiring collection for the benefit of Blackheath Halls. 23 Lee Road, Blackheath SE3 9RQ. 8Jazz. Mick Collins Modern Jazz Orchestra.

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

SUN 19 OCT

TUES 7 OCT

8Accumulation and Ordinary Courage. Two performance by acclaimed dancer, Theo Clinkard.

Presented by The Greenwich Dance and Trinity Laban Partnership. 7.30pm. £16/£12. 020 8305 9300.

Laban Building, Creekside, Deptford SE8 3DZ.

THURS 9, 16, 23 & 30 OCT

8Lunchtime 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.

SAT 11 OCT

8Lunchtime Recital. University & Community Choir from the University of Gloucestershire.

Director of music Ian Higginson. 1.05pm. Free. St Alfege Church, Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich SE10 9BJ.

MON 13 OCT

8Blackheath Halls Lunchtime Recitals. Roxana Rumney, violin & Dominic John, piano. Mozart, Faure & Saint-Saen. 1.10pm. Free with retiring collection for the benefit of Blackheath Halls. 23 Lee Road, Blackheath SE3 9RQ.

WEDS 15 OCT

8Quiz Night. Teams of up to 8. Bring your own drinks, glasses and nibbles and settle down for a great evening. A prize for the winning team and some fantastic raffle prizes to be won. Tickets £5 in advance only. Contact 020 8319 9230, email info@gbch.org.uk or visit www.communityhospice. org.uk. 7-9.30pm. Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice 185 Bostall Hill, Abbey Wood SE2 0GB.

If the return of Strictly Come Dancing has got you wanting to glam up and hit the dancefloor, then look no further than The Ball at Greenwich Dance.

Start the festive season in style with a night of dance, decadence and delights on Saturday 6 December.

Greenwich Dance’s home, the beautiful Art Deco Borough Hall, is the perfect setting for a night of vintage glamour – so dress to impress, grab a drink at the bar, and try out your best Ballroom and Swing moves.

Live music from acclaimed American jazz singer Kai Hoffman and her vintage jive band Kai’s Cats will get the dance floor started, followed by a DJ late into the night.

Everyone is welcome at these fun events, from complete beginners to the more advanced. Come on your own, with a partner, or bring a whole troop of family and friends – just don’t miss the party!

Tickets cost £18 or £15 concessions and are available from Greenwich Dance on 020 8293 9741 or greenwichdance. org.uk. There is a special offer for groups of 20% off bookings of 10 or more - perfect for Christmas parties. Book on 020 8293 9741 or greenwichdance.org.uk. Greenwich Dance, The Borough Hall, Royal Hill, Greenwich SE10 8RE. To win a pair of tickets simply send your name, address and daytime number to Meridian magazine (GDA), 68 Summerhouse Drive, Bexley, Kent DA5 2EE or send your details to competition@meridian-magazine.co.uk by 14 November.

THURS 16 OCT

8Friends of Ranger’s House. Chesterfield Lecture – The Language of Painting by Valerie Woodgate. 7pm. Visit www.friendsofrangershouse. org.uk for more info.

8Beat in the Bar. Featuring BMus final year and postgrad students performing jazz combos.

7.30pm. Free. Recital Room, Blackheath Halls, SE3 9QR.

FRI 17 OCT

8Blackheath Scientific Society. Medicines from Plants. An illustrated talk on modern medicines that are, or were, derived from plants, against a background of their past uses and future potential

by Dr. Henry Oakeley, Garden Fellow at the Royal College of Physicians. 7.45pm. Mycenae House, 90 Mycenae Road SE3 7SE.

FRI 17 & 18 OCT

8Pride and Prejudice. Presented by The Community Players, adapted by Laura Turner from the

novel by Jane Austen. £8 from 020 8850 2960 or email info@thecommunityplayers.co.uk. The Centre, New Eltham Methodist Church, 435 Footscray Road SE9 3UL.

8Barrow Sale. Local community enterprise, The Bridge, will be holding a barrow sale of secondhand children’s clothing and toys. Coinciding with the regular monthly market and various free children’s activities and entertainment including pony rides (£1 per ride). 11am-4pm. East Greenwich Pleasaunce, Chevening Road, Greenwich SE10.

8Christian Science. Talk: God is working for Good in your Life. See christianscienceblackheath. org.uk for details. Free. 3pm. Quaker Meeting House, Blackheath Village, SE3.

MON 20 OCT

8Blackheath Halls Lunchtime Recitals.

Trio Quella Fiamma. Teresa Pells, soprano, Mary Pells viola da gamba & James Bramley theorbo.

1.10pm. Free with retiring collection for the benefit of Blackheath Halls. 23 Lee Road, Blackheath SE3 9RQ. 8Charlton & Blackheath Amateur Horticultural Society. Exploring Little Known Areas of Greenwich Park & the Herbaceous Border talk by Graham Dear. 7.45pm. £1visitors. Charlton House, Charlton Road SE7 8RE.

THURS 23 OCT

8Blackheath Decorative and Fine Arts Society.

On either side of no man’s land in the 1914-1918 war, brilliant young artists were transforming the way war was portrayed. Today’s lecture explores their unforgettable images. Refreshments at 2pm, 2.30pm start. St Mary’s Church Hall Cresswell Park SE3. Visitors £5. www.artsinblackheath.org.uk.

8Architecture for All – Living on the River.

Talk on the resurgence of interest in living by the Thames. The evening will consider the pleasures and challenges of living on the water. 6.30-8pm.

Refreshments included. £10, £5 Angels & Students. www.ornc.org or 020 8269 4799. Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich.

FRI 24 OCT

Halloween Party – with a difference…

On Saturday 1 November between 4-8pm be prepared to be scared in aid of the MWAP. Join in the Creepy Walk through Maryon Wilson Park and enjoy the spooky story telling along the way.

Tickets in advance any morning from from RDA Hut , Charlton Park or contact Carol Kendall on 07877320406.

Adult £10, Children age 8+ £5 and family of 4 £25.

Includes hot meal, games and Activies. Wear casual footwear, the event will happen what ever the weather!

8Supper Room: Temujin Gill. An evening inspired by swing and the cultural revolution of the 1930’s Harlem Renaissance. A themed supper is included. 7.30, starts 8pm. £25/£20. In Greenwich Dance, The Borough Hall, Royal Hill, Greenwich SE10 8RE.

SAT 25 OCT

8Coffee Morning. Fancy coffee and cake, and browse a selection of stalls. Why not try your luck on the raffle or tombola, all in a good cause.

10am-12noon. Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice 185 Bostall Hill Abbey Wood, SE2 0GB. Lunchtime Recital. Julia Wallin, piano. 1.05pm.

Free. St Alfege Church, Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich SE10 9BJ. 8Thomas Tallis Society Concert. 7-9pm TBA. St Alfege Church, Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich SE10 9BJ.

www.meridian-magazine.co.uk | 43

Absolutely Floored GAS ENGINEER

QUALITY WORKMANSHIP AT AFFORDABLE PRICES

• • • • •

Wood Flooring Specialists Sanding & Sealing Repairs & Restoration Free Consultation 90% Dust Free Sanding

Tel: 020 8265 8138 Mob: 07957 906 080 www.absolutelyfloored.co.uk info@absolutelyfloored.co.uk

Kitchen Docter

44 | www.meridian-magazine.co.uk

To book your classified ad call 020 8319 0555

Classified

Brown & CO Solicitors

www.meridian-magazine.co.uk | 45

GreenwichA newPeninsula district in the making

Plans for Knight Dragon’s eagerly awaited transformation of Greenwich Peninsula, to a vibrant new district, were revealed at its opening weekend on 20 and 21 September. This was the first chance for local residents to see how the development will take shape on the iconic site.

From the striking glass Gateway Pavilion building at the site entrance, visitors can now see Knight Dragon’s ambitious vision for the redevelopment of the Peninsula, brought to life through clever use of interactive video displays and unique models. With a focus on design, culture and lifestyle, Greenwich Peninsula will be an inspiring, entertaining and attractive place to live, work and visit.

The Gateway Pavilion, designed by London-based Marks Barfield Architects, the creative team behind the London Eye, also features two show apartments, showcasing the design details, specifications and

unique finishes of the first phase of residential apartments. The apartments are now on sale, giving keen house-hunters a chance to snap up a riverside or parkside property, the first of which will be ready to move into next summer.

The first of five districts to be developed on the site sit on the eastern edge of the Peninsula, where a lively promenade of cafes and restaurants will line the water’s edge, with residences overlooking the Thames.

Through the centre of the Peninsula will be the serene parkside district, where residents can enjoy views across the Peninsula.

The Lighterman, occupying a prime position on the lower riverside, is a 24-storey tower arranged around a shared courtyard, with 102 new properties – studio, one-bed, two-bed and penthouse apartments. The interior design concept, by Conran & Partners, pays tribute to the Peninsula’s industrial past with a palette

1/2 Page Ad

46 | www.meridian-magazine.co.uk

of soft greys and the use of polished nickel, to create an eye-catching modern European look.

Cable & Roper are 10-storey and 9-storey parkside buildings, with studio, one-bed, two-bed and penthouse apartments, all of which have access to a private courtyard garden. The designers at The Manser Practice have drawn inspiration from historic Greenwich, with interiors that capture the quality and craftsmanship of the area, to create two classic and elegant design schemes.

Property prices in the first phase start at £250,000, rising to £1.7million.

For more information, and to register interest, visit www.greenwichpeninsula.co.uk or call 020 3713 6153.

www.meridian-magazine.co.uk | 47

BARRATS

48 | www.meridian-magazine.co.uk