Welcome to the Thamesmead Festival 2021
We are proud to bring you the Thamesmead Festival as a whole-hearted community celebration, showcasing Thamesmead’s rich and diverse talent. We are the Festival Production Group, made up of 11 passionate and dedicated local residents from across Thamesmead. Over the last 18 months we have been planning this day with the Thamesmead community in mind. All of the acts, stalls, and artworks you will see during this family day out are either from Thamesmead or have a close connection to the area. This is an expression of Thamesmead as you have never experienced it before. The day will kick off with the Carnival of Colours, a community procession winding its way through the streets of north Thamesmead before it arrives in Southmere at 12:45pm with a grand entrance. The festival site, which hugs Southmere Lake from Southmere Square round to the Lakeside Centre, boasts three music stages, a family and kids area, food and craft stalls, an arts trail and much more. This event will show Thamesmead in a new light, a truly unique lakeside celebration of community, culture and creativity. We have worked with renowned music event producers Serious to bring you this great community celebration. They have supported us to make all decisions from programming the stages, commissioning artworks, and developing the festival brand with local artist and illustrator Keith Hau. It is also 50 years since the first Thamesmead Town Show was organised in the summer of 1971. Were you there? Do you remember the “throw the sponge at the vicar” contest? We have a copy of the programme but are missing the front cover – do you have one hiding away? Cash prizes to be won for anyone who can provide the programme cover and other memorabilia! Email: thamesmeadnow@peabody.org.uk We hope you enjoy the day as much as we have enjoyed planning it. See you there! Joanne Bernard, Nathalie Coste, Deborah Frimpong, Carolyn Long, Whitney Manassai, Pastor Bunmi Omidiran, Anne Poole, Ian Tyson, Kim Vale, Jamie Zubairi, and Jules. Partners The festival has been funded by Peabody and co-commissioned by Three Rivers, a new community-led arts and culture programme for the London Borough of Bexley, which is an Arts Council-funded Creative People and Places programme. www.threeriversbexley.org.uk The festival is being delivered by Serious and supported by Peabody’s Culture team in Thamesmead, as part of a wider cultural programme of events, exhibitions, projects and artworks across the town. www.thamesmeadnow.org.uk
Carnival of colours Join the spectacular opening of this year’s Festival - a special carnival parade led by Kinetika Bloco!
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Dress up in your brightest colours and bring along your family, friends and neighbours as we weave through the streets of north Thamesmead, arriving at the Festival site as one big colourful party.
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Whimbrel Close/ Woodpecker Road
Free carnival workshop where you can make costumes, flags and banners at the following locations 31 July – 2–4pm, Broadwater Hall, SE28 0ER Book your free tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/163162031027 7 August – 3–5pm, Sporting Club Thamesmead, SE28 8NJ Book your free tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/163160893625 Watch DIY dance and craft tutorials online. Why not meet up with friends or groups and make your costumes together? Get familiar with our Carnival Parade Map and pinpoint where you will join the parade. The map and all the information on how to get involved can be found at www.serious.org.uk/TFcarnival
c d Byron Close
No idea what to wear? There are lots of ways to get involved and prepare ahead of the parade:
Green A Manorway
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Sports Club Thamesmead
Woodpecker Road/ Claridge Way
Crossway Park y Wa n r ste Ea
Owen Close
f Ridgeway
Park G Southmere
Southmere Lake
Carnival route We will start the procession in Manorway Green, SE28 8JA, meeting in the park from 11:45am, with the parade leaving at 12:10pm. The route will take us along the canal and Malthus Path, over the A Bridge and onto the festival site at Southmere Park. See the map above.
PARK STAGE Hosted by Fusion @iitstagram
Join us at the main stage on Southmere Park hill to dance along to some of Thamesmead’s biggest names with the finest views of towers, horses and the lake. RTM.FM, Thamesmead’s famed local radio station will be hosting DJ’s between each set.
12:20 13:10
Lovelle
@love_lovelle
J Cocoa
@JCocoa_Official
13:50
Tashana
@tashanaofficial
15:05
The South-East London singer and songwriter offers a modern yet timeless R&B sound. With early support from BBC 1Xtra, Annie Mac and Trevor Nelson, rising star Lovelle is one to watch for the future. Having graced stages with the likes of RagnBone Man, Oasis, Julz and Sona, the jazz vocalist raised in the heart of Thamesmead will be performing original material and classic covers. Watch out for her debut EP later this year! Tashana is a songstress and songwriter known for her unique creative style blending Bashment with R&B and hip hop, merging the flavours of the Caribbean with the streets of her South East London hometown, Thamesmead.
@raheembakare
@dynamix_dancerz
@prinnyc_
15:50
Prinny started dancing for the Thamesmead community at the age of nine with Dynamix. Now 18, she’s developed her passion for the afrobeats style, performing across the capital. She’s returning to the festival to perform in the place it all started!
Jae Juelz @jaejuelz_
14:30 Raheem Bakare Dynamix
15:25
Prinny
One of Thamesmead’s brightest talents, Raheem Bakare will be performing his unique fusion of hip hop, R&B, electronic and indie.
Much loved local dance crew Dynamix will be showcasing all their latest moves.
These times and listings are subject to change
Thamesmead born and bred, the rapper and singer first discovered his ear for music in primary school, taking a keen interest in melodic R&B sounds alongside the influence of Afrobeats intertwining with his Nigerian heritage.
16:30 Misunderstood
@mdsofficial After their appearance on The X-Factor in 2018, Seven and Jeff have headlined British Summer Time in Hyde Park, the Miss World competition, and worked with the likes of Little Mix. The duo add a unique perspective to the British music scene and have written number one albums for K-pop stars.
17:10 Kinetika Bloco @kinetika_bloco
18:00 Breis @mrbreis
A performance group of young brass and woodwind players, drummers, steel pan players and dynamic dancers all in costume creating a ‘unique new British Carnival sound with a decidedly London edge’ (BBC Radio 2) – drawing from influences from the Caribbean, Brazil, West and Southern Africa, New Orleans jazz, funk and hip hop.
Breis (say it ‘breeze’) has been repping UK rap and afrobeats internationally for many years. His energetic live performances are a perfect blend of his London and Lagos roots; with hard-hitting, clever lyrics over a musical backdrop of hip hop, reggae, and funk.
Southmere Stage 12:55
Tatiana Oriana
Beloved Thamesmead resident Tatiana is a singer, author, dancer, rap artist (AKA chart-busting Q-T) and, through her R.O.M.E.L Foundation, a fervent proponent of culture and wellness in equal measure. Join her @melodies_of_a_ghetto_princess energising interactive fitness and dance class.
13:25 Dynamix @dynamix_dancerz
13:45 Prinny @prinnyc_
14:05 Dog Show
Local youth dance troupe will showcase their talents using an inspiring display of movement, fresh ideas, and teamwork. Prinny started dancing for the Thamesmead community at the age of nine with Dynamix. Now 18, she’s developed her passion for the afrobeats style, performing across the capital. She’s returning to the festival to perform in the place it all started! The beloved Thamesmead Dog Show is back! We know that our canine friends are a key part of life in Thamesmead, and so we need to celebrate them too. Come and show off your pooch in a series of rounds, culminating in the crowing of Thamesmead’s BEST DOG 2021! Register your entry on the day at Southmere Stage
Hosted by Jumoke Fashola @jumokef A diverse bill of community-focused sets and acts, including the essential festival favourite Thamesmead Dog Show. RTM.FM, Thamesmead’s famed local radio station will be hosting DJs between each set.
Boys 14:50 Old Blues Band
Kinetika 15:20 Bloco pop up @kinetika_bloco
A performance group of young brass and woodwind players, drummers, steel pan players and dynamic dancers all in costume creating a ‘unique new British Carnival sound with a decidedly London edge’ (BBC Radio 2) – drawing from influences from the Caribbean, Brazil, West and Southern Africa, New Orleans jazz, funk and hip hop.
We’ll be treated to the sounds of this Thamesmead collective bringing together people 16:05 Community Thamesmead of different backgrounds, cultures and ages to create vibrant and meaningful music. Gospel Choir
16:45 Jules
@julesofficialmusic
The local rapper, singer-songwriter and spoken word artist shaking up national and international audiences with her unique sound, personal stories, lyrical rhymes and experimental melodies.
17:25 Tracy Sada @tracysoothes
These times and listings are subject to change.
No stranger to the festival circuits, Sunnyboy Tyson (vocals/harmonica), Andre “Huggy” Harewood (bass) and Tonna Punn (drums) will be performing Chicagostyle harmonica blues.
With a monthly show on RTM.FM Tracy has become a regularly heard local voice. Her jazz voice and poetic lyrics promise to make everyone sway and dance.
thamesmead unplugged
Hosted by our very own Jules @julesofficialmusic, Zooby@jamiezoob, Ian and Riordan Nestled among the trees on Southmere Hill, this new unplugged stage will provide a more intimate setting for acoustic music, spoken word performances and workshops and will be a place to soak in the festival spirit.
12:45
Words on the ‘Mere workshop: Poetry Salon with Mo-Zaic @eiv.publishing
Poet and singer-songwriter Mo-zaic is bringing her online poetry workshop live to Thamesmead Festival, inspiring us by living the Plato quote ‘those that tell the stories, rule society.’
13:40
Words on the ‘Mere performance: Jamie & Jules @jamiezoob @julesofficialmusic
16:35 17:05
Thamesmead Unplugged hosts Jamie Zubairi and Jules will be sharing their own work to introduce the art of spoken word and poetry!
14:10
Words on the ‘Mere workshop with Breis @mrbreis
Join Jamie Zubairi and Tash Trent from FI:SH with special guest Breis, ahead of his headline set on the Park Stage, for this spoken word workshop.
15:00
Words on the ‘Mere performance: Lady Unchained @lady_unchained
Telling her own story through poetry, Lady Unchained will prove that there is life after prison and through her work will be sharing experiences and stories often untold.
15:40
Words on the ‘Mere workshop with Woodzy
@woodzygram Join Jamie Zubairi and Tash Trent from FI:SH with special guest Woodzy, the awardwinning Flo Poet, for this spoken word workshop.
These times and listings are subject to change
17:35
x-blu
@bluehorizonlnw
Acoustic performance from the London-based indie rock band which mixes soul and electronic music influences with poetic lyricism.
Words on the ‘Mere performance: Kwame Augustine
@kwameaugustine Kwame is a cutting edge writer, actor, and producer who creates thought-provoking art and ground-breaking content. Most recently, Kwame created the world’s first audio playbook entitled THE NOVELIST, which reached Amazon’s top 20 best sellers list.
Ida Sete @idasete
Delightful acoustic performance from vocalist and multiinstrumentalist Ida Sete. Expect music with the playfulness and improvised character of jazz, with the help of custommade Lithuanian traditional instruments.
Community Stalls
Kidz Konnectionz
As well as these performances, you will also find a variety of community stalls next to the Unplugged stage. These stalls will be hosted by local and regional organisations sharing information about their services and upcoming activities, all of whom look forward to meeting you at the Festival.
The Kidz Konnectionz tent is a central hub for children and families. Here, you will find a range of free interactive workshops to get involved in, including arts and crafts, gardening, sports and games, and a bouncy castle! Whilst children are kept busy and entertained, parents can take a minute away from the hustle and bustle of the stages.
Thamesmead Unplugged Community Stalls:
The tent is breastfeeding-friendly with a privacy area for any feeding mums, along with a nappy changing station.
Peabody Thamesmead Community Properties Team
Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association
Thamesmead Waterfront
Greenwich and Bexley Councillors Surgeries
Feel Good Co-Operative
Thamesmead Community Archive
Redeemed Christian Church of God
Crossness Pumping Station
Moorings Neighbourhood Forum
Christian Life Centre
Kidz Konnectionz Community Stalls: Next to the Kidz Konnectionz tent you will find a variety of stalls which will be sharing information and advertising services, all aimed at the community with a focus on children and families. Make sure you take a minute to stop by, see the exciting array of local services. Danzability
Hawksmoor Youth Hub
CraftA
The Mason Mile
Making Space for Nature
Brownies & Rainbows
Our Heritage
12:30 - 13:15
Crossness Pumping Station offers a range of arts and crafts activities to start the day off with a creative twist.
13:30 - 14:15
Badminton and badge-making with Hawksmoor Youth Hub.
14:15
Pop-up performance from local cheerleading squad Utopia Cheer (@utopia_cheer)
15:30
Join the The Mason Mile for a walk around the nearby areas of the Festival site or for some traditional lawn games inside the tent.
15:30
Pop-up performance from community club ASG Gymnastics. (@__a_s_g_)
16:30
Don’t miss Making Space For Nature’s introduction to gardening, teaching children the basics of potting up seeds and inspiring the green-thumbs of the future!
We ask that parents accompany children at all times, even when they are in workshops.
Arts Trail
This year’s festival will showcase some of Thamesmead’s most talented visual artists with newly made artworks incorporated throughout the festival site. Be sure to explore them as you make your way around the festival site and consult the map for locations. The Lakeside Centre, featuring The Exbury Egg, Thamesmead Texas Travelling Cinema and RTM Sound System
Thamesmead’s new creative hub run by Bow Arts will be showing a number of exhibitions and art projects in the building and the courtyard. Be sure to make your way round and sample the newly opened café run by YMCA. To celebrate the end of the Exbury Egg’s residency at the Lakeside Centre and for the Thamesmead Festival, Bow Arts will present an exhibition of artwork from the egg’s maker Stephen Turner, alongside local artists who’ve collaborated with the egg over the past two years – Joseph Griffiths, Bhajan Hunjan, Calum F Kerr and Dani Tagen. Turner will also be opening up the egg for the final time to Thamesmead residents, so don’t miss this last chance to take a peek inside! The Thamesmead Texas Travelling Cinema is a 25-seater mobile outdoor community cinema! It hosts seasonal screenings co-programmed for, by and with local residents. Come and find out more about the ‘World Cinema’ programme this autumn showcasing independent artist films and mainstream classics from countries afar as Nigeria, India, Jamacia and Cape Verde. Created by Thamesmead Texas, a nomadic artist led project space, based in Thamesmead founded by artists & filmmakers Vanessa Scully & Liam Scully. www.thamesmeadtexas.com @thamesmeadtexas @thamesmeadtravellingcinema
RTM.FM Sound System
Build it and they will come! Conceived and made by local members of RTM community radio, the RTM Sound System will be pounding out bass and beats all day. DJs from the station’s eclectic schedule will be playing throughout the day and into the evening so join us for a dance by the lake. Co-commissioned by Three Rivers, a new community-led arts and culture programme in Bexley.
Bubbles on the Lake
A joyful and summery art installation by Anne Poole and Nathalie Coste
Thamesmead Windsocks
A group of eight colorful windsocks will dance in the wind trying to touch the sky. Installation by Nathalie Coste / visual artist
Roll Up Roll Up! (Why Live In Black & White) By Marcus Orlandi
Inspired by the bold and bright colours of travelling circus big top tents and the Victorian era Crossness Pumping Station, a collection of site dressings, fabric banners and installations are being displayed throughout the festival in response to this year’s theme of colour.
C-That X NHS - Painting a Healthy Thamesmead
What matters to you when it comes to keeping healthy and well? The wonderfully talented Thamesmead street artist C-That is partnering up with the NHS to create a live graffiti wall inspired by your thoughts on health and wellbeing. You can also come along to take part in one of our exciting hands-on activities, such as printing your very own bag to take away. Or you can just stop by and chat to one of our friendly experts about all things health and wellbeing!
The Lake Vista
Take a walk through an installation inspired by nature and the beauty of the surroundings. The work of local artist Whitney Manassian, The Lake Vista , will use natural and recycled materials to celebrate the location and bring moments of mindfulness and interaction to Southmere Park.
Fields of Everywhen
Artists Neil Musson and Jono Retallick are inviting the Thamesmead community to take part in their project ‘Fields of Everywhen’. Learn how they are gathering local stories and turning them into a vast 23m-high hot air balloon which will fly above Thamesmead next year. See how your story and artwork can be enlarged and transformed into the fabric which will become the balloon. There will be a live workshop which will turn stories into textiles and everyone is welcome to get involved. There is no age limit and no limit to the number of stories you can submit. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this monumental project! www.g-foew.art
Food & Drink FOOD
• Suya Academy Nigerian cuisine
• Back-A-Yard American - Caribbean cuisine • Gourmet Sausage Maker Gourmet hot dogs and bacon rolls, plus fresh butchers meat • DB Catering Burgers & Mocktails • Rap & Rol Mexican cuisine (V) • The Fish Bar Fresh sea food & wet fish - freshly cooked scampi • Himalayan Tiffin Nepalese hot food (V) • Loney’s Jamaican Kitchen Jamaican food - focussing on fish dishes • Infinite Catering Authentic Caribbean Food - focussing on meat • Crêpes Station Freshly made crêpes with fruit fillings (V)meat
BAKERY / CAKES / SWEET TREATS
• The Sweet Bar Sweets, popcorn, candyfloss and balloons • The Tipsy Bakery Cupcakes, cookies, brownies, strawberries • Amie bakes old Skool Cakes, treats, desserts and baked goods. • Mimi’s Bakery Ltd Freshly baked goods • McCarthys Bread, cakes, pastries
Enjoy some of the area’s best food and drink from local traders. Encounter tastes from around the world all brought to you by award-winning market organisers CC Events
Craft Stalls • The Boutique • Respected photography london Women’s clothing for all sizes Amazing photos of Thamesmead - landscape, architecture and wildlife photography • Hayley creations Personalised bespoke items • Emma and Goochies pocket money toys • G54 Scouts Latest crazes, seasonal toys, educational Tombola books and games, art and craft box sets, slime-making activities, lucky dip • Laflicks Design Handmade goods • In Da Tub Cosmetics Handmade bath bombs
• PWB Crafts Handmade crafts • Heavenly Scents Wax melts, home fragrancing and beauty products • Bev & Sandie Knitting, crochet • Once Upon a Wedding Favour Hampers for all occasions, including baby showers, birthdays, gifts for weddings/ brides and hand-crafted sweet cones/jars
• Daisy Designs Hand-painted home and garden ware. • Jenny’s Crafts Glass blocks, memory lanterns, wooden items including gift boxes, baby vests and bib sets, novelty shopping bags • Forever living distributor Aloe vera-based health drinks, nutritional and organic skincare products
CC Events is also bringing you an array of local makers and artisans so be sure to check them out. • Bethany’s Beautiful Beads Handmade jewellery
• Stephanie Keeble, Kids Bee Happy Senior Team Leader Children’s arts and crafts activity called sand art
• Black Female Entrepreneur Greenwich • Toriana Afrocentric handmade accessories, home African-inspired handmade jewellery and a decor, jewellery, bags, upholstery, men’s and published book women’s clothing, greetings cards • Simplyvictoria Handmade lampshades, sofa cushions, bags, aprons and hair bonnets • Lee-Ann’s Bookworms Usborne books • T’s Blingz ‘N’ Thingz & Crafty Sisters Hair bows and hair accessories, handknitted toys and other knitted items, stationary, keyrings and much more • Vizions By AC Sunglasses and eyewear designed by Amanda
• Ready Players Go Mobile gaming sessions • The Body Shop at Home Skincare, makeup, gift sets - all vegetarian/ vegan and cruelty free • Pink Salt UK Natural pink himalayan salt products • The Countrystore Jams, chutneys and marmalades
Festival map
Areas
Artists Exhibitions and Food at Lakeside Centre
1
Carnival Route into Festival
2
Food Stalls
3
Community area and stalls
4
Craft markets
5
Shuttle bus to Town Centre Exhibitions
RIDGEWAY
2
BUBBLES ON THE LAKE
3
SHUTTLE BUS TO TOWN CENTRE RTM.FM SOUND SYSTEM
1 LAKESIDE CENTRE AND THE EXBURY EGG
THAMESMEAD WINDSOCKS
PAINTING A HEALTHY THAMESMEAD
THE LAKE VISTA
PARK STAGE
WHY LIVE LIFE IN BLACK & WHITE
SOUTHMERE PARK ROLL UP ROLL UP!
SOUTHMERE LAKE
FIELDS OF EVERYWHEN
4
Art Trail
UNPLUGGED STAGE
Visitor Parking
Getting Here
Southmere Park is easy to get to, and easily reached by public transport, walking or cycling. Parking is limited, so only drive if you have to. Train: Direct trains from Central London to Abbey Wood and then a 15 min walk Buses: From Abbey Wood station take the 180 to Limestone Walk on Yarnton Way and it’s a two minute walk. From other parts of Thamesmead take the 401 or B11 to Limestone Walk. Parking: If you do intend to drive, follow signs for Willowbank Primary School, Seacourt Road,SE2 9XB or park along Bazalgette Way.
KIDZ KONNECTIONZ
SOUTHMERE STAGE
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Shuttle bus to Thamesmead Town Centre There will be free shuttle buses departing from the Lakeside Centre on the hour and every half hour taking visitors to see two exhibitions in the town centre. Turn up and hop on to see another slice of Thamesmead’s cultural life.
Thamesmead Codex Until 5 September Opening hours: Thursday-Saturday 1-7pm, Sunday 12-5pm Location: Thamesmead Town Centre (old Peacocks store), 8 Twin Tumps Way, Thamesmead SE28 8RD Thamesmead Codex, a 24-metre long hand painted conversation with residents of Thamesmead, created by renowned artist Bob and Roberta Smith and developed in partnership with Tate Modern.
Thamesmead Community Archive Exhibitions Unitl 12 September Opening hours: Fridays and Saturdays from 1-7pm and Sundays from 12-5pm Location: 4 Joyce Dawson Way, SE28 8RA www.thamesmeadcommunityarchive.org.uk Delve into Thamesmead’s fascinating past with two must see exhibitions in the former Beaumont Bed Shop: ‘Journey to Thamesmead’ curated by the Museum of Youth Culture, and ‘Bits and Pieces - Odds and Sods’ created by dedicated local artists Scully and Scully.
Other things to see in Thamesmead Our Teacher’s A Troll by Dennis Kelly at Lesnes Abbey Ruins 12 – 22 August (no show on 16 August) Time: 10am and 1pm shows Cost: Local residents - Adults £10 | Children (5-18yrs) £5 Location: Lesnes Abbey, Abbey Road, London DA17 5DH Grab your picnic blankets and a sense of adventure. Enjoy a day out at the ruins watching Our Teacher’s a Troll with live music and fancy dress!
TACO! exhibition New exhibition: Passive Aggression by Alex Frost 23 July - 5 Sept; Thurs-Sun 12-6pm during exhibitions. TACO! 30 Poplar Place, London, SE28 8BA Passive Aggression is an experimental new solo exhibition by London-based artist Alex Frost whose work often employs the language and actions of consumerism. Working across video and sculpture, his work considers and reflects on our lived experience as objects of capital.
Other ways to get involved Three Rivers
Three Rivers is a four-year action-research programme with a longer term, 10-year mission for Bexley; to instigate a community-led step change in how arts and culture is made and how it is experienced, building the capacity, appetite and ambition for excellent arts and culture in Bexley. It aims to do this by empowering people and communities to take ownership over the means of cultural production - on their own terms and open up a wider conversation about the positive role arts, culture and people play in defining and shaping a place. To find out more or get involved head to our website www.threeriversbexley.org or contact Scott Burrell at scott@threeriversbexley.org.
Thamesmead Culture Forums Do you have ideas for Thamesmead’s future festivals, events and art projects? Come to one of our Culture Forums to discuss your ideas and meet other local creatives. We meet on the first Wednesday of every month from 5-7pm and meetings will alternate between zoom and in person meet ups. Please email Lisa.Drew@Peabody.org.uk to be added to our mailing list and receive further information.
Calling Cultural Young Producers We want to build a new creative studio for Thamesmead, with young ambitious people at the very heart of it. We’re looking for five co-founders with a big passion for creativity, art, community and design. This paid opportunity starts in September with a series of workshops and mentoring opportunities within the creative industries. It will prepare you to lead the commissioning process for a new artwork, which will be unveiled in Cygnet Square, Southmere in summer 2022. We’re looking to hear from people aged 18-29 and the deadline is 19 August. This project is being led by cultural producer and former Thamesmead resident, Yinka Danmole, along with curator Vickie Hayward and youth consultant Joseph Gray. Please visit www.thamesmeadnow.org.uk for more information or email the team at tmsouthmere@danmole.com Follow us on social media at @ThamesmeadNow @ThamesmeadLdn and check www.ThamesmeadNow.org.uk