The life and legacy of Stephen Lawrence
On Saturday 22 April, we marked the 30th anniversary of the death of Stephen Lawrence with a community event in Woolwich.
Stephen Lawrence was murdered in an unprovoked racist attack on 22 April 1993.
Stephen Lawrence Day is a celebration of his life and legacy that takes place annually on the anniversary of his death. He had ambitions to use his talent for maths, art, and design to become an architect, and wanted to have a positive impact on his community.
Stephen’s father, Neville Lawrence, joined councillors, the local MP, residents and other
members of the community to honour his life and legacy at the event in General Gordon Square, Woolwich.
The Leader of the Council and Matthew Pennycook MP both spoke at the event, and attendees contributed to a piece of artwork exploring the Stephen Lawrence Research Centre’s theme of ‘Hopeful Futures.’
On Thursday 20 April, a group of students from Thomas Tallis School who worked with Greenwich Builds architects, HTA, to learn about Stephen’s story, unveiled a mural which is now on display on hoardings around our Kidbrooke Park Road council home building scheme.
Our Equality and Equity Charter
It sets out our pledge to promote equality, diversity and inclusion. We have a key role in shaping what life is like in Royal Greenwich, but we cannot do this alone.
If you are a local organisation sign the charter: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/ equalityandequitycharter
Holly O'Mahony
TheGreenwich & Lewisham Weekender is an independent weekly newspaper, covering the boroughs of Greenwich and Lewisham.
We publish every Wednesday, covering every postcode sector of the borough, and boasting, by far, the highest weekly circulation in Greenwich. Each week, we deliver to homes in every Greenwich neighbourhood, with further copies stocked at convenient public stands. We are also the highest distribution newspaper in Lewisham.
You can also view each edition online, as well as daily news and events, on our website: www.weekender.co.uk
The Greenwich & Lewisham Weekender covers all aspects of life in the boroughs, including music, theatre, comedy, film, events, and food and drink, as well as all your community events and campaigns.
Weekender
The Greenwich and Lewisham Weekender is a member of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (which regulates the UK’s magazine and newspaper industry). We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice and are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism. If you think that we have not met those standards and want to make a complaint, please contact 020 7231 5258. If we are unable to resolve your complaint, or if you would like more information about IPSO or the Editors’ Code, contact IPSO on 0300 123 2220 or visit www.ipso.co.uk
Weekender Editor: Holly O’Mahony
Media Partnerships: Anthony Phillips
Advertising team: Clarry Frewin; Sophie Ali
Advertising support: Katie Boyd
Editorial: Michael Holland; Holly O’Mahony
Design Manager: Dan Martin
Design team: Ann Gravesen
Finance: Em Zeki - Tel: 0779 883 3758
Managing & Commercial Director: Chris Mullany
Managing & Editorial Director: Kevin Quinn
Offices at: Unit A202, The Biscuit Factory, Drummond Road, SE16 4DG.
Printed by Iliffe Print Cambridge Ltd –www.iliffeprint.co.uk
News: 020 7231 5258 / news@weekender.co.uk
Ads: 020 7232 1639 / ads@weekender.co.uk
Finance: 0779 883 3758 / em@southwarknews.co.uk
www.weekender.co.uk
@weeknder_life
@weeknderSL
therealweeknder
Issue: GW309
Pick of the Week
By Holly O’MahonyTake your ears to South-East Asia
At Woolwich Works, a double bill of world music is taking audiences on a musical voyage to South-East Asia for the night. First up, the Southbank Gamelan Players will play tracks from their 25-year career, with songs inspired by the musical traditions of Indonesia and the Philippines. Then it’s over to British-Filipino singer, songwriter and sound-healer Ruhiya, whose songs about nature, dreams and femininity are inspired by her Filipino ancestry.
Woolwich Works, The Fireworks Factory, 11 No 1 Street, Royal Arsenal, London SE18 6HD. May 5, 7:30pm. Admission: £13 / £10.50 concessions. www.woolwich.works/events/arsenal-of-soundsruhiya-southbank-gamelan-players
Family fun on Cutty Sark
Ahoy! Cutty Sark is about to set sail (well, sort of) and it’s looking for a trusty crew to navigate the choppy seas. It’s the ship’s monthly Family Fun Weekend: a chance to meet characters from its past life as a functioning tea clipper, sing sea shanties, play games, listen to stories and take part in nauticalthemed workshops.
Cutty Sark, King William Walk, London SE10 9HT. May 6 & 7, 10am - 5pm. Admission: £16-£18/£8-£9 children.
www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/cuttysark/family-fun-weekend
Miniature Greenwich
Visitors to Greenwich Galleries can get a bird’s-eye view of the World Heritage Site thanks to Captivate Spatial Modelling Research Group who have recreated it into model form. Peer over the Queen’s House, St Alfege Church, the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich Park and beyond at this exhibition, Captivate, which has used 3D scanning, drones and ground penetrating radar technology to create a digital, uncanny depiction of the site as art.
I Spy the show!
In charge of some little ones aged 2-6 this weekend?
The talented team at People’s Theatre Company are here to help. They’re bringing their game-fuelled show I Spy With My Little Eye - The Party!, based on the picturebook by Steven Lee, to Greenwich Theatre this week. Play ‘I spy’ with birthday girl Molly and her pup Bingo, and sing along to classic kids’ songs including ‘The Ants Go Marching’ and ‘Hickory Dickory Dock’.
Greenwich Theatre, Crooms Hill, London SE10 8ES. May 7, 2pm. Admission: £13.50/£8:50 children. www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk/events/i-spy-with-my-little-eye-the-party/
A (code) cracking good time
Coder Dojo at the Prince Philip Maritime Collection Centre is a chance for kids aged seven – 17 can learn to code for free. As well as learning the nuts and bolts of coding, they’ll be able to have a go at developing websites, apps, programmes and games – all in a fun and creative setting. The monthly club is a chance for budding young coders to meet like-minded peers and learn valuable skills for the future. A team of knowledgeable and friendly mentors will be on hand to lend support. The club is open to beginners and experienced coders alike.
Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre, Nelson Mandela Road, London SE3 9QS. May 6 (and first Saturday of every month), 10.30am - 12.30pm. Admission: FREE, advanced booking recommended. www.rmg.co.uk/see-do/exhibitionsevents/coder-dojo
Go wild for Post Malone
Grammy-nominated American rapper Post Malone is calling in at the O2 Arena as part of his Twelve Carate tour, with hip hop duo Rae Sremmurd supporting. Originally scheduled for May 4 and 6 only, an additional date, May 7, has now been added to accommodate demand. A chance to hear his chart-topping singles including ‘Circles’ and ‘Sunflower’ live.
O2 Arena, Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX. May 4, 6 & 7, from 6:30pm. Admission: £62+. www.axs.com/uk/series/17449/ post-malone-at-the-o2tickets?skin=theo2
Project Space at Greenwich Galleries, 10 Stockwell Street, London SE10 9BD. April 11 - May 12. Tuesday - Saturday, 11am - 5pm. Admission: FREE. www.greenwichunigalleries.co.uk
Rise and shine for International Dawn Chorus Day
Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park is inviting the public to observe International Dawn Chorus Day with an early morning bird watching walk around its grounds. Listen to birdsong on a guided tour, then sit down for a cup of tea and the chance to ask the local experts any questions you have. A slice of tranquility on your doorstep.
The Ecology Park Gatehouse John Harrison Way, Olympian Way, London SE10 0QZ. May 7, 6:30am8:30am. Admission: FREE. www.tcv. org.uk/greenwichpeninsula/
A royally fun bank holiday weekend
His Majesty King Charles III will be crowned at Westminster Abbey by the Archbishop of Canterbury on May 6. In the same ceremony, his wife Camilla will swap her current title of Queen Consort for Queen. For royalists, it’s a momentous occasion – one to be watched on TV or even on the roadside, as fans line the streets for The King’s Procession which will make its way from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey. For everyone else, it’s all about the additional bank holiday, which will fall two days after the coronation on Monday May 8. Either way, it’s history, and if you’re looking for inspiration on how to spend it, here’s what’s happening close to home, writes Holly
O’Mahony…Coronations & Celebrations at the Fan Museum
At the Fan Museum in Greenwich, a special exhibition is displaying centuries’ worth of coronationdepicting fans, including an English fan marking the restoration of the last King Charles almost 400 years ago.
The Fan Museum, 12 Crooms Hill, London SE10 8ER. Until June 24, 11am5pm, Wednesday - Saturday. Admission: £5/£3 children. www.thefanmuseum.org.uk/ exhibitions/coronations-celebrations
Coronation Weekend at the Old Royal Naval College
Over at the Old Royal Naval College (ORNC) meanwhile, a full programme of royal-themed events is running
across the bank holiday weekend. Look forward to royalty-themed tours of the grounds, a king’s afternoon tea, the Sea Cadets’ Coronation Parade and the chance to listen to the Choral Eucharist in the chapel on Coronation Sunday.
Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, London SE10 9NN. May 5 - 8, times vary depending on event. Admission: FREE or ticketed, check website. www.ornc.org/ whats-on/coronation-celebrations/
Royal drawing workshops at the Queen’s House
Part of a free programme of events running across Royal Museums Greenwich, which also includes talks for adults and costumed characters, the Queen’s House is hosting drop-in drawing workshops for kids, where you can either make your own royal crown or have a go at sketching the framed figures hanging
around the house – including Queen Anne in her coronation robes.
Queen’s House, Romney Road, Greater, London SE10 9NF. May 5 - 8, times vary. Admission: FREE. www.rmg. co.uk/whats-on/greenwich/coronationcelebrations-royal-museums-greenwich
A royal walk in Greenwich Park
If you don’t fancy journeying up to central London to jostle for a place to stand by the roadside as the King and Queen Consort make their way from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey for the ceremony, why not stretch your legs in Greenwich’s own royal park? If the sun is shining, pack a picnic and take a moment to admire the sites of royal significance – from the Queen’s House to the Royal Observatory – on your way.
www.royalparks.org.uk/ parks/greenwich-park
Afternoon tea at InterContinental London
For an afternoon tea with royal fanfare, head to the InterContinental Hotel in North Greenwich, where pastry chef Amit Arya has created a limited edition menu fit to toast the new King and Queen of Great Britain. Look out over views of the River Thames, or watch the ceremony take place while you’re there, via a televised screening showing in both the hotel’s main and private dining room. You can make yours a sparkling affair by adding a glass or free-flowing Rathfinny Sparkling Wine for an additional cost.
InterContinental Hotel, 1 Waterview Drive, London SE10 0TW. May 1 - 7, times vary. Admission: £52 - £95. www.iclondon-theo2.com/Offers
Lewisham Concert Band in Mountsfield Park
Pack a picnic and head to Mountsfield Park, where Lewisham Concert Band is playing on the Bandstand from 2pm - 3pm on Saturday May 6. www.lewisham.gov.uk/inmyarea/ events/the-coronation-ofhis-majesty-the-king
South London Samba at Beckenham Place Park
Outside the mansion in Beckenham Place Park, South London Samba are drumming up some hype. Pack a picnic and head on over to shake your hips to their rhythms from 2pm - 3pm on Saturday May 6.
www.lewisham.gov.uk/inmyarea/events/ the-coronation-of-his-majesty-the-king
Lewisham Libraries mark the coronation
Libraries across Lewisham are getting little ones excited for the big day, with royalty-themed storytelling sessions, a kings and queens chess club special, craft workshops and more. Events are typically running over the bank holiday weekend and the week before it, and sessions are free. Visit the Lewisham Council website for what’s happening at your local library. www.lewisham.gov.uk/inmyarea/ events/the-coronation-ofhis-majesty-the-king
The Big Lunch
Running across the UK, the Coronation Big Lunch is an idea that stemmed from the team behind Cornwall’s Eden Project. It encourages neighbours and communities to share a meal together, in this case on Sunday May 7. It could be a simple cup of tea or a full blown lunch, and it could take place in your garden, on your street or in your local park. Big Lunch events in Greenwich and Lewisham can be found at Briset Road by the park and scout hall (there will be DJs, a bouncy castle and games as well as lunch); On Otford Crescent; and in Beckenham Place Park.
For more Coronation Big Lunches or to download an information pack to help you plan your own, visit: www.edenprojectcommunities.
com/the-big-lunch
The Big Help Out
After the Big Lunch comes the Big Help Out. On Monday May 8, The Together Coalition and partnering organisations are encouraging the community to get involved with what is being described as a national day of volunteering. The event is running in tribute to King Charles III and his lifelong dedication to public service, with acts of serving including everything from asking someone whether they’d like a bit of company to getting involved with a community gardening project. You can get involved with The Big Help Out events wherever you live – or organise your own initiative, registering it on the website.
For more information on The Big Help Out and for events near you, visit: www.thebighelpout.org.uk/
“People just like seeing people fall over”
Theatremaker Nick Bunt on finding the humour in Dracula
Touring theatre company Le Navet Bete are bringing their long-running, comedic take on Bram Stoker’s classic novel Dracula to Greenwich Theatre. With four actors playing over 40 characters between them, Dracula: The Bloody Truth is a madcap voyage to the Transylvanian mountains that tells a different story to the one we know. Professor Van Helsing is out to warn audiences of the dangers of dealing with vampires, but the gaggle of amateur actors he’s hired to illustrate his cautionary tale soon cause chaos.
The Weekender spoke to Nick Bunt, co-artistic director of Le Navet Bete, about finding comedy in horror and what keeps the company’s take of Dracula on the road…
Holly O’Mahony: Firstly, could you start by telling us about your theatre company Le Navet Bete? Am I right in thinking you’ve been creating work together since university?
Nick Bunt: I am co-artistic director of Le Navet Bete and have been with the company since 2007. We all met at university studying theatre and performance, and the other guys were in the year above me. They formed the company in its initial form when they graduated in 2006 and I joined the year after. We started out rehearsing once a week in a little church hall in Exmouth, Devon and wrote a 60 minute, totally chaotic, bonkers, nonsense show to take to the Edinburgh Fringe in 2008. Thankfully, audiences and critics absolutely loved it and we thought ‘maybe we can do this?!’ In our early days we toured internationally quite a bit, as far as Mexico, indoors and outdoors, and that really helped to shape our creative style. We’ve sort of streamlined the nonsensical, intense ideas into fun, hilarious and
still chaotic takes on well-known titles such as Treasure Island, The Three Musketeers and, of course, Dracula.
HOM: Without asking for spoilers, how would you describe your show Dracula: The Bloody Truth to audiences who haven’t seen it before?
NB: The premise of Dracula: The Bloody Truth is that Professor Abraham van Helsing (who I play) has put together a ‘Public Information Seminar’ to warn people of the real dangers of vampires as his good friend Bram Stoker stole all of his notes and diary entries, and turned them into a fictional novel. The Professor has hired three very amateur actors to put together the true events of Count Dracula. Does the evening go to plan? You’ll have to come and find out.
HOM: Your comedy-driven production of Dracula has been doing the rounds for some time. What inspired it in the first place? And, has it changed over the years?
NB: Dracula: The Bloody Truth had its debut in March 2017, but it’s just as popular as ever. We always found the idea of a comedy horror really intriguing and thought that the classic vampire tale would be perfect to get our teeth into (sorry!). It’s the full Bram Stoker novel played out as you’ve never seen it before. Our
style of comedy theatre has a real connection with the audience, as we address them throughout the show, breaking down the ‘fourth wall’. I’d say the show has improved over the years; we’re constantly finding new things in the material and will always have the audience in stitches. It’s fun for us too as it keeps it fresh and exciting!
HOM: Your style of comedy is highly physical. How do you warm up for that? And, what is it about slapstick that makes it so perennially popular?
NB: We perform our shows at breakneck speed, which keeps us super fit. You don’t need a gym membership doing what we do, that’s
Continuesonpage8
for sure, but we take our physical and vocal warm ups before the show seriously. Dracula: The Bloody Truth is especially manic as we don’t have a stage manager backstage helping with props and costume, it’s just us running about frantically making the show happen, which suits the drama perfectly! I think we play around 40 characters between the four of us. Slapstick and physical comedy are timeless – they’ve been performed for centuries from the Greeks to Shakespeare and to more modern legends like Laurel and Hardy, Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and Lee Evans. Whether you’re 8 or 108 there’s plenty in this show to enjoy. People just like seeing people fall over!
HOM: Lastly, how do you successfully turn a blood-thirsty horror story into a comedy? Is there a formula, or a key tool, to make it land?
NB: With the horror genre there are
things people come to expect: loud bangs, sudden blackouts, highpitched screams. So we play a lot with that. But the premise of the show – with van Helsing’s focus on safety and the other actors really not having a clue about how to carry it off – juxtaposes the horror with side-splitting comedy. Dracula: The Bloody Truth has been published and licensed worldwide, and audiences all over the world from the US and Canada, Australia and New Zealand have all fallen in love with these four total idiots trying to protect themselves from the dangers of vampires but miserably failing in their attempt.
Dracula: The Bloody Truth is showing at Greenwich Theatre, Crooms Hill, London SE10 8ES. May 2 - 6, 7pm, and additionally at 2pm on May 3. Admission: £10 - £20.
www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk/ events/dracula-the-bloody-truth/
“Ifeelathomecomingtothesession.I canletmyselfgoandcanchannelall mycreativity,nurturedbysuchan exceptionalteacher”
ClassParticipant
AtGreenwichDance,webelievethat movingyourbodyhasthepowerto improvementalhealthaswellas physicalfitness.It’salsoagreatwayto socialise,meetnewpeopleandfind newfriendsinyourlocalarea.
Wehavearangeofdanceclasses acrosstheboroughthatyoucanget involvedintoimproveyouroverall wellbeingandhavefunintheprocess. Seeourwebsiteforfulldetails.
Allofouroutdoorclassesare FREE but mustbebookedinadvance.
Registerat greenwichdance.org.uk orcall 02082939741
greenwichdance
Goonanadventureintheparkanddiscoveritsfascinating history.Forchildrenaged5�andtheiradults
h elp support the Charlton Upbeats!
The walk is the annual fundraising event for CACT’s Upbeats programme for young people and adults with Down’s syndrome which is entirely funded by donations and needs as much support from the public as possible.
The 9-mile walk from Charlton Athletic’s Training Ground in New Eltham to The Valley was led by Charlton legends Bob Bolder, Simon Webster and Paul Mortimer.
The morning kicked off with a welcome from CharltonTV’s Scott Minto and boxer Jake Goodwin leading a warm-up for the walkers.
The group stopped off at Charlton Lido and Lifestyle Club for a halfway point snack and refreshments provided by DNEL Events and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners. The walkers were lucky enough to be greeted by Dean Holden and CACT Ambassador and Absolute Radio presenter Dave Berry too!
Before Charlton’s men’s team took to the pitch, the Upbeats played their own match against Everton in the Community’s Down’s syndrome team. Munich Trophies kindly donated the medals for the game.
In the run-up to the walk, the Upbeats have kept busy! From painting pitch lines with the groundsmen to prepping the players lunches with the kitchen staff, the Upbeats took charge at the Training Ground recently and tried their hand at a variety of jobs.
They even had the chance to ask men’s first-team manager Dean Holden questions in his weekly press conference.
The Upbeats need your support! Please consider helping the programme run for another year and offer its participants new opportunities and experiences by donating today where you can. To do this, please visit: cact. hive.gives/upbeats2023
On Saturday 29 April, over 175 supporters took on Charlton Athletic Community Trust’s (CACT) annual Upbeats Walk, sponsored by DNEL Events, ahead of the match against Port Vale.
The Apprentices’ school of Woolwich Dockyard
Mary Mills
Two weeks ago I said that I would follow sites in the booklet ‘The Industrial Archaeology of South-East London’ and see what the places are like today compared with when they were listed 40 years ago. I said I would put them in alphabetical order, although I don’t know if I will always stick with that. This week it’s another site from Woolwich Dockyard – the ‘Apprentices’ School’.
What did SELIA have to say about it?
“Few people could guess the Co-op Chapel of Rest was in fact built as the first school for the apprentices employed in the Dockyard. Before this school was built the apprentices were taught in hulks moored close the yard”.
And so, the next thing is to see what the Survey of Woolwich has to say about it. It says that the site was a very late part of the Dockyard and part of the expansion of the steam factory in the mid-19th century. The ‘steam factory’ of course being the Admiralty’s attempt to modernise Nelson’s Navy with all those wooden walls and complex sails and turn
it into big battleships and the like with actual engines.. They seemed to think that was best done in Woolwich – and, probably, that with any luck it would stay there.
So – the site we are looking at is the Co-op Funeral buildings which are at the far end of Woolwich Church Street before you get to Macdonald’s and Warspite Road. There are huge windows with vehicles on show, you can’t miss it. Ruston Road will take you round the back if you want to look at that.
Church Street – then called Albion Road - was built in the early 1840s
and the Dockyard expanded up to the road in 1844. In 1845 Roger Stewart Beatson, RE came from Portsmouth to take over the refurbishment and rebuilding of the Dockyard and was responsible for the smithery and various other buildings which I will get to eventually. The long wall which now runs along Woolwich Church Street must date from around then and at first workshops and warehouses for this part of the Dockyard were built alongside it. The gateway which lies next to the Co-op Funeral buildings is from much the same date. It was built as the ‘west’ gate to the Dockyard specifically for the steam factory so that didn’t get confused
with the rest of the Yard. First, a police station and other buildings connected to the police were built on the right side as you go in. At around the time the gateway was built the Dockyard Police were taken over and became part of the Metropolitan Police and some officers lived on site.
Beason is also thought to have designed the school buildings, which are the subject of this article. They are on the left-hand side of the West Gate as you go in.
I must now admit to being more than a bit confused by the source material. On the web are copies of various reports and accounts of education in the Royal Dockyards. They don’t all match up in what they say and few of them mention Woolwich specifically. Of course I may have just read the wrong reports – and if so I am sure someone from the Maritime Museum will read this and correct me. This is what seems to be consistent and makes the most sense.
The Woolwich Dockyard School for Apprentices opened in 1844 in the wake of a Dockyard education scheme that the Admiralty had introduced the previous year when little, if any, technical ¬education was available.. These specialist premises are said to be
for the teaching of marine engineering to apprentices drawn from the Royal Dockyards’ steam factories. Also that Woolwich was the first establishment in the country devoted to training for service in the steam navy and was important in establishing Woolwich’s reputation for engineering expertise. In the information I have about the Woolwich school - and I suspect some of the reports available are talking about a different institution - it is said that it was set up in 1843.But elsewhere it is said that as a result of the Royal Commission in 1844 that an Apprentice School was set up at Woolwich which specialised in engineering training and that it was a great success.
Notes on the functions and work of these schools seems to me to consist of discovering and fostering an elite. I thought that apprentices were ordinary lads who wanted to learn a trade and needed a bit of book learning as part of that, but these Dockyard schools seem to have been more ambitious. The schools I have seen described in various reports seem to be following a programme where the boys were given an academic style introduction and gradually weeded out until one lucky lad is chosen from Deptford and Woolwich combined and allowed to go on to higher education and presumably a future as a master shipwright. The others fell by the wayside, one by one.
Apprentices of all trades were expected to learn English, mathematics, mechanics and later move on to technical drawing and electricity in future years. Eventually they would do professional stuff like engine fitting - or, for the few, naval architecture
Many of these reports give a vast
amount of attention to detail, alongside complaints about the low pay of the lone schoolmaster. This sometimes includes stuff like the exact time of the dinner gong every day while remaining very unclear which schools they are referring to.
Regardless of who attended it and who learnt what there, the School survives much as it was built. It in yellow brick with stone dressings. From Church Street is is all big windows and flat frontage but walk through the entrance gates and see what a charming building this actually is. After the closure of the Dockyard it became offices, as did the former police station.
In 1929 the area became part of the Coop’s Commonwealth Buildings. I guess most older people remember the days when the Co-op in Woolwich wasn’t just the couple of shops. The Royal Arsenal Co-operative .Society was a very big
set up with considerable influence and an important organisation. Once the Dockyard ceased to function here they set up this part of it as a vast factory of works to supply their shops and other institutions. RACS was much more than just another shop; they had an Education Department and a housing estate and much else. - I suspect they were the only Co-op in the country which had actual mines and these remain underground – and I must do an article about them some time.
Royal Arsenal Co-operative Society had nine acres here with frontages to Woolwich Church Street as far as Warspite Road. They wanted this land for a new dairy, laundry and tea warehouse, and their works department. Conversions of numerous buildings were carried out under the supervision of the Society’s architect, and completed by 1932. Entry to it was from the old Steam
Factory Gate, where RACS installed is own ironwork. There were workshops for repairing motor vehicles, tailors and boot-repairers and warehouses and much else along the main road.
Om the waterfront the three storey metal-framed buildings at slips 1 2 became s a butter, pharmacy and tea store, and the adjacent quayside became a range of grocery warehouses. By 1937 the site employed 1,426 workers and housed twentyone industries and departments. It became an important regional distribution centre - RACS covering a vast hinterland beyond Woolwich over much of Kent and Surrey – remind me to write about that some time, too RACS operations were gradually run down and wound up as the co-op became overtaken by other supermarkets. Eventually and sadly it
became part of the big co-op movement based in Manchester where there is no memory and no understanding of what RACS once was. (I have had arguments with staff there who had never heard of it!!). By 1984 most of Commonwealth Buildings had been demolished.
The former school on the gate’s west side had become a mortuary chapel for RACS funeral-furnishing establishment. In 1961 it was enlarged, to plans by A. L. Foreman, the Society’s architect, with a road side showroom and large sheds to the west of the former school. It subsequently spread to the former police barracks and other buildings to the east and continues as Co-operative Funeral care. I note the address is still 2 Commonwealth Buildings.
It must be ironic that almost the only remaining memory of RACS‘s is the funeral service.
Ah, well, I suppose we will all need it one day!
Many of the websites advertising the service contain complaints from users. I have only used them once and they were fine - but very disbelieving when I said we would want more space as I was expecting a couple of MP s and most of Greenwich Council‘s leadership. They put us in the smaller chapel at the Crematorium. So we had three MPs, most of Greenwich Council’s senior officers and Councillors all standing jammed in a crowd at the front. But I don’t blame Co-op Funerals for that.
It is worth going down to look at this last bit of the Woolwich Dockyard steam factory. And I see on the web a blog page with a picture of the old police station which says it was a ‘factory’. Well, why not?
royAL BorouGH of GrEEnWicH roAD trAFFic rEGuLAtion Act 1984 – sEction 14(1) WEst PArK sE9 PLAnnED DirEctionAL roAD cLosurE (orDEr)
1. The Royal Borough of Greenwich intends to make this Order in exercise of powers under section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. This is to facilitate works by National Grid who need to carry out remedial works.
2. The Order will come into operation on 18th May 2023 and would continue to be valid for 18 months. However, the works are expected to take 2 days. The duration of the Order can be extended with the approval of the Secretary of State for Transport.
3. The effect of the Order would be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from, exiting, proceeding, or waiting (including waiting for the purposes of loading or unloading), on to Sidcup Road from West Park.
4. Whilst the Order is in operation traffic will be diverted via West Park, Mottingham Road, Court Road and Sidcup Road. Prohibitions remain in force; pedestrians are not affected, and vehicle access will be maintained wherever possible.
5. Nothing in this Notice will apply to anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform or traffic warden, to emergency service vehicles, or to vehicles being used in connection with the works.
6. The restrictions described above will apply only during such times and to such extent as shall be indicated by traffic signs as prescribed by the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016.
7. Queries concerning these works should be directed to the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Directorate of Regeneration, Enterprise & Skills on 020 8921 6340.
Interim Assistant Director, Transport and Sustainability.
The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ
Dated 15/03/23
(INTERNAL REF: PL/503/LA448288)
LicEnsinG Act 2003 noticE oF APPLicAtion
NOTICE IS GIVEN THAT an application has been made to Lewisham Council (the Licensing Authority) for a PREMISE LICENCE (options at bottom of page). by VAn BinH LE in respect of EAt ViEtnAm rEstAurAnt 244 EVELyn strEEt, LonDon
sE8 5BZ
The details of the application are as follows:
The supply of alcohol both on and off the premises:
Monday - 11:00 - 23:00
Friday - 11:00 - 23:00
Tuesday - 11:00 - 23:00
Saturday - 11:00 - 23:00
Wednesday - 11:00 - 23:00
Sunday - 11:00 - 22:30
Thursday - 11:00 - 23:00
Details of the application may be inspected by appointment only at Crime, Enforcement & Regulation Service, Licensing Authority, Holbeach Office, 9 Holbeach Road, SE6 4TW
Any interested party or responsible authority may make representations in respect of the application, which must be submitted, in writing, to the above address within 28 days of the date below.
This notice remains in force from and including the day after the giving of this notice to the licensing authority, namely 25/04/2023, for 28 consecutive days.
It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application. The maximum fine on summary conviction is £5,000.
royAL BorouGH of GrEEnWicH roAD trAFFic rEGuLAtion Act 1984 – sEction 14(1)
PLumstEAD roAD
PLAnnED roAD Bus & cycLE LAnE cLosurE (orDEr)
1. The Royal Borough of Greenwich make’s this Order in exercise of powers under section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. This is to facilitate works by Thames Water who need to carry out connections for new supply.
2. The Order will come into operation on 16th May 2023 and would continue to be valid for 18 months. However, the works are expected to take three and a half weeks. The duration of the Order can be extended with the approval of the Secretary of State for Transport.
3. The effect of the Order would be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering, proceeding, or waiting (including waiting for the purposes of loading or unloading), in the Bus and Cycle Lane from the side of 103 Polthorne Grove to outside Greenwich Community College.
4. Whilst the Order is in operation no traffic will be diverted. Prohibitions remain in force; pedestrians are not affected, and vehicle access will be maintained wherever possible.
5. Nothing in this Notice will apply to anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform or traffic warden, to emergency service vehicles, or to vehicles being used in connection with the works.
6. The restrictions described above will apply only during such times and to such extent as shall be indicated by traffic signs as prescribed by the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016.
7. Queries concerning these works should be directed to the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Directorate of Regeneration, Enterprise & Skills on 020 8921 6340.
Ryan Nibbs Assistant Director, Transport.
The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ
Dated 20/04/23
(INTERNAL REF: PL/530/LA450219)
royAL BorouGH oF GrEEnWicH roAD trAFFic rEGuLAtion Act 1984 – sEction 14(1) tEmPorAry trAFFic rEstrictions – VictoriA WAy
1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Council of the Royal Borough of Greenwich intends to make an Order to facilitate works for carriageway drainage remedial works under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.
2. The effect of the Order will be to temporarily prohibit all vehicles from entering into, exiting from, proceeding in, or waiting (including waiting for the purposes of loading or unloading) in Victoria Way, both sides, from its junction with Charlton Road for 10 metres in a northerly direction.
3. The above prohibitions will only apply to such times and such extent as shall be indicated by the placing or covering of appropriate traffic signs and alternative routes for diverted vehicles would be available via local roads.
4. Whilst the closures are in operation, vehicular access to properties affected by these works would be maintained wherever possible subject to the extent and operations of the works.
5. The Order would come into force on Monday 15th May 2023 and remain in force for 18 months, or until the works have been completed, whichever is the sooner.
6. Queries concerning these works should be directed to traffic.team@royalgreenwich.gov.uk quoting reference 05-23 Victoria Way.
Assistant Director, Transport, Communities, Environment and Central, Royal Borough of Greenwich Dated 3rd May 2023
royAL BorouGH oF GrEEnWicH
the Greenwich (20 mPH Zone) (no.57) order 2023
1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Council of the Royal Borough of Greenwich (hereinafter referred to as “the Council”) has made the abovementioned Order under sections 84, 124 and Part IV of Schedule 9 to the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended. The Order will come into operation on 4th May 2023.
2. The general effect of the Orders would be to:
a) impose a 20 miles per hour speed limit on motor vehicles on the following lengths of road:
a. Greenhaven Drive, for its entire extent.
b. Swift Close, for its entire extent.
c. Nickelby Close, for its entire extent.
3. Further information about the Orders may be obtained by emailing traffic.team@royalgreenwich.gov.uk
4. The Orders and other documents giving more detailed particulars of the Orders can be viewed by emailing traffic.team@royalgreenwich.gov.uk requesting electronic copies.
5. If any person wishes to question the validity of the Orders or of any of the provisions contained therein on the grounds that they are not within the powers conferred by the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, or that any requirement of that Act or of any instrument made under that Act has not been complied with, that person may, within six weeks from the date on which the Orders were made, apply for that purpose to the High Court.
Assistant Director, Transport Communities, Environment and Central Royal Borough of Greenwich
Dated 3rd May 2023
royAL BorouGH of GrEEnWicH roAD trAFFic rEGuLAtion Act 1984 – sEction 14(1) PoWis strEEt PLAnnED roAD cLosurE (orDEr)
1. The Royal Borough of Greenwich make’s this Order in exercise of powers under section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. This is to facilitate works by Shift Traffic Events Ltd who need to carry out a crane lift.
2. The Order will come into operation on 14th May 2023 and would continue to be valid for 18 months. However, the works are expected to take 1 night. The duration of the Order can be extended with the approval of the Secretary of State for Transport.
3. The effect of the Order would be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering, exiting, proceeding, or waiting (including waiting for the purposes of loading or unloading), in Powis Street outside 54-58 (McDonalds).
4. Whilst the Order is in operation traffic will be diverted via Calderwood Street, Thomas Street, Greens End & vice versa. Prohibitions remain in force; pedestrians are not affected, and vehicle access will be maintained wherever possible.
5. Nothing in this Notice will apply to anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform or traffic warden, to emergency service vehicles, or to vehicles being used in connection with the works.
6. The restrictions described above will apply only during such times and to such extent as shall be indicated by traffic signs as prescribed by the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016.
7. Queries concerning these works should be directed to the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Directorate of Regeneration, Enterprise & Skills on 020 8921 6340.
Ryan Nibbs Assistant Director, Transport.
The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ
Dated 19/04/23
(INTERNAL REF: PL/532/LN67958)
royAL BorouGH of GrEEnWicH roAD trAFFic rEGuLAtion Act 1984 – sEction 14(1) BArDsLEy LAnE PLAnnED roAD cLosurE (orDEr)
1. The Royal Borough of Greenwich make’s this Order in exercise of powers under section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. This is to facilitate works by Thames Water who need to carry out repair works.
2. The Order will come into operation on 15th May 2023 and would continue to be valid for 18 months. However, the works are expected to take 5 days. The duration of the Order can be extended with the approval of the Secretary of State for Transport.
3. The effect of the Order would be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering, exiting, proceeding, or waiting (including waiting for the purposes of loading or unloading), in Bardsley Lane at the junction of Creek Road and to remove the one way.
4. Whilst the Order is in operation traffic will be diverted via Creek Road, Haddo Street, Bardsley Lane & vice versa. Prohibitions remain in force; pedestrians are not affected, and vehicle access will be maintained wherever possible.
5. Nothing in this Notice will apply to anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform or traffic warden, to emergency service vehicles, or to vehicles being used in connection with the works.
6. The restrictions described above will apply only during such times and to such extent as shall be indicated by traffic signs as prescribed by the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016.
7. Queries concerning these works should be directed to the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Directorate of Regeneration, Enterprise & Skills on 020 8921 6340.
Ryan Nibbs Assistant Director, Transport.
The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ
Dated 05/04/23
(INTERNAL REF: PL/523/LA450986)
royal Borough of Greenwich town & country Planning Act 1990 (As AmEnDED) town & country Planning (Development management Procedure)(England) order 2015 Planning (Listed Buildings & conservation Areas) Act 1990 (As AmEnDED) Planning (Listed Buildings & conservation Areas) regulations 1990 (As AmEnDED)
Notice is hereby given that application(s) have been made to The Royal Borough of Greenwich in respect of the under mentioned premises/ sites. You can see the submissions and any plans at http://www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/planning.
If development proposals affect Conservation Areas and/or Statutorily Listed Buildings under the Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Area) Act 1990 (As Amended) this will be shown within the item below.
Anyone who wishes to comment on these applications should be made in writing to Development Planning within 22 days of the date of this notice.
Please quote the appropriate reference number.
Date: 03/05/2023
Victoria Geoghegan
Assistant Director - Planning and Building Control
List of Press Advertisements - 03/05/2023
Publicity for Planning Applications
Applicant: Knight Dragon 23/0418/R
Site Address: Land North of Ordnance Crescent, Plots 1.02 and 1.03 Greenwich Peninsula, SE10.
Development: Submission of Reserved Matters Application (Access, Appearance, Landscaping, Layout and Scale) pursuant to Condition 13 of Outline Planning Permission 15/0716/O dated 8th December 2015 for Plots 1.02 and 1.03 comprising 866 build to rent residential units (Use Class C3), ancillary spaces and cycle store, 239sqm retail unit (Use Class A1-A5), and associated landscaping, parking, access and associated works. Additional conditions addressed in this application include 03 (Plans), 04 (Compliance with Development Specification), 05 (Quantum of development), 08 (Design Guidelines), 09 (Compliance with Environmental Statement), 14 (Submission of Reserved Matters Application), 16 (Housing Mix), 44 (Cycling), 51 (Parking), 52 (Wheelchair accessible parking), 54 (Loading and Unloading), 56 (Motor Cycle Parking), 60(a) (Wheelchair Housing), 69 (Environmental Noise), 81 (Sustainability Measures), 92 (Carbon Emissions Reduction), 94 (On-site Renewable Technologies), 102 (Air Quality Monitoring), 103 (Air Quality Assessment), 104 (Noise), 107 (Residential Design Standards), 108 (Child Playspace) and 113 (London City Airport)
The Outline Planning Permission was subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment
Applicant: Mr J Tilbury BMCS Chartered Surveyors 23/0695/F
Site Address: 10-12 GREENWICH SOUTH STREET, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 8TY
Development: Replacement of the existing main roof covering, replacement of the rainwater goods, localised mortar repairs, facade refurbishment and other associated works.
Conservation Area: ASHBURNHAM TRIANGLE
Applicant: C Leysen 23/0907/HD
Site Address: 110A KING GEORGE STREET, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 8PX
Development: Installation of two skylights to flat roof.
Conservation Area: WEST GREENWICH
Applicant: Mrs A Serpi 23/0991/F
Site Address: 111A GRANBY ROAD, ELTHAM, LONDON, SE9 1EJ
Development: Retrospective application for replacement of two windows on the front elevation
Conservation Area: PROGRESS ESTATE
Applicant: Kelly Permanent Beauty 23/1029/F
Site Address: THE HAIRY CHAIR, 5 BLACKHEATH HILL, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 8PB
Development: Change from Class E (Hairdresser) to Sui Generis (Health and Wellness Centre) for one room only in the basement. The ground floor currently runs as a Hairdressing Salon, the entrance to the basement is situated on the ground floor. No alterations will be made inside and no alterations to the exterior of the building, only applying for the change of use for one room in the basement for beauty services.
Conservation Area: ASHBURNHAM TRIANGLE
Applicant: Mr & Mrs Cs & J Mercey 23/1089/F
Site Address: 36 PARK VISTA, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 9LZ
Development: Demolition of the existing two garages made of precast concrete panels and erection of traditional construction same footprint garages
Conservation Area: GREENWICH PARK
Applicant: Grademoon Ltd 23/1102/F
Site Address: Land Adjacent to 85 Lansdowne Lane, CHARLTON, LONDON, SE7 8TN
Development: Development of land adjacent to No. 85 Lansdowne Lane to provide six new residential dwellings (Use Class C3) in the form of one end of terrace dwelling and five dwellings on land to the rear with associated landscaping, private and communal amenity space, refuse and cycle parking provision
Conservation Area: CHARLTON VILLAGE
Applicant: Knight Dragon Developments Limited 23/1250/R
Site Address: Land to the west of Millennium Way and at Ordnance Crescent Junction, Greenwich Peninsula
Development: Submission of Reserved Matters Application (Access, Appearance, Landscaping and Layout) pursuant to Condition 61 of Outline Planning Permission
19/2733/O dated 1st September 2022 for streets and landscaping at land to the west of Millennium Way and at Ordnance Crescent Junction. Additional conditions addressed in this application include 01 (Compliance with Environmental Statement), 57 (Plans), 63 (Parameter Plans), 64 (Design Guidelines), 65 (Development Specification), 66 (Submission of Reserved Matters Application), 87 (Cycle Parking), 97 (Sustainability) and 101 (Circular Economy).
The Outline Planning Permission was subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment.
Applicant: Knight Dragon Developments Limited 23/1253/R
Site Address: Land at Ordnance Crescent, Drawdock Road, and West of Blackwall Tunnel Southern Approach, Greenwich Peninsula SE10
Development: Submission of Reserved Matters Application (Access, Appearance, Landscaping and Layout) pursuant to Condition 13 of Outline Planning Permission 15/0716/O dated 8th December 2015 for the streets, associated public realm, landscaping and access at land at Ordnance Crescent, Drawdock Road, and west of the Blackwall Tunnel Southern Approach. Additional conditions addressed in this application include 03 (Plans), 04 (Compliance with Development Specification), 05 (Quantum of development), 08 (Design Guidelines), 09 (Compliance with Environmental Statement), 14 (Submission of Reserved Matters Application), 44 (Cycling), 51 (Parking), 52 (Wheelchair accessible parking), 54 (Loading and Unloading), 56 (Motor Cycle Parking), 81 (Sustainability measures), 82 (CEEQUAL).
The Outline Planning Permission was subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment.
Applicant: Draft & Factor 23/1310/HD
Site Address: 67 COLERAINE ROAD, BLACKHEATH, LONDON, SE3 7PF
Development: Improve spatial arrangements to outrigger including new patio doors to kitchen area, replacement of all windows to match existing and extended and thermally upgraded roof to ground floor WC.
Conservation Area: WESTCOMBE PARK
Applicant: Dr M A Crisafi 23/1322/HD
Site Address: 72 ASHBURNHAM GROVE, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 8UJ
Development: Replacement of timber sash windows to front and rear of property
Conservation Area: ASHBURNHAM TRIANGLE
Applicant: Mr R Bibb 23/1342/HD
Site Address: 75 BEACONSFIELD ROAD, BLACKHEATH, LONDON, SE3 7LG
Development: Retrospective application for replacement roof of rear garden shed.
Conservation Area: WESTCOMBE PARK
Applicant: Mr / Ms Foreman 23/1374/HD
Site Address: 258 PLUMSTEAD COMMON ROAD, PLUMSTEAD
Development: Formation of a loft conversion with 3 rooflights to rear roof slope and alterations to existing windows to the rear of property.
Conservation Area: PLUMSTEAD COMMON
Publicity for Listed Building Consent.
Applicant: Mr N Gibbons 23/1311/L
Site Address: 41 BLACKHEATH PARK, BLACKHEATH, LONDON, SE3 9RW
Development: To undertake non structural roof repairs, as follows: Remove existing non-heritage man-made tiles and replace with heritage style natural slate tiles, first grade quality; remove existing render to front parapet wall, apply new lime render and decorate; repoint existing chimney stacks on both sides with traditional lime mortar; remove and replace lead box gutters, like for like; remove and replace lead flashing, like for like; remove and replace lead top section of roof, like for like. No structural works are proposed - all existing/original joists and timbers are to remain unaltered.
Conservation Area: BLACKHEATH PARK
Listed Building: Grade 2
Council investing £3.1 million to improve transport
We are investing £3.1 million to improve our transport network to make it cleaner, safer and healthier.
The funding, including £1 million of our own budget and £2.1 million from Transport for London (TfL), will support the delivery of a number of key transport priorities over the next year, identified in the Council’s new Transport Strategy, including:
• improvements to pedestrian and cycle infrastructure
• tackling traffic and improving air quality by introducing traffic management schemes
• introducing 20mph speed limits, Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) and School Streets in priority areas
• implementing emissions-based parking charges to encourage more sustainable and environmentally friendly types of travel
• delivering free cycle training and a ‘try before you bike’ scheme, run with Peddle My Wheels
• and much more.
Councillor Averil Lekau, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, said: “We’re committed to creating a world-class transport network that enables our residents, businesses and visitors to make the most of all the opportunities offered throughout Royal Greenwich – giving people access to housing, jobs, leisure, education and culture.
“How we move through our borough is also key to our long-term health and wellbeing. The easier we make it to walk, cycle and move around, the healthier we will all be. As we reduce traffic and fumes, we'll make our air cleaner to breathe too.
“All the transport projects we have in the pipeline will also help in our push to become carbon neutral by 2030.”
Register for news and updates: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/transport-strategy