May 2013

S S EE nine

Totally independent, serving the community for over 6 years

Eltham SE9 MAY 2013 Spring

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Fourth Saturday of the month 10.00amShrewsbury House, Bushmoor Crescent SE18 3EG

Clive Efford MP

Fourth Friday of the month 6.00pmSt Marys Community Centre, Eltham High Street SE9

First Tuesday of the month 11.00amAnstridge Community Centre, Anstridge Rd SE9 2LL

Second Friday of the month 6.00pmSlade Hall, Pendrell Street, London SE18 2PJ

Third Tuesday of the month 11.00amMiddle Park Community Centre, 150 Middle Park Avenue SE9 5SD

First Friday of the month 11.00amHorn Park Community Centre, 96 Sibthorpe Rd SE12 9DP

Second Saturday of the month 10.00amSt Marys Community Centre, Eltham High Street SE9

Third Friday of the month 11.00amColdharbour Library, William Barefoot Drive SE9 3AY

Clive holds eight advice surgeries a month, where constituents can meet him in private. He will see everyone who comes along, but it is best to telephone beforehand so that you can get some indication of when you will be able to see Clive.

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SEnine

2 It is your community, you have the right to a say in what happens

Enjoy life: Enjoy Eltham.

Cover: Psammead sculpture now resident in the Well Hall Pleasaunce. See page 10Cover photo by: Mark Wall, 20-04-2013

Cameo: When will Spring weather actually arrive?

Main Office Mark Wall [email protected]

Editor: John Webb [email protected]

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Phone: 020 8333 7493 (For all matters)Web: www.senine.co.ukPublisher: SEnine Ltd: PO Box 24290, Eltham, SE9 6ZP

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Friends Membership. Support for the magazine is always appreciated. You can help the magazine with an annual Friends Membership The standard membership is 24.00 per year (in the delivery area)Royal Mail membership 36.00 per year (Outside the current delivery area and delivered by messenger or post)

Send your name, address and contact details along with payment to 'SEnine Friends' PO Box 24290 Eltham SE96ZP

Or visit our web site www.senine.co.uk to pay on line. We look forward to hearing form you.

Closing Dates. All copy must be received by about the 15th* of each month to appear in the next edition. Contributions and Stories are always welcome from the residents of Eltham. Submissions are subject to our overall editorial policy. *Some months do vary, check our web page www.senine.co.uk for exact dates.

We only use the very best industry standard vegetable oil based inks. We use environmentally friendly papers, from a sustainable source, with a chain of custody from well managed forests through the supply chain to our printer.

Assummer ever so slowly approaches, my wife, Joanne, and I prepare ourselves for the arrival of summer guests from afar. Yes Australia.

It is not uncommon for us to have 4-6 people arrive at a time to use our home as a base while they tour the UK and Europe.

For the marriage of our youngest daughter a few years ago we peaked at 18. Of course we could not accommodate all these in our home so I spread the word among friends and did get them all into beds in Eltham. Thank you good friends.

This year we have had our fi rst set arrive, three couples. Led by life long close friends and regular visitors Rod and Maz the group included four virtual UK virgins.

I love newcomers to the UK. The main reason is their fresh eyes renew my appreciation and excitement of the great country that has adopted Joanne and I.

Things that, over the years, I have started to take for granted are seen again in their majesty and uniqueness.

The attitude we have about our local environment, attractions and services is so easily and craftily turned to an apathy that sneaks up on us so that we barely notice what we take for granted.

Our visitors shake us out of that numb mindset and renew out interest and enthusiasm for what is here and what is uniquely British.

While we are forced on occasions to visit the odd tourist trap, we are also introduced again to parts of Eltham, Greenwich and London that have faded in our memory or we have taken for granted.

We think this shake up is great.

I have been known, on occasions, to meet a few mates at the Bankers Draft on a Sunday night for a couple of end of the week / start of the week pints.

These quick 8pm to 10pm sojourns are always coupled with great conversation and lively debate on the aff airs of the week or other less world changing events.

On my last visit one of the group enthused that he had spent the Saturday on a trip around London, on the overground train. The exact route escapes me but the journey he retold was fascinating. Such a simple thing to do, yet the ability to do it is almost uniquely British, getting on and off trains until you have completed a circuit and arrived back where you started.

While my 4 y/o grandson, Dash Mitchell, was visiting the UK recently I decided to attempt a similar, less challenging feat.

Leaving from Eltham we caught the train to Lewisham. From there the DLR via Canary Wharf to the Royal Docks. From there we walked to the Emirates 'Airline' cable car terminus.

The ride across the river was fantastic for me, so I can only imaging the delight my grandson experienced.

From there we caught a bus back to Eltham.

I know my grandson loved it, he still talks about it when we speak, London to Perth Western Australia, each week on Skype (tm). And you know what, I loved it to. It was a great day out, doing things I would not normally do and experiencing London in a unique and special way, through the eyes of someone who is doing it for the fi rst time.

Eltham has a lot to off er. But it will not come to you. You have to make that small eff ort to get out and enjoy our town and the open space we are fortunate enough to have surrounding us.

Don't wait, just do it. You will be glad.

SEnine

3

OPINION, FROM MY DESKISSUE NUMBER 78

This publication is subject to copyright - if you want to use something, ask we will usually grant permission

MAY 2013

June 3rd 1953A 12 year old Phyllis Duignan of Eltham remembers camping on The Mall

Tomorrow was to be the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II on 3 June 1953. My Mother encouraged my sisters Audrey and Hilary and her fi anc Gerald and me (12 years old) to take the evening train from Winchester where we lived to London to watch the great pageant. My Mother maintained that if Elizabeth reigned as long as her Grandmother Queen Victoria then this coronation is likely to be the one and only in our life time. What foresight!

We arrived at Waterloo about 7pm armed with a pile of sandwiches, a fl ask and a blanket and made our way to the Mall along with many others. We found a spot half way along and sat down on the pavement. The crowds got bigger and bigger and there was a great atmosphere of camaraderie and good natured banter between everyone.

Much later tiredness over took us and we settled down for the night. Hilary and Gerald sat back to back and Audrey and I sat back to back. None of us actually slept but dozed the night away. As the dawn broke on the great day people began to stir and then the most pressing need was the toilet! There were temporary elsan closets that had been set up in St Jamess Park but not nearly enough for the numbers. I remember getting very distressed as I never thought that I would get to the front of the queue before I had an accident. I am glad to say that I did make it!

The next problem was fi nding my way back to my family because so many more people were arriving and the crowds were getting thicker and thicker. The people arriving in the morning started to stand in front of those who had spent the night on the pavement and tempers started to rise. I remember feeling quite frightened with the air of hostility and raised voices. Fortunately the Police arrived and made a passage way through the crowd to the rear so the late arrivals could make their way to the back and everyone settled down.

Boredom was setting in as far as I was concerned when was this coronation going to start? The prospect of sleeping on the pavement all night seemed a great adventure until I actually did it. The pavement was cold, hard and you couldnt sleep. I noticed four men playing cards quite close to us and I stood watching them. Then one asked if Id like to play. Little did they know that Sunday evenings in our house was card night. You name the game and I could play it! Would I like to deal? I cut and shuffl ed the cards corner to corner and dealt the hands. They quickly realised I was no novice and one commented that it was a good job we werent playing poker!

Gerald splashed out and bought a cardboard periscope which was a four sided oblong tube about 12 inches long with a mirror at the bottom and an opposing mirror at the top which refl ected the view. It was marvellous and worth every penny of the cost because we could now take turns to see over the sea of heads. Whoever was selling these on the day must have made a fortune.

Then of course being June it started to rain and I really began to wonder if this was such a good idea! Suddenly a cheer went up and a troop of soldiers arrived to space themselves out to line the route. At last something was happening. Then some closed, horse drawn carriages trotted by, all greeted with cheers but no one had a clue who was in them. Then the Queen of Tonga in an open carriage, ignoring the rain, waving and grinning obviously delighted with the cheers as she drove past. After that the momentum grew as more carriages went past and members of the Royal family were recognised on their way to Westminister Abbey.

Finally the great moment arrived and the golden coach came into view accompanied by cheers that were deafening. The crowd surged forward which was quite frightening but nobody minded.

I certainly didnt care as I was here and I would never forget this moment seeing my future Queen on her way to be crowned. All too quickly the coach was gone and the crowd settled down once again to listen to the ceremony over the loud speakers. When the crowd heard God Save The Queen as she was crowned again the cheers were deafening.

When the procession returned to the Palace it was spectacular with so many marching Service men and women and representatives from all corners of the British Commonwealth. When fi nally the last of the parade went past and the crowds started to make their way to the Palace to see the Queen on the balcony we decided that we had seen enough and that it was time to head for home. By this time we were so tired and wet as we made our weary way back to Waterloo I must admit I dont remember the train journey home to Winchester as I was too exhausted and fell asleep almost instantly but I have never forgotten 3 June 1953.

Here is a photo I took when my dad and I went up to the Mall for the Jubilee celebrations last year.

Clementine McFarlane

SEnine

4 Don't be a litter lout, fi nd a bin

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A part of Elthams hidden history is receiving a rare airing at Greenwich Heritage Centre.

More than 40 watercolours and sketches of Eltham, done by local artists at the start of the last century, are being exhibited under the theme This Eltham of Ours.

The pictures show scenes of Eltham streets, buildings and parks in their transition from Kentish village to London suburb and highlight features long since lost by urbanisation of the area.

The works are by Eltham artists and include watercolours and sketches by Gertrude Ashworth and Daniel Warry which have been donated to the Heritage Centre but are usually kept behind the scenes in storage.

They will be on display at the centre until May 18.

But the Centre is under growing pressure to make them available for display either permanently or regularly

in Eltham, with images of them posted online for historians and people with an interest.

SEnine featured one on last months cover and has some in this issue. We also plan to publish more in coming month's.

Gertrude Ashworth only lived in Eltham for eight years. Originally from Cheshire, her father was a government factory inspector, moving here when she was just 17 in 1913. One of the views is from her bedroom window in Wythfi eld Road, looking across towards St Johns Church, a frequent subject in the exhibition.

She subsequently moved to Dover, where she died aged 100 in 1986.

Daniel Warry was born in 1869 in Horncastle, moving to Eltham in 1905, fi rstly to Court Road and then to Glenesk Road, where he died aged 66 in 1935.

This Eltham Of Ours, Greenwich Heritage Centre, Woolwich SE18 4DX from 9am 5pm, Tuesdays to Saturdays, entry free; until Saturday May 18.

Hidden ArtSEnine

6

NEWS

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Local Business

SEnine

7Find and Support Local Tradesmen

"I love work. It fascinates me. I can sit and watch it for hours. So said Jerome K Jerome and I think he had it right when it comes to the domestic chores.

Therefore, Im a sucker for the various labour-saving devices on the market. I can while away many happy hours browsing the catalogues for gadgets that promise to make my life easier.

One favourite is Lakeland, which has now cunningly dropped the Plastics in its title, perhaps in a bid to go upmarket and persuade us that their products are made from anything but.

My love of these publications has rubbed off on my off spring, Jottings Junior, who, when asked by her literature-loving reception teacher to name her favourite book replied, The Argos Catalogue!

So, the postman is used to carting the latest gadgets that will allow me more time at leisure. My latest acquisition is a cobweb broom, so vital when reaching those high spots above the picture rail. And the drain-snake for unblocking gunge from below the u-bend.

For arachnophobes, there is the spider and insect vacuum with an especially long nozzle or a Katcha Bag for people who hate creepy crawlies but dont like the thought of actually squashing them.

The kitchen off ers great scope for the gadget salesmen. A vital possession is the oven rack soaking tray. The banana ripening bag is a must-have. As is the specially-shaped bacon box.

All sorts of culinary pretentions become possible. You can buy a sausage-maker and a 3-in-1 dessert machine to create doughnuts, lemon drizzle and chocolate brownies simultaneously. Wow!

O n e i s s u e with having all these gadgets is the need to put them somewhere. No problem! There are gadgets for storing g a d g e t s . Like the v a c u u m c l e a n e r accessor y w a l l -h a n g e r . Not to m e n t i o n the Oblong H a n d y Shelf Good Grips Utensil Holder.And, then theres the battery operated Simple Hands Soap Dispenser, which deposits just the right amount of liquid onto your fi ngers when youve fi nished your tasks.

The only problem being that Ive been so busy reading the catalogues, I havent got round to making a start.

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SEnine

8 Vote at elections, it is your right

JANES JOTTINGS

Activities at Age UKs new resource centre in Sherard Road have got off to a fl ying start.

Courses for keep fi t have been over-subscribed and extra sessions for IT lessons have been arranged since SEnine publicised them in March.

Recruits are now being sought for two special interest groups; local history and craft work, which also meet at the Centre.

The centre is run by Age UK Bromley and Greenwich, which works across both boroughs with and for older people, promoting their well-being in the community. It works out of seven centres with a small team of full-time and part time staff and trained volunteers.

Both fi tness and IT classes are running for an initial 12 weeks, aiming to give the

over-50s the chance to stay fi t and learn computer skills which keep them connected to the services and networks of modern life.

Fitness leader Yvonne Conway said that participants were encouraged to perform exercises to the best of their abilities, not to push themselves too hard. She said: Health is a state of physical, mental and social wellbeing, not merely the absence of disease or infi rmity.

Both classes are taking the names of people interested in the future.

For the history and crafts groups, there are still vacancies. The craft group runs every fortnight on the fi rst and third

Thursday of the month at 10am-12pm, that is May 2 and May 16. The history group runs once a month on the last Wednesday of the month at 10am-12pm, that is May 29. Both groups are open for people to just turn up, with no need to book.

Contact details: For IT and Fit for Life, Louise Donovan on 020 8315 1850 or email [email protected]. For history and crafts its 020 8315 1883 or email [email protected]

Flying Start

SEnine

9 Don't wait for people to be friendly, show them how.

So said E Nesbit in 1904 the introduction to her book Phoenix and the Carpet which she wrote while living at her ramshackle Georgian home Well Hall in the front of what is now the Pleasaunce.

Present day visitors to the Pleasaunce would both easily fi nd a phoenix and have no trouble getting a Psammead.

Along with a dragon, they are new features which have been installed in the park, and which serve to commemorate the Queens Diamond Jubilee.

The sculptures are part of a series of enhancements paid for as the result of a successful application by the Friends of Well Hall Pleasaunce to the Queens Fields in Trust scheme, sponsored by the SITA.

As well as a new avenue of beech trees, improvements to the paving and 20 new specimen trees, there is an arbour and seat, looking out across the area that was once Edith Nesbits garden in the centre of the Moat.

The three new creatures are carved by Cornish artist Reece Ingram out of the solid trunks of sweet chestnut trees from the National Trusts Trellisick

gardens and were installed just after Easter.

In May, they will be offi cially unveiled by J a c q u e l i n e Wilson, the childrens author, who has written a

sequel to Nesbits classic Five Children and It, in which the Psammead, a curious gnome-like fairy, appears out of the sand to the children on a beach. The sequel, Four Children and It, is now available in paperback.

In commissioning the sculptures, it was the Friends aim to commemorate the famous author, who lived at Well Hall from 1899 to 1922.

E Nesbit would undoubtedly have got the inspiration for her novels and the fantastical creatures she created while walking in her garden, so it was decided that sculptures, taken from the illustrations in her books, would be the best way of keeping up memories of her.

Leading childrens novelist Dame Jacqueline Wilson will formally unveil three new sculptures this month in Well Hall Pleasaunce.

John Webb gives the background.

I never found a Phoenix yet, And Psammeads are so hard to get!

The Phoenix and the Carpet It's startling enough to have a phoenix hatch in your house, but even more startling when it talks and reveals that you have a magic carpet on the floor. The vain and ancient bird accompanies the children on a series of adventures through time and space which, magic being what it is, rarely turn out as they were meant.

Pleasaunce Sculpture Art

Continued Page 11

Artist Recce Ingram

SEnine

10 Join in a Community Activity

FEATURE

Sue King, chair of the Friends of Well Hall Pleasaunce, said: "We are absolutely delighted that the history and culture of Well Hall will be kept alive with these imaginative sculptures. "Edith Nesbit is one of our leading authors and she wrote her most famous works while living at Well Hall. These sculptures celebrate her life and creativity..We're proud that Jacqueline Wilson has built on her work for a new generation and is coming to Well Hall to unveil them."If there are echoes of the dinosaurs

which lurk in the shrubbery at Crystal Palace, then its appropriate. Before coming to live in Eltham, E Nesbit lived at a variety of addresses in south east London and was an enthusiast for the dinosaurs, which undoubtedly helped to shape her writing

Five Children and It (1902); the story begins when a group of children move from London to the countryside of Kent. While playing in a gravel pit, the five children, Robert, Anthea, Cyril, Jane, and their baby brother, the Lam, uncover a rather grumpy, ugly and occasionally malevolent sand-fairy known as the Psammead, who has the ability to grant wishes. All the wishes go comically wrong; the book's ending was intended to leave readers in suspense:

Dragons feature in several of her books; in her Book of Dragons, published in 1901, there are eight stories with ice dragons, beasts, fiery dragons and dragon tamers.

Jacqueline WilsonWriterDame Jacqueline Wilson, DBE, FRSL is an English writer known for her vast and diverse work in children's literature. Her novels commonly deal with such challenging themes as adoption, divorce and mental illness. WikipediaBorn: December 17, 1945, Bath, SomersetMovies: Dustbin Baby, Double Act, Tracy Beaker's Movie of Me

Awards: Children's Laureate, Guardian Award, Nestl Smarties Book Prize

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SEnine

11Don't be a Litter tosser, put it in a bin

Thursdays May 2 and 16Craft group for the over50sAge UK Bromley and GreenwichSherard Road resource centreSessions free; more information from 8315 1883 or email [email protected] 12noon Sunday May 5Bluebell walkGuided walk, Eltham Nature ClubKemnal Woods , off Sidcup bypassMeet Imperial Way at the junction with Slades Drive, New ElthamMore details www.elthamnatureclub.co.uk1.50 members, 3 non-members2-4pm

Saturday 11th May 2013Infl atable DayFriends of Dulverton School. 1-4pm in the school groundsChildren 5 each (adults and under 2's free) only children up to Year 6 can bounce. Spend a day, bring a picnic - on sale: light refreshments, BBQ and extra charge for go-karts

Tuesday 14 to Saturday May 18Calendar GirlsBob Hope Theatre productions9 (conc 8 Tues Thurs)

Saturday May 18Grand Spring ConcertMusic of Stage and ScreenGreenwich Concert BandHoly Trinity Church, Southend Crescent7.30pm

Until Saturday May 18 This Eltham of Ours,Art exhibition featuring paintings of Eltham 1910-1920Tuesdays to Saturdays, entry free Greenwich Heritage Centre, Woolwich SE18 4DX from 9am 5pm,

Saturdays to May 18Ships of Stone: The Islands of Mervyn PeakeArt exhibition with the works of the famous illustratorGerald Moore Gallery at Eltham College, Mottingham Lane SE9 4RWDetails: www.geraldmooregallery.org or 020 8857 0448. Free entry12noon 4pm

Sunday May 19Eltham Farmers MarketRange of fresh producePassey Place10am 2pm

Tuesday May 21Kingfi shers to Crayfi sh: the River CrayProject officer Michael Heath talks about the wildlife of the river. Eltham Nature ClubMore details www.elthamnatureclub.co.uk1.50 members, 3 non-members. 7.30pm

Thursday 23 May to Saturday 25 MayDie FledermausFerrier Operatic SocietyBob Hope TheatreBox Office 8856 65377.30pm (plus 2.30 Sat)

Monday 27th May40th Donkey Derby3rd Royal Eltham Scouts 1230-4.30, scout headquarters, Avery Hill Road,

Tuesday 28 May to Saturday 1 JuneGrease, the musicalRavensbourne Light Operatic SocietyBob Hope TheatreWythfield Road11.50 (13.50 Fri and Sat)www.bobhopetheatre.co.uk or 8850 37027.45pm (plus 2.30pm Sat

Wednesday May 29Local and family history groupAge UK Bromley and GreenwichSherard Road resource centreSessions free; more information from 8315 188310am 12noon

Wednesday May 29Tudor Barn wine clubEnjoy up to 6 wines and 3 courses 35 booking essential 0845 459 23517.30pm

Sunday June 2Well Hall Pleasaunce Fun DayRange of entertainment, catering stalls, music and danceEntrance free10am to 5pm

Saturday June 8Variety concert Greenwich Academy of Music and DramaWith the Greenwich Concert BandBlackheath Halls. 7.30pmWednesday June 12 to Saturday 15 JuneCider with RosiePlay based on Laurie Lees famous bookBob Hope Theatre, Wythfield RoadTickets 9 (conc 8, not Fri or Sat)7.45pm

Thursday 27 to Sunday June 30Walt Disneys Jungle BookBob Hope TheatreWythfield RoadTickets from 107.30pm (plus Sat 2.30pm, Sunday 2 and 6pm)

Saturday June 29Eltham Choral Society summer concertMusic by Haydn, Vaughan Williams and MozartConducted by Peter Asprey, organist Charles Andrews with The Amadeus Orchestra. Holy Trinity Church, Southend Crescent.Tickets 12 or 10 conc. from 020 8850 3532, or Norman's Music www.elthamchoral.org.uk. 7.30pm

Every MondayGreenwich Community ChoirEltham Park Methodist Church on Westmount Road 7.45pm. All Welcome.An opportunity for people aged 18+ to enjoy singing in a fun choir. It meets every Monday during term time.

Every Monday Opera Appreciation 7.00pm All Welcome. Royal Blackheath Golf Club Phone Pam Norris on 020 8850 6710 Every TuesdayGreenwich Soul Choir rehearsalsEltham Green Community Church, Westhorne Avenue7.30pm, contact: 07958 612 582

Alternate WednesdaysEltham KnittersSocial craft group. St Marys Community Centre. 2-4.30pm

Every ThursdayEltham Chess & Games ClubAll ages and abilities welcome. St Marys Community Centre, 7.30 9.30pm (Recess all Aug & Sep 1st)Contact Alan 07944 445 322

Every ThursdayEltham Choral SocietySt Lukes Church, Westmount Road, New members welcome. 7.30pm. www.elthamchoral.org.uk

Second Monday of MonthEltham Park TownswomenMethodist Church, Westmount Road - 2pm

Fourth Thursday of MonthCivil Service Retirement FellowshipSocial meetings, talks and free raffle. Also open to non-civil servants. Meets United Reformed Church, Court Road Contact: Phyllis 020 8265 0810. -10am 12noon

SEnine

12 Eltham has something for everyone

WHAT'S ON

BOB

HOPE

THEATRE

COMING ATTRACTIONS

The latest off ering from the Bob Hope Theatre is based on a story that has captured the hearts and imaginations of people the world over. Director Jennifer Sims tells SEnine why BHTs production of Calendar Girls is signifi cant in more ways than one.

Performed at Bob Hope from 14-18 May, Calendar Girls is based on the true story of a group of Yorkshire women who produced a nude calendar to raise money for Leukaemia research, under the supervision of the Women's Institute, in 1999.

The story achieved international fame and led to the production of a fi lm in 2003. In 2008, the fi lm was adapted into a stage play, which ran in the West End and toured theatres in the UK for several years. Recently, in an unprecedented move, Samuel French, who holds the

plays performing rights, decided to release them for 12 months to amateur companies with the aim of securing a place in the Guinness Book of Records for the most performances of a play in one year. To date, 500 groups, some even outside the UK, have been granted rights to the play. Its all over the world, said Sims, the momentum for it is incredible.

The cast of BHTs production of Calendar Girls have decided to raise money for leukaemia and lymphoma research, just as the original calendar girls did.

Initiatives include donating the proceeds from the plays opening night on Tuesday 14 May, where original fi lm cast member, Angela Curran, will attend. There will be a quiz night at the White Hart in Eltham High Street on Wednesday 1 May. And there is to be an SE9 version of the famous calendar itself, with help from local photographer Lisa Tidy and design agency Pad Creative.

What weve got is a real community project that has expanded signifi cantly, Sims said. Several other local businesses have showed their support for the production and BP have generously agreed to match money raised from the performances.

BHTs charity calendar will be unveiled for audiences from the fi rst night onwards for 5.

With our regular writer Beatie Slavin away on holidays, Amy Duffin reports.

Grin and bare itSEnine

13Be a good neighbour

PREVIEW

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Building work on Elthams new 10.3m community hospital will start in June, SEnine understands.

It is expected receive its fi rst patients towards the end of next year, possibly as early as October.

Final fi nancial approval has been given by the NHS, a contractor will be chosen within the next two months and workmen should be on site soon after. Their fi rst task will be to clear all the existing buildings on site.

It will provide accommodation for 40 sub-acute beds, outpatient consulting rooms, a day surgery suite, a diagnostics suite and a range of community based services. Two existing GP surgeries, Eltham Medical Practice and Eltham Palace Surgery both currently based in Court Yard, will transfer to the new building.

But original plans for a seven day a week, 15 hour a day urgent care walk-in centre have been dropped on grounds of cost and the availability of out-of-hours facilities and centres at Sidcup and Woolwich.

Only minor changes have been made to the arrangements for car parking, with planners claiming that many clients will use public transport and that there is under-used capacity nearby. The NHS is on record as saying it believes it is for the council to resolve any problems of under-capacity which might arise.

The new hospital building will replace the old Eltham and Mottingham Nursing Home, originally the cottage hospital, and the adjoining empty house.

A number of changes have been made to the original proposals including:

a dedicated GP wing;

a greater distance between Philipot Path and the new building to increase light;

a patient drop off area

increased light through solar tubes.

A spokesman for NHS Greenwich said:Materials will be used to complement surrounding buildings. The mass, scale and location have been chosen so that it doesnt dominate neighbouring properties.

A welcoming entrance foyer that is bathed in fi ltered daylight will provide a central point for the new main reception and waiting area.

People in Eltham tell us that they have diffi cult journeys to hospitals and that they would prefer to be treated closer to where they live.

New technology allows, developing skills and equipment means that we are able to off er more services in the local community.

Eight of the 40 beds will be dedicated for stroke rehabilitation and the minor injury unit will be open 15 hours a day,

from 8am to 11pm on a walk-in basis.On parking, the NHS says: It is anticipated that the majority of trips to the development will be by non-car modes of travel.

Extensive surveys of existing parking provision have been carried out which have identifi ed signifi cant levels of available car parking, said the spokesman.

However, the NHS recently opposed the now-approved Grove Market Place development on the grounds that there was insuffi cient parking space in the town centre.

Passey Place Hospital Off the Waiting ListSEnine

14 Help keep Eltham tidy! Put your litter in bins.

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SEnine

15Make a diff erence in your community

For months, they have spilled forth metaphoric ink into paperless personal computers. Some even marked real pages plus fi ne pictures. SEnine can now report on the winners of Elthams fi rst poetry competition and their work. John Webb reports.

The book on six months of creative output by local writers is closed and the winners of Eltham in Verse have been announced.

At an awards ceremony at the Eltham Centre, the winners, runners-up and award winners received their prizes, had their work read out and commendations were given for others.

The competition, organised by Eltham Town Centre Partnership, was aimed at celebrating the towns fi nest features, its history, parks, buildings, events and daily goings-on. It succeeded in unblocking hidden pools of creative talent and attracted more entries than the organisers own imagination.

Lead organiser Gaynor Wingham said: It has been fantastic to see poems which refl ect how positive people are about Eltham and living here.

There have been changes and some people speak nostalgically about the old days but as many look at what Eltham is today and have pride in the town and what it is.

The children's poems are a delight and show that we can confi dently look forward with a new generation living and forging a future together."

Winning entriesChildren 1st Prize : Welcome to Eltham by Jack Powell (aged 10) Middle Park Primary School2nd Prize: Why I love Eltham by Beatrix

Robinson (aged 8) Home Educated3rd Prize: Eltham by Bronwyn Pritchard (aged 10) Alderwood Primary School

Adults 1st Prize I Used to go to Eltham by Scott Landers2nd Prize Snapshot of Eltham by a Copper by Sgt Marianne Catmull3rd Prize: Recession The Dark Destroyer versus Battling Eltham High Street, by Mick Cohen

There were also a number of number of poems which were commended by the judges.

Children

Eltham is Really Fun by Cedric Sebaleke aged 7 of Middle Park SchoolThe Library by Rebecca Elkins aged 5 Alderwood Prmary School We Love Eltham! by Hannah Graham and Shannel Jackson Y5 (aged 9/10) Middle Park Primary School

Adults Gordon School by Irene Brown Seeing Philipots for the First Time' by Sharon Staples Celebrate Eltham by Shaheen WestcombeThe Eltham Parakeets by Mary DixonIn Lieu of Radio by Ken Timbers

Children 1st Prize Welcome to Eltham by Jack Powell

Today in Eltham I saw a dowed homeless personSomeone gave him a 20 note also raised his spiritFresh minty smells dancing around me making my tummy rumble Hearing pupils texting also moaning on their phonesWelcome to Eltham

I needed 20p to buy a loaf of breadA joyful man gave me the moneyPeople complaining about the price of food going upI shake my head angrilyQuickly walking home dirty dogs running everywhere.Welcome to Eltham

Playing with my matesHaving fun there is room for everyoneWelcome to Eltham

Judges Comments "Part of the criteria for judging the children's poems was the presence of an authentic children's voice. The judges felt this poem had a clear voice. The poem celebrates Eltham, while at the same time showing a sensitive recognition of poverty and some of the realities"

Jack told SEnine: I wrote it quite quickly but we started off with ideas which

The Town had neither voice or soundThe pens of Eltham have fallen silent.

Proudly Supported by SEnine Magazine

SEnine

16

POETRY ELTHAM

Take a walk in the Tarn

we then drafted and re-drafted before sending them in. I was thinking of the things I liked about Eltham and then describing them in a poem.

2nd Prize children Why I love Eltham by Beatrix Robinson

I like living in ElthamIt's lots and lots of funThere's lovely parks and green spacesto take your dog for a run

There's great cafes and restaurants a gym and a swimming pooland activities like tennisdog training and football

The people are friendlythe shopkeepers are too.If you walk to their shopsthey stop and chat to you

I'm glad I live in ElthamI think it's really great I think that it is perfectFor me a little girl of eight

Judges comments"This is a positive 'upbeat' poem written with a clear rhythm and structure which the poem uses eff ectively. The rhymes don't seem forced and the last line leaves a smile on the reader's face. Great care has been taken over this poem. Time has been spent redrafting in order to craft the poem well - very impressive indeed'

3rd Prize Children Eltham by Bronwyn Pritchard

With a Sainsburys and an Argos and a Wimpy's for lunchYour long straight and easy high street is the

best of the bunchAvery Hill and Glenesk and many other parks scattered aroundWhen I approach from a distance I'm excited by their soundsYou have your own Palace and leisure centreand a new Eltham and an old for adventureYou are even in a Royal borough which gives you some classAnd I can't wait 'till I'm eleven so I can explore with a new bus pass.

Judges comments: "Once again the judges were impressed by how the poet has carefully crafted this poem, taking time to ensure the lines work well for maximum eff ect. This is a positive and humorous poem which mentions many of the sights of Eltham. The poem celebrates a child's eye view in a positive and humorous way"

1st Prize - Adults I used to go to Eltham by Scott Landers

I used to go to Eltham.Legs sticking to hot vinyl seatsin the back of a bus-red Cortinathat Dad's mate sprayedin Plumstead Depotwhen the foreman wasn't in.

I used to go to Eltham.'round to my uncle's fl at.My aunt's whisky-laugh through the doorand when it openedthe smoke didn't mattercos her smile went up to her eyes.

I used to go to Eltham.Ten bags and Mum's white fi ngerscatching my aunt's tea-break at M&S.Everyone and everything she knew,he's dead, she's left, they're back on.A whole town in ten minutes.

I used to go to ElthamStill do here and there.My family's gone and the old shops too.But you need a bit of rain,she used to say.That's why her smile went up to her eyes.

Judges comments: "It is a poem about memories of Eltham and family life. The poet uses unusual language to evoke images of an old Eltham and there is a story in every verse, full of characters, times and events. There is joy and delight and a hint of sadness in those lines. The whole poem conjures up a terrifi c atmosphere of nostalgia and the panel were very impressed with how the poet had crafted this poem.

SEnine Editor favouriteIn Lieu of Radio by Ken Timbers

An Aussie came to Eltham where he quickly found a sign,A house for sale that said to him, "Hey cobber, please be mine?"He looked around and soon he foundThe town had neither voice or sound,He thought a bit then wrote a bit and started SEnine.

The Judging Panel from Greenwich University

Prof Andrew LambirthAndrew Lambirth is Professor of Education in The School of Education at The University of Greenwich. Author of many books the teaching of Literacy and English. Currently Vice-President of the United Kingdom Literacy Association.

Dr Gordon Ade-OjoDr Gordon Ade-Ojo has worked in teaching and training for the past 25 years. He now leads the delivery of the subject specialist course in literacy in addition to teaching on a range of PGCE/PCE programmes.

Dr Amanda HenshallDr Amanda Henshall, is a Senior Lecturer in the University of Greenwichs School of Education. She is herself an enthusiastic amateur writer, currently a member of a writing group she is working on a novel."

SEnine

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SEnine

18 Be active in your community

A couple have returned home from an epic journey to Africa where they cycled 450 km to raise money for charity - describing it as a once in a lifetime adventure.

Mother-of-two Svetlana Mackevic and her husband Gediminas Stanzys, both 32, took part in the gruelling ride to raise money for the charity African Revival. Much of the journey was on dirt tracks and unmade roads as they pedalled on mountain bikes through rugged "undulating" terrain in heat up to nearly 50C. The couple, from Shrapnel Road, Eltham got the idea for their adventure after a dinner party in November with friend Antoine Pesenti who is a trustee of the charity and is running in the London Marathon to also raise money for the organisation.

African Revival's work provides schools in Uganda, Zambia and South Sudan with the resources they need to provide children with a quality education. The trail led from Jinja, east of the Ugandan capital Kampala on Lake Victoria and headed north to the regional town of Gulu through spectacular countryside and wildlife. "We had to train hard to prepare for the whole challenge. We started training

in November, so we had about three months, which is not a lot.

"Gediminas started cycling to work and I was cycling on Thames Path to Erith or Dartford twice a week. The ride took six days. It was incredibly hot. We were riding on the road and there was no shade. The longest day was when we cycled 108kms. One day it reached 49C which was unbelievably hot. Much of the roads were dirt roads with lots

of ruts. There was only one day where we rode on a tarmac road. There were other roads with tarmac but not much. "I remember one day where I did not think I could carry on. I cried and put my head on the handlebars but you remember what you are doing it for and the other people spur you on and encourage you to go on. You know you cannot give up." Svetlana said: "People said we were crazy and that it was a very dangerous place. "But when we got there, we saw lots of happy smiling children and people." "At one point we had lunch in a village and a group of children came to sing for us. It was amazing." "Education will really give Uganda a promising a bright future. I feel very strongly about that. And that is what African Revival is helping to do." "We did get to see some of the school projects and how they learn. Some schools have 1,000 children with a teacher to pupil ratio of 1 to 100."

Svetlana said: "We had to raise a minimum of 3000 per person. As we paid the cost of the trip ourselves, we had to raise roughly 2000 pounds, which we did. And with Gediminas's employer matching the raised amount, our total is 3000." Svetlana and Gediminas have lived in Eltham for six years. Gediminas is a software developer for a hedge fund company while Svetlana worked for Investment bank Goldman Sachs in desktop publishing work and when needed translated from English to Russian before becoming a full time housewife and mum to children Ugne, nine and Tomas, four who are both pupils at Gordon Primary School.

Antoine Pesenti, who introduced Svetlana and Gediminas to the charity and also lives in Eltham was due to run the London Marathon as we went to print. Besides his city job, Antoine is a trustee of African Revival, where he provides his expertise in mathematics and helps to fi nd the most eff ective way of using charity funds. To fi nd out more about African Revival, go to their website: africanrevival.org To donate to the charity through Svetlana's page go to: www.justgiving.com/Gediminas-Stanzys

Children came to sing for us.Story by Adam Gillham

SEnine

19Help keep Eltham safe - report suspicious activity!

EDUCATION

Anybody studying the history of Eltham will soon come across the line drawings of historic places penned by the topographical artist Llwyd Roberts. They can be found in some numbers in the archives of the Greenwich Heritage Centre, in personal collections and in two books dedicated to his Eltham work. His Eltham drawings appeared between the 1920s and 1930s when great change was removing historic buildings from the High Street and he was to make a visual record before they were replaced. But who was this Welsh newcomer to Eltham, who like Mr RRC Gregory who came via Somerset to write The Story of Royal Eltham in 1909 was, so intrigued by our historic town?

John Richard Lloyd Roberts was born in 1875 at Borth in Cardiganshire. On the 1881 census the family lived at Garibaldi House in Borth where his father Robert Parkhead Roberts, aged 39, was a draper. His mother Martha aged 36 was also born in Borth. John was aged six with younger brothers aged four and one and a domestic servant aged seventeen; it was later stated that he was one of nine brothers who may have been younger or older.

The only record of his education is that he attended Hardwin College in North Wales to particularly study history and foreign aff airs but his artistic leanings led his father to article him to Mr Coke-Hall, a Derby architect, where in 1891 aged 16, he was a printers clerk boarding with a police superintendent.

Probably in connection with this work he travelled a great deal in Ireland. There he met an Irish lady, Miss Emily Coburn, of the same age whom he was to marry; they had two daughters Aileen and Margaret.

The census of 1901 records the family at Alrewas, Lichfi eld, Staff ordshire. John, now aged 26, was an architectural draughtsman with a daughter Aileen aged one who was born at Alrewas. Sadly his wife died a few years later as did his daughter Aileen.

For seven years he was a draughtsman to Messrs Bass & Co of Burton-on-Trent. He then returned to Wales where he worked as a black and white artist at Cardiff but was also interested in colour pictures. His work for the Western Mail, the South Wales Daily News and the Echo was prolifi c and he was also a

cartoonist for the Newport Argus. The 1911 census records that widower John, a black and white artist working on his own account, was a boarder with George and Edith Bullock in Newport, the town where he met hotel housekeeper Alice Kenward; they were to marry later that year.

In 1914, aged 39, John was one of the fi rst to join the noted Welsh Bantams and later served with the South Wales Borderers. After the war he was with the Army of Occupation at Cologne where he did artistic work for the Cologne

Llwyd RobertsJohn Kennett looks at the life and work of an Eltham artist

Llwyd Roberts at work

Ancient Eltham Now site of Avery Fabrics and The Arcade

SEnine

20

HISTORIC ELTHAM

Post; out of several hundred entries he won fi rst prize for the best Christmas card design for the troops.

Perhaps they had moved to somewhere in the Woolwich Borough Council area as in 1922, aged 47, he and Alice moved to a new council house on the emerging Page Estate at 7 Bloxam Gardens, off Froissart Road in Eltham, where he lived for the rest of his life.

On 23 August 1929 appeared the fi rst in a series of his Eltham historic drawings in the weekly Eltham District Times; the pictures were a regular feature, with an historic comment, until August 1932 and on a casual basis in succeeding years. He accepted individual commissions of historic buildings, those about to be demolished, private houses, portraits, and made fresh copies of pictures from old and faded images. Pictures covering a wider area appeared in the Kentish Mercury, the London Star and other county newspapers. He re-styled himself as Llwyd on his drawings and from 1932 on the electoral list; many of his original pictures contain his signature and address on the back.

In 1939, at the start of the Second World War, he became a civil clerk attached to the Royal Army Service Corps but internal gastric ulcer problems overcame him and he died at home, aged 65, after a short illness on 19 September 1940, as the Battle of Britain was being played out in the skies above. He was buried at St Matthews in his birth town of Borth.

A re-awakening of interest in Eltham and its history, promoted by the formation of the Eltham Society in 1965, saw the publication of Old Eltham by the Kentish Times which contained a number of Llwyd Roberts pictures that had appeared over thirty years earlier in the Eltham Times. A reprint with some extra pictures appeared in 1969 and both editions are keenly sought

by collectors of Eltham publications. A copy of the fi rst edition was presented by a Kentish Times reporter to Bob Hope on a visit to London to remind him of his old home town.

Between 18 December 1976 and 18 January 1977 an exhibition of his drawings and watercolours was held at the Woodlands Art Gallery, Mycenae

Road, Blackheath, adjacent to the local history library. On display were 168 pictures depicting locations in Woolwich, Shooters Hill, Plumstead Lesnes Abbey, Blackheath, Charlton, Deptford with the bulk being from Greenwich and Eltham. The collection, now housed at the Greenwich Heritage Centre, Woolwich Arsenal, contains some 90 pictures of Eltham. No

doubt there are other local depositories of his work as the Kentish Times also published scenes he drew of Dartford, Cobham and Gravesend and work from further afi eld has been noted.

We owe him a debt of gratitude in recording the changing local landscape in such a distinctive style with meticulous attention to detail which he could produce at the rate of three commissions a week. After his death it was stated that Llwyd Roberts was a Welshman with a varied career, always equable, cheerful and striving in his work. We trust that his talent will one day be duly recognised. Perhaps the Greenwich Heritage Centre may be persuaded to re-run an exhibition of his work?

All pictures are from the John Kennett collection

Old properties in Eltham High Street removed in the mid 1930s; now site of second hand car sales near Wythfi eld Road

SEnine

21

HISTORIC ELTHAM

When Jane Bennett and her team at Woodheads set out to raise funds for the charity Demelza, little did they know that they had a giant surprise in store.

While handing over the 190.00 raised to Demelza in Court Road, Jane stopped to buy a ticket in the charities annual Easter raffl e.

"It was a real surprise when I was told we had won, and a shock when I realised how big it was" said Jane.

The Egg was made a by local company Ayres Bakery.

"The egg will be broken up and off ered as a treat for customers" said Jane "Pop in and have a taste, if there is any left"

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Life began 40 years ago for the Playwell pre-school nursery in Westmount Road, which is celebrating its anniversary this month.

Many hundreds of children have grown up through the playgroups ranks, some became Playwell parents themselves.

Playwell, which meets every day during term time in the halls of Eltham Park Baptist Church, is planning a re-union party to mark its anniversary.

There will be a mini-celebration in the Church Halls on Saturday 11th May between 10am and 12noon with an exhibition of memorabilia and photographs from over the years, activities for children and refreshments.

Everyone is invited but particularly former members of staff , parents and children who have attended Playwell. You are invited to come along and reminisce or just have a cup of tea.

There are now over 60 children on roll and seven members of staff led by the supervisor Julie Graham. In September 2011, OFSTED inspection deemed that it was outstanding in two of their four main categories and good in the others.

It was started in May 1973 by church member Pat Downing when the previous halls occupants, left to join the Maze Hill Centre, and they were left standing empty. In those days the fee was 30p a session with ten children turning up on the fi rst day.

Sadly Mrs Downing died in 2011 but Playwell is her legacy, now a registered charity overseen by a management committee of mainly church members. Instead of 30p per session, children can attend for their fi rst 15 hours per week funded by Greenwich Childrens services.

Applications are made via the website www.elthamparkbaptist.org.uk

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Take an interest in local events

Whilst job-hunting for work in magazines on-line, I stumbled across a free-training scheme called YOUYOU Mentoring.

YOUYOU is a unique scheme that helps teenagers and young adults gain invaluable mentoring experience to succeed in turning their interests into a career and step further towards further education, training, work experience, and employment opportunities.

The YOUYOU scheme was off ering four places on a bespoke writing masterclass with the popular music magazine, Q. Growing up in a music-fan family, I have always talked passionately about music including concerts and albums and what they mean to me. Its something thats in my blood. This was something that Brenda Ramsey, who founded the scheme, noticed in my application and from that recognition, I was fortunate enough to earn a place on the masterclass just over a year ago.

Q being a magazine that I personally read and have great respect for, I couldnt believe my luck to fi nd such an opportunity. Whats more, the scheme was particularly interested in off ering placements to those without relevant qualifi cations and experience. This was perfect as I left school not knowing what exactly I could do. And whatever I dreamt of doing, I had no idea how to go about reaching.

YOUYOU bases successful applications on examples of work and a letter from the heart.

At Q magazine I was given great advice from Editor-at-the-time, Paul Rees. I could not get a better mentor than a man

who has interviewed the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Madonna.

The mentor scheme gave me the opportunity to interview celebrities such as Ronnie Wood, Louis Theroux and Martin Kemp among others, as well as having my work published online for Q magazine and the mentoring scheme.

Brenda also put me in touch with the hit-maker Guy Chambers. Guy, a song-writer who has worked with Robbie Williams as well as more recently producing last years Christmas number one, was off ering an internship.

This was an incredible opportunity to work at the music studio he owns, Sleeper Sounds, and another opportunity I very much wanted to grasp.

After an interview with Guy and his personal assistant, I was delighted when they decided to take me on board

I worked at the music studio for six months.

Closely working with Guy, I helped build his social media, promote his event night and worked as a junior PA. Being part of a successful song-writer and producers team in a musical environment was a rewarding experience.

My time with the YOUYOU scheme gave me the opportunity to interview several popular celebrities, including most recently Tyler James from BBCs The Voice to write feature articles. Ive also assisted on high-profi le events, photo shoots and gained an insight into the workings of entertainment companies and magazines.

The experience I have gained through YOUYOU, meeting and working with so many diverse industry professionals has given me the confi dence to apply for positions that become available in both media and entertainment.

I hope to further my experience in magazine writing and interviewing and to explore diff erent types of journalism and broadcasting.

You-You and MeSEnines Nicola Jones has been meeting the stars

in her search for work Experience.

To fi nd out more about the opportunities YOUYOU currently has to off er, follow the twitter or visit the website: @YOUYOUMentoringwww.youyoumentoring.co.uk

Nicola with Louis Theroux

Nicola with Martin Kemp

SEnine

24 Local Business - use it or lose it

FEATURE

JOHN GINTY & ASSOCIATESDENTAL SURGEONS

www.johngintyandassociates.co.uk

0844 375 [email protected]

The practice provides a full range of NHS and private dental treatments and a private hygienist service, including;

Crowns, Bridges and Dentures

Cosmetic dentistry such as veneers, invisalign

and whitening

Treatment of gum disease

Sedation Dentistry

CAD/CAM technology for colour matched

(non mercury) fillings

Replacement of missing teeth with

implants

Denplan; a monthly payment plan

Appointments available Monday to Saturday

19 Glenshiel RoadEltham

SE9 1AQ

SEnine has now a low cost classifi ed section for small business to promote themselves. This would be very suited to the trades and services industry.

If you are a plumber, gas fi tter, bricklayer, handyman, window cleaner, rubbish removal, in fact any business that needs promoting.

Or perhaps you provide a service, we can help.

Classifi ed space is also available for people wishing to buy or sell items, such as furniture or cars.

We Guarantee if you do not get at least one call (We can generate calls but can't sell it for you, that is your job) we will run your advert again free of charge*. We trust you, as an Elthamite, to be truthful.To book your space email; classifi [email protected] *Will be noted as a 'no response' free advert

SSSESSSSSS nine has now a low cost classifi ed section forrrrrrrrrr ssmssssss all business to promote themselves. This woulddddddd bbebbbbbb very suited to the trades and services industry.

If you are a plumber,, , , , ,, ,gas fi tter, bricklayer,, , , ,, handyman, windowwwwwwwwwww cleaner, rubbishhhhhhh removal, in facttttttttt any business that tt t t tt ttneeds promoting.

OOrOOOOOOO perhaps you provide a service, we can help.

CCClCCCCC assifi ed space is also available for people wishingggggggggtttottttttt buy or sell items, such as furniture or cars.

WWWe Guarantee if you do not get at least onee e e e e e cccaccccc ll (We can generate calls but can't sell it for you,,,,,,,, tttthtttttt at is your job) we will run your advert again freeeeeeeeee oofoooooo charge*. We trust you, as an Elthamite, to beeeeeeee tttttrtttttt uthful.TTTTToTTTTT book your space email; classifi [email protected] k k kk k kkkk ***W******* ill be noted as a 'no response' free advert

SEnine Classifi eds

Call Plumber

Book baby sitter

Pick up dry cleaning

Call window cleaner

Book table for anniversary

Have nails manicured.

Follow us on Facebook & Twitter@TheWhiteHart3

2 Eltham High StreetEltham London SE9 1DA

020 8850 1562www.whiteharteltham.co.uk

[email protected]

The White Hart is a traditional Carvery & Steak house on Eltham High StreetWe pride ourselves on a fantastic service and hope you will certainly agree.

Carvery including; beef, turkey and gammon operate 7 days a week, Mon 12 midday - 10.30 pm, Tue to Sat Evening 4pm-8pm, (early bird discount 4pm-6.30pm Tue - Fri). Sunday. Lunch from noon until 6pm. The Carvery also operates Lunchtimes Wed - Fri Noon - 2pm. We are Open for breakfast Tue - Sat 9.30am

The Full Grill & Restaurant Menu operates from noon until 9pm Tue - Sat. Try our Wonderful Steaks from the Grill, T-Bone, Sirloins, Rump, Try our Famous HRM Mixed Grill

We invite you, your family and friends to visit the restaurant or just pop in for a drink in the bar.

Next quiz night 3rd April 2013 - Rocking to Beat Cancer

Father's Day, Sunday 16th June 2013. Bookings already being taken, Limited availability. After a Fully Booked & Successful Mother's Day, Book Early to avoid being disappointed

SEnine

25When in doubt, do the right thing

Gaynor Wingham is the lady who has been setting Eltham to poetry in recent months. Matt Bell spoke to her.

How did you get involved in the poetry competition?Im the arts representative on the Eltham Town Centre Partnership which is about promoting the town centre and fostering a sense of community. The arts are a key element of this.

How was the poetry contest? The support was terrifi c. It was a 'fi rst' for Eltham and the response was so heartening, with good quality poems. I couldn't have done it without the support of Professor Andrew Lambirth from Greenwich University, an expert on children's poetry. He organised the judging panel.

How did you get people to do the poems?We held workshops to explain about the competition and to get people interested in writing poetry. They were at various venues including St Mary's Centre, the library and even one at McDonald's. Some people just didn't think they were capable of writing a poem but I encouraged them to try.

Were all age groups represented?I did a workshop at the Philipot Almshouses where the oldest participant was 92. We had some good entries from school children, particularly Middle Park Primary School. It's great to see how many children love living in Eltham. Must only be good for our future.

Did you have help?The local police were incredible. They distributed fl yers, came to workshops and wrote poems. Sergeant Marianne Catmull won second prize for her poem. Rev Paul Rogers of Eltham Park Baptist Church made sure all the churches knew about the competition and encouraged people to send in poems. Eltham Park Residents Association and the Eltham

Society both gave good publicity for the competition.

Are you a lifelong Eltham resident? I was born on Christmas Eve 1948 at the Memorial Hospital on Shooters Hill and spent my childhood in Welling, but my family has been linked to Eltham since the early 1900s. My great-grandparents are buried in St John's churchyard.

Why did your family come to this area?My great-grandfather moved here to work at the Woolwich Arsenal munitions, as did so many people from that generation. Then, my father went to Gordon School as did my son and grandson. My father was born in a house in Congreve Road, and the family lived for a long time in Admiral Seymour Road, and my great-grandfather lived in Cobett Road, all on the Progress Estate. My grandparents lived in Briset Road on the Page Estate.

Where do you live now?I've lived with my husband, John, in Greenholm Road for the last 27 years. We had our wedding reception in 1970 at the Tudor Barn. I wrote a book called '100 Years of a London Street ' to mark the centenary of Greenholm Road in 2000.

Do you think Eltham is still a good town to live? Yes. Eltham has always had a real sense of community spirit which it retains. Some of the High Street has changed

but they have all over the country. We've been fortunate in Eltham to maintain some big name retailers like Marks and Spencer, but also to have some good independent shops.

And the open spaces?The parks, woodland and open spaces are lovely, there's so much greenery in the area. I have very happy memories of the Pleasaunce at Well Hall as a child, walking there with my grandmother, and still enjoy going there.

What about the changes there have been?I miss the lido in Eltham Park South, it's sad that went and now the lido at Charlton has been restored. The town has become diverse which is good, the shops and restaurants refl ect that. People have integrated well. It's an excellent place to live. The biggest improvement recently has been the public transport links. It's so much better now that we can get a bus to the O2 and access the London Underground there.

Do you have any other interests, as well as the arts? I'm a member of the Greenwich Community Choir and I'm passionate about researching family history. I'm semi-retired so I still do some freelance consultancy in social work which was my full-time occupation.

Which project is next in your role as Arts Rep? Watch this space.

The Eltham Town Centre Partnership was established in 2004 to promote Eltham and help develop and sustain a viable town centre. It members are stakeholders in the town centre and include businesses, community organisations, the area MP, Greenwich Council and representatives from developers, the Police, University of Greenwich, Eltham Society, South Greenwich Forum and CERA. For more information visit www.elthamtcp.co.uk

Well VersedSEnine

26 Help keep Eltham tidy! Put your litter in bins.

PERSONAL ELTHAM

ST MARYS COMMUNITY COMPLEXST MARYS COMMUNITY COMPLEX

020 8850 2040 Main Offi ce 180 Eltham High St

Anstridge Hall Anstridge Road SE9 2LLFlintmill Hall Flintmill Crescent SE3 8LU

Lionel Road Hall Westhorne Avenue SE9 6DHProgress Hall Admiral Seymour Rd SE9 1SL

St Mary's Community Complex 180 High Street Eltham

For more information on Halls and Rooms for Hire at aff ordable prices contact the main offi ce on 020 8850 2040

We have a lot of diff erent activities going on, join in or join a group. Our web site has a full list of all the groups that meet, across all our properties.

St. Mary's Community Complex is made up of 5 diff erent centres in Eltham, off ering rooms for hire to suit varying needs from small intimate meeting rooms, for up to 10 people, right up to halls suitable for weddings, birthday parties, life celebrations, conferences taking a maximum of 200 people.

The primary aim of our organisation is to off er regular meeting spaces for our membership, now over 60 community groups as well as

individual members. However, we also off er hall hire to businesses and the general public.

Hall hire for events such as weddings, parties and life celebrations

Room hire for meetings, classes and training

Meeting rooms and halls for as few as 8 and up to 200 people

Catering for light refreshments off ered in St. Mary's Eltham

Facilities for own catering arrangements Reduced hire rates for our members.

A full day of entertainment is promised for Well Hall Pleasaunces Fayre this year.

The event, which is being held on Sunday June 2 not on the traditional Bank Holiday weekend comprises main stage acts, Punch and Judy and community singing and dancing groups.

More than 50 stalls are expected at the event, which is the highest attendance in recent years, and include local produce, jewellery, books, plants, arts and crafts and bric-a-brac.

The event, is organised by the Tudor Barn, with Greenwich Council in conjunction with the Friends of Well Hall Pleasaunce, and marks the start

of this years annual Parksfest festival, which will again see Sunday music in the Pleasaunce and Eltham Park.Main stage entertainers on June 2 include the Avery Hill rock choir, Eltham pop choir, Greenwich Youth Band, local young acoustic sensation Harvey Montague and Loopy Lous dance school.

Headline band will be Suzie Bailey and Espree who will perform a selection of top pop covers.

There will be a chance to have-a-go at various dance styles with Dance Defi nity, the Eltham-based group which teach zumba, line dance and street dance.

A special circus tent, run by Jake the Juggler, will be erected for those with an eye on learning Big Tent skills and other participation activities will include balloon modelling and stilt walking.

Professor Dills Punch and Judy will be in session through the day and the usual array of bouncy castles will be available and the Tudor Barn catering operation will off er a wide range of snacks and refreshments.

In addition, the ever-popular exhibitions of owls and scary exotic wildlife from Animal Days Out will be attending.

The event, which is free, runs from 10am to 5pm.

SEnine

27Don't fi nd fault, fi nd a remedy

New Eltham Joggers with support from the SEnine Magazineraising funds for the Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice

Sunday June 9th 2013Eltham Park South

Glenesk Road SE9 1AH

Enjoy a serious run through Eltham Parks North and South and Shepherdleas Wood in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. Multi-terrain accurately measured course. Make it a fun family event. Why not challenge work or school mates or enter a team to compete.

Refreshments and changing facilities available. Medals to all fi nishers and prizes for 5 mile race including spot prizes.

Offi cial entry form

First Name ............................................................. Last Name ..................................................... male/female

Address ...................................................................................................................... post code .......................

Date of Birth ................... Age on race day ............ Details of affi liated club .........................................................

Phone ............................................. Email ..........................................@........................................................Event to enter Family fun run 3.5 km 5 Mile

2.00 3.50 7.00 affi liated9.00 unaffi liated10.00 on the day

Send completed application form, an A5 SAE and a cheque - payable to the New Eltham Joggers to New Eltham Joggers, 55 Glenesk Road SE9 1AH

www.newelthamjoggers.co.uk

Eltham Park 5Eltham Park 5

10.00 am 3.5 km run starts

10.30 am 1 mile family fun run starts

11.15 am 5 mile run starts

I am medically fi t to run and will abide by the UKA rules for competition and will in no way hold the organisers responsible for any injury, accident or illness to my person, or loss of property, resulting from my participation in this event

Signed Date

On line entries can be made at www.runnersworld.co.uk/newelthamjoggers

SEnine

28 Smile , it feels good

The church hall at All Saints New Eltham was packed out and covered in glitter on Good Friday this year.

More than 40 local children, their parents and carers were welcomed for two hours of free Easter-themed crafting mayhem as part of our observance of the Christian festival.

Projects to create and take home included Easter gardens, decorated eggs, scratch-art crosses and bookmarks, and stained glass windows.

The children also helped create two mosaic collages which will be on display permanently in the church.

Organiser Pam Piper said We were thrilled with the response to this event. It is some years since we ran a community activity like this over Easter and it was a pleasure to welcome so many new faces to our church hall.

Everyone who attended really enjoyed themselves and we will be looking to organise another messy church event later in 2013.

Activities at the church can be seen on its website http://www.allsaintsneweltham.org.uk

Brickwork & DrivesPainting & decoratingTilingAny home improvement and instalment work

Mobile: 07944 575 848 Home: 020 8850 0354Email: [email protected]

Building Contractor

For free estimates and advice contact

Bill Treadgold

Reasonable rates and reliable

Crafting Mayhem

New You Pilates Matwork Studio has opened on the borders of New Eltham and Sidcup. Classes 6 days a week Please contact Sharon on 07905123016 e-mail [email protected] www.newyoupilates.co.uk

Pilates

SEnine

29Put your money where your house is - shop locally

YOUNG ELTHAM

The last time that deer were seen in Eltham was probably the fi nal time that Bambi was screened at the Coronet. Maybe the nearest youll get to seeing a deer locally these days is the White Hart sign in Eltham Hill.

But this might be about to change. Britains wild deer population is expanding quickly and already spilling into towns. The population has doubled in recent years, with more than any time in the last 1,000 years, scientists believe.

Of course, in many ways, Eltham is a natural habitat for deer, the former densely wooded area between here and Greenwich being a hunting ground, a particular favourite of Henry VIIIs.

There have been reports of them on the fringes of London for some years with numerous sightings in Bromley

borough ever closer to the boundaries with Greenwich. There have also been regular sightings in Havering, Hillingdon, Waltham Forest and occasional reports from Sydenham Hill Wood and Tooting Bec Common.

Lacking natural predators, barring the occasional hunter in search of venison, there is no break on the deer population. The indigenous species, red and fallow, which can be seen in The Wilderness in Greenwich Park, are thought possibly the descendants of the original Royal herds and allowed to roam freely until the 1920s, like Richmond Park.

But there are also now imports such as the sika and muntjac, natives of southern Asia. These are often escapees from wildlife parks and are now proceeding to make themselves at home across the country, often with disastrous consequences for young trees. Keeping them at bay can be tricky, with the ability to leap fences up to eight feet high.

The most likely arrival is the muntjac, the smallest. They have very small antlers, glossy red-brown coats, white tight patches on their thighs and a pair of tusks, actually long teeth. They are secretive and solitary, easily live in an area unnoticed, the fi rst signs of their presence being unexplained nibbling

in gardens.Any sightings should be reported to the police. Dont worry, theres not much risk of a stray animal being culled, a hazardous re-location being the most likely option.

Nature Club May Events

An illustrated talk on the species and landscape of the river Cray will be the Eltham Nature Clubs meeting in May.

The rivers project offi cer