Last full council meeting before borough goes royal
November 30, 2011 by Rob Powell
GREENWICH Council has its last full meeting tomorrow night before the borough goes royal.
Councillors will have the hand of history on their shoulders as they convene at Woolwich Town Hall for the last time under the name “London Borough of Greenwich”.
By the time of the next full meeting in January, the borough will have been renamed as the “Royal Borough of Greenwich”.
The future of the parliamentary boundaries will be under discussion on Thursday night as councillors decide how to respond to the current boundary review.
With the adoption of a new royal title, it will be farewell to a name that came into existence in 1965.
As a result of a large reorganisation of local government in London, neighbouring Metropolitan boroughs Greenwich and Woolwich joined together to form the brand new London Borough of Greenwich.
“Charlton”, and even “Royal Charlton”, were considered as names for the new borough but eventually the “London Borough of Greenwich” name was chosen. The amalgamation wasn’t welcomed by all – the very last resolution passed by the old Greenwich borough council placed on record its “deep regret that the Metropolitan Borough of Greenwich will lose its identity on 31st March 1965.”
The Council of the London Borough of Greenwich’s first meeting as a local authority took place on the 1st April, 1965, at Woolwich Town Hall – 46 years before the final meeting will take place in the same chamber.
At that first meeting, Cllr Bill Brooks, whose mother was also on the council, was elected as the London Borough of Greenwich’s first mayor and a telegram offering best wishes from the borough’s twin town of Reinickdorf, Berlin, was noted.
The New Greenwich
To mark the creation of the new London Borough of Greewich, the Mercury newspaper published a 12 page pull out guide, explaining what the new municipal arrangements would mean for residents. Painting an optimistic vision for the new borough, the document explained what the changes would mean for housing, health, industry and tourism.
The borough’s first Town Clerk, Mr Roderick Doble, told the Mercury: “I am certain that the new council doesn’t want to govern on its own – it wants to govern with the people.”
Read ‘The New Greenwich’ in its entirety below:
First meeting of the council
This is a picture of the front page of the minutes from the very first meeting of the council of the London Borough of Greenwich once it became the responsible local authority.
Kevin Nolan’s Match Report: Charlton Athletic v Huddersfield (28/11/2011)
November 29, 2011 by Kevin Nolan
Charlton 2 ( Kermorgant 23, Ephraim 41) Huddersfield Town 0.
Kevin Nolan reports from The Valley.
Surfing a wave of the most passionate support in South East London, Charlton shattered Huddersfield’s magnificent record of 43 consecutive league games unbeaten and tightened their grip at the top of the table. In what home manager Chris Powell aptly called “an advert for League One”, a national TV audience received a timely reminder that quality exists outside the Premiership. They might also have appreciated the keenly but cleanly contested nature of this vitally important clash, unmarred as it was by any Balotelli/ Tevez pouting.
The build-up had concentrated on the supposedly crucial shoot-out between hot shots Bradley Wright-Phillips and Jordan Rhodes, scorers of 27 league goals between them. Charlton’s marksman shaded their personal duel but it was his strike partner, Yann Kermorgant, who did the damage. The underrated Frenchman notched his side’s important first goal, contributed critically to the second, besides hitting the bar and handing the visitors a lesson in centre forward virtuosity.
The West Yorkshiremen actually made the brighter start. They had earned four early corners and were exerting mild pressure when right back Jack Hunt was panicked into tripping Hogan Ephraim as the right-footed left winger cut in from the touchline. Crossing from the opposite flank to size up an inviting free kick, Danny Green curled in a pacy inswinger, which Kermorgant met in front of his marker and headed firmly inside the left post. Not a particularly towering player, the Breton’s heading is a sight for sore eyes among aficionados of a lost art made all but redundant by the brilliant, pattern-weaving likes of Barcelona.
Up front for Town, meanwhile, was debutant loanee Jon Parkin, known affectionately as “The Beast” in recognition of his massive stature and not, it must be said, for persistent foul play. Limited he might be but Parkin leaves his mark on defenders, who know they’ve been in a battle by full-time. Deputy skipper Matt Taylor and Michael Morrison stood up valiantly to the physical challenge as Huddersfield’s tactics were adapted to the big bloke’s formidable assets. It was possibly fortunate that alongside him, Rhodes froze in front of the cameras. Despite the lion’s share of first half possession, the visitors rarely troubled the impressively sound Ben Hamer.
Three minutes before the interval, the Addicks doubled their lead in circumstances made “controversial” only by a catastrophic lapse in concentration among the visitors. Taking time out to dispute a throw clearly not theirs, they allowed the alert Green to quickly find Kermorgant, who flicked on cleverly for Wright-Phillips to twist past his shadow Antony Kay. Sensing the danger, Ian Bennett left his line to block the striker’s toepoked effort but the rebound fell to Ephraim, who ignored several sluggish defenders and slotted neatly past the stranded goalkeeper. A jubilant Valley all but hugged itself in glee, in between ribaldly inviting the visitors to do something unseemly, not to mention illegal, with their unbeaten record.
Terriers’ boss Lee Clark responded positively during the break, bringing on the attacking pace of Danny Ward and Anton Robinson. Powell was forced into change by the enforced withdrawal of experienced loan signing Darel Russell, in whose place Andy Hughes added his customary professional pragmatism to the cause. What you see is what you get from Hughes and what you get are guts and commitment.
A minute following resumption, the bar denied Charlton a third, possibly decisive goal. Green’s long throw was headed over Bennett by Kermorgant but crashed against the woodwork. The burly Frenchman then forced a fine save from Bennett with a fierce free kick.
Improving steadily as their hosts flagged briefly, the Terriers came close to reducing their arrears on the hour when Ward’s intended cross swerved on to the bar. They came even closer through Parkin, who seized on a chance created by Taylor’s untimely slip to crash a venomous left-footed volley goalwards. At full stretch, Hamer miraculously turned the ball on to his left-hand post.
Having done their marvellously full-throated bit, the home support had seen enough. The departure of Kermorgant with an ankle injury dampened their ardour somewhat but they stayed behind to salute their heroes, each one of whom had contributed fully to a cockle-warming triumph It wouldn’t do to mention any names but the little right back is one nugget of a player. There’s still one helluva long way to go but the journey has been a pleasure so far. Stay on board, now, there’s more to come.
Charlton (4-4-2): Hamer, Solly, Morrison, Taylor, Wiggins, Green, Russell (Hughes 46), Hollands, Ephraim (Wagstaff 82), Kermorgant (Hayes 89), Wright-Phillips. Not used: Sullivan, Cort.
Huddersfield (4-4-2): Bennett, Hunt, Arfield, Clarke, Woods, Miller (Robinson 46), Kay, Roberts (Ward 46), Johnson, Rhodes, Parkin. Not used: Colgan, Novak, Bruce.
Referee: R. East. Attendance: 18,029.
Federer wins season-ending championship in Greenwich
November 27, 2011 by Rob Powell
ROGER FEDERER has won the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals at the O2 arena in Greenwich.
Federer beat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-3 6-7 6-3 before a capacity crowd at the north Greenwich venue.
Playing in his 100th tournament final, Federer’s thrilling victory gave him the end-of-year championships for a record breaking sixth time.
By mid-way through the second set, Federer looked all set to wrap it up in two but the Frenchman battled back to take the set and give the fans a final, third set after a nerve-wracking tiebreaker.
Tardy spectators including London’s mayor, Boris Johnson, were booed as the umpire had to hurry them to find a seat as play was held up after a change-of-end break during the third set.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony after the match, Tsonga said it was “amazing to play on this court and amazing to be in London with you.”
Federer added: “I don’t think this tournament could be any better run. We’ve had a wonderful time…I really enjoyed every minute of being here…. See you next year, hopefully.”
The ATP World Tour Finals return to the O2 in November 2012.
Friends of St Alfege Park to consider future at Special General Meeting
November 25, 2011 by Rob Powell
A MEETING of the Friends of St Alfege Park has been called so that the group can decide its future.
Following the smashing of headstones in the deconsecrated church yard, Greenwich Council banned the group from working in the park and severed its relationship with it.
Friends are now being asked to vote on three courses of action when they meet for the Special General Meeting:
- “We continue to organize events in the park, even though we are not permitted at
present to do any work.” - “We go into hibernation for the present and hope that Greenwich Council will eventually
relent and restore us to full partnership.” - “We disband the group and dispose of its assets in accordance with the principles set
out in our constitution.”
Ballot papers have been sent to all members of the group, alongside an exchange of emails between group Chair, Tim Delap, and local ward councillors.
With the wider community remaining in the dark about how the headstones came to be broken, the emails do at last give a glimpse of the Chair’s version of events. He says:
I accept that my instructions to the Supervisor should have been tighter, and that I should have sought permission from the burial authority to move stones, in this case St Alfege church. However, the CPB [Community Pay Back] team initially followed my instructions and when clearing the first half of the site (up to the mulberry tree) where, if you inspect the site, you will see that the stones have been dug out carefully (i.e., no stubs remain). If you look at the second half of the site, you will see the stubs of approximately 17 stones remain in the ground, and that no attempt whatsoever has been made to dig the stones out whole. Moreover, whoever broke off the stones continued all the way to and around the corner and beyond the gate, instead of stopping midway along the wall, where the last three projected beds had been marked out.
I cannot know who broke up the stones without attempting to dig them out since I was not on site at the time. I surmise that it was not the Friends for two reasons. First, because we wanted the stones to be whole so that we could use them for paving in a future project. Second, because our Friends are mostly incapable of the heavy manual work of breaking the large number of stone AND transporting the debris to the collection point. Most of our designated working days are sparsely attended and carry out gentle pruning and gardening.
I surmise that it was the CPB team because they were tasked with clearing the site, were known to be on site, and were capable of the heavy manual work involved. I can think of no other organisation that would be likely to carry out the destruction, and therefore surmise that it was the CPB team.
The London Probationary Trust has claimed that apart from one day in July, they didn’t work on the headstones until September and that they were carrying on work already under way. Earlier this month, Greenwich.co.uk published a photo taken in August showing a pile of broken headstones.
The Friends’ Chair has signalled his intention to resign whatever the outcome of the ballot. The meeting, which will be open to members of the Friends only, will take place in the second week of December.
Daily Photo: 25/11/2011 – More tennis pictures
November 25, 2011 by Rob Powell
Jo-Wilfriend Tsonga from his match against Rafael Nadal at the O2 last night.
Earlier in the day, Mardy Fish crashed out of the competition after his third loss from three matches, but he praised for the O2 as a tennis venue:
“The atmosphere’s spectacular… This is in the perfect place. I think that the tennis fans here are very respectful. They love who they love. They love their stars. But they’re very respectful of good tennis. I can appreciate that.”
Photos: Gerard Chaustow
Licensing commitee gives Oranjecamping green light
November 23, 2011 by Rob Powell
COUNCILLORS on a Greenwich Council Licensing Committee have backed a large temporary camp site on the Greenwich Peninsula next year.
The OranjeCamping scheme was back before councillors at the Town Hall in Woolwich yesterday after a previous licensing bid was thrown out.
The up-market camp site aimed at Dutch visitors to London 2012 now has permission, with conditions attached, to sell alcohol and put on live music for guests next summer.
Fears over noise and damage to the nearby Greenwich Ecology Park were raised by opponents but the applicant convinced councillors on the committee that the camp site would not cause a nuisance to nearby residents or to the ecology park.
The license granted means alcohol will be able to be sold on site until 1.30am and live music is permitted to 11pm, after which time background music may continue indoors until 1.45am.
Security patrols by contractor G4S would ensure guests behaved at night and a 24 hour manned complaints line would be in operation to deal with any issues, the applicant explained.
Ward councillor, Mary Mills, spoke on behalf of local residents concerned about proposed road closures in West Parkside – which will be examined by a separate meeting of the Highways Committee – and also questioned whether consultation had taken place with the local travelling community.
Oranjecamping’s counsel apologised to representatives from the Greenwich Ecology Park after he riled them by pointing out that the protection of “fish, birds and frogs” was not an objective of the licensing application.
He added: “This application is, if granted, likely to lead to an event that is very good news for Greenwich. With the conditions that are on this license, if you grant it, it’s not going to lead to any undue nuisance or disorder.”
The licensing bid covers HCA-owned land next to Peartree Way, some of which had been been established as the Meantime Nursery. A ‘business lounge’ will be at the northern end of the site, near the River Walkway opposite Greenwich Yacht Club.
View a map of the site that has been granted a license.
The previous application that was rejected by the council had included the use of Greenwich Yacht Club and also plans for a 45,000 capacity concert venue.
Federer thrashes Nadal at the O2
November 23, 2011 by Rob Powell
Former world number one, Roger Federer, put on a masterclass display before tennis fans at the ATP World Tour Finals last night.
Federer swept long time rival Rafael Nadal aside 6-3 6-0 in ruthless style to continue his 100% record against the Spaniard on indoor surfaces.
What was expected to be one of the tightest matches of the end of season championship became a tour de force for the Swiss maestro, dispatching his opponent in just one hour and giving the O2 it’s earliest finish since the tournament began on Sunday.
Nadal, who suffered a bout of sickness in his previous match, is not out yet though and will play his last group match against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on Thursday evening.
Earlier in the day it was announced that home-favourite Andy Murray was pulling out of the tournament after suffering a groin strain. His place will be taken by Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia who plays his first match later today, against Tomas Berdych.
Check Ticket Availability for the ATP World Tour Finals
Photos: Gerard Chaustow
Daily Photo: 22/11/2011 – Part 2 – Tennis Fanzone
November 22, 2011 by Rob Powell
Even if you don’t have tickets for the ATP World Tour Finals, there are still chances to enjoy the tennis buzz at the O2 this week.
The Fanzone lets you see the world’s top players hitting some balls on the practice courts. There’s also a mini-tennis court for kids to try to beat the coach, pop-up shops selling tennis accessories and a chance to have your photo taken with the Barclays Premiership trophy.
Just enter the O2 and turn right to find the Fanzone at the end of Entertainment Avenue.
Today’s matches will see Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Mardy Fish go head to head, with Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal providing the evening’s entertainment.
Daily Photo: 22/11/2011 – Part 1 – Penrose Market
November 22, 2011 by Rob Powell
STUDENTS from Ravensbourne College are putting on Penrose Market today, selling a range of innovative gift ideas that they have designed themselves. The market is on today and continues until 7pm.
Nadal overcomes sickness to edge past Mardy Fish
November 21, 2011 by Rob Powell
RAFAEL NADAL clinched the win in a late night thriller on the first day of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.
The World No 2 beat Mardy Fish 6-2 3-6 7-6, with the tie break not ending til about half past eleven. Earlier in the match, the Spaniard had to leave the court due to sickness.
“I feel not very well now… I really need to come back to hotel and rest a little bit because I played for one hour suffering a lot,” he said after the match.
Earlier in the day, Roger Federer beat the charismatic Frenchman, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, avenging his Quarter Final defeat at Wimbledon this year.
Organisers reported a full capacity for both the afternoon session and the evening session.
British No 1 Andy Murray takes to the court this afternoon as he goes head to head with David Ferrer.
Check ticket availability for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals
Photos: Gerard Chaustow
