It’s that slightly infuriating day in the year when you can’t trust all that you read as folk try and catch you out with an April Fools’ Day joke. I did one when a few years ago when I put an article on the site saying there had been a spelling mistake in the Queen’s Royal Charter and the borough had been named as Royal Greeenwich (with three Es) in error – I believe it did fool a few people! [Read more…]
Nelson in Greenwich website goes live
GREENWICH.CO.UK has today launched a new website all about one of this country’s greatest heroes.
The dedicated Nelson in Greenwich mini website catalogues the connections in life and in death between Nelson and maritime Greenwich.
The centrepiece of the microsite is a brand new Nelson in Greenwich trail, detailing fifteen places to visit in Greenwich to see Nelson related statues, busts, memorials, plaques and more.
The trail, which is available to view on the website and as a printable download, also includes two of Nelson’s Band of Brothers, Sir Thomas Hardy and Sir Thomas Boulden Thompson, along with his faithful servant Thomas Allen.
There’s also details of streets and pubs named after Nelson in Greenwich and a section for new articles about Greenwich where long forgotten or untold stories about Nelson and his connections with Greenwich will be shared.
The first article is all about the astonishing scenes witnessed in Greenwich as thousands of people waited – sometimes impatiently, sometimes violently – to see the body of Nelson as it lay in the Painted Hall in January 1806.
More articles are planned over the coming months. The new site is now live at: http://nelson.greenwich.co.uk
The Grave of John Flamsteed
This is the story of how the grave of John Flamsteed – the first scientist appointed as the Royal Astronomer – went unmarked after his death for the best part of two centuries.
The name of John Flamsteed is a familiar one around Greenwich. He was the first Astronomer Royal and he himself laid the foundation stone for the new Royal Observatory which was built by Royal Warrant as a base for astronomical studies.
Flamsteed House (pictured below), as it’s now known, was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and is the original Observatory building which also housed the astronomers’ apartments. [Read more…]
Kevin Nolan’s Match Report: Ipswich Town v Charlton (30/12/2014)
Ipswich Town 3 (Smith 31, Murphy 60, McGoldrick 90), Charlton 0
Kevin Nolan reports from Portman Road.
Colourless and lacklustre, Charlton slipped to routine defeat at the hands of promotion aspirants Ipswich Town in chilly Suffolk yesterday. Hot on the heels of table toppers Bournemouth, Town were hardly hotshots themselves but had more than enough about them to cruise comfortably to victory.
The details of Charlton’s latest setback, as much as its reality, causes concern about their long term prospects. Tuesday’s line-up, with the exception of long-term absentees Stephen Henderson and Rhoys Wiggins, seems just about the strongest available to Bob Peeters. At the halfway point of this grinding, gruelling season, the selection barrel has been scraped. Unless there is unprecedented activity in the January transfer window, what you see is what you get in S.E.7 these days and on an increasingly threadbare squad rests the Addicks’ chances of staying in the Championship. No need to panic but relegation is a far more viable prospect than promotion. It must be avoided at all costs. As no doubt it will be.
There were sporadic passages of play at compact Portman Road during which Charlton held their own. Some of their football was neat, if toothless. But there was never any valid hope that they would come through against the odds. They have lost the knack of quarrying useful results -admittedly the great majority of them draws- from unpromising circumstances. The rock-like defence which has kept them afloat has shown signs of cracking recently under the strain of protecting no more than the one goal per game regularly provided at the sharp end. Ominously, had the Tractors been a little luckier, this emphatic score line might have been doubled.
As early as the 8th minute, notice was served that the visitors were in for a difficult evening. A clumsy foul by Andre Bikey on Daryl Murphy conceded a needless free kick, which David McGoldrick cleverly curled round the wall but, with Neil Etheridge beaten, the ball rebounded harmlessly off the right post.
Regular setpieces were a steady source of problems for Charlton and it was from the ninth of ten first half corners that Town eventually broke the deadlock just past the half hour. Paul Anderson’s outswinging delivery caused chaos, which centre back Tommy Smith resolved by bashing home his fourth goal of the season from two yards. With their feeble goal-a-game ratio on their minds, the Addicks already were up against it.
Match Report Sponsored By Grant Saw Wealth Management
The livewire hero of Saturday’s recovery against Cardiff City, Johann Berg Gudmundsson, again provided faint hope for his laborious side. His slow-motion close range header was cleared off the line before he combined with Chris Solly to fashion a chance which George Tucudean scooped over the bar. Gudmundsson somewhat blotted his copybook on the stroke of half-time with a thoughtless foul on Jay Tabb. Up stepped McGoldrick to bend a carbon-copy free kick past Etheridge but he was even more unfortunate to hit the same post again, with the rebound trickling to safety off the comprehensively beaten keeper.
To his credit, Gudmundsson kept trying and his purposeful run stretched Town’s rearguard early in the second period but Smith crucially overpowered Tucudean near goal. The Icelandic playmaker then set up Solly to cross accurately and Johnnie Jackson to head narrowly too high. Just as abruptly, the Addicks’ hash was settled on the hour.
A raking shot from Cole Skuse returned Anderson’s partially cleared corner, a deflection flicked up for McGoldrick to head against the bar, leaving prolific scorer Murphy to nod the ricichet neatly into an empty net.
The diminutive Tabb was a restless influence and his cute pass was carelessly sidefooted over the bar by McGoldrick. Frankly, the untroubled Tractor Boys could afford his profligacy.
Gudmundsson’s fierce, angled drive, from Tucudean’s adroit lay-off, not only stung Bartosz Bialkowski’s hands but represented Charlton’s solitary effort on target. It was entirely academic, of course, and really no surprise when McGoldrick finished them off in added time with a well taken third goal.
Peeters is experienced enough to know that his side stand at a critical crossroads in yet another problematic campaign. Victory has been tasted on just six occasions, the last of which was the 1-0 triumph at Reading on November 8th. The most recent of four home successes was the 2-1 squeaker over Bolton Wanderers back on a distant October 21st. Charlton have, frankly, forgotten how to win. And they need to quickly remember how it’s done before the memory atrophies. Like we said, though, no need to panic yet.
Ipswich: Bialkowski, Bishop (Bru 84), Smith, Chambers, Parr, Anderson (Stephen Hunt 60), Berra, Skuse, Tabb, McGoldrick (Hunt), Murphy. Not used: Gerken, Mings, Ambrose, Sammons. Booked: Smith, McGoldrick
Charlton: Etheridge, Gomez, Ben Haim, Bikey, Solly, Gudmundsson, Buyens, Jackson (Bulot 70), Cousins, Tucudean, Vetokele. Not used: Pope, Wilson, Thomas, Fox, Pigott, Ahearne-Grant. Booked: Tucudean.
Referee: Christopher Kavanagh. Att: 26,157 (1023 visiting)
More tall ships and a warship
Royal Greenwich’s Tall Ships Regatta may have been and gone but there’s still been plenty of tall ships to see on the Thames over the past week and also the arrival of a Royal Navy frigate. [Read more…]
English Oak planted in memory of Thomas Masterman Hardy
AN OAK tree planted in memory of Vice Admiral Hardy was unveiled in Greenwich yesterday.
The planting of the English Oak marks the 180th anniversary of the appointment of Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy as the Governor of Greenwich Hospital in 1834. He was the flag captain to Lord Nelson and it was to he that Nelson famously said “kiss me, Hardy” as he lay dying.
The tree, planted by the Nelson Society, is close to the old hospital mausoleum in the grounds of Devonport House under which Hardy was buried following his death in 1839.
The unveiling was carried out by Paul Ganjou, Chairman of the Nelson Society. The new leader of Greenwich Council, Denise Hyland and deputy mayor of Lewisham, Alan Smith joined Richard Upton, CEO of Cathedral Group – owners of Devonport House – at the event.
Richard Upton commented: “I am delighted Cathedral Group has been able to plant the Hardy oak tree near to Hardy’s burial place. It was a pleasure to welcome the new leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich and the deputy mayor of Lewisham to Devonport House. I look forward to there being a closer working relationship between the two neighbouring boroughs.”
From L-R: Cllr Alan Smith (Deputy Mayor of Lewisham), Cllr Denise Hyland (Leader of Royal Greenwich) and Richard Upton (CEO of Catheral Group)
Local MP Nick Raynsford and St Alfege’s Chris Moody were also in attendance, along with representatives from the Nelson Society, Devonport House, Greenwich Hospital, the Greenwich Foundation, the Greenwich Society, the 1805 club and local businesses.
The blessing of the oak was carried out by Revd Susan Blackall from the Old Royal Naval College chapel.
Almighty God, bless this oak,
that it may grow in strength, beauty and resilience
and that it may inspire the lives of all who pass this way
with the example of Vice Admiral Sir Thomas Hardy,
in his heart of oak
and in his loyalty and love
for his friend, Lord Nelson, and for his country,
and for you, most steadfast and loving God:
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
HMS Bulwark arrives at Greenwich
THE FLAGSHIP of the British navy arrived at Greenwich at lunchtime today.
On a grey, wet day, the 176-metre long HMS Bulwark transited through the Thames Barrier, passed the O2 and Old Royal Naval College and then moored at Greenwich Shipping Tier.
The visit by Bulwark, under the command of Captain Dean Bassett, is one of a number of events this year to mark the 350th anniversary of the Royal Marines. The ship will also receive a visit from the First Sea Lord who is to present the awards for the Royal Navy’s prestigious Peregrine Trophy photo competition.
The ship will open its doors to the public on Saturday and Sunday this weekend. Tickets for the chance to explore the Albion-class assault ship were quickly snapped up once available but there will be exhibitions and presentations in the Old Royal Naval College grounds this weekend for landlocked spectators.
For Greenwich-based Royal Marine Callum Tacey, 22, the visit to London is a proud chance to come home with the ship he works on.
“When you get the opportunity to come in to London, it’s a good feeling to be at home again, whilst at work too.” What landmarks did he look out for as the ship came in to London? “The view of Canary Wharf and the Isle of Dogs reminded me of home – it would have been the Cutty Sark but we were facing the other way!”
His role on the ship is as a Signaller. “We maintain comms with the boats, make sure the radios work and we pass information on up the chain of command such as contact reports or if there are casualties. That all gets sent up the line through us,” he explains.
With the First Sea Lord on board, a spectacular air and seaborne capability demonstration will take place on Thursday evening between 8.30pm – 8.45pm.
Once she leaves Greenwich early on the morning of June 3rd, Bulwark will head to Portsmouth for a capability demonstration off of Southsea and then sail to Normandy for D-Day commemorations.
After being turned at Blackwall, the ship was towed past the O2.
She passed the Old Royal Naval College.
The stern of HMS Bulwark
Crew member Agostine, ship’s captain Dean Bassett and Royal Marine Callum Tacey from Greenwich
Greenwich as seen from HMS Bulwark
Greenwich.co.uk Weekly Round Up – 26 April 2014
After a brief hiatus, the Greenwich.co.uk weekly round up returns with some of the highlights of the week just gone and a look ahead to what’s happening soon in Greenwich.
Royal Anniversary
The past week has seen a few little anniversaries of note, dating back to the eventful year that was 2012. It was two years since the Ship in a Bottle arrived at the National Maritime Museum, two years since the Queen and Prince Philip visited Greenwich where spectators waited patiently in the rain to see them and also two years since the reopening of the restored Cutty Sark. Hasn’t time flown?
Council candidate list published
It’s now just a month to go until voters to go to the polls to decide which councillors they want to represent them for next four years. If you want to have a look at who’s standing in your ward, the full list of candidates across the borough is available to download from the council website. The election takes place on Thursday May 22nd.
Pleasant Pleasaunce Market
Lizzie at the lovely cafe in East Greenwich Pleasaunce is starting a new monthly market – the first of which is happening tomorrow (Sunday 27th). It promises all manner of crafts, fresh foods, bric-a-brac and vintage items. Pop along tomorrow between 10am – 2pm or speak to Lizzie if you have something to sell there next time – if all goes well it will be on the last Sunday of each month.
Jaguar Rally
Also tomorrow is the chance to see hundreds of vintage Jaguar cars at the Old Royal Naval College. The classic car rally is setting off from Greenwich to Brighton. About 250 of the cars, including the Mark II driven by Inspector Morse, are expected for the 16th annual rally. The cars can be seen in Grand Square between 8am and 11.30.
Beautiful German Tall Ship
The sail training ship Alexander Von Humboldt arrived in London today, passing Greenwich great landmarks along the way. I posted a full set on my website about the Thames but here’s one of her passing the O2. She will be seen again passing Greenwich on Monday morning when she leaves – she should pass Greenwich some time after 10.45am.
A word from Grant Saw Wealth Management
Many thanks to Grant Saw Wealth Management at the Blackheath Standard for their sponsorship of Kev Nolan’s CAFC match reports. This week’s round up ends with a word from our sponsor…
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Greenwich.co.uk weekly round up – 1 March 2014
IKEA in Greenwich
IKEA’s application to turn the big Sainsbury’s and Comet into a big new branch of the popular furniture shop divided opinion when the plans were revealed. The matter will be decided upon this week when the Planning Board assembles at the Town Hall on Monday evening at 6.30pm. Council officers have recommended that the plans be given the green light.
Just as likely to divide opinion as IKEA is the long-running controversy of the Run To The Beat event. Last year the event moved the start and finish to Greenwich Park and this year the organisers have decided to move it out of Greenwich altogether and it will take place in Wembley. Will you miss it or are you glad it’s going?
Hotel Checks Out
Another application that was causing controversy recently appears to have been quietly dropped for now. Simon has updated this forum thread with the news that Frank Dowling’s application for a large hotel, replacing Trident Hall behind the Trafalgar Tavern, has been withdrawn.
Blackheath Fireworks
Cabinet member councillor John Fahy conducted a survey through his website to see if people thought the council should once again help fund Blackheath Fireworks and the results were revealed last Monday. It turns out they do, by a massive majority. 91% of the people who took part said the council should help fund the event. Read more on his website.
You can keep up to date with the best of the local blogosphere with the Greenwich blogs page on Greenwich.co.uk.
Frankenstein
Another week, another movie being filmed in Greenwich. This time the Old Royal Naval College hosted the cast and crew of Frankenstein, which stars Daniel Radcliffe and James McAvoy. There were lots of excited tweets as the news spread that the Harry Potter star was filming at the ORNC, which is of course also home to the University of Greenwich. Thanks very much to Graham Long for sharing this photo from shooting that took place on Wednesday evening.
The ORNC has recently appointed Will Palin as its new Conservation Director and there was a lovely gathering at the wonderful Warwick Leadlay gallery during the week to welcome him to his post. Horatio’s brilliantly funny and mischievous poem was an unforgettable, and unrepeatable, highlight. Best wishes to Will Palin in his new and important role!
And still with the Old Royal Naval College… a new series of concerts have been announced for this summer with names like Goldfrapp, Russell Watson and Jools Holland performing. Get more information here.
Snow’s No Show
It was reported in the week that London and the south east might get hit by snow yesterday (Friday). The white stuff failed to materialise though so it has turned out to be a pretty snowless winter. Looks like we may have to wait until next winter to once again see scenes like this.
Two people, however, did get snow on Friday as I delivered these two large prints to two very nice Greenwich residents. If you’ve seen a photo on the site you would like as a print or have a special request you would like to have photographed, please feel free to send me an email.
Greenwich Series
As well as the council’s Planning Board on Monday night, it’s also the next of the Greenwich Series events where interesting folk give a short talk to interested listeners above a pub in Greenwich. More info here. Thanks to organiser Matt for adding it to the site and if you have an event coming up you would like to publicise, you can do the same here.
Greenwich.co.uk weekly round up – 15 February 2014
I mentioned in last week’s round up that the Royal Artillery Band would be leaving the borough after 250 years and performing a farewell parade. It was a good turnout in General Gordon Square but if you didn’t make it over to Woolwich to see them, here’s a photo I got of them marching out of historic Woolwich Barracks for the final time.
Bugsby’s Reach
The stretch of river between Charlton and the tip of the Greenwich peninsula is called Bugsby’s Reach but there are moves to change this to Waterman’s Reach. Historian and Peninsula ward councillor Mary Mills has penned this article explaining why she’s against the change.
Just around the bend from Bugsby’s Reach is Blackwall Reach and that’s where there was a fireworks display on Friday night, sending red love hearts in to the sky. You might well have seen the short display, or more likely heard them, but here’s a short video clip from Twitter user @wontbelong
New restaurant planned in Greenwich?
A new restaurant could be coming to Greenwich town centre in the not-too-distant future. Peyton and Byrne have applied for planning permission for signage and alterations that would be required to open up a new restaurant at 20 & 22 Greenwich Church Street. These two properties have recently been rebuilt by landlords Greenwich Hospital.
The List of Adrian Messenger
Many thanks to Monique who got in touch to tell me about The List of Adrian Messenger. It’s a John Huston-directed movie, made in the 60s, with an amazing cast list that includes Tony Curtis, Kirk Douglas, Burt Lancaster, Robert Mitchum and Frank Sinatra and many scenes were filmed near Monique’s home in East Greenwich. Check out this great web page to see the stills from the movie and hover your mouse over them to see more recent photos. Thanks again, Monique, for sharing the find.
The movie is available on DVD from Amazon.co.uk
Met boss in Charlton
The Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service, Bernard Hogan-Howe, will be at Charlton House next week to answer questions. It’s an event for people from Greenwich and Lewisham boroughs and takes place on Wednesday 19th Feb, from 6.30pm – 7.30pm.
Still in Charlton, don’t forget you can catch up with all of Kevin Nolan’s CAFC match reports on Greenwich.co.uk, kindly sponsored by Grant Saw Wealth Management, who are based at the Blackheath Standard. And this week’s round up ends with a short message from Grant Saw Wealth Management.
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