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Greenwich news and information

Murray off to winning start at ATP World Tour Finals in Greenwich

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ATP World Tour Finals Day Two, O2 Arena, London, United Kingdom

BRITISH number one Andy Murray recorded a straight sets win against David Ferrer at the O2 today in his first match of this year's Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

Playing in front of a packed arena, Murray defeated the Spaniard 6-4 6-4 in an entertaining match that lasted a shade over 1 hr 30 minutes. If Murray goes on to win his next match on Wednesday, he'll finish the year as the World No 2.

The end-of-year tournament sees the top eight male players play a round robin format in two groups with the semi finals and the final taking place next weekend. It's the seventh time that the World Tour Finals have been held at the O2 and organisers have announced that the tournament will be staying at the Greenwich venue, which has a capacity of 17,800, until 2018 at least.

Tournament Chairman Chris Kermode commented: “We are delighted to have reached an agreement which will see the tournament celebrate its 10th successive year in London in 2018. The tournament has been a spectacular success since moving to The O2 in 2009, generating record crowds, incredible atmospheres, and a soaring worldwide TV audience which broke the 100 million mark for the first time last year.”

He added: “The O2 has enabled us to present the sport in a new and vibrant way, in a media-friendly time zone, and in one of the world’s greatest cities. For us, there is currently no better place to stage our season-ending event.”

Coming just days after the events in Paris, enhanced security measures have been introduced with all bags brought into the venue searched and food and drink no longer permitted in the arena itself. The French tricolor flag has been displayed on an electronic display by the O2 entrance and on a large screen in Peninsula Square.

The action continues on Tuesday with Berdych v Nishikori in the afternoon session and a mouth-watering clash between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in the evening.

ATP World Tour Finals Day Two, O2 Arena, London, United Kingdom
Murray will secure his year-ending position as World Number 2 if he wins his next match in the tournament (Pic: Vickie Flores)

ATP World Tour Finals Day Two, O2 Arena, London, United Kingdom
The Scot had won 11 of his previous 17 matches with Ferrer. (Pic: Vickie Flores)

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The Fan Zone is free to enter and includes practice courts, a Ricoh serve test machine, mini-tennis area, coffee shop, sponsor stands and a merchandise shop.

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Visitors to the O2 passed a French tricolor in Peninsula Square

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Enhanced security measures are in place at the O2 with all bags searched.

Greenwich calendar on sale at Halstow Craft Fair this weekend

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GREENWICH.CO.UK's new photo calendar for 2016 will be on sale at Halstow Craft Fair on Saturday afternoon.

The calendar will join an assortment of other wares produced by local crafters at this popular event at Halstow School in Halstow Road.

Images from around Greenwich, including Greenwich Park, the ORNC and the Cutty Sark, feature in the limited edition calendar which is also available online and in shops across the borough.

Local historian Mary Mills will also be at the fair signing copies of her new book which tells the story of Greenwich Peninsula.

Halstow Craft Fair is on Saturday 14th November from 12pm - 4pm. Entry costs £1 (children free).

See what's inside the Greenwich.co.uk Royal Greenwich 2016 Calendar

Mary Mills launches new book on history of Greenwich Peninsula

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A NEW book telling the story of Greenwich Peninsula has been released by local historian and former councillor Mary Mills.

Innovation, Enterprise and Change on the Greenwich Peninsula explains how industry started on this former marshland when monks from Ghent built a tide mill in the 12th century.

The book rattles through the developments since then which include gunpowder works, rope making, cable making, automatic linoleum production, ship building, the gas works and the Millennium Dome.

An eye-catching drawing of the peninsula by acclaimed Greenwich-based artist Peter Kent adorns the front cover of the book which features old and new photographs inside.

The book was officially launched on Tuesday evening at The Hub, a stone's throw from the O2, where Deputy Leader of Greenwich Council, John Fahy, paid tribute to Mills and the new book.

Self-published and printed in Greenwich, the book costs £8 and is available now in selected local shops - Sabo's and Warwick Leadlay Gallery, initially - or can be bought online.

Greenwich & Woolwich MP Matthew Pennycook also attended the launch.

Pennycook resigns as councillor ahead of General Election

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Matthew PennycookCOUNCILLOR Matthew Pennycook has today announced his resignation to the Chief Executive of Greenwich Council.

The move means that a by-election in the Greenwich West ward can now take place on the same day as the General Election in which Pennycook is standing to be the MP for Greenwich and Woolwich.

Cllr Pennycook's letter to Chief Executive John Comber says it has been an "enormous privilege" to serve as Greenwich West councillor but he has decided now "is the right time to stand down from the council in order to avoid the costs which might arise if a by-election has to be held after Thursday 7 May."

Pennycook was first elected as a councillor in 2010 and then re-elected at last year's elections. He was selected in December 2013 to be Labour's candidate at the General Election after incumbent MP Nick Raynsford announced he wouldn't be standing again.

The General Election takes place on May 7th.

Full text of Matthew Pennycook's letter to John Comber:

Dear John,

 I am writing to let you know that I have decided to stand down as an elected member of the Royal Borough of Greenwich with effect from today.

 As you know, my normal term of office ends in 2018. However, I have decided that now is the right time to stand down from the council in order to avoid the costs which might arise if a by-election has to be held after Thursday 7 May should the people of Greenwich and Woolwich give me the honour of electing me as their Member of Parliament at the forthcoming General Election.

 It has been an enormous privilege to have served the residents of Greenwich West ward over the past five years and I’m incredibly proud of everything that we have been able to achieve together during that period. I very much hope to have the chance to continue to serve the area and its residents in the years ahead.

 Lastly, can I thank you for your support during my time in office and ask that you please pass on my sincere thanks to the dedicated officers with whom I have worked over the past five years. Their support, advice and commitment to making our Borough a better place in which to live is appreciated enormously. 

Best wishes,

Cllr Matthew Pennycook

10pm update - response from Twitter

From fellow Greenwich West councillor, Aidan Smith

From Conservative Greenwich & Woolwich candidate, Cllr Matt Hartley

From Charlton Lib Dems

Competition: Win Greenwich Calendar, Thames Calendar and 5 Greenwich Christmas Cards

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'Tis the season to be jolly, so they say, so to get in to the spirit of Christmas, Greenwich.co.uk is giving away a bundle of prizes. The prize includes one copy of the Royal Greenwich 2015 Calendar, one copy of the On The Thames 2015 photo calendar and five Greenwich Christmas cards featuring a beautiful snowy park scene.

To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer this question:

What is the name of the musical based on the Victor Hugo novel of the same name which had its movie adaption part filmed in Greenwich in 2012?

Email your answer to rob@greenwich.co.uk. A winner will be chosen at random from correct entries received before 1pm on Friday 19th December. The winner will be notified and the prize can be collected from Sabo's newsagent in Stockwell Street, SE10 (so please only enter if you are able to collect the prize). Sabo's also stock the Greenwich Calendar, Thames Calendar and Greenwich Christmas cards for sale.

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Greenwich Christmas Card - available from Sabo's, Stockwell Street

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Greenwich calendar

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Thames calendar

The Greenwich Calendar and Thames Calendar are also available online and from selected retailers around Greenwich.

Royal Greenwich 2015: The calendar made where time begins

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The Royal Greenwich 2015 calendar celebrating the spectacular sights of the borough is available to buy now.

Greenwich.co.uk has produced the annual calendar for the third consecutive year, selecting photos from across Royal Greenwich.

The calendar features a tall ship which took part in this summer's regatta on the cover and inside there are photos of the Thames Barrier from a different perspective, Greenwich Park at summer solstice and a snowy Old Royal Naval College.

The view from Severndroog Castle which reopened this year also features and the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery make a welcome return.

The calendar, which was printed in the borough, is available to or you can find it at a range of local retailers.

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Djokovic wins ATP World Tour Finals in Greenwich after Federer withdraws

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WORLD Number One Novak Djokovic was victorious in the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals yesterday without having to hit a ball.

His opponent Roger Federer announced earlier in the day that he was withdrawing from the final after seemingly hurting his back in a thrilling match with fellow countryman Stanislas Wawrinka.

That decision to withdraw, which continues to be the cause of rumour and speculation, prompted ATP boss Chris Kermode to call up Andy Murray for an unexpected return to the O2 for a one set exhibition match for the benefit of disappointed fans against tournament victor Djokovic.

Murray then teamed up with legend John McEnroe for a further exhibition match, going up against Pat Cash and Tim Henman in an entertaining and light hearted end to the tourament which has been staged at the O2 since 2009.

The Barclays ATP World Tour Finals return to the O2 in November 2015 at which point the current agreement to host the event at the north Greenwich venue will come to an end.


Fed's no-show caused disappointment for tennis fans


Andy Murray and John McEnroe did their best to entertain in an exhibition match against Tim Henman and Pat Cash.

Photos: Gerard Chaustow

Hyland and Fahy to lead Greenwich Council

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woolwichtownhalls

THE  LABOUR group on Greenwich Council has chosen its new leadership team following local elections last week.

Councillor Denise Hyland is the new leader of the group and Councillor John Fahy is the new deputy leader.

Hyland defeated Jackie Smith for the leadership and Fahy was victorious against incumbent deputy, Peter Brooks. They will become the leader of the council and deputy leader of the council respectively at the council's AGM.

It's thought to be the first time Greenwich Council has been run by a female leader. Outgoing council leader Chris Roberts didn't stand for re-election after announcing last year he would be standing down.

The decision by the Labour group came just days after last Thursday's local elections which saw them increase their control at the Town Hall, gaining three councillors at the expense of the opposition Conservative group.

Greenwich Tories now have eight councillors. Their highest profile loss was that of their deputy leader, Nigel Fletcher, in the Eltham North ward.

Following a meeting of the new Conservative group Spencer Drury has been re-elected as their leader and newcomer Matt Hartley replaces Fletcher as Deputy Leader.

Local winners

In the Greenwich West ward, Maureen O'Mara, Matthew Pennycook and Aidan Smith were elected. In Peninsula, Labour's Stephen Brain, Chris Lloyd and Denise Scott-McDonald won.

The election saw the departure from the town hall of the popular Peninsula ward councillor Mary Mills after 14 years.

Greenwich.co.uk weekly round up – 16 May 2014

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London's cruise season has got off to a busy start over the past week or so, with four cruise ships passing Greenwich on their way up to berth near Tower Bridge. I got this photo during the week of the expedition ship National Geographic Explorer as she passed the Old Royal Naval College and Trafalgar Tavern.

National Geographic Explorer at Greenwich

Ship spotters might be interested to know that a fleet of German navy minesweepers are currently across the Thames in West India Dock (close to South Quay DLR) and there's a chance to go on board a vessel in an open ship event on Saturday event between 1pm and 4pm.

But with weather forecasters promising a blissfully sunny weekend in store, there's plenty to see and do on this side of the river too...

Mycenae House Craft Fair

Mycenae House is hold a craft fair on Saturday between 11am - 4pm. There's be photography, decoupage, wood turning and refreshments.

More details

St Alfege Church Fete

St Alfege Church is having a fete on Saturday afternoon in aid of Christian Aid. Expect to see plants, cakes and more for sale, all for a good cause.

More details

Animal Park Open Day

Maryon Wilson Animal Park in Charlton is holding an open day on Saturday. Meet the animals, watch a bird of prey demonstration or some sheep shearing and why not get your face painted, too.

More Details

Pleasant Pleasaunce Market

On Sunday, it's the second monthly craft market in East Greenwich Pleasaunce. Following on from the success of last month's debut market, there will be food, vintage items, arts and crafts, bric-a-brac and more, all in the beautiful surroundings of the Pleasaunce. The market is between 11am - 4pm.

Open Studios

Second Floor Studio Arts Open Studios

It's time again for the bi-annual Open Studios event at Second Floor Studios & Arts in Warspite Road, SE18. Taking place across Saturday and Sunday, artists from a wide variety of disciplines will be opening their studios and inspiring visitors with their passion for their arts in this collections of studios by the Thames.

More details

Oh, and don't forget to vote in the council elections on May 22nd.

All of London's town halls are up for re-election on the same day as European elections. Some links to help you decide:

Greenwich Labour's manifesto
Greenwich Conservatives' manifesto
Greenwich Lib Dems' Manifesto
Greenwich Green Party
Greenwich UKIP

Greenwich.co.uk weekly round up – 29 March 2014

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Early last Sunday morning, in the cold bracing air above the Thames, a team of aerial experts climbed out on the Emirates Air Line cable that spans the river and staged a mock rescue. It's unlikely they will be called upon to perform this in real life but useful of course to practice for such a possibility - it certainly made for an arresting spectacle.

Cable Car Practice Rescue

I first posted that on the Greenwich.co.uk forum - also over there you can find details about of a planning application for a new telephone box and ATM in Greenwich Church Street.

Coming up this week is a meeting of the Greenwich Historical Society (having been rescheduled from last week). Society President, Warwick Leadlay's Anthony Cross, will be giving an address, entitled A History of Greenwich in half a Dozen Objects. Click here for full details.

This week also sees the new start of a new exhibition at the Paul McPherson Gallery. "The Londoner and The Interview" is a new solo collection by Aleksandar Basic of figurative-abstract works, oils and drawings, inspired with people, modern commuters, who travel to work in and around London.

Another event to mention is a (5th April) in aid of Cancer Research UK.

If you have an event coming up you would like to promote on Greenwich.co.uk, feel free to add it here.

Following the change in the law, the Royal Borough of Greenwich had its first same-sex wedding today. Charlotte Wood and Carol McCarron were married this morning at Woolwich Town Hall and local photographer Chris Mansfield recorded the historic occasion with his camera as the newly-weds emerged out on to Wellington Street.

1st same sex wedding in RBG

Congratulations to Carol and Charlotte.