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25 years of Art and Crafts at Greenwich Market

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Greenwich Market

Greenwich Market celebrated 25 years of trading for the art and crafts market on Friday.

Visitors to the market enjoyed free food tasters, craft demonstrations and live music, including a string quartet from Trinity Music College and a performance by kids from the James Wolfe school.

To mark the anniversary, a new clock was unveiled with help from local MP, Nick Raynsford, out-going Mayor of Greenwich, Cllr McCarthy, and director of the Greenwich Hospital Estate, Martin Sands (pictured above). The four-sided station-style clock, which hangs a rafter in the middle of the market, was made by local clockmaker, Les Grayson.

After pulling the cord to unveil the new clock, Nick Raynsford spoke to Greenwich.co.uk:

Greenwich Market is one of the great attractions in Greenwich, and over the years it’s evolved and changed. Two hundred years ago it was very different to what it has become in the last twenty-five years where it’s been an arts and crafts market and recently we’ve added in the food as well. Greenwich Market will go on evolving and changing but it’s a fundamentally important part of the attraction of Greenwich and I, along with everyone else, are determined to see a vibrant market continuing here.

Greenwich Market

String Quartet - Greenwich Market

Click here to see more photos from last Friday

Mouse infestation forces temporary Tapas restaurant closure

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Greenwich

Greenwich Council forced the temporary closure of a tapas bar in Greenwich last week.

San Miguel in Greenwich Church Street was closed for three days after evidence of mouse and cockroach infestations were found by Environmental Officers from Greenwich Council.

Council officers initially found evidence of the infestation in an unannounced visit on May 4th, and then found that there was still evidence of mice and cockroaches in the basement, kitchen and food preparation area when they returned a week later.

Greenwich Magistrates Court issued an emergency prohibition order on May 10th, and San Miguel was allowed to reopen again last Thursday after undertaking the improvements required.

Councillor Maureen O’ Mara, Greenwich Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Community Services, said: “The majority of food businesses in Greenwich comply with the law but there is a minority that despite our guidance continue to put their customers’ health at risk. The Council is urging food businesses to take advantage of the free advice available to them in order to protect public health and safety. We also want residents to enjoy their leisure time in the borough without putting their health at risk.”

UPDATE: 16/05/2012 San Miguel in Greenwich Church Street has since been successful in gaining a Food Hygiene Safety award from Greenwich Council.

Chris Roberts re-elected as Council Leader

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Greenwich Council met this evening at Woolwich Town Hall for the Council Annual Meeting.

The meeting, which lasted just 13 minutes, saw Cllr Chris Roberts (Glyndon, Labour) re-elected as Leader of the Council for the next four years – a post he has held since 2001.

Also on the agenda at the meeting was the appointment of Cabinet Members and the establishment of, and appointment of members to, Council Committees and Panels for 2010/11.

Cllr Barbara Barwick (Woolwich Riverside, Labour) was elected as the Mayor of Greenwich for 2010/11 with Cllr Jim Gillman (Kidbrooke with Hornfair, Labour) appointed as her Deputy.

The Mayor-elect’s inauguration will take place next Wednesday at the Old Royal Naval College’s Painted Hall.

Greenwich evacuees feature in new Royal Mail stamp

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A new set of stamps from Royal Mail feature a photo of three Greenwich children evacuated during World War II.

The 12-stamp collection is called ‘Homeland Heroes’ and has been launched exactly 70 years to the day that Sir Winston Churchill gave his famous ‘Blood, Toil, Tears and Sweat’ speech to the House of Commons.

One stamp titled ‘Evacuees’ features three children who were brought up in Pelton Road.

The touching photo features Barbara Southard (nee Dawson) with a protective arm around her younger siblings John and Rosemary at King’s Cross station just before being taken to Northampton.

In the video below, Barbara, John and Rosemary return to King’s Cross to recreate the photo.

Ping Pong in the Pleasaunce

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Table tennis in East Greenwich Pleasaunce

An outdoor table tennis table has been set up in East Greenwich Pleasaunce.

The new equipment has been made available by the English Table Tennis Association (ETTA) as part of a new pilot project to promote participation in the game. 47 outdoor tables have been installed in parks and public spaces across London.

Diccon Gray (Delivery & Facilities Manager, ETTA) commented “Tables will be available for the public to play free of charge, have some fun and get a chance to find out other places to continue to play”.

Bats and a ball are available to borrow from the Pistachios in the Park cafe.

Elsewhere in the borough, tables have been installed in Avery Hill Park, Sutcliffe Park, Charlton Park and Eltham Park (South).

Labour celebrates electoral success in Greenwich

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Greenwich voters went to the polls yesterday in the General Election and Council Election and delivered a successful set of results for Labour.

Nick Raynsford was re-elected as the MP for Greenwich & Woolwich with 49.2% of the vote. Spencer Drury moved the Conservatives into second place, with the Liberal Democrat candidate coming third.

In the local elections, Labour candidates swept the board in the Peninsula and Greenwich West wards.

By the end of the night, Labour were up by four council seats, taking two from the Conservatives and wiping out the Lib Dems who were defending two seats in the Middle Park and Sutcliffe ward.

Polling Station

Candidate Profiles: Julia Tyburn, Peninsula

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Name: Julia Tyburn (Liberal Democrats)
Ward: Peninsula

Julia was born in Paddington but has worked in South East London for 21 years and has now lived in South East London for 10 years. She lives with her husband, Rupert, in East Greenwich. She is a Trustee with United St Saviours Charity, Southwark- an Almshouses charity, Member of South East London Chamber of Commerce, Friend of East Greenwich Traders Association and Member of the Greenwich Society

Julia set up Zenon Consulting in June 1998 and is currently Managing Director. As a senior HR practitioner with over twenty years’ experience in HR, general management and Board level roles, Julia combines national policy level access and thinking with a deep understanding of specific culture issues and their solutions. Julia was interim Director of HR at Greenwich Healthcare/Queen Elizabeth Hospital NHS Trust in 2000-2002. She is passionate about HR and its role in transforming people and services.

Why does it matter that people vote in council elections?

It really matters that people vote in Council election as local councillors can focus on local issues that affect all of us.

Why are you standing to be a councillor?

I am standing as Councillor in Peninsula because I am passionate about the area that we live in. Greenwich is a beautiful place and is visited by millions of people every year. There are thousands of people who live and work here and our role as councillors should be about supporting all of these people and to sustain a safe and vibrant Greenwich for all.

What do you like most about the area you wish to represent?

There are 2 things that immediately come to mind about East Greenwich – the view at the top of Maze Hill is stunning and the energy and tenacity of the local traders in East Greenwich.

If elected, what would be your priorities for the Peninsula ward over the next four years?

My priorities, if I was elected, for Peninsula ward are :

· Doing what residents really want

· Stop Labour’s misguided plans for blocking roads north of Trafalgar Road

· Stop unsuitable modern buildings in or bordering the East Greenwich conservation area

· Revive East Greenwich and Trafalgar Road shops and businesses

Greenwich residents prepare to vote

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Polling station sign in PeytonPlace

Polling stations will open at 7am tomorrow as local residents get their chance to elect a new council and a member of parliament. Greenwich.co.uk has tried to help you make your decision by profiling as many of the candidates we could.

General Election candidates

Council Elections

Candidates in the Greenwich West ward

Candidates in the Peninsula ward

You can find our converage of the candidates on a party basis:

Polling stations close at 10pm tomorrow.

Candidate Profiles: Malcolm Reid, Peninsula

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Name: Malcolm Reid (Conservative)
Ward: Peninsula

Please can you tell Greenwich.co.uk readers a little about yourself.

I am 36 years old and have lived in Greenwich since 2000 moving into the Peninsula ward in 2003. I am the Chief Financial Officer for an investment advisory firm based in Mayfair. Prior to this I worked in the City after graduating from the University of Edinburgh with a degree in Business Studies. I have been involved in local politics for a number of years and I am the current Treasurer of the Greenwich Conservative Federation. I am a keen cyclist, cycling most days from Greenwich to my office in Mayfair and enjoy keeping fit at the Arches Leisure Centre.

Why does it matter that people vote in council elections?

The council is responsible for over £100m of council tax payers money, yet at the last election the turnout in Peninsula was only 35%. The current Labour has been in power for about 40 years and I feel are complacent. It is important that the ward is represented by the true majority of the electorate.

Why are you standing to be a councillor?

With my background in business I want to ensure that we are getting value for money for our council tax and to ensure services are improved. I want to represent East Greenwich as I feel the current council neglect our area concentrating services in Woolwich. The former East Greenwich housing office lies in a derelict state, the old District Hospital site remains a blot on the landscape.

What do you like most about the area you wish to represent?

I enjoy cycling round the Peninsula, with the contrasts that it has to offer, with the O2 and mixture of remaining industry and housing, and when the sun is out enjoying a pint at the Cutty Sark

If elected, what would be your priorities for the Peninsula ward over the next four years?

I would prioritise reducing congestion in the ward, working with local businesses and residents to develop an appropriate plan for Trafalgar Road. For the Olympics I would make sure that LOCOG stick to their promises and work to minimise disruption leading up to the events.

Candidate Profiles: David Grant, Greenwich West

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Name: David Grant (Labour)
Ward: Greenwich West

Please can you tell Greenwich.co.uk readers a little about yourself.

I am retired from work, formerly as a teacher, including in Greenwich, and as one of Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Schools. I have lived in Greenwich West Ward for 15 years, and represented the ward on the Council for 8 years. I have served variously as cabinet member for education and social services.

Why does it matter that people vote in council elections?

Most people are not fabulously wealthy and therefore to improve our lives and those of our families and friends we need to work together. This is why I am a member of the Labour Party. Local councils enable us to look after our interests collectively. Many of the decisions that affect us most are made at this level, therefore if we do not vote we lose the ability to influence these decisions.

Why are you standing to be a councillor?

I enjoy the work: I like being able to respond to people when they need their councillor’s help, and I like discussing ideas in the Council chamber. I have some useful experience and skills and feel I can use them for the benefit of my local community.

What do you like most about the area you wish to represent?

I love Greenwich. My wife and I met here when we were young, and we both wanted to return when we had the chance. I love the Park and the wonderful buildings, the views and the river. One of the particular things I love most in Greenwich is the theatre, which needs and deserves all our support.

If elected, what would be your priorities for the Peninsula ward over the next four years?

My priorities would be: i) to ensure the Olympic Games in the Park is an enjoyable experience for residents and that the Park is not damaged; ii) to make sure that new developments are done to the highest possible standard and are supported by adequate infra-structure; iii) to preserve and maintain important areas such as the covered market and Greenwich Theatre; iv) to improve the council housing stock locally; and v) to safeguard our two Sure Start children’s centres and ensure our schools improve steadily.