Those of you who follow Greenwich.co.uk on Twitter will have noticed that in last weeks column I shamefully omitted to mention the annual Rose and Crown ‘Drag Race’. In light of this I wanted to go in search of a few more left field options for activities this week, inspiring us to do something a little bit different.
Prize for ‘most different’ must go to the Crossness Pumping Station, who this Sunday are holding a public steaming day. It sounds a little dubious given the context (in case you weren’t aware it’s a sewage pumping station) but as Andrew Gilligan assures us, Crossness is actually a beautiful building, Grade 1 listed and noted for its Romanesque Victorian cast ironwork. Andrew also assures us that the smell is more or less non-existent, so I’d say its worth a visit.
Also having a good go at inspiring young people to try something new are the London Councils, who are teaming up with TARA and the Greenwich Theatre to run a two-week workshop from today called Sailing to Britain. The participants’ task is to develop a play based on the lascars, migrant workers who sailed to Britain in the 19th/20th centuries. The workshop is part of a wider three year project that will culminate in performances of the devised plays on river boats during the 2012 festivities.
If, like me, you don’t usually venture too far for green space due to your (correct) belief that other London parks are pretty disappointing after Greenwich, then this week might be that time to be brave and give another green space a go as Parksfest 2009 comes to Eltham Park South for an afternoon of music on Sunday. The ubiquitous Trinity College and Greenwich Youth Band will be there to make Greenwich folk feel at home, along with the Bob Hope Theatre company and Crown Woods School.
Other notable quirky happenings are a new art exhibition featuring local talent at Blackheath Village Library and, if you still haven’t given it a go, Oliver’s Music Bar are hosting a jazz jamming session on Saturday evening.