A special dance project is coming to Charlton, and the people behind it would like you to share your thoughts, memories, pictures and more. BEATRICE, CORNELIS and ORLEY from THE COLLECTORS are here to explain more.
The Collectors are coming to Charlton and would like to invite residents to provide images and text significant to Charlton to help create a performance, called Picture Me There, that is specific to the area.
How can you get involved? There are three ways.
Anyone in Charlton of any age can share photos, images, text, maps, memories or anything else involving residents and drawing from the present or past. These items will shape our show. You can drop them here onto our Google Drive.
We’re looking for ten to 15 Charlton residents to work with us more closely. They would meet us for a first catch-up and material sharing on Sunday 1 August. They will then take part in a workshop on the Sunday 19 September as well as helping us decide where to perform. All ages welcome. We would like to have an intergenerational group. Venue and times to be confirmed.
Anyone can watch and enjoy the free performances on Sunday 26 September.
For more information and to register for the meeting and workshop, email us at thecollectorsprojects[at]gmail.com.
If you do not have do not have internet access and would like to participate or share anything, contact Greenwich Dance at Charlton House (020 8293 9741).
Charlton’s Big Red Bus Club has been busy branching out recently – its latest venture is into summer sessions to help 11 to 13-year-olds rebuild their confidence through music and fun after a shattering 16 months. The club’s ANNIE DREWRY explains more…
March 16, 2020 was, for many children, simply the day the music died. For those kids that didn’t already have instruments at home or access to private online lessons, music simply disappeared.
In Charlton, like the rest of the country, music education not only came to an abrupt halt. Not just the lessons ending, but the community music programmes such as the after-school drumming clubs or choirs that were as much about friendship as they were the performances that resulted from them.
For your average 11-year-old, the summer is full of music. It’s when you head down to Primark to pick up your outfit for your final primary school disco, or the nervous excitement waiting to find out if you’ve got a song in your final school play. It’s endless practising for your final year assemblies, and the sharing of playlists among friends – the friends that you will leave as a memory of your childhood as you move to secondary school and make the friends that will see you become an adult.
The Big Red Bus Club has always believed in the power of the arts to build our community in Charlton, whether it be two toddlers sharing finger-painting or the mums in our Baby Blues Choir raising awareness of maternal mental health through performance. We know friendships are built when we create together.
So this summer, we are putting on two free programmes for Charlton’s 11-13 year olds.
Pump it Up, a week-long series of music workshops culminating in kids creating their own track and recording it, and Power Up, a whole week of activities ranging from pottery to engineering activities specifically for girls.
Last year was hard. At the Big Red Bus Club we want to bring the music back into kids’ lives, help them make local friends and to hang out and just be kids again.
You can help by letting local kids know that we are here.
Pump It Up: Monday 26 to Friday 30 July, 11-4pm, music workshops including singing, percussion and composition with a whole range of local artists.
Power Up (girls only): Monday 2 to Friday 6 August, 10-3pm, wellbeing workshops including pottery, yoga, engineering and a day trip.
Volunteers have been restoring the gardens behind Charlton House
Volunteers who have been restoring the gardens behind Charlton House will be showing off their work on Sunday – and a there’s be a lot more happening too. KATHY AITKEN from Charlton & Blackheath Amateur Horticultural Society explains…
The Charlton & Blackheath Amateur Horticultural Society is planning its annual Plant Sale and Community Day this Sunday May 30th from 11 am. This year we have expanded our event, so it’s not just for plant hunters, it’s going to be a real family and community day too.
Tables will be laid out in the “Long Borders” at the back of the walled gardens, which will all be open to the public, and many of the volunteers will be there to show off their latest revival efforts.
There will be home-baked cakes from the Greenwich & Blackheath WI, colouring and flower activities from the Charlton Toy Library, there will be displays from The Charlton Society, the Friends of Greenwich Park, the Charlton Community Garden (who look after the station and Charlton Park’s orchard) and the Friends of Charlton Park (the park’s meadow). Blackheath Flower Arrangers will be showing off their floral designs.
For children, there will be a Discovery Trail around the gardens, with lots of things to find (perhaps a silkworm cocoon, a Yew Fairy or a Frog Prince..). Adults can walk the trail too, and perhaps spot a red oak or a pomegranate. Children can pot up their own strawberry plant to take home.
Our members have been busy planting and potting up, there will be a great selection of perennials like Salvias, Hostas and Agapanthus as well as veg, herbs and house plants. Funds raised from plant sales will go equally to the Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice and the walled gardens revival. It will be cash only and best to bring your own bags.
The Green Goddess pub will be on the patio for refreshments, and the weather forecast is looking up. Come and play in your favourite secret garden!
A Thames Barrier Bridge could be a tourist attraction in its own right
Two years ago, we reported on early ideas for a pedestrian and cycling bridge at the Thames Barrier, connecting Charlton with Silvertown on the north side of river. Now the team behind the proposals are looking for your support to make this a reality. ALEX LIFSCHUTZ, of the architecture firm Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands, explains more and how you can get involved.
The Thames Barrier Bridge, conceived by the London architects Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands, with the marine, civil and structural engineers Beckett Rankine, is a low-cost, low-impact pedestrian and cycle bridge that would link the communities of Charlton and Woolwich with the Royal Docks. The transport consultants Steer reckon that five million pedestrians and one million cyclists would use the bridge every year, based on journeys to work alone. These figures don’t include leisure or other trips.
The grim statistics of the pandemic have alerted us to so many issues of health and social inequality. Likewise the return of birdsong to our cities has reminded us that, as we emerge from lockdown, we really do have to replace motor vehicles with sustainable transport. Walking and cycling are part of the solution to all of these problems – promoting health, social and economic progress, and reducing pollution. A hopeful sign is the massive increase of bike sales – according to The Guardian, up 40% on last year.
A bridge at the Thames Barrier would not stop shipping
But the river creates an enormous barrier to walking and cycling in east and southeast London. For instance, a journey from Charlton to the new City Hall at The Crystal, or the 70,000 new jobs in and around the Royal Docks Enterprise Zone, currently takes about 40 minutes, cycling and walking though the Woolwich foot tunnel (assuming the lifts are working or you don’t mind carrying your bike down and up the stairs), 40 minutes by the Docklands Light Railway, or over 70 minutes walking.
A bridge across the river close to the Thames Barrier would allow you to reach the same destination in 20 minutes, walking or you could cycle there in half that time. It would be the only bridge east of Tower Bridge (other than the Dartford Crossing), where half of London’s population now lives, compared to over 20 bridges in west London.
The bridge would create opportunities for communities on both sides of the Thames
In the late 1990’s, Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands came up with the idea of a bridge connecting the South Bank to Charing Cross station and slung off the existing Hungerford Railway Bridge, creating minimal obstructions to river traffic. Completed in 2002, the Golden Jubilee Footbridges have become the Thames’s most popular crossing with about 8.4 million pedestrian journeys each year.
Our idea for the new bridge at the Thames Barrier is similarly opportunistic. Like the Golden Jubilee Bridges, its supports would shadow the piers of the existing structure and hence create only a small additional impact on navigation and the flow of the river. In fact, like our bridges further upstream, it would also provide the barrier with protection from impact on whichever side it is placed. Its low height (about 15 metres above Mean Water High Springs) makes it easier to access by cycle, foot or wheelchair, with minimal shore taken up by its relatively short ramps rising from the parks at either side. It would be around nine metres wide with separate lanes for walking and bikes.
Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands came up with the idea for the Golden Jubilee Bridge, linking the South Bank with the West End (image: Mary and Andrew via CC BY 2.0)
It would totally transform the accessibility of the Charlton and Woolwich waterfronts including existing occupants such as the Thames-Side Studios and the many new homes and businesses planned for Charlton Riverside. Looking further afield, it would link the Green Chain, including Maryon Park and Charlton Park on the south side, to the Lee Valley and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Parks to the north.
Like Tower Bridge, the Thames Barrier Bridge is an opening bascule bridge, so allows passage for boats and barges by raising its deck. The elegant structure is a series of small spans that use a minimal amount of material (especially steel), making it both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. With shorter, multiple openings, the bridge is less prone to the risk of malfunction compared to a single point of opening, and can be raised at the last minute for ships to pass, minimising disruption to cycles and pedestrians. The bridge would serve journeys to and from work but also attract visitors and tourists, bringing economic benefits north and south of the river.
A bridge would connect new developments, transport links and green spaces on. both sides of the Thames
The idea is receiving support from local MPs and councillors, residents’ groups, cycle organisations, developers, environmentalists and transport experts. What we need are local political champions, including the Royal Borough of Greenwich and the London Borough of Newham, the Greater London Authority and statutory agencies like the Environment Agency to pick up the idea and help us run with it.
Of course, we are only at the concept stage and much testing needs to be done. Curiously, once it has political support, funding the design work – and ultimately the £300 million structure – is less difficult than you’d expect as there is a large amount of green finance available at the moment, given government and corporate climate initiatives.
The pandemic has shown us that we can rapidly change our behaviour to counter a virus; we can use the same energy and enterprise to counter the even more dangerous threat of climate change and, in doing so, make better lives for ourselves.
The White Swan might not be around, but the Charlton and Woolwich Free Film Festival is back in September after a year’s break
Coronavirus might have put paid to last year’s event, but the Charlton and Woolwich Free Film Festival is coming back in 2021. PAUL CHAPMAN reveals when and explains how you can get involved…
Very excited to announce that the Charlton and Woolwich Free Film Festival is coming back in 2021! After the disappointment of last year when coronavirus called a halt to so many people’s plans, we’ve started planning and we’re on the lookout for volunteers to help us put on events.
We can also announce – exclusively in The Charlton Champion – that this years Festival will run from Friday 3rd to Saturday 11th September!
If you’ve not heard about us before, it’s a simple concept. We’re volunteers, and we host films, for free, only in venues with an SE7 or SE18 postcode. The films range from documentaries to blockbusters, and the venues range from pubs to churches to cafes to… well, you tell us! (Especially if you run a venue!)
Previous highlights have included Vertigo at Severndroog Castle, Battle of Britain at St George’s Garrison Church, Shaun of the Dead at The White Swan in Charlton and First Man under the Stars on the Woolwich riverside. We’ve also played obscure documentaries where the volunteers outnumbered the visitors, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show on the big screen at General Gordon Square… when the sound didn’t work. You’re always guaranteed an adventure with CWFFF!
To get involved, or to be notified of advance news, sign up to our mailing list. You can also find our social media details below, where you can give us a follow and let us know your film and venue ideas.
An update from Greenwich Council’s public health team on the developing coronavirus situation…
As of yesterday, there were 1,188 confirmed new cases of coronavirus in Greenwich borough. Cases are increasing rapidly across London and the South East, and this is happening in Greenwich too. We need to tackle this increase by following the guidance explained in this update.
87 people are in hospital right now in Greenwich because of coronavirus. Although this may seem a relatively low number, to have to go to hospital because of coronavirus means your case is very serious. We need to make sure that this number doesn’t rise, and eventually ends up at 0 by following the guidance in this update and supporting each other.
As you will be aware, the situation has developed significantly in the past week. Coronavirus cases have continued to accelerate very quickly, a new strain of the virus has emerged, and the government has placed much of the country, including Greenwich, in the highest Tier 4 restrictions.
Everyone needs to stay at home, except for essential activities.
For those who were planning to celebrate Christmas, Tier 4 changes mean you will probably not be celebrating the way you had intended. We hope that for those celebrating, and those not, there is an opportunity to at least get some rest over the next couple of weeks.
Thank you for all your involvement and hard work over the past few months – we could not have made the progress we have without you, and we thank you for helping to keep our communities safe at this difficult time. Here’s hoping for a happier 2021! Take care and stay safe, and we look forward to continuing to do lots of good work together in January.
Mental health support
Whether or not Christmas is part of your life, your mental health might be affected by it happening around you. It’s a time of year that often puts extra pressure on us, and can affect our mental health in lots of different ways. This year especially may be even harder due to the effects of coronavirus.
Mind has some great information specifically around coping with mental health at Christmas, and also specifically around Coronavirus and Christmas: mind.org.uk
Live Well Greenwich also has lots of local support, advice and information if you, or someone you love, are struggling at this time of year. Visit the Look After You hub for local support, ranging from top tips and self-help to support if you’re struggling to cope with difficult feelings or behaviours. livewellgreenwich.org.uk
You can also call 0800 470 4831 to talk to a friendly, local advisor. Open every day 8.30am – 6pm, but closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Sunday 27th December, New Year’s Day and Sunday 3rd January.
Getting tested for coronavirus
If you have coronavirus symptoms: (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste), even if they’re only mild, it’s important to get a test and stay at home until you get your result. Please go to gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test. If you have problems using the online service, cal 119. Lines are open 7am to 11pm.
Testing is not available at the Emergency Department at the hospital or at your GP practice, so please do not attend here trying to get a test.
Support if you test positive and have to self-isolate
If your test result is positive, you and your household will need to stay at home and self-isolate for 10 days. (This has changed from 14 days.) This is important to stop the virus spreading and to keep your community safe.
This can be stressful and worrying when you need to go to work. If you are unable to claim sick-pay from your employer and are a low income household, a one-off £500 payment may be available from the government to support you and your family during these 14 days. Find out if you are eligible to apply for this payment or call 0800 470 4831.
Training available
If you’re interested in helping your community through volunteering, a short training programme is available to introduce and prepare volunteers for the role of Neighbourhood Champion. This is an opportunity to learn, ask questions, share information and practice.
For more information, please email victoria.smith[at]royalgreenwich.gov.uk.
The Neighbourhood Champion role is about reaching out into the community in Charlton
If you’re frustrated by the pandemic and want to do something in the community to help stem the virus, then Greenwich Council’s public health team is looking for help in Charlton right now. They explain why you should think about becoming a Coronavirus Neighbourhood Champion.
Charlton is one of our target areas for what we are calling “deep community engagement”. As part of this work we want to make sure we are reaching everyone we can, for example people who may be isolated or do not have access to information to support them through the coronavirus pandemic.
About this volunteering role
There are many members of our community that are vulnerable or isolated and we need to ensure that help and support is available to all residents in the borough of Greenwich.
This role centres around bringing people like you, that live in these areas, together with community networks to connect with other residents in your area.
Residents may not be getting the information they need to help them stay safe or access the support they need, for whatever reasons during the pandemic. This role can play a part in making a big difference.
What does the role involve?
Neighbourhood Champions will be part of a local team supported by a community engagement co-ordinator, linked to the public health team in Greenwich.
You will support a range of activities in your areas as part of a volunteer outreach team including:
Having safe, socially-distanced, ‘neighbour to neighbour’ conversations on the doorstep and around your area to make sure everyone knows how to stay safe from the coronavirus and how to get support.
Helping gather the issues, concerns, ideas and suggestions that come from the residents of your area that can help keep the community safe.
You will also play an important part in encouraging those you meet to become involved themselves, working together as a whole community.
Training and support
Initial free two-hour online training will be provided to make sure you are well informed, well supported and safe when carrying out this Neighbourhood Champion role. Training is planned for Friday 20th November from 10.30am to 12.30am on Zoom.
You will be kept up to date with key information and messages regarding the coronavirus pandemic.
You will have weekly contact and support from your local co-ordinator.
You will also have the opportunity to become part of a wider Coronavirus Community Champions programme across the borough.
Apply for this role
Thank you for reading through the information about this role. If you are interested, please email victoria.smith[at]royalgreenwich.gov.uk to register your interest, giving your full contact details, name, address, email and telephone number.
The Charlton Champion 