The Charlton Champion

Kidbrooke with Hornfair by-election 2021: Meet the candidates for Thursday’s poll

May 1, 2021June 19, 2023Darryl Chamberlain

Five candidates for the election — From left: Andrea Borbely (Conservative), Pierce Chalmers (Liberal Democrat), Sharon Kent (Independent), Odette McGahey (Labour), Carol O’Toole (Green; photo by Karin Tearle)

Thursday sees elections for the mayor of London and London Assembly, but there’s also a council by-election in part of Charlton.

Voters who live in Kidbrooke with Hornfair ward – west of Indus Road and south of Charlton Park – are being asked to choose a replacement for Labour’s Christine Grice, who died a year ago.

While this has been a reasonably safe Labour ward in recent years, this hasn’t always been the case – the Conservatives took seats here in 2006. Whoever wins is only likely to be in place for a year – the seat is likely to be broken up before next May’s council elections.

Five candidates are standing: communications consultant Andrea Borbely for the Conservatives, Pierce Chalmers for the Liberal Democrats, neighbourhood watch coordinator Sharon Kent is standing as an independent, Odette McGahey is hoping to retain the seat for Labour, while retired biologist and immunologist Carol O’Toole is the Green candidate. All of them kindly answered our questions.

What made you want to stand in this election?

Andrea Borbely (Conservative): There’s two Labour councillors already in Kidbrooke. Knowing that I could be an independent voice for, and make a real difference in, the community I love made me want to stand.

Pierce Chalmers (Liberal Democrat): I have grown up and live in the local area, this gives me a vested interest to help the community. I have been looking for a way where I can give a real positive contribution to the area and I feel standing as a local councillor was the ideal way to do this.

Sharon Kent (Independent): Someone needs to. As a neighbourhood watch coordinator and active ward panel member I have kept appraised of how the residents feel in this ward. I would like the opportunity to speak on their behalf in a manner that can help.

Odette McGahey (Labour): I have been a local resident for many years and I would love to represent the community in which I live.

Carol O’Toole (Green): As a scientist I am concerned about Health and Wellbeing in Greenwich. Air Quality in KWH is impacted by heavy traffic on the A2 and Shooters Hill Road. Most of the ward is deficient in accessible green space, mature trees and biodiversity which are integral to health are not protected. An independent voice on the council for ecology, biodiversity, and sustainable development is now essential.

Why are you a member of your party (or not a member of any party)?

Andrea Borbely (Conservative): The Conservative Party believes in the power of the individual to better themselves and their communities, and, when it is in power, gives them the tools to do so. We have an optimistic vision of the local community, compared with Labour’s pessimism about how much any individual can do to make their life better.

Pierce Chalmers (Liberal Democrat): Of the main parties, I feel the Liberal Democrats were the party that had not strayed to the extremes and had remained representative of its values. This makes it a party I want to stand for, one where genuine discussion of ideas can be had and represent the needs of the public.

Sharon Kent (Independent): Because they just point fingers at each other.

Odette McGahey (Labour): I would like to live in a society where doing an honest day’s work pays for a decent quality of life. I have become increasingly concerned about rising homelessness, food bank usage and the general widening of inequalities in our country.

Carol O’Toole (Green): The Green Party has strong commitments to conserving and protecting biodiversity and sustainable development; improving air quality by reducing pollution from traffic; and stopping major roadbuilding in urban areas, such as Silvertown Tunnel project.

What makes Kidbrooke with Hornfair ward special?

Andrea Borbely (Conservative): Quiet streets in the heart of a busy borough, green spaces in a city, and a vibrant community from diverse backgrounds.

Pierce Chalmers (Liberal Democrat): The ward is host to such a diverse community, from the schools to the different sports clubs that encompass the ward, each brings something unique to the area. This is also what creates the strong sense of community that this ward proudly displays to anyone that visits there.

Sharon Kent (Independent): Our diversity.

Odette McGahey (Labour): The people make it a lovely place to live. We have a great parade of shops with a wide range of things on offer and if course the lido. This makes it a vibrant place to visit and meet friends and neighbours. We also have some wonderful green spaces which have been a source of relief for so many of us through the last year.

Carol O’Toole (Green): Not sure.

What can be done to improve it?

Andrea Borbely (Conservative): Put simply, a referendum on low-traffic neighbourhoods, more support than Labour is currently giving to our green spaces, a better voice for small businesses, and places and spaces for our young people to help them create a sense of community.

Pierce Chalmers (Liberal Democrat): One aspect that can be developed upon is the growth of the community, making sure that decisions help benefit the public and encourage the local community to work together. One way this could be done it to make sure we promote local events so they can be as successful as possible by getting as much of the area involved.

Sharon Kent (Independent): Keep it safe from those that would do us harm.

Odette McGahey (Labour): As we tackle climate change, I would like to see more green facilities like electric charging points for cars, and help people to move to renewable power sources in their homes, making sure we create opportunities for people to get training and jobs in the new green economy. I would be keen to encourage cooperative and not-for-profit means of achieving this.

Carol O’Toole (Green): Better planning laws which conserve and protect local green infrastructure.

What is the most pressing priority for the borough in the coming years?

Andrea Borbely (Conservative): Greenwich’s Labour council has put up rents for new council tenants by around four times the rent of inflation. Earlier this year it was revealed the council had failed to update its Housing and Homelessness strategy, as required by law – in the middle of a pandemic! Too many council tenants are poorly served by their landlord – Greenwich Council. Fighting for them, and keeping council rents down is critical in the coming years.

Pierce Chalmers (Liberal Democrat): Following the covid pandemic one of the most pressing issues is to ensure the survival of the small business in the borough. We need to make sure our high street shops remain open and in business, these businesses represent the hard work of our community and bring life to the area.

Sharon Kent (Independent): Safety, safety, safety!

Odette McGahey (Labour): Housing. We need to build environmentally sustainable homes that people can genuinely afford to rent or buy.

Carol O’Toole (Green): Build resilience to effects of climate change, using natural capital

What can you do to help people relate better with what the council does?

Andrea Borbely (Conservative): Being visible. The number of people who have told me they’ve never spoken to a local candidate before, from any party, on the campaign trail is shocking. As a councillor I’d strive to be as accessible as possible. More surgeries, more letters telling residents how I’m fighting for them, more knocking on doors. It’s so simple. Making the council relevant has to start with councillors explaining what they do on a day to day basis to as many people as they can!

Pierce Chalmers (Liberal Democrat): The best thing I could do is to promote transparency from the council. Many past projects have gone ahead and had decisions made without informing or giving people the opportunity to voice their opinion. Increasing transparency will allow the public to stay up to date on decisions and to hold the council more accountable.

Sharon Kent (Independent): Be their voice. Listen to what they want and need.

Odette McGahey (Labour): I am really looking forward to working with local people to get things done in their communities. For example, I’ve been speaking to our local MP Clive Efford and we hope to work together with the people of the Shooters Hill estate to create a residents association to address their safety and other housing issues.

Carol O’Toole (Green): Make sure that residents are really listened to and informed before decisions are taken.

Many users of Charlton Park believe there should be more lighting to make it safer for people at night. What do you think?

Andrea Borbely (Conservative): We are lucky to have some beautiful streets in our ward. However, further away from main roads, in residential areas, and in the park, visibility at night is nearly non-existent. If elected, I will ensure we all feel safe walking home at night. That’s one of my top priorities.

Pierce Chalmers (Liberal Democrat): Yes, I agree that there should be more lighting through Charlton Park. Ensuring people feel safe to walk around their local area should always be a main priority for the council, and if people feel this is needed then it is definitely something that needs serious consideration.

Sharon Kent (Independent): Lighting is important everywhere.

Odette McGahey (Labour): I will want to meet with users of Charlton Park regularly and support them with the work they do for our community. If there is a public safety issue, I would want to discuss this with the police, park users and local residents to find the best way forwards. If we agree that should be lighting, then I will do my best make sure it happens.

Carol O’Toole (Green): Important that ‘eco friendly’ lighting is used.

Is the Shooters Hill Road cycle lane a good idea?

Andrea Borbely (Conservative): I’m 100% for reducing pollution and encouraging healthy modes of transport such as cycling. But, I believe that’s for the community to decide. One of the key promises made by all the Conservative candidates in Greenwich is that we should have local referendums on any further LTNs. The council hasn’t done enough to consult residents.

Pierce Chalmers (Liberal Democrat): I do feel that that the cycle lane can be very beneficial to the community, making it safer to cycle and in turn encouraging people to travel via bike instead of using cars. I would also like hear the public’s view on it as they were not informed about the bid before it was agreed.

Sharon Kent (Independent): No, it is unsafe.

Odette McGahey (Labour): The cycle lanes were brought in during the first locked down at the request of central government. The terms of the funding support prevented advanced consultation. I hope the lesson learnt from this is that consultation provides a vital function and preferably should take place before changes are made. The responses to the retrospective consultation are currently under review and I hope that the final solution will enable and encourage cycle usage without restricting the flow of emergency vehicles and normal traffic.

Carol O’Toole (Green): This needs to be monitored, as to whether it contributes to better air quality, reduces congestion and is safe for pedestrians and cyclists.

Do you believe there should be curbs on through traffic to stop drivers using Charlton Park Road, Marlborough Lane and Canberra Road as cut-throughs?

Andrea Borbely (Conservative): Some of the current low-traffic measures introduced by the council simply divert congestion and pollution to residential areas. The Labour-run council is making decisions without asking the people who know best – the local residents. When I speak to them, they tell me they want the whole system looked at. I hear them, and back their desire for change. That’s what the Conservatives are offering. Labour needs to hear what local residents are saying and think again.

Pierce Chalmers (Liberal Democrat): I would need to get further detail on the effects of putting these curbs in place on each of these roads. I would not want to promote a policy that would ultimately result in a detriment to the local community by causing worse congestion elsewhere.

Sharon Kent (Independent): Traffic needs to flow. Congestion is the enemy.

Odette McGahey (Labour): I believe people should be able to enjoy peace and quiet in their homes without noise and pollution from rat-running traffic. I would be very happy to meet with local residents to discuss this issue and bring about changes they need.

Carol O’Toole (Green): Yes.

Have you had a dip in Charlton Lido since it reopened?

Andrea Borbely (Conservative): I feel the cold very badly! I’ll be going when the weather is a little warmer (I can’t wait for the two or three days of ‘summer’ we get every year!).

Pierce Chalmers (Liberal Democrat): Unfortunately, I have not yet had the opportunity to visit Charlton Lido, however as an ex club swimmer I do look forward to finding the time for a swim.

Sharon Kent (Independent): I am not a keen swimmer.

Odette McGahey (Labour): Sadly no, but I am a fan and I’m very tempted, especially when I see beautiful blue skies like we have today.

Carol O’Toole (Green): No, but will be there soon.

Thank you to the candidates for answering the questions. Polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday.

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Kevin Nolan’s Valley View: Charlton Athletic 2-2 Crewe Alexandra

April 28, 2021June 19, 2023kevinnolan

Kevin Nolan's Valley View

The Addicks’ push for the play-offs took another stumble last night thanks to a last-minute equaliser for Crewe Alexandra. An increasingly anxious KEVIN NOLAN was at The Valley.

With the five allotted stoppage minutes already played, Charlton were hanging on by a badly-chewed fingernail to the 2-1 lead given them by Alex Gilbey’s apparently decisive late goal.

To say they were doing it comfortably would be abusing the truth. They were, in fact, a panic-stricken rabble incapable of making clean contact with a ball which caromed, ricocheted and otherwise awkwardly skittered around their penalty area. The confusion was awe-inspiring but the Addicks appeared to have staggered to the line unscathed.

Referee Trevor Kettle – Whistling T Kettle to his chums around the league – begged to differ. He had nowhere to be, nothing to do, no promises to keep. “The man that made time made plenty of it,” was his attitude, so “take as much of it as you need” became his message to never-say-die Crewe.

Midfielder Owen Dale needed no such encouragement and sorted out an ugly scramble in Charlton’s six-yard box by hammering an unstoppable volley past a helpless Ben Amos.

Dale’s overtime equaliser was the second sickening body-blow suffered by Charlton in the dying embers. News had filtered through that up in Accrington, John Marquis had completed Portsmouth’s recovery from 2-0 down by firing Pompey ahead 3-2 in the 90th minute. Abruptly, the situation flip-flopped in favour of the South Coasters but wait… Marquis wasn’t through for the night. In the 7th minute of added time, he’d slipped down the other end and put through his own goal. You just gotta love this guy!

With the dust nicely settled, the equation is now starkly simple. Charlton are trailing Portsmouth and Oxford by two points and one points respectively. But they have a game in hand over both of their rivals. Win all three of their remaining games and they’re in the play-offs, it’s as easy as that. And the three games? They line up as follows – Accrington (a), play-off certs Lincoln (h) and finally, champions-elect Hull City (h).

A difficult task becomes more daunting when their home record (25 points) is weighed against their away record (42 points). In other words, they’re nearly twice as effective on the road. Making it into the play-offs ranks among the longest of longshots but, c’mon, that’s better than no shot at all.

Of urgent concern to Nigel Adkins must be the manner in which his side was comfortably handled by modest achievers Crewe, eight of whose starters were academy graduates. The sinister story of abuse which temporarily destroyed the club’s splendid record is history now and needs no repetition here. The kids and management who ran Charlton ragged on Tuesday evening are untainted by the scandal and did Alex proud. They could even afford to spot their hopeful hosts an early lead.

Making their first inroads into the visitors’ territory, the Addicks turned their defence on the left flank. Liam Millar’s measured pass played Alex Gilbey in behind Harry Pickering to cross head-high on the run. Stealing a critical half-yard on marker Donervon Daniels, Jayden Stockley’s brave diving header beat Will Jaaskalainen and Charlton were off to an important, tension-easing start. Or so it seemed.

The truth was somewhat different. Far from calming local nerves, the first half was spent in jittery defence of the lead. Crewe lived up to their reputation for neat, constructive football and threatened occasionally to haul themselves level. Centre forward Mikael Madron wasted a couple of chances, while the persistent Dale curled narrowly wide after fine wing play by Callum Ainley.

All style in their approach but little substance in the final third where it matters – that was the dismissive opinion along the press ranks as Crewe dominated possession without end product. Until, of course, 22-year old Dale, from nearby Warrington, put that notion to the sword.

Charlton were growing steadily more anxious as the second half wore on and it was no surprise when Alex equalised midway through the session. Exchanging passes with diminutive Tom Lowery in the inside right channel, Dale shifted the ball on to his left foot before bending a cunning shot into the far corner. It was a goal that Charlton’s passive attitude had been inviting since Stockley opened the scoring.

Conor Washington had already replaced Ian Maatsen soon after the break to protect the youngster from a second yellow card. When he was joined by Chuks Aneke on for the ineffectual Millar, the Addicks at last took the fight to their well-drilled opponents. Aneke’s powerful running produced a ball in from the left which barely eluded Washington as the pendulum briefly swung. And with seven minutes left, Gilbey was on hand to head through Jaaskalainen’s legs after Aneke nodded down Jake Forster’s outswinging corner.

Both Aneke and Washington brought new menace and fresh legs with them. The latter’s forceful run down the middle looked likely to produce a clinching third goal until he was overwhelmed by force of numbers; Aneke also went close but his powerful low cross was claimed by Jaaskalainen, with Washington in predatory attendance.Still, Crewe persisted with admirable patience which brought its reward as the Addicks degenerated into blind panic.

“I enjoyed watching my side tonight,” remarked visiting gaffer David Artell. Under different circumstances, Dave, we couldn’t agree more. But don’t hurry back. You can get too much of a good thing…

Charlton: Amos; Matthews, Famewo, Pearce, Purrington, Gilbey, Watson (Pratley 75), Forster-Caskey, Maatsen (Washington 54), Millar (Aneke 68), Stockley (Innis 75). Not used: Maynard-Brewer, Gunter, Morgan. Booked: Maatsen, Gilbey, Pearce

Crewe: Jaaskelainen; Adebisi, Wood, Danels, Pickering, Lowery Wintle, Ainley (Porter 86), Dale, Mandron, Kirk. Not used: Richards, Lancashire, Johson, Beckles, Walker, Evans. Booked: Dale, Wood 45

Referee: Trevor Kettle

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Could you help guide the future of Charlton Toy Library?

April 27, 2021June 19, 2023Darryl Chamberlain

Regular readers of The Charlton Champion will be familiar with Charlton Toy Library, which is a voluntary organisation based at Charlton House and helps families in need across Greenwich borough. Now it’s looking for a new chair of trustees to help guide its future…

Charlton Toy Library supports the wellbeing, safety and development of children living in Greenwich. It provides families with a place to come and meet other parents, play with their children or get advice from our very experienced members of staff. We run an outreach service providing vulnerable families with tailored support and advice, along with free access to toys, books and safety equipment to support their children’s needs. Many of the children we support through our outreach service live in families experiencing poverty and disadvantage, some have suffered domestic violence and many feel isolated.

We are now seeking a Chair who is passionate, motivated, with excellent leadership skills, who can commit the time to help drive the charity forward to its next growth stage and help increase its team. The Chair’s role is to be part of the Board of Trustees, ensuring that it fulfils its governance responsibilities and the achievement of agreed objectives as laid down in approved strategies and plans.

Interested? Take a look at the full job description and get in touch with the toy library by 21 May.

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Kevin Nolan’s Valley View: Charlton Athletic 0-1 Peterborough United

April 25, 2021June 19, 2023kevinnolan

Kevin Nolan's Valley View

How do you follow up a thumping 6-0 victory on the road? By sliding to defeat at The Valley, of course. KEVIN NOLAN watched from the press box.

After the feast…famine. Fresh from filling their boots with six goals at Plymouth in midweek, Charlton fought gamely against automatic promotion certainties Peterborough United but were unable to find to find the one goal they needed to earn a valuable point. A missed penalty by Jayden Stockley was as close as they came with the Posh using all their nous and an occasional stroke of luck to shut them out.

On the positive side, Charlton matched – and during a spirited second half performance often more than matched – their talented visitors but fell just short. While play-off rivals Oxford United were finishing off what was left of Plymouth Argyle and Portsmouth were ponderously squeaking past hapless Bristol Rovers, the Addicks slipped down to 8th place. Tuesday’s game in hand at home to Crewe looks like defining, if not deciding, their incident-packed season. They are overdue to put right the indifferent home form which has stunted their progress.

This hectic, evenly-contested duel hinged on the coolness shown by Johnson Clarke-Harris in converting what was his only clearcut chance and the subsequent failure, by Stockley, to equalise from the penalty spot. The prolific Clarke-Harris capitalised on Charlton’s customary tepid start to fire his side in front after just nine minutes. A needless foul by Liam Millar on Frankie Kent conceded a free kick which keeper Josef Bursik took quickly to Kent; the defender kept the ball moving to Sammie Szmodics, who slipped a promising pass in to Clarke-Harris. One touch of his left foot set up an unstoppable low shot which beat Ben Amos on its way into the bottom corner. It was a fine strike by a player brimming with confidence who expects to convert every chance.

Szmodics has almost kept pace with Clarke-Harris in providing United with a lethal scoring partnership this season. It was his quick-fire double which overhauled Charlton’s one-goal lead back in January and shortly after his partner scored, he should have increased his side’s advantage. Skilfully put through by Kent, he confronted Amos one-on-one near the penalty spot. Shooting hurriedly, he was foiled by the keeper’s instinctive touch which carried the ball wide.

Encouraged by their escape, the Addicks hit back through Millar, whose angled pass sent Alex Gilbey briefly clear of Kent, whose panicky challenge brought down the rapidly improving midfielder inside the penalty area. Referee Keith Stroud pointed to the spot which left Charlton to decide who would take the decisive kick. Hindsight is, of course, never wrong but the choice of Stockley, whose six goals have all been headers, seemed a curious one. An unconvincing effort cleared off the line by Ipswich a week earlier ranks as a rare shot delivered by an honest-to-goodness trier, who spends most games with his back to the opposition goal and thrives on headed chances. Sure enough, Stockley’ s shot was comfortably saved by Bursik and Charlton’s best chance had already come and gone. Jake Forster-Caskey might have been a better bet. That’s hindsight talking, of course. And hindsight’s always got something to say.

Before the interval, Millar’s miscued cross had Bursik scrambling back on his goalline to conjure the ball to safety. In response, Amos alertly narrowed the angle as Szmodics played in Joe Ward and hurried the midfielder into shooting over the bar. The Addicks retired for their break still in with a chance of salvaging something from a nip-and-tuck game. It was certainly not lack of effort which denied them. Instead there were grounds for optimism in their second half performance which, if they can carry it into the huge game against Crewe, might change the mood in SE7.

At the heart of the rally was Gilbey, whose form since Nigel Adkins arrived, has blossomed. A diffident figure under Lee Bowyer, who clearly didn’t rate him, the big midfielder was bristling for the fight. His powerful runs, seen to advantage when winning the penalty, troubled the visitors and inspired anxiety in their ranks. It was clearly no reflection on his contribution that he was replaced by Chuks Aneke with a quarter hour left. With Tuesday the priority, the caution he’d picked up made it a sensible move to withdraw him.

Entering the fray in the 77th minute, meanwhile, Aneke showed enough to suggest a start against Crewe is on the cards, possibly alongside Conor Washington, whose late appearance was a subtle nudge on Adkins’ elbow. Diallang Jaiyesisi’s premature departure probably frees up one place, while the ever willing Stockley might prosper, temporarily at least, as an impact sub. So with a touch of foresight, hindsights’s bitter rival, it’s predicted that an Aneke-Washington forward line could feature against Crewe. Unless, of course, Adkins goes for broke, includes Stockley and plays three up front. That’s probably pushing it but the prospect is appealing.

Adkins has other problems to solve before Tuesday, not least of which is the enigma called Liam Millar. The Liverpool loanee teased and taunted an above average Peterborough rearguard, marshalled superbly by Mark Beevers. On seemingly countless occasions, he twinkle-toed past an ever-growing posse of defenders, had their goal in his sights but just as regularly failed to exploit his advantage by poor decision-making. Crosses were tamely directed into Bursik’s hands, killer passes were constantly cut out by Beevers and his mates. A midfield comprising Millar, Gilbey and Jake Forster-Caskey should be a match for any in the division but only if the talented Canadian adds substance to his undeniable style, something he did brilliantly when setting up Gilbey for the penalty.

So it comes down to Tuesday and a nothing-to-lose, everything-to-gain engagement with the Railwaymen of Crewe. The crabbed, fear-filled progress of Oxford, Portsmouth, not to mention the continuing vulnerability of Blackpool, offers genuine hope of a play-off slot. It’s time to hold your nerve. Though they lost, Charlton held theirs against Posh. Four more times, Nigel, if you please…

Charlton: Amos, Matthews, Pearce, Innis (Famewo 83), Purrington, Forster-Caskey, Watson, Jaiyesimi (Morgan 24, Washington 83), Gilbey (Aneke 77), Millar, Stockley. Not used: Maynard-Brewer, Gunter, Pratley. Booked: Gilbey

Peterborough: Bursik; Thompson (Mason 71), Kent, Beevers, Butler, Hamilton (Reed 68), Taylor, Ward, Szmodics, Dembele (Burrows 87), Clarke-Harris. Not used: Gyollai, Eisa, Ricky-Jade Jones, Kanu. Booked: Thompson

Referee: Keith Stroud.

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Stride on Time: Greenwich Dance takes a walk in the park to shake off lockdown blues

April 22, 2021June 19, 2023Darryl Chamberlain

Feeling stiff and lifeless post-lockdown? Greenwich Dance is bringing Stride on Time to Charlton Park from Thursday 29 April, a series of dance-inspired walks to help your body and mind get moving again now the spring is here.

Led by experienced dance artists, Maria Ghoumrassi and Lizzie Fort, each walk will include a warm-up to awaken your body, a walk to get you moving and a chance to socialise with other local people.

There are two walks each week, each meeting at Charlton House. One is on Thursdays from 29 April from 2pm-3.30pm, the other is a family session on Saturdays (from 1 May) from 10.30am to 11am. They cost £4 each.

For more information, visit greenwichdance.org.uk.

Stride on Time was one of the initiatives to get funding at the recent Charlton Community Voting Day.

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Good to Grow Day in Maryon Park Community Garden this Saturday

April 21, 2021June 19, 2023Darryl Chamberlain

It’s Good to Grow Day at the Maryon Park Community Garden this Saturday (24 April) – a first chance for the public to look inside one of Charlton’s best-kept secrets since the start of the pandemic last year.

Visitors will be able to see the community garden and its forest school with socially-distanced tours for family groups and social bubbles.

The community garden provides organic growing plots for local people, as well as an indoor garden meeting space, while the forest school has space for primary schools and child-minders’ groups as well as outdoor art therapy.

There will be a tomato and plant sale, damson jam and a woodcraft stall at the gates of the park, next to the old park-keeper’s house. Visitors are asked to wear a mask.

“The Good to Grow Day is about encouraging people and families to visit their local community garden. Whether just want to visit the stalls, become involved or see the community Garden for the first time, you will be welcome,” the community garden’s chair, Tim Anderson says.

The event will run from 10am to 4pm.

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Greenwich Council plans to hold £165,000 festival in Charlton Park in August

April 19, 2021June 19, 2023Darryl Chamberlain

Greenwich Council’s annual Great Get Together festival is to move from Woolwich to Charlton Park and be given a new look and name, tender documents issued to potential event producers reveal.

Held to coincide with Armed Forces Day for the past decade, the event began life at Barrack Field on Woolwich Common, as a merger of smaller events held around the borough in the years before that. It moved to Woolwich town centre in 2019.

After last year’s event fell foul of the pandemic, the council is now planning to relaunch its annual jamboree, with Saturday 21 August pencilled in as a start date – at a cost of £165,000.

The move from Woolwich to Charlton Park will disappoint those hoping for a boost to the troubled town centre, which is receiving up to £17.1m in government funds to make it more appealing to visitors and residents.

But the council says “this year provides a natural opportunity to reconfigure the event and move location”.

“This location has been chosen as the park is in the centre of the borough, is a large, flat, green space with many sections, fenced with several gates, a small car park and is well equipped with existing facilities including a skate park, cafes and a playground making it the perfect location for a contemporary outdoor community festival, with exciting new content for residents to enjoy,” the tender document, spotted by tweeter Jo Brodie, states.

“The event will also provide an opportunity for thanks to our NHS and key workers, as well for reflection and memorial to those lives lost during the pandemic. The focus for the event should be a contemporary family festival with an overriding theme of equality and diversity,” potential organisers are told.

“We envisage music, arts, culture, food and entertainment from around the world, but embedded in the diversity of the variety of communities we have in Royal Greenwich [sic]. The event needs a rebrand – with a new name that captures this essence.”

The document says that for this year only and as “a celebration of the potential end of the pandemic, we are able to invest more in the event than ever before, enabling the opportunity to produce a really spectacular show”.

While coronavirus restrictions remain in place until at least June 21, and scientists have warned of a third wave in July or August, the tender document makes the assumption that London will be in a better position to hold outdoor events.

“The end of summer date hopefully allows for the Covid-19 restrictions to have been lifted, the vaccination programme to have been completed, and anticipates that visitors will have regained confidence in large events and social gatherings again,” the document states.

The proposals appear to be similar to those for the hugely popular Lewisham People’s Day, which takes part in Mountsfield Park in Catford. However, organisers have also been told that “due to the borough’s rich military history and some armed forces content at previous events, we may want to include some content of this nature such as an assault course and visibility and support from local community groups such as the Army Cadets and British Legion”.

The plan to spend £165,000 on a festival in Charlton Park comes two months after the council declined to spend money on improving lighting in the park to make it safer during the winter months.

Companies who want to put the event on have until 30 April to submit their application.

A version of this story appears on our sister website 853.