Mayor's blog

Sharing the situation

Who would have thought back in March that we would still be dealing with a global pandemic? I must admit that i felt that the isolation and precautions would be very temporary, but here we are.

I would like to congratulate all our residents on continuing to take the advice summarised as hands - face - space.

By washing hands, wearing face coverings, and keeping away from each other, we are all staying safe.

Thank you.

Share your thoughts about the pandemic, for a chance to be published in our book of COVID memories from Royal Greenwich residents

We can make this historical publication together, It will be a wonderful achievement, and if you are reading this blog, please also write a few lines with your name and details for the publication, and send it to us at: mayor@royalgreenwich.gov.uk

Mayor activities

In the last blog I described how we were taking small steps to carefully move out into face to face meetings. I am continuing to meet with groups and individuals, but any face to face meetings are mainly conducted outside in groups of 6 or less and socially distanced, wearing face coverings and using hand sanitisers.

I still very much enjoy meeting with groups and individuals using zoom or facebook, or even speaking on the telephone.

Black History Month

This is always a special time of year when we give time and space to meet and support community groups and I started with the World of Hope  group who meet in Abbey Wood. What a privilege to chat via zoom  to young people such as Samuel and Yemi, who are keen to find a career in finance, and to hear Adi and the group share their fantastic food project.

I also had a zoom meeting with the Rosebud Centre celebrating 10 years of  working with girls and young women. As part of the Listening Ears Charity this amazing group provides a wide programme of events designed to reduce loneliness and isolation for girls, young women and their families. With a record of contacting around 800 girls in Greenwich and beyond, this lively and energetic group described their events, and the impact this community has had in their lives. There were 32 young people in the meeting, and it was great to see them all. Congratulations to all the young people on gaining their awards on this birthday party day – the theme was Glitz and Glamour and there was plenty of sparkle going on.

On 14 October I joined the Brookhill Centre, Black Female Entrepreneur event with the amazing Congolese cooking shop. We of course met on zoom , and I learnt the secret ingredients of three delicious African dishes and watched as the kitchen came to life. Who knew that cooking should involve some great singing together and dancing as you chop and stir. Makes me realise what’s wrong with my efforts in the kitchen. I have asked all these groups to write their contributions for our book.

On Saturday 17 October I was the guest of honour on my own doorstep as Grounded Moves Dance Company  (working with Greenwich Dance ) performed their piece entitled Ragtime to Grime especially for me my family and my very appreciative neighbours. A thought provoking work produced for Black History Month. Such a great idea, we all loved it. I then followed the company as they performed in Strongbow Road for residents there too, such a brilliant project.

It was also great to meet Jenifer Sims Chair of Bob Hope Theatre and her husband. I congratulated The Bob Hope Theatre company as they celebrated their successful funding as part of the Government Culture Funding. Wonderful news and we all look forward to many more years of enjoyment at Bob Hope. 

I also have been lucky to visit the Old Royal Naval College at the beginning of October to view the exhibition celebrating the contribution of the Black Greenwich Pensioners as part of our maritime history. The event included some really moving photographs and poetry, and was carefully staged to adhere to COVID restrictions. Thanks to Matthew Meer and all staff for their continuing work at the ORNC.

Other Honours

On 7 October I was indeed honoured to attend All Saints Church on Herbert  Road for the Induction of the Reverend Herbert Aparanga  as vicar of All Saints Parish. The ceremony was a celebration of Herberts personal achievements and his already significant contribution to this Plumstead community. The adaptions made for COVID safety worked really well and I would like to thank all those involved for inviting me and for taking such care.Congratulations Herbert and look forward to a zoom meeting soon.

I am pleased to have reopened the Progress Hall in Eltham, as part of the St Marys Community complex. So great to see our Community Centres re-opening their doors, with massive precautions in place. We must support these gems in our borough.

I would like to thank the staff and students of Millenium Performing Arts College. We held a very supportive telephone call, which should have been a visit in person. I look forward to re scheduling our contact.

Saturday October 17 was the commemoration of Trafalgar Day. Although the formal event was cancelled due to increased COVID restrictions, I went alone to lay the wreath on behalf of the Royal Borough of Greenwich. It is sometimes important to appreciate the quiet moments and reflect on the sacrifices made as part of our history and this was was one those moments in the very beautiful East Greenwich Pleasaunce. 

Westminster Abbey

As I write this blog on Monday 19 October, I am thinking back to yesterday  (Sunday 18 October). I was honoured to represent the Royal Borough of Greenwich as I joined all other London Mayors at Westminster Abbey for the annual service celebrating the feast of the dedication of the Abbey and the importance of civic leaders in our community. Although the event was different this year with many alterations for COVID precautions, I found myself inside the spectacular Abbey able to drink in the beauty of the architecture and the moving nature of the ceremony. I was very proud to be there representing all our Royal Greenwich residents.

Have a good week, and stay safe – and remember hands - face - space.

Councillor Linda Bird

Mayor of Royal Greenwich