Mayor's blog

I wanted to take this opportunity to ‘round off’ the year 2020, and to try to express in some way my support for all our residents, but particularly those who will be staying home over the holiday. My family is no exception to the challenges we all face. 

At this point, I want to say how much I value the work of our Oxleas Trust teams. Our professional nurses and carers who support individuals and families all the time, but who will be on duty throughout the Christmas holiday in their respective roles. My particular support is for the Mental Health team, based at the Woodlands Unit at Queen Marys Hospital in Sidcup. My partner, Tom, is cared for by an extraordinary team of people in the dementia intensive care unit there, Holbrook Ward. Dementia affects more and more of our population, and the pandemic has only added to the misery the disease inflicts on everyone. I will always remain indebted to the Nurses, consultants, therapists and social work team , who support Tom and other patients in Holbrook Ward. And who also support me.

Sometimes words are not enough.

My family all miss Tom so much, and so we all share the heartbreak others may be experiencing.

Diary highlights

There have been so many  excellent events  this month , and I have been privileged to take part in secure and  safe  activities around our Borough. I think a big shout out to all organisers, who really went the extra mile to ensure safety at all times.

Tree planting at Plum Lane community orchard

A great event to mark National Tree week, and how proud are we to support the ambitious target of planting millions of trees this year . Trees are important in all our lives, and we don’t need a big garden to plant one! Many trees can be grown in pots etc. – I am sure our amazing  Parks department will help any residents who want further information.

So my grandsons and I will also  be planting a tree in their tiny garden this holiday – hope you can join us.

Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice virtual carol service

I was honoured to be invited to take part in the filming of this  annual carol concert. Standing in the beautiful Old Royal Naval College Chapel , I delivered a  reading for this very moving event. It was also a privilege to be sharing the event with the Mayor of Bexley . The hospice is part of both of our Boroughs. It cannot be emphasised enough how much we feel for the amazing work which goes on there. Thank you all nurses ,doctors and volunteers at the Hospice .

Supporting our Irish Community.

I was very pleased to spend 2 days around the Borough delivering food and a bit of Christmas cheer individually  to a total of 40 + residents. It was moving in the extreme to meet such grateful people , and to have the time for a doorstep chat . Well done Shauna and her team of volunteers from Irish Community Services. My contribution was only a small part of the task which spans 3 Boroughs!

Christmas Markets

Over this time I have been lucky enough to visit Abbey Wood Village market, General Gordon Square market in Woolwich, Eltham market in Passey Place, and Thamesmead Town market.

Thanks to all the partners and stall holders who managed the events extremely well and kept to the rules:

• The Peabody Trust in Thamesmead supporting our residents with many initiatives.
• CC events in Abbey Wood and Eltham organising our market traders
• And our own security staff ensuring safety.

Amazing work.

Woolwich 56 Squadron Air Cadets

It was a pleasure to attend presentation and awards outside in a safe environment , to this group of cadets. It is so important to acknowledge the need for our young people to be able to communicate together , and to maintain some focus and challenges during this time especially . Huge thanks and respect to all leaders for their work in our community.

Sparkle in the Park 

What an amazing event ! This raised the spirits and brought a focus  to Avery Hill Park in a special way . My family and I loved the magical world. We are indeed lucky to have such innovative and creative people as part of the RBG team , who are able to build partnerships and secure funding  to enable events like this to happen. Thank you all.

Hanukkah

On Thursday evening 17 December, I was able to support our Jewish community in a ‘first time ever ‘ event ! We lit a 10 foot high Menorah in the centre of the standard at Blackheath.

This marks the festival of Hanukkah, bringing light into the dark corners of our lives.

What an honour to join Rabbi Ephraim Carlebach and his wife Sara to mark this occasion.

Carol services

A traditional part of the festive season is singing the Carols and sharing the message of Christmas.

Many thanks to Woolwich Garrison Church for the magnificent musical presentation in that unique outdoor setting.

Sunday 20 December at the beautiful St Alfeges church for the traditional 9 lessons and carols was also  such a memorable evening.

Filming stories for children

I have been really pleased to film stories for children, thanks to our GLL library service for arranging this. Amazing! I would love to make more films of a Mayor reading  stories, especially if it helps our children and families! So watch this space everyone.

A New Year

My next blog will be in 2021, a new year, and new hope for all our futures. Please stay safe.

Signing off for 2020, with many good wishes of hope and health for 2021.