Mayor's blog

Launch of Volunteers Week

I was delighted to attend the launch event for Volunteers Week, and visit Volunteer Centre Greenwich Information stall in General Gordon Square on 1 June. This promoted volunteering opportunities from local charities and organisations to borough residents.

I also attended the Volunteers Recognition celebration event at Shrewsbury House later that week to recognise the valuable work that volunteers do and present them with certificates recognising their effort.

Albany Taxi Charity

I had the pleasure of seeing off the Annual Trip to Hastings for Children with Special Needs on 4 June, organised by the Albany Taxi Charity.  A lot of hard work went into making all the arrangements. It was fantastic, and the children were so excited.

I handed out lots of 'I met the Mayor' badges on the day, to adults as well as to the children.

Plumstead Make Merry festival

I was delighted to open the 43rd Plumstead Make Merry on 9 June. The event was so well supported by the local community. I really enjoyed walking around all the stalls and had the difficult task of choosing the 'best dressed stall'.

Award events

I attended the Royal Greenwich Long Service Awards on 4 June and Do the Right Thing Awards on 15 June.

The Do the Right Thing Awards are for outstanding children and young people who reside or attend school in Greenwich. Some of the categories on the evening were for bravery, community role models, young disabled person of the year and many more. It was a very special evening. With young people like this living in the borough, the future of Royal Greenwich is looking great!

Howard Gayle book launch - 61 Minutes in Munich

I attended a book launch organised by Caribbean Social Forum for Howard Gayle a former Liverpool Player in the 1970s. This was held in the Woolwich Library on 12 June. This was part of the Forum's Windrush and Black History Programme.

Howard not only blazed a trail for black footballers at Liverpool, but worked on many levels to ensure that kids in the city get a good grounding to succeed in the game and in life in general. His story was uncomfortable to listen to in places, because he had to face racism as a norm and had to challenge this throughout his life, and even today!

The Mayor Christine May with Howard Gayle at the book launch

Visit to Shooters Hill Post 16 Campus

I had the opportunity to visit Shooters Hill Post 16 campus on 12 June. It was my first visit to the school and I was very impressed. Watch this space for a school that’s improving enormously.

Greenwich and Docklands International Festival

As Mayor, I took part in RISE Placard Procession on 23 June. I thoroughly enjoyed being involved in this production and had to attend a rehearsal to make sure I did everything correctly.

The production celebrated local and global stories of women and their continuing struggle for equality and human rights. I carried the placard of Gertrude Walters the First Lady Mayor of Woolwich 1930 to 1931.

It was a very special and enjoyable evening.

Eid in the Park and Eid Reception

I was pleased to be invited to attend Eid in the Park by the Greenwich Islamic Centre which took place on 15 June on the Royal Artillery Fields, Woolwich. A wonderful experience of celebrations. I was made to feel very welcome and invited by everyone I met to join them. I also hosted an Eid Reception at the Town Hall on 6 July.

I hope everyone with their family had a happy Eid, and I hope the festival brought happiness and joy to everyone.

Seeking Refuge event at the National Maritime Museum

I opened the Seeking Refuge event, which was part of National Refugee Week, organised by the National Maritime Museum on 16 June.

The museum holds stories of people who have traversed the oceans by choice or by force, as a result of war, enslavement and prejudice. We heard stories of migration and refuge and encounter those who have first hand experiences of forced movement and listened to reactions to the refugee crisis by young people. It was a very moving event, delivered in a very relaxed and welcoming space.

Open House

Accompanied by the Deputy Mayor, I attended an Open House event at Weybourne care Home on 15 June. The event was to show the home’s facelift to the community. We were very warmly received by the residents, their families and staff. Also in attendance were young students who had been working with the home on their gardens and the residents. It was their last day.

GUBA African Market

I attended a GUBA African market on 16 June in General Gordon Square, Woolwich. There was a great range of African inspired products and services on show. It was a very colourful and lively event and I had a great time on the drums!

40th Greenwich Scout Troop

I attended the Chief Scout Museum and Ceremony and annual general meeting (AGM) followed by a barbecue on 29 June and was pleased to present a number of awards on the evening. The sausages were to die for.

Appealing to you!

I would like to round up my first blog with a mention of my charities for my Mayoral year. I have decided to support Emmaus Greenwich the Homeless Charity and Demelza Hospice Care for Children SEL - Eltham.

I'm hoping to raise as much money as possible for both deserving Charities.

Emmaus Greenwich

Emmaus Greenwich is based in Plumstead and is a homeless charity. Their aim is to establish and maintain a successful community for previously homeless people by providing a place to live and work.

Demelza Children's Hospice

Demelza Children's Hospice SEL, based in Eltham, provides care and support for babies, children and young people up to the age of 19 and their loved ones so they can enjoy time together as a family.

How to support these charities

If you wish to support my charities, please contact my office on 020 8921 5023. You can also send cheques made payable to the 'Mayor’s Charity Appeal' to:

Contact the Mayor

To contact the Mayor's Office, please email mayor@royalgreenwich.gov.uk or telephone 020 8921 5023.

You can also follow the Mayor of Royal Greenwich on Instagram - chris.the.mayor and Twitter - @chris.the.mayor.