Mayor's blog

Understanding health improvement

On 5 July, I attended an award ceremony at Woolwich Library, where 78 graduates, residents from across the borough, had successfully completed the Royal Society of Public Health Understanding Health Improvement course. Many congratulations to them all! They will now promote healthy lifestyles in the voluntary, community and workplace.

Lots and lots of school visits

July was a busy months of school visits! Many thanks to all the schools for making me feel so welcome.

• Charlton Manor Primary Annual Prize giving Assembly (6 July)
• Nightingale Primary Summer Fun day (11 July)
• Middle Park Primary Curriculum Evening (12 July)
• Visit by Cherry Orchard to Woolwich Town Hall as part of learning about democracy in the UK (13 July)
• Heronsgate Summer Fair/Thamesmead Charter Launch (13 July)
• Holy Family Primary Prize giving (16 July)
• Wyborne Primary School Year 6 Leavers production and presentation (16 July)
• Waterside Primary School Sports Day (17 July).

Remembering Srebrenica

At 11am on 11 July, I officiated over a Minutes Silence at Woolwich Town Hall to mark the 23rd year since the genocide at Srebrenica, in Bosnia-Herzegovina, when 8,372 mostly Bosnian Muslim men and boys were murdered in the worst atrocity on European soil, since the Second World War.

The Greenwich Talking Newspaper Association

I attended the Annual General Meeting of the Greenwich Talking Association, who record and produce the local news for the partially sighted and blind residents of the Royal Borough of Greenwich. The Association was founded in 1977 the service is run totally by volunteers.

This was the night of England's semi-final game against Croatia. We all wore red and white! I even had a red and white pen, red shoes and a red bag!

South London Special League

I attended a Summer Cup Football Tournament for disabled adults organised by the South London Special league at Long Lane Football Club. They all had such fun and were awarded medals at the end for their achievements.

Summer festivals

On 14 July, the Deputy Mayor and I attended the Thamesmead 50th Birthday Festival, around Southmere Lake, and Queenscroft Party in the Park in Queenscroft Park, Eltham, SE9. It was a beautiful summer's day, I had my face painted.

Demelza Hospice Care for Children - Bubble Rush

I spent a great afternoon on 15 July, at a fun fund raising event called the Bubble Rush at Avery Hill Park, in aid of Demelza Hospice Care for Children and young adults.

This was a great family event - a 5K family fun event running through bubble stations. Everyone was covered in bubbles for a great cause! Most came out looking like Smurfs because of the different coloured bubbles mixing together (do you remember the Smurfs - I'm showing my age now!). I was assured you do return to a normal colour eventually. Families were making a day of it by bringing along a picnic and enjoying the sunshine.

Award ceremonies

I was delighted to attend the Award Ceremonies at both the University of Greenwich and Goldsmiths, University of London. To meet all the students and share their special day with them, including my next door neighbour. Many congratulations!

Caribbean Social Forum - Windrush Reception

I attended a great evening organised by the Caribbean Social Forum on 21 July, celebrating the adults that came from the Caribbean, the Windrush generation. I discovered the drink Sorrel (the non-alcoholic version).

95th birthday celebrations

I attended a lovely surprise birthday lunch for Phyllis George who was celebrating her 95th birthday.

Phyllis is an integral part of the befriending service organised by Crossroads.

Appealing to you!

I would like to round up my blog with a mention of my charities for my Mayoral year. I am supporting 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.