Mayor's blog

Clockhouse Community Centre - Dockyard Festival

I had the pleasure of opening the Dockyard festival on 4 August. This was a lovely afternoon. Local residents, Clockhouse customers and supporters and friends come together for an afternoon of music, performances, community displays and food and fun activities. Residents that have long moved away still come back to support this great community event.

Well done to the organisers and volunteers that have given their time for free not just at events such as this but at all times. Volunteers are at the backbone of such organisations.

Visit to Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice

I visited the Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice on 9 August. The Hospice provides specialist palliative care and support to both Greenwich and Bexley residents. I was pleased to meet staff, volunteers and day care patients.

Memorial Event - Greenwich African Caribbean Organisation

On 10 August, I attended a memorial event in memory of black Africans who lived, worked and died in the Royal Borough of Greenwich during the years 1600 to 1800s. This is an annual public event held in the grounds of Charlton House in recognition and respect. There is a memorial tree planted there it's a June Tree.

At the end of the event the Caribbean Social Forum had a collection for my Charities Emmaus Greenwich and Demelza Eltham. Such a nice gesture.

The Greenwich Carers Centre - Summer Concert

I attended this summer concert on 11 August at The Stables, Charlton, SE7. This is an annual fundraiser in aid of the Greenwich Carers Centre. The Centre provides emotional and practical support to wonderful people who give up their time to look after family members, friends and neighbours.

Nepali Youth Association - Greenwich Cup

On 11 August, I attended the Nepali Youth Association Greenwich Cup held at the Royal Artillery Barracks Fields, Woolwich, SE18, which featured football and volleyball.

There was also free health check-ups, food stalls, business stalls, live entertainment and games for the children. A fun time was had by all.

Tying of the Rakhi

I was pleased to receive some members of the Hindu Shri Swaminarayan Temple to the Mayor's Parlour on 15 August for the Tying of the Rakhi ceremony. They tied a Rakhi around my wrist to give me love and protection in my year of office, which is part of the Hindu Festival Raksha Bandhan.

Thomas Tallis School - A Level results

I attended A Level results day at Thomas Tallis School. It was lovely to share this special day with them. Such a lovely atmosphere teachers and students all celebrating together.

Victoria Cross Paving Stone Unveiling

I had the honour of unveiling a Victoria Cross Paving Stone in Greenwich Park in memory of Lieutenant Cecil Sewell VC on 29 August.

A very moving ceremony. The VC is the most prestigious and highest military award for valour in the face of the enemy. On 29 August 1918, during heavy fighting, Cecil went to the rescue of his men when one of the tanks of which he was commanding, slipped and became stuck in a shell-hole. As he saw to his wounded men, he was hit and sadly died. For his actions, he was awarded the Victoria Cross. He was just 23 years old.

Cecil was one of nine children, we were joined by over 60 members of his family at the ceremony. All so proud of Cecil actions.

Bob Hope Theatre Celebration Evening

On 29 August, with the Deputy Mayor, I had the pleasure to attend a Celebration Evening at the Bob Hope Theatre in the company of Linda Hope - Bob Hope's daughter. The transformation of the theatre is amazing if you've not been this is a must to put on your places to visit in Greenwich.

South Korean delegation

I was pleased to receive to the Mayor's Parlour, a South Korean delegation on 31 August, they came to talk to the Council about its work in sustainable healthy food.

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.