Mayor's blog

Mayor’s October Blog

Welcome to my October Blog!

Black History Month Celebrations

I attended a number of events in October as part of the Black History Month celebrations.  The Borough’s launch event took place at the National Maritime Museum Greenwich on 1st October and also  included the 58th Nigerian Independence Day and paid homage to our Windrush Communities; the Caribbean Social Forum opened a Beyond Windrush Exhibition at Woolwich Library on 2nd October and a Black Female Entrepreneur event took place on 25th October, also at Woolwich Library.

I represented the Borough at the Black History Month Thanksgiving Service, which took place at Southwark Cathedral on 6th October.  The Bishop of Woolwich, the Rt Revd Karowei Dorgu presided at the Service.

Looked After Children Educational Achievement Awards

I attended this special event at Charlton Athletic Football Ground on 5th October, 2018.  It was such a pleasure to be present and see so many of our children and young people making a success of their education, and make  such exceptional efforts in many areas of their lives. A very successful event. There was entertainment for everyone including a very good disco which I enjoyed immensely.

Silver Sunday

As part of Silver Sunday, celebrating our  Older Peoples Day,  I visited staff and residents at Meadow House and Times Court Residential Homes.  Meadow House hosted a Silver Sunday Tea Party and Times Court a 60s themed event with a tea party.    In addition, I attended the Greenwich Pensioners Forum – Older Peoples Day held at Charlton House on 11th October, 2018.

After School Club – Middle Park Community Centre

I visited the After School Club at Middle Park Community Centre on 8th October. A wonderful afternoon, I heard some of the children comment the Queen has come to see us. At the end of the afternoon a  little girl called Elena, aged 6,  presented me with a picture that she had made for me and I have decided to use it as my Christmas Card this year.  See my December Blog for more details.

Woolwich Station Cocktail Party

I attended the Woolwich Station Cocktail Party on 11th October. I met some lovely people and was shown around the recently refurbished officers mess. Very grand. I have also been invited to visit the Kings Troop something I’m looking forward to.

Hornfair

I attended the Hornfair at Charlton House on 14th October, which was a very special event as it celebrated exactly 100 years on from Charlton House opening as a Voluntary Aid Detachment Hospital in 1918. I met a young lad who was studying the Wars at school and came in full uniform that he had made.

Hate Crime

Also on that day,  I represented the Borough at the the Act of Hope and Remembrance for those affected by Hate Crime at St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Visit to Demelza Hospice Care for Children and Young Adults

I visited the Eltham Centre of the Demelza Hospice Care for Children and Young Adults on 17th October, which is one of my charity appeals this year.  A very moving and yet informative visit.

Trafalgar Day Memorial Service

I attended the Trafalgar Day and Memorial Service on 20th October, 2018, at East Greenwich Pleasance.  This is an Annual event to remember those who died in the Battle of Trafalgar.  I had to inspect the Greenwich and Deptford Sea Cadets and lay a wreath as part of the ceremony.

University of Greenwich Award Ceremonies

I attended the University of Greenwich Award Ceremonies held on 22nd and 23rd October in the Chapel of the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, SE10.

St. Paul’s, Thamesmead

I attended the 40th Anniversary Service of Thanksgiving and opening of new Church Hall on 27th October.

Priory Players

I attended a performance by the Priory Players Amateur Theatre Production at Progress Hall, Eltham on 12th October.  It was a Murder Mystery.  Very very good if you haven’t seen one of their plays already you must try and go. Take a cushion as the seats are a little hard.

APPEALING TO YOU!

I would like to round up my October  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 and Young Adults SEL - Eltham.

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; enabling them, through the provision of accommodation and work in a self-supporting social enterprise, to recover their dignity, regain control over their lives, and generate the wherewithal to help those less fortunate than themselves."

Demelza Children’s and Young Adults Hospice SEL which is based in Eltham. “Demelza provides professional, specialist, one-to-one care and support and access to life-enhancing facilities for babies, children and young adults up to the age of 19.

For life to be better for those who have life-threatening or life-limiting conditions; and for their parents, brothers and sisters, and those who love them, to receive support. 

To influence the care and support provided by others.”

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

If you wish to support my charities, please contact my office on Tel: 020 8921 5023  Cheques should be made payable to the “Mayor’s Charity Appeal”, and can be sent to the Mayor’s Office, Town Hall, Wellington Street, Woolwich, SE18 6PW.

You can follow the Mayor of Royal Greenwich on Instagram – chris.the.mayor, Twitter - @chris.the.mayor and Facebook – christhemayor.