Mayor Christine May Blog – November 2018

Mayor’s November Blog

Welcome to my November Blog!

 

Meet New Apprentices

I was delighted to meet our new Apprentices starting their careers at the Royal Borough of Greenwich on 5th November.  These are new entrants to the council under the new Apprenticeship scheme.  I really enjoyed the event chatting to them, it reminded me of my first day at work. Wishing you all good luck in your new careers.

 

Poppy Selling

On 6th November, together with the Past Mayor, Councillor Peter Brooks , I helped the Royal British Legion (Thamesmead Town and AbbeyWood Branch) selling poppies at Morrison’s Thamesmead; Sainsbury’s Abbey Wood and in the foyer of the Abbey Wood Railway Station.

 

Ravensbourne University Graduation Ceremony

On 7th November, I attended the Graduation Ceremony of Ravenbourne University, which was held in the Barbican due to the large number of students graduating.  A very busy day but It was  great to spend this special day with the graduates.

 

Police Commendation Ceremonies

On 8th November, I attend two Commendation Ceremonies for Police Officers’ good work. A really enjoyable day celebrating those individuals and members of the public who had demonstrated bravery and helped others in the course of their work and daily lives. Some exceptionally brave individuals. Thank you to you all.

 

Remembrance Weekend

We had many Wreath laying Ceremonies and Remembrance Services across the Borough the weekend of 9th-11th November.    The photos show the wreathlaying services at Thamesmead and Eltham.  All ceremonies across the Borough were very well supported by the community, commemorating 100 years since the end of World War one – Armistice Day. A particularly moving weekend.

Mayor

Mayor’s Coffee Morning

I hosted a Coffee Morning at  Charlton House in aid of my Mayor’s Charity Appeal.  It was very well attended.  I would like to thank everyone for their support, and Tesco’s for supplying us wis the raffle prizes.  I will be having another soon.

 

Eltham Lights Up

I attended Light Up Ceremonies at Eltham, Thamesmead,  Greenwich and Kidbrooke Village.  All the children were very excited and had worked very hard in making their lanterns for the Parades. The weather was mild so added to the evening atmosphere.

 

Thames Water Ridgeway Cleanup

I attended this event at the Link, Thamesmead on 19th November and met with volunteers who attended to help litter pick along Ridgeway Path, Thamesmead.  They had done a great job.

 

Diwali evening

I hosted the Diwali celebration in  Woolwich Town Hall on 16th November, with the assistance of Honorary Freeperson of the Borough, Dr. Jagir Sekhon OBE.  The event was very well attended.  All Gurdwaras and Temples were represented and brought the children to sing and play for us.  Exceptional performance by all.

 

Royal Greenwich Music Hub School Concert

Together with Past Mayor, Janet Gillman, I attended this concert on 26th November at Blackheath Halls.   This involved both instrumental and vocal performances by children and young people and showed off the music talent that we have in our  Borough.

 

Takeover Day

I took part in two Takeover Days.  A Kids Takeover Day took place at Cutty Sark Clipper Ship on 21st November. Year 6 pupils from Meridian Primary School worked along staff and volunteers at the Cutty Sark, to participate in the life of the museum.  The kids did a great job.

Also on 28th November, the Chair of the Greenwich Young Peoples Council spent a day with me and the Leader.  We went to two schools – Windrush; Invicta and Middle Park Community Centre.

Celebrating 20 years of Greenwich Young Peoples Council

I attended this evening of celebration on 29th November.  GYPC was set up to give young people a voice in the community.  It was a great evening and we heard from former and current Youth Councillors about their experience of GYPC.

 

APPEALING TO YOU!

I would like to round up my November 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.