Mayor's blog

Mayor’s Blog – January 2019

A busy start to 2019.

School Visits

It was a pleasure to welcome the School Council of Haimo Primary School on 9th January and Invicta Primary School on 14th January to Woolwich Town Hall.  The pupils visited the Council Chamber and Mayor’s Parlour and had lots of interesting questions for me.  The children enjoyed becoming Mayor for the day and wore the robes and Woolwich’s chain of office.

Visit to Sheltered Homes

Before Christmas, I was invited to have coffee by the residents of sheltered homes in the Borough.  I visited Eltham Road on 11th January and the one in Ann Stroud Court on 15th January.  I was made to feel very welcome by the residents.  We had a good chat, put the world to rights and I picked up some casework!

Thank you for inviting me I had a great time.

Another Christmas Lunch

One last Christmas lunch to attend on 12th January, with the Coldharbour Tenants and Residents Association, organised for the older members of the community. This was held in the Community Hall, William Barefoot Drive, SE9.   A very enjoyable event.  A big thank you to the Association for all that they do for local elderly residents, to make sure they do not feel isolated.

Visit to Woolwich Crown Court

I visited Woolwich Crown Court on 16th January, 2019.  I was received by the Honorary Recorder of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, HH Judge Christopher Kinch QC.

I met and had lunch with all the Resident Judges and visited the Jury Offices/Admin staff/security/cells.  I also had the opportunity to sit in court with a Resident Judge.

Holocaust Memorial Day Commemorations

I attended a number of Holocaust Memorial Day commemorations.   Representing the Royal Borough I attended the Ceremony which was held by the Mayor of London at City Hall on 21st January.  Guests attending included survivors of the Holocaust, community stakeholders, faith organisations and schools.

The Royal Borough had our own Commemorative event on the afternoon of Monday 28th January.  The event was very well attended.

Thank you to the pupils of Mulgrave Primary School, Catford and Bromley Synagogue, Greenwich Islamic Centre, Greenwich Hindu Temple, Calderwood Gurdwara, the Reverend Mike Leader and Gilles Cabon of Greenwich Inclusion Project for taking part in the moving ceremony.

The Royal Borough finished our commemorations by welcoming representatives of Catford and Bromley Synagogue to the start of our Full Council meeting on 30th January, to recite the Memorial Prayer and light a candle.

Woolwich Carnival and Sponsorship event

I was delighted to attend this event on 25th January, which celebrated the success of last year’s Carnival with all the volunteers.  Despite the rain, 400 participants took part in the parade throughout the day the rain didn’t dampen spirits. There was so much commitment from everyone involved, communities, performers and schools.  It was also an opportunity to thank the sponsors.

Reopening of Plumstead Pharmacy

I was pleased to cut the ribbon for the reopening of the Plumstead Pharmacy in Wickham Lane, SE2 on 26th January.  A vital service to all the community the Pharmacy have a Nepalese speaking pharmacist on site and  have staff who speak Nepali, Romanian, Hindi, Punjabi, Bengali.  I wish the business every success.  

Safe Drive Stay Alive

I attended this event on 31st January, held in Greenwich Theatre.

This Road Safety Presentation which aims to influence younger drivers (16-18 years old) and their passengers, with real accounts from members of the emergency services, a bereaved parent and a collision survivor.  Issues covered were speeding, seatbelt wearing, peer pressure and drink/drug driving.  Very very moving.

APPEALING TO YOU!

I would like to round up my January 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’m hoping to raise as much money as possible for both deserving Charities.

If you would like to support my charities or make a donation please contact my office on Tel: 020 8921 5023 and speak to Alison or Raj.  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.