Mayor Mick Hayes Blog - May and June 2019
May and June 2019
Since the Mayor’s Inauguration on 22 May, the diary has been very busy. We have hit the ground running!
Over the past six weeks, here are some of the events that the Mayoress and I have attended.
Mayor’s Charity Appeal
My charity this year is Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice. We attended the rePurpose Launch on 7 June at the Greenwich Refuse and Recycling Centre. This is the first initiative of its kind for the Hospice. All proceeds from the items the Hospice take from Greenwich residents that is then upcycled and sold in the Hospice shops, will support the work of the Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice. It is a very exciting project and not only does it raise funds for the Hospice, but also save items that would otherwise gone to landfill.
I will also support South London Special League, my previous charity when I was Mayor, by attending events organised by them
Visit to Schools
The Mayoress and I have attended lots of events organised by schools. Thank you for the invitations. This includes the opening of the Forest Garden at Holy Family Primary School and the Summer Fayre and Year 3 Art Gallery Show at Discovery Primary School in Thamesmead.
We also attended a Sports Day at Waterside Primary School.
We attended a number of Award Ceremonies at Primary and Secondary Schools and have been impressed by the high level of academic and performing arts achievements.
Volunteer Week
Early on in mayoral year, I launched Volunteer Week and since then have attended many events organised by volunteers and carers, including two events at the Greenwich Carers Centre, Charlton.
This included Greenwich Pensioners Forum Health Conference and the 3rd Birthday celebrations of Reflections. This group is based at Shrewsbury House and is a charity who support People with Dementia and their carers.
It is a privilege to acknowledge how much we owe to volunteers groups and carers and to be able to say thank you on behalf of Royal Borough of Greenwich.
Great Get Together and Armed Forces Day
On 29 June, I attended the Great Get Together and Armed Forces Day. It was wonderful to celebrate our strong links to the Armed Forces and to recognise their achievements particularly on the 75th Anniversary of D-Day.
The Great Get Together was a wonderful example of everyone coming together - an inclusive, a community celebration.
Eid Celebrations
I was delighted to receive an invitation to attend Eid in the Park from the Greenwich Islamic Centre and I also hosted a celebration for Eid in Woolwich Town Hall.
Once again, it was a pleasure and privilege to pay tribute to all the Faith Groups for all they do in the Community.
Albany Taxi Fund
We were delighted to attend the send off of the Albany Taxi Charity trip to Hastings with children with disabilities on 10 June.
Congratulations to the Albany Taxi Charity do, in making this day so special and for all their other charity work.
Black Female Entrepreneur Greenwich
It was a real pleasure to join Black Female Entrepreneur Greenwich at the Africa Festival Greenwich - Food Tasting and Jollof Rice Competition on 20 June at Plumcroft Primary School, Vincent Road, SE18 6RG.
The Mayoress and I really enjoyed listening to the Presentation; the food was excellent and the judging very difficult. Everyone deserved first prize!
Thank you for making us feel so welcomed.
National Windrush Day
Thank you for the invitation to join the Caribbean Social Forum for the first National Windrush Day on 22 June, 2019 at the Royal Museums Greenwich.
It was very thought provoking to listen to the experiences of the Windrush Generation and the event also acknowledged the significant contribution that the Windrush Generation made to society.
The Choir was excellent and the food superb.
Metropolitan Police Achievement event
It was a privilege to attend the South East Metropolitan Police Achievement Event on 26th June, 2019 and witness the immense bravery, courage and dedication shown by police officers/community police officers, in carrying out their everyday duties.
I am sure that this only represents a small fraction of the work that is undertaken. On behalf of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, our thanks to all the officers for all they do and once again it is a privilege to acknowledge the immense debt we owe.
Park Festivals
We have had the pleasure to attended many park events, including Eaglesfield, Eltham South and Twinkle Park. At Twinkle Park Summer Festival, it was wonderful to see that the pond had been restored. There was a “Make your own toy boat” competition for the children. I did unsuccessfully try to make a boat, but it broke up before it reached the water! I will try and do better next time!
It was wonderful talking to everyone present at these ParkFests and thank all the organisers for all their hard work.
That’s it for this month! July blog to follow…