Mayor Mick Hayes Blog - July 2019
Welcome to my July blog
Greenwich Talking Newspaper
A big Hello to the Greenwich Talking Newspaper Association! I attended their Annual General meeting on 10 July. The Association was founded in 1977 and records the local news on memory sticks for the partially sighted and blind residents of the Royal Borough of Greenwich. The Association are looking for new Volunteers and also people who may benefit from the service.
The editors of the Association will be looking at the Mayor’s Blogs to see if there might be visits of interest when compiling information for their weekly recordings. Here is some of the places I went to in July.
Visit by Notre Dame School Council
I was delighted to receive a visit from the Notre Dame School Council to Woolwich Town Hall on 5 July. First, we went to the Council Chamber and the pupil had great fun in a debate that I set for them, on whether mobile phones should be restricted. The children put their hands up for me to hear their views. There was a slight majority in favour, although during the debate the positive use of mobile phones was raised, such as personal safety. The School Council asks me lots of good questions relating to the role of Mayor.
We then went to the Mayor’s Parlour, where the pupils got a chance to become Mayor, wearing the robes of office.
If you would like your School Council to visit, please call my office to arrange.
The John Roan
I was pleased to attend The John Roan Founders Day on 12 July. It was a pleasure to attend the Service and speak to some of the students, staff and Governors.
Rockliffe Primary School – 60 Birthday celebrations
The Mayoress and I attended a full day of activities to celebrate this very special birthday of Rockliffe Primary School on 22 July. There was an Assembly; a Parade, showcasing 60s dress, and I had to choose the winner; lunch with the whole school with entertainers going round while the children were seated.
A great celebration - It was wonderful to share this special day at the School. It was wonderful to hear stories of the School’s history and also to go through old photographs. It was a pleasure for my wife and I to talk to so many children and staff.
Across the Borough
On 13 July, 2019, the Mayoress and I went to events right across the Borough.
First there was the opening of the Glyndon Beach Garden at Glyndon Community Centre. This had been the culmination of 2 years work in turning an unused and overgrown garden into a useable community space. The new facilities will be a great asset to the Community Centre.
We then went to visit the Summer Fair at The Forum at Greenwich, and cut the ribbon and cake to open the new soft play centre for Under 5’s. The Fair was a lovely community event, very well supported by the local community. Congratulations to everyone for organising the activities, and your kind hospitality
At Forum at Greenwich, I met the largest horse in service with the Metropolitan Police Force. See the photo below. I am sure you will agree! He was a gentle giant but don’t get in the way of his carrots!!
Finally, on 13 July, we visited the Summer Fair of Woolwich Polytechnic in Thamesmead. Both my wife and I really enjoyed talking to the children, parents and stall holders.
University of Greenwich Award Ceremonies
I attended a number of graduation ceremonies at the Greenwich and Rochester Campus. The University has a wonderful record of attracting students from all backgrounds. It was a privilege to witness the achievements of the Students at the University. It is particularly gratifying to hear that such a high percentage of Graduates are in employment or further studies.
It was also a pleasure to be present when Dr. Tariq Abbasi, MBE, DL received an Honorary Degree for his outstanding community work.
Nepali Youth Association – Greenwich Festival
The Mayoress and I attended this Festival on 6 July, which was held at the Royal Artillery Playing Fields, Woolwich. It was a great day, with a sports tournament, stage performances from various communities in the Borough, food stalls, kite flying and children zones. Congratulations to the organisers for the outstanding work they do for the community.
The Moon Exhibition – Royal Museums Greenwich
The Mayoress and I were delighted to have the opportunity to view The Moon Exhibition which is currently at the National Maritime Museum, which marks the 50 Anniversary of the Apollo Moon landing. You must go and see this amazing exhibition.
The evening also was a farewell to Dr. Kevin Fewster – the Director of Royal Museums Greenwich.
It was a privilege to listen to the tributes and congratulations received by Dr. Fewster on the evening and I just wanted to add my sincere thanks as Mayor, for all that Dr Fewster and his wife Carol have done for Royal Museums Greenwich and the Royal Borough of Greenwich
Wishing them all the very best for the future.
Millennium Performing Arts – Summer Show 2019
The Mayoress and I were invited to the Summer Show of Millennium Performing Arts which took place on 5 July. This is a higher education Performing Arts College which trains students for a career in the Performing Arts Industry.
We were really impressed by the high standard of performance and look forward to taking up on the College offer to visit the students, during term time.
Visit to Bentham House
I was invited to Tea by the Committee of Bentham House on 30 July in the Royal Arsenal site, Woolwich.
It was wonderful to hear of the various social programmes arranged for the residents and I look forward to further visits with the Mayoress.
Charity events
The Mayoress and I supported a couple of charity events organised by the Mayor’s Charity Appeal this year – the Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice.
We attended a Coffee Morning held at the Hospice on 6 July and a Service of Thanksgiving held at the St. George Garrison Church on 25 July. The Service celebrated the 25 Anniversary of the Hospice and gave thanks for the palliative care and support provided to the Borough of Royal Greenwich and Bexley. The debt owed to the Hospice Founders – Pat Jeavons and Don Sturrock was highlighted.
I also hosted a fundraising event at Eltham Palace/Tudor Barn, where a number of London and Kent Mayors attended. As a Borough, we are lucky to have a large number of tourist attractions to use for fundraising events.
Next blog in September…bye for now!