Mayor Mick Hayes Blog - August and September 2019
Welcome to my August/September Blog
Summer Fayres
During August, there are always a lot of fayres to attend around the Borough. The Mayoress and I attended the Annual Woolwich Dockyard Festival on 3 August; the Summer Fete at Middle Park Community Centre on 17 August, which also included opening a new play area. We were accompanied by Middle Park Councillor Christine May, who was the first to test the new equipment. I was happy to watch! I also opened the Summer Fete at Halton Court on 24 August 2019. It is always a pleasure to say thank you to the various community groups for all that they do for the residents of the borough.
Fundraising evening
We also attended a Charity Night on the evening of 3 August, organised by the Coldharbour Tenants and Residents Association at the Coldharbour Community Hall, in aid of Emmaus Greenwich. The Coldharbour Tenants and Residents Association work so hard for their community.
BBQ for residents
I visited the Annual Summer BBQ organised by Index Care in Abbey Wood on 31 August. I met the tenants, all with disabilities, special needs and/or mental health difficulties and the staff.
I had a most enjoyable time, talking to residents, staff and visitors and look forward to visiting again in the future.
Pet cemetery
The Mayoress and I attended memorial plaques unveilings organized by the Friends of the Former Blue Cross Pet Cemetery on 10 August. I unveiled the plaque that commemorated all animals that gave their lives to the country during the war years. The Mayoress and I were very impressed by the work carried out by the Friends Group.
Tying of the Rakhi
We welcomed young people from the Hindu Swayamservah Sangh to the Mayor’s Parlour for the Tying of the Rakhi Ceremony. The Mayoress and I were also joined by the Deputy Mayor and several Past Mayors.
A Rakhi is a sacred thread tied round the wrist and it signifies protection and wishes for prosperity and happiness. It is an event we always look forward to and strengthens the links between the Council and the group.
150th Anniversary Mass of Holy Trinity
I attended the 150th Anniversary of Holy Trinity, Southend Crescent, SE9 on 31 August. It was a wonderful service and a pleasure to speak to so many people at the reception afterwards.
Redeemed Christian Church of God, Thamesmead
Together with past mayor, Councillor Olu Babatola, I attended the 2019 Multicultural Day Celebration Service on 11 August. It is an annual event used to celebrate our diverse cultures and bringing together people in the community.
September
Certificate award ceremony
I visited Mount Zion Church in Plumstead on 1 September to present residents with certificates from the Royal Society of Public Health Level 2 qualification in understanding Health improvement. I was very warmly received by the congregation.
Mair Garside Education/Career Awards Scheme
I was delighted to host in the Mayor’s Parlour the first ceremony to present bursaries to four young people on 5 September. The Leader of the Council presented the bursaries to the young people.
Mair Garside sadly passed away in April 2018 and was an honorary freeperson of the borough for her services to education and young people.
In her memory, we have awarded bursaries to young people who live in the borough, to support young people to achieve their full educational and employment potential.
Chinese Autumn Festival
The Mayoress and I visited the Chinese Autumn Festival of the London Chinese Language and Culture Centre at Thomas Tallis School on 7 September.
We enjoyed the performances immensely and were very warmly received by the community.
Naval duties
I attended a number of naval events during September. This year, marks the 100th anniversary of the Merchant Navy being recognised as a Service and I attended the Merchant Navy Day Commemorative Service and Reunion at Trinity Square Gardens on 8 September; The Merchant Navy 100 Gala Dinner at the Painted Hall, Old Royal Naval College on 19 September and visited the residents over coffee at Trafalgar Quarters on 25 September.
I also received the Commanding Officer from RFA Lyme Bay to the Mayor’s Parlour on 12 September. The naval ship was in Greenwich as part of London International Shipping Week. I will be attending the Trafalgar Day Act of Remembrance at East Greenwich Pleasance on 19 October.
Bostall Health Bowls Club Finals Day
The Mayoress and I attended the Bostall Health Finals Day on 8 September. We had a very enjoyable afternoon watching the Finals and talking to members of the Club. It was an excellent competition with a high standard of play. Thank you for the hospitality and look forward to visiting the club again.
Visit to the Town Hall
We received visits in September from the Dementia Carers Group on 11 September and students from Haimo Primary school twice on 20 and 27 September 2019. Also, from Rita Lovett on 27 September to recognise the work she does in the community, especially in Woolwich Riverside.
Woolwich Carnival
The Mayoress and I attended the Woolwich Carnival in General Garden Square on 14 September. We had a wonderful time. Amazing costumes were on display. I must remember to buy some brighter ties! We also had a great time talking to everyone who had come to watch the Carnival and all the schools that took part. My congratulations to the organisers for all that they do in the community
Greenwich Gurkha Ex-Servicemen Association
We also attended the Great Festival of Dashain and Tihar organised by the Greenwich Gurkha Ex-Servicemen Association on 14 September.
We had a wonderful evening. Congratulations to everyone involved in organising the event. Once again, on behalf of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, may I express my gratitude to the Gurkha community for the sacrifices that they have made for the country.
Riding School for the Disabled
The Mayoress and I attended the Riding School for the Disabled Charlton Group on 18 September, celebrating the refurbishment of their building. This group provides free riding to local disabled children and we had the chance to meet the children, parents, carers, volunteers and of course the horses!!
Greenwich In Bloom
I presented the Awards to winners of the Greenwich in Bloom competition on 20 September at Woolwich Town Hall. It is a great way to showcase the green fingered skills of residents, businesses and communities within the Borough. Well-kept gardens and open spaces makes such a difference to our well-being and it was a pleasure to congratulate everyone for all their efforts.
Fundraising events
Mayor’s Charity Golf Day – Shooters Hill Golf Club
Sixteen teams supported the Mayor’s Charity Golf Day held at Shooters Hill Golf Club on 26 September. This was in aid of the Mayor’s Charity Appeal – Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice. A big thank you to everyone who took part and also to Shooters Hill Golf Club.
Twilight Walk
I would like to mention Raj in the Mayor’s Office who took part in the Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice Twilight Walk on behalf of the Mayor’s Charity Appeal and raised over £500 for the Appeal.
MacMillian Coffee Mornings
The Mayoress and I also supported other fundraising events and attend two Macmillian Coffee Mornings on 27 September. These were at Holy Family School and then on to Mycenae House. We also attended a couple of other events that day, which included cakes. No more cakes until Christmas!!
Woodlands Farm
The Mayoress and I attended the Woodland Farm – London City Farmers event on 28 September. All London city farms attend to showcase their livestock and farming activities. A fun gathering with a serious purpose of highlighting the benefits of sustainable urban farming for local communities.
Bye for now. October Blog to follow.