Wellbeloved on Deptford High Street

Commenters on the previous post suggested that Wellbeloved was previously based at 15 (and perhaps also 13 before that) Deptford High Street, so I went out to see if I could match up the two shop fronts. The first thing that I noticed was that the numbering is a bit strange, which is odd considering these buildings date back quite some time.

Number 15 (Ash Arcade) is a narrow shop front with two small windows, however number 13 is the 'Your Choice Pound Shop Plus' on the far side of the Orient restaurant. It seems the Orient is number 13A.

And from the old photo, looking at the three windows above the awning, the downpipe on the right and the building to the left which could easily be the curved bay of the aforementioned Pound Shop, it seems that this is where the shop was at the time the photo was taken.

Thanks to my commenters for their detective work!

Old Deptford High Street

News Shopper has published some old photos of Deptford High Street which have been dug out by BBC researchers working on a documentary about the high street for a series to be broadcast next year.

Unfortunately the image quality on the website is not great, so it's difficult to get an accurate idea of the exact locations; I particularly like the one of H Wellbeloved's shop although it is somewhere on the high street rather than Bill's current shop at the bottom of Tanner's Hill.

Tidemill School academy application

Despite massive opposition from local councillors, parents, teachers and members of the community, the governing body of Tidemill School in Deptford voted earlier this month to submit another application for academy status.

The previous one was withdrawn after what the school described as 'a legal challenge', although no further information has been forthcoming about this, and at a meeting at the beginning of May, the governing body voted to go forward with the application.

Quite aside from the arguments against academy status per se, there has been no consultation with the local community about this proposal. This is particularly worrying since the school is set to relocate shortly into a brand new building specifically designed to create greater links between Tidemill school and the local community. The building will house the school, a local library and various other community services in what is intended to be a combined facility. If the school is no longer under the control of the local education authority, it raises all kinds of questions about the legal ownership and status of the different parts of the buildings, and there is still no indication of how these issues will be resolved (or who will pay for them).

It's possible that this application could be signed off within a matter of weeks. Campaigner Leila Galloway is asking anyone who supports the effort to prevent Tidemill school gaining academy status to write to the chair of governors Keith Geary with their objections.

The address for emails is: ChairofGovs.Tidemill@gmail.com and it should be copied to
ruddockj@parliament.uk, steve.bullock@lewisham.gov.uk and cllrPaul.Maslin@lewisham.gov.uk

Please bcc: leila.galloway@gmail.com as she will need a copy for legal evidence.

Many of the arguments and objections are set out on the campaign website here or within Leila's letter which was sent before the latest decision.

Apsara Thai Spa

Reader Mike has written to me with a recommendation for the Apsara Thai Spa at the bottom of Tanner's Hill. He visited for a deep tissue Thai massage the other day and reckons it did more good for his stiff shoulder than three months of physio. He also said that it was very clean and the staff were very pleasant and friendly.

I have been having regular deep tissue massages for a few years now, in an attempt to keep various desk-posture-related problems at bay, and these days I tend to avoid the aromatherapy-type 'relaxing' massages that I used to enjoy. No pain, no gain - it does seem to be true where massage is concerned.

However this sounds like it might fit the bill for me when my regular therapist is away, I will be putting it on my list to try out in the coming months. I also quite like the sound of the foot massage, could be a great pick-me-up for a weekday evening.

Incidentally if anyone reading this can't see the words 'thai' and 'massage' in the same sentence without getting the wrong idea, don't even think about turning up at the Apsara Thai Spa. There's a very clear message for you at the bottom of this page.

Slices pizza

The latest foodery to open on Deptford High Street is Slices Pizza. I popped in the other day to check out the fare, and found it rather pleasing.

To be honest we don't eat a whole lot of pizzas in our house, it's usually limited to the occasional trip to Pizza Express in Greenwich, or if we are over in Peckham we might take the opportunity to have a pint in the Gowlett and accompany it with one of their particularly fine pizzas.

I like a thin, CRISPY crust with an appropriate density of topping. Too much is just as bad as too little. Pizza Express can usually manage to get the edges of the crust crispy but fails dismally with the middle. But I digress.

Slices, which has just opened next door to the Codfather fishmonger, seems to have a way with its crust.

I ordered an 8" veggie pizza (margarita with red onion, pepper, sweetcorn and olives, perhaps a tiny bit overpriced at £5.99) and it came about 10 minutes later served on a wooden board with a handle, and delightfully crispy throughout.
Perfect topping proportions, nice fresh ingredients and good quality overall.

(Oops sorry about that, couldn't resist taking a bite before I took the photo.)

As well as a range of classic and slightly odd pizzas (meatbalski? bollywood?) and the usual make-your-own, they also serve reasonably-priced breakfasts (the veggie one includes polenta) and various salads, jacket potatoes, panini and bagels. On Sunday when we passed they were advertising roast dinners.

The decor is pleasant enough for a cafe, plain walls with black & white prints (which look like they may be of the Deptford area, I didn't get chance to browse) and it's clean and tidy.

Just one thing guys - the lunchtime special offer of pizza and chips is wrong. So wrong I don't even know where to start with it, except to say it makes me think of school dinners.

Your pizzas are good enough to be a meal on their own, don't sully them with fries. Just saying.

Surrey Canal Sports Foundation/Surrey Canal redevelopment

A new charitable body has been set up to oversee the sports provision which is planned as part of the massive Surrey Canal redevelopment project next to Millwall stadium. The organisation will be chaired by Steve Norris and is expected to draw on national funding to support the sports development.

According to the press release from the Surrey Canal Sports Foundation:
"The sports facilities will be safeguarded by the Surrey Canal Sports Foundation, a registered charity set up to ensure the long-term future of the sports provision at the site. The body will develop the best possible sporting offer, put a funding model in place and appoint a management company to run the sporting village in the long-term.

Chairing the Foundation will be former Transport Minister and London Mayoral Candidate Steve Norris who will shortly be joined on the board by other leading names from the sports and business worlds.

The plans are being delivered by regeneration specialists Renewal and will see a series of state-of-the-art sports facilities to serve the local community, colleges and schools, clubs and elite athletes. This will include spaces for boxing, cricket, table tennis, gymnastics, football, basketball, netball, hockey and a new leisure centre with swimming pool.

The Sports Foundation is working closely with Sport England in the development of the plans and the Surrey Canal scheme has reached the final stages of their search to find suitable projects to receive financial support under their Iconic Facilities Fund. As part of Sport England’s plans to provide a lasting sporting legacy from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Iconic Facilities Fund provides National Lottery Investment for regionally significant sports projects."

I touched briefly on the public consultation for this project last year, but haven't really investigated it in any detail since it's somewhat out of my manor.

There's plenty of information on the website - including the full planning application documents which were submitted earlier this year - if you've got a couple of weeks spare to study them all.

The intention to focus the development around improved sports provision is an exciting one for the area, as long as it brings direct benefits for the neighbouring communities. 

Predictably there are many tall buildings planned for the site (although at 26 storeys maximum still nowhere near Convoy's Wharf scale), but the fact that it is bounded almost exclusively by industrial land and railways means this is not a major concern as far as the development as a whole is concerned. Somewhat bizarrely, the chimney of the SELCHP power station has been used as a height reference - it's hardly representative of the surrounding area.

Surrey Canal Station, which would be right next to the site and has been proposed as part of the second phase of the East London Line extension, needs extra funding before it can be built. With this in mind I would expect the site developer to top up the pot so that its construction can be assured.

The developer proposes some 2,700 new residential units as well as the sports village and other community facilities. Without a new station or any other proposed improvements to public transport, it merely adds to concerns about its impact on the immediate vicinity.

With half a dozen major new residential developments planned for Deptford, this is a significant issue which no-one seems to be addressing.

Betting shops update

Sue on Crosswhatfields blog has posted an update on efforts to seek greater powers for local councils who want to prevent proliferation of betting shops.

Unfortunately it's not good news, however it does underline the efforts being made by some local MPs to try and tackle this.

Rivers & people events/three rivers clean-up

Deptford Creek and its tributaries are central to a series of events being organised by Lewisham Council and the Creekside Centre; check out one of the events listed below to find out more about the creek or to explore other wildlife havens in the borough.

For full booking details and links to maps, visit the website here.

Wed 18th May
2 to 5pm – Beautiful Brownfields Part 1
A much maligned group of habitats. Why are they so vilified? What makes greenfields better? What is a brownfield? This is the first in a series of explorations of brownfields. Starting with Creekside where a brownfield site was created. Booking essential.

Thurs 19th May
5am to 7am – Hilly Fields Dawn Chorus Walk
Join us for an early morning stroll around the park as we listen out for the beautiful birdsong on offer. Meet by old Park Keeper’s hut in centre of park.

Sat 21st May
10am to 2pm – Wildflowers of the Creek
Deptford Creek is home to a rich diversity of wildflowers. Some have been here for thousands of years whilst others are colonising as our climate changes and we introduce new species. We will be exploring the different types of wildflowers and their origins. Booking essential.

Tues 24th May
5am to 7:30am – Dawn Chorus Walk
An early morning stroll from Bell Green to Ladywell to absorb the magical sounds of riverside birdsong.
Meet at Sainsbury’s Savacentre (main entrance), Bell Green.

Sun 29th May
5 to 7pm – Grist to the mills
Join us for a wade from Cornmill Gardens to Brookmill Park and uncover silks, armour and gunpowder along the way. Booking essential (waders and walking poles provided).


Thurs 2nd June
2 to 5pm – Exploring Blackheath
Blackheath is an ancient landscape much altered and changed by us over millennia. As we explore we may find species that the Herbalist John Gerard found here over 400 years ago. Booking essential.

Sat 4th June
2 to 5pm – Attack of the Aliens
What is meant by the terms ‘alien’ and ‘invasive’? How do you identify these aliens? What is being done about them and why? Booking essential.

Wed 15th June
6 to 9pm – Aboard the Wildlife Express
Along with the rivers, the railways are vitally important wildlife corridors in Lewisham. An evening exploring the development of the railways and their impact on the surrounding landscape. Run in conjunction with the Friends of Devonshire Road Nature Reserve, we will be setting up the moth trap afterwards. Booking essential.

Thurs 16th June
6 to 8pm – Wildlife of Brockley Cemetery
Brockley Cemetery is one of the best sites in Lewisham for wildlife. Green Woodpeckers, Jersey Tigers and the rare Walthamstow Yellowcress.
Meet at Brockley Cemetery (Brockley Road / Ivy Road entrance).

Sat 25th June
6 to 8pm – Low-tide Creek Clean-up
A bonus addition to the 3 Rivers Clean-up Festival. Join us to help clear some of the less desirable items from the mud, whilst bearing in mind that ‘tis folly to remove a trolley’…
Meet at Creekside Centre, Deptford.

Sun 26th June
10am to 5pm – In Pursuit of the Deptford Pink
An exploration of Deptford’s link with the Pink. Why has it become so rare? What is being done to protect it? We shall visit Farningham Woods in Kent and explore the habitats close by. Booking essential.


Additionally don't miss the Three Rivers Clean-up festival from 28 May to 12 June. 'Your chance to take part in the fun, friendly and exciting volunteer effort to clean-up and remove Himalayan Balsam from 3 rivers in SE London. This is a free event giving you the chance to don waders and discover and improve some of the most interesting and beautiful sections of rivers in SE London.'

Full info here.

Betfred appeal against refusal of planning permission

Unsurprisingly Betfred (or should I say Done Brothers) has appealed against Lewisham Council's refusal to grant planning permission to open a betting shop in the former Halifax premises on Deptford High Street.

If you are new to this blog, you can find out more about the background to this case here and here which will probably answer any questions you might have (eg why does Lewisham Council allow so many betting shops, is there really sufficient demand for such competition, what can I do etc).

The Blackheath Bugle has helpfully posted a copy of the letter about the appeal that objectors should have received, which gives information about the grounds for the appeal, where to send any additional information you may wish the inspector to consider, and the fact that both parties have agreed for the case to be dealt with by an exchange of written statements, rather than a hearing. All objections that were submitted to the original application will be forwarded to the inspector for consideration. If you wish to add to this, please send your objection to:

Mrs Ruth Howell
The Planning Inspectorate
3/14 Eagle Wing
Temple Quay House
2 The Square
Temple Quay
Bristol BS1 6PN

by Thursday 9 June. Written comments must be sent in triplicate quoting reference APP/C5690/A/11/2151228/NWF.

Alternatively you can send objections by email to teamp6@pins.gsi.gov.uk.

Any comments you write on this appeal will be copied by the Planning Inspectorate and forwarded to all parties to the appeal including Done Brothers.

If you own a property nearby and you want the Inspector to see the appeal from your property, you should tell the Planning Inspectorate when you write to them and they will tell you the date and time of the visit. You will not be able to discuss the case, but you can point out the relevant facts and features.

Over on Crosswhatfields blog Sue has news that Joan Ruddock seems to have woken up to the issue. Better late than never (my words not hers).

She says: "We have been contacted by Joan Ruddock's office to let us know that David Lammy MP is tabling an Amendment to the Localism Bill as it relates to Planning Consent for Betting Offices, and this bill in back in the Commons on Tuesday/Wednesday this coming week and could be called anytime.

The idea of the amendment is to give more powers to local authorities to refuse planning permission to betting shops (as one way of combating the loopholes in the present Gambling Act). There is absolutely no guarantee that the amendment will be called for debate, but if it is, Ms Ruddock would like to speak about the experience on Deptford High Street."

Sue's post includes additional information and links to relevant research and reports which are worth reading if you are seeking more background information to help you compose an objection or if you simply want to understand the issues more fully.

Douglas Way

A few comments on the Douglas Way improvement project, which seems to be gradually edging towards being completed.

For the last couple of weeks the main square has felt more like a car park than a market square - the oppressive black asphalt and numbered pitches have added to this impression, as well as the fact that vehicles have been using it like a car park. Hell they've even been parking in the numbered spaces! The only thing missing is the pay & display meter.

I noticed the other day that some steel plates seem to have appeared in the pavement at the High Street end of Douglas Way, so I trust these house the fold-away bollards that should prevent vehicles using it in this way in the future. However I'm not really sure how else it is supposed to be used.

The lighting over the main square is also rather odd - it looks kind of experimental and somewhat insubstantial as if a strong gust of wind might bring the whole lot down. I don't really like the poles from which the wires are suspended, they look like they aren't properly finished. I haven't been down there at night yet to see how effective it is - apparently it's intended to provide better lighting for the whole square. 

The renderings I saw at the public consultation had the same paving extending across the whole square, no sign of asphalt anywhere - certainly not black like this. I wonder what happened - did the money run out or did someone fail to order the right number of blocks?

On Saturday I noticed that one stallholder had returned to the square, but he was alone. I guess the others like to be on the main drag because they get more footfall, with many people coming into Deptford that way. They can also spread their wares more extensively. I understand those people who live alongside Douglas Way are not very happy at having Peter's 'security' staff peeking over their garden walls as they perch on their ladders.

The seating has been installed and looks quite solid and comfortable. The bins don't really do the appearance of the square any favours - the big dumpster bins are only there on market days but the smaller litter bins with their bright blue bin liners seem rather out of place.

The addition of the trees is a major plus - great to see a bit more greenery in the town centre. I do hope they can be efficiently and effectively maintained.

One major issue is with the dirt and staining on the light-coloured granite setts used throughout the market square and Douglas Way. Since this was taken they were professionally jet washed and looked much better, but Lewisham Council has said it cannot afford regular jet washing and so you can expect it very soon to return to this grubby state.

It's incredible that these light colours were specified, given the fact that they are outside food takeaway shops, and that they will be house fruit and veg stalls, takeaway vans and other vehicles. It really does not bode well for the long-term appearance of our newly-resurfaced pedestrian routes and market square. Added to this the black asphalt, which very soon will be disfigured by blobs of chewing gum. Didn't anyone consider this?

At the ends of the street the details of how the new paving will connect to the existing street seems to have been neglected and left to a bodge.

So all in all, rather hit and miss. Great to get rid of the old wonky black bollards and see a bit more greenery and seating in the square, even if it does still lack any focus.

But poor choices of paving material have let the design down.

Meanwhile I hear rumours that Lewisham Council is planning to use a similar paving design along the High Street. I trust that the maintenance issues raised by Douglas Way will inform their choice of colours in a sensible way, but it's a shame that no-one gave it serious thought on this project, given its visual impact on the town centre.

Evelyn community fete & the Deptford Olympics; 21-22 May

Local funsters Madcap Coalition will be at Kingfisher Square on Deptford's Evelyn estate next weekend for the Evelyn Community Fete & Workshops. Here's what their website says about the event:

"On Saturday 21st May 2011 at 12 noon we will be setting up for a one and a half day event in Kingfisher Square, Evelyn Estate, end of Clyde Street, SE8.
We need to have set up some structures by 4pm, when we will begin 3 workshops: Carnival making, Samba Percussion and Street Dance.
At 7pm Flaky Jake will be leading a community music jam for a couple of hours, so bring along your instruments and join the happy throng. There will be a meal available between 5.30 and 7pm, free to volunteers, and cheap for others. Bring a tent and join our Urban Village Camp if you fancy it.

On Sunday 22nd May we will kick off at 10.30am putting up the stage and side shows, and decorating the site, while at the same time there will be a repeat of Saturday evenings workshops. At approx 12.30pm we will process through the Estate to the sounds of the Samba workshop, adorned by the fruits of the Carnival making workshop.
At 1pm we begin the Urban Village Fete with Pocket the Clown’s Circus Skills Workshop and Walawubeba’s African Dance workshop.
We will be programming our usual fayre, including cultural performances, storytelling, the Deptford Olympics, tug of war, band, competitions and our Fairground side shows."

Deptford Lounge facade

Took another look at the Deptford Lounge building construction today, in the hope that I might have been imagining it last time I examined the cladding closely.

I noticed that on the west end of the Giffin Street facade, the cladding had suddenly changed from perforated panels to solid panels. I'm not sure what to think about this - is it part of the design? If so why?

I have many questions about the cladding of this building; if anyone out there has any kind of explanation, logical or otherwise, I'd be more than happy to listen.

My questions are as follows:

Why have the panels changed from perforated to solid?

Are we really supposed to be able to see through it to the rather ugly frame behind?

Why are some of the windows covered and others not?

Why are there gaps in the cladding, will they eventually be filled?

If not, why show the steel frame through the gap?

Why the large vertical joints at two locations on the south wall, when everywhere else the panels are staggered?

Why, just why?

I was excited about this building when I first saw the renderings. Despite its bulk I felt it was an interesting design that had the potential to greatly improve Giffin Square and create a modern counterpoint to Deptford's historic high street. I am worried that this shoddy cladding is at risk of undermining the Deptford Lounge's potential.

Deptford trees: Black Locust/False-acacia

Currently to be seen (and smelled) in glorious full flower on Ffinch Street and elsewhere.

I've never noticed this tree before, despite walking this street regularly. This year it seems particularly dramatic and aromatic.
Black Locust, or False-acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia) is a woodland species native to eastern and central North America; widespread as an ornamental; naturalised in southern and western Europe. It was introduced into Britain in 1636.

Like the London Plane, the Black Locust is tolerant of poor soil conditions and pollution. It has nitrogen-fixing bacteria on its root system; for this reason it can grow on poor soils and is an early coloniser of disturbed areas. Also the wood is extremely hard, resistant to rot and durable, so it is good for furniture, flooring, panelling, fence posts and even small boats.

Brockley Max 2011

The annual Brockley Max festival has launched - for full details of this year's events, which run from 27th May to 4th June, visit the new website here.

Many of the events are free; it is organised on a not-for-profit basis with the help of many volunteers and is an excellent example of a local community festival. If you fancy helping, whether by delivering programmes, taking publicity photos at the events or being involved with art workshops, the next meeting is on Wed 11th May at the Talbot on Tyrwhitt Road.

The press release has more info:
A host of performances, gigs, workshops, spoken word and children’s activities are lined up for this year’s Brockley Max.

Brockley Max taps into the creative expression of resident artists. Be they painters, musicians, performers or poets with something a little bit quirky, or just plain old traditional, all come together under this year’s theme of MAX IT UP - JOIN THE FUN! The festival comprises a wide range of events and activities with something to appeal to all residents of all ages.

The festival runs from 27 May to 4 June across a variety of venues and open spaces in Brockley, Ladywell, Crofton Park and Honor Oak Park.

With a huge line-up of events this year we only have space to pick out a few to give you a flavour of this year’s jam-packed programme.

Brockley Max 2011 kicks-off on 27 May with ‘The Max Opening Night’ featuring an eclectic line-up of musical acts performing at Brockley station.

There will be lots of music and artistic performances over the nine days of the festival. Sit back and enjoy the gospel vocal collective and classical music at St. Hilda’s. Immerse yourself in art as the CueB and Tank Galleries host exhibitions of installation pieces and photographic work.

Laughs are guaranteed as Peter Searles brings his storytelling and comic timing to the stage at The Orchard. Enjoy the big screen experience as BrockleyWood Nights returns with an evening of film shorts at Lewisham Arthouse.

Brockley Max will finish on 4 June with a series of workshops and activities for children as part of ‘Art in the Park’ on Hilly Fields. Also on the final day is the Arts and Crafts market on Hilly Fields. For those who want to kick back and listen to tunes then the final night sees the festival close out with a series of gigs across various local venues.

There are more events than you can shake a stick at, so check out the festival website - www.brockleymax.co.uk - for the full line-up including dates and venues.

The festival is a community event, run by local residents on a non-profit basis. Most of the events are FREE.

The New Cross House

The former Goldsmith's Tavern is set to reopen on Monday in its new incarnation, complete with original moniker, as the New Cross House. From the inside, the only indication that this is the same pub is the fact that the rather distinctive windows at the front remain, and the bar is in the same place. All other remnants of the dark, dingy and dirty interior have been entirely swept away.

I know from my own student days that dark, dingy and dirty can sometimes be the hallmarks of a great pub, and some may mourn the loss of the Goldsmiths Tavern, but New Cross still has plenty of other pubs to fill that particular void.

At a sneak preview last night, a few lucky folk got the chance to view the new interior, try out the ales and food, and chat to the people involved about the refurb and plans for the future.

(All photos by TCoM)

The interior is huge - the entire ground floor has been opened up into the former back room, with a range of seating including raised booths along the side wall interspersed with smaller two and four-seater tables, banquettes, bar stools and some of those scary high tables that I always try and avoid because I don't think they combine very well with alcohol!

The back room has been given new life with two enormous skylights which improve the atmosphere no end. The bar seating extends around the large pizza oven which is built out from the kitchen area at the back, offering a tempting view of those bubbling pizzas.

Original tiling at the front of the room was used to create wallpaper which has been applied very effectively throughout the entire bar, giving it a lovely Victorian feel which combines nicely with the dark wooden bar and mirrored bar shelving.

The yard area outside is the real revelation - what used to be a scruffy shed with uneven concrete flooring and a few ramshackle picnic tables has been transformed into a den-like barn. On the ground floor is a wood-burning stove surrounded by sofas, shabby-chic style tables and chairs, and walls covered with big mirrors, and upstairs is more seating with views over the yard, table football and large lampshades adding a touch of glamour. The building is covered in ivy, giving it even more visual appeal.

Four real ales were on offer - Weasel and Bonobo from the Florence microbrewery, which is part of the Capital Pub Company - along with a couple of great seasonal ales: Adnams Mayday beer, and a rather fine Atlantic IPA from Sharps. I'll be more than happy if they keep up this kind of quality and range.

Among the range of lagers was Meantime's own London Lager, which seemed to go down well with those who like their continental-style beers.

Guests got to try a few examples of some of the menu items - pizzas were tasty with good quality toppings and had thin and crusty bases and the dal was just the right consistency with a good strong spicy punch. The breaded halloumi sticks were rather bland and too thick, although the cauliflower and parmesan dip made for an interesting combination.

The menu promises an excellent choice - from foot-long hotdogs with fried onions and fries (£6) to whole gilt head bream with chilli, ginger, sesame, lemongrass and asian slaw (£11.50) with plenty in between. A selection of pizzas is on offer, all of which can be ordered to take away, and there is an impressive range of veggie options - roasted aubergines with chickpeas, mozzarella and parmesan; veggie shepherds pie with sweet potato mash; red bean & beetroot burger with goats cheese in a sesame bun with fries; roasted squash stuffed with rice, pinenuts, cumin, coriander, tomato and yogurt. My mouth is watering right now. Sunday roasts will also be starting up in due course.

I can't help thinking Capital Pub Company has set itself quite a challenge with the New Cross House - as I keep mentioning, it's a huge pub and they are going to have to attract a large number of regular diners to repay what must have been quite a costly refit. In East Dulwich this would take considerable work - in New Cross, not regarded as a destination for an evening out by many folk in south east London - they are going to have to lure spenders in from Brockley, Greenwich and beyond.

As far as Deptford goes I think it's a fantastic addition to pub dining in the area and wish the place every success. We already have the Royal Albert which is a great place for beers and grub, and the Dog & Bell which holds its own in terms of beer and certainly has the best prices in the area. The New Cross House will bring greater choice, and a welcome bit of competition so they can keep each other on their toes - great news for us punters.

The New Cross House
316 New Cross Road,
New Cross,
London,
SE14 6AF
@newcrosshouse

Save Tidemill School campaign calls for mass picket

On Wednesday 4th May, the governors of Tidemill School will be voting on a new proposal to give one of Deptford's most successful junior schools 'academy' status. Many local people, parents, teachers and residents feel that this is an unnecessary move that will be detrimental to the school's students, and will have a negative impact on the wider community of Deptford.

The original proposal was withdrawn after it turned out that the school had underestimated the additional funds it would need to find in order to maintain its services.

Campaigners are calling for a mass picket of the governors' meeting which takes place at Tidemill School tomorrow between 5.30 and 7.30pm. Leila Galloway cautions: "Remember, the chair of governors Keith Geary has already said: 'if it (the school / governing body) is split we’re not going for it'. But we don’t believe him! This Wednesday the governors are voting for a new academy application which can be put through with just one vote."

New Cross GP speaks out against proposed changes to NHS

Wake Up Call Episode 2 "A Betrayal of Trust" from Health Emergency on Vimeo.

Deptford High Street features large in this video about NHS restructuring and the intention to make GPs responsible for buying in services for their patients.

But the real star is local GP Dr Louise Irvine, who works at the Amersham Vale Practice in the Waldron Health Centre. She explains very clearly, in layman's terms the dangers that are inherent in the government's 'reforms' of the NHS.