The Maggot Sandwich has a lot of reader feedback and interactive comment this week, which I am very pleased to report; it is always nice to hear responses from readers, and to publish their thoughts on subjects of local interest. Reader Damion writes:- "Not sure if this is up your alley but while walking my dog along the Thames by the Riverside Gardens on Friday (the 1st) I spotted a seal resting on the mud of the river. When I got back to my flat (which overlooks the river) I took the enclosed photo. It was not of the best quality unfortunately but it was the best I could manage. The seal happily basked in the mud until the tide came in and then it dived below the water, came up a few more times and then disappeared. From research I’m pretty sure it was a Harbour Seal. Shows the Thames is definitely the cleanest it’s been in a long time (what with the Humpback Whale being spotted a few weeks ago too)". Thanks Damion - I too have seen seals in the River Thames at Erith; I am led to understand that on a couple of occasions, seals seen in the river have been misidentified, and reported at people in difficulty in the river, and the RNLI has been called. I agree that seeing top tier predators in the River Thames does strongly indicate that the river conditions must be very good indeed, as the whole food chain must be present for seals and whales to enter the river in search for food. Seals are also commonly seen basking on the shores of the river adjacent to Slade Green Marshes. More on why seals are returning to the River Thames at the end of this update.
On Wednesday lunchtime, Simon Archer, the Priest in Charge of All Saints in Nuxley Road, Upper Belvedere announced:- "I am the Vicar of All Saints in Belvedere and I have just had someone come to the Vicarage needing help and when I turned away for a moment they stole my mobile phone off my desk. This was at about 10.10am. He was about 5’9”, claimed to be French and not speak much English. Mediterranean looking, Short black hair and black beard/stubble. He was wearing a denim jacket which had a bleached look to it. He used some A4 paper to cover what he was doing. Not looking to track him or my phone down but perhaps that might protect others from being targeted. The phone has been blacklisted, the number blocked and it will automatically erase as soon as it is switched on again (along with a message to the person who has taken it, polite of course! I am a vicar after all!). It is only a phone and everything is backed up so I’ve just lost a bit of glass and metal. Sadly as a priest I often get people in a great deal of distress or need turning up on my doorstep. I will not stop offering help, hospitality and welcome I might just be a bit more careful with my valuables next time!" Simon is somewhat more philosophical about the whole situation than I feel that many other people would have been under the circumstances. I know that many people have sympathised with him over the distressing incident.
Following my article last week on Associated Motor Cycles Ltd, who in case you missed it, were a large and successful manufacturing organisation which was based in Plumstead for many years. They owned three major motor bike brands, namely Matchless, AJS and (latterly) Norton, which were designed, manufactured and assembled in their large factory in Plumstead, as you can see in the photo above - click on it for a larger version. Long time reader and now contributor David tells of his memories of the AMC factory and the people who worked there. He writes:- "I went to Woolwich Polytechnic Secondary School from 1960 to 1965 During those early years I roamed Woolwich and the surrounding area (often classed as 'out of bounds'). One of the best places to go during the warmer days was along the back turnings to visit the factory. The bikes would be wheeled outside the factory by the workers to give the bikes the final polish and inspection. In hindsight I think it was probably to give the workers some time outside! They would let me have a look at the bike and explain many of their features. I wondered at these incredible engineering masterpieces. I can recall the lovely smell the bikes had; a combination of polish and engine oil and fresh paint. It was also an insight into a life outside of the restrictions of a school in the 1960's. I was treated as an inquisitive youth rather than being told to keep quiet (but maybe that's another story). It must have sparked something inside me as I left school at 16 and got an apprenticeship with one of the many companies that lined Woolwich Road. I'm sure it inspired many other callow youths who were allowed to view these bikes. Of course as an apprentice I never had enough money to buy one and by the time funds were available I had moved on to more appropriate modes of transport (a Vauxhall Viva that cost £127). But what those early visits meant was that I wanted to have a hand in designing something as meaningful. A career spent in many drawing offices working on projects such as the Thames Barrier, the onset of Optic fibres and the challenge of incorporating their use in the telecoms industry, and many years in the oil and gas industry. But I think it may well have started with those wonderful bikes". A fascinating account; I must admit until I did some further research into AMC and their factory, I had no idea just how huge the factory and associated outbuildings were. In researching the article last week, I came across the connection between the AMC factory and Oscar winning actor and director Clint Eastwood. Next week I will be writing about another Oscar winning performer who has links with Belvedere. Answers on a postcard please if you can name the person - a clue - gas holder; alternatively, please feel free to leave a comment below, or instead you can Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.
Over the last couple of weeks, I have noticed a lot of new graffiti on bus stops and in many public areas locally. Unlike the usual highly stylised "tags" the writing is fairly clear and easy to read. The script, written in what appears to be permanent marker reads: "YouTube the Dartford Raver". Unsurprisingly if you input this phrase into the search function of YouTube, the result produced is a channel owned and operated by an individual called Jermaine Kerr, who you can see in the photo above - click on it for a larger version. His videos consist almost exclusively of him dancing around the his bedroom at what appears to be his parents house. He occasionally raps very badly, and seems to be completely unaware of what a complete wazzock he portrays himself as. I really don't think it is some sophisticated satire, or the creation of a fictional online comedic character. He is what he is; and I don't think his campaign of illegal graffiti has been of any real impact. Most of his videos have fewer than a couple of hundred views. I am also aware by publicising this rather immature and silly individual I am giving him the very exposure he desires. You can make your own opinion of Jermaine Kerr, and his "The Dartford Raver" YouTube channel by clicking here. What action the Police or Transport for London will take over his graffiti is open to debate, but Kerr does not seem to have thought through the consequences of his actions.
The redevelopment and improvement of what Bexley Council refer to as "the public realm" - which basically means public open spaces is moving ahead, mostly due to grants and public funding. Some examples of this include, but are not limited to improvements to the entrance to Erith Pier to create a new welcoming Pier Square to create new seating, planting and space for events and recreation.In April 2019 a public consultation on proposed concept designs was undertaken and over the summer a Design Review process has taken place. The design team is now working on updated detailed designs that will respond to the comments made at these two events. The pedestrianised area of Erith High Street outside the former Learning and Enterprise College Units will be decluttered and improved to complement the conversion of the units into a shop and offices and animate an unwelcoming cut through’. Erith High Street improvements will include new street furniture, landscaping and footway materials to create a brighter and more inviting place with a greater sense of safety. The pedestrianised section of Pier Road between Cross Street and Erith High Street will see public realm improvement, strengthening the physical and visual link to the Riverside Gardens, Erith pier and surrounding streets. Spaces will be created for seating, informal play, and green infrastructure. This project is currently at concept design stage, the transformation of Pier Road will introduce a safe shared space experience for cyclist and pedestrians. The vacant unit above the Farm Foods shop on Pier Road has stood empty for a number of years. The Council owns the freehold of the building, the whole of which is on a long lease to Farm Foods. The vacant unit above Farm Foods provides a large space that is important for assisting with decant from other sites. A feasibility study is currently underway to review the capacity of the space and provide cost estimates for an office fit out. Discussions are underway with Farm Foods regarding the Council taking a lease and with potential pre-lets. This proposal would bring added footfall to the town centre adding to its economic vitality. Retaining the open space at Riverside Gardens remains a key priority for the Council and local residents. A project to rejuvenate and refurbish the Gardens has recently launched. With £1.3m funding from the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund and additional funding from the council, Groundwork and Orbit, the project aims to upgrade this much-loved open space to improve visibility of and engagement with the river, creating opportunities for the community to use the gardens for play, leisure activities, planting and learning. It will also provide employment training through Groundwork’s Green Team. Designs will be developed in partnership with residents and community organisations, and the Council has commissioned Groundwork to lead this process. During the first stage of the consultation which has recently closed, Groundwork engaged with over 200 residents to hear about the views on the Gardens and gather ideas and aspirations to improve them. Procurement for a landscape architect team to develop the designs for the rejuvenated Gardens is nearly complete.
The redevelopment and improvement of what Bexley Council refer to as "the public realm" - which basically means public open spaces is moving ahead, mostly due to grants and public funding. Some examples of this include, but are not limited to improvements to the entrance to Erith Pier to create a new welcoming Pier Square to create new seating, planting and space for events and recreation.In April 2019 a public consultation on proposed concept designs was undertaken and over the summer a Design Review process has taken place. The design team is now working on updated detailed designs that will respond to the comments made at these two events. The pedestrianised area of Erith High Street outside the former Learning and Enterprise College Units will be decluttered and improved to complement the conversion of the units into a shop and offices and animate an unwelcoming cut through’. Erith High Street improvements will include new street furniture, landscaping and footway materials to create a brighter and more inviting place with a greater sense of safety. The pedestrianised section of Pier Road between Cross Street and Erith High Street will see public realm improvement, strengthening the physical and visual link to the Riverside Gardens, Erith pier and surrounding streets. Spaces will be created for seating, informal play, and green infrastructure. This project is currently at concept design stage, the transformation of Pier Road will introduce a safe shared space experience for cyclist and pedestrians. The vacant unit above the Farm Foods shop on Pier Road has stood empty for a number of years. The Council owns the freehold of the building, the whole of which is on a long lease to Farm Foods. The vacant unit above Farm Foods provides a large space that is important for assisting with decant from other sites. A feasibility study is currently underway to review the capacity of the space and provide cost estimates for an office fit out. Discussions are underway with Farm Foods regarding the Council taking a lease and with potential pre-lets. This proposal would bring added footfall to the town centre adding to its economic vitality. Retaining the open space at Riverside Gardens remains a key priority for the Council and local residents. A project to rejuvenate and refurbish the Gardens has recently launched. With £1.3m funding from the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund and additional funding from the council, Groundwork and Orbit, the project aims to upgrade this much-loved open space to improve visibility of and engagement with the river, creating opportunities for the community to use the gardens for play, leisure activities, planting and learning. It will also provide employment training through Groundwork’s Green Team. Designs will be developed in partnership with residents and community organisations, and the Council has commissioned Groundwork to lead this process. During the first stage of the consultation which has recently closed, Groundwork engaged with over 200 residents to hear about the views on the Gardens and gather ideas and aspirations to improve them. Procurement for a landscape architect team to develop the designs for the rejuvenated Gardens is nearly complete.
Further reader reaction from John who writes:- "Thanks as ever for the little bit of contact with my old home area. It was interesting to read your notes about the Hainault Maternity Home. I managed a visit for a final look at the place briefly in September when I was visiting the area. I was however very interested in the little end video you added to your blog last week. When I looked through I was astonished to see someone I recognised. The little segment at about 1m 27s into the video showing a gentleman in a greenhouse being interviewed was immediately familiar to me. I believe the man being interviewed with the flat cap was Mr Brown, the then Parks Superintendent. He lived in a lovely house located on the corner of Stephen Road adjacent to the track leading to the parks depot and nursery in Barnehurst. He was the father of an old school and scouting friend, Robert Brown and his sister who I think was Ann Brown. I believe their Scottish father was originally employed in the Royal Estate at Balmoral as a gillie, but later worked at Sandringham where he met his wife. He was well known for playing his bagpipes and I often wondered whether there was any link between the family of the infamous John Brown (played by Billy Connolly in the 1997 film Mrs Brown). I lost contact with my school pal many years ago so it was lovely to see his Father once again in this little video. The house they lived in, along with two others in Stephen Road, were very sadly demolished at the end of 2010 and the site is now the Groveland Park care home. I have great memories of visiting my friend Robert Brown at this house which I believe was actually owned by the Parks Department and also had old steam heated greenhouses in the grounds. The parks department depot was behind their house, but I believe it is all now gone. I attach a snap I took of the house on 8th December 2010 (shown above) before it was finally demolished". Thanks for the information John - I am sure that my readers will find it to be of interest.
Recently the London Evening Standard's property section ran a story on Erith Quarry - the new housing development on Fraser Road that will include a new primary school as part of the project. The Standard is frequently sniffy and rather condescending about any areas to the South of the River Thames, and the recent article is no exception. The leader reads thus:- "Erith, a somewhat bleak, south-east outpost with a high level of dull social housing in Bexley borough, is one of the few places in London where you can buy a new three-bedroom house for less than £400,000. But with so much Thames-side regeneration and the bonus of Crossrail stations opening next year at nearby Abbey Wood and Woolwich, the future promises better homes and neighbourhoods for priced-out Londoners. Currently the district is a 40-minute commute to London Bridge or Cannon Street. First up is The Quarry, an eco development of 470 houses and 130 flats plus a primary school, park and play areas for children. Prices start at £325,000 for two-bedroom houses, with the low deposit Help to Buy scheme available too". Describing Erith as "Bleak" and "Dull" is to my mind both inaccurate and insulting to local residents. There may have been a time in the 1970's and early 1980's, when the hideous brutalist concrete Erith Town Centre held sway, always smelling as I recall it, of Jeyes fluid and stale wee, but since those low days, things have improved immeasurably in my opinion. What do you think? Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.
The Erith Think Tank have announced details of their next meeting, which will take place on Tuesday 12th November - 7.30pm - 9pm in the conversation room at The Exchange in Walnut Tree Road. All are welcome. The agenda for the meeting consists of a discussion regarding West Street ('small park' - photo of the park above - click on it for a larger version) - Proposal by Tina of an 'activation' to raise awareness of BexleyCo's development plans, and how they might be stopped and / or improved. Brainstorming session to produce an alternative vision, and how we can secure the funds to do it. A presentation from Johnny about his meeting with Anderson's (Tuesday last week) regarding the change in the masterplan of The Quarry development, and the large increase in dwellings proposed on the site. Lastly an informal 'hello' from Princess Adeosun, Community Partnership Officer from Bexley Council, introducing herself, explaining her role, and discussing how she and the Think Tank can work together.
Prior to the regular weekly Neighbourhood Watch reports, a special update from Dana Wiffen, the Chairman, Neighbourhood Watch Office. November is courier fraud awareness month:- "In most cases of courier fraud, a fraudster phones their victim and claims to be from their bank, the police or other law enforcement authority. They then con the victim into revealing their PIN and credit or debit card details. Sadly, the most common victims of courier fraud are the elderly. Examples of courier fraud include; A scammer calls you, claiming to be from your bank or a police officer. They tell you either that: • a fraudulent payment has been spotted on your card that needs sorting out • someone has been arrested using your details and cards You may be asked to call your bank using the phone number on the back of your card. This convinces you that the call is genuine. But the scammer has kept the line open at their end, so when you make the call, you're unknowingly connected straight back to them or their friends. They'll either ask you for your PIN or ask you to key it into your phone. No bank or other legitimate service will ever ask you for your PIN. The scammer then sends a courier or taxi to pick up the card from your home. Even the driver may not know they're being used as part of the scam. Once the scammer has both your card and PIN they can spend your money. A different version of this scam is where you're contacted and told there's a corrupt member of staff at your bank, post office or bureau de change and the police need your help to identify them. They ask you to withdraw a large sum of your money, which the police or bank will mark, then put back into the banking system. They say this will help them identify the corrupt person. Once you hand the cash over, the scammers simply take it. Another example is when a fake police officer phones or approaches you and asks you to buy an expensive watch or other high-value item, to try to find out if counterfeit goods are being sold. Once you've bought the item, the scammer tells you to hand it to a taxi driver for transfer to the police. The expensive item is, of course, taken instead to the scammer's partner. The latest variation is where the scammer contacts you and says your bank account has been taken over and you need to transfer all the funds into a ‘safe account'. Of course, the new account is operated by the scammers, who then steal the funds". On top of this, Dana warns against pick pockets who are targetting vulnerable people in Bexleyheath Broadway:- "As mentioned in previous weeks pick pockets are working Bexleyheath Broadway and they are targeting elderly shoppers. Last week Police reported 5 purses stolen from shoppers in the following shops Dorothy Perkins, Greggs, Cancer Research Charity Shop, Card Factory, & New Look, plus a wallet stolen in the Broadway. PLEASE remind your more vulnerable residents to be aware of their purses/wallets are at all times and to zip up handbags and put wallets in trouser pockets". Now for the regular weekly local safety and security updates from Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association. First the report from Barnehurst ward:- "Barnehurst has suffered two attempted burglaries over the past week. The first one occurred in Holmesdale Grove at 03.00am on Sunday 03/11/2019 where a male is seen attempting to pick the door lock. The male had his hood up and a scarf covering his face. Suspect walked towards Perry Street. The locking mechanism to the front door had recently been upgraded by a locksmith leaving it more difficult for the suspect to gain entry. The second attempted burglary happened in Parkside Avenue again on Sunday 03/11/2019 in the early hours 03.04am. Video footage shows a male approach the front door and was then seen turning the handle, he then walked away and was seen walking in the direction of Northend Road with two other people, one wore a jacket that had a fluorescent strip on the back. Vehicle crime has crept up again. In Cheviot Close on Sunday 03/11/2019 a Sat Nav was found stolen. No damage was found to the vehicle however suspects had to unwire the Sat Nav to remove it from the vehicle. Between Friday 01/11/2019 and Sunday 03/11/2019 in Taunton Close a van was broken into and items taken. On Sunday 03/11/2019 between 06.00am – 0615am in Penine Way suspects have opened the boot of a vehicle and taken items from within however this vehicle had not been securely locked. Not only do we ask you to look at your home security but to consider your vehicle to. Criminals will attempt to break in to properties to obtain keys to vehicles. If you see anyone acting suspiciously in your road especially in the early hours call 999 straight away. Our next community contact session will be held on Tuesday 19th November 2019 at 11.00am in Barnehurst Golf Club". Belvedere ward:- "Burglary update – There was a burglary in Morvale Close on Thursday 31st October. The resident had not fully secured the front door of his home and through the night entry was gained and a laptop and bag were taken. On Friday 1st November another burglary occurred in Battle Road, again overnight, where entry was gained by damaging the rear door of the property. It is as yet unknown what was taken from the location. The team have been busy over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period, with assistance from officers of neighbouring wards (Erith, Northumberland Heath and Slade Green), visiting several wards to keep anti-social behaviour to a minimum. Several searches have been conducted on the ward during this period and drugs have been found. Community Resolutions as well as fines have been issued. PC Holmes and PCSO Worrall visited the Sikh temple last weekend to discuss the upcoming Sikh parade – which takes place on Sunday 17th November. We are continuing to have issues reported to us from a House of Multiple Occupancy on Barnfield Road (top end). If anyone is having issues with anti-social behaviour please contact us". Bexleyheath ward:- "Wednesday 30/10/19 Criminal Damage - vehicle in road being overturned. Wednesday 30/10/19 1555 Theft of BMW from Civic Offices Watling Street. Thursday 31/10/19 1800 – 1900 Palmer Crescent Criminal Damage to x4 vehicles by a group of 20 youths. Thursday 31/10/19 1900 – 1920 Burglary Church Road entry gained by way of smashed rear door – jewellery taken. Thursday 31/10/19 1315-1420 Theft of moped Albion Road car park. Friday 1/11/19 1600 Purse Stolen from bag hanging on bag of children's buggy in Card Factory. Saturday 2/11/19 2000 Royal Oak Road Theft of bus pass from person. Sunday 3/11/19 1800-2100 Theft of Motor Vehicle Long Lane Stolen Truck and Trailer. Monday 4/11/19 0140 Theft from Motor Vehicle Midhurst Hill van broken into and tools stolen – suspects arrested as CCTV images provided. Monday 4/11/19 2300 Theft From Motor Vehicle Number Plates Stolen. Ensure that doors and windows to properties are locked and secured with keys where applicable – revisit home security and lighting now the dark lights are coming. Please be careful with purse/wallets whilst out shopping, make sure they are secured inside your bags with a zip type handbag".
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