It will arrive in Blackheath Village on Monday and remain for the day.
If you have any information contact Lewisham police on 020 8284 8339 orCrimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Tuesday 30 August 2011
Police Bring Riot Pictures To Blackheath On Monday
A huge screen showing CCTV images of those involved in the recent rioting and looting is doing a tour of the local area.
If you have any information contact Lewisham police on 020 8284 8339 orCrimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
If you have any information contact Lewisham police on 020 8284 8339 orCrimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Sunday 21 August 2011
Why We Do What We Do - UPDATED
Oddly, just got a very weird email from someone who had decided that My Blackheath was a front for the local traders of Blackheath. Silly to say the least, but not very nice, the only thing missing was a pointy finger.
The gist of their point was as we remained enigmatic (which is the fine tradition of both the Greenwich Phantom and the Blackheath Bugle), then we must be; a secret society, the local Chamber of Commerce or up to no good - perhaps even all three?
To the first one; we have no odd handshakes and both of our trouser legs are the same length. To the second, is there a local Chamber of Commerce? To the third, we do walk on the grass from time-to-time, after all it is such a lovely heath.
For those who are having sleepless nights over our highly positive blog about the things worth celebrating in Blackheath, we make no apology for your insomnia.
We love living here, love the local businesses, who need a great deal of support, especially in recent times. We want to play our part in adding some positivity in what can be a nasty world at the best of times.
For the 99% of our readers who prefer sunshine to rain, normal service will now resume.
If you find our joy and positivity too much, then of course we're just one click away to something more up your street!
UPDATE: Little did we think that starting a blog about the place we call home (and have done for 5 years) would cause a small, yet vocal, minority to write emails and comments, which have varied from the downright rude and hateful, to just plain silly condescension. We're not sure which cage we rattled, but it seems starting a blog in Blackheath is a politically charged event!
To decide to remain anonymous is only allowed for certain blogs, anyone else has to scan and show their birth certificate. Apparently because this blog is written in the 'we' it must be corporate. Or of course it might be written by a couple? Or a family? It is one of the aforementioned, as of course Blackheath does have a few couples and families, although to some writing in the plural denotes a corporate voice! Idiots!
Today we were then told not to 'presume' we could write in the same anonymous style of other bloggers, as they were lofty and illustrious bloggers who had the experience to earn that right. However we were then told that over time as we became more experienced at blogging, then we would find 'our voice'. A second point about the 'we' that run this blog, one of us already has a hugely successful blog with over 1 million (yep you read that right) readers a year, one of the 'we' speaks on blogging to people around the world. However we felt we wanted to write our Blackheath one as a way of giving back to our community.
The last week has been odd, my partner and I have thought today 'f*ck it, do we need this sh*t?', but then we decided, we're doing this for the many people who enjoy what we do and from our stats so far, that's quite a lot of people.
Furthermore, if you think you need to defend the established blogs, then you may be doing more harm than good. We feel sure the other bloggers wouldn't want to be associated with such petty parochialism and we don't imagine for one minute you're their stooges.
Sorry to inflict this crap on most of you, we just had to get it off our chest. So no comments, we don't have the energy to sift through silly, self important crap. If you still feel the need to email that sh*t to us then please feel free to do so, although don't expect a reply.
Friday 19 August 2011
Blackheath On BBC News
Sharp eyed Blackheath telly watchers may have spotted a news item on BBC London News.
It featured businesses affected by recent riots and Michael from Raffles the clothing store was interviewed.
Not the best reason to be on TV, but good to know Blackheath was not forgotten.
More Works On Blackheath
It's full steam ahead with the new path across Blackheath. It also looks like it is going to be wider, which we feel is long overdue.
We have also spotted some mysterious new mounds of soil running along the side of Prince Charles Road. We will have to do a little more digging (he he) to find out more.
Tuesday 16 August 2011
Meet The Southeastern Managers This Thursday 18th August
Although we can't help felt this is primarily an exercise in PR, we still think that it may be worth some of us taking the opportunity to let off steam and make serious contributions to the discussion about Blackheath rail services. Let's be honest the chance of any Southeastern managers reading the local Blackheath blogs is not that great; yes we know someone may cite exceptions to the rule, but on the whole it's still worth some of us making time to talk to them face-to-face.
Especially as today there has been the announcements that fares may go up 8% this year!
Senior Southeastern managers will be available at Charing Cross station on 18 August between 8am and 10am to answer any questions you may have about our service.
Senior Southeastern managers will be available at Charing Cross station on 18 August between 8am and 10am to answer any questions you may have about our service.
If you would like to talk to them, please make your way to the Southeastern stand located on the main platform concourse.
Puccino's Blackheath Opening 7 Days With Extended Hours
You may have noticed that the Puccino's coffee shop at Blackheath Station has been open longer.
We have spoken to the new owners who have confirmed that they are now opening 7 days and also extending their hours up until 10:00pm on some days.
This, we guess, is an experiment that will need support to continue. So please think about them when you need a nice ho drink or a snack. Far better than the awful, overpriced vending machines on the station.
Further Ground Works On Blackheath - UPDATED
We have now spoken with one of the council team who has confirmed that a new path is being laid across Blackheath, from the pond to the crossing on Shooter's Hill Road. The groundworks were in preparation for this new path. Great news for those who use it!
If you have ever tried to walk across the path that links the duck pond with Shooter's Hill Road on a wet day, then you'll know there is mud and water to try and get across.
Awful for everyone from parents with buggies and those trying to get to work in their best shoes.
Some work took place earlier this year, but it looks as if further remedial works are taking place, some by the crossing near the duck pond and more at the pedestrian crossing on Shooter's Hill - watch this space!
Monday 15 August 2011
Simple Yet Brilliant Site To Help Looted Businesses
De-Loot London’s mission is to make sure that not a single shop that was looted during the riots is forced to close. While a small number of people did the damage, we can all help our local, independent businesses recover by spending our money with them.
This is exactly how we feel help can be given to affected Blackheath business owners.
On their site is a map, this map will show you where your money will do the most good.
If you know a looted Blackheath shop that’s not on the map, send details to help@delootlondon.co.uk and they will add it. Let’s go shopping, and DeLoot London!
Fergus Noone Photography Comes To Blackheath
As reported last week by us here at My Blackheath; the newest shop to open in Blackheath is Fergus Noone Photography. The new signage was being put on the front of the shop today in anticipation for opening soon. Welcome to Blackheath.
Sunday 14 August 2011
Lewisham Council Offers Help For Blackheath Traders
We have asked Kevin Bonavia, Labour Councillor for Blackheath, to explain how businesses affected by recent events can get support from the local council. The rest of this post is written by Kevin (on a Sunday may we add).
Thankfully no-one (as far as I know) got hurt and I am sure most residents and regular visitors to Blackheath will have noticed the much vamped up police presence in the area ever since then. Now for the recovery of our local businesses. For those businesses affected by the riots in the Borough of Lewisham, the Mayor has written a letter setting out advice on police assistance and making claims for insurance and Riot Damage Act payments. The letter also includes the announcement of a local Business Recovery Grant of £125,000 for businesses in most immediate need of help, as well as a lenient approach in collecting Business Rates. I know some businesses are still having affected problems with post, so the letter can be seen here.
Whilst all this help is welcome, it may be of little use if it is not given quickly given the cash flow needed by small businesses and the impact of much less trade happening since the riots. Often there is an understandable concern that paperwork can take too long to process, so if help is needed to push it along please get in touch in one of the ways listed below.
Kevin BonaviaLabour Councillor for Blackheath
Tel: 020 8314 3721
Tel: 020 8314 3721
Twitter: @kevinbonavia
Saturday 13 August 2011
The Hidden Cost Of Riots To Blackheath Traders
We spent some time this morning in Blackheath speaking to traders about the last week of riots and what it had meant to them.
Listening to Michael who owns Raffles was shocking. He told of how cars were turning up one-by-one with mobs who used everything including sledge-hammers to break into his shop. Fearful residents watched at the sheer ferocity and scale, not knowing how they could help without putting their own lives in danger. He spoke of arriving to confront looters,and using what he had, the window shutter pole to protect himself, but then realising that faced by a looter with a knife, he was powerless to defend his shop.
He called the Police at 2:00am via 999 to tell them his shop was being robbed and that he was being threatened with a knife, because of the sheer scale of attacks the Police did not arrive until 5:00am. He doesn't blame the police, but he was left with no options. He has a young family and this is the way he provides for them. He then spent the next two nights sleeping in the shop to try and protect what he has worked so hard to establish and build.
The hoardings remain nearly a week on - he's been told there's a shortage of glass. For a business selling clothes and other accessories, there can be no harder task than trying to attract custom when all your main natural-light sources are gone.
The most amazing thing was that he wasn't talking like a victim, simply as a small business owner who knows he has to do what he can to get through this. We were amazed by his resilience and his fortitude in the circumstances.
Step a few doors down to one of the many restaurants forced to close for at least one evening and it's a similar story. They may have escaped broken windows and fire, but they still lost around £4,000 worth of takings that evening, plus all the staff related costs. When asked why they closed they replied 'we had to make sure our staff got home safely, that was all that mattered.'
Speak to any trader and you get similar stories, those who were directly or indirectly affected by the looting and the riots.
A quick head count of the shops in Blackheath Village and it doesn't take long to work out that both the real cost of criminal damage, the loss of business and the other related costs, means this is going to cost Blackheath tens, if not hundreds of thousands of pounds. Granted we didn't have hordes of looters, Police in riot gear, burning buildings and camera crews - so it's easy to downplay the cost. Make no mistake, Blackheath was hit by these riots.
Our victims are not bankers, stock traders or those who have inherited wealth, these are hard-working middle-class traders. Many of them were once working-class but have worked hard to build small businesses that have created jobs, paid taxes and contribute to the local economy.
We went into these business today and tried to make our contribution to their loss by spending some money with them. In our opinion that's the best way a small community can respond to loss, rally around and support local businesses. You may only spend £10, £50 or £100 with them, but they will value it far more than a big brand right now. Not one person that we spoke to was looking for sympathy - just support.
One couldn't help think that with the polarisation of poor and rich in all the rioting debates, perhaps the hard-working middle-class business owners are one of the forgotten victims of this very sad episode in our nation's history?
Please support them.
Friday 12 August 2011
Latest Blackheath Crime Figures June 2011
The latest Blackheath crime figures are in and there's some good news, they are down. Of course these are the figures for June so we may well see a spike after the recent events of lawlessness around the country.
You can find out more about our beloved Blackheath here
If you need to contact the local Met Police Team for Blackheath then click here
Thursday 11 August 2011
Who Would You Like To See On Blackheath?
Next year the the first 'OnBlackheath' two day music event will now take place in September 2012.
There have been lot of opinions about this, both for and against.
This post is not about the pros and cons of the festival, but simply a question to ask 'who would you like to see at On Blackheath 2012?
On their site they say 'We're keen to involve all local stakeholders; including businesses, talent and media and will be keeping the community fully informed as plans develop.'
We're not polling this in any official capacity, but we promise to pass the results on to the team putting the festival on.
So who would you like to see?
We're not polling this in any official capacity, but we promise to pass the results on to the team putting the festival on.
So who would you like to see?
What Is Happening In The Mystery Shop In Blackheath?
UPDATE: We've done some more digging and information from surrounding shops indicates that a photography shop is moving in. Although we are unable to confirm if this is sale of equipment, processing or a portrait company.This shop was previously Blackheath's sport shop, Furley & Baker, but it's undergoing a change. What could it be??
We keep trying to have a sneaky peak and also a rummage around the planning websites, but we've been beaten as to the new use. Any ideas?
We keep trying to have a sneaky peak and also a rummage around the planning websites, but we've been beaten as to the new use. Any ideas?
I have been hoping for a bookshop (although not one to rival the wonderful treasure that is Bookshop on the Heath) or a cheesemongers. I will, however, settle for anything that is not an estate agents.
Blackheath Mums - Something For The Kids This Holiday?
Blackheath Cooks are situated on Old Dover Road at Blackheath Standard. They are both a cook shop and a cookery school, with a great service called Munchkins; cookery classes for 4-11yr olds.
Details for both this and the Teens classes are shown below. We think it's a great idea for a holiday activity. More here
Munchkins Summer Holiday Workshops:
Fun, hands-on Cookery Classes for 4-11 year olds. Summer Holiday workshops run 9-12.30pm Monday-Friday throughout the school holidays. Each day kids make their own snack to eat during break in our kitchen garden, and their own lunch, plus lots of goodies to take home. Max class size 12 kids. £42 per session, or £168 for a week
18th-22nd July – Baking Week (1)
25th-29th July – Meat week – in collaboration with Sparkes the Butcher
1st-5th August – Food from around the World
8th-12th August – Food from the Stories of Roald Dahl
15th-19th August – Funky Fruit & Super Veg
22nd-26th August – Cooking the Rainbow
29th August-2nd Sept – Baking Week (2)
Teens Summer Holiday Masterclasses:
2.5 hour sessions great for 11-18 year olds who love to cook! Our ‘Masterclasses’ are designed to increase skills and develop confidence and independence in the kitchen (and they can be used towards Duke of Edinburgh award credits!)£30 per session (or book 3 and get the 4th for FREE!)
Tuesday 19th July, 2-4.30pm – Cupcakes Masterclass
Wednesday 20th July, 2-4.30pm – Homemade Pasta Making Masterclass.
Tuesday 26th July, 2-4.30pm – Bread Baking masterclass
Wednesday 27th July, 2-4.30pm – Pizza making masterclass
Tuesday 2nd August, 2-4.30pm – Sausage Making masterclass
Wednesday 3rd August, 2-4.30pm – Cupcake Making masterclass
Tuesday 9th August, 2-4.30pm – Stir Fry & Knife Skills masterclass
Wednesday 10th August, 2-4.30pm – Pastry making masterclass
Tuesday 16th August, 2-4.30pm – Jam & Chutney making masterclass
Wednesday 17th August, 2-4.30pm – Bread Baking masterclass
Tuesday 23rd August, 2-4.30pm – Homemade Pasta making masterclass
Wednesday 24th August, 2-4.30pm – Pizza making masterclass
Tuesday 30th August, 2-4.30pm – Cupcakes masterclass
Wednesday 31st August, 2-4.30pm – Stir Fry & Knife skills
Blackheath Rugby Club Pre Season Fixtures This Weekend
Rugby fans can catch Blackheath RFC pre-season fixtures this weekend at Well Hall.The Clubs 1st XV in action against Tonbridge Judds at 3pm but just before that we have the Clubs Heathens taking on Tonbridge Judds 2's at 1pm.
Picture by Helen Watson
Wednesday 10 August 2011
Meet The New Blackheath Puccino's Coffee People
Those who travel through Blackheath station may have noticed new faces at the Puccino's Coffee Shop.It has changed hands, so their are two new guys running it. Easy to remember their names as they are both called Mustafa.
They used to run the concession at Blackfriars and also own the franchise of the one at Welling Station. Do say hello to them.
Blackheath Stands Firm
It's a beautiful morning in Blackheath, the sun is shining and our village stands resplendent in her beauty. Thankfully any thoughts of trouble seem to have come to nothing.We have no opinion on who, what, where, how and why; there are plenty of places you can go for that stuff on the web - we're just happy to live in this wonderful part of London and to do all we can to celebrate and spread the news of Blackheath's beauty.
We also want to say a big thank you to all our new visitors and followers. The amount of visitors we are having and messages has been overwhelming. We know we are the new kids on the 'virtual' block, but we hope we bring something fresh and new for you to enjoy.
Have a safe day friends.
Tuesday 9 August 2011
Blackheath Braces Itself For Possible Riot Trouble
Walking through Blackheath tonight from the train station was a surreal experience, perhaps the quietest it has ever been?Here are pictures of those shops which have taken the additional precaution of boarding up; namely those with more to lose than most; Raffles and India Jane.
Business at Buenos Aires is brisk and I wouldn't want to take on their chef in a fight! Apparently The Railway is heaving, being one of the only places to gather in Blackheath tonight, rumour has it that many in there are ready to defend their beloved Blackheath.
It is ironic that we seem to have created a real spirit of community around London, with people cleaning up, supporting one another and ready to defend their 'turf', what Cameron failed to motivate us to do with his Big Society a few hundred yobs have managed achieved by going on the rampage!
Quote of the day has to be two girls being interviewed who said 'we want to teach the rich a lesson.' Sadly they scored an own goal by hurting the hardworking, underpaid people in their own communities.
Blackheath Riots Update
There are reports that many of the shops in Blackheath Village are closing and some are boarding up their shop fronts. There are unconfirmed reports of a mob of 300 coming from Greenwich to take part in more criminal looting. (update on the mob is that this is mere speculation and nothing else, as we said unconfirmed)
@adam_ainsworth Tweeted 'Blackheath around the Royal Standard is like a ghost town. Shops shut, but pubs open. There's a very strange atmosphere. '
@daryl1974 Tweeted 'Some Blackheath Village shops like Raffles shut, but restaurants and pubs staying open http://t.co/e28r3Eb'
@adam_ainsworth Tweeted 'Blackheath around the Royal Standard is like a ghost town. Shops shut, but pubs open. There's a very strange atmosphere. '
@daryl1974 Tweeted 'Some Blackheath Village shops like Raffles shut, but restaurants and pubs staying open http://t.co/e28r3Eb'
At 15:20 for our none-Twitter readers.
AnnabelKaye Annabel Kaye
@myblackheath I am at Standard, shops open, all quiet, M&S trading as usual, but subdued nothing happening #Blackheath
HannahHaselgrov Hannah Haselgrove
I just walked across the heath, there is definitely not a group of hundreds of youths marching towards Blackheath. Shut up.
jagregory James Gregory
@myblackheath I've just walked through Blackheath no more than 10 minutes ago, peaceful and fine. No problems. Just cleanup from last night.
15:40
crcb1987 crcb1987
Trafalgar Rd, East Greenwich and Blackheath Standard, pretty much everything shuttered up. No trouble though, just looks like a precaution
More to follow... stay safe friends
More to follow... stay safe friends
Minor Looting In Blackheath
Sadly not even Blackheath escaped the criminal yobs.Two shops were damaged and the owners now counting the cost.
Let's hope this was a one-off and that no more pointless damage is inflicted on Blackheath.
Pic from Chris Redfern at http://yfrog.com/kloyeicj
Temporary Bridge At Blackheath Station Gone At Last
There were some recent reports that the temporary bridge at Blackheath Station would be with us for some time, this was allegedly because internal management at South Eastern were unable to ascertain who had constructed it.
However, as you can now see it has gone and with just some clearing up to take place to restore the station to its former glory.
How long that will take is anyone's guess
Monday 8 August 2011
Eat Out In Blackheath And Get FREE Meals!
You may or may not be aware, but many of the restaurants in Blackheath are part of the Top Table network. Top Table offer a FREE membership and then points for every table booked. Each booking is worth at least 200 points and then those points can be used for FREE meals.To find out more, read reviews and to join for FREE, simply go to the Top Table site.
We don't work for them or are getting paid for this post, we just love using the site.
So far the following restaurants in and around Blackheath are part of the scheme;
Sunday 7 August 2011
Ducklings On The Blackheath Pond
The Blackheath pond is always a source of joy, but now the arrival of some ducklings has brought a smile to many faces.We've managed to get a shot here of the proud mother and her ducklings.
Blackheath Farmers’ Market
If you are new to the area, or just visiting, then check out the Blackheath farmers' market, located in the car park of Blackheath rail station it takes place every Sunday come rain or shine (or snow as last winter showed!).
In their words "As befits a market that's been established for many years it seems as if everyone knows the farmers by name. It's very much a social gathering, with customers queueing patiently whilst waiting for the market bell to ring!
A great selection of farm produce is on offer, look out for fresh farm milk from Sussex, Andrew Linghams great beef pasties and fresh fish from the south coast." We particularly like the man who sells leafy greens (and is usually at the bottom end of the market) his produce is fantastic and he is incredibly knowledgeable. He has recently branched out and had lots of juicy tomatoes, peppers and berries at the weekend.
Saturday 6 August 2011
South Eastern Revised timetables For Olympics
During April and May Southeastern and the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) undertook a full consultation process with local MPs, Passenger Focus, London Travelwatch, local councils and rail user groups. At that time the below timetables were presented to all concerned, including proposed changes to the Highspeed, Greenwich and Bexleyheath lines for the duration of the Olympics.
Blackheath Featured In FT Olympic Rental Story
The FT has run a story on Olympic house rentals, unsurprisingly Blackheath is featured.
It is near the top of the list of highest priced income owners could expect to receive and yet it doesn't seem as straightforward as we might hope. Will you be renting your house out next summer and taking off around the world?
The whole story is here
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