Cave Austin

Today I was having a drink in London proper when just by chance this group of people got talking to each other on a table near me. Low and behold they were from the South East nether regions and had a loooong discussion all about what bars and clubs they and their mates all hang out at.
Now I hadn't heard of half of them not being a regular on the Bexleyheath/Welling/Sidcup clubbing scene, but there was a lengthy discussion about the bus from Bexleyheath to Blackheath, getting wasted at O'Neills and knowing the doorman at Cave Austin and giving it some (I wasn't sure who was giving what to whom at this point).
Anyway probably a point in case not to hang out in the club at Cave Austin..

Woodlands Farm

The Local blog in Shooter's Hill has published some info on what is happening at Woodlands Farm over the festive period and into the New Year. It looks like the few days preceding Christmas will have some Harry Potter themed events on for children, followed in the new year by a new toddler group every Thursday from 10am-12pm.
It doesn't give any age groups so assume if your tot can walk and is not at school you can just turn up. It is £2 per adult.
It is quite sweet down there and you can buy eggs and logs etc. They could do with some more more animals in my opinion but it's local and always been a winner when we have visited.

food hygiene

clearly too much time on my hands today so I have been looking at those establishments that haven't got a food hygience certificate. Some of them are quite surprising - Spread Eagle in Greenwich is a firm favourite of mine and that failed last time.
Closer to home though both of the chinese restaurants I use and Spice Island on the Common also failed..think I might be looking at the food hygiene website before I order in future...crikes!

Christmas Carols.....

Tudor Barn, Well Hall Road, Well Hall Pleasaunce, Eltham, SE9 6S

A festive selection of Christmas carols by candlelight performed outdoors beside the Tudor Barn. Presented by the Greenwich Concert Band, Greenwich Community Choir, SEnine Community Magazine, Association for Commerce Eltham and the Tudor Barn.

Date: Sat 18th Dec at 7.30pm.

Festive cheer

Every year I wonder whether to change the Christmas colour scheme. Should I go all white and silver, traditional green and reds or perhaps go for a completely different colour - purple, pale blue etc...Oooh the choices nowadays....
So what does everyone else do?!

Snow

Isn't it cold!! Think I need some huskies let alone a sledge - or a ski lift to drag the children back up the hill at least. I can't believe how light it is at night when the ground is covered in snow. About midnight last night there was just an orange glow outside it looked like the garden was floodlit.

Comedy on the Common

I've had a leaflet and email regarding the next comedy session so it looks as if they are doing their marketing for it. I've been to the last couple of Christmas ones. Usually the bar stays open late and they have some festive tunes and it turns into a bit of a disco which is very amusing. It is usually the busiest one as well - so get there early to bag your seats and take advantage of the cheap rugby club drinks prices! I hope they continue to do one a quarter and keep this event going. It's so nice to have something so local.

The Titanic

exhibition is now open at the O2. I really want to go to this and have a good look around. I seem to have missed most of the recent events here (probably because it is such a pain to get to) but I am determined to go and see this. It's on for a few months so I'm sure I will make it!

Ambala

I see that a number of new shops/takeaways have been found to be sub standard. I am amazed by the amount of shop keepers and restaurant owners who just seem so blase about this. How hard is it to clean up. Anyway Ambala which is a sweet shop on Plumstead High Street had mice droppings in their sweets - so I'd give it a miss if I was you.

a bit of history

I have just recently discovered the website http://www.ideal-homes.org.uk/ which has a wealth of information about SE London. In particular it has some really detailed pages about Plumstead which are fascinating....have a look people.

Sky lift / Cable car

Another crazy idea. A lovely gimmick and probably a good tourist attraction but really f all use to those of us living in the South East who have to cross the river with our cars....No doubt any new plans for a river crossing will be shelved now that this seems to have got the green light.
Does anyone who works for Transport for London or the Government ever visit this area and see how congested the blackwall tunnel and the Dartford crossing are? It's chaos.
Not to mention that the traffic for the Woolwich ferry is always backed up to the roundabout causing traffic issues.
These problems aren't even when there has been an accident, they are usually every morning. Anyone I know who lives outside of London always says "oohh I hear about the traffic at the blackwall tunnel on the radio" when i mention I live here..pitying.
I might get some planks of wood out and build my own bloody bridge at this rate.

Tesco & Costa

have both now opened in Welling. They both looked pretty busy too from what I could see driving past. Morrisons didnt seem to be missing out too much...
So Costa is now in Welling and Woolwich, wonder if we will ever see one in Plumstead?!! I bet Abbey Wood get one in the new Crossrail station. Poor lonely Plumstead being left out in the cold.
Still at least the big golden M is up and soon to be opened.
I can't help thinking that if Pizza Express can survive in the street it is in in Bexleyheath then at least Plumstead should be able to sustain something. I'ts getting too cold to hop on the bus to Greenwich, I really could do with something closer!

Christmas Lights..

I see the Christmas lights are due to be switched on in Eltham in just over a week's time - November 18th. Madness!! How early is that. I'm all for Christmas but surely the whole month of December is enough time to enjoy it. I'm only just over Halloween and Bonfire night.
Still I did see a house decorated for Christmas on Saturday night, and yes I'm pretty sure it wasn't for diwali - not unless they thought they would save the hassle of doing it all again, it was definitely festive....

Plumstead Manor

So the demolition seems to have finally started and the old Prince Albert pub has now gone along with what was rather a large house. I do hope they are going to build a car park which will hopefully stop the atrocious parking that takes place around that area of the Common. I often see cars half jutting out into the road because they can't see behind a van parked on the corner..The school also seems to have a lot of teachers and staff, more I am sure than any school I ever went to! Will be interested to see how the building works come along though. I like the fact that some of the facilities will be available to the public, such as the sports hall and also a community room that will be available to members of the public during the day - hopefully there will be some Mother and baby groups that take advantage of this or yoga/pilates etc.

Fireworks 2

How stupid do you have to be to set fireworks off in the daytime? What's the point? OK so you might be unemployed and bored, have you not tried watching Flog It?
I assume you have spent the best part of this weeks benefits on buying the damn things, so at least wait until it's dark and you can see them.

Bonfire Night....

Now seems to be called Fireworks night. As a child I always remember it being Bonfire night - bonfire toffee etc..I have been looking at the various fireworks taking place around the SE to decide where to go with the family this weekend and I think we will probably head to Blackheath (although given the funding cuts there will probably only be one whizz bang). But why is it so hard to find a bonfire - I think the nearest is in Crystal Palace.
I assume it is due to health and safety, woe betide I guess anyone who wants to burn a guy fawkes....

More food (not that I am obsessed)

I see that Strada in Blackheath is closing for a refit, from I think 8-17 November. Hopefully they are refitting their staff as well. Not really had great experiences when I have been in to it (in fact Blackheath as a whole as much as I love it does suffer from a lack of customer service in nearly all of it's establishments - Cafe Rouge garden is never open, Cave Austin's chef seems to go home when he likes and woe betide you if you want a cocktail in there, the Tapas place staff look eternally bored, Locale staff can't add up -  but I digress.
Also I see that a Wagamama's is due to open at the O2 - well at the bottom of Ravensbourne College - which will be a welcome addition. If only there was better transport links to the dome as parking is atrocious there.

Pumpkins

Well the pumpkins were carved and a steady stream of trick or treaters trickled by. Not actually sure any of them said Trick or Treat. Mainly they were quite dinky and just held out little orange pumpkin buckets (am guessing one of the supermarkets must have had a job lot)! They were quite polite too as well, (except for one family who looked like those people you see on the tube with their half drugged babies in their arms harrassing passengers for change in a manky looking old coffee cup). We un-halloweened the house later on as we thought that the teenagers would be around at that point. Not sure I want to be opening my door to a bunch of sugar rushed teens in scream masks. Pretty quiet really and more civilised than the previous area of London we lived in which was more upmarket but they used to go around egging cars on Halloween so you can't always judge by postcode!

Halloween

Probably a  bit late to be looking at this now but I haven't really seen any events taking place for children for Halloween. I know there are some walks around Greenwich that I would have liked to have gone on, but not sure they are suitable for children. I'm not sure trick or treating in SE18 is a good idea but it would have been nice to do something to join in. I keep looking at the pumpkins and outfits but it might be a sad state of affairs if we are all just sat at home dressed like the Addams family!

Sunday Lunch

Apart from the new Dial Arch pub I wonder if anyone has any recommendations for Sunday lunch venues suitable for not so quiet families! As winter draws near I love a Sunday roast but hate cooking it and even more the cleaning up of it! We haven't really found anywhere locally that does a good roast. I am sure Dial Arch will as I have eaten there mid week but would like to have some other options as well.

searches

How do I go about successfully searching for other local blogs to nosey around, or blogs I might be interested in? All the ones I have found so far have been from links that originally started over at Plumsteadshire. In fact if I google my own blog I can't even find it!
I just wonder if there are any hidden gems out there that I am missing about the surrounding areas....

Shrewsbury House

A few people have been chatting to me about this recently and I can't believe how difficult it is to find out any information on it. To say it is supposed to be a community centre it doesn't seem to want to publicise itself to the local community.
There are a number of things that take place here such as children's events - there is even a nursery - although you wouldn't know this from trying to find information on the website.
They also hire out the centre for parties etc. I think they are really missing a trick here. I bet there are a number of local groups that hold court here and could probably be better attended.
I have no idea who is in charge but you are missing out on a large part of the community who could support you!

Tesco Takeover

I blogged the other day about the new proposed Tesco coming soon to Woolwich. Doing some digging it appears that another Tesco is arriving, this time in Welling. From what I can gather it is going to be near where the new Morrisons is. Bet they are pleased about that!
I have no idea how big it is going to be but it is good to see that they are investing in the area. The little Tesco Express that has opened near the high street is always busy and is well stocked and I am fed up of trying to fight the traffic down at the Peninsular to get to Asda or Sainsbury and have recently been using Morrisons at Welling which is much closer. I shall take a drive and see if I can see where it will be..

Venue to let..

I was driving past the Common by the Old Mill earlier and saw that the old turf accountants (that always amuses me, betting shop for those of you not in the know)! shop is for sale (or to let, i cant remember which)..It's over looking part of the common and next to that truckers caff..It's a lovely spot so i really hope it opens as a coffee shop, deli, vintage clothes shop. I don't know just something new and fabulous.

Plumstead station

It is such a shame that the coffee hut closed at Plumstead station. I need an injection of caffeine first thing in the morning on the way to work (and I was quite partial to their pain au chocolat too)...I know there is a new drinks/can machine there but I don't understand why the coffee hut wasn't viable. It was cheap, decent and more importantly on the run up to winter, warming....

The Golden Arches

are I see arriving in Plumstead. Yes that's right, a McDonalds is due to open on the roundabout by the bus garage just by the station..OK so it's not quite a Cafe Rouge but it's a start....
From what I understand the post office sorting office is also moving here. I hope this rumour is true as I hate having to get to Woolwich to get post. Long queues, nowhere to park etc so it makes far more sense..
Now I'm thinking retail park...M&S, Next home (with Costa Coffee)...Oooooh could this large roundabout be the next Charlton retail park...I hope so!

Charlton Toy Library

The last I heard they were having problems securing funding for the toy library at Charlton House so I was pleased to see that the Sainsburys down on the Peninsular has adopted them as their charity of the year. Hopefully this will allow the library to remain open and for them to continue their work.

Conkers

We have been out collecting conkers most of the weekend in the lovely sunshine. I can't believe how many there are in Greenwich Park. Spiders shall be non-existant in this house for the rest of the year!! (Am on the hunt for those green-fanged arachnids)!
We've had them threaded on string and played good old fashioned conkers. Something which no doubt the children won't experience when they go to school because of the elf n safety police...

M&S

I love M&S and use the one by Blackheath Standard on a regular basis. I can't believe the one by Charlton at the BP garage closed though. What a shame. Who buys food from petrol stations unless it is something like M&S/Tesco Express etc. I would have thought Charlton would have been a good catchment area for it as well. V depressed that we don't have a BP garage anywhere near SE18 so assume an M&S won't be popping up anytime soon..

Dial Arch pub

I trotted off to Dial Arch recently for some food and drink. What a lovely new addition to the landscape. We went midweek and I am pleased to report that it was still relatively busy with a really nice mix of people. Much more Blackheath than the usual offerings around SE18....A good mix of alcohol on offer and the food was lovely.
The place has really been nicely designed. It is a Young's brewery pub which are Wandsworth based, hopefully it is making them a tonne of money and they might look at opening other local venues. Woolwich really is a funny area, like most of SE London I guess with some hideous council blocks, some lovely old terraced streets and then the very trendy Royal Arsenal with its deli, boat service and riverside walks. The regeneration is long overdue but pleased it has started. Now if it can just extend to Shooter's Hill and Plumstead that would be great too!

Child Benefit

I have always been pleased to receive this even though I have secretly thought it a bit daft that it the same amount is given to all and sundry despite your income and I can see why given the state of the economy that benefits need to be stopped somewhere and rather than cutting jobs cutting a bit of income from people might be a better answer.
What I can't understand is how it is done on ONE persons salary and not joint income. Therefore if one of you earns in excess of the higher tax bracket (roughly 44k) you lose the benefit but if both of you in the household earn just under it (so your household income could be in excess of 86k) you can still claim it. Madness. So people with twice as much family income still get it and those (predominantly I am guessing) with a stay at home Mum won't get it if their husband/partner earns over 44k.
Stupid.

Olympic Borough house prices

According to today's Evening Standard house prices in the borough of Greenwich (and other olympic boroughs) are up 7% on last year.
So I thought I would have a look at some of the local estate agents and see whether this rings true for Plumstead. I think not.
If anything I think the house and flat prices in Plumstead are slipping - and on a separate note if you are selling your house try tidying up before the estate agent pops round with his camera...
!

Woolwich stabbing

Quite worryingly I can't seem to find much news coverage on this but Woolwich station was closed following a stabbing on Wednesday night. There also appears to have been two retaliation acid throwing attacks which resulted in both Lewisham hospital and Woolwich hospital being closed whilst the fire brigades tested the chemicals (assume to make sure they weren't Chemical Ali style).
All of this took place on a train around 8pm, hardly late and I should imagine still full of commuters. Yet there is a short piece on this on one online site and nothing at all on the news or in any other press.
I asked a taxi driver what it was all about and apart from a racist rant he was very vague about the whole thing as if he had been told not to talk about it. Very odd indeed.
I have no idea why local hospitals being closed and yet another gang stabbing isn't local news but the last two days have seen the trains and stations manned with police which is a good thing although rather a case of after the horse has bolted...I guess it is incase there is any more retaliation. Be interested to hear if anyone else has heard about this.

The right side of the common

I heard a very funny conversation yesterday. At one point I thought it must have been an Estate Agents convention but no just a group of women...Who knew but apparantly there is a right side and a wrong side of Plumstead to live in and near heart failure if you live near the high street.
Now I have friends who live near the high street and their house is much nicer than some other friends I have who live behind the Slade, even their neighbours houses are nicer.
What I wanted to say to these people was that it's still all Plumstead, you still have an SE18 postcode and you probably can't afford to move out of it so get over it...
Oh except I apparantly live on the right side of Plumstead...phew.

Tesco

I think I must be behind the times as I can't remember hearing about the proposed Tesco plans in Woolwich, but I am informed that it will be the largest in Europe when it is built (not even sure if they have received full planning permission yet)....Hopefully it will have Florence and Fred, I'm quite partial to some of their stuff. I still can't believe for the size of Sainsbury's on the peninsular that they don't have homewares and TU.

New school...

now this looks interesting.....http://www.shootershillprimaryschoolofarts.com/

Murder and Rape

I just heard on the radio that a girl was murdered in Plumstead on Saturday night and that her supposed killer has just been remanded...Nice hey. So I did a search to try and find some more details about it and there wasn't much. But, the story underneath was about a rape that supposedly took place in January. The story says basically that a woman got drunk, fell asleep in the taxi, it took her to Plumstead police station, she paid the fare and the police "warned her not to walk home". Seriously, could they not have done more than warn her. She had been at a work's party, was drunk, fell asleep in the cab and they seriously just let her make her own way home. Christ the police in Plumstead need sorting out. No wonder there is a new Chief Super or whoever, this is the same station that let the cab rapist go without being caught for far too long as well. Doesn't fill me with confidence that if anything happen they will be there in a flash. Apparantly they warned her not to walk home and did offer to (or did) call another mini cab but she'd gone. Um yes she was drunk she probably didn't know where she was going, who in their right mind lets a drunk woman walk around in according to the police her "an area renowned for robbery".
Well done Plumtead police, you must be so proud.

New bathroom

We've decided that we would like to redo the bathroom so have been having a look at some recently. Aren't they cheap  if you just want a basic white one. The main problem we are having is finding anyone to come and quote for it. I can't believe all the workmen in SE London are that busy that they can't fit me in and if that is the case then being a kitchen/bathroom fitter/handyman etc seems to be the job to do at the moment as demand for work seems to be out stripping the supply. At this rate we shall be doing it ourselves.

The Prince of Wales

is for sale I see. I have always thought that this looked to be a pub with potential. It has a small garden out the back which backs onto part of the common and it is quite a light and airy pub. Or well it could be.
They often have bands play in here on a Friday and a Saturday night. So I shall wait to see what happens to it.

School's out...

I know this by the number of children I have seen (and heard) out and about. Why are they all not at the Charlton Lido, it's warm enough if not sunny enough! No doubt they would rather be out kicking the bins over in the street which happened at some unearthly hour this morning. Oh joy. Maybe they will all join the summer kids klub at the Slade church which I assume is their attempt at being kool (see...) and not that they can't spell! I can't remember what I did in the summer holidays except that I played outside a lot and that the holidays really didn't seem to last for 5 or 6 weeks. I know we went on holiday for a week or two of those but that's still nearly a month of being at home that I just can't conjure up in my mind.
Ah to have the summer off now...

Hungry

I am starving today, all I can think about is what to have for dinner. Sadly a rummage around the Co-op didn't produce much inspiration so it's the slummy mummy option of a takeaway. We haven't been impressed with the local takeaways though so does anyone have any good ones they would like to share?

Slade Library

I just went over there and it is shut. Now I seem to remember something about the library being refurbished but I didn't realise it was all going to be closed. Where have all the books gone? Also there is still a Sure Start sign up on the Slade Hall advertising stay and play sessions on Tuesdays I think but I couldn't see anyone to chat to so we walked back home again.
Does anyone know what the story is, seeing as I can't get a good story at the moment!!

Dead Bees

There are a lot of dead bees around this year. Mainly on the pavement and I'm not sure why. Last year I don't seem to remember seeing many bees, just wasps, mainly flying into my food. This year there are loads of bees and not many wasps...ok so mainly the bees are dead and on the pavement but still I've seen more of them!

Football and flags

A couple of people have pointed out some of the ways that people decorate their houses. From hanging bits of polyester out of the window to sprucing up their gardens. Personally I prefer a few flowers to flags but watching the football they were showing clips of England playing in the world cup 8 years ago and the majority of the supporters had the Union Jack.
Now i know that technically the St George's flag is correct because we haven't fielded a UK team but when did we start to pick up on the SGF rather than the UJ? Also I can't help but think that the UJ looks so much more patriotic and English than the SGF which I think has just suffered at the hands of Sun readers and the BNP over the years. the UJ makes me think of bunting and home made lemonade and waving the flag at the Queen! If she ever does a tour of Plumstead I shall get a UJ hanging out of my window...
Also I wonder how people can get flags twice the size of their windows but they don't seem to be able to manage to get net curtains or bits of sheet to fit and have to resort to stretching them across the window...

Charlton Lido

Opens again for the summer season from July 24th, according to the 853 blog. I have done some searching on this, not a lot of information around as the greenwich.gov website still has it showing as closed for refurbishment but if we get some hot hot weather I shall be taking a dip. Beats trying to get into the children's paddling pool I reckon.

Plumstead Leisure Centre

I know it still exists as Toddlers World takes place here every Monday and Friday, but whenever I pop down to it I always forget to read the notices or enquire about what else takes place here.
From what I can see on the Greenwich Leisure website, Plumstead Leisure Centre isn't part of the boroughs leisure centres anymore. At least there is no information about it anywhere. Perhaps I am not looking in the right place.
Does anyone know what other activities take place here?

Outdoor Gyms

I am really interested in checking this out. http://www.tgogc.com/find-a-gym/charlton-park/ I have read about them recently as I think the plan is to install on in Eaglesfield Park, but I didn't realise there was one in Charlton Park. Far more enjoyable that sweating in the gym, especially with summer around the corner.
I really like Charlton Park as well, the setting is stunning and the cafe is also nice, what a shame it isn't open on a weekend though (would have thought this would have been a huge coffers booster). Charlton House is always looking for ways to increase their cash flow so opening the cafe on a weekend when families always seem to be walking in the park would be a good bet. Plus after all that exercise in the outdoor gym, what you really need is a big fat slice of cake!

Beauty...

Plummy Mummy and her followers (I imagine her to be robed and scattering petals now)!! have been blogging about all things beauty. I have tried Connexions which is on Lakedale Road. It's OK it didn't inspire me to return.
I also saw at the Best of Plumstead stand at the Plumstead Make Merry that "Hair by Nikki" now has a beauty salon. I think this is the salon that used to be next to the kebab shop opposite the Shell garage and they had some lovely glossy little cards printed at the MM which explained that as welll as hair they now do beauty. Might be worth investigating, except I can't remember where I put the card. No doubt the Best of PLumstead website will have directions.
I have also mentioned before the Shooter's Hill campus which has a student salon, very reasonable prices and they offer the full works. I reckon you could get preened and glossed from top to bottom for about £30!
I also seem to remember reading about mobile beauty places that will come round to your house and do a bunch of friends for quite reasonable prices. Could be fun for a night in.

Pistachio's Cafe

These are the people who have the Cafe in Lee and also in East Greenwich Pleasaunce. They have their own website http://pistachiosinthepark.org.uk/ and they are looking for people to open a franchise. Am saying a silent prayer for someone in Plumstead to open one.
Someone, somewhere, must know someone who can make cake and coffee (I am very good at eating and drinking it).

The Big Screen

The centre of Woolwich has a rather large TV screen that is going to be showing I assume games from the World Cup. I wonder if it will also show any of Wimbledon?
They also have other screenings, films etc as I received an email about a ballet screening taking place this week (I think). It is great that they have it up, but it is right in the middle of Woolwich in a not very clean and not very attractive square. Sure when the regeneration has taken place then it will be good but in the meantime I think it would be better placed by Woolwich Arsenal or on the Common.

Making Merriment

Pleased to see that the MM was busy this Saturday. We pottered up in the heat and had a wander around the various stalls and then watched some of the bands and entertainment on the stage.
It was heaving for most of the day as we drove past later on and I think it really it a great community event.
I was also pleased to see on Sunday how clean the common looked, someone did a very good job at tidying it up and returning it to its previous state so well done.
I see that the Plumsteadshire blog has already commented on the Best of Plumstead website. I have had a look and it looks like it could be a great resource for all local amenities.

Plumstead Manor School

I had a walk around yesterday in the heat and it looked like some work was being started on the school. The plans still look pretty impressive to me and the Prince Albert has been boarded up now for a while so I am guessing that the work is going to start during the long summer holiday. Makes sense I guess to do it whilst no-one is there. Maybe they'll think to include a cafe for daytime use!!

sunny plummy

what a glorious day in the shire today! i have been gardening and pottering, how lovely. I see the weather is going to last for the Make Merry which we shall all be attending on Saturday. For those of you not in the know it takes places on a yearly basis and is on the common by the Old Mill Pub. I'm not sure if it has a website but it is just a family friendly day of local folk!

The Woodman

I was talking to someone recently who was discussing why this place hadn't been snapped up by any developers wanting to create the gastropub/foodie pub/restaurant/cafe that Plumstead common so desperately needs and desires.
Apparently a few people have looked at it, but whilst the previous owners did a lot to improve the look of the place with wooden floors, comfy squishy settees and wallpaper what they didn't do was build a blinking kitchen! How short sighted of them!
Now I'm not sure why the people looking around it can't just cobble one together but am sure there must be a reason. It is such a shame as it has a good location by the common, a garden area and is big enough inside to accommodate drinkers and eaters..

Danson Park

We toddled off to Danson Park this week, yippee for free parking and had a good old play in the playpark there. It really is a great playpark, lots of interesting things for kids to scale and play on and a few I wouldn't mind having a go on either. Which reminds me I must also walk over to the playpark in Winns Common as I read it was being refurbished and see what it has been turned into.
I do want to have a look around the house at Danson Park. I should imagine it would make a great place for a wedding venue.

PCEG

I see from the What's On guide that the Plumstead Common Environmental Group are having a volunteers day on Saturday 10th July. They are meeting outside the Coop on the common at 11am and will work together to help tidy up the common.I think as a group they do a really good job and it is nice to know that there is a large section of the community who are committed to keeping the area looking nice. It's a shame they can't come and work their magic on my street as some of it is looking really scruffy at the moment. People need to remove the mattresses from their front gardens/pavements, buy a few pot plants, paint and wash their net curtains. I am amazed at how some people choose to live.

Shhhhh

I am always amazed by how quiet London can be. Yes there is lots of lovely greenery in Plumstead but my house doesn't back onto it, instead like most I assume it backs on to someone elses house (he smokes alot outside the backdoor, guess his wife doesn't let him smoke indoors)! But it is really quiet for quite a densely built up area. Perhaps we just have nice, quiet neighbours with no children but either way for a really hot weekend there was not much noise around at all. I like it, still being able to hear the birds singing, mainly drowning out the police sirens...ahem.....

DA Downs Butchers

I read that they are celebrating 60 years of business or something this year which is fabulous. I do like family run businesses as they tend to try harder. It made me smile though as in the article I read the bloke who owns it talks about service with a smile and being helpful to customers...Perhaps he doesn't think much of me as I have been in there a couple of times and not found it that friendly or that helpful. What I want from a local butcher is advice and something to make me return more often than buying my meast from Morrisons butcher who seems to know more. still Downs meat was nice.
Perhaps it is because I can't step into a butchers without thinking of League of Gentlemen.....

Sunshine

Am wondering where it has all gone. The last two days the BBC weather man has promised me sunshine and to no avail. Still at least my plants aren't needing to be watered because they are under scorching hot sun! Still a bit of sun would be nice for the weekends planned BBQs. Having watched Jamie does Athens last night am keen to get re-creating.

My favourite house...

is for sale...Sadly it is on the market at £880,000 so I won't be moving in this month. Have a look on Rightmove in Shooter's Hill and leave all the options blank as it is the top one. It is on Occupation Lane which I love, really countryfied and full of pot holes and like being in the country. It is architecturally designed and must have the most amazing views over London from up high on the hill. Nice to have a nosey around it as well..

Hungry

I am starving, what I really want today is a nice Sunday lunch. I'm thinking of a big fat roast with yorkshire puddings and lashings of gravy.
It's days like this that I really grumble about being in Plumstead and there being nowhere to go. I just fancy wandering down to a pub, reading the Sunday papers and having a nice roast with a bottle of wine.
Honestly, I would have made someone very rich by now if someone had opened such a place.

What's On in Greenwich

We got this through our door the other day and it lists all of the events taking place during the borough over the summer. It is packed full of things happening in the local parks. Mainly music events, get togethers and craft stalls etc, but there really was something happening every weekend. It was great to see and hopefully all of the events will be well supported.
I am particularly keen on finding out where the butterfly park is somewhere in the Tarn in Mottingham..
I am off to investigate..

Eltham Leisure Centre

is still closed. I called up to find out when it might be reopening but the lady on the phone didn't have a clue. What a shame as I really can't bring myself to use the one in Woolwich or Maze Hill, both are far too skanky.

Daily 5 cafe

Does anyone know what has happened to this cafe? Everytime I walk past it on the way to work it looks closed up, are they opening later or have they shut down?
A real shame if they have. Even more of a shame that they didnt think to open up on the Common where there is more foot traffic,

Voting and queues

Seriously 7am-10pm how much time do you need to make a X in a box? Get there earlier, don't rock up at 9.30pm and be surprised to find a queue and that you won't be able to vote. I am amazed at the stupidity of some people.
Had more people been a little more organised we would probably have had a different result and not be farting about in this state that we are now. You have yourselves to blame.

Crimson Rose

I got some flowers from here the other day. I always meant to but never seemed to be around the dip when I remembered I needed to buy any for anyone. Since the closure of the flower shop next to Tesco (which became a clothes shop, hmm... and then another bloody hairdressers - seriously...) I thought I would try and support this one even though they do seem to constantly advertise flowers for funerals! Not very cheery, although it was the update of the sign to budget weddings that made me go in. Perhaps they feel it being an elderly area that lots of people die and as for budget weddings, I'm not sure the majority of locals get married, it looks to me like they just churn out children (harsh, but slightly fair)...
Anyway it is a lovely shop, reasonably priced and it sells plants as well as flowers. We shall use again for more blooms for the house. They have some lovely gerberas in stock at the moment.

Voting

Perhaps I have missed it but if anyone knows a party committed to bringing another river crossing/tunnel/zip wire to this part of London please let me know as they will definitely get my vote.
I often travel down the road into Thamesmead which is empty so I just don't get the argument about traffic levels, congestion and pollution etc etc. It can't be any worse than the traffic at a standstill waiting to get into the tunnel ploughing out fumes when motionless.
And who the hell thought it would be a good idea to put a roundabout at the entrance to the Woolwich Ferry. Very clever that so all the traffic blocks off the entrance to the ferry and you can't get around it.
Tunnels and bridges, that is what I shall be voting for.

Ice cream van

I keep hearing the ice cream van but I never seem to see him, only in the distance and he never seems to stop on my road, or if does it is not for long. I am sure they used to drive by jingling their tunes and then park up for a while.
I haven't had an icecream from one for ages but I saw some children eating "screwballs" the other day which I remember so well because I wasn't supposed to have bubblegum but they were oh so nice...
So if you know where the icecream van is, stop him for me!

Our Common Story

We bought this book when we first moved here. I think it is published by the PCEG and tells the history of Plumstead etc. I found it last night when I was llooking through some paperwork and realise that now we have lived here longer I at least recognise most of the places referred to in it. The front page has the list of the Plumstead Idlers I think they are called - essentially the main pubs. Ship, Star, Who'd have thought it, Woodman and the Mill (no mention of the Prince Albert, perhaps that was a newer pub) Anyway I realise that the Woodman is still empty. Perhaps I will write to the main brewers and highlight the need for a gastropub in Plumstead. If Mottingham, Woolwich, Eltham etc have them then surely Plumstead which is far prettier should have something. So I am officially on a crusade to encourage any local brewers, pub owners to invest in Plumstead Village...

Greenwich Summer Sessions

There are a serious of gigs taking place this summer in Greenwich, near and around the Old Royal Naval College. The line up includes Jools Holland, Seth Lakeman, The Levellers and Athlete (as well as the Royal Philharmonic but not sure I can class that as a "gig")...
You get a teeny tiny discount for living in Greenwich as well, yippeee, which then gets swallowed up by your postage fee but you can't have everything!

Beauty Salon

The lovely Dr P posted a comment on my Shooters Hill restaurant post about the fact that the Campus also have a hair and beauty salon. I have just had a quick search and it looks like it is amazing value. Just what everyone needs to perk them up for summer. At these prices I might have a bit of everything done, which I reckon would cost just marginally less than my last Nails Inc pedicure....
I shall let you know how I get on and how good it was...If you see an orange lady with wax rash and green highlighted hair wandering around Plumstead Common you will know it didn't go very well...

Plumstead Make Merry

Following on from my previous thread and threaders....
This year's Make Merry is on Saturday 5th June and takes place on Plumstead Common, in front of the Plumstead Manor School and by the rugby hut. I have been in previous years and it's nice to pop along, see some local faces and support people with stalls and in general the community. I think they had Morris dancers the other year and there is usually a bouncy castle and some other tot rides as well as food stalls and some general alround good feeling being spread.
I think it is great that a diddy community like Plumstead can pull something like this off.
Last year there was also a small music festival put on one Saturday over on Winns common which was excellent. We took up a picnic and lounged around having a drink and listened to some tunes. Great fun and cheaper than a day ticket to V!

City of London Festival

I was having a nosey around some other blogs and found some information about this Festival. It takes places clearly in the city around the end of June, beginning of July...you can find out more information at this chap's blog http://www.ianvisits.co.uk/blog/
Now that the weather is all sunny and fun I can't wait to get out more and explore. We had a lovely long walk last weekend along the Thames all around Tower Bridge, and then down the Southbank and way passed the Globe. I must get the boat in next time from Woolwich Arsenal.

Shooter's Hill campus restaurant

I seem to remember seeing something about this around Christmas time so have just done a search. There is a restaurant called "city view" on the post 16 campus on Shooter's Hill which is open to the public. Apparantly each lunchtime and also some evenings. What a shame they dont open every week perhaps on a Thur/Fri/Sat evening. How nice would it be to have a local restaurant. I am going to try and find out more. I know from speaking to friends locally and reading other peoples blogs that people want to support more local enterprises and are desperate for a local restaurant. This way it helps the community and locals. Think of it like Plumstead's answer to Jamie's Fifteen!!

Emmaus Greenwich

I discovered this place a while ago and always pop in to have a rummage..For those of you who dont know Emmaus are a great homeless charity whose shops are run by people who have been homeless.
They sell furniture, electrical goods, bric a brac, DVDs, books etc all at ridiculous prices.
When I think about the amount of programmes on TV at the moment and the trend for reclaiming old furniture it is no surprise that "junk shops" have their prices inflated. I was trying to find a lloyd-loom esque chair recently and the ones I saw where around £30...Good old Emmaus - a fiver!! All these bits of furniture need are a good scrub down, painting etc and then they look amazing (I am a fab of rearranged design and love what they showcase).
There are also some really good charity shops in Eltham that I like a rummage around them as well. So much cheaper than posh junk shop places like Whiststable, Alfie's antiques market etc....
They have a website emmausgreenwich. org and they are based just off Brewery Road..
have a gander..

Plumstead events

I haven't seen or heard much about the Plumstead Make Merry/the event on Winns common with the music/one day cafe/other events recently. Has it all stopped?
The problem with things happening locally, i tend to find, is that I always read about them or hear about them a couple of days before they are due to happen, and by then it is much too late and the diary has been booked up with other social engagements for months (don't you know)!!
Come on Plumstead if you can't produce a cafe/bar/restaurant etc etc let's have some info on your events!

Shooter's Hill riding club

I read that one of the legacies from having the Equestrian events in Greenwich is that there is going to be a new riding school opening in Shooter's Hill. I don't seem to be able to find out any more information about this at the moment but what great news to have something like that on our doorstep. Now if we can get a shooting club going in Woolwich that would also be great - although fear tot might be a bit young for that.

Today I nearly fainted....

I went for a walk around the Common earlier as it was sunny and I was off to enjoy the sunshine - well off for an icecream with a wander around the Common to ensure I lost a few calories on the way - anyway, for some reason I didn't see any dog poo...Not even on the pavement on the way to the Common...what has happened. Have the people with chav dogs being banged up, has the RSPCA taken them away? Is there a free holiday to Tenerife for all dog owners? My..
Well whatever it was it made a change to make it back home without stinking of dog poo - well done Plumstead!

Voting

So the General Election is upon us..Not sure why people were so suprised, wasn't it always going to be in May? Anyway I have registered to vote but what I really need is a website that simplifies all of the parties main policies and manifesto's. A simple spreadsheet would do me fine, outlining their plans for education, health, families, stamp duty etc etc so I could compare and contrast and see which party will work out best for me over the forthcoming years. Rather, what I have to do is wade through a ton of political jargon and try and decipher what they mean and how much of it is a committed policy. If anyone comes across a website that outlines their main promises in laymans terms then please let me know!

The olympics

I am very excited about the Olympics coming and it was great news today to hear that Greenwich park HAS been confirmed as the venue to host the equestrian events. Blah blah blah trees and conservation and a bit of traffic...Yes but an Olympic event in our borough (Royal borough as well) is great news. It will never come around again in my lifetime (unless I emigrate, highly unlikely) and it is a great boost, both economically and for the feel good factor. I really want to be able to take my child to the Olympics and have already signed up for ticket alerts (see tickets.2012 or something like that). I am also really pleased that the shooting is going to be at Woolwich (of the official kind, not the Saturday night, your gang is on my manor kind) and think the backdrop for the venue is going to be great - and it's in walking distance, so I don't care about the traffic!
Yes there will be some congestion when 2012 arrives. There is now (see blackwall tunnel and my hatred of lack of river crossings). But 2013 are doing what they can and all I hear is people moaning. Show some pride people, it is a great honour for London to have been chosen. The stadiums in Stratford going up look great. So, no more moaning about it. Embrace it and be proud.

New pub...

sadly don't get too excited as it's in Woolwich. Or it will be. I see that there is going to be a new gastropib (a chain one I think) in the Arsenal. Very exciting indeeed, things are slowly creeping outwards. Although I'll probably still drink and eat in Blackheath until something or someone bothers to open something half decent in Plumstead Village!

House Prices

I am obsessed with house prices. I have no idea why as we are not planning on moving but I keep reading that they are rising, back to 07 prices etc and then I read the trusty newshopper and prices in Plumstead seem to me to be falling.
Also i can't get over the discrepancy between the estate agents and also the difference that a road can make. I can understand if the decor is hideous or outdated but sometimes there is £50k difference between what are essentially just 3 bedroom, one bathroomed terraced houses.
You would have thought given their unscrupulous shenanigans that they would be rocketing house prices to get more commission for their very little work.

Doctor Foster...

Seeing Plummy Mummy's bit about the Daily Mail reminded me of an article the other week about Doctor's and their sometimes astronomical salaries. Apparantly the best paid Doctor in the UK - Dr Hany Wahba is based in Plumstead!
I can't copy and paste the link but the article on their website is all about Doctors in the Greenwich area. Bet Dr Wahba doesn't live in Plumstead!

Haircuts

How is it possible to have so many hairdressers in Plumstead. Every second shop on the High Street offers haircuts for a fiver..still there is room for an Iceland in amongst all the hair shavings..

Tired Dad

I read this blog following a link from Plummy Mummy's blog. It is probably the funniest thing I have ever read on blogs. God I wish my work had more lunatics....I am now a follower!

walking tour..

I've been doing a fair bit of wandering around recently now that the sun has been out. Cold still, but I love it when it is cold and sunny. Anyway I have been up hill and down dale and walking around a lot of the streets I have not been to before. There are some really nice houses around Plumstead and Shooter's hill and some of them are quite a size. I am guessing that it wasn't always quite the run down place parts of it are today. I am amazed by the sizes of some of the houses that are now flats, especially around the common road and at the junction with Burrage road for instace. Some of the houses on Red Lion Lane are also just stunning and what views from there, the clear days have provided just the most awesome backdrops. I am quite jealous of the people who can look out of their sitting rooms at that view of London including the Eye, Wembley etc. My favourite at the moment is a house on Occupation lane (private road, it's like you are driving in the countryside) which has a glass front. Great for nosying in, and what a view that must be (god knows what they pay the window cleaner)!

Angry in Plumstead

I have turned into a real complainer this week. Good job Points of View is no longer on or no doubt I would have written to them as well. Most of my emails have been to Greenwich Council, I have probably blocked up their email. As well as complaining about dog fouling, I have also complained about people parking on yellow zig zags outside of schools (well not even parking, more just stopping in the middle of the road to push their obese children out of the back seat), parking in general in Plumstead (what is with people, especially van owners parking on corners so you can't see the traffic approaching), and lastly the amount of rubbish at the train station. I have seen a rat on three separate occasions and given the amount of chicken wings and kebab boxes down there it is not surprising. There must be a tonne of people in this borough doing community service, perhaps they can get them to clean up dog poo and litter...

Dangerous Dogs

Recently the dogs that mauled the person on the Common last summer were found and taken away from Roydene/Tewson Road in Plumstead (I forget which), they even managed to attack a police officer during the raid. Then the old lady who was attacked was in Chislehurst. What is it with SE London and the hideous dogs? They are really odd looking as well with short squat legs I really don't see the attraction. Perhaps because I dont want anyone in my house to be turned on or eaten by one. Grim,

raining..

what's with the hideous weather. On the plus side I don't need to water my plants, on the downside my wall has developed a not very nice damp patch from all this rain....More DIY..great.

Comedy night

I see the next Comedy night is fast approaching, this Sunday in fact and I hope to make it. The next one is Sunday 28th March and I will definitely be going to that one, hopefully it will be a bit balmier than now!
The only thing they need to do in the Comedy Club is turn off the lights, they often leave them on which just makes it a really odd atmosphere and I think encourages people to chat away putting the comedians and the audience off their stride a bit. Apart from that it is a top night out.

Monument/Mausoleum

I've often wondered what the monument or mausoleum is by the barracks as well near Woolwich that you drive past by the side of the road. It looks to be all chained up and I do often mean to park the car up and try and have a nosey but it looks a bit rough around there so I've never bothered. It is, or was, stunning whatever it is and looks like it has the remains of an old drinking fountain in it. Anyway I have just mid sentance thought to google it and it is the old St George's Chapel that was part of Woolwich Barracks and there are plans to try and restore it, in time for the Olympics (Which I am very very much in favour of)!

Old Pub

As you drive up the hill which I think is called John West Hill/Road next to the Barracks there is an old pub on the left hand side which has been derelict and boarded up for many years now. What always amuses me is that one of the old signage lights on the outside is always on. How random and I always wonder who is paying the electricity bill. I also can't believe it hasn't been snapped up for re-development, that and the building on the corner of this road and Plumstead Common Road as well - the one right by the traffic lights. Certainly given the regeneration of the area and the Olympics (fine views from the building on the corner I would have thought) you would have thought one of the large developers would have stepped in. Although I'm fed up on part rent/part buy schemes...

Milkman

I had a leaflet through the door the other day from the Milkman (well actually Dairy Crest in Erith) that mentions an online service, whereby if you order before 9pm the night before your delivery will be on your doorstep early the next morning. They do much more than milk, although with having a tot and a forgetful Mother this could be handy. I shall give it a go and see how I get on. Very handy indeed for those who are lazy like me!

Another restaurant?

I walked past the old Lord Derby pub on Friday and it looks as if it is also being made into a pub/restaurant, serving thai/noodles! Gosh they're like buses...Anyway there was lots of banging going on inside and a right old racket, but it looked like they had some "modern" bar stools..I'm talking red pleather and crome! I shall wait and see. Really though, I love thai (especially thai), curries and chinese but there is already a plethora of these restaurants about the place and i would have thought given the current economic climate that something a bit different would get people interested?
I really really dream of a good local Italian, all pasta, house wine, garlic bread and gelato...There must be some Italians in Plumstead??!!

restaurants 2

I drove past the Kings Restaurant last night and have a feeling it is going to be another chinese/thai (oh please be Thai)/Indian as there was a picture on the wall of someone slurping noodles. Still they seem to be nearing completion and I hope it will be a success. It seems a shame to have more of the same, bearing in mind that the eat in noodle/curry houses are never that busy and they are plentiful but perhaps the bar area will be a joy!
In the meantime I am chanting, thai, thai, thai everytime I drive past it..
The other old pub on the corner of Griffin Road (opposite the Kings Diner, greasy spoon - same owners as the new restaurant perhaps)? also seemed to be having some work done on it. There was a ladder up to the flats window and some people busying themselves away inside. Perhaps that where Costa Coffee are going to take my advice and open up!

Bluewater

Today I walked about 8 miles around Bluewater. Slightly offset by the amount of tapas I had for lunch at La Tasca...I have recently discovered thejoy of voucher codes and now rarely leave the house without them. In fact if I have to go to Pizza Express, Strada, La Tasca etc (obviously not in Plumstead but mainly in Greenwich or Blackheath) and I dont have a voucher with me I get quite annoyed that I have to pay full price for something. I fear I am turning into a right old pikey as I hate to pay full price for anything nowadays. It doesn't matter that something still might be a couple of hundred pounds in the sale, it's the fact that it has been in the sale that's OK!

plants

this week I have been buying some plants for the pots in the garden. Now the snow has gone I am a bit fed up of seeing empty pots so I hoping for some early spring flowers. I am no gardener so actually I just hope they grow. I am also continuously on the hunt for plants for the garden that kill, sorry i mean scare, cats! Grr. Get off my land.
Thompsons Garden centre just over Shooter's Hill is a firm favourite for a bit of flower purchasing.

Neighbourhood Watch

I saw ages ago that there was a Police Neighbourhood Watch office that had opened on Lakedale Road (not sure that is the official name of it). But I have never seen it open, does anyone know if it is in business. Am hoping that is not going to replace the police station when it reputedly closes! Maybe I should pop in and ask them what they do there, if I can ever find it open..odd.

Comedy on the Common

I got a leaflet through my door tonight regarding the next comedy nights (Jan 31st and February 28th). I have often said that I am surprised they don't publicise this more, so am pleased to see that they are promoting it. The last time I went it was very busy and seems to be getting more and more well attended as time goes on. I really like the atmosphere on the occasions that I have been. I think the entry price is about right, the drinks are cheap, the people very friendly and the comedians most importantly have also been great (certainly in their interaction with the audience, after all there is a lot to take the piss out of in Plumstead)!!
It shows that local events will be well supported as well for any Plumstead folk thinking of venturing out into business. There is suck a lack of local things going on that I think we are so grateful to those people that do put things on!

Astro Turf

I am thinking of astro turfing my garden, has anyone done this or does anyone know how much it costs (I mean per sq metre as obviously you dont know how big my garden is).

Rhubarb and Custard

I read recently that a group of 4 Mums in Lee have decided to club together and open a tea shop selling home baked cakes called Rhubarb and Custard. It looks like it is being run primarily as a place where people can gather with their children but that it is also open to all members of the community. My God that is what Plumstead desperately needs by the Common. Somewhere with enough seating for parents and children and enough space for pushchairs. I love a good home made cake as well.
I really like the coffee shop at the East Greenwich Pleasaunce so that is what my vision is, shame I can't bake...
I often trot around the Common and it is such a shame that there isn't somewhere to pop into. The Sandwich shop on the Slade is about the closest thing to a coffee shop and that only has a breakfast bar to perch at...

Houses in general..

I was driving through Fulham on Sunday and forgot having lived over this way for so long actually how grotty things are in parts of Fulham and Chelsea. I think the stark contrast between the stunning houses and those left to rot is just easier to see. I don't understand how so many of the once grand houses have been left to rack and ruin. They are just beautiful in terms of their architecture but somewhere seem to have been forgotten over time and there are a number of what look like squats on some really posh roads.
How do houses fall into such disrepair. Why aren't they sold before they get to this state and why, when they come up for sale again (or seemingly they don't) aren't they bought and then restored.
It is not just a couple of houses either, and i can't believe that they are all being inhabited by mad old cat women (like the film Grey Gardens) so why has it got so bad.
Perhaps it irks me so much because I just think about what I could do with one of those houses in Fulham....

Dogs and Poo

I think I may have moaned about this before, but seriously what is with all the dog shit on the roads. I counted 8 separate ones from the top of Griffin road this morning. I also couldn't have witnessed a more stereotypical scene in the car with a chain wearing hoodie letting his pit bull/staffy/chav dog poo all over the pavement whilst he stood next to it having a fag. Christ, is it the more hooded tops you own the more likely you are to have an ugly dog with bowel problems?? Clear it up or I might follow you next time with a plastic bag of my own and post it through your letter box. As if the place isn't filthy enough with all the mattresses, car parts and dirty net curtains you add to it with dog shit (And whilst I'm having a moan if you have filthy net curtains, seriously, how much does a box of Daz cost nowadays, put them in the washing machine)...
Between dogs and the cats that poo in my garden I am seriously off animals..

help the aged

I was just reading Plummy Mummy's blog about helping old people (or just neighbours) and I offered a lift to an old man on my street just this week. He knows me to wave at but as I drove past him and wound down the window to ask him if he wanted a lift (he was walking down an icy road with his arm in plaster and is 80+) he almost recoiled! I think he probably thought I was a kerb crawler and hadn't recognised me with my coat done up to my chin! It was only as I drove off that I thought I probably should have said who I was and that might have jogged his memory, rather than looking like I was out on a pensioners kidnapping spree....It's been pretty treacherous out there for a while now so am surprised not to have seen more people keel over.

Princess of Wales pub

I had some lovely drinks at the Princess of Wales pub in Blackheath the other night. It really is one of my favourite pubs in the village. It is not terribly glam, in fact they have clearly had a leak in their conservatory as the wallpaper looks a bit tatty but it is friendly (They definitely have the best bar staff in the area, certainly compared to The Railway which again I really like as a pub but their staff are idle and ignorant). The PoW also has a very reasonable wine list and they serve lovely food that is great value as well. I also like the fact they have some toasty heaters in their garden for smokers (I also like the fact they have a lovely walled garden). The only thing I don't like is the fact that it is not in Plumstead!!

Death on the rails

I wonder if anyone has any information about what happened to the person found dead on the railway before Christmas. There doesn't seem to be any news in the local rag or anything so I haven't been able to find out any further information. It seems someone got hit by a train sometime in the early hours of the morning, but they may have been on the line for sometime. V sad and v odd.

The Capricorn Club

Yesterday I passed The Capricorn Club, a private members club on Lakedale road...who would have thought it. I am guessing it is not like Soho House, more of a crack den come brothel but sadly I didn't go in and investigate! Am amazed I have never seen it before, it could be the boost to the Plumstead social scene we have all been waiting for.

Brrrr.....

What I like about the snow and when the UK has come to a standstill is the way that on the whole people pull together and there is a real sense of community. People check in on their elderly neighbours, pop to the shops for one another, lend each other tins of beans etc...Having lived in London for over 10 years Plumstead is by far the friendliest area that I have lived in, in terms of knowing the names of my neighbours, using the same shops where there is familiarity and even being friendly with the lady in the ticket office as she is about the only person I see there. It makes a huge difference to know that should my house fall down around my ears that there are people locally who would help and not as in so many cases in London just step over it and continue. Perhaps this is because Plumstead is more of an established area, in terms of people having grown up here or lived here for a number of years whereas other more Central areas are transient and the sense of community is lost.
So well done Plumstead!

New flats

Those new flats by the station are coming on at some rate..Also I'm sure they seem taller than they did before Christmas. Perhaps they popped a couple more floors on over the festive period! I'm not sure why they all seem to have been designated for affordable housing though. I would have thought a mixture of affordable and private sales would have been more beneficial for the area. There aren't to my knowledge any other new flats in the Plumstead area (except above the new King's restaurant I think) and living in a new build appeals to many people. Not all people wanting to get on the property ladder also fall under the guidelines for affordable housing. We earnt too much to qualify for anything, didn't work in the public sector to get those deals, yet still didn't earn enough really to buy our picket fence dream..
Perhaps I'm wrong and some of them will be available for normal folk...

Back to reality

First day back at work for me today and as I trundled down the hill I saw a vision to behold..a new restaurant on the high street. Well the shell of one, it is not open yet and weirdly doesn't give any indication of what type of restaurant it will be either. I think it said something like "divine food to behold" or I could just be making that up. It didn't have a web address either only a number for reservations or an email address. Anyway I hope it is not another Indian/Noodle bar but actually a restaurant offering a wider variety of food. If it's children friendly I shall pop in during the day or if not I shall pop in during the evening and investigate..