Greenwich boat deaths

Very sad news on the river over the past couple of weeks and both happened locally. First there was the tragic death on the Woolwich Ferry which is closed today as a mark of respect for the boy who died over a week ago, then the tug boat disaster at Greenwich over the weekend. I always assume that if I somehow fell in the Thames (I'm not sure what I would be doing for this to happen) that I would be OK, it looks quite tame and that land isn't far off on either side. Shows what I know.

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.

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.

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)!