The Westcombe Society


Greenwich Park & the 2010 Olympics Equestrian Events The Society spent a considerable amount of time in 2009 in consultation with all parties involved in the decision to locate the London 2012 Olympic equestrian events in Greenwich Park. In January 2010 it submitted its formal response to London Olympic Planning Application for Greenwich Park.
The Westcombe News has once again won the Walter Bor Award from the London Forum for the Best Community Newsletter in London. Many congratulations to Neville Grant, the whole editorial and production team and to the contributors. Thanks also to our advertisers without whom the publication of the Westcombe News would be impossible.
Westcombe Woodlands Management Plan The original Plan for the Woodlands was superceded by one put forward by the residents of Lasseter Close and Ulundi Road, but this has been abandoned. Discussion has resumed between the BWC/BPT and the Greenwich & Westcombe Societies over its future. The Westcombe Society has opted to leave this original document on-line as an indicator of what the area under discussion is, and the issues associated with its future use. Map of Westcombe Woods
Westcombe News	Monthly Environment Report	Westcombe Events
Westcombe Directory	Westcombe Park & Environs Picture Archive	Westcombe Society Blog

The Westcombe Society is a fully independent amenity group which aims to foster community spirit and protect the character of the surrounding neighbourhood. It is currently considering applying for charitable status. These pages contain a range of information about local amenities – shops, services, schools, churches, buses, trains. Whether you are new to the area, or long established, we hope it will help you enjoy and support your local neighbourhood and make the most of living in this attractive part of Greenwich.

The Society was formed in 1973 following a severe winter with press reports of elderly residents alone and without help succumbing to the elements. Concerned that such events could occur in the Blackheath area, a meeting was arranged by John Ayling, Warden of Kidbrooke (now Mycenae) House, the local Community Centre. Such was the turnout that the Society, a fully independent amenity group, was formed with Tom Crowe as its first Chairman.

To disseminate information to residents a free newspaper, the Westcombe News, was produced. The late John Petty, then Transport Correspondent of the Daily Telegraph, a resident of Vanbrugh Fields, whilst not the first, was certainly the best known, and longest-standing Editor of this popular local publication.

The focus of the Society has changed with time and the needs of the community. The News has developed in to an award-winning, lively, monthly broadsheet of information and opinions about local activities that volunteers deliver to 3,200 homes in the area*. New technologies allow us to use our Web site to make the Westcombe News more widely available, as well offering more immediate news and feedback opportunities through the Westcombe Society Blog.

The area covered by the Society lies between Maze Hill (Greenwich Park) to the west and the A102 Blackwall Tunnel Southern Approach to the east, and between Vanbrugh Park/Charlton Road (Blackheath Common) to the south and the Greenwich-Dartford branch of the South-Eastern railway line to the north.

Our Planning & Environment Sub-Committee aims to preserve the locality for present and future generations. It monitors all developments, and has been particularly active in recent years with those that have occurred and continue on the 350 acre Greenwich Peninsula site - and their effect on local inhabitants. These include the various phases of the Greenwich Millennium Village, the Millennium Experience exhibition, Meridian Delta's new development of the Dome and its surroundings, and its use in the London 2012 Olympics. The Committee also studies all local planning applications and makes representation to the authorities when concerned about the effect these might have on the area. It maintains a high profile with the local authority (Greenwich) over such planning issues.

The Society’s annual programme of events, which are provided free of charge or at reduced rates for members, aim to appeal to all ages and to provide opportunities for both old and new residents to get together. Any profit generated is used to support local charities and groups. Society membership also offers a range of ‘Buy Local’ discounts. Both are listed here.

In the wider community the Westcombe Society is represented on the East Greenwich Management Agency, the Blackheath Joint Working Party, the Blackheath Society and on the Greenwich Peninsula Partnership Forum which seeks to guide the development of the Dome and the Peninsula. It is also a member of the London Forum and HACAN - Clear Skies, an independent organisation representing communities affected by aircraft flying in and out of Heathrow airport.

The Society is also now represented on the Blackheath Historic Buildings Trust (the Westcombe Society Chairman, Gordon Baker, is a Trustee) and the Greenwich Conservation Group.

If you would like to help with the administration or other activities of the Society such as events, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact the Society by any of the methods listed below.

* Members who live outside the Westcombe News distribution area are advised that copies can be obtained by post if they submit ten, large, A4, stamped and addressed envelopes to Myles Dove, 129 Maze Hill, Blackheath, London SE3 7UB

Westcombe Society Officers 2010-2011
Chairman	Gordon Baker
Treasurer & Westcombe News Advertising Manager	Marilyn Little (Tel: 020 8853 1312)
Secretary	Joanne Lucas
Chair of Planning & Environment Committee	Dick Allard
Membership Secretary	Margaret Ellis
Events Secretary	Joanne Lucas
Editor, Westcombe News	Neville Grant
Committee Members	Jean-Jacques Aune Sheila Baker Robert Bunzl Barbara Henley Marilyn Little Caroline Owens Patricia Slade-Baker
Planning & Environment Committee Members	Dick Allard Robert Bunzl Dr. Ann Hill Emily Norton Anne Robbins Lawrence Smith Invitees Local Councillors David Riddle (Web)