Obviously due to the current coronavirus lockdown, many of our local heritage sites are not open at the moment and events are limited, however we will keep you posted regarding virtual online events plus events that can be managed whilst maintaining social distancing.

Gardening Events

Whilst we have been spending a lot more time at home over the last few weeks, we have possibly been giving our gardens more attention than usual, here are two events to enjoy below for those who are green-fingered, or at least wish to be:

Virtual Open Gardens

Is nearly here!

On Monday June 15th, the website opens to view the participating gardeners’ green-fingered efforts.

Many may know of, and even participated in, the Open Gardens project which due to the ongoing lockdown is not possible to happen this year as it usually does in June, however it is going to be held virtually instead! Each participating gardener, there are over 40 participants, will supply a video, lasting about 2 minutes, which will then be compiled and posted online.

The gardens range from National Garden Scheme participants to allotments, from the manicured grounds of Morden College to small suburban gardens. Some have commentaries, some a musical accompaniment and some the sound of water or birdsong. Although the preponderance of the gardens are in (West) Greenwich and Blackheath there are gardens throughout the two Boroughs involved. The garden at the Hospice itself on Bostall Common is taking part.

All proceeds will go to the Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice Emergency Appeal. For further information of their work, please click here

Access to the virtual gardens will be from June 15^th via the Hospice website, for further information, please click here. There will be no charge for visiting the gardens but there will be a link to a donations page and it is hoped that people will give generously to the Emergency Appeal.

The event is being organised by Hospital trustee Tim Barnes.

Greenwich In Bloom

The borough’s annual gardening competition is back! The Royal Borough Of Greenwich is inviting all residents to participate in the Greenwich in Bloom gardening competition, there are 5 categories, introducing the new Children’s category for all young aspiring horticulturalists, plus the previous categories of Front Garden, Back Garden, Hanging Baskets, Window Boxes or Pots, Communal Garden (please ensure you are adhering to social distancing guidelines). The competition opens on Friday 29th May.

Winners for the four main categories will win £100 for first place, £50 for second and £25 for third in Coolings Garden Centre vouchers. The children’s category will win £15 voucher.

The judges are Cabinet Member for Culture and Communities, Adel Khaireh, the Mayor Linda Bird and Deputy Mayor Denise Hyland.

To enter, please click here

if you are unable to fill in the online please contact RBG via email here

Happy gardening!

Severndroog Lates at Home

Whilst Severndroog Castle itself is currently closed, the Severndroog Castle Society is hosting a season of musical events which you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home. Plus it is also also hosting a number of events throughout the summer, in the surrounding grounds of the Castle, including the Charlton & Woolwich Free Film Festival, Vintage Jazz nights, plus much more.

For further information and how to get involved please click here

SEVERNDROOG CASTLE

Last year, Severndroog Castle embarked on an exciting new initiative, on Thursdays and Fridays throughout the year, arranging group visits to explore the Castle. Although in these current times, this is not available, we will keep you posted when the Castle is able to re-open according to Government guidelines.

Details are: available for pre-booked groups of between 10 and 25 people for £5 per person. Visitors will have exclusive use of the Castle for the duration of the visit and will be hosted by experienced guides.

It’s a chance to learn the history of one of London’s “Hidden Gems”. Hear stories about the lives of Sir William and Lady Anne James in the 18th Century; find out what Severndroog is, why it is here and what it has been used for over the centuries.

The building is so much more than just a folly and has now been saved for all the community to enjoy.

There is also an opportunity to see one of the best views of London from the elevated viewing platform. See no fewer than seven counties and, on a clear day, it is possible to spot Windsor Castle almost thirty miles away! Also, nearer home, view Eltham and the surrounding area from a unique perspective.

Visitors can also experience the unique area in which the Castle stands and enjoy a self-guided nature trail around the Ancient Woodland which is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. During term time educational visits for schools are available, and for youth/children’s groups during the school holidays.

The nearby Terrace Tearoom also offers a range of refreshments to be enjoyed in the Lady James Room to complete the experience.

If you are interested in making a booking in the future, please email here

THAMES-SIDE STUDIOS

Thames-Side Studios is a provider of affordable studio space in Charlton.

The studios are a permanent community for local professional artists and designers from fashion, jewellery, photography to graphic design, textiles and furniture. Set in a seven-acre riverside site overlooking the Thames Barrier, it houses over 500 studios. 

Although unable to be visited at the moment, we will keep you posted as to as and when the workshops and exhibitions will be back up and running.

Thames-Side Studios: Harrington Way, Warspite Road, SE18 5NR

For further information please call 0208 301 8844
(Monday – Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm) or email