Agenda and minutes

Cllr Jack Lavery welcomed everyone in attendance to the meeting

Grove Centre

·       Carole reported that The Grove Centre is about to undergo extensive building works, as described in detail in the Community Update.

·       Our Table Top Sale on the 4th November from 10.30 til 2.30. This time we have invited stallholders that make gifts for Christmas but also have our amazing homemade cake stall. We will offer lunches from 12 noon and hot drinks all day long.

Adult Learning Lewisham

·       Sidra Hill-Reid, Head of Community Education and Cultural Assets at Lewisham Council,gave a presentation introduction Adult Learning Lewisham.

·       This covered the reach and breadth of the service, the types of course that can be accessed, support for unemployed learners, the advice and guidance service, and partners and networks leading to referral pathways that learners can benefit from.

James Ross Hunter Youth Support (JRHYS)

·       Collet Hunter updated on JRHYS’s workshops, connected with over 2 schools and 4000 young people.

·       Excursions  to Kent, North London to celebrate BHM.

·       Focus group. Taking young people to Lambeth police station – mock arrest.

·       Training at events – platform where they can coordinate events.

·       NCIL funding to help launch this programme. Award from City of Westminster Faith and Community Award.

·       JRHYS are also offering a wellbeing workshop at the Fun Palace.

SEE3

·       Chris Best, Chair of SEE3, provided an update, including SEE3’s upcoming Halloween event. Thanks to Heather who has been working with some 30 traders to take part and Alex working on the posters. The Poodle Club are putting on their Haunted House again there will be a costume competition in the Sydenham Centre at 5pm.

·       In other news regarding high street traders, Santander is under offer. A few more shops on the lower high street seem to be developing something new. Thanks to everyone for Shopping Local.

·       Please visit www.see3.co.uk/copy-of-what-s-on for all the Christmas events - 2nd Dec for the Christmas Tree lighting - Our Lady & St Philip Neri School Brass Band will be joining us from 4.15pm with the lighting of the tree at 5pm.

St Christopher’s Hospice

·       End of life supportCompassionate Neighbours – befriending project – matching people in the communityCaring project Bereavement Buddies – people who have been through the experience of caring for someone who is then bereaving.

·       Thursday morning – peer support group

·       Art group every Tuesday for anyone with a life-limiting condition or living with someone in this position

·       Free courses for carers such as care planning, power of attorney, loss, etc.

·       St Christopher’s will also be runningart workshop as part of the Fun Palace

 
Sydenham Library / Friends of Sydenham Library

·       Ilse Towler from Friends of Sydenham Library provided an update on the library.

·       V22 runs the building and has just overseen a big refurbishment. With the library closed from June 28th to July 31st.Much of the main library hall was replastered and repainted, and new low energy lights were installed.  The library now seems much brighter.  A new issue desk and office were installed, making  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

On arrival, attendees were provided with post-its and pens and asked to write any questions down to be given to the attending officer for councillors to then address at the end of the meeting. Although no written questions were handed in, a few assembly members requested to ask questions verbally, as follows.

Q: Comment expressing concernover TNG if it is threatened with closure

A: The building is not being threatened with closure, but there are not enough activities to keep young people busy in the centre. There is a lack of support from central government for youth centres.

Q: Question about air quality monitors and what is happening with these.

A: Barry updated us on the air quality monitors around London. One in Mayow Road junction. Sydenham School Dartmouth Road

Wells Park down by 30%

Forest Hill School down by 31%

Trouble is that there aren’t enough monitors in the highest traffic areas, such as right outside the Sydenham Centre.

Q: Regarding Willow Way.

A: Willow Way planning application for 21- 57 Willow Way SE26 was refused and there is now a public inquiry

-  https://lewisham.gov.uk/myservices/planning/public-inquiry

Date of Next Meeting – 2pm Saturday 2ndDecember 2023 – followed by the Christmas Tree Lighting event outside the Sydenham Centre

Close of meeting, followed by the Sydenham Fun Palace