Minutes:
Sydenham Arts – James Hodgson announced that Sydenham Arts are planning a proper reopening. There is a film screening later this month with Hunt for the Wilderpeople on 24th July and Kung Fu Hustle on 29th July, both taking place at the Grove Centre. The Artists Trail is back from 11th-19th September and we are currently looking for people to take part. Classical music concerts will take place later this year, starting in September and another one planned for later in the year. Movement for Parkinsons restarting from 20th Sept. Go to https://sydenhamarts.co.uk/ for further details. Future plans to be in a position to lead on community projects in response to need. There are ambitious for a programme to support creative young people to help support them into careers.
Spontaneous Productions – Jonathan Kaufmann reported a successful run of the Gingerbread Man with Animal Farm (for adults and kids 11+) coming up next in Mayow Park for 3 weekends only from Saturday 26th June. Around the World in Eighty Days starts Saturday 31st July and runs for 8 weekends (no show on 4th August). The SAFE theatre project, exploring the impact of knife crime on young people, will be also be touring from September 2021. For details see https://spontaneousproductions.co.uk/
Sydenham Community Project – Alex Bourdelon announced the 6 months of Christmas project – whereby money for Christmas lights needs to be raised well in advance of the event in order to get everything ordered and installed in time. There will be a fundraising Karaoke event at Ignition Brewery on 25th June with free entry and a raffle to raise funds as well as a silent auction. For more info go to https://www.sydenhamcommunityproject.com/ .This year the project also received a donation of Christmas decorations from the company that decorates Oxford street.
The Grove Centre – Alison Cutts reported that the Grove Centre’s lunch club was turned into a successful food delivery project throughout the pandemic, with 4000 meals being delivered locally. Some groups have now returned to the Grove Centre. There are sessions for learning how to use a laptop. Some fully booked, but one space available on 3rd September and more sessions to come. Ageing Well are also due to return to the centre from September. Contact information can be found at https://www.thegrovecentre.org.uk/thegrovecentre.htm
Vaccine Pop Ups – Antonia Makinde from the local PCN gave an update on the vaccine programme, which is going well locally. There will be pop up clinics on Saturday 3rd July in Mayow Park and on Saturday 10th July in Sydenham Wells Park.
Livesey Hall – Julia Webb announced that the Livesey and some of the grounds next to it have been put up for sale. She welcomed people to sign up to oppose this and agreed to put something in the next Sydenham Society news.
The Sydenham Society – Annabel McLaren announced that the Green Group will be getting planters at the stations, a project that will involve local artist Dave Evans. A dead tree will be removed and replaced with a planter. There is also the clean up day as part of the Cleaner Lewisham Campaign event on Saturday 26th June between 11.00 and 13.00, as previously noted. Please email chair@sydenhamsociety.com for further details. As well please note the deadline of Friday 2nd July for entries to the newsletter, which can be sent to news@sydenhamsociety.com
James Ross Hunter Youth Support – Collet Hunter announced the following Youth First sessions: 3:15-5:45pm for 8-12 year olds and 6:15-8:45pm for 13-19 year olds. As well for families, last Tuesday of the month 6:30pm Bereavement meeting and first Tuesday of the month 6:30pm mental health support session and vision board workshop for families. All held at TNG Youth Centre. For more information go to https://jamesrosshunteryouthsupport.org
NCIL – Borough-wide NCIL Fund has launched with grants of up to £100,000 for groups delivering under a number of themes: mentoring services for children and young people, tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, helping people with disabilities and mental health issues find jobs, or the recovery from Covid-19. Projects must take place within more than one ward and funding is for 2 years. Apply by 25th July 2021. For more information go to https://communityfunding.lewisham.gov.uk/
Sydenham Park Footbridge – the Council has continued their investigations to assess the feasibility of various design options to improve access onto and across the bridge for pedestrians and cyclists
Girton Road Car Park – officers continue to look at the signage to promote the first two hours free
Sydenham Wells Park – Plant Sale on 14th July. Bat and tree walks have unfortunately had to be cancelled. There is an outdoor gym and mobile café in the park.