The Blackfen & Eltham Chronicle July 2008

Chronicle Blackfen & Eltham July 2008 T h e Vo i c e o f B l a c k f e n & E l t h a m 40p Where Sold Your Local! NEWS • MOVIES • THEATRE • MOTORING • LIFESTYLE JULYwww. bexleychronicle. com 26 Movies19 Motoring 24 Theatre Call free 0800 163 186 53 The Oval, Sidcup, Kent, DA15 9ER 5 Lessness Ave. , Bexleyheath, Kent, DA7 5SH *Free Summer Check* on Alternators, Batteries & Starter Motors Cutting the cost of Summer repairs Batteries for every make of car BRAKE DISCS AND DISC PADS AT LOW PRICES W. UDEN & SONS LTD FUNERAL DIRECTORS The Family Business that still offers a personal service. Est 1881 ELTHAM 51-53 Passey Place, SE9 5DA 020 8850 2868 *24 Hour Service Branches also at: Petts Wood, Biggin Hill, Dulwich, Forest Hill, Sidcup, New Cross & Camberwell NEW COMMUNITY HOSPITAL IN ELTHAMThe Department of Health has announced that it is giving over four million pounds to Greenwich Teaching PCT to help the development of a new Community Hospital for Eltham. Local people have expressed a strong wish to see services developed on the old Eltham & Mottingham Cottage Hospital site just off Eltham High Street. Plans have been developed with local GPs, nurses and therapists and at a range of public events earlier this year local people gave the proposals a strong thumbs up. Jill Bell from Greenwich Teaching PCT said: ‘With this additional money the scheme can really move ahead now. There is a huge amount of work to do and it will take some time to develop the scheme fully and work with planners and others to make it happen but this large injection of cash will make an enormous difference to us’ Health Minister Ben Bradshaw said: “Changes in medical technology mean we can now provide so much more treatment for patients in a community hospital, in a health centre or even in their own home. Treatments patients could only receive in large hospitals a few years ago, will be done regularly right on their doorsteps”. A local resident and Honorary Secretary of the South Greenwich Forum, Judy Smith MBE, said: ‘members of the South Greenwich Forum will be delighted when they hear the news’. The proposals are for there to be 40 short stay beds with rehabilitation facilities, a Local Urgent Care Centre and a GP practice. There will be some additional services that can be provided in a community hospital setting including minor surgery and support for people with long term conditions such as diabetes and stroke. Dr Dermot Kenny, a GP at Courtyard Surgery and Chair of the GP commissioning group for the Community Hospital in Eltham added: “This development in the South of Greenwich Borough is one that the people of Eltham have needed for some time. We are delighted. ” “I am really delighted to receive this very positive news for patients. I can see doctors, nurses and other clinicians working together to deliver joined up care in clean, modern, state of the art facilities. There could be many benefits for patients and local people such as easy access for blood tests, x-rays and minor surgery. ” Around 350 over 50s from across the borough made their way to Eltham to take part in the fourth “Living Well in Greenwich” event. An event, jointly organised by Greenwich Council and a number of other partners, had previously been held at Woolwich’s Waterfront Leisure Centre but this year’s event took place at the newly opened Eltham Centre as part of plans to engage with all areas of the borough. The afternoon was action packed with more entertainment, information and healthy living opportunities than ever before. A host of stalls from organisations such as the Greenwich Teaching Primary Care Trust, The Stroke Association, The Handyperson scheme, Greenwich Telecare, University of Greenwich, London Fire Brigade, Age Concern and many more were on hand to offer a range of information on key services across the borough. Stalls boasting a wealth of advice on healthy living were also available with residents able to take part in a wide range of healthy living activities including alternative therapy treatments, Tai Chi exercises and healthy eating demonstrations with delicious fresh fruit smoothies. A Beauty Therapy Area offering head and neck massages and mini manicure and pedicures was packed to capacity while a Discussion Zone giving residents a chance to give their views on services and living in Greenwich attracted plenty of opinions. IT taster sessions designed to take the stress out of learning the basics were also amongst the extensive range of activities available throughout the day. Visitors were also treated to a performance from Green Candle Dance Company’s latest dance theatre production, Falling About, which was specifically designed for older people while a fashion show sponsored by Age Concern and showcasing the latest high street fashions, wowed the crowd. The Mayor of Greenwich Councillor Steve Offord with Councillor Angela Cornforth and others trying out the Healthy Living options “Living Well in Greenwich” gets great reception Bexley white collar workers to strike! UNISON, the public sector trade union, has sent ballot papers to its members on Bexley Council calling for strike action over a 2. 45% pay offer. Heather Wakefield, Unison spokesperson talking on behalf of their Bexley members said: “Our members working in Bexley are disappointed and angry. Four years of real pay cuts have left them choosing between putting food on the table or heating their homes this winter. “Costs of all the basics are running high. Bread is up a massive 44%, petrol 21% and mortgage costs 8%, but for some members working for Bexley Council this offer means a pitiful £7. 50 per week. “By voting for a strike, UNISON members can send a clear message to the employers that pay is an issue that will not go away. The employers must realise that world-class public services cannot be run on empty stomachs!” A variety of council workers covered by the pay claim include care home and home care assistants, housing and environmental health officers, refuse collectors, librarians, nursery nurses, lollipop ladies and school cooks. Over half of those covered earn just £15,825 or less annually. Seventy five per cent are women. Got a story? The Blackfen & Eltham Chronicle wants it! Email: newsdesk@bexleychronicle. com 020 8302 6069 Tandoori Restaurant(Est 1978) Fully Licensed and Air Conditioned Open 7 Days a week for lunch & dinner Re-live the swinging decade on Tuesday 1st July! Sounds of the sixties Show with Martin Reynolds (Creator and lead singer of The Fab2 Lennon & McCartney Tribute) singing and playing Electric Guitar The Beatles, Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, Gerry & The Pacemakers, Elvis, The Searchers, The Rolling Stones and more. . . 169-171 Station Road, Sidcup, Kent DA15 7AA Reservations: 020 8300 0777 / 020 8300 2527 Free entertainment for diners (Usual top quality menu) Large car park at rear