'The Pleasaunce Post'

One O'Clock Club to close?

Concerned parents have told the Friends of East Greenwich Pleasaunce that the Council is considering closing the 'One O'Clock Club' service for parents and toddlers as part of widespread cost-cutting measures.

We've also been told that Greenwich Children's Services are holding a meeting about the proposed closure in the One O'Clock Club building in the Pleasaunce tomorrow, Saturday 15th January, 11am.

This has come as a complete shock to us as there has been no prior consultation or even communication with the Friends group from Children's Services. 

We would urge all those with a view on this to go along to the meeting and find out exactly what the situation is and make your feelings known. Members of the Friends Committee will certainly be attending.

The service currently operates daily from 1pm to 3pm for parents with children under 5 years old. We're told the service could close in April, saving the Council around £25,000 a year, but this has yet to be verified.

More news will follow Saturday's meeting.

Apples, pears and plums!

   (photos by Steve Brain)

Nick Raynsford, MP for Greenwich (standing) joined Matt Wall, chair of the Friends of East Greenwich Pleasaunce, in 'wetting' new fruit trees with cider in the traditional manner at a planting ceremony in the Pleasaunce on Sunday 5th December.

Enthusiastic volunteers, young and old, helped dig holes, spread mulch, hammer in stakes and fit protective cages around the trees on a fresh, winter morning thankfully free from snow. Councillors Mary Mills, Miranda Williams and Alex Grant also showed their support for the event.

The 'Pleasaunce Memorial Orchard' - named in honour of the seamen buried nearby - comprises apple, pear and plum saplings that will complement the existing mature flowering cherries in the square patch of grass behind the south-west corner of the dog-free zone. The trees should begin bearing fruit after about three years.

The project, organised in conjunction with Transition Westcombe, was made possible thanks to funding from Greenwich Pride, Capital Growth East London, and Awards for All, and support from the London Orchard Project and Greenwich Parks and Open Spaces Department.