Category Archives: Royalty

Norwegian Merchant Navy war memorial planned for St Olav’s

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Plans to install a new memorial to members of the Norwegian Merchant Navy who served in World War II outside Rotherhithe’s Norwegian Church have been submitted to Southwark Council.

St Olav’s Square already includes a grade II listed Norwegian seamen’s memorial erected after the First World War.

“In close collaboration with the Norwegian Embassy in London and the Norwegian Ministry of Culture, St Olav’s church now wish to erect a memorial to the Norwegian Merchant Navy veterans who made a very important contribution to the Allied war efforts during the Second World War,” wrote planning consultant Andrew Renshaw.

“The sponsors are hoping that a representative from the Norwegian Royal Family will be able to unveil the memorial.

“The church has particular significance to the Norwegian Royal Family, as the church served as a refuge for the Norwegian Royal Family during the wartime period of exile.”

The proposed sculpture – by Nico Widerberg – would be cast in bronze.

For further details see planning application 20/AP/1360

Cycle Superhighway 4: TfL launches Jamaica Road consultation

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Transport for London has launched a public consultation on plans for a new segregated cycle route from Tower Bridge to Greenwich via Jamaica Road.

The scheme launched this week includes changes to the Rotherhithe roundabout, but plans for Lower Road won’t be revealed until next year.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m delighted to be able to announce plans to bring more than 4km of segregated cycle lanes to south-east London. We need more Londoners to cycle and walk for the good of their health and our air quality, and that’s why we’re working so hard make cycling safer and easier right across the capital. By bringing this route to an area of such high demand, this superhighway really will open up cycling to thousands more Londoners.”

Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said: “I’m so pleased that we can share our plans for Cycle Superhighway 4 just one week after announcing Cycle Superhighway 9. These new routes are a key part of our work to make cycling more accessible across London and will add more than 10km of segregated lanes to the capital’s roads. South-east London is an area of huge cycling potential so I know that CS4 will make a real difference to so many cyclists and budding riders by providing a safe segregated route that links straight into our growing cycling network.”

The Cycle Superhighway 4 consultation ends on 19 November. Further information can be found at: www.tfl.gov.uk/cs4

Consultation materials are now on show at both Blue Anchor Library and Canada Water Library, and public exhibitions will be held at the Finnish Church in Albion Street on  Wednesday 25 October and Saturday 4 November.

City Cruises co-founder collects OBE at Buckingham Palace

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Rita Beckwith, co-owner and chief executive of Cherry Garden Pier-based City Cruises on Monday received her OBE for services to the leisure and tourism industry and regeneration of London’s Docklands.

Rita founded City Cruises with her husband Gary in 1985, though the roots of their river business go back to 1976 when they bought a fuel barge which provided a filling station for many boat operators. In 1985 they acquired the company’s first sightseeing vessel, The King, which operated a daily summer service between Central London and Hampton Court.

Today, City Cruises carries more than 3 million passengers a year on a wide range of sightseeing, entertainment and charter services.

“This is a great honour, particularly in the year that we have celebrated the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London 2012 Olympic Games, with the spotlight on London and a legacy of increased tourism for London and the whole of the UK,” said Rita Beckwith.

“As a company, City Cruises continues to invest in the future of the business, our people and the River Thames, striving for innovation and high standards to provide the very best tourism experiences on our world famous river.

“In London we have better access to the river than any city in the world. The River Thames is the heart of London; it is enjoyed by Londoners, tourists, businesses and people of all ages. It offers people a moment of calm in a busy city and we at City Cruises are proud of our heritage for providing quality services for people to enjoy this city from its best angle.”

Rita is also Chairman of UKinbound, representing the interests of members to help them manage successful, profitable businesses that contribute to a vibrant and sustainable inbound tourism industry.

City Cruises managing director  Kyle Haughton said: “Rita’s ongoing commitment to developing London river tourism remains one of the key drivers behind City Cruises.

“We are proud of her achievements and delighted her hard work has been acknowledged with this truly special accolade.”

Barry Albin-Dyer appointed as Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London

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From the monthly diary of local funeral director Barry Albin-Dyer

I begin this month’s diary with joyous news…..I have been invited by Sir David Brewer, The Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London to become one of his deputies. I was totally overwhelmed by this invitation and of course accepted this wonderful honour. It was set before Her Majesty The Queen and I was formally appointed on Tuesday 9th October.

Notification through the normal newspapers will go out in November, but I am very proud to be able to share this news with you all. I am very much looking forward to representing the Lieutenancy throughout London when required and will carry out my duties to the very best of my ability.

If you look this up it has an amazing history going back to Henry VIII, when the Lord-Lieutenant was placed in charge of the King’s troops and the Deputy Lieutenants at a later date, were charged to rally to the troops. Today of course it is an Honorary role and The Lord-Lieutenant is often asked to greet a member of The Royal Family on a royal visit, attend special functions, support charities and other duties, so I am of course extremely proud to receive this honour.

SE16 people in Queen’s birthday honours list

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In the Queen’s Birthday Honours list Rita Beckwith, chief executive of City Cruises – based at Cherry Garden Pier – receives the OBE for services to the leisure and tourism industry and the regeneration of Docklands.

Dr Amanda Squires, founder of the ‘What’s on in Rotherhithe’ Group and the driving force behind the production of the popular Rotherhithe map guide, receives the OBE for services to healthcare for older people in her professional capacity as a physiotherapist.

Her husband, Dr Roger Squires, former deputy national chairman of the Inland Waterways Association, receive the British Empire Medal for services to Inland Waterways.

Prem Goyal, a trustee of Time & Talents, receives the OBE.

Jubilee street party in Stevenson Crescent & Catlin Street

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On Saturday 2 June residents of Stevenson Crescent and Catlin Street held a street party to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

“The mood was brilliant and the event went very well thanks to support from housing associations, The Hyde Group, Notting Hill, Hexagon and Housing For Women, along with enthusiastic residents who worked tirelessly to make it fun for everyone,” said Jean Douglas, Hyde’s regeneration coordinator for  Bermondsey Spa.

“Of all the events we have held at Stevenson Crescent, this was the one that brought so many residents out onto the street to join in and get to know each other. It was great to see so many new faces.”

The event saw more than 30 children make bunting and decorations for the gazebo, which Hyde resident, Irene Hurley sewed together. The Pye (Positive Youth Expression) Project provided the music and DJ-ing workshops turning it into a hugely festive occasion which they also videoed.

Resident Sharine Goring said: “I’m so glad so many residents joined in and we’ve been able to see what was just an idea turn into a fabulous event.”

Tracy Berry added: “It was well organised and I’m glad to have been a part of this; we can do more like this.”