The Westcombe Society is a fully independent amenity group which aims to foster community spirit and protect the character of the surrounding neighbourhood. It is currently considering applying for charitable status. These pages contain a range of information about local amenities – shops, services, schools, churches, buses, trains. Whether you are new to the area, or long established, we hope it will help you enjoy and support your local neighbourhood and make the most of living in this attractive part of Greenwich. The Society was formed in 1973 following a severe winter with press reports of elderly residents alone and without help succumbing to the elements. Concerned that such events could occur in the Blackheath area, a meeting was arranged by John Ayling, Warden of Kidbrooke now Mycenae House, the local Community Centre. Such was the turnout that the Society, a fully independent amenity group, was formed with Tom Crowe as its first Chairman. To disseminate information to residents a free newspaper, the Westcombe News, was produced. The late John Petty, then Transport Correspondent of the Daily Telegraph, a resident of Vanbrugh Fields, whilst not the first, was certainly the best known, and longeststanding Editor of this popular local publication. The focus of the Society has changed with time and the needs of the community. The News has developed in to an awardwinning, lively, monthly broadsheet of information and opinions about local activities that volunteers deliver to 3,200 homes in the area*. New technologies allow us to use our Web site to make the Westcombe News more widely available, as well offering more immediate news and feedback opportunities through the Westcombe Society Blog. The area covered by the Society lies between Maze Hill Greenwich Park to the west and the A102 Blackwall Tunnel Southern Approach to the east, and between Vanbrugh ParkCharlton Road Blackheath Common to the south and the GreenwichDartford branch of the SouthEastern railway line to the north. Our Planning & Environment SubCommittee aims to preserve the locality for present and future generations. It monitors all developments, and has been particularly active in recent years with those that have occurred and continue on the 350 acre Greenwich Peninsula site and their effect on local inhabitants. These include the various phases of the Greenwich Millennium Village, the Millennium Experience exhibition, Meridian Deltas new development of the Dome and its surroundings, and its use in the London 2012 Olympics. The Committee also studies all local planning applications and makes representation to the authorities when concerned about the effect these might have on the area. It maintains a high profile with the local authority Greenwich over such planning issues. The Society’s annual programme of events, which are provided free of charge or at reduced rates for members, aim to appeal to all ages and to provide opportunities for both old and new residents to get together. Any profit generated is used to support local charities and groups. Society membership also offers a range of ‘Buy Local’ discounts.

Telephone: 020 79197546
Website: http://old.gold.ac.uk/world/westcombe.html