News

The Big Bed Rescue has finally got underway. The work on the huge bed near the Café in Manor House Gardens was delayed by the heavy rain we had over recent months but the contractors are now making good progress.

The project is a collaboration between the Lee Manor Society, the Friends of Manor House Gardens, Lewisham Council and Glendale.

The bed has now been cleared of weeds and other unwanted vegetation. Any plants which are suitable for re-use have been put inside.

In the photo immediately above you can see the new central path taking shape. It’s designed to allow visitors to smell and touch the plants on both sides. There will be an emphasis on sustainability and drought resistance.

The path will be wheelchair accessible and there will be information boards along the way. We also aim to install bug hotels and birdboxes.

It’s hoped the initial construction work will be completed soon, and the design will be ready within a couple of months. Planting is scheduled for the autumn.

The latest planning applications and decisions affecting Lee are now available on the Planning page. They include the latest on Leegate and several applications relating to trees.

The Blackheath Music Appreciation Group tells us it is starting as series of summer term lectures on the music of Franz Schubert.

The series of 10 two-hour lectures on Monday mornings by British composer Matthew Taylor are at 10.00am in the Blackheath Halls and they start on April 20.

They will cover a wide range of Schubert’s offerings, from symphonies to string quartets and quintets, to piano music and songs. The lectures cost £17 each or a reduced charge of £153 for the full programme.

Residents are disappointed with the new look seating area at Hither Green. The original wooden canopy which was created during the pandemic as a communal space was demolished – apparently because it was unsafe – and after a long period when the area was closed off it has been reopened.

However residents are not very impressed. One said the new benches resembled coffins and the large planters look like industrial waste bins.

We understand that Lewisham Council was restricted by cost but it seems a shame that the spot – a popular meeting area for local people – has turned out to be less than attractive.

We are keen to hear what you think. Leave a comment below.