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‘We need to regenerate self confidence in Thamesmead if the area is to have a successful future”. That was the message from the head of one of the most influential organisations working in the area this week - and it was a message backed by a leading academic.
Trust Thamesmead’s Chief Executive Mick Hayes told the audience at the development agency’s Annual General Meeting, that Thamesmead had a very bright future if it could only get its belief and self confidence back. He said: “There are some extremely positive trends in Thamesmead today and we need to build on those for tomorrow. Once you’ve tasted success you want more ,and I am convinced that the negativity of the past is being overtaken by a growing feeling of optimism for the future.”
This view was endorsed by the guest speaker at the meeting, Professor Richard Scase of the University of Kent, who is due to present his report on ‘A Vision for Thamesmead’ later this month.
He told the audience at the Thamesmere Leisure Centre that “this was a critical time for Thamesmead which could go one of two ways. The worst case scenario”, he said, “would be a downward spiral where social deprivation in some Thamesmead neighbourhoods not only continued but increased. This was not being helped by the current trend of buy-to-let which is resulting in some areas, in a transient population which is contributing little to the fabric of the community.”
“On the other hand”, he said, “Thamesmead was better placed than almost anywhere in London and the South East to encourage inward investment and opportunity for sustainable growth.”
Professor Scase called on Thamesmead to find a champion to promote itself and seriously challenge the negative perceptions held by those in the community and those with the power to effect change.
The Chair of the Trust’s Board, Jackie Smith, said: “We have a very clear vision on how we want to see Thamesmead develop, a town where people choose to live which is at the very heart of the Thames Gateway. It is an ambitious vision – anything else would be selling local people short.
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The British public has spiced up its appetite in recent years, and it is said that the most popular meal now in the UK is curry!
The Royal Standard pub on Nuxley Road held a Charity Tasting Night on Wednesday [1st March] where curry fans were invited to test their tastebuds and sample a selection of authentic Indian dishes, at the same time as raising money for Oxfam.
The event marked the launch of a new weekly Curry Night at the Mitchells & Butlers pub, which Manager Maria Napper says had been designed in response to the demand for spicy foods from regular diners:
“Steak and chips will always have a place in the heart of British pubs, but we have to move with the times and offer people what they want.
“We have done a lot of research and there is a high demand for curry dishes among our customers and so we decided to dedicate one evening a week where we will serve a special curry menu.
“We will be celebrating the official launch of our new Curry Night menu on Wednesday by inviting customers to try free samples of the new dishes, with the option of buying a full meal if they can decide on their favourite! We also have a meal deal which will be available every Wednesday.”
The event is also running at other Mitchells & Butlers pubs around the country and 50 pence from every curry sold on the night will be donated to Oxfam for its work in the UK, India and other countries around the world.
The new curries on offer include Hot Murgh Masala - a chicken dish cooked in a traditional North Indian style, using slowly cooked onions in a spicy masala sauce, Gosht Masala - tender pieces of lamb with slow cooked tomatoes and onions, and Vegetable Curry - capsicum peppers, carrots, green beans and cauliflower, blended with aromatic spices and fresh coriander to give distinctive flavours.
The Tasting Night will start at 5.00pm on Wednesday and customers can take advantage of a meal deal, to include a curry and a drink for £4.99, served until 10.00pm every Wednesday.
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