Events

Scroll down to read all about the events happening in Thamesmead in the coming days, weeks and months.

After December, regular events are listed, so keep scrolling!

Don't forget to let us know if you are holding an event that is open to the public and we will add it to the calendar.

Bexley SNAP is running an autism support group today, 1:30-2:30pm.

2010 is the year of the Tiger.

The Chinese use the Lunar calendar for their festivals which is based on the time the moon takes to go around the earth, therefore the first day of each Chinese year will always fall somewhere between 21 January and 21 February. Celebrations last two weeks and end with Teng Chieh, the lantern festival, on the full moon approximately 15 days later.

Valentine's Day, or St Valentine's Day, is the day people openly show their affection for another person (or people!). Traditionally, on Valentine's Day in a leap year - every four years - women can propose marriage to their boyfriends.

The name shrove comes from the old word 'Shrive' which means to confess, which is what people in the Middel Ages used to do; confess their sins so that they were forgiven before the season of Lent begun. Pancakes are eaten on this day because they contain fat, butter and eggs which are forbidden during Lent.

Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent.

Trust Thamesmead is holding a public meeting to further discuss the use of the former Moorings Social Club at Arnott Close, 11:00am. We look forward to seeing you there and hearing your suggestions.

Wales celebrates its national day, St David's Day today.

2010 sees World Book Day celebrate its third decade in the UK and Ireland. Over this relatively short period, World Book Day has become established as the biggest annual event promoting the enjoyment of books and reading.

Meeting at Manor Close, the Thames21 Crossways Canal Clean up is taking place 12:00-4:00pm.

Commonwealth Day is an annual event during which the countries of the Commonwealth celebrate their links with one another. Held annually on the second Monday in March, the day is celebrated around the world, from the Head of the Commonwealth and Her Majesty the Queen who issues a special message, through to Prime Ministers and Presidents.

International Women's Day has been celebrated every year around the world since the early 1900's.

Meeting in Goldcrest Close, the Thames21 Crossways Canal Clean up is taking place 12:00-4:00pm.

It has never been easier to give up smoking. If you haven't yet given up but are wanting the perfect excuse to do so, today is it.

Meeting at Argos superstore in Thamesmead Town Centre, the Thames21 Waterfield Canal Clean up is taking place 9:00am-12:00pm.

Ireland celebrates its national day, St Patrick's Day today.

Arts and crafts, games, cooking, songs and stories for 5-11 year olds, held 30 January, 20 March, 29 May, 10 July, 25 September and 27 November by Thamesmead Christian Fellowship.

Meeting at Merbury Road, Thames 21's Thames Foreshore canal clean up is taking place 9:00-11:30am.

The most solemn week of the Christian year, Holy week is the week leading up to Easter. It is the week during which Christians particularly remember the last week of Jesus' life which begins on Palm Sunday.

Clocks go forward by one hour at 1:00am today as British Summer Time begins.

Passover is one of the most important religious festivals in the Jewish calendar. Jews celebrate the Feast of Passover (Pesach in Hebrew) to commemorate the liberation of the Children of Israel who were led out of Egypt by Moses.

Meeting at Hutchins Road in central Thamesmead, Thames21's Butts Wood Canal Clean Up will be taking place 12:00-4:00pm.

Also known as 'All Fool's Day', this is a day when people play tricks on each other - most of the tricks involve getting someone to believe something ridiculous, if only for a second.

Christians remember the day, Good Friday when Jesus was crucified on the cross.

Meeting at Thamesmead's nature reserve Tump 53, Thames 21's Butts Wood Canal Clean Up will be taking place 9:00am-12:00pm.

Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus. It is the most important Christian festival and the one celebrated with the greatest joy.

Easter Monday is considered the most important Christian holiday. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his death.

Each year World Health Day focuses on a subject of major importance to global health.

Meeting at the Moorings Centre, Thames 21's Harrow Canal Clean Up will be taking place 12:00-4:00pm.

Vaisakhi is one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar. It is the Sikh New Year festival and is celebrated on April 13 or 14. It also commemorates 1699, the year Sikhism was born as a collective faith. Vaisakhi is a long established harvest festival in the Punjab and had been celebrated long before it gained an added dimension for Sikhs.

Meeting at Sanderling Court, Thames 21's Harrow Canal Clean Up will be taking place 12:00-4:00pm.

Meeting at Goldcrest Close, Thames 21's Crossway Canal Clean Up will be taking place 9:00am-12:00pm.

Meeting at Kingfisher Close, Thames 21's Crossways Canal Clean Up will be taking place 12:00-4:00pm.

The legend of George slaying a dragon and rescuing an innocent maiden from death is medieval and is known today as St George's Day.

This year sees the 28h London Marathon. More than 676,743 people have completed the race, with a record 35,674 crossing the line in 2006 alone.

Why not pop along and give participants your support and/or donate money to a worthy cause?

Local History Month aims to increase awareness of history in a local setting. It is a great way for groups to highlight local history and for local people to get involved. Trust Thamesmead will be working with service providers throughout May; keep logging back to find out more.

Or find out more about Thamesmead today by logging onto the T'riffic Thamesmead section of this very website.

World Red Cross day explores the past and present work of the Red Cross and raises awareness of their work and their principles.

Arts and crafts, games, cooking, songs and stories for 5-11 year olds, held 30 January, 20 March, 29 May, 10 July, 25 September and 27 November by Thamesmead Christian Fellowship.

Let your dad know what he means to you this Father's Day.

World Refugee Day reminds us that some 40 million people worldwide are already uprooted by violence. They do not just flee persecution and war but also injustice, exclusion, environmental pressures, competition for scarce resources and all the miserable human consequences of dysfunctional states.

Arts and crafts, games, cooking, songs and stories for 5-11 year olds, held 30 January, 20 March, 29 May, 10 July, 25 September and 27 November by Thamesmead Christian Fellowship.

The month of Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, prayer, good deeds and spending time with family and friends. Fasting is intended to help teach Muslims self-discipline, self-restraint and generosity.

2010 sees the 11th International Youth Day being celebrated.

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year festival. The traditional greeting to wish someone a good New Year is "L'shanah tovah".

Arts and crafts, games, cooking, songs and stories for 5-11 year olds, held 30 January, 20 March, 29 May, 10 July, 25 September and 27 November by Thamesmead Christian Fellowship.

In recognition of the world's rapidly ageing population and the growing importance of older people in society, the United Nations has designated 1 October as annual International Day of Older Persons.

Black History Month was set up to acknowledge the contributions of Africa to the economic, cultural and political life of London and the UK. It called on the boroughs of London to recognise this fact and also intensify their support against Apartheid.

Clocks go back one hour at 1:00am today.

The Celts believed that ghosts came back to earth on this day. Many people around the world celebrate this old festival - but today people usually have parties, dress up, and tell spooky stories about witches, skeletons, bats and ghosts.

Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is the most popular of all the festivals from South Asia and is also the occasion for  elebrations by Jains and Sikhs as well as Hindus.

November 1605 saw the infamous gunpowder plot which Guy Fawkes pre-planned to blow up the English Parliament. The story is remembered on the same day each year when 'guys' are burned in a celebration known as Bonfire Night.

Remembrance Sunday is a day remember to remember those who gave their lives for the peace and freedom we enjoy today.

The Islamic festival Eid-Ul-Adha remembers the prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son when God ordered him to.

Universal Children's Day is one of the oldest UN days, and carries particular significance in the 21st century.

This is the sixth event held this year by Thamesmead Christmas Fellowship, who will be offering arts and crafts, games, cooking, songs and stories for 5-11 year olds.

Saint Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, Greece and Russia and was Christ's first disciple.

Find out about about international World Aids Day.

Hanukkah is an eight day holiday starting on the 25th night of the Jewish month of Kislev. Hanukkah (The Hebrew word meaning 'Dedication') is also known as the Festival of Lights. It dates back almost 2,400 years and celebrates one of the greatest miracles in Jewish history.

It was almost 60 years ago when the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, proclaiming that respect for human rights and human dignity are the foundations of freedom, justice and peace.

Christmas Day celebrates the day Jesus was born. The first recorded observance occurred in Rome in AD360, but it wasn't until AD440 that the Christian Church fixed a celebration date of December 25.

Boxing Day was traditionally the day when people opened a wooden or clayed box to share contents with the poor.

Every Sunday - Boot Fair - Birchmere Park

Birchmere Park boot fair runs every Saturday, 9:00am sellers, 10:00am buyers and every Sunday, 10:00am sellers, 11:00am buyers. £12 per car, £15 per van.

Every Sunday - Thamesmead Foodbank

It doesn't matter why you would approach the Thamesmead Foodbank. It could be down to a personal crisis, sudden job loss, illness, seperation or homelessness; no one in Thamesmead and Abbey Wood needs to go to bed hungry. Contact your doctor's surgery, health visitor, social worker, Church Minister or one of the area's other voluntary sector workers to discuss your situation; they can give you a voucher to obtain food.

Every Monday - Bexley Health Trainers

Bexley Health Trainers are volunteers within the community who are specially trained to help residents make health changes to their everyday life. This can include anything from changing your diet or increasing physical activity to find out about attending community groups and events which impacts upon your physical emotion, health and well being.

Bexley Health Trainers is one of many service providers who are providing their expertise and time for free at Trust Thamesmead's One-Stop-Shop, held 9:00am-5:00pm throughout the week.

1st Monday of the month - Book Club

The Thamesmead surfers over 50s group meet once a month to discuss a chosen book over a cup of coffee and biscuits, 10:00-11:30am, 50p per week for refreshments.

Every Monday - Family Sign Class

Everyone is welcome to attend this Greenwich Sensory Service (Greenwich Children's Services) sign language course in partnership with Discovery Children's Centre, which will be running 10:00-11:30am every Monday until 1 March 2010. Priority given to families with deaf children, so book early to avoid disappointment.

2nd Monday of the month - Greenmead Children's Centre Parents Forum Meeting

Monday Munch (Greenmead Children Centre's Parent's Forum) meet 12:30-2:00pm on the second Monday of every month, which provides the parents and carers of their child to discuss activities currently running and make suggestions for other activities.

Every Monday - Jo Jingles

Free classes for children aged 3 months-5 years, taking place 1:00-2:30pm every Monday.

• Interactive music
• Singing
• Movement classes
• Free refreshments

The aim of a Jo Jingles class is to enhance a child's pre-school education by stimulating their interest and enjoyment of music using a series of varied and fun-themed musical programmes with an educational slant.

Places must be pre-booked!

Every Monday - Next Steps

Next Steps free advice in assisting over 20s with understanding the job market, searching for and applying for jobs, improving interview techniques and developing a good CV, every Monday and Thursday.

Next Steps is one of many service providers who are providing their expertise and time for free at Trust Thamesmead's One-Stop-Shop, held 9:00am-5:00pm throughout the week.

Every Monday - Sit and Get Fit

Active for Health in Greenwich is working in partnership with the Government's Change for Life and offering free Sit and Get Fit, 10:45-11:30am.

Every Monday - The Links Klub

Calling all 10-19 year olds! The Links Youth Klub got together at the end of 2009. If you are interested in pool, drama, cooking and/or receiving career and personal development skills, get in touch!

6:00-9:00pm Mondays, 3:00-6:00pm Saturdays. Lottery funded.

Every Tuesday - Advocacy for Older People in Greenwich

Advocacy for Older People in Greenwich assists over 55s on a one-to-one basis if they have difficulties speaking for themselves regarding their rights and entitlements. Home visits available.

Advocacy for Older People in Greenwich is one of many service providers who are providing their expertise and time for free at Trust Thamesmead's One-Stop-Shop, held 9:00am-5:00pm throughout the week.

Every Tuesday - Baby Group

Are you a new mum with lots of questions you need answers to? Then look no further! A Health Visitor and Nursery Nurse will be on hand to give you all the advice and guidance you need at this weekly drop-in session, 10:00am-12:00pm.

Every Tuesday - Brownies

Open to 7-10 year olds who would like to join in games and lots of fun, whilst earning their badges. 6:00-7:30pm.

Last Tuesday of the month - Craft Group

Thamesmead Surfers over 50s group meet 11:00am-1:00pm on the last Tuesday of each month to watch demonstrations and take part in making cards, bookmarks, flower arranging and more. 50p per week for refreshments and some members stay for a pub lunch afterwards.

Every Tuesday - French Club

French classes for 4-8 year olds and their siblings; learning basic French through writing, song and play. 50p per session, 3:45-5:00pm every Tuesday, taking place 12 January-23 March 2010.

Every Tuesday - Help the Aged

Help the Aged will be at Trust Thamesmead's office in Thamesmead Town Centre every Tuesday morning to speak to Thamesmead residents aged 60+ who have concerns regarding a number of different issues including fuel poverty and benefit advice. Home visits available.

Help the Aged is one of many service providers who are providing their expertise and time for free at Trust Thamesmead's One-Stop-Shop, held 9:00am-5:00pm throughout the week.

Every Tuesday - Line Dancing

Active for Health in Greenwich is working in partnership with the Government's Change for Life and offering free Line Dancing classes, 12:30-1:30pm.

Every Tuesday - Shaw Trust

Are you ready for a change? Not working because of your drugs misuse? Shaw Trust is available every month on a Tuesday afternoon at Trust Thamesmead in Thamesmead Town Centre to help those who have suffered with an addiction to drink or drugs and would like free and confidential support.

Shaw Trust can help you:

• Find a job
• Suitable training courses
• with writing your CV
• Improve your confidence
• Access benefit information
• To understand when and how to declare conviction

Shaw Trust is one of many service providers who are providing their expertise and time for free at Trust Thamesmead's One-Stop-Shop, held 9:00am-5:00pm throughout the week.

Every Wednesday - Baby and Toddler Rhyme Time

Free baby and toddler rhyme time, 10:30-11:00am during term time only. Please call Claude Ramsey Library for more information.

Every Wednesday - Body Conditioning

Active for Health in Greenwich is working in partnership with the Government's Change for Life and offering free Body Conditioning classes, 1:00-2:00pm.

Every Wednesday - Exercise to Music

Active for Health in Greenwich is working with Trust Thamesmead, Discovery, SureStart and Change for Life in promoting exercise. Adults only. 1:00-2:00pm.

Every Wednesday - First Step Trust

Every Wednesday First Step Trust assist clients with mental health issues and can fund training and work placements, help with CV writing and work references.

First Step Trust is one of many service providers who are providing their expertise and time for free at Trust Thamesmead's One-Stop-Shop, held 9:00am-5:00pm throughout the week.

Every Wednesday - Fishing Club

Fishing coaches are on hand to instruct and guide you. Beginners welcome. All equipment and bait is supplied. Please call for times and dates.

1st Wednesday of the month - Greenmead Children Centre's Drop-In

A drop-on in for parents/carers and children aged 0-8 years old, 3:30-5:00pm.

Every Wednesday - Over 50's Chair Based Exercise Class

Calling all adults over 50! The Friends of the Atrium run a free chair exercise class, tailor made to meet individual requirements.Trust Thamesmead has secured funding from City Bridge Trust, so it is free for Thamesmead residents.

4:30-5:30pm. Places must be pre-booked.

Every Wednesday - Resources Plus

Resources Plus is on hand to help Bexley Thamesmead residents with job training and job searches, 10:00am-4:00pm every Wednesday.

Resources Plus is one of many service providers who are providing their expertise and time for free at Trust Thamesmead's One-Stop-Shop, held 9:00am-5:00pm throughout the week.

Every Wednesday - Tai Chi Classes

Active for Health in Greenwich hold a Tai Chi class 11:15am-12:45pm every Wednesday.

Tai Chi is an ancient form of Chinese co-ordinated body movements, focusing on harmonising the mind, body and spirit and promoting both mental and physical well-being through softness and relaxation.

Every Wednesday - Thamesmead Fit Club

Trust Thamesmead is working in partnership with Pro-active, Bexley NHS Care Trust and the London Borough of Bexley, in bringing you a weekly weigh-in and group support to help Thamesmead residents loose weight and become active; includes two free activity sessions each week!  Taking place 10:00-11:00am.

In addition, the following physical activity sessions will be available at the Business Academy Bexley, Yarnton Way. The sessions are free to Thamesmead Community Fit Club members who produce a voucher and just £2.50 for non members.

Mondays     5:30-6:30pm     Circuits
Tuesdays   5:15-6:15pm      Legs, bums and tums
Thursdays  5:30-6:30pm      Hula-cise

Every Wednesday - Wednesday Club

Available most Wednesday's of the year (we advise you phone before you attend) is an activities evening for 5-11 year olds, including games, arts and crafts, table tennis and more! 6:45-8:00pm. Just 50p!

3rd Thursday of the month - HER Centre

HER Centre - A free support group offering women specialist training and confidence building to help the progress of personal growth, every third Thursday of the month, 2:00-5:00pm.

HER Centre is one of many service providers who are providing their expertise and time for free at Trust Thamesmead's One-Stop-Shop, held 9:00am-5:00pm throughout the week.

1st Thursday of the month - Migrant Advice Service

Open to refugees who have lived in the UK for less than 10 years and who would like general advice, particularly those whose first language isn't English. Drop in sessions 10:00am-12:00pm and 1:00-3:00pm.

Every Thursday - Next Step Advice

Next Steps free advice in assisting over 20s with understanding the job market, searching for and applying for jobs, improving interview techniques and developing a good CV, every Mondays and Thursdays.

Next Steps is one of many service providers who are providing their expertise and time for free at Trust Thamesmead's One-Stop-Shop, held 9:00am-5:00pm throughout the week.

Every Thursday - Thamesmead Law Centre

Thamesmead Law Centre will be on hand to assist Thamesmead residents with free housing advice and guidance, 9:30am-12:30pm every Thursday as part of Trust Thamesmead's One-Stop-Shop.

Thamesmead Law Centre is one of many service providers who are providing their expertise and time for free at Trust Thamesmead's One-Stop-Shop, held 9:00am-5:00pm throughout the week.

Every other Thursday - Thamesmead Youth Voice

If you are aged 11-19 and want to have your say and be heard, then look no further!

Trust Thamesmead's free youth forum, Thamesmead Youth Voice, meet 5:30-7:30pm on the first and third Tuesday of every month and want you to join in:

• Topical debates
• Training opportunities
• Event organising
• Fun activities

Every Thursday - Tots to Toddlers

Sure Start fun acitivies drop in service for parents and children aged nine months - three years. 10:00am-12:00pm including snack time.

1st Friday of the month - Craft Activity

Free craft activity for primary school children, 3:45-4:45pm.

Every Friday - Family Information Service

The Family Information Service offers advice on childcare, as well as other services and activities available to families with children and young people aged 0-19.

Family Information Service is one of many service providers who are providing their expertise and time for free at Trust Thamesmead's One-Stop-Shop, held 9:00am-5:00pm throughout the week.

Every Friday - Fresh Fruit and Veg Stall

Trust Thamesmead and Greenwich Community Food Coop launched a weekly fresh fruit and veg stall in September 2007.

Available 10:00am-2:00pm every Friday. Benefits include...

• Delicious fresh fruit and veg
• Great prices
• Pre-ordering option
• Run by the community for the community
• Healthy Start vouchers accepted

We are looking for volunteers to help man the stall. If you can spare 1-4 hours every Friday and want to gain experience in customer service, retail and money handling, get in touch! Call Trust Thamesmead's Community Development Officers - Roz or Linda, 020 8320 4470.

Every Friday - Gllab

GLLaB provides information, advice and guidance to unemployed Greenwich residents including training and work experience to help customers gain qualifications and skills to get back into work. Every Friday.

GLLaB is one of many service providers who are providing their expertise and time for free at Trust Thamesmead's One-Stop-Shop, held 9:00am-5:00pm throughout the week.

Every Friday - Nordic Walking

Active for Health in Greenwich is working with Trust Thamesmead, Discovery, SureStart and Change for Life in promoting nordic walks, 9:15-10:15am.

Every Friday - Supporting Parents Course

This five week free course is run for and by parents of children with learning disabilities and behavioural conditions. Running 10:30am-1:00pm, 26 February-26 March 2010. Refreshments and lunch provided, as is a limited creche.

Every Friday - Taekwondo

Taekwondo, 6:00-8:00pm every Friday from £34.99 per month. Free uniform. Find out more: www.tangun-taekwondo.com

Every Friday - Tai Chi Classes

Free Tai Chi sessions, 11:15am-12:45pm in conjunction with Active for Health Greenwich, NHS Greenwich and Trust Thamesmead. Helping to improve balance, strength, co-ordination as well as promoting health and well-being.

3rd Friday of the month - Thamesmead Moorings Safer Neighbourhoods Team Drop in Surgeries

Pop in and meet your local Safer Neighbourhood Officers and discuss with them any concerns that you have about your local community, 6:30-7:30pm on the 3rd Friday of every month.

Every Friday - Walks

Join a manned walk around Bostall Heath from the Bowling Green, 10:00am every Friday.

Every Saturday - Boot Fair - Birchmere Park

Birchmere Park boot fair runs every Saturday, 9:00am sellers, 10:00am buyers and every Sunday, 10:00am sellers, 11:00am buyers. £12 per car, £15 per van.

Every Saturday - Family Learning

Adult Education Bexley is offering parents in on the Bexley side of Thamesmead the chance to participate in free courses with their child/ren. These include bead craft, ICT, first aid, Spanish, wildlife, arts and crafts and other curriculum activities. Contact Chris or Angela for further information.

1st Saturday of the month - Greenmead Children Centre's Family Fun Afternoons

Open to all the family, 2:00-4:00pm on the first Saturday of every month. Free.

1st Saturday of the month - Relaxation Sessions

Taster sessions of reflexology, massage, healing, hypnotherapy and other forms of stress management by the Feel Good Cooperative for just £5. Open 11:30am-1:00pm. Please call to make an appointment.

Every Saturday - SNAP's Saturday Fun Club

SNAP's Saturday Fun Club is held in Thamesmead and costs just £1 per session. Open to children aged 3-10 years old who cannot access mainstream provisions. Lots to do including arts and crafts, dressing up, games, a quiet area and safe outside area with bikes and ball games. There is a small waiting list.

Every Saturday - South East Circular Football Sessions

Two free 1 hour and 15 minute football sessions for under 12s and under 15s, 10:00am-1:00pm every Saturday.

1st Saturday of the month - Thamesmead Moorings Safer Neighbourhoods Team Drop in Surgeries

Pop in and meet your local Safer Neighbourhood Officers and discuss with them any concerns that you have about your local community, 10:30-11:30am on the 1st Saturday of each month.