Celebrating Thamesmead

More than 200 people attended Trust Thamesmead’s annual National Playday held on the green behind Manor Close on Wednesday 13 August.

The event was rounded-off with our parent company, Peabody's offer of the very first open-top double decker tour bus tour of Thamesmead facilitated by The Brick Box which featured live music, sing-a-longs and ‘Thamesmead I Spy’ whilst touring the marvels of the area including Victorian Grade 1 listed building Crossness Pumping Station, one of the area’s newest and most amazing buildings The Link Thamesmead, the town’s hidden gem Tump 53 nature reserve and 20-metre-high landmark created from recycled excavated material, Gallions Hill where the 110 bus passengers were treated to spectacular views of London.

Trust Thamesmead’s Community Development Officer, Linda Delieu said: “The day was a huge success. Playday is a celebration of children's right to play, and a campaign that highlights the importance of play in children's lives and where better to hold it than in one of Thamesmead’s many wonderful green open spaces?” adding “ Not only that but it is thanks to our parent company, Peabody we were able to offer a tour of Thamesmead, showcasing some of the most amazing places in the area.”

65-year-old Terry Williams who has lived in Thamesmead since 1970 and attended with her friend, Brenda said: “It was great to take a bus tour of Thamesmead. Many passengers, including myself saw sights we had never seen before.”

66-year-old Brenda Anderson who has lived in Thamesmead for 31 years said: “The atmosphere on the bus was brilliant, everyone was singing along to music and taking in the sights.”

The day also offered arts and crafts and face painting as well as giving residents the chance to find out about the advice, guidance and one-to-one support service providers offer in Thamesmead.

Eunice Komon who attended the event with her friend and children said: “Today has been excellent. There is so much information on offer. It is fantastic. The children made friends at a previous event last week and they too are here today, so they have been playing together.”

Dad Emmanuel Omigie said: “I really only came today to keep the kids occupied and was surprised when I saw all the information stalls. I’ve found out so much useful information including Walking Football which I am going to sign-up to.”

Mum, Kate Okoro said: “Day’s like today create awareness. I’m lucky – I already knew about Trust Thamesmead’s job search and training department and their volunteering strand but I learnt about a lot of other things that are available to me and the event has kept the kids entertained too.”