NEWSLETTER

December 2011

 

“The best Christmas in years” is how we promoted Leegate’s Christmas Festival, celebrating a new spirit among local shops and community groups, supported by the precinct’s owners, St Modwen’s, to do something about the run-down state of centre.

 

Held on Saturday 10 December, we organised a host of activities – carols, bands, a rap artist and dancing – to keep shoppers and spectators warm on a cold day.

 

The community centre was brimming with people, entertained and amused by a magic show, face-painting, community stalls and refreshments, while Wetherspoons hosted a raffle for charities – St Christopher’s and Greenwich & Bexley hospices, and Click Sargent for children with cancer – that earned over £200.

 

Highlight of the day was the unveiling by Lewisham East MP Heidi Alexander of a community art project, featuring works by local community groups, schools, on the theme of new life for Leegate.

 

It’s sited across the hoarding along the front of Sue Ryder’s, which burned down last summer. Indeed, it was that disaster that prompted traders and St Modwen’s to say, “Enough... we must do something about it,” so they joined with Lee Green Lives in our efforts to revive Leegate. Sue Ryder will re-open shortly in the old Woolworth’s site.

 

In truth, the day took a few hours to get going, but by mid-afternoon Leegate was as busy as anyone can remember. There’s still a long way to go, but, as they say, “You’ve got to start from somewhere”, and these modest beginnings are enough to encourage us to hold regular events... Spring and Summer festivals are already being planned.

 

St Modwen’s provided trees and lights, and a spruced-up car park, while benches, planters and new, clearer signs are promised soon. We hope these commitments augur more improvements in the near future.

 

Thanks to everyone who helped – from those who worked tirelessly in the organising of the community project, the charity raffle, all the activities, the leafleting... the list goes on!

 

Our other news is that Lee Green Lives has had another grant from the Mayor’s Fund, voted to us by Lee Green Local Assembly, which we will be using to add to our increasingly wide range of activities.

 

Finally, all the best over the holiday and may the New Year be good to you.

 

For more information, visit the centre (opposite Iceland), or contact Lee Green Lives’ coordinator, Kaiya Williams, on 07594 656772. Visit our website (www.leegreeenlives.org.uk), or email: leegreenlives@gmail.com

 

We look forward to seeing you soon!