Hunt for Greenwich ‘social workers’

And you thought there were some weird people out there. But can it beat this:

Two women visited a property in Eltham last month and showed ID and claimed to work for Social Services. They explained that they had attended to inspect the family's child, following information received on the family.

They asked to examine the child and checked over their arms and legs. The two women also looked around the property, checked the child's bedroom and inspected the family's fridge.

When the two women left, the family contacted Greenwich Social Services; it was confirmed that a visit at the address had not been scheduled. The two suspects left without providing any contact details or paperwork relating to the visit.
One of the suspects is described as a white woman, with blonde curly hair, aged in her thirties (see the above e-fit / picture). The second suspect is described as of Mediterranean appearance with black hair tied back, aged in her thirties.

I’ve heard of people posing to be post men or charity workers – but this takes the cake. How dangerous can it get?

You’ve been warned.

What happens when bashment folk find millions?

The Hackney Empire promises to sizzle you this weekend with a tale about ordinary folk who find themselves with a stash of cash (a whoooooping $12million!). Now with the miserable credit crunch mood around town, you don’t know if this kind of story is appealing or if it’s a real put off.

Either way, Bashment Granny 2 will at least entertain you, if anything. Here’s a tip – look out for the pretty bar maid and the jail bird, they could get away with the cash. And what about the rightful owner of the money - would you seek him and return the money? I think that’s what Mr Bashment and Constable Shebada ought to do.

This hocus pocus show is filled with Jamaican anecdotes, in a story that explores friendship, loyalty and the trials of money (or having too much of it!).

Contact 0208 985 2424 to book your ticket.

What did the G20 do for East London?

East London’s capability to host a global event was tested last week with the G20 meeting in London.

What does the community gain from hosting such as event? Some could argue nothing directly. Local business people interviewed on BBC London complained that because certain areas had been cordoned off, customers could not come to their shops, and hence they had to close early because of no business. A lot of police resources were spent on the event as well. Because of the conference, a complete train network – the DLR – was shutdown, meaning hundreds of commuters, if not thousands, were inconvenienced.

On the other hand, for others like the local council Newham and the Excel Docklands Centre, it will serve their books well. For these the benefit is more likely to be long term. For example, because it has successfully hosted an event of this nature, the Excel is likey to attract more global events, and this will boost business confidence in Newham.

Seeing the trees for the woods at Epping Forest

I can’t remember the last time I wondered into a forest. But, rest assured, forests in this part of London (yes, they do exist!) are nothing like the eerie Hansel and Gretel patch.

This is why the Heritage Lottery Grant wants us to venture into local forests, like in Epping, so that we can learn more about what they have to offer and make the most of the experience.

The Walthamstow Guardian reports that the Branching Out Project will include refurbishing a retreat with a large exhibition area and campus for visitors to learn about the area.

Now where’s my picnic basket?

West Ham targeting Europe place

Local football team West Ham United is optimistic it will go places. Manager Gianfranco Zola wants his players to make a final push to get a European place.

The team moved to within seven points of sixth-placed Everton with a 1-1 Premier League draw at Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

Zola said: “It would be massive achievement. All my pleasure would be for the players. The players are strong. If you see some of the defending Scott Parker of Lucas Neill did, you will see they have a passion for what they are doing.”

Zola expressed this in the Manager on Monday column.

Students to design London Olympic’s education logo

Students across the UK have been invited to design a new London 2012 education logo.

After the public outrage the official London 2012 logo stirred when it was unveiled, I think young people will easily cook up something better.

To take part in this, you’ve got to be aged 16-21 and be in full or part-time education.

The image you come up with will create an 'infill' for the London 2012 Olympic logo. It must reflect the ambitions of the London 2012 Get Set education programme, aimed at involving children and young people in the Olympics.

From September, the winning logo will be awarded to schools, colleges and local authority education providers who join the ‘Get Set’ network. They will be able to use the logos on headed paper, website and school signs, as well as on a plaque and certificate.

Meanwhile, plans for the Media Centre (see artist’s impression above), have been unveiled.

Around 20,000 broadcasters, photographers and journalists will use the facility during the Games.

Afterwards, it’s understood the buildings will leave the local area with around 900,000 square feet of new business space.

New hotline for reporting shops that sell booze to teenagers

People fed up with anti-social behaviour caused by drunk teens in the area will be able to report under-age alcohol sales on a new especially dedicated hotline.

The Stratford and Newham Express reports that Newham is one of 11 London boroughs receiving £30,000 from the Home Office to tackle specific local trouble-spots of alcohol-related crime and disorder.

This money is available to the 50 priority areas in the UK and will be used to tackle underage sales, confiscate alcohol from under- 18s and to carry out tougher alcohol enforcement work.

Anyone who witnesses alcohol being sold to the under-18s or being sold at unlicensed premises can call (020) 8217 5971 and leave details anonymously and in confidence.