13 March 2006
Hundreds of Eltham residents were given the opportunity to enjoy the great attractions and landmarks right on their doorsteps at Eltham’s annual Be a Local Tourist Day.
The event was organised by Greenwich Council and the South Greenwich Regeneration Agency. On the day local residents were given a guided tour of Eltham, which included visits to Eltham Palace, the Bob Hope Theatre, Saint John’s Parish Church, Eltham Lodge, Well Hall Pleasaunce and many other local hotspots. The Eltham Society also ran a fascinating exhibit in the Great Hall at Eltham Palace, ‘Eltham High Street - Past and Present’.
Beside the Palace, hundreds visited the other great attractions like the Bob Hope theatre and Eltham Lodge, home of the Royal Blackheath Golf Club. Club secretary, Mike Miller, said,
“Today we have had far more people through than we do even for London Open House. I’m especially pleased that we could open for local people who will hopefully feel we are more part of the community as we approach our 400th anniversary celebrations in 2008.”
Passey Place hosted a European Market for the day, and residents enjoyed delights from across the continent. Meanwhile, Debenhams were warming visitors up with free coffees across the street. Councillor Peter Brooks, Deputy Leader of Greenwich Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Human Resources, said,
“Eltham is one of the borough’s most cherished places, with such an amazing history and so many great attractions, sometimes people forget what’s right on their doorsteps. Be a Local Tourist Day gives local people the chance to discover all of this, and to enjoy what’s on offer to them in their area.”
ENDS
For more information please contact David Harrison on 020 8921 5214.
Notes to editors:
Be a Local Tourist Day is organised to support tourism development along Eltham’s Heritage Trail. Local businesses and organisations, Greenwich Council and the South Greenwich Regeneration Agency form a partnership to support this annual event, which is currently on its second year.
The Eltham Heritage Trail.
The trail gives visitors the opportunity to see some of the most historic attractions in south-east London, these include; Well Hall Pleasaunce, the Tudor Barn, the Moat; an open air theatre, Saint Johns Church, the Greyhound public house; which dates from the early 1700s, The Old Post Office building and Eltham Lodge; the 1664 mansion that is now the club house of the Royal Blackheath Golf Club.