So people drive to places they can walk to...

Greenhithe Marina Residents Association

Up-coming Events & News The Country's Biggest indoor street party to be held at Bluewater

Biggest indoor street party to be held at Bluewater

The News Shopper reported 3:00pm Sunday 20th May 2012 in News By Jim Palmer

Biggest indoor street party to be held at Bluewater

THE COUNTRY’S biggest indoor street party marking the Diamond Jubilee is expected to be held at Bluewater. 

The party will be held at the Greenhithe shopping centre's events venue, Glow, as part of the Great British Home Show, which runs from May 31 to June 4, and will include fairground attractions, street entertainers and musicians.

There will be high quality food and drinks available, while the show will also feature expert advice and the chance to pick up inspiration or exclusive furnishings from top home and garden designers.

Go to gbhomeshow.co.uk for information.

 

8 Mighty Brave Men run 10 miles with 13ft long telegraph pole for charity

A TRIBUTE TO 8 MIGHTY BRAVE MEN

I don't know what I've been told, but eight mighty brave men will carry me home... 

I don't know what I've been told, sun shines bright but I'm still cold, (eight mighty brave men will carry you home, carry you home)

I don't know what you've been told (I don't know what I've been told) but eight mighty brave men will carry you home, will carry me home...

The sun shines bright and you're still cold (sun shines bright and you're still cold) eight mighty brave men will carry you home, carry you home

Though you may be far away (though you may be far away) eight mighty brave men will carry you home

I know you will be back someday (I know you will be back someday) eight mighty brave men will carry you home, will carry you home...

Tony Sprigmore, Tony Barnes, James & Thompson; Richard Collins, John Ball, Rob Wortham, Simon Bartlett and Ted Crouch

Eight brave men, some ex-servicemen, started the run at Strood Fire Station and finished at Greenhithe and Swanscombe Royal British Legion’s club house in London Road, Greenhithe on May 19 2012.

They raised around £2,000 for charity Pilgrim Bandits that funds research into prosthetics for wounded soldiers.
Source News Shopper Full story...

Councillor's Surgeries in Greenhithe and Knockhall

The Town Council provide the opportunity for the Borough, Kent County and Town Councillors, representing Swanscombe and Greenhithe, to hold surgeries for members of the public . This enables you to meet, ask questions, share views, concerns and ideas you have about YOUR Town and will take place on the first Sunday of each month

The Borough Councillors for Greenhithe will be holding surgeries at the following dates and locations. All are welcome.

Dartford Borough Councillor Surgeries held within Greenhithe Village.

Venue: Asda Cafe, Greenhithe Village.
Date: for the period of Friday 3 June 2011 to Saturday 3 May 2014

Time: 10:30am 12pm (noon)

Details:

Cllr Susan Butterfill

• Dartford Borough Councillor for Greenhithe Ward  Sue Butterfill  will be holding surgeries at the Asda Cafe in Greenhithe from 10.30am to noon on the second Sunday of every month (excluding August). 
• For more information please call Cllr Butterfill on 07757 494621 or alternatively you can contact your local Councillor by emailing questions and comments to susan.butterfill@dartford.gov.uk,  

Dartford Borough Councillor Surgeries held within Knockhall.

Venue: Greenhithe Community Centre Alexander Road Knockhall.
Date: for the period of Friday 3 June 2011 to Saturday 3 May 2014

Time: 7pm to 9pm

Details:

Cllr Kieth Kelly

Cllr David Mote

• Dartford Borough Councillors for Greenhithe Ward   Keith Kelly and   David Mote, will be holding surgeries at the Greenhithe Community Centre in Alexander Road Knockhall from 7pm until 9pm on the first and third Friday of every month. 
• For more information you can call either 
• Cllr Kelly on mobile 07534 980500 or via email at kieth.kelly@dartford.gov.uk or 
• Cllr Mote on Mobile 07712 543711 email at david.mote@dartford.gov.uk 

• Alternatively you can email questions and  comments to motekellymorris@hotmail.co.uk

Dartford Borough Councillor Surgeries held within Swanscombe.

Venue: Community Hall, Council Offices, The Grove, Swanscombe.

Date: Sunday 5 June, 2011 to Sunday 6 July, 2014
Time: 10:30 to 12:00

Details:

Councillor's Surgeries in Swanscombe. 

The Town Council also provides the opportunity for the Borough, Kent County and Town Councillors, representing Swanscombe to hold surgeries for members of the public .

This enables you to meet, ask questions, share views, concerns and ideas you have about YOUR Town and will take place on the first Sunday of each month. 

Councillor B. E. Read

Councillor L. J. Bobby

Councillor J. A. Hayes

Have your say! 

Come and meet, talk to, share views, concerns and ideas you have about YOUR Town with the people elected to represent Swanscombe (Town, Borough and County Councillor's). These surgeries will take place on the first Sunday of each month (beginning November 2009).
All are welcome.

Swanscombe & Greenhithe Town Council Offices, The Grove in Swanscombe

Please click on the name for more details of the Dartford Borough Councillors for Swanscombe:- Councillor L J Bobby, Councillor J A Hayes and Councilor B E Read.

WHY THE TOWN NEEDS A MARINA

Plans for Greenhithe marina resurface (From News Shopper)

Published Date: 4:19pm Wednesday 25th April 2012

Landlord of Sir John Franklin pub Gary Snell and with secretary of Greenhithe Community Group,Tim Carrington with their petition last year. Photo courtesy of the News Shopper

WHY THE TOWN NEEDS A MARINA by GMRA

It is sad and depressing to read the lead article in this week’s News Shopper by Kelly Smale. 

It is equally sad and depressing to see a recycled photograph of a prominent local businessman pub manager Gary Snell photographed alongside fallen Town Mayor and ex-Swanscombe and Greenhithe Resident Association Town Councillor Tim Carrington clutching what we believe to be a litigious 214-signature petition against the marina plans.

Since being forced to step down as a Town Councillor for MISCONDUCT:

• in that he (Mr Carrington) had damaged the reputation of the office of Town Mayor and the reputation of the Town Council; 
• That he had used his position improperly to his own or someone else’s advantage or disadvantage; 
• That he had failed to declare a personal interest at a meeting (Finance and General Purposes Committee meeting 6 April 2006 and Town Council meeting 20 April 2006);
•  That he had breached the Council’s Standing Orders by issuing orders, instructions of direction that he was not authorised to do so by the Council, or relevant Committee or Sub-Committee (Standing Order 35(b)).

AGENDA ITEM 5 STANDARDS COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY 14 MARCH 2007 REPORT ON ALLEGED MISCONDUCT BY COUNCILLOR T J CARRINGTON

 

Mr Carrington appears to have reinvented himself as a self-proclaimed ‘Community Activist’ and apparently he is also the Secretary of the Greenhithe Community Group. 

The article it seems is based on the views of this small but very affective group of mostly ex but also current Town Councillors which unfortunately and disappointingly neither shows any regard for the merits of what a marina could do for Greenhithe and the area as a whole; such disregard exposes a complete lack of understanding of marina operations and economics.

Possibly this is because the developer never provided a complete financial evaluation of its original marina proposals but clearly Dartford Borough Council were convinced by the merits of a marina at this location when they (DBC) approved outline planning consent for a 350 berth marina in the late 80s. In fact, many residents living in Greenhithe today were attracted to the area by the promise of a marina.

Years on the promised level of residential development has ensued without providing the provision of Council planned riverside community facilities associated with the approved 350-berth marina development.

More recently there were proposals from private enterprise, yes even "yachties" and businessmen, to build a marina at Greenhithe; unfortunately those proposals were always turned down by the council.

But why when it is clear that the promise of a marina along with the residential development of the waterfront helped turn the economic fortunes of Greenhithe around at a time when in the late 80s early 90s many properties suffered negative equity as a result of the financial crises we all know as ‘Boom and Bust’.

Today we face a different set of challenges which following the collapse of the world banking system has led to a global banking crisis. The impact of which is clearly being felt by Governments, International organisations, financial Institutions, businesses both large and small worldwide, and here locally the ‘Credit Crunch’ has made private borrowing more difficult, if not impossible. 

Add to that the governments’ severe austere measures, cutbacks in public services and the banks reluctance to provide finance have made taking out a mortgage more difficult than it had been for years, especially for first-time buyers. This is being felt by every individual on the street and in some cases the economy has had a devastating impact on the quality of everyday life all of which has led to an unprecedented lack of confidence in our domestic property market. 

If Global warning has taught us anything then its "think globally act locally". However GMRA is not suggesting that a marina at Greenhithe is going to solve the world banking crises that’s just silly but in these tough times it could help restore some confidence back into the local property market and the area as a whole  by attracting new home buyers and investment to Greenhithe at a time when it is needed the most.

Marinas have been built all over the UK and throughout the world and it is clear that businesses and government authorities do not build marinas for altruistic reasons. 

They build them because recreational boating brings profits, progress and employment plus many associated developments bringing prosperity to local communities.

A recent survey in the Yachting Monthly magazine showed the average British cruising yacht owner is 50 years old, keeps a 32ft yacht in a £4,000pa marina berth, lives at least 65 miles from the sea and drives to the marina around 12 weekends between April and October.

Other statistics quoted were that abroad, 93% of boats are berthed in a marina while in Holland and the Baltic every boat is berthed in a marina, but in the UK only 55% are – leaving opportunities for the further development of marina berths.

In 2010-11 the UK average marina berth cost circa £3,550pa but £4,750 and more per annum on the south coast.

There is a severe shortage of marina berths in the UK, with boat owners having to wait for several years for a berth.

Kim Matthews, who owns the Pier Hotel pub in Greenhithe High Street, is reported in the News Shopper to have said: "There's a major parking problem now and it's just going to make it 100 times worse”. "We will lose customers because there will be physically nowhere to park at all”. 

We understand the concern however as there is no evidence to support this view, we urge caution about using such rhetoric as it could cause hysteria, and therefore without proper foundation this is seen as nothing more than scaremongering.   

At a meeting of the Joint Transportation Board on 6 December 2011 at Dartford Borough Council it emerged that more than two hundred (200) vehicles have been removed from Greenhithe streets thereby improving traffic movement and safety related pressures they had caused. It is therefore clear that the introduction of CPZs have been effective in deterring commuter parking in residential streets.

A copy of the full report that went before the Joint Transportation Board can be downloaded via the following link: Chairman’s Update Greenhithe Parking Review

Pier Road and High Street: Residents here did not support the council’s initial parking management proposals and following discussions led by Mr Carrington and supported by former Swanscombe and Greenhithe Town Mayor Councillor Peter Harman the proposals were deleted.

This led to 19 on street parking spaces at the eastern end of the village being unprotected meaning those spaces were not subject to the newly introduced Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) on the Avenue, Pier Road and The High Street.

Mr Carrington was the chief objector to the Councils original proposals and many residents having taken his advice to reject the Councils parking measures at that end of the village are now requesting parking controls be introduced.

Residents here are now reporting increased parking related problems and have requested a parking management scheme, however we are yet to see any physical evidence that suggests commuter parking has become a problem and it seems that Mr Carrington and the Greenhithe Community Group may have cried ‘WOLF’ once too often, perhaps even for the last time!

It is clear from the councils own report that residents’ feedback has been mostly positive with only a few of the one thousand households reporting varying degrees of dissatisfaction with the scheme for various reasons.

Never the less Mr Carrington, of Greenhithe High Street, is reported in the News Shopper to have said "Since the last set of plans were rejected by the Planning Inspectorate in 2011 there has been a marked increase of vehicles chasing the limited unrestricted parking spaces available in Greenhithe due to new housing development”.

"A 200 berth marina will only exacerbate an already overburdened village and we are sure Dartford’s Councillors will again sensibly reject unanimously this new proposal as they did the previous two".   

Clearly Councillors have in the past listened to the advice of Mr Carrington and Mr Harman, The Greenhithe Community Group, instead of advice from planning officers, hopefully and unlike Mr Carrington, the planning committee will at least wait until they have seen the revised proposals before proclaiming them sunk. 

The constant cry of WOLF has clearly contributed to the failure of the previous marina proposals; however the previous plans were not turned down on parking grounds alone. In fact, the developer was awarded a cost judgement against the Council when Councillors added a fourth reason for refusal which was clearly influenced by those with close ties to the planning committee members. We hope council tax payers realise that very large sums of their money have been expended, much, if not the major portion of this, on paying lawyers and consultants. 

This is what the Planning inspector said about that decision:

“The Council did not turn down the application purely on parking grounds but mainly due to the ‘knock-on’ implications of relying on public or street parking and of short-term stopping near the passageway. However, based on the actual conditions along High Street an objective assessment would also have found that there is scope for loading and unloading to occur without creating hazards. Furthermore there is no evidence to indicate that use of the car parks by those using the marina would have any adverse implications for others since there is adequate space within them at weekends to accommodate extra vehicles. The concern about the quality and general amenities of the conservation area was not spelt out".

"Paragraph B20 indicates that planning authorities are not bound to accept the recommendations of their officers. Whilst local knowledge is important it was not translated into an adequate justification for the stance taken especially in the light of Planning Policy Guidance Note 13: Transport. Indeed, no reasonable planning grounds were shown for imposing the fourth reason for refusal in addition to the three advised by officers.

Therefore, as set out in paragraph B17, a partial award is warranted in that unreasonable behaviour resulting in unnecessary expense, as described in Circular 03/2009, took place".

Costs Order

In exercise of the powers under section 250(5) of the Local Government Act 1972 and Schedule 6 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 as amended, and all other enabling powers in that behalf, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Dartford Borough Council shall pay to Greenhithe Marina (Management) LLP the costs of the appeal proceedings described in the heading of this decision limited to those costs incurred in respect of Ground 04 of the decision notice dated 24 December 2010.

The applicant is now invited to submit to Dartford Borough Council to whom a copy of this decision has been sent, details of those costs with a view to reaching agreement as to the amount. In the event that the parties cannot agree on the amount, a copy of the guidance note on how to apply for a detailed assessment by the Senior Courts Costs Office is enclosed.

David Smith

INSPECTOR

The inspectorate’s full report is available via the following link: http://publicaccess.dartford.gov.uk/online-applications/files/E5AB83A41C99D44F41B4A9DB129F1ECD/pdf/10_00805_OUT-APPEAL_DECISION_-_COSTS-102286821.pdf

Our members and readers will recall early this year GMRA blog acknowledged the positive impact the pay and display regime was also having on the Public Car Parks which has had the effect of freeing up additional visitor parking. 

In total we understand that there are nearly Six Hundred (600) less commuter related vehicles parked in and around the Streets near to Greenhithe Railway Station each day. 

This is clearly welcome news and a job well done resulting from the Councils efforts, which many of our members believe would never have come to fruition had it not been for the marina planning application.  A review of available parking spaces near to the proposed marina entrance can be found via the following link:  http://www.flickr.com//photos/thegmra_blog/show/

Those who oppose a marina should ask themselves if they truly believe that everyone else in the UK is out of step except Swanscombe & Greenhithe.

Local residents Maria and her husband are experienced sailors and they support the plans for a marina said “the marina proposals will mainly be targeted at residents, therefore additional parking will only be ad hoc”

Paul a GMRA member from Ingress Park said “If parking was that much of an issue for the pub then why on earth did the Council allow the pub to build an outside deck on the pubs 14 space car park”.

Our members love the Pier Hotel Pub and we know Kim Matthews runs a fantastic pub, Kim is also responsible for the pubs growing reputation for serving fantastic food at reasonable prices and if the marina was to get built then we are sure visitors to the marina especially those by boat will also love the Pier Hotel Pub.

Contrary to some opinions, particularly those of the Sir John Franklin Pub Managers Allison and Gary Snell, recreational boat owners generally do not bring their own sandwiches, sit on their boat, eat the sandwiches and then go home. They spend money in local restaurants, pubs and shops.

Many stay with their families in local hotels, guest houses and holiday flats and use local businesses for repairs and maintenance in winter as well as during the season.

Recreational marine activity brings in several ancillary business needs, including engineering, engine overhaul and maintenance, electrics, electronics, plastics, joinery, storage and general boat care.

Even with a modest marina in Greenhithe it is feasible that boat builders could be attracted to the area and why the developers’ future plans include the possibility for development at Swanscombe Peninsula West to provide a new Swanscombe Yacht club, boat launching facilities with boat storage and repair services where there is space and the labour force available.

If you are going to develop the Dartford 9-mile area of waterfront then you cannot run such businesses without a marina to support those facilities.

UP COMING GREENHITHE COMMUNITY EVENTS

Upcoming events at Greenhithe Village, Knockhall  and Ingress Park

•  Ingress Park residents are organising a 'Diamond Jubilee Family Funday' for all, on The Abbey Green for Monday 4 June 2012.  As and when we  have  more details, such as timings etc we will let you know , but you may wish to pencil it in, especially if you have children.   
• The Pilgrim Bandits' finishing line will be at The British Legion, Greenhithe. Please see information below. 

‘PROUD TO SUPPORT 'THE PILGRIM BANDITS' IN YOUR COMMUNITY’

SATURDAY 19 MAY 2012

10 MILE LOG RUN FROM STROOD TO GREENHITHE VIA GRAVESEND IN AID OF THE PILGRIM BANDITS CHARITY TO RAISE FUNDS IN AID OF AMPUTEES - BRITISH ARMED FORCES

RACE STARTS AT 10 AM & FINISH 1.30 PM Approx. 

Charity Number 1136166

          

The Pilgrim Bandits started up around 6 years ago made up of ex Special Forces members and mates. Some of the members were used to being called Pilgrims from their Regiment days, the added name Bandits came when four of them played in a competition at the New Forest Golf Club won everything and the home members asked them to leave as they though their handicaps were false and they were golfing bandits, hence the name “Pilgrim Bandits”

Pilgrim Bandits have now expanded and are made up from invited guests and challengers that have raised sponsorship and completed one of our challenges. The charities we've helped to date include Julia Perks Foundation, Teenage Cancer Trust, Special Air Service Regiment Association and Help for Heroes. In 2010 we became registered with the Charity Commission allowing us to support many of our amputees and local veterans, plus smaller forces projects. We also hope to be able to fund research and development into Prosthetics for our wounded.

The 10 mile log run of a team of 12 organised by Team Leader and Fund Raiser – John Ball (07976 884483) and will raise funds which will be channelled back into taking injured members on adventure and confidence building expeditions, they maybe injured but that is no reason to stop trying to achieve and many injured servicemen once the confidence is regained then go onto achieve far more than they may have achieved before being injured. At the end of the run an invitation is extended to the Mayor of Swanscombe and Greenhithe Town Council, the Mayor of Dartford Borough Council and the Mayor of Gravesham. Please confirm that the Mayor will be able to attend at 1.30 pm at the Royal British Legion, London Road, Greenhithe, Kent, DA9 9EJ to greet the Pilgrim Bandits on the finishing line. The local press have been invited. 

  

We don’t do sympathy

"But who are ye in rags and rotten shoes, your dirty-bearded and blocking the way,

we are the pilgrims master, we shall go Always a Little Further "

Further information on these events is available from Councillor Susan P Butterfill contact details below.

.....more publicity to follow.

Councillor Susan P Butterfill

Swanscombe & Greenhithe Residents Association

Member of Greenhithe Ward

Mobile:    07757494621

Email:     susan.butterfill@dartford.gov.uk  Website: http://www.dartford.gov.uk/

Consultation on Parking Standards Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)

Dear GMRA Member and Blog Reader,

We have received notice from the Planning Policy Team at Dartford Borough Council regarding a Council led Public Consultation on Parking Standards.

This is an opportunity for you to have your say on the Supplementary Planning Document on Parking Standards.

Make your voices heard and hopefully help make a difference by influencing the guidance developers receive and the way that future planning applications are assessed throughout Dartford, the details of which are as follows:

Consultation on Parking Standards Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)

The Town and Country Planning (Local Planning)(England) Regulations 2012: Regulation 12

Dartford Borough Council is seeking views on a Draft Parking Standards Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) between 12 April and 23 May 2012.  Comments made during the consultation period will be taken into account by the Council before the adoption of the SPD.

Once adopted, the SPD will be used by Dartford Borough Council as a material consideration when determining future planning applications, although it is not part of the statutory development plan. 

The draft document provides guidance on the number of cycle and vehicle, including for the mobility impaired, parking spaces to be provided as part of new development in the Borough and minimum parking bay and garage size requirements.  Guidance on design and management of parking areas is also included. 

The consultation SPD is supported by the following documents:

• Parking Standards Background Paper, Dartford Borough Council 2011
• Regulation 12 Consultation Statement
• Sustainability Appraisal Screening Assessment

The draft SPD and supporting documents are available for inspection throughout the consultation period on the Council’s website and at the following locations:

• Civic Centre, Home Gardens, Dartford, 8:45 AM to 5:15 PM Monday to Thursday and 8:45 AM to 4:45 PM on Friday;
• Dartford Library, Central Park, Dartford, 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM Monday to Wednesday and Friday, Thursday 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM and 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Saturday

You can tell us what you think about the draft SPD by:

• posting a completed response form to: Planning Policy Team, Civic Centre, Home Gardens, Dartford DA1 1DR
• completing the on-line response form http://www.dartford.gov.uk/planningpolicy/ParkingStandardsSupplementaryPlanningDocument.htm
• emailing a completed response form to LDF@dartford.gov.uk

Representations must be received by Wednesday, 23 May 2012.

For further information, please contact Planning Policy on 01322 343213 or by emailing LDF@dartford.gov.uk

Any representations may be accompanied by a request to be notified that the SPD has been adopted by the Local Planning Authority.

Yours sincerely,

Teresa Ryszkowska

Planning Policy Manager

THIS COULD BE GREENHITHE MARINA... IMAGINE THAT...

IMAGINE THAT...?

LATEST CONSULTATION RESULTS JUST IN

LATEST CONSULTATION RESULTS

http://gmmllp.blogspot.co.uk

1974 MAP OF THE PUBLIC PASSAGEWAY AND WHITE HART DRAWDOCK

Change is inevitable, never the less cultural heritage is irreplaceable, and why the moral responsibility of preservation is passed on from generation to generation. This is the areas legacy of physical artefacts (cultural property) and intangible attributes of a group or society that are inherited from past generations, maintained in the present and bestowed for the benefit of future generations.

White Hart Drawdock Greenhithe 1974 

Image Copyright PLA

The public passageway to the left side of the White Hart public house (looking north towards the river) (now known as the Sir John Franklin) ran down to the river foreshore between the public house and the side of the catholic church. 

This led to a public causeway and drawdock, which in river parlance terms meant that any vessel could be moored in the dock space. 

Similarly the public causeway was originally where the public ferry landed on the Kent side of the river, it crossed the river from Thurrock and was traditionally the point where pilgrims from Essex and East Anglia crossed on their way to Canterbury.  However, the advent of the new seawall in the late 70s, brought about the loss of the public causeway known then as the Everard Drawdock, which has meant that ever since access to and from the River by boat is now only possible for an hour or so either side of the high tide, which occurs twice daily.

Low tide at Greenhithe White Hart Drawdock

Image Copyright David Milbank Challis

The causeway and drawdock (shown right at low tide) most certainly was not private or exclusive as the current publicans of the Sir John Franklin would have you believe, but the travesty doesn't end there, as we understand it, they originally wanted to rename the pub 'Allison's Bar' before reluctantly settling on the Sir John Franklin. 

Such incongruous attitudes are not uncommon, and clearly where such behaviour is allowed, there is a real risk of eroding the very soul of an areas historical and cultural place in time, which at Greenhithe, is steeped in a rich and illustrious tapestry of Royal, Military, Naval and Maritime History.

 F T Everard & Sons Shipyard 

Image Copyright David Milbank Challis

There has been a licensed premise next to the passageway since 1661 when the King's Head was established. In 1742, the pub became known as the White Hart, and in 1840, the pub was redesigned and built to face onto the Thames to service visiting boat crews. 

Many locals still refer to the pub by the passageway at Greenhithe as the White Hart which tragically is probably the last dry land in England trod by Sir John Franklin; who on 18th May,1845 is reported as spending the night at Greenhithe before embarking on what was to later become known as Franklin's Lost Expedition. 

The expedition set sail from Greenhithe, England, on the morning of 19 May 1845, with a crew of 24 officers and 110 men. The ships stopped briefly in Stromness Harbour in the Orkney Islands in northern Scotland, and from there sailed to Greenland with HMS Rattler and a transport ship, Barretto Junior

Public Passageway by the Whit Hart Public House
Greenhithe White Hart Drawdock

Image Copyright David Milbank Challis

In 1861, The Royal Thames Yacht Club Fleet was moored on the Thames at Greenhithe. Established in 1775, The Royal Thames Yacht Club (RTYC) is the oldest sailing club in the United Kingdom. The Royal Thames Yacht Club held its sailing races off Greenhithe, with the White Hart pub serving as its clubhouse. 

Robert Falcon Scott, CVO (6 June 1868 – c. 29 March 1912) was a Royal Navy officer and explorer who led two expeditions to the Antarctic regions: the Discovery Expedition, 1901–04, and the ill-fated Terra Nova Expedition, 1910–13. During this second venture, Scott led a party of five which reached the South Pole on 17 January 1912, only to find that they had been preceded by Roald Amundsen's Norwegian expedition. On their return journey, Scott and his four comrades all perished from a combination of exhaustion, starvation and extreme cold.

On June 1, 1910, the TERRA NOVA was towed away from the South-West India Docks as cheering crowds stood by. Scott did not sail with the TERRA NOVA as he remained behind in an attempt to raise additional funding. Scott, with his wife, left the ship at Greenhithe, most likely coming ashore via the passageway by the then White Hart, where at some point he was presented two flags by the late Queen Alexandra, (the Queen's Mother) one flag to be planted at the farthest south attained while the second to be hoisted at the same spot and then brought back.


A recent review carried out at the PLA offices of the historical maps documentation and records of that time showed the passageway also provided public access to the river and foreshore. This is why the flood defence wall which runs across the public passageway was designed to include a set of concrete steps in order retain public access to and from the River Thames on foot only.  This is achieved by walking up, over and then down from the flood defence. This important aspect of the flood defence  allows for free pedestrian access along the entire length of the public right of way from the High Street to and from the River to continue.

Public steps adjacent to the Sir John Franklin Pub and Public Passageway at Greenhithe

Image Copyright 2009 Greenhithe Marina (Management) LLP

The flood defence works carried out at Greenhithe in the late 70s are subject of the retention of particular rights for riparian landowners including rights of access across the reclaimed seabed, which were granted by the Port of London Authority (PLA), those public rights remain in perpetuity.