Besson Street Trust

Besson Street Development - Drop-In Event
Lewisham Council and Grainger plc are holding a community drop-in event about proposed changes to the approved development at the long-derelict Besson Street site in New Cross Gate.

Date: Tuesday 20 January 2026
Time: 4pm–8pm
Venue: The Somerville, 260 Queen’s Road, SE14 5JN

Besson Street Development: Community Drop-In Event Lewisham Council and Grainger plc are holding a community drop-in event about proposed changes to the approved development at the long-derelict Besson Street site in New Cross Gate.Drop-in event details:Date: Tuesday 20 January 2026Time: 4pm–8pmVenue: The Somerville, 260 Queen’s Road, SE14 5JN -...

High Blood Pressure?

is running a free event at the Wavelengths Leisure Centre on Wednesday 21 January
More here: https://tinyurl.com/deptford-high-bp-tickets

Are you passionate about strengthening communities and making a real difference in New Cross and the surrounding area?

Besson Street Trust is looking for a Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees and help oversee the charity’s financial wellbeing as we grow and evolve.

From our base at Besson Street Community Garden, we support the health, wellbeing and development of local residents - working with more than 600 people each year and partnering and supporting a number of other community organisations.

As Treasurer, you’ll play a key role in ensuring the Trust’s finances are well managed, transparent and sustainable.

We’re looking for someone with:

💼 Experience in budgeting, financial planning or accounting (ideally with a professional qualification)
📊 The ability to communicate financial information clearly and accessibly
🌱 Sound judgement, strategic insight and a collaborative approach
❤️ An interest in supporting local communities and social impact

Visit our website to apply or get in touch to discuss the role.

🎃 Spooky fun in Lewisham this half-term! 👻

Looking for Halloween activities? There’s plenty happening across the borough, from crafts and storytelling to film screenings and fancy dress fun!

🕖 Thursday 30 October

7pm: Spooky Tales with Brockley Max at The Honor Oak Pub. Enjoy eerie stories and local legends! (£7.50)

6.45pm: Halloween Film Screening at Deptford Lounge Library. Free popcorn included! 🍿 (Free)

🕐 Friday 31 October

1–4pm: Halloween at Northbrook Park Wetlands. Crafts, storytelling, sound bowls, and a chance to learn about bats and fungi. (Free)

2–3pm: Spooky Halloween litter pick at Forster Memorial Park. Meet at Frothy Coffee Hut. Halloween treats for children taking part. (Free)

5–8pm: Halloween at Corbett Community Library. Spooky crafts and fun activities. (Free / £2 donation)

5–7pm: Call of Cthulhu: Tabletop Game Session at Deptford Lounge Library – perfect for teens! (Free)

From 5pm: Halloween Fun at The Sydenham Centre with storytelling at St Bart’s Church (6pm), fancy dress, storytelling, scavenger hunt, and more! 🎭 (Free/donation)

If you’re hosting a community Halloween event, drop the details in the comments below so other families can join the fun! 👇

If you have ever wondered what a career in the UK games sector looks like, the Downham Games Careers Festival is your first stop. Hosted by Building a fairer games industry. | Into Games

Where? Thursday 30 October, 2pm-6pm
Where? Downham Health & Leisure Centre

🎮 This one-day FREE event features:

▪️ Over 20 stalls from leading UK game developers, university courses, and training providers offering support into the games industry
▪️ Career talks from professionals covering game design, audio, and development pathways
▪️ 1-to-1 careers café for 15-minute guidance sessions with industry experts
▪️ Entry-level workshops on game concept creation and using development engines
▪️ Esports and playable games zone featuring unreleased titles from London indie developers

This event is aimed at people aged 16-30, but if you are younger (or older!), we still encourage you to attend, especially with your parents or carers.

Get tickets 🔗 https://intogames.org/events/downham-games-careers-festival-2025

Job Vacancy: Part-time Cleaner
We are looking for a new Part-time Cleaner. Download a job description and application form at https://www.bessonstreet.org.uk/post/job-vacancy-cleaner-part-time or call 020 7639 7605 to find out more.

Autumn Open Garden – Part of Hatch Fest

📅 Date: Sunday 21 September
🕛 Time: 12 PM – 4 PM
📍 Location: Besson Street Community Garden, SE14 5AE
🌦 Free entry – Rain or shine (though right now it’s looking more like shine! 🌞)

Come down to Besson Street Community Garden for a free afternoon of health advice, activities and community fun.

🎶 Plenty for the whole family

The Great Besson Street Swap Shop: Bring a couple of pre-loved items to swap
Live music with Jammin’ Joe
Tom’s Talking Reptiles: Meet fascinating creatures up close
Family activities: Treasure hunt, slime-making, chocolate fountain fruit kebabs & more
Delicious food & refreshments (or bring your own picnic!)

🩺 Free health checks & advice

Diabetes support & guidance
Kidney & urine health checks
Blood pressure & weight checks
Menopause advice
Diet & nutrition tips

👉 Find out more here: https://www.bessonstreet.org.uk/post/join-us-at-our-open-garden-event

🍂 Autumn Open Garden @ Hatch Fest! 🍂

We’re opening the gates for a free afternoon of activities, music & community fun.

📅 Sunday, 21st September 2025
🕛 12 PM – 4 PM

🔄 The Great Besson Street Swap Shop - bring pre-loved items & swap!
🦎 Tom’s Talking Reptiles - meet amazing creatures up close.
🟢 Slime making workshop
🎶 Jammin’ with Joe - join the music with your instrument or borrow one!

💚 Staying Well Zone 💚
🩺 Quick health checks & tips from our Care Coordinator & Kidney Ambassadors
🍏 Diabetes & healthy lifestyle guidance with Nana

And loads more!

Come along with your friends & family.

More information on our website.

✨ Stay & Play is back after the summer holidays! ✨

We're looking forward to seeing families back at Besson Street on Monday 1 September at 9:30am.

Our high-quality Stay & Play sessions for children aged 0-5 and their parents/carers take place three times a week.

🌐 See bessonstreet.org.uk for more details