This is the Woolwich Wandering podcast, a series of sensory sketches inviting listeners into the vibrant and complex world of Woolwich, a place in South-East London that I call home.
In each episode, listeners join me on foot as I move, dwell and feel my way through the built and natural environments. These are dispatches from a community in flux. Where public land and privately owned public space ambiguously merge. A battleground where efforts to protect the soul and character of a place rub alongside agendas for the future.
Starting at the source by historic Brass Foundry wall, I journey across stepping stones, through green spaces, encounter CCTV, high rise buildings and gentle waterfalls towards a playful water fountain by the Thames Path. The second part focuses on the River Thames and features four local women talking about their relationship with the river. This sketch reveals how water is seductive, playful, and calming.
How water is an important feature of public space and has been carefully designed into the privately owned public space by Berkeley Homes to create a strong connection to the river. While the invitations to rest and play are welcomed on my journey, there are questions around how long people can stay when public amenities such as toilets and water fountains are missing.
My body is drawn to the river not only through the design of Maribor Park, but also through the stories of the women I spoke to during the Woolwich Wandering project. This top end is by the Brass Foundry wall that was built in I am sat on a bench, under a tree. Its nice and cool on a hot sunny day. There are a few lads sat around with their bikes.
