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Julie McCarthy is the Historical Representative for the Greenwich Community Network and has been involved with the GCN for over 3 years. She has lived in the Borough of Greenwich since she was a small child and she presently also works in Greenwich. She has only been involved with community affairs for six years but she has always been interested in Greenwich and the challenges it faces as a Borough.
So Julie, tell me a bit about the Historical Network you represent
The historical network is one of the smallest within the GCN and there are less than 9 groups in total. I believe however this can be added to and expanded over time. It is a very insular network as many of the groups are made up of people above retirement age and are often resistant to change. Communication has been very difficult but this is an area I am currently working on.
What other community interests do you hold?
My interest in community affairs has grown dramatically over recent years. Being involved with GCN has opened my eyes to many issues. One of my interests at the moment is the re-generation of Woolwich Town centre and the imminent the introduction of the DLR.
I am also concerned about the lack of services in the Shooters Hill area where I live, as these have depreciated over the last twenty years, even though the population of the area has increased. Crime and theft is also a rising problem in the area and I believe the police could do more to make their presence felt.
And what groups and/or committees are you involved with?
I am involved with the following:
- Shooters Hill Local History Group
- Shrewsbury House Management Committee
- Shrewsbury House Catering Committee
- Greenwich Community Network (Steering group)
- Queen Elizabeth Diabetic Discussion Group
What have been some of your recent highlights?
Since joining GCN, I have enjoyed the experience of meeting and learning from the diverse range of people I have found in the community and voluntary sector. The ability to hear other people's opinions has enabled me to reach and make better choices, and my involvement with local government has also proved enlightening.
And what are you looking toward in the future?
I am looking to strengthen communication with my network by developing better links. Now there is a permanent co-ordinator within GCN this can be achieved and I am looking forward to expanding the activities of the group over the year ahead.
The Role of the Networks in Greenwich
I believe that the community of Greenwich is very important as it becomes more diverse and evolves in the future. People's thoughts and opinions are important and can be conveyed through community network to those who sit on the Greenwich Partnership.