| Make A Difference | Make a Difference is an annual campaign organised by CSV. CSV stands for Community Service Volunteers, and is the UK’s leading volunteering charity. In October 2006 BBC London and CSV offered members of the public the chance to make a film about something which would make a difference in their local area. People who submitted ideas were teamed up with BBC volunteers to create the films. The idea was that people could learn about the media and also highlight their cause. BBC London will seek to follow up their stories as they develop. |
In Greenwich, an Olympic Borough, one resident’s decided to take up the fight to get a green space in Kidbrooke- once a vibrant sports ground-restored to its former glory and opened up to the public.
Greenwich Council has expressed interest in building a school on the field. Retired teacher Annie Hart’s begun the campaign to save Hervey Road sports ground and show Greenwich Council local people do not want it developed but improved.
“There may be future Olympians in Greenwich and they need somewhere to do sports and exercise,” says Annie.
“This is about preserving a green open space for future generations. Once it’s built on there’s no going back.”
 | | Resident Annie Hart |
As part of her research into the ground, Annie visited a 'minis' session with Blackheath rugby Club one Sunday morning. The man in charge of the young players told her they would love the chance to regularly play at Hervey Road if it was in a better state. At the moment, the tennis courts are decorated in broken glass. The cricket nets have no nets just rusted poles. The grass is littered with dog faeces and beer cans. | "We may have young Olympians in Greenwich" | | Annie Hart |
Annie’s only lived in the area a couple of years so she researched the history of the ground by talking to older residents. Margaret Ley’s family set up home near Hervey Road back in 1932.
“It’s not the first time we've had to stand up to developers. When my parents bought this house they were told there would always be consultation if anyone wanted to build on it.” Annie also met some local kids who have trouble finding somewhere decent to play.
"I would love to see it as a proper playground, " exclaimed 10 year old Harriet. Greenwich council stresses no decision has yet been made over the land. But Annie and other residents say they've not been consulted about any possible changes.
They went to a full council meeting at Woolwich Town Hall to hear Annie address the entire council.
She was given three minutes to make her case heard and a passionate debate on the council floor ensued. The Hervey Road group jeered suggestions from labour councilors, local people have not made the most of the land and no sports groups want to use it.
"Now we have a real campaign on our hands!" declared Annie outside the Town Hall. Annie's made a video report about the ground, her research and the campaign as part of a joint initiative with CSV and BBC London called Make a Difference.
The project’s aim is to give people in East and South East London the chance to make a film about something they think would make a difference in their community. Click on the video report icon to see Annie’s story. | 
