Christmas for groups at the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich
Laura Wilkinson
21 August 2007
Get your skates on and visit the Old Royal Naval College at Greenwich this Christmas for ice skating, music and carols in and amongst Wren’s architectural masterpiece.
- Christmas Concert & Supper, Tuesday 11 December at 19.30
Enjoy an evening of festive music including pieces by Bach, Vaughan Williams and Haydn, performed by the Greenwich Baroque Orchestra and Chapel Choir followed by a two-course dinner in the Painted Hall. This is the perfect opportunity for groups to enjoy the concert and supper package; once you arrive our staff will be on hand to look after you and your guests, coach drop off is also available. The price also includes a glass of wine and mince pies.
£40 (concert only £15), plus £1.50 for telephone bookings. For enquires and bookings call 020 8269 4799.
- Greenwich Ice Rink, Saturday 8 December – Sunday 13 January 2008
December sees the return of the Ice Rink. The Greenwich Ice Rink at the Old Royal Naval College is situated in landscaped grounds on the banks of the River Thames in the centre of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site. It has magnificent views looking up to the Queen’s House and Greenwich Observatory and across the River Thames to the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf. For those cold winter days, the café in the colonnades will be open for warming drinks and festive snacks.
The ice rink is open from 8 December – 13 January 2008. £9.50 adult, £7 child, £8 concessions, £28 family.
For groups of 25 or more there is no booking fee – to find out more about group bookings and to buy tickets call 020 8241 9818.
For all other bookings call 0870 1690101 or visit www.greenwichicerink.com (tickets available from mid August).
High demand for weekends, Christmas and New Year sessions is expected so advance booking is strongly recommended.
- ‘Join a Christmas Party’ with Leith’s at Old Royal Naval College
Shared parties provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy a grand night out and meet new people at the same time. For £59 per person (+VAT); the evening includes a three course festive meal (vegetarian option available) with half a bottle of wine and the chance to dance the night away with a DJ provided. Christmas parties 19th, 20th and 21st December.
To book call 020 8269 2131 or email Bonnie.Salih@compass-group.co.uk.
- ends -
Issued 31 July 2007
For additional details and images contact:
Laura Wilkinson, Marketing & Events Manager, Greenwich Foundation for the Old Royal Naval College.
020 8269 4763 / 07890 314499
lwilkinson@greenwichfoundation.org.uk
www.oldroyalnavalcollege.org
Notes to Editors
1. Visitor Information
Admission free, individual events priced as above
Opening times: grounds open daily 0800 – 1800
Mon-Sat: Painted Hall, Chapel & Visitor Centre 1000 - 1700
Sun: Painted Hall & Visitor Centre 1000 - 1700; Chapel 1230 - 1700
For more information please visit www.oldroyalnavalcollege.org
Pre-booked guided tours of the Nelson Room, Painted Hall & Visitor Centre:
Adults £4, children (accompanied by an adult) free.
Bespoke group guided tours and catering packages also available.
Please call 020 8269 4799 or email info@greenwichfoundation.org.uk for further information.
2. Brief Site History
The Old Royal Naval College began life as Greenwich Hospital, which was established in 1694 by Royal Charter for the relief and support of seamen and their dependants and for the improvement of navigation. Sir Christopher Wren planned the site, described as "one of the most sublime sights English architecture affords", and, during the first half of the eighteenth century, various illustrious architects, such as Hawksmoor and Vanbrugh, completed Wren's grand design.
In June 1705, the first Pensioners arrived and, by 1814, a total of 2,710 lived there. They lived on a diet of bread, beer and boiled meat and smoked their clay pipes or ‘chalks’ in the Chalk Walk, now the Skittle Alley. The Pensioners were given pocket money of 1s a week, which they supplemented by acting as caddies at Blackheath Golf Club and guides for visitors to Greenwich.
In 1869 the Hospital was closed, and in 1873 the complex of buildings became the Royal Naval College, where officers from all over the world came to train in the naval sciences. The Navy moved out in 1998 to merge with the RAF and Army at a new Joint Services Staff College in Shrivenham.
With the departure of the Royal Navy from Greenwich, responsibility for the Old Royal Naval College passed to the Greenwich Foundation. The Foundation is a registered charity established to look after, and interpret, the buildings and their grounds for the benefit of the nation.
3. Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site
Maritime Greenwich was inscribed as a World Heritage Site (WHS) by UNESCO in 1997. Greenwich is recognised for its cultural heritage; the grandeur and sheer beauty of its buildings, the magnificent vistas and views across London, its royal history, its naval and sea-faring history and its scientific accomplishments.
For more information visit www.greenwichwhs.org.uk
