Issue 39 - March 2010

Your primary source of community information www..gov.uk

We are abseiling Run for your lives – – high-flying family pull on engineers scale their trainers for a weekly Parkrun Page 10 Page 12 At Home in Promise of hundreds of new jobs as two major companies reveal plans.

Upmarket retailer John a wedding gift list section. Lewis is to open a home It follows the opening furnishing store in Purley of a similar store in Poole, Way, creating 220 jobs, Dorset last October and while insurance giant comes with an assurance Zurich will create 140 posts from John Lewis that it is 0.8% when it moves to Croydon still committed to opening town centre in June. a department store in John Lewis revealed Croydon town centre. Lowest-ever it is set to spend £7.5m Andy Street, managing on a 52,000 sq ft John director, said: “Our shop Lewis At Home store, only in Poole has performed the second of its kind in above expectations since Britain. day one, and has given us The new store will be the confidence to open in tax increase about a third of the size of Croydon, extend our reach a typical John Lewis store and attract new customers. and located at the southern “The opportunity arose Croydon Council is proposing a record low council tax rise – and ambitious end of Purley Way in a site recently to lease an empty owned by Tesco. unit on Purley Way in plans to invest millions into overhauling services across the borough. It will sell furniture, Croydon which met new furnishings and electrical format location criteria. Residents could benefit invest in schools, leisure, like weather is swiftly stability and is no mean goods, and customers We’re delighted to be able from the lowest tax rise street cleaning, safety repaired and key roads are feat. will also be able to use to bring another John in Croydon’s history when and rubbish collection – resurfaced. “On top of that, we computer terminals to Lewis At Home shop to the council considers a the areas prioritised by Leisure will also be a hope to invest £150m browse the full John Lewis fruition this year.” proposed increase of less residents in a survey last winner under the draft to improve the area’s range – including fashion, Zurich, one of the than 1% – which would year. budget proposals – with infrastructure, which has beauty, nursery, carpets UK’s foremost insurance see the average Band D Millions will be refurbishments to pools to be a top priority to – and order for home companies, is moving 140 bill go up by just £12 invested in schools, where in and bring further investment delivery or collection at the of its staff to Croydon, this year. exam results improved Purley this year, as well as into the town. shop. to take advantage of The announcement last year by 10%, while an £11m investment into “This budget is the It will also have a cafe, the borough’s excellent was made as council chiefs £1.5m will be invested building the new leisure fruit of prudence, and a home design service, and transport connections. unveiled plans to invest in the parks local people complex at . a relentless drive to around £150m into the have named as their most- And a further £1m find efficiencies within borough’s infrastructure. loved. will be spent on , the borough that the The news will come Hundreds of larger, the area’s premier organisation needs to as a welcome relief to affordable homes are due entertainment venue, maintain as we face the taxpayers as the borough to be built as the borough ahead of a proposed major post-recession squeeze on continues to tackle the tackles the issue of refurbishment of the public spending. ongoing effects of the overcrowding. complex in coming years. “Households which economic downturn. An extra £7m Council leader Mike have to budget carefully As well as proposing will be put into road Fisher said: “Being able to to plan their own spending the lowest rise since maintenance, ensuring propose the lowest council rely on their local council council tax was the damage done to the tax rise in the borough’s to deliver value for introduced, the council boroughs roads during the history is possible after money.” has announced plans to recent spate of Arctic- establishing financial l Spending plans, page 3 Comforting: the opening of the first At Home store in Poole

Bike boost - page 2 Parks latest - pages 8 & 9 Rox off - page 18 2x yournews MarchMay 20092010 | Your Croydon Building on Croydon’s long-term vision The future of Croydon is being put into the hands of the borough’s most important people – its residents. The next step on from last 27 February - Maple Room, The formal consultation year’s successful Imagine Fairfield, Park Lane period for the Core Strategy Croydon campaign gives 6 March - Christchurch Hall, runs until 21 March. people the chance to Brighton Road, Purley As local experts, comment on the planning 13 March - Phoenix your views are incredibly policy that sets out how the Community Centre, Westow important, so please do area should develop over Street, get involved, either at your the next 15 to 20 years. 20 March - Hall, local event, or by one of the Called the Core Addington Road, Selsdon following methods: Strategy, it looks at what, The informal, drop-in Website: www.croydon. where and how much new nature of the events means gov.uk/corestrategy development should go on that, even if you have only Email: in the different places of 10 minutes to spare, you [email protected] Borough gets on its bike Croydon to help us achieve can get involved. Consultation portal: working with the council. into Croydon’s transport the long-term vision. For those unable http://consult.croydon. Cycling in Croydon is set They included traffic- priorities. A series of four to attend, views and gov.uk to be given a major boost free routes to parks An example of what events – open from 10am comments on the Core Facebook group: Search for after the borough was given and open spaces, more should be repeated to 3.30pm – has been Strategy can be expressed “Croydon – Third City” £25,000 to make streets continuous sections of elsewhere in Croydon is a scheduled to give visitors online at http://consult. Post: Policy and strategy, and roads more bike- cycle lane on roads with shared pedestrian and cycle the opportunity to look at croydon.gov.uk North-west quadrant, friendly. Croydon is one of 10 direct connections between path that runs through plans, and comment on, or Hard copies can be 18th floor, Taberner House, outer boroughs the town centre and Country get involved in discussions obtained from borough Park Lane, Croydon selected to lead a revolution surrounding areas. Park, linking Long Lane to about, the Core Strategy’s libraries and Access CR9 1JT. Telephone: that will make cycling the Cyclists also said a the Arena tram stop. proposals. Croydon. 020 8407 1385 first choice of people taking network of convenient This replaced a secluded short trips. maintenance and repair alleyway with a high-quality, The grant from the shops, secure and covered open and safe route that The Mayor’s show Mayor of London, Boris cycle parking at East and had the additional benefit of Johnson, came as the West Croydon stations facilities for securing bikes at An evening of on Sunday, “This show will feature council’s draft transport and shopping centres, and the tram stop. entertainment that 7 March. song, dance and drama – strategy identified cycling a cycle-hire scheme that showcases the talents of The charities that will an evening of toe-tapping as an area needing would allow people to try young people in Croydon benefit from the concert, entertainment.” improvement to unleash its cycling without having get in touch has been organised to raise which runs from 6pm to Tickets cost £10 huge potential. to worry about buying or What’s your view of money for the mayor’s 7pm, are the Garwood and are £5 for children Before the money storage, were needed. cycling? charity fund. Foundation and Rutherford and senior citizens. For was awarded, a range of The money will help to Send an email to The show will feature School and Whitgift Snap. more information log initiatives that could make fund a study that identifies yourcroydon@croydon. the London Mozart Players Councillor Lynne Hale, on to www.mayorsshow. cycling more popular how cycling can be gov.uk and is being held at the show’s producer, said: com. was identified by cyclists developed and integrated

yournews 2 yourspace 15 specialfeature 6 yourbusiness 16 Take advantage of our yourcommunity 8 yoursafety 18 competitive advertising rates specialfeature 10 yourheritage 20 yourhealth 12 yourevents 22 FULL HALF QUARTER page from £990 page from £444 page from £222 districtcentrenews centre pull-out 355x259mm 148x259mm 148x127mm If you would like your business to benefit from advertising in Editorial team one of the country’s leading community publications and would like Editor: Fred Hall Reporter: Richard Gibbs Reporter: John Bownas more information, a copy of our rate card or a booking form, please call: Email: yourcroydon@ Email: yourcroydon@ Email: yourcroydon@ Paula Howell & 020 8760 5644 croydon.gov.uk croydon.gov.uk croydon.gov.uk Tel: 020 8760 5644 Tel: 020 8760 5644 Tel: 020 8760 5644

Deputy editor: Danny Brierley Reporter: Susie Rundle Advertising: Paula Howell The next edition of Your Croydon will be published on Friday Email: yourcroydon@ Email: yourcroydon@ Email: yourcroydon@ 19 March. Commercial advertising is welcome, but inclusion of croydon.gov.uk croydon.gov.uk croydon.gov.uk Tel: 020 8760 5644 Tel: 020 8760 5644 Tel: 020 8760 5644 an advertisement does not indicate council endorsement of any products or services mentioned.

Your Croydon welcomes letters for publication. They should be no more than 200 words. Receipt of a letter (in print or by email) does not guarantee inclusion. The right to edit letters is reserved, as is the editor’s right of reply. Letters from known politicians and political groups will not be published. Post your letters, This publication is printed on environmentally friendly, including your name and address, to Your Croydon, 7th Floor, Taberner House, Park Lane, Croydon CR9 3JS TCF (totally chlorine free) paper, produced from a sustainable source. When you have finished with this 91423/150M/2 newspaper please recycle it. www.croydon.gov.uk Have your e-say at [email protected] yournews 3x

News in brief

Major investment on the way Freedom pass A massive £150m has been borough’s infrastructure of the borough. exam results continue to council’s head of finance Croydon is faced with earmarked for some of the over the next few years. Some £12m will be improve. and resources, said: “We’re finding an additional most vital public services In addition to the spent on new homes, while More than £3m is working in very testing £1.25m to pay for as the borough’s decision- headline increase of £4m will be put on the set aside to make road financial times. the cost of Freedom makers plan their spending an extra £7m for road table to improve school network improvements “Despite the difficult Pass travel next year. for next year. maintenance – equal to a meals, ensuring healthy in Purley, there will be a fiscal environment, what This is the result of an The record levels of 70% increase in highways diets for youngsters. £100,000 makeover for we’re putting on the table announcement that investment – which were maintenance – a further These measures will the library at Thornton is a very ambitious capital grant to the capital’s due to be considered by £1m investment in be followed by a major Heath later this year, and investment programme, boroughs is to be Town Hall chiefs as Your recycling services will be injection of about £20m £200,000 will go toward and the proposed budget slashed almost in half, Croydon went to press – proposed – with food- to ensure schools have improving the condition of allows us to plan for from £58m to £28m. aim to make significant waste collections being adequate places for local cemeteries. some real long-term The borough – along improvements to the introduced as trials in parts local children and that Nathan Elvery, the improvements.” with the rest of London – is now faced with the daunting challenge of rebalancing its budget Parking freeze just weeks before the Traders and visitors and Purley’s Old Lodge start of the new will benefit from the Lane. financial year. introduction of 30 In an effort to get more minutes’ free parking visitors to central Croydon in pay-and-display bays to park in the under-used Fairfield in the borough’s district Factory Lane car park, it A rejuvenation strategy centres. too will see no rise. for Fairfield Halls is And, for the third year With a charge of only being drawn up after running, Croydon Council £4 to leave a car all day, Croydon Council and is freezing charges for the parking in the facility is the venue’s board first two hours’ on- and cheaper than in other appointed Keith off-street parking in an town-centre car parks, Williams Architects. effort to encourage short- and only a short walk to The firm comes with an term visits and boost local the shops. international pedigree businesses. In a move designed for the design of cultural Local and district to discourage commuter buildings and beat off centres already benefit parking, charges for on- stiff competition from from a number of one- and off-street pay-and- some of the leading hour maximum-stay bays display bays for more than architectural practices that are designed to help two hours will increase by in the country. businesses with a quick about 10%. The council and the turn-round of parked cars. The price of residents’ board recently made : one of the oldest working markets in the country During the current permits will see an the decision to find economic downturn, increase of £4 to £48 ways to bring Fairfield the council is keen to for a household’s first up to date. They are encourage customers permit; the second permit looking for changes to these areas with the going up from £72 to Set out your stall that will enable all of introduction of free £78; and the third rising its facilities to be put parking for the first 30 from £175 to £185. New They are out in all weathers show the traders how much Once all the nominations to more diverse uses, minutes in on-street bays. permit applications will be – rain, hail, sleet, snow and they are appreciated. are in, council officers will thus opening its doors District centres with subject to a one-off £25 sunshine – serving fresh Shoppers can vote carry out inspections before to a larger proportion of such bays include South administration fee. produce to hundreds of for the stall they think the winner is announced in Croydon’s population. Norwood, Thornton Despite these rises, thousands of people every should be rewarded for the autumn. Heath, Purley and residents’ permits in year. high standards of customer To nominate your . Local centres Croydon cost less than Now readers of Your care and for displaying a favourite stall email Purley include Beulah Hill, those of most other Croydon can vote for their thorough understanding of fiona.woodcock@croydon. A charging point for Cherry Orchard Road, London boroughs. favourite Surrey Street trading. gov.uk or write to Fiona electric cars is to be Lower Road, The new charges will market stall. The winners of the Good Woodcock, 9th floor, installed in Purley. The Addiscombe, Brighton start on Monday, The 2010 Good Stall Stall Awards will receive a Taberner House, Park installation is part of Road in , 29 March. Awards is your chance to prize certificate to cherish. Lane, Croydon CR9 3BT. the town’s multi-million regeneration which will see changes in High Street and Brighton Jobs boost for town Road. Planning of the Local people are to set to commitment to take on candidates from elsewhere. outline of the scheme benefit when construction local people where possible “The hub will be is being carried out and of the new public services and use the project as a Croydon’s base for local is due to be presented delivery hub in central launch pad for skills. services for local people. this spring. Croydon gets under way. The Prince’s Trust is It makes total sense, CCURV, the organisation expected to be involved therefore, that local people driving the project, is – using its experience should also be given every determined the first post- running apprenticeships opportunity to actually Rox-y recession building scheme and bringing on young work on the project and music should offer work and talent. earn a living from it. page 20 apprenticeship prospects for Croydon Council chief “The hub is an Croydon people. executive Jon Rouse said: investment for the future. Sir Robert McAlpine, “The intention is to recruit Being involved in building the company leading from the local employment it will be an investment in Vision: how the new public service hub will look the work, has given a area before considering their future.” 4 yournews March 2010 | Your Croydon Plan to protect the Eagles’ lair Plans are being put in place practical steps to make sure Only if a new to help protect the future Park remains a stadium could be of Crystal Palace Football football ground. provided elsewhere Club. It has pledged it will would redevelopment be The club has been use all its planning powers considered. thrown into a period of to safeguard the ground Even then the council uncertainty after being and has come out with a would require it to be in or placed into administration, strongly worded statement close to Croydon in order but Croydon Council has to make certain the to retain the historic link been working to safeguard administrators and creditors between Crystal Palace the club. involved with Palace’s Football Club and the Every Eagles fan in the future understand the borough. borough was dismayed to planning limitations when And if a new owner Photo: OnDemand Media learn of Palace’s financial considering any sale. were to build Palace a new Together: Palace has been thrown into a period of uncertainty woes and a 10-point The policy has been ground the council would deduction which has formed because the expect an area of space Jason Perry, said: “Because “Our existing planning get in touch wrecked their charge to the presence of the much-loved equivalent to the size of the Crystal Palace is so policies restrict the use of Championship play-offs. club within Croydon brings pitch to be retained as Local important to our borough Selhurst Park and policy Show your support - As well as using top many economic, social and Open Land. the council wants to do that’s emerging through Send an email to level contacts to help secure cultural benefits and it is The council’s cabinet everything in its powers to the new local development yourcroydon@croydon. a buyer for the club, the important to protect the member for planning and ensure the future existence framework will offer at very gov.uk council has also reinforced facilities considered. conservation, Councillor of the club at Selhurst Park. least similar protection.” Cabbie stops scam Schools cash boost Millions of pounds is children to outstanding them up to the 21st A quick-thinking taxi Problems for the victim damp proof course. being spent to provide local schools with great century standards. driver has been praised began two years ago when It was also claimed that even better education and facilities and high Early plans being for stopping a pensioner his driveway was paved this would involve the use care services for children, standards of teaching. discussed include getting ripped off. by a limited company that of expensive equipment for young people and their Cash from the Building carrying out work that The driver discovered has subsequently been which a £2,500 deposit families in Croydon. Schools for the Future will make classrooms his passenger was about investigated by trading was needed. Money will be spent programme has been unrecognisable from to hand over £1,000 in standards and the police. Luckily, the man’s trip on schools over the next earmarked to transform their traditional image. cash for what sounded Last week, he was to the bank was stopped. year. secondary schools. Croydon will also like a dodgy deal so contacted by someone who If you think you have been Primary schools will Ageing facilities will be improving facilities stepped in to notify the was claiming to be from the victim of a scam, or receive about £16.5m be refurbished or replaced, for pupils with learning authorities and saved the the same company and was you suspect a scam, call to ensure parents have and many schools will difficulties and special day – and the pensioner’s told it would be necessary Consumer Direct on the chance to send their be resized to bring educational needs. cash. to install a chemical 08454 04 05 06. Have your e-say at [email protected] yournews 5 Patient records go electronic Scheme rolled out across England will benefit vulnerable. Local people will benefit These changes will Croydon, said: “Having from a new system that mean that healthcare access to a patient’s health means their medical records staff will be able to share records when they need can be accessed wherever important information such out-of-hours or emergency they are being treated across as diagnoses and test results care can make all the the country. when necessary, giving a difference to their care and The summary care more complete and accurate treatment. records scheme is being health history for each “Elderly and vulnerable Creative: schoolchildren painting at the exhibition and (right) looking at the exhibits introduced in Croydon patient. patients and those for this spring as part of the It will also mean that whom English is a second national launch programme. patient prescriptions or language will particularly A summary care allergies can be quickly benefit. Scene – and seen again record is a secure identified. “The summary Groups from across McGreachan to interpret who created their own electronic summary of During March, NHS care record has already Croydon – and from the Scene Unseen works after visiting the care information, such Croydon will be writing to demonstrated clear benefits all walks of life – have exhibition. exhibition in Croydon as medications, allergies, everyone registered with elsewhere in the country created works of art Victoria House pupil Clocktower in Katharine adverse reactions and key a Croydon GP to tell them and we’re now keen to based on their response referral unit, the Good Street. health information, derived about the scheme, and how bring these to Croydon.” to an exhibition of pieces Shepherd Primary The exhibition initially from the patient’s to opt out should they wish For further information, linked to the borough. School, users of the runs until 1 May. For GP record and added to to do so. call 0845 603 8510, Children from local Heavers Resource Centre more information as necessary by other John Toole, head of email nhscarerecords@ schools were among for young Alzheimer’s about it and other healthcare staff treating the information management nhs.net or visit www. those who worked with sufferers, and Edenham events, log on to www. patient. and technology at NHS nhscarerecords.nhs.uk community artist Toni High were among those museumofcroydon.co.uk

Diverting diversity Your letters I’ve just received the February 2010 issue of the council-taxpayer-funded paper Your Croydon, in which I see, in an article entitled Celebrating Croydon’s Nice to be appreciated diversity (p13), that “Croydon is committed to celebrating its diversity and is one of the best things that has happened to this The publication ofYour Croydon that of the community as a whole”. borough in the past forty years! Oh, really? Since when? I can’t, for the life of me, remember when I was Your Croydon shows the true nature of the people in this borough – that there are asked about this, and indeed suspect that, in fact, no one was ever consulted 10 good, hardworking, kind, honest and decent people in the borough for every bad by you. What price democracy! apple in the basket! If I’m wrong, I do, of course, apologise, but I’d be grateful if you could tell me The media sordidly trawl the gutters only for murder, theft, rape and drunkenness. how the views of the residents of the borough were gathered on this subject, and what numbers were involved. Your Croydon is the sunlight everyone wants to see in the current grey economic environment! Brian Clacey, Addiscombe Everyone who cares about other people in the borough should follow the constructive, Editor’s note: Croydon is a place that enjoys a rich diversity of cultures positive and generous attitude of your publication. Why not publish the faces of your and communities. Croydon’s Place Survey of local residents tells us that staff - editor, deputy, reporters on the front page of your next edition? the vast majority of people who live in the borough believe that Croydon is a place where people from different backgrounds and beliefs get on well Everyone who is looking out for the good of the community needs to see whose together. Indeed, one of the clear messages to come out of Croydon’s biggest example to follow! Well done Your Croydon! consultation exercise last year, which engaged more than 20,000 people, is Richard St L Broadberry, Old Coulsdon that Croydon’s diversity is seen as a key strength. Thousands of local people take part in events each year that recognise and celebrate the borough’s Reliving history diversity. This is one of the things that makes Croydon such a great place. Cheaper swimming I have just read the interesting article about Joyce Lake and her wartime experiences (Digging for victory, I would like some reduction in January). the cost to the disabled and/or Rolling back the years the unemployed of using the New The photo of the women lining up “on parade” was taken The article and photograph of the old roller rink in Cherry Orchard Addington swimming pool. Road in Barham Road, South Croydon, looking north. (Skating with the Croydon rollers,February) was very I have scoliosis and, on my interesting. This road joins Warham Road and is a cul-de-sac. The doctor’s advice, use the pool twice I am an ex Creed & Company apprentice who served his time in a buildings seen at the end of the road were the Howard a week, which costs me £6.60 machine shop housed in what was referred to as “the old roller rink”. Primary School buildings. I attended the school in the late a week and I am on incapacity ’40s and early ’50s. Hopefully, some people in the photo It was a large, open area, ideal for installing lathes, milling machines benefit of only £89.40 a week. will be able to identify themselves. and grinding machines, etc. I understand the need of the The history behind the photo would be very interesting. This was when Croydon was a centre of light engineering and over-60s, but some of them are a computing – in its early days. I have lived in , near , since lot fitter and more affluent than 1955. There was Powers Samas in Thornton Road (which later became others below the age of 60, so can ICL), and Creeds making work stations for early computers. I remember a farm in Sanderstead called Yeates Boro farm. afford to pay the full price. This farm had some dairy cows and was situated on either Creeds had hoped to expand in Croydon but moved to Brighton, Perhaps it should be made side of the main Limpsfield Road. It would be interesting eventually to be finally closed after advances in pure electronic cheaper or free for those who, techniques. to know from Joyce if she knew or worked on this farm. regardless of age, need it, and full If there are any other former Creed employees still living in Croydon It would be good, I think, to get Joyce to produce some price for those who can afford it they might be interested in the Creed Veterans Society, which is more detailed information about the Land Army. I think a and do not need to swim as they holding a reunion in April in Haywards Heath. lot of people would be interested in a book about the can use the gym. Land Army in Croydon ,as a study in local history. What For more information, visitwww.creed-veterans.orangehome.co.uk Louise Pepperall, South Norwood do you think? John Jackson, John King, via email

We want to know your views, email us at [email protected] or write to the address on page 2 6 specialfeature March 2010 | Your Croydon 20,000 The number of people who took part in Imagine Croydon. Imagine all the people More than 20,000 people took part in the Imagine Croydon survey, conducted around the borough last year. Danny Brierley spoke to some of them to learn what they really felt.

Pulling no punches, they changing people’s attitudes told the powers-that-be and behaviour about litter. exactly how they wanted “Another obvious the borough to change over element in being modern the next 30 years. and clean is to embrace, Your Croydon spoke totally, cycling as a means to some of the people of transport and do who have helped shaped whatever it takes to get Croydon’s future. people to cycle on their everyday journeys. Ellen Forrester, a mother “I want people to of two teenage boys and a change their opinion of marketing manager from Croydon, but change it Addiscombe, said: “I didn’t because Croydon has grow up in Croydon but actually changed. have lived here for 20 years “I want to stop and want to be proud of struggling to defend where I live. Croydon.”

Sara Basemera, a 21-year-old student from Thornton Heath, studying for a degree in geography at King’s College, London, said: “I took part because I want to see a change in

“I want people to change their opinion of Croydon, but change it because Croydon has actually changed.”

“I believe Croydon. you should “I said that Croydon not complain needed to focus on and then not preserving its heritage do something. buildings, green spaces and If someone that central Croydon needs gives me that to be bulldozed. opportunity, “In its place, we need however small, I an area planned with will take it. people, not profit, in mind; “My dream of which will look good for a Croydon I can generations. be proud of is “I’d like Croydon to one that exudes become more like the modernity and borough of Richmond. cleanliness in its buildings and on its streets. “In part, to achieve this, it has to adopt a radical, a never-been-seen- before, long-term Rock star: Imagine Croydon has climbed new heights in resident interaction approach to Have your e-say at [email protected] specialfeature 7

For more information visit: www.croydon.gov.uk/vision Imagine all the people

We need to emphasise our “I know lots of people “I felt we should developments being forced tiny pieces that make up the heritage environments, and in my road but my friends capitalise on the fact of on us – and high-rise big jigsaw that is Croydon. open spaces. say they don’t know their being a London borough – buildings, tower blocks “Croydon in 30 “Destroy those awful neighbours. part of London and part of that look over people’s years will still be full of Croydon in 30 motorways and attract the “Perhaps that’s a sign Surrey and its countryside. properties. interesting diversity and creative class. of our busy lives, I’m not “A south-east city in all “I want a future with be a place where there is years will still be “Croydon needs to be sure.” but name... a dual town… green spaces and low-rise opportunity for success remarketed. We cannot lie where the glass and the housing spread sensibly for all. full of interesting about what we have, what Andrew Robertson, green are scraping the throughout the borough, “I would like Croydon diversity and we have is terrible.” 62, a print supervisor who sky – as written in the a new arts complex built to be a place in which its moved to Croydon, from song. There’s also an eco- around a revived Fairfield representatives reflect the be a place Chris Wilson, a 42-year- Scotland, in the 1970s, message. Halls – that would be population. I’d like those old church volunteer from Croydon’s crowning glory.” chosen ‘ambassadors’ to be where there is South Croydon, said: “I able to empathise with and opportunity for want Croydon to be a place “I want Croydon to be a place where Richard SerunjogiI, an understand the people. where people say they are 18-year-old A-level student “I want them to stand success for all. proud to live, and get to a people say they are proud to live, and from Thornton Heath, said: up to protect our rights and get to a point in the future where people “I took part in Imagine wellbeing , regardless of our say they are proud to be from Croydon.” Croydon because age, social status or ability I am proud to be one of the to vote.”

said: “I like Croydon, you “I’ve always hoped that feel like you are on the any more building plans in border of the countryside the town, including Park here. Place, and East Croydon, “You can get into would include fewer retail London easily, but you’re units and offices and more point in the future where part of the country as well. facilities for youngsters – people say they are proud “I took part in the possibly an ice rink or a to be from Croydon. survey by way of the song I swimming pool. “I want it to be a vibrant wrote for the town, which “However, we shall place, but also a green one, is called This Town is Top see.” instead of, perhaps, just and is on the Imagine being known for its shops. Croydon website. Gordon Thompson, “I like Fairfield Halls, the “There is another 61, is the chairman of Clocktower arts complex version of the song called the Canning and Clyde and the Central Library. Capital Living a Country Residents’ Association and They have a diverse amount Life, which is my view of a civil servant. of things going on all the Croydon and was written He said: “I took part in time. because of the media flak Imagine Croydon because I “The trams are great the town wanted the people’s views too, I can easily get to see had to to be respected instead of friends in Beckenham and take when the council and its partners Wimbledon. applying always getting what they “I was quite specific in for city wanted to give us. saying that there should status. “One of my biggest be a green space near East concerns has always been Croydon and a leisure centre in the town centre. “We have a “I want a future with green spaces multicultural society which is great, but that also brings and low-rise housing spread sensibly its own issues. throughout the borough, a new “People feel like arts complex built around a revived community spirit has Fairfield Halls” disappeared. Future: the survey will shape Croydon for the next 30 years 8 yourcommunity March 2010 | Your Croydon

Our mission statement is to provide affordable football for the community, keeping young boys off the streets and giving them a purpose in life. Gary Boyden, SURF FC How would you spend £1.5m? That’s the question being asked of local people by Croydon Council after thousands voted for their favourite open spaces.

Parks to be proud of is a parks should get a share of for everyone – we’re one them, and it would be major project aimed at £1.5m. of the cheapest teams to great for the football in the improving the quality of Nine parks won the play for. park.” Croydon’s local parks. vote, and Your Croydon “Our mission statement And, with a huge pot spoke to local people about is to provide affordable Coulsdon Memorial of cash to dip into, now is what they felt could be football for the community, Ground; Sanderstead your chance to have a say improved in their area. keeping young boys off the Recreation Ground; in how it is spent. street and giving them a Waddon Ponds From playgrounds South Norwood purpose in life. Despite it being a and pavilions, to benches Country Park; Lloyd “What they could cold and wet Sunday Parj life: Players from and bins, there is a long Park; Milne Park; do around here is put in January, Coulsdon Surf FC, and South shopping list of possible Addington Vale some lights up. Not really Memorial Ground was Norwood Country Park improvements – and the Gary Boyden is a coach big floodlights, but just occupied with families choice of what is done is for Surf FC, who have enough to let us play using the playground, dog down to you. been playing from Lloyd and train in the winter walkers and five local boys Run by the council, the Park in the Tandridge B evenings. making use of one of the project gave local people League for nine years. “The council could park’s disused buildings as the chance to vote on “Our club really tries to make some money back an impromptu goalmouth. which of Croydon’s 127 make football affordable by charging teams to use Ben Harvey and his Gentleman Charlie marks 100 March 1910 is notable as being the month in which actor David Niven and bricklayer Charlie Harwood were born, and Charlie’s work can still be seen around Croydon.

A dapper turn-out – often happened more than 80 particularly during the sporting a bowler hat and years ago, but Charlie, Blitz. white muffler – was the who celebrates his 100th “My first shout was to look the young Charlie birthday on 6 March, Woolwich Arsenal, when it Harwood always strived recounts the story as was bombed. for, and on at least one though it happened “I thought I was driving occasion, it definitely yesterday. into Hell, there was fire worked in his favour. And it is only one of everywhere you looked. It When he and his new many that Charlie has was bloody awful.” Happy together: Charlie and his daughter Ann bride went shopping accrued over a life that After the war he to furnish their home, saw him born in Vauxhall, returned to bricklaying, and Bedfordshire; and Ann, at the quizzes, but I don’t the shopkeeper, noting and live for a time in his skills were put to work with whom he lives in know that I am. They kid Charlie’s tailored look, said Balham before moving to on the old Croydon General . you up.” that a guarantor for the Croydon in 1951 because Hospital, in London Road, Sadly, Florence has To mark his big day, weekly payments was not he: “thought it was the and the East Croydon passed on, but Charlie the family will be hosting necessary for a gentleman. countryside”. United Reformed Church, has since filled his time a special birthday party, to Indeed, he told He first met Florence, in Addiscombe Grove: “I by writing a 44,000- be attended by 100 people, Charlie: “Only the likes of the girl who was to become built all the front of that word family history and including daughter Phyllis bricklayers and labourers his wife, when she was myself.” becoming a member and her husband, flying in need a guarantor.” eight and he was six. He was also responsible of Croydon Voluntary from Australia. A chuckling Charlie He said: “From that for the extensive flint work Association for the Blind, And what is it that has said: “You should’ve seen very first day at school, I in the walls surrounding and Coleby Day Activities kept Charlie so bright over the look on his face when said ‘I’m going to marry Sanderstead roundabout. Services, in Morland Road, the years? I wrote ‘bricklayer’ in the that girl’.” And, though it Charlie and Florence, Addiscombe. “I was born in Guinness place on the form where didn’t happen for another who celebrated their Of the latter, he said: buildings and I enjoy you had to say what you 21 years, he was right. diamond wedding in 1997, “I come here three times the occasional drop of did for a living. It was a During World War II, had three children: Phyllis, a week. They’re such Guinness – you could say picture.” Charlie served as a fireman who now lives in Australia; marvellous, helpful people. I’ve been a Guinness man Dapper: Charlie All that may have and says it was a busy time, Charles, a little closer, in “They reckon I’m good all my life.” Have your e-say at [email protected] yourcommunity 159 127 The number of parks in Croydon. How would you spend £1.5m?

friends are keen to see Wandle Park “I’m not keen on the improvements that would Andrew Macmillan is a idea of lights, that some bring them back to the regular visitor to people have suggested. park more often: “To be Park, usually walking Personally, I think they honest, this is the first time through it at least twice give a false sense of we’ve been down in ages. a day on the way to the security. “We used to come library or the shops. “I’d also prefer to down a lot before they His view was that any see the money spent on closed the café a year or improvements should be improving the entrances, so ago. simple, solid and long- rather than just planting a “It would be good lasting. few flowers. if they could get that He said: “This is an “And it would be nice if reopened and maybe fix interesting old park with the trees that are missing up the tennis courts – and much more history than on either side of the path make them free, too! A people give it credit for. could be replaced.” skate ramp would be good “It’s a great place for It’s up to you whether you paper survey form from Pond life: nine parks are because there isn’t one families and children to How to have your go for one big idea and a libraries and park offices. set for improvements anywhere around here.” play and it’s a nice walk say... few other things or spread You have until mid-April through from end to end. A website has been set up your money around more to let the council know Norbury Park; The path could maybe that gives all of the options simple improvements.If what you think. Visit Thornton Heath do with widening and and a rough idea of how you prefer to not use the www.croydon.gov.uk/ Recreation Ground; repairing, though. much each item will cost. web, you can pick up a yourparks Churches’ bed of heaven A group of 19 Croydon churches provide beds every night to people who might otherwise find themselves sleeping rough on the borough’s streets. John Bownas reports. Trustees Chris Wilson and funding. religious views onto people. “It’s amazing really that don’t understand why. John Broom and centre He then found rough That is definitely not what they run a place like this. The best thing about coordinator Sally Bruce sleepers and told them we are about.” I split from my husband being here, apart from it are some of the people where they could find a bed The people that run and he gave the flat to just being somewhere to that help the homeless in for the night. the church shelters see our daughter, so I had sleep, is the company. But Croydon find somewhere People are not allowed the project as a stepping nowhere to go. on the other hand some safe and warm to lay their to walk in off the streets, stone to more permanent “I’ve been trying to people do snore a lot – so heads. though; they have to be housing. It is paid for get a little one-room flat, you can’t sleep after all. The project began checked to protect the by fundraising events, but as soon as I say I am “If I can get sorted seven years ago with seven volunteers who run the including Christmas carol on housing benefit most out then I wouldn’t mind churches. Now there are 19 service. singing in the Whitgift landlords don’t seem to coming back to help next giving help from November Guests get a meal Shopping Centre. want to know any more. I year myself.” through to April on a and a bed for the night. It always needs supplies rotating basis. They wake at six the next of food, clothes and Each church takes it in morning for breakfast and toiletries and some local turn to run a shelter so that are given a packed lunch firms, such as Flints the every day of the week is and details of which church bakers, donate goods. covered. is running the shelter next. Waitrose recently gave The best thing There are more than Chris Wilson, one £1,000 after an in-store about being 1,000 people involved in of the volunteers, said: promotion. the shelters in one way or “Sometimes people come in The people who sleep here, apart from another and volunteers very angry and aggressive, in the churches come from include people under the but usually when they all walks of life and include it just being age of 16. leave they have calmed a compulsive gambler who somewhere Jo Crilly, an outreach down and become different lost his job and his home. worker in London who people. There’s also a lot of Others have simply had to sleep, is the lived in Croydon, came mutual support with guests something happen in their up with the idea of using looking after each other, life that means they have company. churches to provide shelter so a bond of friendship nowhere else to go. and the council helped usually builds up. What we Janet, one of the people him in the first year with don’t ever do is push any who use the shelters, said: Shelter: the homeless are fed and given a bed 10 specialfeature March 2010 | Your Croydon

metres up the side of Taberner House presented the abseiling 80 engineers with conditions similar to those found in the Alps. Give ’em enough ...and these fearless engineers will take on the highest challenges, as Richard Gibbs (with his feet firmly planted on the ground) found out.

A mountaineer for 25 years, with Alpine peaks, the Eiger and Matterhorn already on his ‘done’ list, Tom Marriott has now added Taberner House, one of Croydon’s tallest buildings, to his high-level conquests. Tom is a lead abseil engineer at RSK Stats, a renowned engineering and environmental firm of consultants that uses abseil specialists to bring their engineering knowledge directly to the workface. At Taberner House, essential safety works included covering the At Taberner flanks of the ageing House, essential 80m office block with a synthetic netting as a safety works protection against falling masonry that might included endanger pedestrians or covering the passing traffic below. Gusting winds and flanks of the freezing temperatures gave the job something of an ageing 80m Alpine feel. office block Tom, 36, actually started his career with the with a synthetic company working below ground, on the Thames netting as a tunnel section of the protection Channel Tunnel rail link. But his reputation and against falling abilities as a mountaineer sped his recruitment to masonry that the team that does most might endanger of its work at considerable heights. pedestrians Brought up on Dartmoor, he has always or passing preferred the outdoor life traffic below. to driving a desk for a living. “Combining climbing activities with a career in on-site engineering investigations is a great bonus,” he said. “As a child, I was always climbing something or other in or around the house. I bought my first rope, in secret, when I was 11.” Long way down: Tom Marriott and his colleagues make light work of scaling the side of Taberner House with the Town Hall below Have your e-say at [email protected] specialfeature 1511

Tom cites earlier work he undertook in Croydon at Park Hill water tower as one of the most interesting high-level jobs he has undertaken. Give ’em enough rope

until we were able to haul to ensure that jobs are safe the working lines into and meet the engineering I find it position.” objectives required. With access in place, Additionally, once the quite peaceful, the company has been work has been carried out, able to monitor structural time is required to prepare as it usually movement in this important the technical reports and marks a point in historic landmark. any repair specifications. The most challenging What, then, has RSK the day where work he has undertaken Stats actually been doing involving high-rise office on Taberner House? I can immerse buildings was a condition Earlier surveys revealed myself fully in survey of the former Home that the weather was Office (now the Ministry of loosening some of the the activity Justice), in central London. decorative flint cobbles Its substantial rooftop embedded into the ahead and overhang left the abseilers building’s east- and west- not have the suspended from their facing concrete cladding ropes in mid-air, about five panels. distractions of metres from the face of the To reduce the risk of structure they were trying any cobbles falling to the phone calls to inspect. ground it was proposed or emails. To get in closer, they that the affected areas had to be swung-in on should be covered by a their ropes in order to fix containment net. window suckers through The work carried out which their access lines during the winter could be threaded. was the first phase “The subsequent release of the netting On the end of the line: Tom Marriottt assesses the structural integrity of the Park Hill water tower of the suckers was quite installation; the entertaining!” full, permanent Most people regard of safety awareness – even Coincidentally, Tom However, rope access installation it as rather scary to see our pencils are tied to cites earlier work he is only a means of getting will involve someone dangling from lanyards to ensure they undertook in Croydon at to the workface, and it is constructing a the end of a rope on a cannot fall. And all of this Park Hill Water Tower as operatives’ engineering stainless steel high-rise building, but it is helps reinforce confidence one of the most interesting skills that are all-important. network of an environment in which in working at height.” high-level jobs he has The method has an tensioned wires Tom and his colleagues are So what is it like, undertaken. unrivalled safety record and to support and entirely comfortable. stepping off the edge of a To start with, the only the inherent hazards mean maintain the He said: “Of course, 20-storey structure? means of access was by that everything is done to netting. you need a head for heights “It certainly focuses the way of an internal wrought maximise safety awareness These works but generally I never mind! iron steel structure that had and minimise risk. will take place been built to support the Every piece of later in the year. original header tank. equipment has a logged Structural movement in Park Hill In addition, the abseil service and maintenance water tower can now be monitored engineers had to rig ropes history from manufacture to from the internal steel to early disposal. the external brickwork. The rigging systems experience fear for either “Personally, I find it “The solution we incorporate a working line my own safety or that of my quite peaceful, as it usually arrived at was to catapult and safety line that are colleagues. marks a point in the day weights attached to fishing- independently backed up “The hazards where I can immerse line wire over the various to “unquestionably sound” involved mean that our myself fully in the activity steel sections and through anchor points. risk assessments and ahead and not have the the tower’s battlements. A large portion of the related safety controls are distractions of phone “Once the fishing lines time engineers spend extremely rigorous. calls or emails – which is, were in the right places, on rope-access work “Our training also perhaps a blissful respite in we attached progressively is dedicated to project imparts a very high degree the modern-day world.” thicker sections of rope management and planning Scaling the heights: Tom inspects the masonry 12 yourhealth March 2010 | Your Croydon

I’d recommend Parkrun to anybody, I think it’s fantastic.

The family that runs together... enjoys healthy exercise, improved fitness levels and a great feeling when previous personal bests are bettered. “It’s just really nice that encourages you, even if, like and ended up beating him feeling when you record a Mick Turner, joint race we’ve got something that me, you’re sometimes the to the finish.” new personal best.” director, said: “It’s a really we can all do together,” last to get round.” Unlike her sisters, Parkrun is staged every relaxed event that attracts is how Kenley mother-of- Being last to get round Gabriella, 13, is not quite so Saturday morning at 9am, amateur runners who three, Alex Parris, sums up is something that doesn’t keen to leave the comfort over a 2.5km course which enjoy a timed 5km run the Parkrun experience. often happen to Fran, of her duvet on a winter’s runners cover twice, though in safe surroundings on a Alex, husband Justin, 15. Indeed, she recently Saturday morning, though some, in their early days, go well-marshalled route, and and their three daughters been qualified to represent she has gone along on the round just the once. anybody can join in.” – keen club runner Fran, Surrey. odd occasion. She said: It’s a great event for: To give Parkrun a go, reluctant Gabriella and She said: “It’s great for “I think it’s good to do – if • boys and girls who like simply register at www. enthusiastic Katrina – are training. I go to run my guts you do it! Every week I say running; parkrun.org.uk/register to be found each Saturday out, but that’s not really the I’ll go, but I usually don’t • women preparing for the and then turn up by 8.45 morning on point of Parkrun. make it.” 5K Race For Life events; for the 9am start. Downs, off Purley Way, “Most people do it for As our photos show, • beginners and Fast runners can finish taking part in this family- fun, and that’s the real however, she was present intermediate runners the run in less than 20 friendly 5km run. reason for it.” when Your Croydon’s who want to enjoy the minutes, but most people Alex said that they’re Katrina, now 11, photographer turned up. support of other runners take between 20 and 40 usually among up to 120 had her first real run at Alex added: “I’d in a non-competitive minutes to complete the runners who turn out, fair a Parkrun meet, when recommend Parkrun environment; distance. weather or foul, for what she was nine, and looks to anybody, I think it’s • men and women wanting By 10am the run is is essentially a great way to forward to the weekly fantastic. to improve their 5K or done – and you’ll be fired get some regular exercise. event. Like her mum, “It doesn’t matter what cross country times; up for your weekend with a “We started with the she enjoys the sense of age you are, or your level • half-marathon and decent 5km run under your Banstead Parkrun, in the camaraderie among the of ability. You can go along, marathon runners who belt. summer of 2008, and we’ve runners. join in and not worry about want a weekly timed For more information been with the Roundshaw She said: “I was how fast you can run. speed training session; about Parkrun, visit Downs group for about 18 struggling one week and “It’s not a race, it’s all • all runners entering www.parkrun.org.uk/ months,” said Alex. a man slowed down to about gradually improving charity and other races roundshaw or email “There’s always a encourage me. He ran with your fitness and the time who want to get used to Mick and Nicola at lovely friendly atmosphere me for a bit then went off you can complete the five running against the clock roundshawdirector@ and everybody helps and ahead, but I caught him up kilometres – it’s a great in a group. parkrun.com It doesn’t matter what age you are, or your level of ability. You can go along, join in and not worry about how fast you can run.

Jubilant: The Parrises get another Parkrun under their belts – Fran, Alex, Justin, Katrina and Gabriella District Centre Eye-catching News shop windows March 2010 Jazzy images reveal empty premises’ potential.

Nothing looks more depressing in a shopping district “discover” theme – familiar to everyone who glances than empty shop windows, so a new way of improving up at the borough’s lamppost pennants – which Work with your appearances has been welcomed by traders. encourages shoppers to make more use of the smaller The empty property initiative – a scheme backed shops on their doorstep. by central government to help recession-hit shopping As well as huge vinyl window stickers offering bright district manager parades – means there will be fewer ugly gaps in ideas for possible shop uses, another initiative currently Croydon’s retail districts. being rolled out is for community art spaces. Everyone can make a By using dramatic, colourful vinyl window stickers, Successfully trialled in the Crystal Palace Triangle, differenceto their area by everyone gets a glimpse of the potential of empty the scheme gives local artists the chance to turn empty premises, and there are fewer “blanks”, so each shop windows into galleries of their work. working with their district neighbourhood feels more vibrant and attractive. CEDC property project manager Cheryl Savchenko, centre manager. Get in touch The initiative aims to encourage shoppers back to who is masterminding the empty shop initiatives in the centres which are struggling to prosper in these difficult borough, explained the thinking. with your local contacts: trading days. “Colourful vinyls on empty shop windows help tidy “By keeping everything busy-looking, it will benefit streets up, improve the look of the areas and help the whole area,” explained Sharon Baldwin, district generate interest in the actual premises,” she said. Purley centre development manager for Croydon Economic “The ideas for possible uses can showcase what each Amber Rusk Development Company (CEDC). unit could be, and the reaction from traders has been 07997 628085 / 020 8090 5573 “It’s a temporary fix, but it really brightens the positive.” shops up.” • More about the empty property initiative over the [email protected] The transformed windows also reinforce the page. Coulsdon Christine Samson 07775 824826 / 020 8090 5572 [email protected]

New Addington and Purley Way Ken Sherwood 07876 034008 / 020 8090 5579 [email protected]

South Norwood Carol Clapperton 07776 477366 / 020 8090 5575 [email protected]

Crystal Palace Sharon Baldwin [email protected] Thornton Heath, Selhurst and Norbury Jason Grant 07771 842945 / 020 8090 5577 [email protected] This shocking pink vinyl in Croydon town centre turns an empty window into a positive message to shop locally. District Centre News

Is that a restaurant in there? Clever photography on this empty shop window in Chipstead Valley Road, Coulsdon, means passers-by think there is something worthwhile inside It’s the vinyl countdown

Rather than a blank shopfront in Croydon town centre, Brightly decorated empty shopfronts are helping the borough’s this window now promotes the borough’s local markets district centres – and local artists who can put them to use.

The wide range of dramatic shop-window vinyls now encourage the art scene, but also help potential renters being posted on empty premises in Croydon’s districts feel more positive about an area, while the premises give tantalising glimpses of what might lurk within. themselves become more marketable. Using banner headlines to encourage locals to Now other areas are following the lead. Purley discover arts, parks, markets, fashion, entertainment, district centre manager Amber Rusk said: “By using leisure and dining, the vinyls help potential businesses empty shop windows to display art, we can help visualise how a thriving shop could look. develop the local arts and crafts scene, and help Croydon’s efforts to lift district centres by landlords.” brightening up otherwise derelict shopfronts have been Her target is to rid Purley of depressing empty welcomed by the government’s communities secretary, shopfronts and replace them with bright, appealing art John Denham. installations. He said: “We know the downturn has really hurt CEDC believes a twin-prong approach of art galleries some high streets, but efforts like this really make a and bright vinyls can create a better image than blank difference in keeping town centres vibrant.” or boarded-up shops which simply carry dispiriting To By mixing optical illusion with positive messages, the Let signs. vinyls are aimed at lifting the whole district – not just “Crystal Palace was one of the first to do it, now the specific premises. other local authorities are using the technique, too,” “We’re showing what can be done, but we’d like explained Sharon Baldwin. people to come forward with other ideas too,” said Shops can be transformed with the eye-catching Sharon Baldwin, district centre development manager vinyls from as little as £250. There is even the potential for Croydon Economic Development Company (CEDC). to back-light graphics, or show film clips or slide shows. One of the most intriguing ideas is for pop-up art Jeremy Rucker of Smart City Dressing, the firm galleries – designating shop windows as display spaces which is working with CEDC on the project, said More clever photography helps brighten a town-centre to offer artists, sculptors and photographers prime that window graphics helped reduce vandalism, cut shopfront locations to show their work. insurance premiums, trimmed maintenance costs and The idea has already been tested in the Crystal generated interest among would-be customers. Palace Triangle, where artist Roy Peterson worked with He said: “Empty units make a town look derelict and CEDC to create mini exhibitions inside empty shops. unwelcoming. “Colourful vinyls on empty shop Last year, an empty retail unit in Church Road “While you’re trying to encourage visitors and became the Bigger Picture gallery, showing works by shoppers into town centres, empty shops reflect badly windows help tidy streets up, artists who would otherwise have struggled to find on a town’s image. somewhere prominent to exhibit. “This affordable yet highly effective solution goes a improve the look of the areas “I was worried about shops closing in the Triangle long way to attracting people back into town centres, and wondered if there was something we could do adding cheer and colour to brighten any space.” and help generate interest in the about it,” said Roy. If you have ideas for improving empty shops, or “There’s lots of creativity in the area, and lots of you are an artist looking for a window for a temporary actual premises” support from the community.” gallery, get in touch with Cheryl Savchenko by emailing Roy reasons that pop-up galleries not only [email protected] Cost-saving help Golf club could help is a real inspiration to drive Feeling inspired? A free business-improvement programme pledges area forward big cost savings for companies that undergo an environmental audit. Ambitious scheme aims at The promise of significant savings in energy use, waste Other firms taking advantage of the free advice management and sustainable transport, and improved include building companies, dry cleaners, medium-sized offering youngsters valuable profits and better networking opportunities is the offer offices, even funeral directors. from Inspire South London. From saving water and energy to managing waste experience, and leisure and Debbie Clement, of Envibe (Environmental Business and using sustainable transport, Inspire South London employment opportunities to Excellence), who manages the programme, explained: offers the chance of real change, and interest-free “We’re working with Croydon businesses of all sizes, loans may be available to help cover the cost of local people. with the bottom line being cost savings, especially environmental work. through recycling and energy-saving.” Debbie added that an unexpected by-product of Fore! New Addington youngsters could soon have their The programme is free thanks to the EU money (it the improvements had been a rise in the number of own golf academy after two entrepreneurs bid to would normally cost between £500 and £1,000), and Croydon companies trading with each other. transform a derelict pitch-and-putt course. every business of five or more employees is eligible. To learn more, call the business helpline (020 8680 Locally born businessman Paul Phillips and golf pro After an initial meeting, when the particular needs of 6161) or ring Debbie directly on 020 3326 0470. Gary Wallis, have joined forces, and want to turn the the business are assessed, a written report is prepared, old 18-hole pitch-and-putt off King Henry’s Drive into a beneficial changes agreed, and experts help implement nine-hole course and training academy with clubhouse the improvements and monitor the results to calculate and shop. the energy savings. The area’s district centre manager, Ken Sherwood, “Every company is different, and we treat each who helped the men with their business plan, believes company differently,” said Debbie. “A lot of it is it could revitalise the area and offer training and good housekeeping; embedding good practice in employment to local people. organisations.” “It will hand opportunities – affordable She added that companies’ green credentials were opportunities – to youths on the estate, many of increasingly under scrutiny, and that environmental whom are very keen on golf,” he said. performance could make a difference when firms The ultimate decision on the proposal rests with pitched for business. Croydon Council. “We can help firms write environmental policies The businessmen have pledged to keep prices low, to keep them ahead of their competitors,” she said. as little as £4 for a round, to encourage people in New “It’s all about an organisation showing it takes its Addington to use the course. responsibilities seriously.” The new project would also provide opportunities The Envibe team (from left) are Debbie Clement, Odile to teach youngsters about landscaping, golf club repair Already, 750 businesses have been helped, among Haustant, Lara Hinshelwood-Bove, Caroline Gill and them Jurys Inn hotels, which went on to win a national Tom Brooks] and green-keeping, with schools being invited to use the green tourism award. facilities. Don’t call me Mark… I’m Chas now Determined businessman pulls out all the stops to win construction work accreditation. When New Addington businessman Mark Carruthers was told that he’d need official registration if he wanted to do building and maintenance work for Croydon Council, he wasn’t sure where to start. Mark, the managing director of H&T Services, a firm which aims to generate much-needed work for tradesmen in the area, was informed he required accreditation from Chas – the Construction, Health and Safety scheme. Using contacts from his other venture, The Warehouse hardware shop in Central Parade, he got help in drawing up health and safety policies, codes of practice and formal risk-assessment documents. He also attended an asbestos training course, then took and passed the construction skills managerial and professional test for health and safety. After a nervous wait, his Chas accreditation came through. “It ensures that when my company carries out work it will not only be to a high standard, but also to the required health and safety standards,” said Mark, who has been backed with loan funding. Mark was supported in his ambition by New Addington district centre manager Ken Sherwood, who was full of admiration for his commitment. Ken said: “It’s a tremendous achievement.” Now all Mark has to do is find enough wall space to hang all those certificates. Mark Carruthers now has the certificates he needs District Centre News Food, glorious food Food and nutritional awareness should be on the up as new centre is planned for New Addington.

A community food learning centre proposed for New Addington aims to educate youngsters about growing and preparing nutritious meals in a drive to cut obesity, improve health and reduce antisocial behaviour. If approval is granted, the new centre would be built beside existing allotments in Mickleham Way, Addington Vale. Up to 25 new allotments would also be created. Working with the charity Good Food Matters, the aim is to teach youngsters how to grow their own food, and then prepare and cook it. Project manager Evelyn Findlater, who founded the charity and who has written eight books on healthy cooking and eating, believes the statistics show the need for a food learning centre in the area. Fieldway ward has the highest percentage of benefit claimants in Croydon, while more than a quarter of New Addington’s reception class pupils are overweight or obese. The plan would be to create a teaching kitchen alongside 50 child-height raised growing beds, a 30-tree orchard, compost zone and beehive area, with the whole community being encouraged to get involved. Ken Sherwood, New Addington’s district centre manager, said he was very excited about the prospect. Where the proposed community food learning centre would go, beside the allotments in Addington Vale “The aim would be to link up with schools in the area to teach children to grow their own food, cook and eat it,” he said, adding that the mission was now to attract A similar teaching kitchen set up by Good Food explained Evelyn Findlater. as much grant aid as possible for the scheme, which will Matters in Windmill Road, Croydon, in 2006 has helped Existing allotment holders on the site would be able cost an estimated £550,000. 300 young people aged eight to 19 learn to cook and to use the centre’s facilities, including greenhouses, The project dovetails with other Croydon borough understand the benefits of healthier eating. while a shop would sell locally grown organic produce. initiatives to tackle youth crime, deprivation and poor “The aim of the New Addington centre is to teach Surplus food would be delivered to needy people in health, and promises to expand the already active people how to cook, grow and market organic food the area. allotment scene in New Addington as well as offering that will benefit their physical and mental health and Courses would also be run in horticulture, herb youngsters the hope of employment in the food industry. contribute enormously to community cohesion,” growing, beekeeping, cookery and organic gardening. Printer recycling is green… and cheap! A new venture to encourage the environmentally friendly recycling of laserprinter parts is reducing landfill and saving customers a small fortune. Printer Services Ltd, of Enterprise Close, off Purley Way, Printer Services already has impressive green has launched printerFUSION to run alongside its existing credentials. The company’s engineers, who service printers business, supplying and maintaining office printers. in central London, travel everywhere by Oyster card. Managing director Mark Pearcy, who set up the “They set off to London on the tram, then travel from company five years ago, said the new venture refurbishes customer to customer on the tube with their tools in a fuser units, which have to be changed several times in the bag,” said Mark. “They used to use vans, but now we no average lifespan of a laserprinter. longer pay for the vehicles, congestion charge, fuel or The fuser bonds the text or image to the printed page. parking.” A typical A4-size unit costs around £200 new, but can be The firm lists major health authorities, legal and refurbished for around £60. financial firms, retailers (includingW aitrose), manufacturers, Larger office printer fusers can cost as much as £500 public sector companies and charities among its clients. new, while refurbished versions are just £120 – a huge Smart software allows staff to keep tabs on printer saving. faults in customers’ offices, eliminating the need for As well as cutting landfill and improving recycling rates, anguished phone calls from receptionists reporting the printerFUSION service actually extends the life of the problems. printers. The coatings put on the aluminium rollers inside Mark Pearcy challenged Croydon companies to think the recycled units last longer than the factory originals! green when it comes to replacing fuser units. “Everyone “The fusers are completely dismantled, some parts are could be greener; everyone could be more environmentally automatically replaced, then they are cleaned, reassembled, friendly,” he said. tested and boxed,” said Mark. “We’re only limited by the Printer Services Ltd is based at 4 Enterprise Close, Richard Brown saves another client £140 by number of old fuser cartridges we get. Environmentally, CR0 3RZ. Call 020 8689 5455 or visit www.printer- refurbishing an old Xerox fuser unit there’s a very strong argument for the service.” services.co.uk Have your e-say at [email protected] yourhealth 13

Starting in April, new essential standards of care will be introduced across all health and adult social care services in England.

Looking after the little people Don’t let swine flu knock your under-five for six. While it is good news that vulnerable to severe number of reported swine the pandemic flu rates are illness from swine flu, flu cases, we expect H1N1 now decreasing, it remains some even requiring a to be around as a flu virus By getting the jab important to ensure that spell in hospital. for some years to come. those in high-risk groups Croydon GPs are “Children in this age now, it’s likely to have been vaccinated. offering the vaccination to group are particularly Among those who children in this age group. vulnerable to swine flu, offer protection in may be at risk are healthy Please contact your local but by getting the jab the future children aged between six practice to request an now, it’s likely to offer months and five years. appointment. protection in the future.” Swine flu vaccinations Dr Peter Brambleby, For further information are available for all the borough’s director and flu updates, please children in this age of public health, said: see www.croydon.nhs. bracket, as they have been “Although there’s been a uk, or pick up a leaflet found to be particularly steady reduction in the from your GP’s surgery. Patient care to meet new standards Regulator sets new benchmarks for health and social care.

Hospital patients will if they meet essential law be registered with CQC count in helping CQC Health Services, said: notice an improvement standards and it will according to the essential decide what judgements to “We’ll be declaring full in the standard of care constantly monitor them to standards. take, and ways are being compliance with the they receive with the make sure they comply with CQC’s assessors and developed to ensure their CQC’s requirements for introduction of a new the law. inspectors are currently voice is heard. registration. system. The new standards reviewing each NHS trust Nick Hulme, chief “This builds on previous Starting in April, new mean that patients and application before licensing executive of Mayday years’ work of meeting essential standards of care users of care services them to operate. Healthcare, said: “We’ve the requirements laid out will be introduced across all can expect that essential Once registered, CQC looked at the new under Standards for Better health and adult social care standards of quality and will publish information on regulations in detail and Health and moves us services in England. safety, respecting their its website about the status will be able to declare full toward providing services The Care Quality dignity and rights, are met. of your NHS hospital and compliance. with a stronger focus on Commission (CQC), the NHS trusts are the this will be updated with “The new system gives outcomes and ensuring new independent regulator first to come into the new new information in the far more weight to patients’ that the patient experience of health and adult social system. For the first time, course of the year. own experiences and we is at the heart of everything care, will license services all NHS hospitals must by Patient feedback will look forward to working we do.” The new system with the CQC to ensure our The government has gives far more patients are given every given CQC new, greater opportunity to give us powers of enforcement to weight to the feedback we need to ensure it can take swift continue to improve and action where care providers patients’ own develop our services. “ are failing people. experiences. Caroline Taylor, Find out how you can chief executive of NHS expect to benefit from the Croydon, responsible essential standards at for Croydon Community www.cqc.org.uk Paint the town yellow for Marie Curie Cancer Care Buy a daffodil pin and support charity that helps those with cancer.

Debbie Ventham’s mother right to the end and she makes this possible.” own homes or one of the 0845 601 3107 (local rate) died of cancer on the first died at home in May, Marie Curie Cancer Care charity’s hospices. or visit www.mariecurie. day of this millennium, and, 2007, surrounded by all is asking people to help Daffodil pins can be org.uk/daffodil just a couple of weeks later, her family, including her paint the town yellow this picked up from local stores, To access a Marie Curie her sister was diagnosed husband and four children. March by wearing a daffodil schools, street collectors Nurse, speak to your GP with breast cancer. “Like my sister, most pin to back its annual Great and Marie Curie Shops or district nurse. For more “Diana battled with people want to be at home Daffodil Appeal. across the UK throughout information, please visit: cancer for several years but – in their own bed, looking Every donation for a March. www.mariecurie.org.uk she made sure she lived life out onto their own garden, daffodil will help more For further information to the full during the time with their family and Marie Curie Nurses about the appeal or to find she had left,” said Debbie. friends close at hand – and to provide free care to out how you can help, call “I looked after her Marie Curie Cancer Care terminally ill people in their the Daffodil Hotline on 14 specialfeature March 2010 | Your Croydon

the number of scars Eryca had after 200 an horrific accident almost killed her.

Making up ain’t so hard to do When a car ploughed into a catwalk model, she thought her glamour days were behind her, but, as she told Danny Brierley, it opened up a new path.

A model, robbed of her It was during this fashionistas’ bible, Vogue. career when a car slammed period of self-doubt that Despite the glamour of her against a petrol station Eryca accompanied a friend her work, Eryca realised kiosk, has rebuilt her life – to a photo shoot that was there was something else and a new career that sees to change her life. she needed to do. her mingling with the stars. Watching the make-up “I found that I still Eryca Freemantle was artists at work, she realised wanted more. I knew that 24 when the accident at she could do a far better after everything I’d been a filling station in Brixton job – and that the trauma through I wanted to go into I found that I still brought her catwalk days she had gone through teaching and training to to an end. meant she was now an help others.” wanted more. I It left her with a badly expert in corrective make- That led to a two-year knew that after damaged leg, more than up techniques. part-time teacher-training 200 scars on her face and Eryca, whose business, course in Harrow, north everything I’d a complete loss of hair on Face the Facts, has offices London, and to various her head. in Portland Road, South colleges where she passes been through After two years of Norwood, said: “I thought on her experience to I wanted to go physiotherapy, during at that moment that was students eager to follow in which she learned to walk what I needed to do.” her footsteps. into teaching again, she realised her After a make-up course Now she enjoys the professional life was in in Holborn in central best of both worlds, jetting and training to tatters and she was drained London, where she also around the world on help others. of confidence. studied the “psychology” of glamorous assignments and “Nobody wanted a bald- make-up, Eryca was ready fulfilling her desire to “put headed, scarred, one-legged to go back into the fashion something back”. model,” the 45-year-old industry. She said: “There are lots celebrity make-up artist She has worked with a of things going on in my said. number of famous names life and hopefully more of “It made me much including Seal, Whitney those can be in Croydon. more insecure and insular, Houston, Soul II Soul “I’ve spent a lot of time but I refused to roll over and Yasmin Le Bon, and here and I think I have a lot and die.” been part of shoots for the to offer.” Have your e-say at [email protected] yourspace 15

job opportunities for local unemployed people 100 under the Croydon Works umbrella. Kicking off for a future job in football An innovative scheme could see young local people land their dream job.

Jobs with top football clubs experience and a salary. hotspots in London and, by range of training including are not easy to come by, but The partnership has working with top London coaching awards, literacy a groundbreaking deal been endorsed by the football clubs, will help and numeracy, and between Premier League, with local communities by employability programmes. and six London clubs is Tottenham Hotspur supporting young people The clubs will provide helping young people kick Foundation as the lead into employment during mentors for all the new off their careers. partner for the clubs that tough economic times. employees who will be The college is working have seen a chance to put The successful drawn from existing club in partnership with something back into local applicants for these jobs staff and trained Tottenham Hotspur, communities. will work as coaches within specifically for this role. Fulham, West Ham, The Future Jobs scheme the clubs’ community trusts. Claire Parry, managing Arsenal, Charlton Athletic is part of the government’s At the end of the six director of Croydon Skills and Brentford after securing Backing Young Britain months, all the clubs have and Enterprise College, a £400,000 contract campaign. committed to offering said: “This contract is a real through the Department of This initiative aims to permanent employment for coup for the college and Work and Pensions. encourage employers and at least half of the young shows how we’re dedicated This contract will result organisations of all sizes to people. to working with other in 60 new jobs being provide more opportunities They will then organisations to support created for young people for young people looking undertake a full the development of both aged between 18 and 24. for jobs, work experience or apprenticeship programme, individuals and As part of the Future to develop their skills. which will be delivered by businesses.” Jobs scheme, they will be Before the scheme Croydon College. For more information employed for six months, began, Croydon College All those who obtain a call 020 8760 5914 or go given training, work identified unemployment Future Job will undertake a to www.croydon.ac.uk Goal: helping young careers Croydon Works – and we can prove it New scheme aims to turn around the employment prospects of the borough’s unemployed.

A raft of new into work, especially: apprenticeships and • young people aged 16 job opportunities for as to 24 – employing them many as 100 unemployed through apprenticeships; local people are on offer and through a new scheme. • the new and long-term Croydon Works is a unemployed – with a partnership of key public focus on lone parents sector bodies that sets and those with mental out to transform the way health issues. people are employed, and It also seeks to: staff developed. • increase the skills of In addition to the those already in work employment opportunities (through NVQs). and the 60 apprenticeships Croydon Works is made for young people joining up of Croydon Council, the workforce, Croydon Croydon College, Croydon Works will offer training Economic Development for 120 people to improve Company, the police, UK Croydon their efficiency and provide Border Agency, Mayday useful career-development University Hospital, residents will qualifications. JobcentrePlus, and South benefit from the Croydon residents London and Maudsley will benefit from the joint NHS South London Trust. joint workforce workforce plan that is To find out more about being pulled together by Croydon Works, visit www. plan. the partner organisations. jobskillssouthlondon. The scheme aims to get com or call local unemployed people 020 8256 4661. 16 yourbusiness March 2010 | Your Croydon

increase on previous month’s takings 58.6% for shopkeepers during December. Late boost for town’s retailers End-of-year sales figures put smile on traders’ faces after tough 12 months. For most of us, Christmas with those for the UK as allied to the surge over the will probably, by now, have a whole, which saw an previous month’s totals. faded to all but a distant increase of more than 11% Ros Morgan, Croydon memory. – still a creditable result. Town Centre Bid manager, The Croydon The borough’s traders, The Croydon Town said: “The Croydon however, are still thanking Centre Bid conducted an Christmas Festival was Christmas the festive shopping season aggressive marketing and hugely successful for the for providing some late PR campaign to promote town centre. Festival cheer, with a whopping the area’s superb shopping “We saw large crowds was hugely 58.6% increase on offer through the Croydon in North End, with the November’s takings. Christmas Festival, and the figures demonstrating successful for After a tough year, the figures suggest that this can massive increases in upswing was a welcome be claimed as a significant footfall. the town centre. boost as a flurry of success. “This can only be good shoppers braved the cold to December was hugely news for local businesses spend, spend, spend in late busy with the figures and we’re very pleased that December. demonstrating a massive our efforts to draw people Croydon’s figures 31.8% increase in the into the area have worked compare particularly well year-on-year comparisons, so well.” Being prepared for the worst Advice for small businesses if a minor catastrophe threatens major disruption.

It might be a flood At such times, business those critical activities in an emergency? follow the link to the caused by extreme continuity management and the mitigating steps • do we keep a list of staff business continuity weather. It could be a (BCM) comes into its own. that can be taken. contact details off site? management advice page. fire, a computer system To help small Following the • can our staff cover You can download crash, or a burglary. businesses, Croydon recommendations could each other’s roles the free business Staff shortages, breaks Council’s civil help a business to be in an emergency? continuity plan template, in the supply chain or contingencies team has prepared to handle • do we regularly backup a 10-minute BCM self- even damage to reputation prepared a BCM guide full any event that makes and test our IT systems? assessment, and other could cause a major of advice and information the normal running of • do we keep contact useful information. business interruption. to help in a crisis. business impossible. details for customers Alternatively, call Whatever the cause, As well as identifying Among the questions and suppliers off site? the civil contingencies the loss of even one the critical activities that any company For more information, team on 020 8760 day’s business in these of the business, and should be able to go to www.croydon. 5548 for free help and tough economic times the resources required answer positively are: gov.uk click on advice on how to keep could be disastrous to maintain them, it • do we have access to “Business” under the your business running 2007: floods in Purley for a small business. highlights the risks to alternative work space find fast section, and following an incident. Crime-busting partnership wins gong Recognition of group’s work as it wins accreditation in its first year. After just a few months police, transport providers the resulting information is exclusion order for a “The removal of crime in operation, the Croydon and other business crime analysed and distributed. notorious repeat offender. and antisocial behaviour Business Crime Reduction reduction schemes across The Safer Business Andrew Bauer, from the town centre not Partnership (CBCP) has the UK. Award, from the Action CBCP chairman, said: only improves the quality been recognised with a The success of the Against Business Crime “To achieve certification of the retail experience Safer Business Award scheme focuses on group, is the nationally with distinction within for all our visitors and accreditation. improving communication recognised standard for four months of launch retail staff alike, but will CBCP was established between local businesses, business crime partnerships is testimony to the close underpin the economic by Croydon Town Centre the police, neighbourhood in the UK. working partnership revival of Croydon, Business Improvement enforcement officers and The accreditation caps a between our membership bringing more jobs, security District (Bid) in 2009. other key organisations in successful first few months and the Metropolitan and prosperity for everyone It is a proactive the borough. for CBCP, following some Police, and the effectiveness in the future.“ partnership of Croydon Members complete positive press coverage of the partnership’s For more information, Council, businesses, the incident forms online, and and the first successful evolving criminal database. visit www.cbcp.co.uk Have your e-say at [email protected] yourbusiness 17 my croydon David struts his Stuff After more than 30 years’ running “the largest second-hand record store anywhere”, David Lashmar, Croydon businessman and former proprietor of Beanos, took time out from getting his new indoor market – Stuff – off the ground to tell Your Croydon about his life.

Home is…? What’s your first What advice would Punk, ska, skiffle or 100 metres outside the Croydon memory? you give someone bebop? Croydon boundary after a Working in the Surrey wanting to follow in Classical, especially 14th lifetime inside it! Street market as a 13-year- your footsteps? century Italian chamber old for a couple of hours Don’t expect to make a big music (Francesco Landini, Which school did you on a Saturday morning, profit in business in the Antonio Zachara and go to? humping boxes and getting short term. Try to make a Johannes Ciconia to name After Selsdon School I a few shillings – better good living, get stability a few favourites). Oh yes, went to a weird but good than a paper round! then look for opportunities and late-’70s badly recorded preparatory school called to expand slowly and Canvey Island punk, Coombe Hill House which is What’s your cautiously. Then ignore all played loud! now , then to favourite thing that advice and go for things school in London. about Croydon? you feel good with, but always go with 100% effort What would you The often hidden, but very Do you have a guilty and passion! change about Croydon pleasure? vibrant, social life. Croydon if you could? In March 1963 my mate, Its ill-deserved image and who worked there, let me What’s your life Who is your hero? reputation, then the town in the back door to see The philosophy? I don’t worship idols – the can move forward and show Beatles at the ABC Broad If you don’t enjoy going to fourth commandment. Apart itself off as a pretty good Green in London Road. work, change your job. from Jimi Hendrix. place to live, work and enjoy. Beano: David outside his new venture 18 yoursafety March 2010 | Your Croydon

It dawned on me that this didn’t seem right, so I immediately got on to my bank to tell them what had happened. Bogus caller scuppered The quick thinking of an elderly householder possibly saved her bank account being cleared out.

The call from the council For the sake of her my other details, too.” details, and the caller had “It’s important that seemed entirely plausible safety, we will call the Keen to warn sounded genuine. nobody reveals their and, even better, it was woman Mrs A. others about what had “Like a lot of older bank details – or any good news. She happily gave over initially seemed to be an people, Mrs A might other personal details Sam seemed a nice the three-digit number, unexpected bonus, Mrs be a little too trusting about themselves – over young lady and she and Sam thanked her and A visited the council’s and, when asked for the the phone to somebody told the 78-year-old assured her that the money headquarters to let staff security code, simple read they don’t know,” said householder that her would be in her account know about what had it out. Ann. house had been reassessed shortly. happened to her. “Luckily, she very “While the council and, as a result, the After hanging up, Mrs might sometimes contact council tax banding A, from Waddon, began to you by phone, we’d never had been changed, have misgivings. “It’s important that nobody reveals ask for your bank details. meaning she was Surely, if Croydon their bank details – or any other If you have any doubts, due a £600 rebate. Council had regraded her please call us to verify Sam had all house, she would receive personal details about themselves” that the call to you was the woman’s bank the notification in writing, genuine. details, and all rather than a phone call. “Mrs A was fortunate that was needed to She said: “It dawned Customer service quickly realised that it in that she realised in transfer the funds on me that this didn’t seem adviser Ann Simpson might be a scam and took time and acted on her was the security right, so I immediately got spoke to Mrs A and was all the right steps.” suspicions.” code printed on to my bank to tell them horrified to hear her story. Ann made some checks If you think you may on the what had happened. Ann said: “This is a and it quickly came to light have been subject to such back of “They were very nice very sophisticated scam. that this was a ploy that is a hoax phone call, report her bank and cancelled my card right They had somehow being used in other parts it to the council by calling card. away, and they’re changing got hold of most of Mrs A’s of London. 020 8726 6000. Have your e-say at [email protected] yoursafety 19

The work of Croydon’s forensic examiners really is not that far removed from that depicted by stars of popular TV series CSI Maimi. Met matters Getting the better of Finding Croydon’s best bar burglaries It’s opening time again for a scheme that has been been a major factor in Over recent weeks, burglary has the reduction in drink-fuelled crime in the town centre. begun to decrease. This is due to A Croydon Council well-being of its customers will be presented with in the best pub category; some excellent individual results initiative that has been and will undergo a rigorous a prestigious plaque, and Tiger Tiger and applauded and copied by joint audit conducted by incorporating the Hustler, runners up in that my officers have had with local authorities from as the council’s licensing campaign’s distinctive logo, the best late-night venue offenders, but we are not yet out far away as Queensland, department, and police and at a glittering ceremony category. in Australia, has been fire officers. later in the year and will Additionally, 33 other of the woods. launched for its seventh Among points to be join a growing band of Best establishments from My message to you some perspective, we year. checked will be door policy, Bar None accredited pubs, across the borough were remains the same: keep are getting an average of Commended as a model health and safety, staff bars and clubs. accredited. your doors and windows three or four robberies a of good practice by the training, customer care Overall winner of last Trade feedback locked and secure at all day in the borough. Mayor of London, Croydon and ways of dealing with year’s award, and winner indicates that, this year, times. Not something to Best Bar None 2010, run disorder. of the Best Pub category, the number of businesses We continue to see shout about, but certainly in conjunction with the The standards was The Green Dragon, in applying for accreditation a number of burglaries not the numbers that are Metropolitan Police and demanded by Best Bar High Street, Croydon. could increase by as much where the burglars are often quoted to me when the London Fire Brigade, is None are way above the Other award winners as 20%. just getting in through I ask people when I meet open to all the borough’s legal minimum and not all were High Street’s Milan An independent panel open doors and windows them. pubs, bars and clubs. businesses will be able to Bar, which won the best- of judges will select the – even when people are I would advise people Each competing meet the exacting criteria late night venue award; overall winners and at home – so please make to remain vigilant and just establishment will have on the first attempt. The Skylark, South End runners-up, and these sure your home’s entry take simple precautions to prove it is committed Those reaching and The Ship of Fools, will be announced at the points are locked. with their belongings to the health, safety and the required standards London Road, runners up awards ceremony in June. We have, however, when they are out and had some challenging about – keeping bags times with robbery and zipped up and mobile violent crime in the past phones out of sight are few weeks, including just a couple of examples, some high-profile but more can be found incidents. at: www.met.police.uk/ I want to reassure crimeprevention you that tackling violent Finally, I would like to offenders is a top priority remind you that we are for us. having an open day at I have realigned my Croydon Police Station on resources to tackle this Sunday, 21 March. issue and we’re totally We’ll be opening our committed to locking doors to the public to these people up. come and meet us, see This is reflected by the what we do and find out fact that Croydon is one a bit more about their of the best performing local police. boroughs in London for See the story below arresting outstanding for more details of what suspects and we will will be available to our continue with our efforts visitors on the day. Cheers: staff of to maintain this. The Green Dragon For you, on the celebrate their win Ch Supt at last year’s awards street, this may still be ceremony a concern, but, to give Adrian Roberts CSI Croydon – the best bits A chance to see the inside of Croydon’s police cells, without the necessity of being arrested.

While not working in the People will be given As well as seeing the and their handlers, and them and their community. glamorous locations seen the chance to see for forensic investigators lifting learn how armed response Refreshments will be on CSI Miami, the work themselves how closely fingerprints, visitors will officers deal with various available, and limited free of Croydon’s forensic related the real and the be able to “enjoy” a tour situations. parking will be provided examiners really is not fictional can be when of the custody cells, watch Local officers, too, at the Fairfield car park for that far removed from that Croydon Police Station a full emergency services will be on hand, giving the duration of the open depicted by stars of the stages its first open day on rescue demonstration, residents the chance to chat day, which runs from 11am popular TV series. Sunday, 21 March. see police horses, dogs about the issues that affect to 4pm. 20 yourheritage March 2010 | Your Croydon

It was so flattering to be on the front page of Your Croydon. Rox Norbury rocks – just ask Rox 2010 is shaping up to be a good year for rising singing star Rox, as she told John Bownas.

This year is set to be “When it came through its accompanying single, one-to-watch lists in the there never seemed to a big one for Rox, the the front door, Grandma My baby left me, due for last month. It’s so nice to be anything for children precocious soul-edged was smiling so much. release on 15 March. see that people recognise in the town centre, and, singer from Norbury who She never likes what I do She added: “This and appreciate what I’m growing up, we really is tipped for success. usually, so it was great!” month is looking chaotic! doing.” seemed to be lacking a Critically-acclaimed Rox, whose real name It’s fine one day, then the One of her biggest proper cool music venue. gigs, including an MTV is Roxanne Tataei, is just next, and then there’s a achievements so far has That’s definitely something showcase in Camden, about to release her debut whole load of new stuff been an appearance on that Croydon could are getting her noticed, album, Memoirs. appeared. Jules Hollands’ Later show. develop more.” but she has also featured The 21-year-old “It took me the best When she was asked Rox used to rehearse on the front cover of this features on every one-to- part of two years to to perform on the BBC2 at Scream Studios in newspaper. watch list that has been get the album finished, music showcase, Rox South End and harbours “It was so flattering published for 2010. sometimes I thought it almost burst into tears. an ambition to play the to be on the front page of And she looks certain would never be done. “It was such an Croydon Summer Festival Your Croydon,” the singer to be climbing the charts “It’s been amazing amazing moment, I was in . said. with both the album and to be on so many of the welling up. On the day I She added: “You got the news I remember don’t know how much I I had about four missed love that festival. That’s calls from the head of my another major thing about label – and she never Croydon that people from calls me. outside don’t know about.” “I was worried it was And she also wants to going to be bad news. So put something back. when I called and she told “I’d like to maybe go me, I was just blown away. out to schools and colleges I guess that was the point to try and encourage more when it all started to feel young people to develop totally real.” their skills. Jules introduced her as “I got some of that a singer from Norbury on support from my teachers the show, something that – and people often forget did not go unnoticed. about how important they “So many people have are and how much of a said how they can’t believe mark they make on our I’m from the same area as lives.

Photo: Sara Bowrey Sara Photo: them. “My music teacher at “Growing up in Norbury Manor taught Croydon was a mixed me so much and there bag. It’s a great place were some other pretty overall, but it did have it’s inspiring women, like my On song: Rox performing at an MTV awards concert in Camden downsides – for instance art teacher.” Bollywood comes to town A chance to enjoy the romance and glamour of Indian culture in central Croydon.

A Croydon Saturday, 27 March. A free trial lesson is dance group Organisers of the offered at the studio for is performing spectacular show say anyone wanting to have a Bollywood it is a “visual treat in a go. spectacular at Indian dance through Tickets for the Fairfield this month. the glamorous world of Bollywood show can be Promising to be Bollywood cinema”. obtained from Apsara Arts a bright, colourful Apsara provides or at Fairfield’s box office. evening, A Ticket to training in Bollywood, For more information Bollywood, staged by kathak, bhangra and Indian call Apsara on Apsara Arts, is due to folk dancing for all ages 020 8665 6594, email be performed at the on Saturdays at its dance info@apsaraarts. in studio, at CYTO, in Oakley co.uk or log on to www. Park Lane on Road, South Norwood. apsaraarts.co.uk Have your e-say at [email protected] yourheritage 21

Charlotte, one of the orchestra’s violinists, showed us some notes and I played G. D, A and E. Kelsey Hayward For the love of music More than 1,100 local children were given the chance to experience the power of the orchestra – and one of them had the chance to wield the baton. The thrill of actually being violinists, came to the designed by The Prince’s schools that took part able to see who is playing school in the morning. Foundation for Children included Castle Hill the music – and handling “She brought her violin & the Arts, introduces Primary School, Howard an “old and dusty” violin – and some children got to children around the UK Primary School, Kingsley have left an impression on play it. She showed us to classical music and Primary School, Park Hill a seven-year-old schoolgirl. some notes and I played encourages teachers Junior School, Purley Kelsey Hayward was G, D, A and E. to use music in their Oaks Primary School, among a group of pupils “Her violin felt old and everyday teaching Rowdown Primary School, from Applegarth Junior dusty.” practice. St Mary’s RC Junior School, in Fieldway, Kelsey’s hands-on Each year the School, West Thornton given the chance instrumental experience foundation takes classical Primary School, Wolsey to meet, and then was augmented that same musicians from The Junior School and watch play, the afternoon when she was Philharmonia Orchestra Woodcote Primary School Philharmonia selected to go onstage into schools and venues in Each participated in Orchestra. a hands-on workshop, And delivered to them at their Applegarth “I didn’t believe I had the school by members of the was only one confidence and bravery to do it. Philharmonia Orchestra. of a number I felt a little bit shy, but I was fine.” Each school worked of local with one member of the schools that orchestra, and in the saw pupils in front of a concert hall five different areas of the afternoon they saw the experience full of fellow pupils to UK as part of MusicQuest. musician they had worked live orchestral conduct the orchestra, The project reaches with in the morning, music first-hand with a little help from its more than 5,000 young perform live on stage as in Fairfield’s usual conductor, Kevin people between the ages part of the orchestra. concert hall as Hathaway. of seven and 11 who For more information, part of MusicQuest She said: “I didn’t might not otherwise contact Stephanie Slack, Finale Concerts and believe I had the have the opportunity to project manager, The workshops. confidence and bravery to engage with a high-quality Prince’s Foundation for Kelsey said: do it. I felt a little bit shy, and complete music Children & the Arts’ on “Charlotte, but I was fine.” experience. 020 3326 2230 or one of the The three-year In addition to email stephanie.slack@ orchestra’s MusicQuest project, Applegarth, Croydon childrenandarts.org.uk.

Images courtesy of Simon Emery/Sea Photography Emery/Sea Simon of courtesy Images In tune: Chloë McConville, Shabana Mujeeb, Elli Hutchins and Mevin Perianen from Hayes Primary School with the orchestra’s Sam Burstin Connecting with the past Looking back at when phone users relied on switchboard operators to get them connected.

The Croydon Vision to see for themselves its name in 1935, when it strategy (see feature on how calls were routed became Uplands. In 1931 page 6 & 7) will make manually by workers who construction began on a the borough one of spent their days plugging much larger exchange in the fastest connected and unplugging leads Brighton Road, accessed One of the places in Britain, with from numbered holes. from Grovelands Road. earliest recorded one of the best digital According to local The High Street communication networks. history group the Bourne exchange continued in use telephone This picture, taken at Society, one of the earliest until the middle of 1936, the old Purley telephone recorded telephone when all subscribers were numbers in exchange, is a glimpse numbers in Croydon was transferred to the new Croydon was into the history of 2X1 in 1907. facility. telecoms in Croydon. The “X” indicated Do you have a memory 2X1 in 1907. It was taken during that the line, registered of the telephone exchanges an open week event at to estate agent Shirley in Croydon? Write to the the facility in High Street, H Patch, at 3 Kimberley address on page two or close to Mafeking Terrace Terrace, was shared. email yourcroydon@ People were invited The exchange changed croydon.gov.uk Switch: an open day at Purley Exchange 22 yourevents March 2010 | Your Croydon

Croydon Clocktower, Katharine Street, Croydon Ticket office:020 8253 1030 Online: www.croydonclocktower.org.uk

Clocktower Warehouse

A new late night - 020 8253 1030 for our new Mon 15, 6.30pm – 7pm a short talk from a scientist Saturday 6 & Sunday 7, Relax has its roots in the Monday children’s brochure. (drop in when you like) or writer, then its time 5pm & 7.30pm classic French farces of Each Monday night the Ages 3+ £6 / £5 Jane Austen Book Club for a refill and a chance 24 years at the cutting Georges Feydeau and the Library is open late and Concessions The first rule of the Jane to discuss their ideas. edge of new writing - humour of Joe Orton. so are we. You can enjoy Austen Book Club is there Everyone is welcome and International Playwriting James Holmes will star the films at our boutique Wed 10, 7.30pm is no Book Club. The Jane anyone can ask a question! Festival 2010 as “Sandy” best known cinema – programmeda by This is Now Austen Book Club is an Free event /No need to A panel of distinguished for playing the character Picturehouse – socialise at In 1983, Tom illegally taped informal place to sew, book practitioners have selected Clive in the 2009 BBC TV the bar and try out a range the firstNow That’s What I knit, and share advice on the four best plays from the series, he most recently of new FREE Clocktower Call Music LP onto a C60 projects in our Arts Café Wed 24, 7pm 493 plays submitted this starred in Derby’s Guildhall events. Make Monday night cassette. 25 years later he Bar. It is part of a growing Club Soda year from all over the world production of The Dumb your night to try something found it in a drawer and a number of feisty but friendly Club Soda (in association to the IPFcompetition. They Waiter and has appeared new. new show was born. knitting and sewing groups with the Beautiful Octopus will be showcased alongside in various off-West End £10 / £8 concessions taking over the world one Club) work from European and regional theatre Fri 3, 8pm stitch at a time. This is a fantastic live event partners, Extra Candoni - productions, including Lady Piaf - A Celebration of a Thu 11, 7.30pm Everyone is welcome. run by people with learning a collective of new writing Bracknell in The Importance Legend Meeting Joe Strummer Members range from 16 disabilities. Live music, companies from all over of Being Earnest for the Award winning vocalist Tina Punk defined a generation to 60 (and beyond). Any open mic, chill out spaces, Italy, and Greek playwriting New Players Theatre and May brings to life the music of Thatcher’s children who class, race, sex, stitching massage table, karaoke bar, from Nicosia based Theatro various roles in Catherine of Edith Piaf, France’s most went on to sell out and skill, job, or background. theatre, films... there are Ena. There is also selected Tate theatre comedy show. beloved entertainer, national become something in the Wallflowers, vixens, loads of spaces to explore work from the Warehouse Croydon born Robert Farrar icon and musical legend. City. But where did all that vikings, mild-mannered and of course the famous Writers’ Workshop, and the has had a successful career £10 / £8 concessions idealism and integrity go? librarians, superheroes, dance floor. £6 work of emerging young as a screenwriter both in £7.50 / £6 concessions goths, grannies. Bring talent from the Brit School. America and the UK. His Sat 6 some knitting or sewing Thu 25, Theatre 6.30pm A diverting weekend of two filmed screenplays Tom Thumb Fri 12, 8pm and remember our most Fri 26, Music 6.30pm unmissable new talent. are The Man Who Knew Tom stays one tiny step Soweto Kinch important rule – relax and IGNiTE 5 Prices: Festival Pass £30 Too Little, based on his ahead of everyone to save Widely proclaimed as unwind (whether it is with Invading even more of the (entry to all sessions plus novel Watch That Man, his brothers from mum, the most exciting alto a drink or a ball of wool) Clocktower IGNiTE 5 brings interval food on both days). starring Bill Murray (Warner dad and the monster. With saxophonist of his then sit, knit, and ‘stitch together two great events Day Pass £18 (entry to both Bros, 1997), a Hollywood feathery spinning birds, a generation, Kinch has n bitch’ with your nearest for young people aged 14+. sessions and interval food movie shot in London scary ogre head, flying fiery successfully woven post- neighbour! For other groups £5 each / £7.50 for both Individual sessions £7 and the award-winning houses and a portable forest bop Jazz and rap to near in London check out www. nights Interval Food £6 Bedrooms and Hallways all performed by CBeebies’ universal acclaim with his stitchnbitch.org (1998), a British film Patrick Lynch of Razzle albums Conversations with From 16 Jan – 13 March, Fri 12 March - Sun 4 April starring Simon Callow as Dazzle, on a kitchen table. the Unseen and A Life in the Arts café bar free event/ 11am Relax A New Farce by a hilarious sex therapist. Day of B19 – Tales of the No need to book Saturday Shows for Robert Farrar He wrote the novel State Ages 6+ /50 mins Tower Block. On stage with Children Relax is set in the Gemini of Independence and two his band he is a confident, Thu 18, 7.30pm 2.30pm every Saturday Lodge Guesthouse, near short films,Sunday Morning Sat 6, 11am/2.30pm electrifying modern day Moon Fool Weston super Mare, where and Donut, which he also This year we have some hipster. Don’t miss his An inventive re-imagining the guest house owner directed. of the best children’s return. of Shakespeare’s well- has a habit of seducing companies coming to the £10 / £8 concessions loved play, A Midsummer his unsuspecting guests, Saturday 20, Clocktower with tales you’ll Night’s Dream. Combining David but the next morning 11am & 12.15pm know and love. With a original music and playful blaming it on his supposed Theatre4kidz – chance to meet puppets, movement Moon Fool is the identical twin brother. Mix characters from famous fairies’ tale with an amplified Lean in a tarot reading fifty celebrates 30 years as stories and fairytales as well twist. something houseboy and a champion of children’s as exciting interactive shows £7.50 / £6 concessions Monday, 1 March to a metrosexual mechanic theatre 2010 should be lots of fun Thursday 4 March and the scene is set for a for little ones aged 3+. Fri 19, 8pm Invictus (12A) hilarious tale concerning Little Hippo And His Martin Simpson A Single Man (12A) post coital guilt, sexual Magic Pen The season starts with One of the finest acoustic compulsion and mistaken A delightful play for children The Ugly Ducking on Sat finger-style and slide identity. aged from 2 to 5 years 16 January with musical guitar players in the world, storytelling from Sea Legs Martin Simpson is a guitar March fixtures Theatre and ends with a legend and an enormously Crystal Palace double-bill of shows by influential musician. Date Team Kick-off Lyngo Theatre with Patrick £10 / £8 concessions 6 Sheffield United (H) 3pm Lynch of BBC Cbeebies Sat 13, 11am & 2.30pm 9 Bristol City (H) 8pm Razzle Dazzle with Tom Room in the Sky Mon 22, 6.30pm 13 Barnsley (A) 3pm Thumb and Room In The The sky is so much bigger 90 mins 16 Leicester (H) 7.45pm Sky. For the full line-up than the earth. Everything Café Scientifique 20 Blackpool (A) 3pm of our Saturday shows comes from it – light, clouds Explore the latest ideas in for children visit www. and the rain which makes science and technology 23 Nott. Forest (A) 7.45pm croydonclocktower.org.uk the grass green and the with a cup of coffee or a 27 Cardiff (H) 12.45pm join our e-list online, or call woolly sheep. Ages 3+ glass of wine. It starts with 30 Watford (A) 7.45pm yourevents yourdiary 23

Fairfield, Park Lane, Croydon CR9 1DG Details of all Croydon Box office 020 8688 9291 Council meetings can be Book online at www.fairfield.co.uk found on the council website where you can choose your own seats. at www.croydon.gov.uk/ A booking fee of £2.25 per ticket may apply meetingsofthecouncil Fairfield Dates for your diary

Wed 3, 8pm Tue 9 March 7.45pm Thu 18 to Sat 20, 7.45pm Council (Concert Hall) (Ashcroft Theatre) (Ashcroft Theatre) Deadlines for public questions for forthcoming full council meetings (all start at 6.30pm). The London Community Boycie & Marlene Thu & Sat mat 2.30pm Noon on the relevant deadline date Gospel Choir Starring John Challis and Sue CODA presents Meeting: Monday, 1 March Deadline: n/a Tickets: £19.50, £21.50 Holderness Agatha Christie’s And An evening with two of the Then There Were None Meeting: Monday, 22 March Deadline: Monday, 8 March Fri 5, 8pm best loved characters from Tickets: £12.50, mat £10, Extra date now on sale – the classic BBC sit-com OAP& Student discount of £2 To submit a question (maximum number of words: 50) for consideration at a full council Sun 23 May (Concert Hall) Only Fools and Horses. off all prices. meeting, email it to [email protected]; fax it to 020 8760 5657; print and Jimmy Carr Tickets: £18.50 complete the form at www.croydon.gov.uk/councilquestion and post it to Questions for the Rapier Wit Tour Fri 19 March 8pm council, Democratic and legal services, Taberner House, Park Lane, Croydon CR9 3JS; or call Tickets: £22.50 Wed 10, 8pm (Concert Hall) 020 8726 6000 extn 63876. (Ashcroft Theatre) Jethro Tull An Evening with Les Tickets: £25.50, £28.50 Scrutiny McKeown and His Deadlines for the forthcoming scrutiny and overview committee public question sessions Legendary Bay City Sat 20 March 8pm Noon on the relevant deadline date Rollers (Concert Hall) Meeting: 2 March Community Services Deadline: 22 February Tickets: £16.50 & 18.50 Dennis Locorriere with his band Meeting: 9 March Health and Adult Social Care Deadline: 1 March Fri 12, 8pm With special guests Andy Meeting: 16 March Scrutiny and Overview Committee Deadline: 8 March (Concert Hall) Fairweather Low and The Pasion De Buena Vista Low Riders. Tickets: £20, £22 To submit a question (maximum number of words: 50) to the cabinet member detailed above, Filled with hot rhythms, email it to [email protected] ; fax it to 020 8760 5657; post it to sensational salsa and fiery Tue 23 March 8pm Scrutiny public questions, Democratic and legal services, Taberner House, Park Lane, Croydon Cuban beats. Singers and (Ashcroft Theatre) CR9 3JS; or call 020 8726 6000 extn 62529 or 62683. dancers from the world The Circus of Horrors famous Tropicana Club The Circus of Horrors is back in Havana plus a vibrant rocking and shocking with a Neighbourhood Partnership Sat 6 March 8pm energetic eight-piece band. brand new show, Day of The Neighbourhood partnership meetings (start at 7.30pm) (Concert Hall) Tickets: £23.50, £25.50 Dead Meeting: 10 March Group: Thornton Heath, Bensham Manor and West Thornton Bootleg Beatles Tickets: £12.50, £19.50, £22 The Bootleg Beatles in Venue: Archbishop Lanfranc School, Mitcham Road Concert – 30th Anniversary Fri 26 March 7.30pm Meeting: 17 March Group: Fairfield, Heathfield & Shirley Tour. Relive the sights and (Ashcroft Theatre) Venue: Shirley High School, Shirley Church Road sounds of the ’60s as the An Evening with Derek Meeting: 24 March Group: Norbury & Upper Norwood world’s premier Beatles band Acorah Venue: Salvation Army Hall, Westow Street return with their spectacular Tickets: £18, £19 multimedia stage production. For information on Neighbourhood Partnerships, visit the website at www.croydononline.org/ Tickets: £22.50 Sat 27 March 7.15pm neighbourhood_partnerships/, email [email protected], (Ashcroft Theatre) write to Neighbourhood Partnerships, Democratic and legal services, Taberner House, Park Sat 6, 7.45pm A Ticket to Bollywood Lane, Croydon CR9 3JS or call 020 8726 6000 extn 62564 or 64919. (Ashcroft Theatre) Apsara Arts presents a Ruby Turner spectacular visual treat in Croydon Community Police Consultative Group One of the UK’s finest soul Fri 12, 8pm Indian dance the rough singers in concert. (Ashcroft Theatre) the glamorous world of Meetings of the Croydon Community Police Consultative Group are held in the Council Tickets: £17.50 The Tiger Lillies Bollywood cinema. Chamber of the Town Hall. All are open to the public and begin at 6.30pm. For further The Godfathers of alternative Tickets: £10.50, £12.50 information, go to www.croydononline.org/ccpcg cabaret celebrate 20 years of Forthcoming meeting date: Tuesday, 23 March. dark and deviant theatrics on Sun 28 March 3pm tour. Tickets: £15 (Concert Hall) Details of all Croydon Council meetings can be found on the council website at www.croydon. American Superslam gov.uk/meetingsofthecouncil Sat 13 March 8pm Wrestling Spectacular (Concert Hall) Tickets: £10, £12, children The Dubliners £8, family £35 Tickets: £19.50 Contact us Sun 14, 7.30pm Mon 8, 8pm (Concert Hall) General enquiries Housing Environmental reporting (Ashcroft Theatre) Legends of Las Vegas T: 020 8726 6000 T: 020 8726 6100 T: 020 8726 6200 Tim Vine The Joke- Mother’s Day Gala Show Opening hours F: 020 8760 5745 E: contact.enviroteam@ Amotive featuring a seven piece 8am-7pm (Monday), E: [email protected] croydon.gov.uk All aboard the Joke-amotive orchestra, lavish costumes 8am-6pm (Tuesday-Friday) Planning and building Adult social services for a brand new stand up and great music by Frank Sun 28 March 7.45pm F: 020 8760 0871 control Tel: 020 8726 6500 show with the King of the Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Tom (Ashcroft Theatre) T: 020 8726 6800 Fax: 020 8633 9428 Minicom: 020 8760 5797 one-liner. Every carriage Jones, Dean Martin, Liza The Bootleg Sixties F: 020 8760 5406 Email: referral.team2@ packed full of gags! Minelli and Cher. Classic hits of the ’60s. Email: contact.thecouncil@ E: planning.control@croydon. croydon.gov.uk Tickets: £17.50 Tickets: £20.50, £22.50 Tickets: £15 croydon.gov.uk gov.uk Parks to be proud of £1.5 million to spend on the parks you voted for How might you spend £1.5 million? visit: www.croydon.gov.uk/yourparks