MOBO Award-Winners Back Croydon's Music City Plan

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ISSUE 82 – AUTUMN 2018 Your main source of community news

MOBO award-winners back Croydon’s music city plan See page 3 2 AUTUMN 2018 Culture at the heart of regeneration Highlights

When first elected a little over four years ago, one of Croydon rap stars back our council administration’s key manifesto pledges was to put music city plans...... 3 “culture at the heart of regeneration”. With Croydon officially MOBO award-winners support plans recognised as the UK’s music capital this summer, we are to put music at the heart of the clearly making progress. borough's culture and economy. As a council our £30m pound commitment to regenerating the iconic Fairfield Halls (set to reopen in 2019) sent a clear signal of our intent. However, it’s the hard work and investment of Autumn arts evolution....5 so many others that is also transforming Croydon to become Croydon’s first spoken word festival, London’s alternative capital of culture. Living in Poetry, will take place with a host of other autumn arts events. From Croydon’s MOBO award-winning international music stars such as Stormzy, Nadia Rose, Krept & Konan and many others; to the amazing RISE Gallery in St. George’s £1.4bn retail Walk; all the talented young people at The BRIT School; our internationally renowned street art; the work of community development moves a venues such as Stanley Halls in South Norwood; Boxpark; the step closer...... 6 David Lean cinema; the Spread Eagle and Oval Tavern music Find out the latest on the retail and theatre venues; Croydon Rocks festival and much more - and leisure development which will Croydon’s cultural renaissance is happening right now. That is transform the town centre. both good news for the arts and also good news for our local economy and jobs. With 93,000 young people living here Croydon is London’s Don’t Mess with youngest and most wonderfully diverse borough, and with a Croydon...... 8 and 9 population heading towards 400,000 we are a city in all but We’re making Croydon greener and name. Crucially, we are a place more and more people are cleaner with the new DMWC app, choosing to call home and more companies are locating their changes to bin collections and more. workforce. The Body Shop, Superdrug, and the civil service have all relocated thousands of jobs to Croydon in the last few years; numerous new businesses have launched and places like Championing young Boxpark and the Fairfield Halls are adding hundreds of people into work...... 11 further jobs. We are championing young people in The arts and our creative industries are clearly playing a to work through apprenticeships and crucial role in shaping the increasingly positive reputation the Choose Your Future campaign. Croydon has. However as leader of the council I am acutely aware we must also continue to see all our schools improving, our youth services invested in, our streets clean and more of Opening minds with our waste recycled. And even in tough times financially, we reading...... 18 must ensure we rightly support the elderly and frail. If we can A weekly reading group is helping combine all of this alongside our very own cultural revolution, people with dementia to continue to then Croydon’s future in terms of new investment and jobs enjoy their love of the written word. should be far more secure, both in the short term and for generations to come.

To keep up-to-date with what’s going on, subscribe to Your Croydon and receive a free weekly email that’s full of news and information about your borough. Councillor Tony Newman Go to www.croydon.gov.uk/subscribe and visit Leader of the council @cllrtony /ilovecroydon @yourcroydon For up-to-the-minute council news visit news.croydon.gov.uk 3 Croydon rap stars back music city plan Plans for the borough to become a music city in the style of Nashville or Seattle – places where music-making and music production are at the heart of the local culture and economy – have been welcomed by Croydon rapper Nadia Rose. Since Skwod – shot in Surrey Street Market – won the MOBO award for best video in 2016, Nadia (right) has been shortlisted for the BBC’s Sound of 2017 and headlined Glastonbury’s Park Stage. Now the 25 year-old MC – cousin to Croydon chart-topper Stormzy - is supporting plans for her hometown to develop as a hub that nurtures new talent, breaking down barriers for aspiring artists and helping them access opportunities. She said: “Croydon is fast developing a reputation as a “It seemed for a while that, as a woman, I’d have to fight hotbed of musical talent and has produced some of the most harder to break into the industry – but surrounded by other successful grime artists in the UK. budding artists from the area definitely fuelled me to get to “I think it’s a fantastic idea for Croydon to become a music where I am today.” city, a place where emerging talent is recognised and nurtured Earlier this year Croydon was named as the top music and budding musicians are given every opportunity to succeed.” destination in the UK by Pringles, fending off competition Throughout the autumn, musicians, live music-lovers from areas including Manchester, Camden and Hackney. and industry professionals will be working with the council In recent years the borough has produced a string of chart- and Sound Diplomacy to map the borough’s music scene, topping and award-winning musicians including Nadia, Stormzy see what’s happening and look at any problems venues and Krept and Konan. and musicians face. This will highlight how the council can For more information on the plans or to get involved visit work with musicians and those in the music industry to help www.sounddiplomacy.com/croydon Croydon evolve as a music city. Nadia revealed how her local environment impacted her developing music career: “At 13 I started writing and MC’ing, Look out for Nadia’s new single taking part in rap battles with other local kids. Airplane Mode to be released soon. It makes us proud South London rap duo and MOBO-award winners Krept and Konan said they would be ‘proud’ to see Croydon develop as a music city. Earlier this year they offered budding musicians at Harris Academy South Norwood – Konan’s former school - an array of training and development opportunities through their Positive Direction Foundation scheme. The pair grew up in Thornton Heath (Konan) and Gipsy Hill (Krept). Konan said: “Growing up in this part of London we know there is so much talent waiting to be nurtured. “As musicians we want to break down barriers and help give others the opportunities they need in getting a good start in life. It makes us proud to see Croydon develop into a music city.” 4 AUTUMN 2018 Artists embrace Croydon’s newest creative hub Artists are embracing Croydon’s newest creative hub – more than a hundred brand new, purpose- built, affordable studios for fine artists, designer- makers and not-for-profit arts charities in a new mixed-use development on Grafton Road. The Art House – Grafton Quarter has been developed by one of London’s largest artists’ workspace charities, The Artists’ Studio Company (ASC). Rents are 20%-30% below market value, starting at only £43 per week for a 120sqft space inclusive of everything, and no business rates are payable. Peter Flack, ASC Chief Executive, explained: “There is a lot of creative talent already in Croydon, and moving into the area. “I want this project to be totally Croydon-focused, supporting the borough’s artists and designer-makers for years to come." The Art House has been designed specifically for artists’ and designer-makers’ use with oversized doors, high ceilings, floor to ceiling windows, a large double height gallery, brush rooms, break out areas and gas heating. Artists benefit from secure cycle storage, full disability access, a shared kitchen, showers, Wi-Fi and 24/7 access. Artist Valerie Savchits explains what attracted her to the studios: “Finding a new studio in a big city is quite a problem. They are always in high demand, rents are constantly increasing, and studios I liked were way too far from where I am based. “When ASC announced they would be opening new purpose-built affordable studios in Croydon I was overwhelmed by this news. “It takes me just 15-20 minutes to get to my new studio and it is close to Valley Retail Park where I usually buy my tools and hardware. “The Art House is bringing local artists together in one place, supporting them and offering affordable workspace.” Councillor Oliver Lewis, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport said: “Croydon’s reputation as an artistic and cultural hub is growing and I encourage local artists to come and see what this fantastic development has to offer.” © Photographer Mary Savvidou For more information on the studios visit www.ascstudios.co.uk MEET THE ARTIST Valerie Savchits’s work has been exhibited in galleries and group shows nationally and internationally. She was one of 300 art students selected to exhibit her work as part of Tate Modern’s ‘Future Late’ exhibition in summer 2016 and has been featured in numerous blogs and publications including The Guardian, Manchester Evening News, The Resident and Art Maze Magazine. For more information visit www.valeriesavchits.com

Darren Randon, Living in Poetry © Mervyn Shoots – LIP Festival

Autumn arts evolution The borough’s first ever poetry and spoken word festival, Living in Poetry, will be held on 27 and 28 October at Stanley Halls in South Norwood. Spoken word enthusiasts can enjoy two days of workshops, such as Mike Gayle and Justin Myers. exhibitions and events, with performances from renowned poets Vist www.croydonlitfest.com/whats-on-in-2018/ or via Francesa Beard and Jeremiah ‘Sugar J’ Brown. Twitter @CroydonLitFest. There will also be panel discussions about making a living Meanwhile November marks the start of BRIT presents, from writing, and mental health and art, as well as family fun an exciting new series of pop-up showcase performances, and open mic showcases for all ages and abilities. Full line-up bringing the creativity, energy and diversity of The BRIT can be found at www.lipfestival.com School’s students to the town centre. On the same weekend, book-lovers can head down to the Talented pupils from the UK’s most famous free school Croydon Clocktower for Croydon Literary Festival. for the performing arts will be animating public spaces The day will feature sessions with local authors John throughout the town centre with 10 performances from Otway and Lesley-Anne Jones, and others from further afield November to June 2019. Thousands flock to Wandle for Pride and Mela An estimated 17,000 people gathered in Wandle Park over a single weekend when Croydon hosted a major entertainment double-bill. Around 5,000 people celebrated Croydon PrideFest on Saturday 14 July, while another 12,000 attended the ZEE International Mela the following day. Both events were supported by Croydon Council. © Remarkable Productions 6 AUTUMN 2018 £1.4bn retail development moves a step closer Croydon’s £1.4bn retail development moved another step closer last month - when the council issued formal Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) to Whitgift landowners and other affected parties. This marks the start of the CPO process, which enables the council to pull together the remaining land for the development and secure the rights needed for construction. This will in turn allow the Croydon Partnership, the joint venture between Unibail-Rodamco Westfield and Hammerson developing the project, to take possession of the site during 2019. It is anticipated the new development, which will bring more than 300 shops, restaurants, cafés and leisure facilities, around 1,000 new homes and 7,000 jobs to Croydon’s town centre, will open in 2023. While the council is leading the CPO process, the Croydon Partnership is funding all fees and purchase costs. Both parties will be working together to ensure the town centre stays open for business in the run up to, and during construction of the new retail centre. New Addington Leisure Centre progress The structural frame of the New Addington Leisure Centre is almost in place, as work continues to deliver a first-class facility for local people. The building will transform the western The scheme also includes eight new side of Central Parade and include a homes. 25 metre, six-lane swimming pool; a Despite unforeseen groundwork learner pool; fitness suite; sports hall issues, works are progressing well and and multi-purpose activity studios and the centre is on track to open in spring a community space with capacity for 2020. 300 people. With this scheme well under way, and plans developing for the new community centre and special needs school at the Timebridge site, the council has been talking to residents about the next phase of regeneration. Options include a new wellbeing centre, an improved green space in front of the new leisure centre, new homes and shops. New Addington Library and Croydon Discussions are continuing between Adult Learning and Training could move the council and the NHS to include to a new building, possibly with a café space for GP surgeries and community and community space. health. For up-to-the-minute council news visit news.croydon.gov.uk 7

Street art enthusiasts from © RISE Gallery around the globe headed to Croydon for London’s largest international urban art event last month. RISEfestival saw the arrival of more than 60 exciting new murals and installations in and around the town centre, some temporary and some permanent, from some of the world’s leading urban artists. Delivered by RISE Gallery, St George’s Walk, in partnership with Croydon Council and other sponsors, the festival was a two- week celebration of the genre, with a packed programme of workshops, exhibitions, tours and events. It was also the official launch of the Croydon Collection, the permanent collection of street art that adorns the town’s public places. RISE Gallery owner Kevin Zuchowski-Morrison said: “Croydon has gained a real reputation for this movement – artists are coming here from all over the continent. “The great thing is we are not building a collection that will be stored in a cellar. The Croydon Collection exists outside; it’s in your streets and fully accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for everyone to enjoy." New £100k youth arts fund launched A £100k youth arts fund is being launched to support more cultural projects, programmes and events by and for young people in Croydon. Young people aged 14-24 who live, work or study in the borough can apply for up to £2,000 in groups of two and more to develop a new creative idea or project. Young people will need a designated sponsor who will vouch for their project and receive the funds on their behalf, plus another referee. Non-profit organisations can apply for grants of up to £7,500 for projects developed, led and delivered by young people. Applicants are encouraged to discuss their applications in advance – for more information, how to apply and who to contact, visit

www.croydon.gov.uk/youthartsfund Kinetika Bloco Croydon © Katharine Leedale 8 AUTUMN 2018 New Don’t Mess with Croydon app A new app designed to make it easier to report fly-tipping to the right team has been downloaded more than 1,800 times since it launched in July. The free Don’t Mess with Croydon app can be downloaded and used to report 17 common issues. It allows people to report anything from fly-tipping to dog- fouling, potholes or damage to roads and a whole host more directly to the right team to fix the issue. The app has been downloaded 1,849 times and, in the first 12 weeks, used to raise 2,321 reports. So far people have used the app to report fly-tipping 1,383 times with 221 reports of excessive litter on streets. www.croydon.gov.uk/doitonline/report-it or on the phone Other categories include dog fouling, reported 42 times, and on 020 8726 6000. 119 reports of abandoned vehicles. The app can be downloaded from the App Store and Residents can still contact the council in person, online at Google Play Store. Stencil campaign tackles fly-tipping A campaign to help tackle fly-tipping is turning heads in Thornton Heath in an effort to keep streets clear. Artistic stencils have been applied to coated with reflective paint so they can Community Action Team’s Street Action the pavement around signposts and be seen at night. Project. lampposts in the area to deter would-be They have been installed at five sites Gaetane Jones, project coordinator, fly-tippers. around Thornton Heath. said: “The Street Action Project has The designs, inspired by the The project is funded by the People’s been running for over a year and all the community’s unique character, are Health Trust as part of Thornton Heath hard work is finally bearing fruit. “The People's Health Trust is helping us to not just turn heads but also turn hearts.” The design was created by Samantha Warren, a Thornton Heath resident and print designer whose work is available in the Royal Academy of Art. She said: “This is a first for me. I have printed on many other surfaces; wallpaper, fabric, metal, plastic but not pavement before.”

Resident and print designer Samantha Warren For up-to-the-minute council news visit news.croydon.gov.uk 9 Community clean-ups going strong The Don’t Mess with Croydon – Take Pride campaign continues to go from strength to strength - with 27 community clean-ups taking place between July and October across the borough. One of those clean-ups took place in Wandle Park over the August bank holiday weekend, led by the Victory Youth Group (VYG), based in Croydon. Armed with litter pickers, gloves and sacks, the team of 20 volunteers gathered 16 bags of litter in under two hours. Community outreach representative for Croydon VYG Rajiva Nurse said: “It’s really important for volunteer groups like the VYG to come to together to help clean up Croydon. "Working together makes the cleaning lighter and easier for everybody.” If you would like to join Croydon’s network of 328 clean and green street champions, or for help organising a clean-up in your community, visit www.croydon.gov.uk/environment/ dontmess/green-champions

Victory Youth Group in Wandle Park

New bin collections get under way The new bin collection And for the first time ever, year which can be spent on other key service designed to boost the properties above shops can now services. recycle from home. If you need to check your collection recycling rate in Croydon got Up to 70% of the borough’s waste day you can do it online by searching under way last month. is recyclable and the council aims to for your address on the About Your More than 200,000 wheelie bins boost Croydon’s recycling rate from Area section of our website. were delivered to properties across 38% to more than 50% over the next Missed bin collections can also the borough and nearly 75% of the two years. be reported using the new Don’t properties had their collection day Working with the South London Mess with Croydon app - or changed. Waste Partnership and Veolia, the by phoning 020 8726 6000 or online. The new wheelie bins have new waste contract saves £5million a significantly increased the capacity residents have for recycling, with 240-litre bins for mixed recycling and paper and card and new 180-litre bins for domestic waste. The wheelie bins are more secure, meaning less waste will be blown free than under the previous collection schedule, helping to keep streets cleaner. 10 AUTUMN 2018 Young Mayor’s Fund awards first grants Young people have won funding to make their community ideas become reality after pitching plans to Croydon’s Young Mayor and his panel. Young Mayor William Awomoyi, Deputy Young Mayor Shea Williams and youth cabinet members awarded funding to three exciting initiatives, developed by young residents, for other young residents. Emily Newbury, 12, and George Suter, 13, supported by New Addington Pathfinders and New Addington BID, received £309 to create ‘safe havens’ in New Addington centre for young people to go if they feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Backed by the Lighthouse Educational Society, Albi Aolad, 13, Meryem Demirpolat, 12, and Chikamso Ekele, 15, won Young Mayor and his panel with award winners £1,000 for a mentoring programme where secondary pupils support those in primary. the impact of knife crime through the arts. Sponsored by Playplace, Millie-May Welch and Chione Projects are being delivered this autumn. For more White, both 16, received £1,000 to help young people explore information visit www.croydon.gov.uk/youngmayor

HAVE YOU APPLIED FOR YOUR your SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACE YET? Choosefuture Apply before 31 Oct for Sept 2019 entry. £6.5m state-of-the-art Youth Arts Takeover reveals youth zone takes shape pathways to creativity Croydon’s new £6.5m state-of-the-art Youth Zone is taking Croydon Clocktower will become a buzzing hive of creative shape with the steel frame now installed. activity when it hosts the third edition of Croydon’s Youth Arts Takeover next month. Passers-by can see From 11am-5pm on 3 November, The Croydon Youth the outline of the Arts Collective will fill the building with free, fun, creative Legacy Youth Zone on workshops, performances, talks, the Whitehorse Road films and exhibitions. site, Selhurst, where Last year’s event was a huge construction work success, attracting more than started this summer. 1,000 visitors. Hoardings designed Designed by and for young people, by young people now highlight the amazing opportunities that the day is themed around creative will be on offer, brightening up the site while work is under way. jobs, so visitors can find out more Legacy is being developed by national charity OnSide in opportunities in the creative sector partnership with Croydon Council, who have contributed half and discover pathways into them. the £6.5m construction costs. Entry to the event is free. For Open seven days a week, it will offer young people aged 8-19 more information visit www. (and up to 25 with a disability) access to over 20 activities every croydonyouthartscollective.co.uk evening, including sports, arts, music, dance, drama, climbing, cooking and more, for just 50p per visit. For up-to-the-minute council news visit news.croydon.gov.uk 11 Award-winning apprentice scheme champions young people in to work Croydon Council continues to champion young people in to employment through its award- winning apprenticeships scheme. Another 10 apprentices started in July, working in roles ranging from project management to youth work and taking the total to 35 enrolled in the programme. Since October 2017 the council’s scheme has been successfully increasing employment opportunities for young residents, particularly among underrepresented groups with little or no work experience. Earlier this year it won first prize in the apprenticeships category at the ENEI Awards (Employers Network for Equality Thuvika Ganeshalingham and Inclusion). CASE STUDY “The apprenticeship has made me realise there is more out there Could you be the next to get hired? to explore.” Croydon Council is once again looking for enthusiastic, hardworking and driven Thuvika Ganeshalingham, 24, of West individuals to join its award-winning internal apprenticeship programme. Croydon, applied for a year-long If that’s you, we’d welcome your application as we are committed to helping local apprenticeship in the council’s school residents achieve their career goals. place planning team last October. No matter your age, background or level of previous experience, we have a range She graduated from the University of opportunities and qualifications on offer to help you get the skills, experience and of the Arts London with a journalism knowledge you need to kick-start a successful career. degree and had undertaken If you’d like to find out more, please email www.apprenticeshipswork@croydon. internships but wanted to try gov.uk or check our website www.croydon.gov.uk/jobsatcroydon/apprenticeship something different. for further details. She said: “When you apply for Alternatively, if you’re aged 14-18 and are interested in doing a work placement jobs, employers are looking for with us (one to two weeks), please check available opportunities on the Croydon experience. Works website www.croydonworks.co.uk/training-and-work-experience “I wanted to keep my options open, gain experience and prove myself as a person and also in the corporate world.” Young people set to Take over the town Thuvika has been able to work Croydon is gearing up for this year’s Takeover Challenge which with and shadow other council teams will see young people take over the town’s top jobs for one day. including communications, Access Croydon and the Registry Office. Last year Croydon’s first ever Takeover gained confidence from the experience; “The apprenticeship has opened Challenge saw more than 60 young 96% felt they had the chance to make my eyes to something completely participants became decision-makers at positive change in Croydon and 100% different and made me realise that the town hall, Croydon police and other would recommend other young people there is more out there to explore. leading local public and private sector participate in the Takeover Challenge. “I think an apprenticeship is a organisations. #TakeoverChallenge day 2018 is worthwhile thing to do. You get that The event was branded a huge on Friday 23 November 2018. If you or first-hand experience and it helps success by young people. your business are interested in taking build your confidence.” In feedback 94% of respondents felt part, please contact mark.gillespie@ their voices were heard and that they croydon.gov.uk Have your say Public Consultation: Brighton Main Line Upgrade: Unblocking the Croydon bottleneck

Network Rail is consulting on major proposals to upgrade the Brighton Main Line and unblock the bottleneck north of East Croydon station to provide more reliable, faster and more frequent trains.

We want to hear the views of passengers, local residents and businesses as we develop our proposals. Please come along to one of our consultation events to ﬁnd out more:

East Croydon URC Church 6th November 4pm – 8pm Addiscombe Grove, CR0 5LP 13th November 4pm – 8pm

Croydon Neighbourhood Care Association 7th November 12pm – 4pm Freemasons Road, CR0 6PD 14th November 4pm - 8pm

The Woodside Academy 8th November 5pm – 9pm Morland Road, CR0 6NF 10th November 12pm- 4pm

St. Mary's Catholic High School 15th November 5pm – 9pm Woburn Rd, CR9 2EE

Stanley Halls 19th November 1:30pm – 5:30pm 12 South Norwood Hill SE25 6AB

Croydon & District Masonic Hall 12th November 4pm - 8pm 73 Oakﬁeld Rd, CR0 2UX 21st November 4pm - 8pm

The Brit School 22nd November 1pm – 5pm 60 The Crescent CR0 2HN

For more information please visit our website at www.networkrail.co.uk/ croydon. You can also contact us at [email protected] or call Network Rail’s National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41. For up-to-the-minute council news visit news.croydon.gov.uk 13 CELEBRATING THE UNIQUE CHARACTER OF THORNTON HEATH A new sign now welcomes visitors to Thornton Heath, along with a redesigned public space and a series of art installations celebrating the area’s unique character and identity. The works are part of a series of public realm improvements carried out by the council around the Whitehorse Road Highways partnership roundabout and Thornton Heath High Street. Other works in the area have included regenerating the shop puts residents on the fronts along the High Street. Plans are now moving forward for improvements in other road to employment parts of Thornton Heath, including resurfacing outside the It won’t just be Croydon’s railway station and forecourt. roads that benefit from the The council is continuing to look for more opportunities for council’s new seven-year more public art to be installed in the area. partnership with FM Conway to maintain the borough’s highways. The whole community will be supported with opportunities including work placements, apprenticeships and more available for residents. Oliver Malloy, 22, of Shirley, is one Croydon resident already enjoying working with the firm. He approached the company in March 2015 as he was about to start studying for a quantitative surveying degree at Nottingham Trent University. Now, three years later, the graduate has started working full time in the term maintenance division at FM Conway. Oliver, a former John Fisher pupil, said: “I didn’t know what to do when I finished school and started looking at what I could do with my grades. “Friends had got into quantitative surveying and as I found out more I thought it could be what I wanted to do.” He applied for the Inspire Scholarship scheme, which helps undergraduates gain work experience and get sponsorship to support them at university. He attended an interview before starting his degree then did eight weeks of work experience in the summers after his first and second years. This experience, he explained, stood him in good stead when he started full time after completing his course: "Doing those weeks of work experience allows you to hit the ground running.” The Croydon/FM Conway partnership got under way this month and will last until 2025. Apprenticeships and work placements are available for Croydon residents who want to follow in Oliver’s footsteps – contact recruitment@ fmconway.co.uk FM Conway has taken on a commitment to employ applicants from priority groups and support those with disabilities. Great shops, restaurants & events

Christmas Launch Party 15th November 4pm to 7pm Christmas Market 22nd November - 9th December

Visit www.checkoutcroydon.com for a full programme of events For up-to-the-minute council news visit news.croydon.gov.uk 15 First Brick by Brick development nears completion The development company established by Croydon Council to deliver new homes for local people has started marketing its first flats for sale. Brick by Brick (BxB) is nearing completion has begun on many, including Cheriton on its first homes in Upper Norwood, House in Thornton Heath, which is comprising 15 two and three-storey providing a mix of 27 shared ownership houses and 16 new flats. and affordable rent homes. Known as the Ravensdale development, At least 280 of the consented at the corner of Beulah Hill and Harold homes being built by BxB will be Road, it will be ready for the first residents genuinely affordable rented properties, to move into early in the New Year. specifically for Croydon residents BxB's next 57 homes - a mix of 38 who will pay no more than 65% of the private and 19 shared ownership flats in average market rent. nearby Auckland Rise - will be completed For example, a two-bedroom flat in the spring. that usually costs £1,380 per month To date, around 40 BxB sites have will instead be let at the Local Housing planning consent and main construction Allowance rate of £900.

Once built, these homes will be owned and managed by Croydon Affordable Homes (CAH), a charity set up by Croydon Council. In addition to the affordable rented new-builds being delivered by BxB, CAH already has 181 affordable rented homes for Croydon families previously in temporary accommodation. For more information on CAH, visit the council website. To find out more about BxB developments, or to register interest in a BxB home, visit their website at www.bxbdevelopment.com

New project helps residents kick-start their retail careers Residents who worked in a boutique shop in Croydon’s Whitgift Centre as part of an employability project have ALL achieved retail qualifications and gained valuable work experience. All 12 participants in All About Me, a Joshua Greenslade said: “I liked four-week programme for adults with the project, it helped me and gave me disabilities and learning difficulties, gained first-hand experience of retail and a a Level One City & Guilds qualification. qualification.” All About Me was developed by the The £1,200 raised by selling handmade council’s award-winning Gateway service, products has gone back to the community which works with residents to reduce projects that helped with the scheme. Any homelessness, helping them achieve remaining money was donated to local financial stability and secure tenancies. homeless charities. Gateway’s employment advisers, The Brit School, Bensham Manor who train and support residents to have School, Neblina Art, Solo Wood Recycling, greater confidence in the workplace and CDN, ArtHalo, East Croydon Cool, Ivy secure employment, assisted the trainees Rose London and K.C.S Upcycling all and will continue to support them to supplied goods to be sold. Strive Training secure paid work. provided the City & Guilds training on site. 16 AUTUMN 2018 Parenting courses available to Croydon residents Parenting can be tough, particularly if you are concerned about your child’s safety or behaviour – but advice and support is on hand. The council offers courses to parents with children from early years through to adolescence. Debby MacCormack, service lead for the council’s early help and partnerships, explained: “Parents come for help with specific issues – for example, puberty, or changing schools – or maybe just general advice and new ideas.” Parenting courses offer skills and Bonnie and Barnaby strategies to manage challenging behaviour, help reinforce positive “My little boy is three so I wanted advice on toddler behaviour.” behaviour, and promote your child’s development. “The most useful things I learnt were techniques for getting Parents support each other, talking through issues and often them to stop doing things you don’t want and start doing developing their own support networks. things you do.” Debby said: “It’s a great way to become more confident in Barnaby could play in the children’s centre crèche while Bonnie your parenting, and to look after yourself.” was in the classroom with other parents. Bonnie Fox, of Bynes Road, South Croydon, signed up after She said: “Everyone was really friendly and it was nice to have seeing a leaflet in Purley Oaks Children’s Centre. a chat. I got advice about potty training which was great. Bonnie, 40, said: “I just wanted some general help – I don’t “These courses offer something for everyone – it’s great for think anyone knows what they are doing when they become a giving you confidence.” parent and I was happy to take any help available. For more information, visit www.croydon.gov.uk/ “I was looking for ways to interact, discipline and structure. healthsocial/families/parenting-booklet

“We strengthen families – that’s very rewarding." Advanced practitioner Iara Barroso I think is not often shown.” the child at the centre of everything we do is one of many social workers taking Iara first came to Croydon Council as a and all our processes are built around that.” on a permanent role at Croydon student in the looked after children team. She added: “Social work can be stressful Council. She explains what she loves After some time in the voluntary sector and intense, but it is also very rewarding. about her job in care planning and and at other councils, she came back to Knowing that because of your involvement how Croydon’s improvement journey Croydon as an agency worker but has now and your input you are giving children and has created an invigorated team. decided to accept a permanent role. families another chance, another way. It is Iara explained: “The care planning team Iara acknowledges there are challenges a privilege to help them. And there are not become involved when we are concerned in working for a large authority: “It is many professions where you can say that.” about a child’s safety and wellbeing and intense and extremely busy but there is a we plan what will happen to them. We strong sense of direction. work with schools, health professionals, “We do have complex caseloads and families and the court to ensure children work with large numbers of clients and are safe and able to achieve better professionals, so managing that can be outcomes. challenging but I feel supported by strong “We also work closely with the family, and knowledgeable managers who are in including extended families, to maximise turn supported by their managers. It is a the positives they can offer and how very robust team.’ we can strengthen them - that’s very “Croydon has long way to go but it is a rewarding. That’s a side of social work that reinvigorated local authority. We have put For up-to-the-minute council news visit news.croydon.gov.uk 17 Lemn Sissay celebrates Croydon’s bright STARs Croydon is celebrating the talents and successes of young people in care with a new high-profile awards ceremony next month hosted by British author and broadcaster Lemn Sissay MBE. Taking place on 24 October, the borough’s first STAR Awards will recognise the achievements of young people in care aged 8-18 and care-leavers to age 25. Lemn (right), a campaigner who has highlighted his own experiences of the care system in his work, said: “I’m delighted to be hosting Croydon’s STAR Awards. “It is important we celebrate the achievements of all our young people, but it is imperative we celebrate those of our young people in care. “Every day, these young people are demonstrating strength and resilience, overcoming hurdles in their personal lives to achieve extraordinary things. “I feel an incredible sense of pride in them and I’m looking © Hamish Brown forward to meeting many of them at the awards ceremony.” With more than 15 categories, the awards celebrate Croydon care-leaver Ashleigh Searle said: “I believe the as many young people’s achievements as possible, in looked-after children awards are brilliant as they provide education, sports, volunteering and personal life. young people with a sense of achievement and something Nominations have been invited from foster carers, to aspire towards. There are definitely lots of achievements teachers, families and members to recognise. of the community - including “It is also a good way to bring young people together so young people. they can share experiences, make friends that are in a similar The awards support Croydon’s situation to their own and expand their social network. I am Choose Your Future campaign. very excited for the awards to be taking place.” "Giving up is not something you should be doing – life is full of opportunities" Croydon Council is once We talked to care-leaver and with numbers and decision-making. Also, again this autumn celebrating graduate Zohaib Khan, 25, about his it is a good career.' journey. He explained how his personal advisor the achievement of young Zohaib graduated this year with supported him through college: “We care-leavers graduating from a Level 4 Accounting Technician would have regular meetings and she further education. qualification. helped with practical things like books He said: “It hasn’t always been easy, but also we sat down and talked. She Although young people officially leave but I have had a lot of support from my gave me a pat on the shoulder basically.” care at 18, until the age of 25 they friends and my personal advisor.” “I would say to anyone in care who are supported by a social worker or a Zohaib, who had already excelled in is thinking about going on to study – personal advisor from the leaving care education achieving 11 GCSEs and four keep going. Giving up is not something team, who will help with training and A-Levels, wanted to be an accountant you should be doing – life is full of employment choices. ‘because I have always been really good opportunities.” 18 AUTUMN 2018 Opening minds with reading A popular weekly reading group is helping people living with dementia continue to enjoy their love of the written word. Each week at Croydon Council’s Marsh “It has been a successful collaboration local health partners, businesses, arts Willow Day Centre on Selhurst Road, and it is delightful to see how much people organisations, the fire brigade and police, people with mild to moderate dementia enjoy and look forward to these sessions.” has been awarded the highest accolade gather to listen to, discuss and debate a Dementia is a progressive condition from the Alzheimer's Society, of Working poem or a short story shared with them that can lead to memory loss and Towards Dementia Friendly-Status. by a professional reader. difficulties with thinking, problem-solving The aim is to help residents with Helena King, who manages the day or communication. dementia to enjoy life with the support of centre, said: “We offer numerous activities Croydon has the third highest the wider community. to stimulate and optimise the mental population of over 65s in London, with For example, shops and transport health and physical wellbeing of those approximately 3,250 living with dementia. services can make changes to their layout who attend the Dementia Centre. The condition mainly affects those in and décor to be accessible to people with “This year, we have been working this older age group; however the onset of dementia and ensure employees have with The Reader charity, which trains dementia can begin much earlier. a better understanding of those with volunteers to communicate with people Croydon’s Dementia Action Alliance, dementia. who have specific needs. a partnership including the council, The Alliance is also encouraging other residents to become Dementia Friends and learn more about the small ways they can help people living with dementia. If you are interested in becoming a Dementia Friend, contact rachel.carse@ croydon.gov.uk or the Marsh Willow Centre on 020 8667 8470, who can offer training sessions to individuals or groups - www.croydon.gov.uk/dementia

Outdoor gyms give residents a breath of fresh air Free outdoor active spaces are giving residents across the borough a breath of fresh air, helping them to enjoy the great outdoors while improving their health and wellbeing. These exciting additions to some of Croydon’s parks and open spaces are open all year round and cater for all levels of fitness. The equipment is easy-to-use, with clear instructions on them for anyone unfamiliar with exercising in this way. Kieran Peart from South Croydon is enjoying using the equipment at Purley Way playing fields in Waddon. He said: “They are great facilities and I love how they bring people together.” Other outdoor active spaces are in Grangewood Park in Thornton Heath, King George’s Field in Selhurst and Goldcrest Way in New Addington. There are also similar facilities in Lloyd Park, Duppas Hill, Coulsdon Memorial Ground, and Thornton Heath and Sanderstead recreation grounds. The council is investing up to £370,000 on five active spaces and some areas have benefited from the grants councillors receive to spend on local priorities. Mental health charity, the Matt Palmer Trust, is also contributing £100,000 to the active spaces. For up-to-the-minute council news visit news.croydon.gov.uk 19 Competition celebrates Croydon’s Windrush history Black History Month (October) sees the launch of an exciting new competition for Croydon’s pupils to celebrate the Windrush generation that came to Britain and helped shape social, cultural and political life. Our Croydon Windrush History is open to students at schools and colleges across the borough and aims to inform and inspire young people about the legacy of the Windrush pioneers. Mayor of Croydon councillor Bernadette Khan with councillor Patsy Cummings Students of all ages are invited to enter their art, drama, poetry, stories, music, video accounts/interviews plays and can be a part of handing on this rich and fascinating legacy to other contributions from family members or friends, on the future generations. I hope as many young people as possible history of Windrush. Support can be provided to schools on take part and can’t wait to see the entries.” drama entries. The winning entries will be collated and preserved as a The competition is led by the council’s Black and Minority record of this part of Croydon’s history and will also form part Ethnic Champion (BAME), councillor Patsy Cummings. of Croydon’s Windrush Day celebrations in June 2019. Councillor Cummings said: “This is a wonderful opportunity The competition is open for entries throughout October. for young people of all ages and from all backgrounds to Further details on categories, prizes, the collecting and judging celebrate an important part of Croydon’s heritage. As well as of entries and deadlines have been sent to schools. appreciating the sacrifice and contribution made by parents, For more information contact councillor Patsy Cummings grandparents, relatives, friends and neighbours, young people [email protected] Sports centres revamped A four-month makeover is under “Combined with a purpose-built way at Thornton Heath Leisure studio, the sauna and steam and gym Centre as part of the latest refurbishment, members will be delighted with their local leisure centre facilities.” package of investment into Improvements will take place at other council-owned leisure and sports council-owned leisure and sports centres centres across the borough. throughout the rest of the year. At Thornton Heath, changing areas in At Waddon, South Norwood and both the health and fitness area and Purley, new gym equipment will be sports hall will be refurbished, with new installed, along with redecoration and re-flooring work. showers, flooring, redecoration and value our leisure centres and I’m pleased South Norwood will also benefit from brighter lighting. to announce this latest investment which new top-of-the-range bikes. The gym area will get a makeover, will significantly improve the facilities. At Monks Hill Sports Centre there will with new equipment and a fresher, more “Health and wellbeing are a big part be pitch replacement work on the five and attractive environment for working out. of our ambition for Croydon to be a great 11-a-side pitches, and also more powerful And spin enthusiasts will be delighted place to live.” floodlighting. to see a new dedicated studio installed, These are the latest improvements Posters will inform centre-users of and the old bikes replaced with the latest being delivered as part of the council’s any closures or service disruption, and Technogym cycles. 20-year contract with GLL, the not-for- signpost them to alternative facilities. Spin instructor Marie Bartlett said: profit social enterprise which operates Councillor Oliver Lewis, cabinet “The Technogym bikes will be state-of- the borough’s leisure centres under the member for culture, leisure and sport, the-art and a major improvement to ‘Better’ brand. those currently used. said: “We know how highly residents 20 AUTUMN 2018

Work and health programme delivering jobs for residents A Thornton Heath chef is excelling in his Helped by his case worker at Reed in career since starting a job at Boxpark with Partnership, who deliver the programme, George, who has Level Two BTECs in the help of Croydon Council. Professional Cookery and Professional George Morgan, 20, started work at Wine and Deli at the Bakery, headed to Boxpark to hand end of July after being referred to the Work and Health out CVs. Programme by Jobcentre Plus. He had been out of regular Simon Jackowski, manager of Wine and Deli, said: “I’m not employment for more than a year. a formal interview person. George came in and I asked what The programme, also known as Better Working Futures, he had done before and he showed me his work. I was busy is part funded by the European Social Fund and managed by but I couldn’t stop him talking.” Croydon Council on behalf of residents in Croydon, Sutton, George said: “It’s busy and I get quite nervous sometimes Merton, Kingston and Richmond. but here’s nice. The biggest thing is getting through the day - Worth up to £14million over five years, the programme I get through it and I feel much better for it. They’ve had a helps residents who have health problems or disabilities, have good understanding, they’re really good managers.” been out of work for more than two years or who face other He added: “I like the atmosphere, the music, the feeling of kinds of barriers to employment. it. It’s like a community.” Participants are provided with one-to-one advice and Simon said: “He’s got a passion for it. He’s always asking support from a case worker, along with guidance towards questions to better himself. He’s one of the hardest working training and other services that can assist them to address staff I’ve worked with.” the sometimes complex barriers facing them getting into, To find out more about the programme visit returning to, and staying in work. www.bwfsouthlondon.co.uk Protecting green spaces from illegal encampments Green spaces and community facilities are being protected from illegal encampments and fly-tipping thanks to a new injunction. A three-month injunction secured in July prohibits anyone number of incursions to secure the interim injunction order. from occupying land or disposing of waste on 200 of the This means the council no longer has to attend court to borough’s parks, open spaces, council-owned land and obtain removal orders, which can take days to obtain, and 11 highways. High Court enforcement officers can be called to future Since being introduced the new powers have helped the sites to assist with moving people on. council move on FIVE illegal encampments in less than 24 hours. Failure to comply can result in imprisonment, fines or On one occasion a group of around 50 caravans were seizure of assets. moved on from Purley Way playing fields. More information about the injunction and the Croydon Council secured a three-month temporary injunction documents before the court are available at www.croydon. on Wednesday 18 July banning anyone from occupying land or gov.uk/environment/ehs/illegal-encampment/report-an- disposing of waste on more than 200 named sites. illegal-encampment The council used evidence of large-scale fly-tipping and the Preparatory work is ongoing to try and extend the cost of clearing it, damage to gates and barriers and a high injunction for a year. For up-to-the-minute council news visit news.croydon.gov.uk 21

DROP IN KNIFE CRIME IS ‘JUST THE BEGINNING’

As we enter autumn and the final transparently and with the community’s In the run up to Christmas we will be months of the year are nearly upon consent, it provides a necessary launching the Op Bumblebee campaign, us, it gives us the opportunity to deterrent to young people carrying a which reminds people to be extra reflect on the year so far. It has no knife. Every knife recovered and taken vigilant of burglars during the holiday doubt been a busy year for the police off the streets, is potentially another period. We will be providing you with service, with a noticeable surge in life saved and another family spared tips on how you can better protect your serious violence across the country and particularly London. the heartache of losing a loved one. homes through our Twitter, newsletters Over the next few months my teams and Safer Neighbourhood Teams. Croydon has historically had a reputation will be conducting targeted patrols Finally, I would like to thank you all for this kind of crime, which is why in our hotspot areas and we would for the support you have provided this over the last few years we have been like to offer you the opportunity to year. Serious violence is not just a police working relentlessly with partner join us and experience these patrols issue, it affects the whole community agencies and community groups to first hand. If you are interested please and we could not have achieved the drive it out. It makes me very pleased contact your local neighbourhood reductions in crime levels without to see a drop in violent offences across team for more information. your continued support. Thank you. the borough, including a 20% drop in With the seasons changing and the Please remain alert, but not alarmed. knife offences against under 25s. nights drawing in, this is often a time Warm regards, However, this is just the beginning. of concern for Londoners. To address It is not enough to just be doing this we will be running our annual better, we must continue to work Autumn Nights operation which will see harder and look for more solutions. Jeff Boothe officers deployed to hotspot areas to Chief Supt Jeff Boothe Stop and search is a controversial deter crime and reassure residents. South BCU Commander for tool, however I believe when used Croydon, Sutton and Bromley Working together to tackle knife crime Croydon has seen a 13% and in September, the SCP ran a four-day And from September the council has decrease in knife crime in programme to help young people get back funded two youth engagement workers to the 12 months up until June 2018 to school safely. support vulnerable nine to 14-year-olds in It was supported by the council’s youth schools, helping them to keep themselves compared with the previous year. engagement team; the police, Victim safe through the transition between This is in contrast to a 14% increase across Support; Croydon BME Forum, Croydon primary and secondary education. the capital. Business Improvement District (BID) and For more on the Choose Your Future The Safer Croydon Partnership (SCP) Centrale and Whitgift Shopping Centres. campaign, please see www.choose-your- is hopeful this reflects the hard work Turning Point, substance misuse service; future.com communities and agencies are investing Safer London, who work to safeguard collaboratively as part of the Choose Your young people from gangs, exploitation and Future campaign. crime; Croydon street and school pastors; Choose Your Future works to unite CDI (Croydon Drop In) support and Croydon against serious youth violence, counselling service and Croydon’s sexual and encourage young people to make health team also supported the event. positive choices. Councillor Hamida Ali, cabinet member During the summer 200 young people for safer Croydon and communities, said: aged 11-24 attended Croydon Youth "We know that the transition from primary Summit to share their views on knife crime. to secondary school can be a challenging Metropolitan Police’s Assistant time for many young people. The Commissioner Martin Hewitt praised additional staff will help schools intervene Croydon for its partnership work in tackling earlier to support young people against the youth violence, which he holds up Met-wide risks of getting caught up in knife crime." as ‘good practice’. The new youth workers will work closely Throughout the holidays young with existing youth service providers to help develop the pupils’ self-confidence, Councillor Hamida Ali, cabinet member people also enjoyed a wide range of free for safer Croydon and communities activities, events and support services keep them safe and harness their potential. 22 AUTUMN 2018

Council meeting dates Useful contacts Full council meetings start at 6.30pm and are held in the council chamber of Croydon Town Hall, Katharine Street, Croydon CR0 1NX. For police, fire brigade, ambulance, call: 999 or 112, Text phone 1800 Meeting: Monday 3 December Deadline: Monday 26 November Meeting: Monday 28 January Deadline: Monday 21 January Croydon Council general enquiries 020 8726 6000 Questions (maximum number of words: 50) for consideration at a full council meeting, can be emailed to democratic. Croydon NHS Walk-in Centre [email protected]; alternatively, write to Questions 020 3040 0800 for the council, Democratic services, 7C Bernard Weatherill House, 8 Mint Walk, Croydon CR0 1EA. Non-emergency urgent care - 111

Unless otherwise stated, cabinet meetings start at 6.30pm, in the Croydon University Hospital council chamber of the Town Hall. 020 8401 3000 Meeting: 19 November, 10 December For information on meetings, minutes and agendas, go to Get in touch www.croydon.gov.uk/meetings For information on cabinet and shadow cabinet members, go to www.croydon.gov.uk/cabinet To get in touch with the Your Croydon editorial team, email: [email protected] Unless otherwise stated, scrutiny meetings start at 6.30pm, in the council chamber of the Town Hall. If anybody you know isn't receiving the online Your Croydon weekly, tell them that they can ensure delivery Meeting: by subscribing at www.croydon.gov.uk/subscribe 30 October Scrutiny and overview committee For information on scrutiny, go to www.croydon.gov.uk/scrutiny or email [email protected] Central Library and Museum of Croydon Meetings of the Safer Neighbourhood Board are held in the venues Katharine Street, Croydon CR9 1ET indicated. For further information, look www.croydononline.org/ safer-neighbourhood-board Open: Monday to Saturday (see website for daily hours) The next public meetings: Library – www.croydon.gov.uk/ Museum – www. Meeting: Wednesday 5 December at 6.30pm central-library museumofcroydon.com Venue: Town Hall, council chamber Telephone: 020 8726 6900 Telephone: 020 8253 1022 Details of all Croydon Council meetings can be found at www.croydon.gov.uk/meetings Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

For full details, visit: www.croydon.gov.uk/ Guided Walks leisure/parksandopenspaces/walks There are a host of fantastic Sunday 18 Sunday 25 source for local wildlife. If you natural spaces across the borough A Nature Trail with the Helping the sheep - would like to help meet at Tithepit offering residents the chance to warden – Happy Valley Sanderstead Common Shaw Lane layby at 10am. All experience the joys of the great and Farthing Downs Help rid the grazing paddocks equipment and tools provided as outdoors right on their doorstep. Walk the scenic Happy Valley of Ash re-growth so sheep can well as tea, coffee and biscuits. You can enjoy an awe-inspiring section of the Happy Valley and munch the grass with ease. If For more details call the warden autumn adventure or wander a Farthing Downs Nature Trail. you fancy cutting some ash and on 07771 715812 winter wonderland whenever you This (usually) self-guided trail having a bonfire meet the warden want but there are a series of Sunday 16 guided activities and walks coming has re-launched as a high-tech at Dunmail Drive at 10am. All equipment and tools provided, as Bark, Buds & Bushes – up over the coming months. smartphone based trail, but you can leave your phone at home – well as tea, coffee and biscuits. For Farthing Downs NOVEMBER the warden will be your guide. more details call the warden on Forget the Christmas shopping for a while, wrap up warm and discover Saturday 3 The walk will take one and a half 07771 715812. to two hours. Meet at 2pm in the the myths and folklore behind our Autumn leaves - Selsdon Wood DECEMBER native trees and shrubs. Learn how Join the Friends of Selsdon Wood Farthing Downs car park, Ditches lane Coulsdon. You can catch the Sunday 2 to identify them from their bark, for a gentle stroll and marvel at buds and twigs. the colours of leaves and fruits on 404 or 60 bus or Pond Maintenance - bushes and trees. Meet at 1pm by the walk one mile Sanderstead Common Meet at the Farthing Downs car wooden bear in the Selsdon Wood car from Coulsdon Help the countryside warden park at 2pm. You can catch the 404 park off Old Farleigh Road. For South train improve the pond at the Dobbin by or 60 bus or walk one mile from more information please visit station. clearing vegetation in and around Coulsdon South train station. www.friendsofselsdonwood.co.uk it, clearing the valuable water

For up-to-the-minute council news visit news.croydon.gov.uk 23 Your A to Z of council services The council provides a comprehensive range of services designed to offer help and advice to residents. Below is only a small selection of those services – for the full list, visit www.croydon.gov.uk and follow the “A-Z” link in the purple field near the top of the home page.

Adult education Fly-tipping Mediation service – housing Trading standards Information on the courses available How to report it, your responsibilities A mediation service for housing and Dealing with doorstep crime and rogue to older students. as a landowner, and how the council housing association tenants, and others. traders, and offering advice to residents prosecutes fly-tippers. and businesses. Blocked drains Neighbourhood wardens Information on how to deal with drain Offering help and support to local problems. communities. Occupational therapy Bulky waste collection Enabling people with disabilities to carry What it is and how to book. out essential activities, with the aim of Careline maintaining or improving independence. Providing a home safety and personal Planning applications security system, helping people to live Advice on all aspects of the planning independently within their own homes. Fly-tipping process. Disabled parking Providing parking bays throughout Croydon for vehicles used by the holders Trading Standards of blue badges.

Visitor parking permits Fostering How to apply, how much they cost and Everything you need to know about Planning where they can be used. fostering in Croydon. Welfare benefit advice Gambling Recycling Know what you’re entitled to and claim The different types of licences – and how What to recycle, how to recycle and it. Disabled parking to apply for them. where to recycle. Youth projects Home safety advice All you need to know about Croydon’s Dropped kerb and crossovers See if you are eligible for a free home youth provision. Council consent is required to lower safety check. the kerb in front of your property and provide vehicle access to a hard-standing Instrumental tuition parking area. Service for children and young people. Licences Emergency planning Recycling Information on licences for nursing Keeping Croydon running in the event of agencies, explosives, scaffolding and Youth serious incidents. much more. Safer Croydon Project Working to make the borough safer for Lottery registration all who live, work and visit here. Running a lottery to raise funds for a charity or an organisation such as a sports club, church or school, requires registration. www. croydo z n.gov.uk/ato Capel Manor College Your route to a brighter future

Discover our unique hands-on courses in Crystal Palace Park at an upcoming College Advice Session or Open Day. www.capel.ac.uk Leading the field in agriculture, animal management, arboriculture, balloon artistry, environmental conservation, dog grooming, floristry, garden design, horticulture, landscaping, saddlery, shoemaking and wildlife courses.

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