your www..gov.uk

ISSUE 71 – DECEMBER – FEBRUARY 2016 Your primary source of community information

Future looking fab for Fairfield See page 5

Go On, then – charity aims to improve borough’s digital skills See page 8 Five pages of Christmas schedules and preparations Pages 9 to 13 2 subscribe to Your Croydon weekly at www.croydon.gov.uk/subscribe December 2015 – February 2016 City of Culture? Oh, yes! Highlights Croydon – the UK’s next City of Culture. Unthinkable? Actually, it’s not as outrageous a proposition as many who don’t know our borough might have you believe. £30m Fairfield Over the past few weeks, it has been my pleasure to visit Croydon’s brilliant award-winning Rise Gallery; see fine regeneration...... 5 productions in The Spreadeagle ; and attend several Major plans are afoot that will packed events in Matthew’s Yard in the centre of Croydon. see Fairfield, and College As well as some great bands at the renovated and now Green transformed into the town’s culture and community-run Stanley Halls in , and at Croydon’s fastest-growing music venue, The Oval Tavern, I’ve education quarter. seen the town’s first Craft Beer Festival at the Braithwaite Hall attracting a crowd aged 18 to 80. And, as the leader of the council, I had the privilege of announcing a major £30m Don’t mess with Croydon ...... 7 renovation of the , to restore the building to its former iconic status (see page 5). People who failed to heed the warning of the council’s The good news continues with the announcement that our anti-littering campaign have paid the price, with a partner Boxpark will, next summer, be opening ’s coolest further 15 prosecutions. new location at East Croydon; and we are enjoying seeing the much-loved flourish. Those achievements stand alongside an exceptional summer Go On Croydon launched . . 8 programme that included the excellent Ambition, Purley, UK charity has joined forces with Croydon , London Road and South Norwood festivals. Council to help arm local people with the And congratulations to Croydon Youth Theatre Organisation digital skills required today. on 50 years of fantastic work in the community giving young people access to drama and theatre activities to increase their confidence and life skills. Christmas schedules ...... 9 And now we end a year that started with Ben Haenow winning The X Factor, to see Croydon wiping the floor at the globally Five pages of vital seasonal information, including recognised Mobo music awards. Thornton Heath’s Krept and when your bins will be collected, when your local Konan led the Mobo charge with two awards, accompanied by library is open and where you can recycle your fellow Croydon winners Stormzy, Faith Child and Section Boyz. Christmas tree. That City of Culture honour seems quite attainable. Of course, the headline-grabbing news around Croydon’s many new artists and venues will come as no surprise to local Playing in the street ...... 16 residents. We have all long been aware of the talent that exists across Croydon’s district centres and in our vibrant and multi- More communities sign up to see roads closed to cultural communities. traffic once a month to allow local children to play The difference now is that, as Croydon’s recovery continues safely outside their homes. and our reputation grows, more of our performers and their achievements are getting the recognition they deserve. The remaining challenge for us as a council is to ensure that all You shall go to the ball! ..... 22 of these talented people have a venue to perform in that will do them proud. That is why we are determined to see through the Win a family ticket for four to see this planned transformation of the Fairfield Halls, Croydon College year’s glittering production of Cinderella in and surrounding area into one of the capital’s leading cultural and educational hotspots. Fairfield’s . Season’s greetings and best wishes for a peaceful new year. 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. Go to Councillor Tony Newman www.croydon.gov.uk/subscribe and visit Leader of the council /ilovecroydon @yourcroydon For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news 3 Lighting up St Mike’s

Amazing new architectural lighting, recently installed on a historic grade 1 listed church, has transformed West Croydon. We’re delighted that, through the Mayor’s Anybody walking past St Michael and All Angels with St James Regeneration Fund, Croydon Council has funded the Church after dark over the past few weeks will have been exterior lighting of St Michael’s. struck by its dramatic new night-time look. “It will be a focal point for the whole development A state-of-the-art lighting scheme, picking out the features scheme once completed. of the Gothic Revival building, was formally switched on by CHURCH WARDEN KEN LEPPARD the Bishop of Fulham Jonathan Baker in November. Highlighting the stained glass windows and bell tower features of the landmark church, the new installation also brings more ambient light to the surrounding public space in Poplar Walk, helping to improve the area and create a safer, brighter environment for residents and visitors. The project is part of the Connected Croydon programme, funded by the Mayor’s Regeneration Fund, which has delivered £4.6m improvements to the public spaces and transport interchange around Station Road, North End, , Poplar Walk and St Michael’s Road. The church is next to West Croydon bus station, currently being rebuilt by Transport for London and due to reopen next year. 4 subscribe to Your Croydon weekly at www.croydon.gov.uk/subscribe December 2015 – February 2016 Boxing clever for Croydon

Plans to bring a successful London shopping concept to Croydon have cleared the final hurdle with the council giving it the green light.

A pop-up mall has been approved for a five-year stay, from It is expected to generate up to 200 new jobs. next summer, on the site next to East Croydon There will also be covered courtyard space, enabling events station, the main gateway to the town centre. to take place year round, expanding the cultural offer in the Boxpark Croydon, following its forerunner in Shoreditch, town centre. will be food-and-drink focused, with more than 30 outlets, Boxpark Croydon is a meanwhile-use scheme that will comprising restaurant, café and retail units. occupy Ruskin Square during the wider office- and housing- The scheme, being delivered in partnership with the GLA and focused redevelopment of the site. developers Stanhope and Schroders, will be constructed from That redevelopment will see up to 1.25 million sq ft of office 97 shipping containers and will see units rented out to a mixture accommodation, 625 new homes and more than 100,000 sq ft of independent, small and medium-sized businesses. of retail, café and restaurant space. All aboard for new look Station area’s makeover complete with new paving, planting and seating. The first stage of works to revamp the area in and around East The second phase of works, which starts in spring, will Croydon station has been completed. refurbish the adjacent bus station with new paving, planting The major improvement works, which began in January, and improved lighting. have seen new paving delivered in George Street, from It will ensure easier connections from train to bus and tram, Wellesley Road to the station, and the carriageway has been with better links between eastbound and westbound bus stops. resurfaced. New planters have been installed at the George Street and Wellesley Road junction, and the area around the station has been made more attractive and accessible to pedestrians, with new seating on the tram platform. The works have included: • 4,800 sq m of new paving • 4,000 sq m of resurfaced carriageway • 2,100 new shrubs, hedges and plants • 12 new trees • 6 new benches For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news 5

Where the culture and education are

A refitted music, arts and cultural complex, new college buildings and a redesigned large open space are on the drawing board for Fairfield and its surroundings. Exciting plans have been Theatre, will be refurbished to Planning: Fransis Rossi, architect Stuart Cade, announced to turn Croydon contain flexible performance and Councillor Tony Newman College, Fairfield Halls and the and arts spaces. College Green area into one of A new mezzanine-level London’s leading cultural and restaurant is also planned, educational destinations. alongside bar and seating Fairfield Halls will undergo areas on the ground floor a £30m transformation into leading to outside areas on a modern concert and events the transformed College venue, designed to attract Green public square. world-class acts and become To allow these works to the focal point for Croydon’s take place, Fairfield will close creative and cultural scene. for two years to enable the And Croydon College will refurbishment to be carried have a new state-of-the- out more quickly and at a art home, bringing all of its lower cost. faculties together on the The wider plans for College Barclay Road annex site. Green will see the construction Fairfield’s 1,800 seat of hundreds of new homes of a Concert Hall will retain its mix of tenures, and new shops acoustic integrity, but will be and restaurants. PRAISE FROM A ROCK LEGEND fully refurbished to include Pedestrian paths and new seating and modernised squares will be created, linking Status Quo frontman and Croydon resident Francis backstage and servicing areas. the area to East Croydon Rossi met up with council leader Tony Newman to The rest of the 1962 building, station, the town centre, Surrey give his views on the plans for Fairfield, a venue he including the 755 seat Ashcroft Street and the wider borough. has regularly played over the years. He visited the backstage area, dressing rooms, concert hall and Sun Lounge, and heard from the architects tasked with the £30m project. Councillor Newman said: “After hearing that Francis had expressed an interest in the future redevelopment of Fairfield, I invited him along to get his opinions as an artist who has played the venue as his hometown gig on many occasions. “It was really good to get his input on this massively important scheme. He was impressed with what we’re trying to do and thought the plans were great, both for artists and audiences.” 6 subscribe to Your Croydon weekly at www.croydon.gov.uk/subscribe December 2015 – February 2016 Cleaning up the borough

Communities have been embracing the Don’t Mess With Croydon spirit by organising community clean-up days to help make the borough a tidier place.

Clean and Green street their work clothes and champions teamed up with knuckled down to some residents and staff from serious clean-up tasks in a Park Sainsbury’s to blighted corner of their clean up an alley in Clifton neighbourhood. Road. Fed up with the fact that a Together they cleared half patch of open land had a tonne of fly-tipped waste become a magnet for all and used the occasion to manner of waste and rubbish, recruit passers-by to become the Friends of Love Lane street champions for their Green organised a community Clifton Road work in progress roads. clean-up, filling a cage lorry Elsewhere in the borough, with landfill waste, and a beavers and scouts picked up dustcart with brambles and litter in Woods, using green waste. litter pickers, collecting bags, Anybody interested in and gloves and high-visibility joining the 268 residents who jackets supplied by the have become Clean and council’s clean and green Green Street Champions to team. improve their Community spirit was neighbourhoods, should much in evidence when more contact Tracey Bellamy on Working group: Friends of Love Lane Green than 50 residents got into 07825 103788 or email. Recycling – the word on the streets The high streets of four district centres should be cleaner as new dual-purpose waste bins are installed. Residents’ call for more recycling bins on the street has In a bid to reduce littering, the bins have been introduced prompted the council to provide 80 dual waste and recycling in Thornton Heath, South Norwood, and Crystal bins in high streets in four areas of the borough. Palace, with 20 in each district centre. This follows surveys carried out where those who took Councillor Stuart Collins part raised concerns about the lack of local recycling bins in their area. As well as reducing litter on pavements, the containers have been provided for residents who live in flats above shops to give them recycling and landfill facilities all in one place. The bins, which have sections for general waste and mixed recyclables, are emptied on a daily basis. Click to watch the council’s Clean, Green Croydon cabinet member, Councillor Stuart Collins, explaining why the new bins have been introduced. For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news 7 Don’t mess with Croydon – you could lose your good name The latest round of Don’t mess with Croydon prosecutions has seen 15 people get a criminal Hall of Shame newcomers record for littering. • Anna Ball, aged 24, of Godstone Road, Caterham, was found guilty of dropping a cigarette in North End, Croydon, and fined £100. She was also ordered to pay £250 The list of names in the council’s Hall of court costs. Shame continues to grow as another clutch of litter-droppers and fly-tippers appear in • Hayley Bashford, of Central Parade, , was found guilty of leaving court to answer for their antisocial acts. a black refuse sack on the pavement in Central Parade, and fined £110. She was also Offences ranged from dropping ordered to pay £300 court costs. cigarettes to dumping rubbish on • Burchell Bernard, aged 52, of Shrublands Avenue, Shirley, was found guilty of pavements and in the street. dumping cardboard packaging on a grass verge in the same road, and fined £120, and Fines were issued to 13 of the ordered to pay £300 costs. defendants, while the remaining two were conditionally discharged by Croydon • Agneiska Brooks, aged 32, of Winterbourne Road, Thornton Heath, pleaded magistrates on Wednesday, 18 November. guilty to fly-tipping three black plastic bags, and given an £85 fine. Brooks was also The council’s Don’t mess with Croydon ordered to pay £200 court costs. campaign aims to tackle fly-tipping and • Charles Burrows, aged 31, of Rothesay Road, Selhurst, was found guilty of littering, and ensure the borough’s streets dropping a cigarette in North End, Croydon, fined £85 and ordered to pay costs of £210. remain clean and tidy. Since the campaign’s launch in summer • Samii Draper, aged 22, of Wimshurst Close, , was found guilty of 2014, the council has issued more than 800 dumping a cardboard box by provided bins, and fined £110. Draper was also ordered fixed-penalty notices, and prosecuted fly- to pay £300 court costs. tippers through the courts, including a man • , aged 26, of Coniston Road, , pleaded guilty jailed for six months in May for dumping 42 Marc Frasier Bourne to leaving a large fly-tip in the same road, and fined £100. He was also ordered to pay tonnes of waste in Waddon. £250 costs. The 15 latest prosecutions have been added to the council’s Hall of Shame • Declan Fontaine, of Central Parade, New Addington, was found guilty of webpage, which can be viewed here. dumping food and shop waste on the pavement in the same road. He was fined £180 You can report fly-tipping by calling the and ordered to pay £330 court costs. dedicated fly-tipping hotline on 020 8604 • , aged 31, of Halesowen Road, Morden, was found guilty of 7000 or sending an email. Catherine Geraghty dropping a cigarette in North End. She was fined £100 fine, and ordered to pay £235 You can also report a problem via the court costs. My Croydon smartphone app. Click for or more information about • Alicja Golab, aged 31, of The Coppins, New Addington, pleaded guilty to Don’t Mess with Croydon. leaving furniture and cardboard waste on a verge, and was conditionally discharged for six months. • David Haines, aged 49, of Lorne Gardens, , pleaded guilty to ‘Don’t Mess’ offenders dropping a cigarette in North End. He was fined £85 with £210 costs. • Lee Kupperblatt, aged 27, of Meadowside, New Eltham, was found guilty of have been caught, dropping a cigarette in North End, Croydon, and fined £110 fine. He was also ordered and now have to pay £250 court costs. • Hanna Maameri, aged 50, of Fouracre Path, Selhurst, was found guilty of dropping prosecuted a cigarette in North End. She was fined £110 and ordered to pay £250 court costs. a criminal record • Sandra Stephenson, of Eden Road, West Norwood, pleaded guilty to dropping a cigarette in North End. She was given a three-month conditional discharge, and ordered to pay £150 court costs. • Emma Fields and Wayne Alexander, of Central Parade, New Addington, were both found guilty of two separate offences of dumping household waste on a pavement. Fields was fined £150, Alexander £120, and each was ordered to pay £330 costs. 8 subscribe to Your Croydon weekly at www.croydon.gov.uk/subscribe December 2015 – February 2016 Go On – learn some digital skills The council has joined forces with digital skills charity Go On UK in an exciting project to help arm local people with the digital skills needed to make the most of new technology. A leading charity has chosen Croydon digital zones pop up in a number of place in Croydon across the whole of to launch the capital’s first digital skills borough locations to help residents get the UK. programme. online and to increase their independence, She said: “I think that if we can make Businesswoman and philanthropist, life chances and well-being. that first step here in Croydon, we can Martha Lane Fox, chair of Go On UK, Digital champions will be recruited. really make a massive leap across the came to Croydon last month to unveil the They will be volunteers who are confident whole of the UK – one small step for plans which will see local people trained in using IT, but not necessarily experts, Croydon, one giant leap for the UK.” to use new technology and surf the net and who will use their digital know-how Click to watch Baroness Lane Fox Their new skills will empower them to to help others in the community and in the talk about Go On Croydon. go online to benefit from saving money, digital zones. searching and applying for a job, and Learn how you can get involved in your finding family members, or the simple local area by clicking here. enjoyment of keeping in touch or doing The project brings together national some research. and local organisations including Go On Croydon aims to address the Age UK, Argos, Lloyds banking group fact that 20% of the borough’s population and community groups, charities and don’t have basic digital skills. It will be volunteers, including Croydon Tech City, available for everyone, including those CVA and St Philip’s Church, Norbury, most in need of support, such as the that will run projects in schools and the homeless, families in poverty, the elderly, community. and small businesses. Baroness Lane Fox said: “Having Research shows that people could save access to the internet and the power around £1,000 a year by going online, and to use it in all the different ways is a many people over the age of 55 say it also fundamental right and we must work hard makes them feel part of modern society to make sure no one is left behind.” Martha Lane Fox – chair of Go On UK and less lonely. One of the aims of the project, she Click to watch our video of the Go The Go On Croydon project will see added, was to replicate the work taking On Croydon project here.

Try Croydon’s first digital zone Croydon has unveiled the UK’s first Go On digital zone. Based in the council’s Access Croydon, in Mint Walk, it is open every Friday to provide help and support to people taking their first steps online or building confidence in using a smartphone, tablet or laptop to improve their skills.

June, 91, a parishioner of St Philip’s Church, Norbury, said; “I’m one of the lucky ones. Our priest has started computer classes for us on Friday mornings. We’ve got some helpers that come to show us how to use computers. I knew absolutely nothing, and now I can start one going and I have an email address. My family send me some messages and then I have to try and send them one back. It’s hard work, but I think if I have many more years it will be very necessary to have a computer at home just to help me to carry on with life independently, so I’m very grateful for the help I’m getting.” For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news 9

FESTIVE SEASON OPENING HOURS

Access Croydon, Croydon leisure centres Thursday 24 December Open as normal Thursday 24 December Closed Friday 25 December Closed Friday 25 December Closed Saturday 26 December Closed Saturday 26 December Closed Sunday 27 December Closed Sunday 27 December Check local times Monday 28 December Closed Monday 28 December Check local times Tuesday 29 December Open as normal Tuesday 29 December Check local times Wednesday 30 December Open as normal Wednesday 30 December Check local times Thursday 31 December Open as normal Thursday 31 December Check local times Friday 1 January Closed Friday 1 January Closed Saturday 2 January Closed Saturday 2 January Open as normal Sunday 3 January Closed To check your local leisure centre’s opening times go to Monday 4 January Open as normal www.fusion-lifestyle.com/contracts/Croydon_Council/Centres

Croydon Council call centre Croydon libraries Thursday 24 December Open as normal Thursday 24 December Close 1pm Friday 25 December Closed Friday 25 December Closed Saturday 26 December Closed Saturday 26 December Closed Sunday 27 December Closed Sunday 27 December Closed Monday 28 December Closed Monday 28 December Closed Tuesday 29 December Open as normal Tuesday 29 December Open as normal Wednesday 30 December Open as normal Wednesday 30 December Open as normal Thursday 31 December Open as normal Thursday 31 December Close 4pm Friday 1 January Closed Friday 1 January Closed Saturday 2 January Closed Saturday 2 January Open as normal Sunday 3 January Closed Sunday 3 January Closed Monday 4 January Open as normal Monday 4 January Open as normal

BIN COLLECTION TIMETABLE

Refuse and recycling collection date changes NORMAL COLLECTION DATE REVISED COLLECTION DATE Over the Christmas holiday period, the council’s refuse and recycling services will be operating on a slightly revised Friday 25 December Sunday 27 December collection schedule. The table, right, shows the two days on which there will be Friday 1 January Saturday 2 January no collections and requiring bins and boxes to be put out on different days. Calendars with further details of the date changes and which Missed collections can be reported via your containers need to be put out for collection can be found by MyAccount at www.croydon.gov.uk/myaccount clicking here. or by calling 020 8726 6200. 10 subscribe to Your Croydon weekly at www.croydon.gov.uk/subscribe December 2015 – February 2016 Keeping the borough moving Croydon’s salt bins are full and the gritting teams are ready to go... With recent winters having Maps showing the roads delivered their fair share of that are treated in each ward snow, the council is ready to can be found on the council’s tackle a repeat this season – website. and encouraging residents to The borough has 577 salt get to know their grit. bins in key locations. They Thousands of tonnes of are replenished at the grit salt have already been earliest opportunity after stockpiled but spreading it on roads and pavements have the borough’s roads is not all been gritted according to a that is needed to keep traffic priority plan. moving. The exact coordinates of Many people believe that the salt bins are in the the presence of grit salt on process of being collated. roads means snow and ice When the process is disappears instantly, but it complete, the information will not work if there is no will enable the reporting of traffic to run over it, or if empty bins via My Account. vehicles are held up. In the meantime, however, Gritting lorries can also anybody standing next to an get stuck in traffic like empty bin can report it, using everybody else, meaning the My Croydon app, and their spreading routines are the bin will be scheduled for disrupted. refilling, as the reporting Road salt – the facts And a common process will identify the bin’s misconception is that the location. The council, at present, has a stock of 3,700 tonnes of road council grits every road in On an ongoing basis, the salt, with an agreement with suppliers to quickly add more the borough. council works closely with the in the event of heavy snowfall. Approximately 30% of the emergency and voluntary Should that snow arrive, the fleet of 12 winter-service borough’s roads are gritted services, utility companies lorries and their crews will be on 24-hour call, ready to get when snow or ice are and other London boroughs, out and keep 150 miles of the borough’s main roads clear predicted – or in the case of to plan for a coordinated and the traffic moving. sudden and unexpected snow. response to major Maps showing each ward’s treated roads can be found These roads cover about emergencies. on the council’s website. 150 miles, and have been But the council cannot do In addition to the lorries, the contractor also has a chosen because they are the everything. heavy-duty digger on standby. most important in keeping It needs the support of traffic moving. They include residents and businesses to The same is true when it • Sutton and East ‘A’ and ‘B’ roads, main bus keep the borough moving by comes to water leaks. Surrey Water routes, approaches to fire, promoting community The two water companies During an emergency, the police and ambulance resilience. serving Croydon ask that latest information will be stations, railway stations, Whether it is looking out anybody who sees a leak as broadcast on local radio and and steep hills. for elderly and vulnerable they go about their daily TV, the council’s website During times of heavy neighbours or helping in business, report it at the and its Twitter feed snowfall, or when other ways, if people get earliest opportunity. A leak is @yourcroydon temperatures remain below involved, this winter will be more easily fixed before a You can also sign up to zero for long periods, the easier for everyone. freeze sets in. receive Your Croydon weekly priority is to clear the For further information To report a leak, visit to have updates delivered primary gritting routes first. and advice, click here. • Thames Water straight to your inbox. For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news 11 Power cut pointers

What to do if the unthinkable happens and there’s a power failure as the turkey’s being carved, or while the presents are being opened. A power cut over Christmas – not much • Call 0800 31 63 105 or 0333 32 32 105 • Keep important documents safe and could be worse to bring the festive spirit from a mobile. handy. down to earth. Advice in case of a power cut • For more tips about what to do during However, if the worst does come to the • If electricity is crucial for any medical a power cut, click here. worst, UK Power Networks has drawn up equipment you have, contact UKPN a list of things that will help the situation What is UK Power Networks? now to be included on the priority until the lights come back on. UK Power Networks owns and register for assistance during any And the advice is, of course, good for maintains electricity cables and lines power cut. the rest of the year. across London, the south-east and east • Make sure you have a number of of England, making sure that your lights Power cut? Contact UK Power Networks torches to hand, along with extra stay on. 24 hours a day, 365 days a year batteries. You don’t pay your electricity bills to • View a live power cut map or report a • Keep a plug-in telephone that does UK Power Networks. Your electricity power cut here. not require electricity – a cordless supplier is the company you choose to buy • Receive updates by texting “Power” phone might not work once the your electricity from, and to which you and your postcode to 80876. batteries are dead. pay your bills. CHRISTMAS PARKING IN CROYDON Council spreads a little festive cheer for motorists with relaxation of rules. The practice of recent years festive illuminations or simply such as yellow-line, footway, has been extended with the dropping in on relatives to bus lane – will, however, council easing parking share the seasonal good remain in place on these regulations for even longer cheer. days, and motorists are than previously over the The whole borough advised to park in a Christmas and New Year will be free of parking reasonable manner, period. enforcement in council-run showing consideration for Helping to spread a little car parks and on-street bays, other road users and festive cheer, the relaxation on Christmas Eve, Christmas pedestrians. of parking regulations will Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Normal parking help people visiting shops, Eve and New Year’s Day. enforcement will resume enjoying the displays of All other restrictions – on Saturday 2 January. 12 subscribe to Your Croydon weekly at www.croydon.gov.uk/subscribe December 2015 – February 2016 Shop wisely and reduce your waste at Christmas A little pre-planning when buying food for the festive break can save money and cut down on unnecessary waste. If there is one time of year that levels of make sure you eat everything you buy. household food waste are in danger of • A large proportion of householders end going off the scale, that time is Christmas. up throwing away food because it has An estimated 7 million tonnes of food passed its “use by” date. Planning and drink is thrown away by households meals with the “use by” date in mind each year in the UK, and a good could save money. proportion of that waste comes about • Don’t forget the freezer! Leftovers, or over the festive season – the time of food nearing its use by date, can often greatest consumer excess. be popped into the freezer, and spare It is all too easy to over-cater when Top tips Bolognese sauce is great on a baked entertaining, which is fine, as long as the • Put all your food waste into your potato for lunch. caddy. Food waste is collected • Know your “use by” from your “best weekly, unlike landfill bins, which before” – you could be throwing things are collected fortnightly. away when you don’t need to. • When preparing food, think about • 70% of domestic fridges are set at too portion sizes as it is easy to over- high a temperature. Keeping your cater, resulting in wasted food. leftovers are later put to use, and not just fridge between 1°C and 5°C helps to • Make the most of leftovers and try thrown away. get the best from your food. some new recipes to polish off any Leftover sprouts? No problem – they • Buy a discounted compost bin by items nearing the best-before date; are a delicious addition to post-Christmas calling 0844 4721888 or ordering alternatively, freeze leftovers to eat favourite, bubble and squeak. online. another day. Alternatively, they and other unused veg • Put all plastic bottles, glass bottles and can be used to make up a batch of stock, When the feast is over, don’t forget to cans into your green recycling box. providing a great base for warming soups. put your food waste into your caddy for Sometimes we can end up with more collection. Make reuse your resolution food than our guests can eat. Keep some INTERESTING FACT When you’re clearing out the clutter in the store cupboard ingredients handy so that, Research suggests that households if you do have leftovers, you can whip up new year, make sure you visit the popular throw away £470-worth of food a a snack or lunch for the following day. websites Croydon Freegle and Croydon Some great left-over recipes are year, rising to £700 for a family Freecycle and swap or give away those available here. with children; the equivalent of items you no longer want. Even better, check out the site before about £60 a month. Of course, if you’re really strapped for you buy and cook, and get some practical cash this year, you could visit the websites Items such as carcasses and bones can advice on planning, portion control and now to see if you can pick up a bargain! go straight into the larger external caddy; food storage. There is a host of charities in Croydon if you’re worried about any mess, just line that would like your unwanted items. Seasonal waste-busting tips to it with some old newspaper. save you money Don’t be a Scrooge; give away those Festive food recycling unwanted items to a good cause while, at • Plan your Christmas menu to ensure Over the festive period, residents will be the same time, doing your bit for the you don’t buy more than is needed, environment. and aren’t left with extra sprouts into celebrating and tucking into the mince the new year. pies, party food and turkey dinners. Christmas is a great time to make the • More than half of households say they most of recycling, as many households will throw away food because they’ve produce more waste than normal. All councillors and cooked too much. Making delicious Here are a few tips to help manage staff at Croydon Council wish meals from leftovers is a smart way to your festive waste and recycling. everybody a merry Christmas and a happy 2016 For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news 13 Treecycling – it’s a Christmas thing If you’re opting for a real Christmas tree collection points tree this Christmas, think Ashburton , access from Tenterden Road about what will happen to East Grange Park, Canon’s Hill Fairfield Oaks Road/Coombe Road car park it after the holiday. Heathfield car park, Gravel Hill With almost one million Christmas trees Kenley Residents’ Association, Oaks Road green thrown away each year in London alone New Addington Central Parade car park – and fewer than 10% of those being New Addington Fisher’s Farm reuse and recycling centre, North Downs Road recycled – it is important that we Purley Upper Woodcote Village RA, Woodcote Village green remember to recycle our tree. Purley Purley Oaks reuse and recycling centre, Brighton Road If you opt for a real Christmas tree this year, do not forget to take it to one of the Occasionally Yours, Limpsfield Road council’s designated recycling collection Selsdon Selsdon Recreation Ground, access from Woodlands Gardens points between Friday 1 and Saturday Shirley Monks Orchard green 9 January. Shirley Shirley Park RA, Green Court Gardens green At other times, Christmas trees can be South Norwood Whitehorse Meadow, Parry Road taken to any of the council’s reuse and Secret Garden, Westow Street recycling centres – but please remember to remove all tinsel and decorations before Waddon Wyevale Garden Centre, Waddon Way taking it to be recycled. Waddon Factory Lane reuse and recycling centre, Factory Lane CHRISTMAS TREE COLLECTIONS There will be only two collections from the listed points – on Sunday 3 and Sunday 10 January – so please do not leave Christmas trees at the collection points after Sunday 10 January. Trees needing to be disposed of after this date can be taken to one of the borough’s three reuse and recycling centres. Recycle those electricals this Christmas

WEEE have ways of convincing you that WEEE recycling banks those old electricals should be recycled. • Central Parade, New Addington CR9 1HS It will come as no surprise that Equipment) product and can • Co-op, Limpsfield Road, Sanderstead CR2 9DQ Christmas, and the run-up to be recycled. • Forestdale car park, Selsdon Park Road, CR0 9AS it, is the peak period for the Many electrical items have • Kenley station car park, Kenley Lane, CR8 5DF purchase of electrical goods. valuable plastics and metals • Recreation Ground, Coombe Road, CR0 5RB Be it mobile phones, inside, which can be used to • Tesco car park, Brighton Road, Purley CR8 2HA battery-driven toys for tots, make new products. • Waitrose car park, Limpsfield Road, Sanderstead CR2 9LE mp3 players, hairdriers, Another reason not to send toasters, or the latest tablet old electricals to landfill, is neighbourhood recycling – such as televisions, fridges computers, more will be sold that they can contaminate soil centres (see above). and freezers – must be taken at this time of year than any and water – making recycling As well as small electrical to your local reuse and other. doubly important. goods, you can recycle recycling centres. Any appliance that has a Mindful of these facts, and domestic batteries and Please note that these plug or uses a battery is to make it easier for you to energy-efficient light bulbs in centres will be closed on classed as a WEEE (Waste recycle such appliances, the these banks. Christmas Day, Boxing Day Electrical and Electronic council provides a number of Larger electrical equipment and New Year’s Day. 14 subscribe to Your Croydon weekly at www.croydon.gov.uk/subscribe December 2015 – February 2016

Here’s to a safe 2016 We recently held our commendation ceremony when we honoured officers, civilian staff and members of the public for their heroism and/or contribution in making Croydon safer. I found some of their stories Croydon a safer place. We are currently in the four housebreakings a day, very humbling; such as the As we enter the festive first stage of rolling out a which is pretty impressive PCs who found a loaded period and darker nights, new property marking kit to when you consider that handgun on a man after a you can do a lot to ensure thousands of households in we are London’s most routine stop, the off-duty that you do not become a Croydon. We are attending populated borough. police officer on his way victim of crime. Be careful addresses and, free of Finally, I’d like to take home who intervened to not to leave presents in charge, marking key items this chance to wish you find a high-risk missing clear view; leave a light and of property with a unique the season’s greetings person, and the officers radio on if you are going traceable liquid that carries and a prosperous New who are responding out; buy a strong lock to a forensic ‘code’ registered Year, and to restate my to local concerns by secure your moped, if you to an address or location. commitment to making reducing antisocial have one; and never leave This is part of our Croydon even safer in 2016. behaviour in their area. your ignition key in your overall strategy to These instances form car, moped or van. Believe it reduce housebreaking only a snippet of the work or not, people do just that to levels never before Andy Tarrant being done every day, and then wonder why their seen in Croydon. We are Chief Supt Andy Tarrant on your behalf, to make vehicle has been stolen! currently averaging only Croydon borough commander Christmas gifts for children in care Children in care across the borough will get a little festive cheer this Christmas courtesy of the generosity of local police, residents and shoppers.

Hot on the heels of the success presents being generously of last year’s campaign, Croydon donated by the public to our police have repeated the Give A looked-after children. Gift Christmas Tree Project to “We’ve been able to build on ensure that more than 300 that success and see even more children in care get a present. gifts donated to this worthy The public have endorsed this cause this year.“ union of the traditional and The gifts will be wrapped by modern by claiming one of the Police Cadets and local school many tags hanging from a children. For further information, Christmas tree enjoying pride of click here. place outside Croydon Police The scheme is part of the Station, in Park Lane. commissioner’s Met-wide project Each tag was marked with an which will ensure the capital’s After 14 December, members which will be accepting email address which was then looked-after-children are not of the public are able to donate gifts right through until contacted to learn the age of the left wanting. via shopping centre, Christmas Eve. boy or girl for whom the tag The Met’s appeal coincided picker could buy a Christmas gift with Centrale’s Giving Tree Paul Chadwick, the council’s head of looked-after children, said: with a suggested maximum launch, which passed all its “Croydon Council is delighted by the public response to the spend of £20. donated presents to the police commissioner’s Christmas Tree Project because this demonstrates the Inspector Phil Mockett said: project for distribution. awareness, warmth of feeling, and support for the children in our “The commissioner’s Christmas Tags on the Giving Tree care from so many members of the local community. Tree Project was an amazing detail the age of a boy or girl “We can make this Christmas an even more impressive display of success last year in Croydon, for whom a gift should be support for children in care from the people of Croydon.” resulting in more than 700 bought. For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news 15 SAFETY IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD Five new teams of neighbourhood safety officers are patrolling borough streets and providing first point of contact for residents. Patrols targeting antisocial area’s warden may have behaviour or environmental Problems can also be behaviour and environmental changed, the service offered problems. reported by telephone or crimes such as littering and remains the same. The best reporting option is online from a computer, laptop fly-tipping are the main For more information, the My Croydon app, a faster or tablet via My Account. To feature of the council’s new click here. way to report a whole range register for My Account, neighbourhood safety team. of environmental issues, such click here. The new street-based Reporting problems as fly-tipping and graffiti, For further information service went live in September Residents are most likely to using a smartphone. about the changes and and is organised into five area be affected by the changes if Links to download My contacting us, please refer to teams around the borough, they need to report antisocial Croydon can be found here. our leaflet. where officers spend most of their time patrolling, helping residents and dealing with problem issues. The team was formed following the merger of the neighbourhood warden and area enforcement services, and is the first point of contact for residents and businesses in any of the five areas. The changes enable the council to provide more coordinated, consistent and visible services across Croydon while reducing duplication of similar work carried out by teams under the previous structure. The service operates from 7am to 10pm Monday to Saturday, and between 9am and 10pm on Sundays and bank holidays. While a given New service, new kit: neighbourhood safety officers in their distinctive uniforms Have a fake-free festive season Don’t be tempted by the false promise of cheap goods that could prove dangerous. Christmas can be a challenging cheap to produce and Suspicious goods, and to Citizens Advice Consumer time for families, balancing profitable to sell – from the details of where and when Service on 08454 040506. paying the bills with enjoying fake Chanel perfume that bought, should be reported Click here to visit the website. the festive season and catching could scar your skin, to up with relatives and friends. counterfeit vodka, the toxic As they strive to meet gift ingredients of which might expectations without putting cause serious internal harm. too much pressure on the Shayne Coulter, head of bank account, some might be the council’s trading standards tempted to consider counterfeit department, said: “We all like goods – a path the council’s to give at Christmas, but it’s trading standards department much better to buy cheaper is warning consumers to presents that you know are tread very carefully. safe, than flashy, expensive- Fake goods come with looking copies that could put risks – and counterfeiters don’t your friends and family at risk. care if those risks are costly or “Saving some money dangerous to the consumer. at the point of sale could Knock-off goods are ultimately prove very costly.” 16 subscribe to Your Croydon weekly at www.croydon.gov.uk/subscribe December 2015 – February 2016 See the children play The council’s Play Streets scheme is growing in popularity as residents across the borough see the benefits to their children – and themselves. Parents from five Croydon consultations begin in communities want to join December. others in a council scheme Residents in another trial that closes roads, enabling play street, Limes Road in children to play safely in Selhurst, have permission to their street. regularly hold their event on In October, a pilot Play the last Sunday of each Streets event in Love Lane, month, while Love Lane’s Woodside, drew more than play street now has 50 children who played in the permission for the second sunshine for three hours Sunday of each month. while council officers The council-backed temporarily closed the road scheme, supported by charity to through traffic. London Play, involves a Following the trial and a temporary road closure once follow-up information a month so that children can evening run by council play and residents can get officers, neighbours from five out and meet their Watch council leader Tony Newman and fellow Woodside more roads have expressed neighbours. member Hamida Ali underlining, during the Love Lane trial interest in applying to the Other communities can event in October, why the Play Streets initiative is worthwhile. council for their own Play apply to the council for a If you are interested in holding your own Play Streets Streets event and street street closure and a share of event, email or call 020 8726 6400 ext. 63371. closure. These streets will be up to £1,200 in equipment For more information, click here. named when the public from London Play. BMX COMING TO NORBURY Thrills, and the occasional spill, are guaranteed if a planned community BMX track is given the nod. The borough’s first BMX Cycling-approved Legacy Programme plans to the Olympic host boroughs, track and community club contractors and funded from offer introductory sessions the Greater London could be coming to Norbury developer contributions to and coaching training for all Authority and British Cycling in 2016. local projects. local people through to launch the BMX Legacy Schools and groups from The track will be home to Croydon BMX. Programme. across the borough would be Croydon BMX, a new If the plans are approved, By 2016, Access Sport will able to use the facility in volunteer-led community club later in December, Croydon have engaged more than daylight hours during the for people of all ages and BMX will be supplied with all 17,000 young people to get week, with club sessions at abilities, including toddlers the necessary equipment into cycling. weekends. and the disabled. – including bikes, helmets, To see the planning If approved by the The group behind the idea gloves and pads – for application, click here. council’s planning committee, is Access Sport, which qualified local coaches to use For more on the BMX the track will be built next to supports BMX clubs and in the community sessions. Legacy Programme, call the sports pavilion in tracks across 14 other In February 2011 Access Access Sport on 020 7993 Norbury Park, using British London boroughs. Its BMX Sport received the support of 988, email or click here. For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news 17 Keeping the floods at bay A long-term strategy to tackle flooding in the borough gets green light as improvements continue to a key location. Flood defences in Kenley and Kenley’s, the council’s cabinet plan to better protect the Welcomes Road and the Purley have been improved has approved an overarching Kenley water treatment station area. over recent weeks with the flood-management strategy works; and Local residents will be clearing and widening of a to improve everything from • compulsory drainage informed when the plans culvert in Dale Road. planning policy, to advice to strategies for new housing are ready early in the In February 2014, residents. developments. new year. hundreds of households were The agreed action plan, Elsewhere in Kenley, For advice on what to affected after the Caterham drawn up after consultation, council engineers are do in the event of a flood, Bourne overflowed, flooding includes: developing options to protect click here. homes and key routes • developing more detailed including Godstone Road. data and maps of at-risk The latest Dale Road areas, including works – part of an ongoing watercourses from the £850,000 council investment Norbury Brook to the taking in improvements to Wandle; the Purley Oaks emergency • educating residents on balancing pond – involve preparation for future enlarging a drain and flooding; clearing a culvert of tree • closer working with roots, silt and other potential organisations that tackle blockages to ease water flooding, including the pressure in case of flooding. Environment Agency and In addition to developing neighbouring councils; local action plans such as • developing a long-term High-speed fibre set for borough A further 9,000-plus local homes and businesses to benefit from new investment. BT has announced plans for an years, taking total coverage in within Croydon. plans for the growth of the expansion of high-speed fibre the borough to more than “Fast connectivity is borough. broadband in Croydon. 140,000 premises. increasingly important to “I know our residents and Openreach, BT’s local Councillor Tony Newman, many in the borough, businesses in the additional network business, will make leader of the council, said: especially so to the burgeoning areas where fibre broadband fibre available to an additional “I’m delighted to see that BT Croydon Tech City community, is now being delivered will be 9,368 local homes and Group is making a further and this announcement will very pleased with this businesses in the next two investment in fibre broadband help to support our ambitious announcement.”

“I know our residents and businesses in the additional areas where fibre broadband is now being delivered will be very pleased with this announcement.”

COUNCILLOR TONY NEWMAN LEADER OF THE COUNCIL 18 subscribe to Your Croydon weekly at www.croydon.gov.uk/subscribe December 2015 – February 2016

Fostering star: Richard Dickson, flanked by TV presenter Holly Willoughby and Jim Bond. Foster carer lands top award National award for an inspirational foster carer with more than 10 years’ experience. Language difficulties, cultural differences and bureaucratic Croydon is always keen to recruit new foster parents and paperwork are just some of the challenges faced and overcome provides plenty of training and support to help them in this by Richard Dickson in his time as a foster carer. sometimes challenging role. And now, his hard work and dedication have been recognised Over the past year, Richard has been a mentor for new with the presentation of the President’s Award at The Fostering foster carers and he has recently started supporting them to Network’s annual Fostering Excellence complete their Training Support and ceremony. Development Standards. Richard’s accolade is in He has also been chosen to co- acknowledgment of his tremendous train on a safer caring course for services to fostered children, male foster carers. As well as all particularly unaccompanied refugees this, Richard has been an education from countries including North Korea, champion for London Fostering Afghanistan, Ivory Coast, and the Achievement, working with foster Congolese republics. carers, teachers and young people Richard said: “Many of the children to raise educational aspirations and and young people I’ve looked after have achievements. shown huge bravery and potential. Watch a short video on fostering. “It’s been fantastic to help some Jim Bond MBE, president of The of them become more confident and Fostering Network, said: “Richard independent in a new country, where is more than a foster carer; he’s an they have often gone on to achieve Fostering: rewarding for all concerned advocate for all children and young academically and be offered university places.” people. There have, of course, been a variety of common hurdles that “His absolute empathy for those he cares for, combined with Richard has had to overcome, such as language, and cultural his tireless enthusiasm for justice and his positive attitude, are and religious differences. Alongside these issues, he has had to what makes him exceptional. manage the ongoing process of applications for asylum, and “I know that all who have worked with him at The Fostering regular home office interviews. Network have seen the tremendous value and support that he However, as Richard explains: “Despite the many challenges, brings to those who enter his home and that’s why I’m humbled I think they’re all outweighed by the positive outcomes we see to be awarding this year’s President’s Award to Richard.” these young people achieve time after time.” Click for more fostering information. For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news 19 Croydon confirmed as southern economic powerhouse

New figures show borough has the UK’s second-fastest expanding local economy. What has long been suspected by leaders borough’s progress significantly ahead of The Office for National Statistics’ ‘gross of local industry and business has now many other areas. value added’ (GVA) calculations are the been confirmed – Croydon is on the Croydon’s growth is 3.7% above the measure of how much money is generated economic up and boasting a formidable London average and more than twice the through all goods produced and services rate of growth. UK average. delivered in an area. Newly-published economic data It is also largely responsible for the Croydon’s economic expansion has underlines how Croydon has the second- southern part of outer London having the been largely driven by property investment fastest expanding local economy in the UK, highest rate of regional economic growth deals and bolstered by the rapid swelling of with a 9.3% growth rate putting the in the country, at 7.4%. the local technology base. Apply now – and save stress later A young child’s introduction to school is often as traumatic for the parents as the child – ensuring the application is made in a correct and timely fashion can make things easier. For families with boys or girls If you do not get your first who are four years old, or or second choices the council Case study – Mr and Mrs X approaching their fourth needs to know which schools Mr and Mrs X lived reasonably close to the primary school birthday, now is the time for a would be your other choices. that they wished their child to attend. decision that will have a major Without this information, you Mr and Mrs X checked the distance between their home impact on their little one’s life. could be offered a school that and the school using software available on the internet and Those families should now you would not have selected. found that the distance fell well within those described in be starting to apply for Paul Greenhalgh, the the school’s published admission criteria. primary school places in 2016. council’s executive director On this basis, they submitted their application and The closing date for of children, families and expressed only one preference, with the expectation it applications is 15 January. learning, said: “For most would be successful. If your child was born children, primary school To their great surprise, it was between 1 September 2011 is their first experience of not. The reason given by the local and 31 August 2012, your full-time education and it’s authority was that the child lived application must be completed important they get all they further away than the last by this date. can from it. successful applicant. Details of the application “We want to provide Mr and Mrs X were offered process, with step-by-step children with the best their nearest school with instruction, can be found on opportunities in life through a available places, a school they the council’s website, and in great start to their education. had not considered and that the Admissions to primary Parents can play a huge role was further away from their schools 2016/17 brochure. in achieving this by making home than some other schools. Be sure to use all six sure that their application Had they listed their preferences, and consider them is properly completed, allowed six preferences, an carefully before submitting reasonable in its expectations offer of one of them could your form. and submitted on time.” have been made. To be offered a place, your For further information, The parents subsequently appealed for their only child must meet the admissions visit www.croydon.gov.uk/ preference, but were unsuccessful. criteria of the school. admissions 20 subscribe to Your Croydon weekly at www.croydon.gov.uk/subscribe December 2015 – February 2016 Volunteering can deliver better services Croydon’s health and social care champion volunteers are making a real difference to services in the borough. Could you help? Have you ever wondered who the champion for better health and social care in Croydon is? The answer is Healthwatch Croydon, a body with a remit to of the health services in the borough; and the Croydon Health influence decision-making in response to residents’ needs, Services NHS Trust board, which runs Croydon University experiences and concerns about GPs, hospitals, dentists, Hospital and other community health services. pharmacies, nursing homes and care homes. Annamika Koomoshan, the group’s volunteer manager, said: The staff team of five, together with committed volunteers, “We have opportunities for people, of all ages and works within the community every week, hearing and backgrounds, who are passionate about improving services. recording the views of patients and service users. “If you’re a student, volunteer with Healthwatch and gain The views are then analysed, maintaining anonymity, and relevant and useful experience for your CV and a reference reported to key decision makers to influence change in the which could help you get a good job. delivery of health and social care services. “If you’ve retired, we can give you an opportunity to Healthwatch Croydon sits on all the key decision-making contribute by applying the experience you’ve gained through boards in the borough, with a legal right to represent their your career. Even employers may find a way to let their staff views and, crucially, be listened to. volunteer with us and support their development.” The boards on which it participates include the Croydon Long-term volunteer Nicky Selwyn said: “I’ve been Clinical Commissioning Group, the key decision maker for many volunteering with Healthwatch Croydon since it began, and I get out of it at least as much as I put in. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with a fantastic bunch of ‘can-do’ people I probably wouldn’t have otherwise met, and gained free, high-quality, valuable training which is always interesting. “I’ve also developed transferable skills – such as report writing, which is a huge plus on a CV – and gained a better understanding of the health and social care system. Overall, I’ve had a sense of doing something worthwhile.” Healthwatch Croydon has a range of opportunities. These include Enter and View visits that see volunteers visit GP surgeries, hospital wards, dentists and care and residential homes to speak to service users and staff about services, to find ways of improving the service for all. Volunteers can also support Healthwatch in analysing data, attending community meetings or outreach visits and events. Find out more by calling Annamika on 020 8663 5649 or email [email protected] Find out more at: www.healthwatchcroydon. co.uk/volunteering For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news 21 Cutting back on the booze Worried that you might be drinking just a little too much? Take the Dry January challenge and enjoy the benefits. Saving money, losing weight and feeling healthier – consumption recommends that what’s not to like? women should not regularly drink more All the above are potentially achievable by taking than two to three units per day and men should not regularly the Dry January challenge to cut back on drink more than three to four units per day. the amount of alcohol you drink. There’s more information on the Don’t Bottle It Up This year, more than two million website, the one-stop shop for advice and support people reduced their drinking in January, about alcohol. and it is hoped that 2016 will see even Why not complete the confidential online more taking part, so why not join in and test, which should take no more than two reap the rewards? minutes to complete? Most are aware of the need to keep an There’s nothing to lose from signing up eye on alcohol consumption, but how much to Dry January in 2016. do you really know about the dangers of If you are concerned about your, or excessive drinking? anybody else’s, drinking habits, speak to your Regular over-drinking can significantly GP or Turning Point, Croydon’s alcohol increase the risk of alcohol-related harm. treatment and recovery service, 0300 123 9288. The NHS guidance on alcohol More details available here.

Flying the flag for good food Croydon’s Food Flagship programme is spreading the word about eating healthily for a healthy life. Eating hearty, nutritious meals It also supports food businesses to parents/guardians to look afresh at throughout the day is vital in providing flourish. school food provision. the energy needed to focus on Three flagship schools – Rockmount The Food Flagship programme completing daily tasks well, be it at Primary, Fairchildes Primary and received a further boost recently from work, school or running around on Meridian High – are galvanising pupils, the Mayor of London and Whole Kids those important errands. staff and parents to advocate healthy Foundation who teamed up to offer Missing out on the recommended eating through food education, and schools in the two flagship boroughs, three square meals a day of breakfast, encourage more children and adults to Croydon and Lambeth, part of a lunch and dinner can seriously impact turn away from sweet, fizzy drinks and £42,000 school garden grant for health and overall well-being. foods high in fat, salt and sugar. food-growing projects. Unfortunately, across the country A school food plan for Croydon is Click here to find out how to get many families struggle financially and now used as the benchmark to get head involved with the Croydon Food as a result, find it difficult to ensure teachers, caterers, staff, pupils and Flagship programme. their kids eat adequate amounts of the right foods. Flagship lunch: healthy options at Fairchildes Primary School, New Addington In Croydon, the ambitious Food Flagship programme is tackling some of these issues through helping communities to learn more about what they can eat to maintain good health and prevent obesity – and that it is an affordable option. The programme offers advice on cooking simple tasty meals, and gardening projects for growing fruit and vegetables. 22 subscribe to Your Croydon weekly at www.croydon.gov.uk/subscribe December 2015 – February 2016 We must never forget A ceremony in the Town Hall will remember those who perished during the Holocaust and other genocides. Holocaust Memorial Day is commemorated each year on factors; it is a steady 27 January, the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz- process that can begin Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp, in 1945. if discrimination, This year’s theme is “Don’t stand by”. racism and hatred The council will mark the day with a candle-lighting are not checked and ceremony in the foyer of at noon, prevented. followed by a civic event in the council chamber from The day will be 12.30 to 1.40pm. supported by a short All are invited to attend. programme of related Holocaust Memorial Day is a time for everyone to: events, including, on 19 January, a talk by • pause to remember the millions of people who have been Eva Schloss, the step-sister of Anne Frank, the young Jewish murdered, or whose lives have been changed beyond girl immortalised by her wartime diary. The talk will take recognition, during the Holocaust and in subsequent place in . genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur; and For further information about Holocaust Memorial Day • seek to learn the lessons of the past and recognise 2016, email [email protected] or call that genocide does not take place in isolation of other 020 8604 7010. Win a family ticket to see Cinderella A pair of the latest design in glass slippers will almost be required footwear for any young ladies going along to Fairfield for this year’s fairy dust-sprinkled Christmas pantomime.

Why the fancy footwear? have joined forces to offer spectacular costumes, great 3pm on Sunday 3 January; Because that’s what the one lucky family a chance to dancing, music and songs, and with other performances heroine of Cinderella will be join the fun. and plenty of rib-tickling at £22, £27 and £30. wearing when she attends Cinderella promises a gags. Concessions are available Prince Charming’s glittering wondrous mix of all the Cinderella offers great for children, senior citizens, ball in the Evolution ingredients that make for a value, with tickets – all with schools, groups and families. Pantomimes production in great family night out – no booking fee – priced at Tickets are available from the Ashcroft Theatre. heroes, a fairy godmother, just £18 for performances the Fairfield box office by Your Croydon and Fairfield outlandish ugly sisters, from 4 to 11 December, calling 020 8688 9291 or 5.30pm on Saturday 2 and online at www.fairfield.co.uk

To win a family ticket of four seats for Cinderella, tell us the name of the popular word-guessing TV game show presented by Stephen Mulhern, starring as Buttons in this year’s Fairfield panto.

Terms and conditions: Prize is a family ticket for four for the 5.30pm performance of Cinderella, at Fairfield’s Ashcroft Theatre on Wednesday, 30 December. The editor’s decision is final and there is no cash or performance alternative to the prize, which is non-refundable and not for resale. Email your answer (with your name, daytime phone number, email and postal address) to [email protected]. uk to arrive not later than Tuesday, 22 December, 2015. The winner will be the sender of the first correct answer selected at random. For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news 23

Council meeting dates Useful contacts Deadlines for public questions for the forthcoming full council For police, fire brigade, ambulance, meeting (starting at 6.30pm) – noon on the relevant deadline date. call: 999 or 112, Text phone 1800 Meeting: Monday 25 January Deadline: Monday 11 January Croydon Council general enquiries Meeting: Monday 29 February Deadline: No public questions 020 8726 6000 Questions (maximum number of words: 50) for consideration at a full council meeting, can be sent by email; alternatively, Croydon NHS Walk-in Centre print and complete the form here and post it to Questions 020 3040 0800 for the council, Democratic and legal services, 4th floor, Zone G, Bernard Weatherill House, 8 Mint Walk, Croydon Non-emergency urgent care - 111 CR0 1EA; or call 020 8726 6000 extn 63876. Croydon University Hospital 020 8401 3000 Unless otherwise stated, cabinet meetings start at 6.30pm, in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall. Meeting: 14 December 18 January 22 February Get in touch For information on meetings, minutes and agendas, To get in touch with the Your Croydon editorial click here. For information on cabinet and shadow cabinet members, click here. team, email: [email protected] or call 020 8760 5644 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 version of Your Croydon, tell them that they can Meeting: 15 Dec Scrutiny and strategic overview committee ensure delivery by subscribing at www.croydon. Meeting: 12 Jan Children and young people scrutiny gov.uk/subscribe sub-committee Meeting: 19 Jan Scrutiny and overview committee Meeting: 26 Jan Health, social care and housing scrutiny Central Library and sub-committee (Oasis Restaurant, Croydon Katharine Street, Croydon CR9 1ET University Hospital) Meeting: 2 Feb Streets and environment scrutiny sub-committee Open: Monday to Saturday (see website for daily hours) Meeting: 1 Mar Streets and environment scrutiny sub-committee Library – www.croydon.gov.uk/central-library For information on scrutiny, click here or email. Telephone: 020 8726 6900 Email: [email protected] Meetings of the Safer Neighbourhood Board are held in the Museum – www.museumofcroydon.com venues indicated. For further information, look here. Telephone: 020 8253 1022 Email: [email protected] Forthcoming public meeting dates are: Meeting: 17 February at 6.30pm Community Space, 8 Mint Walk, Croydon CR0 1EA Fairfield Park Lane, Croydon CR9 1DG Details of all Croydon Council meetings can be found on Details: www.fairfield.co.uk Telephone: 020 8688 9291 the council website here. Email: [email protected] January hotels and beetle bungalows at Rec Saturday 9 January Try your hand at building a beetle bungalow Guided Walks Winter trees in or insect hotel to help keep our critters For full details, visit: www.croydon.gov.uk/leisure/ Have a closer look at the bare tree comfy and warm. Indoor venue and all branches and learn to spot the many equipment/tools provided. Places are parksandopenspaces/walks different trees in the wood. Meet the limited, so call the countryside warden to Friends of Selsdon Wood, at 1pm by the December Sunday 20 December book, 07771 715812. There will be a small wooden bear in the car park. charge of £2 per ‘home’ to cover materials. Sunday 13 December – Christmas Winter tree ID and folklore in wreath-making on the Sanderstead Happy Valley Sunday 24 January – Happy Valley Sunday 28 February to Whyteleafe Countryside Area Forget the Christmas shopping for a and nature trail Down in the valley with the Come and join us round the camp fire and while. Wrap up warm to discover the Join the Happy Valley warden to discover countryside warden have a go at making a Christmas wreath. myths and folklore behind our native trees the scenic section of the nature trail. Meet As well as being a beautiful place to visit, Event starts at 11am, booking essential. and learn how to name them when they 2pm in the Farthing Downs car park. Happy Valley is one of the most valuable Please call the countryside warden on are without their leaves. Meet at sites in the country for wildlife, and is home 07771 715812 to book a place. There will Farthing Downs car park, Ditches Lane, February to many plants and animals now very rare be a small charge of £2.00. Coulsdon, at 2pm. Sunday 21 February – Mini-beast in Britain. Call the warden on 07966 113413. 24 subscribe to Your Croydon weekly at www.croydon.gov.uk/subscribe December 2015 – February 2016 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 at the top of the home page.

Adult education Disabled parking Leisure centres Information on the courses available Providing parking Links and information on all the to older students. bays throughout borough’s leisure centres. Croydon for vehicles Blocked drains used by the holders Lottery registration Recycling Information on how to deal of blue badges. Running a lottery to raise funds for with drain problems. Disabled parking a charity or an organisation such Educating your child at home as a sports club, church or school, Recycling Bulky waste collection All you need to know if you are requires registration. What to recycle, how to recycle and What it is, how to book it and how considering the option of elective where to recycle. much it will cost. home education. Mutual exchange - housing Information on how to go about Road gritting Credit unions Emergency planning arranging a swap of your home for Details on which roads, and why, What they are and how joining one Keeping Croydon running in the another tenant’s. will be gritted if there is a repeat can benefit you. event of serious incidents. of last year’s Arctic weather conditions. Gritting Fly-tipping How to report it, your Safer Croydon responsibilities as a landowner, Working to make the borough safer and how the council prosecutes for all who live, work and visit here. Fly-tipping fly-tippers. Trading standards Gambling Neighbourhood wardens Dealing with doorstep crime and The different types of licences – and Offering help and support to local rogue traders, and offering advice Croydon Careline how to apply for them. communities. to residents and businesses. Providing a home safety and personal security system, helping Home safety advice Occupational therapy Voluntary organisations people to live independently within See if you are eligible for a free Enabling people with disabilities to Details on available funding. their own homes. home safety check. carry out essential activities, with the aim of maintaining or improving Welfare benefit advice Deaf services Instrument tuition independence. Know what you’re entitled to and How, where and when you can get Service for children and young claim it. help and advice. people. Planning applications Advice on all aspects of the planning Youth projects process. All you need to know about Croydon’s youth provision.

Zoo licence You need to apply for a licence to run a zoo – should you really want to! www. croydo z n.gov.uk/ato