FREE ISSUE 38. FEBRUARY 2021

OVER 7,000 GET THE VACCINE Medical professionals have been leading online Local GP Dr Agnelo Fernandes said: "These vaccines vaccine debates urging members of the BAME are safe and effective and it is an honour to be able community 'don’t die of ignorance’ after a low to protect our patients and help local people get take up of the jab. through this pandemic.” Croydon BME Forum has joined forces with local Among those happy to receive the jab was West organisations in a bid to inform the black community Thornton councillor Janet Campbell (pictured). about the Covid-19 vaccines to encourage residents BME Forum CEO Andrew Brown said: “We know to make informed choices. many have concerns, which is why they are hesitant So far over 7,000 people have now received their to take the vaccine, so over the next few months we Covid-19 vaccination at St Paul's Church thanks to will be engaging with local communities to give them an amazing community effort from doctors, nurses, a chance to ask experts about the vaccine so that they surgery staff and volunteers. can make an informed decision." TURN TO PAGES 6 & 7 SCHOOL'S EMERGENCY HIS GRACE FOOD COUNCIL RENEGES APPEAL FOR PUPILS BANK APPEALS FOR ON SALE OF LODGE FACING FOOD POVERTY he council school has taken the unprecedented DONATIONS TO FEED has step of setting up a Go Fund Me T A reneged appeal to support several families that 100 STRONG QUEUE on a public require urgent assistance to help them statement through the coming months to ensure TURN TO PAGE 7 it made a that children have basic access to food, have been suffering or self-isolating from population, are struggling with a lack of year ago that it sanitation, warmth and education. the coronavirus and are unable to leave stimulation, expertise and equipment that would NOT The Paxton Academy on London Road has the house, with staff also referring a would normally offer them assistance sell Heath 50 per cent of students living in households number of families to local food banks. with their learning. Although schooling Lodge in that can be described as within the top 25 is being offered to vulnerable children, Grangewood Many Paxton families were living on the per cent most deprived in the UK and 94 many are frightened to take this up and Park. breadline before Covid-19 struck - but per cent within the top 50 per cent. put themselves at risk of the virus. now they are in far a worse position The bankrupt council had kept secret the Each week, 127 of the 195 children at which is why the school has launched the The start to the Spring term, was like no list of assets it planned to sell discussing Paxton, which is part of the Wandle £8,000 appeal target. other for Paxton explained Headteacher Learning Trust, receive Free School not open to the public. Now the details Parents have lost their jobs, food and Meal vouchers to use in local supermarkets. weeks, the school has undertaken a huge ithave under been Part revealed B, which in papersis confidential which and utility bills have increased with the Theresatransformation Moses andin providing over the anlast education five were meant to be discussed at cabinet on During this most recent lockdown, staff children at home all day, every day and for the children, whether in school or Thursday (Feb 18) but have been delayed have also delivered shopping to the many students, especially those with remotely at home. homes of children and their families who SEN which is 14 per cent of the student TURN TO PAGE 8 TURN TO PAGE 11 hunt for evil acid attacker who blinded teenage refugee wo refugees who fled a brutal The violent and unprovoked attack has Speaking to The Chronicle he said: “It is BARBER CUT WITH Tdictatorship have spoken of the shocked the community and in a renewed very hard for me to explain. Mentally and terrifying moment they had acid police appeal for information, to prevent physically I have lost so many things. £10K COVID FINE thrown in their faces on a Thornton the assailant striking again, Crimestoppers "I wish I could go to church and pray with my barber shop in Thornton Heath has Heath street, blinding one of them. have offered a £5,000 reward. people. But now, nobody is able to help me. It Abeen issued with a £10,000 fixed However, it is little solace to the victims, is the worst experience I have ever had penalty for flouting Covid-19 rules. aged 19 and 25, refugees from Eritrea, “We come from Eritrea. In this country we The barber was busted by Thornton don’t have the opportunity to study because Heath Safer Neighbourhood Team will live with the scars and trauma of that of the dictatorship. on February 6, after they visited the day forever. who burned and disfigured by the acid premises and found 15 customers "It was a long journey to the UK, I suffered a The Croydon based Da’aro Youth Project awaiting hair cuts. Their details were lot in Libya and in Calais. I believed that the charity which is working with the victims also taken. UK was a good country, where people believe has raised over £20,000 after setting in law. I didn’t think this kind of attack would Police have dished out a number of up a JustGiving page to help deal with happen to me here. the life-changing injuries caused by the have been carrying out checks of shops horrendous attack on Monday December "I just thought I could study and help my finesacross for the breaking three Thornton the Covid Heath rules wards.and 7 which happened on Gonville Road as family. I didn’t expect someone would attack they walked to college. me. My injury is forever. I didn’t expect this Shop workers were issued with would happen –I didn’t know about acid The 19-year-old sadly has permanent before this attack. I didn’t know what it was." did not wear masks. sight loss as a result of the attack. TURN TO PAGE 2 warningsTURN TOthat PAGE they 6faced fines if they thorntonheathchronicle.co.uk SUPPORT THE CHRONICLE IN 2021 OR IT WILL BE NO MORE editor@ FOOD PARCEL FRIDAY he Thornton Heath Chronicle has The Chronicle has always been funded on uiding Hands has been supplying door thorntonheathchronicle.co.uk Tbeen receiving record numbers of a shoestring . Gto door delivery of food parcels every page views on its social media sites. Friday during the Covid lockdown for @ThorntonHeathChronicle Support from Community ward budgets, people on Universal Credit or a low income. @THChronicle If every one of those tens of thousands which have now been axed by the of people had donated just £1 towards council and funding fron Thornton Heath The project is part of funding targeting #thorntonheathchronicle supporting The Chronicle we would have Community Action Team People’s Heath the BAME community and the parcels Trust bid, have paid for the printing and include plantain, green bananas, www.thorntonheathchronicle.co.uk design costs in the past. Sadly, we have had no support for our the funds to continue for five years. EDITOR Andrea Perry survival campaign from readers since the With barely any advertising and revenue The charity's Let's Cook Chef Kem, has pumpkin, cornmeal, saltfish and callaloo. DESIGNER: Jo Dawson, last publication. coming in we need your support more also been creating quick and easy dishes than ever. with interactive questions and tips for o advertise or if you have The numbers of people reading The meal ideas on its web-site.. Ta story email editor@ Chronicle news feeds demonstrates the To donate to The Chronicle survival thorntonheathchronicle.co.uk or The desire for local news and this edition, one campaign: For more info and to book your food ChronicleWhatsApp: 07930 354128 of our best, covers so many important and www.gofundme.com/f/support-local- parcel visit: Print circulation 5,000 copies. powerful issues. newspapers www.guidinghands.org.uk

how to get involved EXCLUSIVE: INTERVIEW WITH TEENAGE REFUGEE BLINDED BY ACID TURN FROM PAGE 1 in community action The teenager, who has leave to remain, outside. I didn’t have idea people could thanked donors: “I really appreciate for attack other people like this in the UK.” survey is asking residents to share what they have done. All of these people their ideas on what they would like The perpetrator of this acid attack had A who have supported me are very good a community group to achieve over the been seen by one of the victims a few people. May god bless them, would like to next two years and how they can help months earlier, on Monday September 7, thank everyone individually. to achieve that. when he called at their address claiming Alina Curea The 25-year-old victim, who suffered facial to have a letter for him. Volunteer led Thornton Heath Community burns and injuries to his eyes is an asylum- When the victim went into the street (as seeker from Eritrea still awaiting outcome for over a year on Zoom on Wednesday seen in the CCTV footage) the suspect of his claim said: “We left my friend’s ActionFebruary Team 24 atis holding6.30pm. its The first meeting, meeting the punched him in the face. house early to go to college. When we were walking to college, we saw a man with a DC Dimitri Savathrakis, of the South of the survey. mask walking towards us. We didn’t expect Area CID reactive team, said: “This was first since Covid, will discuss the findings anything. We were waiting for the lights a violent and unprovoked attack on winter wonderland: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/9BJ3V3F to change at the pedestrian crossing on two innocent victims and we are doing To fill in the survey visit Thornton Road in front of the St Jude with everything in our power to bring the Guest speaker Dr Agnelo Fernandes, from St Aidan Church. person responsible to justice.” the Parchmore Medical Practice will talk attack us again or attack another person. soaking up the about the vaccination programme roll out Suddenly, completely unprovoked, the man We feel it is not safe for anyone until they Deputy leader of the council Stuart King, and the impact of Covid on our community. threw acid at my friend’s face and then my are caught.” who is the ward councillor for West He will be available to answer questions. face too. It was more than painful. I was Thornton where the attack happened The Da’aro Youth Project which was snow and sunsets completely blinded. I ran out into the road, described it as an ‘absolutely despicable The meeting will mark a one minute established in 2018 by members of the not seeing where I was going. My friend ran and cowardly act ’ and urged anyone with Freya Marshall silence providing the opportunity for Eritrean community in London in response away, screaming, along Thornton Road. The information to contact the police. family, friends, colleagues, neighbours and to the deaths of a number of teenage during lockdown others suffering bereavement during this Eritreans by suicide put questions to the The suspect is described as a white or he lockdown has brought a greater appreciation of the pandemic to commemorate a loved one. A man stopped his car and called the victims on behalf of The Chronicle. Asian man in his 30’s with a slim build. At attacker ran away down Limpsfield Avenue. environment we live in with beautiful sunsets and the ambulance. I could hear them but couldn’t the time of the attack he was wearing a T To register to attend the meeting visit The 25-year-old who is studying to be an joy of the snow. see anything. They told me to pour water blue medical mask, a long black jacket with www.thorntotonheath.net engineer but is presently remote learning on my face, I had a bottle in my bag and the hood up, black trousers and shoes. We love our sunsets here in Thornton Heath but the two recent added: “It is unacceptable to me what is Long time resident of Thornton Heath happened. We do not know why this has Alexa Loukas, London Regional Manager and THCAT member Cédric Monvoisin down the ambulance. I didn’t see my friend happened – Is this man who attacked us at the charity Crimestoppers, said:“The Grangewood Park provided the ideal backdrop for snowball sadly passed in November aged 45. His Iagain poured until it onmuch my laterface. thatThey night.” helped flag a racist? individual behind the acid attack could bouts of heavy snow, the first since 2017, were particularly special. partner Craig set up a fund to create We are not naming the victims who fear strike again, so it’s critical that anyone a lasting memorial to Cédric which At 8am in the morning – someone comes Despite the pandemic and restrictions placed on our lives it retribution. who knows or has suspicions about who fights, building snowmen and sledging. reached £8,500 . The aim is to plant 10 and throws acid, can you imagine? I has been great to be able to see so many families and children was involved contacts our charity 100 per Lauren Eels trees on Brook Road where Cédric lived. They are both urging their attacker to go haven’t been able to sleep since this cent anonymously." to the police and admit to ‘what you have happened to me. I think many things that collection of pictures. Thre will be an update on the progress of done’ but fear: “We are worried they could are not good to thing. I am afraid to go Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111 the project at the meeting.. enjoying playing in the snow which we hope is reflected in this Jason Sham OPERATION CLEVELAND: DRUGS AND WEAPONS SEIZED DRIVER FLEES AFTER CRASHING IN TO HOUSE olice have launched a new initiative driver of a car that ploughed in to a in a bid to tackle violent crime in sweeps and executed three search P house in the early hours has been Croydon after a spree of stabbings over Officers have conducted 174 weapons A arrested on suspicion of drink driving 24 hours. and fleeing the scene of an accident. warrants which included the seizure of five Operation Cleveland was planned prior In the days leading up to the weekend firearms from an address in Green Lane. Police were called at 1:30am on Tuesday to the violence and is focused on West of violence in the borough there was February 9 to Whitehorse Road, and Croydon in particular where at least one a double stabbing in Boswell Road in found the abandoned car which had Michael Daniels Thornton Heath. partially demolished the wall of a house are working out of Croydon Voluntary on the corner of Bensham Manor Road. ofAction’s the stabbings London tookRoad place HQ. and officers on February 4 at 6.11pm and found a A police spokesman said there were Police said the knife attacks were believed Theman officers who had were been called stabbed. to Boswell He was Road taken no reports of any injuries or any other to be isolated incidents and included the to a south London hospital by London "He has since been released under vehicles involved in the collision. murder of Lavaun Witter, 22 in Selhurst Ambulance Service. investigation. Enquiries into the on Friday (Feb 5). The spokesman added: "A 41-year-old A second victim was found nearby. He circumstances continue." man was subsequently traced to a nearby Operation Cleveland has already resulted had also been stabbed and was taken to Just a few metres away the shop front of address and was arrested on suspicion of in 28 arrests predominantly for drugs hospital. Neither man is believed to be in drink drive; failing to stop at the scene of with 215 people stopped and searched a life threatening condition. was damaged in a similar car accident an accident and assaulting an emergency and nine weapons recovered along with in December 2019 but still hasn’t been services worker. Millers, “financial and property services” countless quantities of drugs. Sonia Cousillas Andrea Perry robbery but enquiries are ongoing. repaired. Officers arrested one man on suspicion of The two winners, Abi and Yassin Slimani- shoot, there were vans parked up outside Mendez, 14, won the chance to turn their my house from early morning waiting SINGER'S TEENAGER'S to unload, there were so many people tributes paid to 'the cool kid' coming in and out, it was unreal. Abi has talked about her writing techniques roydon poet laureate Shaniqua Benjamin and Elliott-Jay words into short films POEM TURNED IN and how important the challenge was to “Lainey and Tash both poked their head CMunroop pay tribute to their close friend Charles Bachoir LYRICS her to alleviate the isolation of lockdown: in the door to say 'hi' and that 'it’ll be who tragically died at the age of 18. “Some days I just wanted to close myself great' and I was quickly rushed upstairs On 5th January 2021, Thornton wisdom to give. TO POWERFUL Heath, Peru, and the world INSPIRED away not speak to a single soul, other days to change and get my hair done. At least I Charles was just 18 when lost a very special individual in I’d be all for a conversation. But most of know what it’s like to be a proper actress he was taken from us, due Charles Bachoir. my time spent in solitary I was antisocial, for 3 days ;). to complications caused by FILM CALLING my phone remained on DnD, and I kept the BY FORREST "When I saw the BTS shots, it looked like Peru born, but Croydon based, haemophilia, a rare condition conversation minimal. something straight out of TopBoy, and I Charles was a creative and that affects the blood's ability OUT BLACK “When applying they asked us questions still think the same." to clot. GUMP! like why do we write…and I simply said I all things photography, football Lainey Richardson, who directed both In spite of his health fitnessand fashion. enthusiast His warm who smile,loved write for a distraction. struggles, including problems STEREOTYPES comforting words and gentle with his liver, Charles never singer songwriter has taken a classic quote from the hit “When I write I can get lost in my piece and approach made him stand out complained and lived life movie Forrest Gump for the lyrics of her latest release. I think that’s what makes my connection films,to Abi’s said: own “Abi’s experience, poem brought yet so powerful tears to in an area where not many A to its fullest, making the to it so unique, I never know what the myin its eyes ability the firstto articulate time I read sentiments it. So unique that people can relate. outcome is, neither do I know how many I think a lot of people can relate to, it most of every opportunity. The new video for Dédé Davi's latest catchy song 'Stupid Is As felt like such an important and relevant Charles spread love and joy He was always up for trying Stupid Does', has just landed. teenage girl’s poem has been Abi’s poem was chosen to feature in the piece but I do know that it will perspective to bring to wherever he went, never something new and having Dédé, from Thornton Heath, made the video with fellow turned in to a powerful short film pagesalways will be hardget screwed hitting andup till a I have my final screen. I really think we may failing to make friends and something to do. A “I labelled a Croydoner Antonio Lewis after connecting with him on the which reflects on her experiences of project run by Football Beyond Borders, thought bender. have discovered a star in the seamlessly integrate himself Charles left behind an Croydon Composers project last autumn. the systemic inequities that she and filma pioneering which she charity also stars which in, works as part to of help a few stereotypes making!” into various groups, without "This programme gave me abundance of memories, other black youths in the UK face on a spark youth creativity. losing himself in the process. In 2017 Dédé’s, debut song Calling the Clock, featuring Alan hope that there is light at the that we hear Abi has gone on to lead a which will leave us laughing daily basis, both in and out of school. Wilder a member of the eighties electronic band Depeche Mode The Beyond Bars campaign brings to end of the tunnel. Co-op Christmas campaign You could guarantee and smiling. He will be forever from a young took Germany by storm reaching No. 11 in the alternative charts. Abi Simms poem, “Being Black & 6Teen” life the immense potential young people Everyone's Giving Double that he would always be remembered, especially “When I write my inspiration provides a compelling and distinctly possess, and how with the right support age and again performing a spoken unapologetically Charles, through his lasting legacy of Her latest video was shot just before the latest lockdown and usually comes from British insight into growing up young and word piece focussing on life whether that was at Oasis loving others, staying curious, Dédé admits in terms of writing songs: “That's a bit harder as musicians, for example in just hoped black and was penned the day she found under Covid. Academy Shirley Park, Croydon and making the most of life. there isn't much inspiration being indoors all the time!" The project began with virtual writing Being Black and 6teen there out about the brutal killing of George they can flourish. College or sports clubs. Long live the cool kid. workshops, led by professional writers, is a shot of different quotes people would Jasper Kain, who co-founded Floyd at the hands of police in America. spoken word artists and creatives, who that I have on my wall, and understand We had the blessing of •A fund has so far raised Mozart players collaboration and that piece was written with the The intimate portrait contrasts the held sessions on Zoom for more than there’s a variety of Tupac, hand how lacking the support meeting him at our local almost £12,000 of the £15,000 "I'veCroydon just Poetfinished Laurate writing Shaniqua and performing Benjamin aalso piece from for Thornton a London hardship and beauty of the 16-year-old's 60 young people. The participants, MLK, Rosa Parks, Colin what it really FBBfor the in UK’s2014, most has seenvulnerable first church, Croydon Seventh Day goal towards the funeral costs, Heath. She had decided to write about the pandemic so it was a case life growing up in Thornton Heath. ranging in age from 13 to 16, were Kaepernick and even Maya feels like." young people has been: Adventist Church in Selhurst, a memorial and tribute in of using her angle and adapting it into a pop song." asked to write personal poems based Angelo…to name a few. “Being a black teenager comes June on Charles’s birthday. To download the video and hear Stupid is As Stupid Does go to on their lives in lockdown with the with lots of stereotypes and him in the company of those said: “What I want people to take from this uk.gofundme.com/f/ most promising applicant given the expectations that have to be navigated, whereolder than you’d him regularly – he soaked find up https://youtu.be/zKVCskAiqgM: Commenting on her film’s message, Abi, writing/talking and a couple steps before I supporting-the-family- opportunity to have their poems turned and Abi’s poem expertly confronts this. It wisdom but also had plenty of be black and what it is to be 16. I labelled “Theytake pen all tohave paper, different I always flows do andmy research.”ways of memory-of-charles-bachoir into a short film by production company showcases her supreme talents and the filma few is stereotypes the misconception that we ofhear what from it is a to Caviar directed by Lainey Richardson Abi also talks about the experience of changing face of modern Britain.” young age and just hoped people would and produced by Tash Bloom. understand what it really feels like.” www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vbLc9lFW9s BOY WHO LEFT THORNTON HEATH WITH NO EXAMSproducing AND the 'NOfilm:“Day HOPE' one on the RETURNS AS HEADTEACHER aqib Chaudhri grew up in Thornton I am determined to make our school a SHeath and went to Ingram High emigrated from Pakistan, I enrolled into a beacon of hope and aspiration, especially School in the 90s which was labelled firstcollege came and into retook in the my 1950s GCSEs. when he in the times we live in today where social one of the 18 worst schools in Britain. disadvantage and political discord are so tumultuous. He left there with no GCSEs and no hope. learning challenging but I also began to Now he is a headteacher of a school in Not only did I find the lessons fun and the As much as I look back at my childhood Croydon and hopes telling his remarkable had a knack for learning but also that I had as wasted years, they give me drive and story will empower the next generation. growan inquisitive in confidence, mind thatfinding craved not knowledge.only that I energy to ensure that no child under my care will ever have to suffer the Growing up in a working class family in I very quickly fell in love with my A Level disadvantage that I did. FIREAWAY the 80s and 90s in Thornton Heath wasn’t subjects of Physics, Computing and more easy, what made it even harder for children Although we exist in hard times today, THORNTON HEATH like me at the time was the poor standard to change society so that others didn’t as a school community we have banded of schools in the area. A number of schools sohave with to sufferSociology the samewhich disadvantage lit a fire in me I together and whether our families needed AUTHENTIC ITALIAN PIZZA had been placed on the “government red experience at such an early age. food parcels delivered or help with list” for proposed closure. getting free internet – we have been there IN 180 SECONDS! to get many detentions, what I also Fast forward the story to 2021 and I for them. Over 90 per cent of our children School for was me was a miserable rarely received at Ingram was a quality have just completed attend our online time in my life, during primary school of teaching that would enable me to learning provision I can remember being in trouble more be socially mobile and move out of the headship at Oasis "As much as I look back UP TO and we still have over often than not, either being sent to trappings of poverty that I found myself in myAcademy first year Shirley of the Park at my childhood as 50 children attending stand outside the classroom or to the at such an early age. Secondary and Sixth Starters/sides our school site each Form. wasted years, they give Through those years I became acutely day who need us the to my own devices. aware of the poor education and social In the past three me drive and energy most. Signature/build you own Headteachers office where often I was left For secondary school my immigrant norms I was being exposed to and more years since I have N to ensure that no child I hope that in time, parents sent me to the nearest school and more I became disengaged with the been there the school O my story of being I authentic Italian pizza to our home in Parchmore, unbeknown has achieved GCSE under my care will T upwardly socially C to them Ingram High School for Boys but a feeling of having been failed and results in the top E mobile and breaking L was earmarked by the Conservative being a failure. 17 per cent of the ever have to suffer the L Salads-desserts- drinks school and finished Year 11 with little else that shackles of O CO government at the time as one of the country and sixth N I was fortunate enough at the time to have disadvantage that I did." disadvantage won’t worst schools in the country. form results that a family that truly cared and believed in my be a news worthy place us in the top potential. My mother and sister decided tale but instead one per cent of all sixth forms nationally. mostly poor teaching and a remarkable that the best intervention for me at this the norm for the children of Croydon, Order online at www.fireaway.co.uk in store or download the app Myadmiration days at Ingramfor those were teachers filled withwho juncture in my life was to remove me from As a school we serve that very same ultimately if we want our world to planned and delivered lessons that South London and we moved to Burnley in community that I grew up in. Last year become a better place, we must empower Lancashire where we had family. the next generation to take us there. MON - SAT 12:00 - 23:00 SUN 12:00 - 22:00 reach children. Although never a child be admitted to Cambridge University and 37 Brigstock Road CR7 7JH 020 8683 1011 Here, in the rural town my father Twitter: @mr_chaudhri engaged some of the most difficult to we celebrated our first ever student to funeral staff in tears at sheer toll of covid pandemic OVER 7,000 VACCINES HAVE BEEN DISPENSED AT ST PAUL'S CHURCH long established family of funeral of funeral numbers now we been at school. ver 7,000 Covid-19 vaccinations to people aged 70 and over, care home Palace has also opened its Selhurst Park appointment at a community vaccination directors Rowland Brothers have haven’t been as badly hit as A Steve said:“Our staff have been under have been given at St Paul’s Church residents and staff, front line health and ground as a NHS Covid-19 vaccination centre like Selhurst Park or a local been at the forefront of the tragic Bromley, and Bexley where O incredible pressure. Not only the worry of in Thornton Heath with 11 local GP care workers and clinically extremely centre. The stadium is one of London’s pharmacy vaccination centre. losses felt by friends and families there’s been an incredible catching it themselves because they are practices coming together to run the vulnerable patients. Those aged 65 or over biggest vaccination venues. during the pandemic. amount of mortality in those Parchmore's Dr Agnelo Fernandes has a in a frontline situation but taking it home vaccination centre. and those with underlying health conditions areas but the numbers are Teresa Chapman, Business Lead for One special message to those people over 70 who The past year has seen those directly to their families. The local surgeries were who are grouped as clinically vulnerable are very high and there are a lot This is one of six vaccination sites in Thornton Heath PCN who has led the have not yet taken up their offer of a vaccine: very helpful to us and recognised we are now being offered the vaccine. of Covid cases. Croydon and GPs are central to delivering organisation at St.Paul’s said: “It has been a “We know this can feel like a big decision, goodbyes stolen from them, compounding on the front line and managed to give all the biggest vaccination programme in Dipti Gandhi, Clinical Director for Primary huge amount work, seven days a week, but their loss and grief. “Covid seems to be affecting of our staff vaccinations which has been affected by restrictions having their final NHS history, with over 70 per cent of the Care in North Croydon said “It has been it has all been worth it to see and hear how people from 50 plus, so been fantastic.” "We want to reassure everyone that if The sheer volume of the death toll immunisations being administered by wonderful to have vaccinated so many pleased our patients are being able to have and some people feel unsure at first. don’t just think its the 70 you or your loved one decides to have the has reduced shocked staff to tears Rowland Brothers started the Rowland local GPs and their teams. of our patients in just four short weeks. their vaccine close to where they live.” pluses its not. Anyone tells vaccine, please don’t hesitate to contact and seeking counselling. Funerals for Brothers Foundation a couple of years St Paul’s is in the heart of the Thornton you its not real they need But St Paul’s could not run these Covid-19 Those over 70 who don’t have an your GP to book your appointment.” husbands and wives both taken by Covid ago and employ bereavement counsellors Heath community, and we are here to to come and do a tour of vaccination clinics without the amazing invitation letter can now book their are common and initial restrictions free to anyone who comes to them for a help protect that community and help For more info on on the vaccine visit: our premises we will show support of local volunteers. appointment online at www.nhs.uk/ frustrating, to the point where a 10-year- funeral service. everyone live long and vibrant lives.” www.swlondonccg.nhs.uk and click on them how real it is.” covid-vaccination or by calling 119. This old boy was forced to sit apart from his The NHS has now offered the vaccine ‘Croydon’ Picture credit: Lynsey Addario for The New York Times Steve explained: “What we are also Premier League football club Crystal booking system allows you to book an mother at the funeral of his own father. Rowland Brothers was thing and just the volume of work. Back established •George is 80 and lives in • Ballroom dancer John David works as a • Princess is a Rowland Brothers have welcomed less the counsellors because in April we were were doing 22 funerals in 1873 by Tony Rowland’s Croydon. He came to St Paul’s local resident and severe restrictions so they can now finding is a lotthey of our have staff been are undergoing tosuch a day, a day…. it's just shocking. Now we great grandfather. Tony, is a “Anyone tells Church by the 130 bus to get his teach chair based exercises. decided to get the incredible amount of stress are probably doing 10 a day which we can vaccine. fitness instructor visiting care homes to vaccine because: “I are able to grieve their loved ones you Covid's not and pressure. He read up a lot about the vaccine and cope with. in Thornton Heath having really enjoy going facilitateproperly dignifiedand have departuresthe intimate so goodbyes families booked his appointment as soon as he wellchaired known the festivalcommunity committee figure real they need “We had to employ another out. I get public the virus has robbed them of. “Funerals are traumatic any way but it every year. I did lots of reading could. “I’m really looking forward to getting for many years Steve has been counsellor just to cope transport a lot so was like a conveyor belt procession and to come and do Georgebefore getting said “I getthe myvaccine flu jab and back to work with my care home residents, Their harrowing work during the a part of the family business with the workload. A lot of I want to be safe. we were left thinking: 'what the hells made an informed choice. pandemic recently featured in an article for over 30 years a tour of our people are suffering and I’m really looking happening’. " the vaccine is a really simple process and in the New York Times written by Pulitzer they want help. The grief is "I’m most looking forward to forward to things "Now families can have premises and helpinggetting itthem done to will keep help fit everybodyand active. look Getting out prize-winning American photojournalist Croydon has more care homes than lasting it is very deep and being happy again.” getting back to a hearse, they can have a for each other. I’m looking forward to my Lynsey Addario who has allowed us to use anywhere else in the capital, and at the lasting a lot longer than it normal.” limousine, go to church and we will show second dose.” this picture.. normally does. were being called two to three times a day then go to the cemetery. It is them how real Managing Director Steve Rowland, said: getting back to our traditional “Our receptionist John heightto the same of the home first wave to collect Rowland people: Brothers "In the “Now, even though it's busy and we are style of funeral just mourners it is. (Rule - pictured) lost his PUBLIC VACCINE DEBATE AIMS TO TO DISPEL MISINFORMATION AMONG BAME COMMUNITY end we were under so much stress we had edical professionals have been which was attended by 800 people. vaccinated gives us and our loved ones Former mayor Humayun Kabir, who booking funerals in to April, back in are restricted,” he said. mother recently to Covid to say just call us at 6pm and we will go and leading online vaccine debates the best protection against this awful was hospitalised with Covid but has now April last year it was on another level and has now just lost his father. Generally M Croydon BME Forum has joined forces collect all the people that had died, that’s A testament to the company’s thorough urging members of the BAME 'don’t die of virus. These vaccines are safe and recovered said: “I have been in touch altogether. it seems to happen that way. People spend with local organisations in a bid to inform how bad it got in April. I am surprised in PPE regime, including precautions to ignorance’ after a low take up of the jab. effective and it is an honour to be able to with many elderly BAME community their lives together and one goes and the the black community about the Covid-19 “We all help each other here, doing the some of nursing homes any residents were prevent cross contamination, is that only protect our patients and help local people and particularly some Bangladeshi other one gives up and says 'that’s it'.” As many as 50 per cent of the black, asian vaccines following the recent low uptake. best we can but some of our staff have left - that's how shocking it was." one of member of staff contracted Covid get through this pandemic.” families in Croydon, some of them are and minority ethnic community have been in tears at all the stress of the whole and that was through his son who had A recent study by the University of Oxford elderly parents of second generation and He added: “In this moment in time in terms refused to take the vaccine and health Andrew Brown, CEO at Croydon and the London School of Hygiene and professionals have been answering BME Forum, said: “Covid-19 has Tropical Medicine found that 21 per cent questions at a series of seminars to dispel disproportionately affected people from of black people over the age of 80, who Ihappy have explainedto be vaccinated. to them Those the benefit who were of real fear, anxiety and mistrust. ethnic minority backgrounds. Many more THORNTON HEATH LOSES TRUE GENTLEMAN MOHAN TO COVID are currently eligible to have the vaccine, thenot vaccination.keen, they were Most scared of them and are brought fine and are dying from the virus, yet many from A lot of the scaremongering has been have been vaccinated compared to 43 per the issues of lack of trial. However, since ributes have been paid to ‘true In 2001 he received the TUC Gold Badge these communities are refusing to be generated on social media and doctors, cent of their white counterparts. more people are now being vaccinated, gentleman’ Mohan Singh Dhamrait of Congress award for invaluable services vaccinated when asked. T nurses, faith and community leaders OBE who lived life to the full and to trade unionism. He had also been a Other studies have found that BAME want decisions, to have or not to have the “We know many have concerns, which is shifting positively in my view." dedicated his life to helping others. member of Labour Party and served as (black, Asian and minority ethnic) jab, to be informed by facts rather than why they are hesitant to take the vaccine, the level of confidence and attitude is chair of the Thornton Heath ward group. communities of all ages are unlikely to Cllr Kabir has organised a seminar Mohan who sadly passed away on January misinformation, lies or hearsay. Among so over the next few months we will have the jab when offered. This is despite with panel members and speakers 22 at the age of 80, after a short battle He had a passion for socialising the more creative stories circulating is be engaging with local communities to the fact black people are twice as likely to representing many Croydon organisations with COVID-19 was a much loved member with family and friends, gardening, that the vaccine can change your physical give them a chance to ask experts about die from the virus. among the Bangladeshi, Tamil, HIndu, and of the Thornton Heath community, a photography and loved visiting places. appearance and that you could grow a tail! the vaccine so that they can make an Afghanistan communities. devoted family man and loyal friend. Thornton Heath GP, Dr Agnelo Fernandes informed decision. In retirement he was a great supporter A panel discussion organised by Croydon said, "Over 800 Croydon residents have The Zoom meeting is on Thursday Fondly know to friends as Mo, he will be of the community serving as a former BME asking 'should we take the vaccine?' The BME Forum are also running more His family said: “Mohan will be now died of coronavirus and many more (Feb 22) 6.30pm to 8.30pm. For more remembered for his community service chair and member of the Thornton Heath saw four doctors and a faith minister workshops over the next couple of remembered by all as a gentleman, loyal, have been seriously ill. We now have information email Cllr Kabir on where he volunteered his time between Local Policing Ward Panel and Secretary answer questions at the online event months visit:www.cbmeforum.org. genuine, hardworking and committed a way of protecting ourselves. Getting [email protected] causes close to his heart on equality, person in all that he did. of the Parchmore Medical Centre - Patient health, education and justice. Participation Group. He led by example, he was a 'man of the His family said he was 'one in a million, people'. He dedicated his life to helping GP Dr Agnelo Fernandes, said: “Mohan genuine, kind hearted and loving and had been a patient at Parchmore Medical HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE FACING COVID POVERTY QUEUE FOR FOOD BANK others. He had such a kind soul and was By Mary Litchfield helpful towards everyone he knew.’ Centre for many years. He was a highly always so forgiving. Mohan’s inner belief s many as one hundred people will Pastor Bola said: “People are queuing She added: “What we are seeing now are respected member and former chair Mohan was born a twin in Fiji on March 22, in all that he did was to add value and queue for hours outside the food bank from around 11.30am even though we're people that have lost their jobs and been of our Patient Participation Group. He A 1940. With his brother Sohan, Mohan came support others.” on Beulah Road because they haven’t got not open until 2pm.We try to discourage made redundant. There are now people was dedicated to improving services to the UK aged 16 in November 1956. He enough food to feed their families. them from doing that but they'd rather who used to donate to us that are now Committed to his Sikh faith, Mohan and serving his community and he will was devoted to Sohan and younger brother stay there just to make sure. Sometimes participated in regular service at Khalsa be sadly missed by all those who were In March, His Grace food bank, was Sucha He was a member of the Croydon Police we've got 100 people in the queue.” communities right now.” Centre Tooting and also Croydon Gurdwara. privileged to have known him.” providing food assistance to 500 families. Independent Advisory Group where he using our food bank. It really reflects our He married Surjit on August 15, 1971 and During the summer the numbers dipped Pastor Bola explained this lockdown has She added: “I want to say 'thank you He had worked as a Senior Spectrum Brian Dickens, Parchmore Practice recently received a commendation for sadly he just missed their 50th Wedding but has now risen to almost 400 again. been particularly hard. They use to have everyone' from within the community Engineer, completing over 35 years of Manager said: “I only knew him for long and exemplary service. Anniversary milestone. They had lived on that has stopped by His Grace and Government Service, with his hard work four years, but that was enough to see Pastor Bola Thomas and her volunteers Beulah Road for 49 years and neighbours Superintendent for Partnership and from about 14 supermarkets a week, but donated food to us.Thank you to and devotion recognised when he was how much he gave to all parts of the are exhausted after a year of feeding lined the street, clapping on the day of Neighbourhood Policing, Andy Brittain, said: fivenow drivers they are who down would to just collect one. supplies individuals and to organisations that awarded an OBE by Prince Charles. community in Thornton Heath and wider. those in need. She admits: “It's just Mo's funeral. “We were saddened to hear of the tragic receiving as many donations. That's not have donated to us. We still need more become very tiring now, because it’s gone Even before the pandemic the church Mohan was also an enthusiastic union death of Mohan Dhamrait OBE. He lost his ideal but we just give them what we have.” donations to stay open.” He was loving dad to Jagjit and Inderjit on for so long. I'm kind of afraid. It needs operated a food bank once a week, activist and was a champion of equal me and I will miss him so much.” battle with Covid, both the Sikh and wider and also took extreme pride in his four to stop very soon.” Many people in need are turning to serving around 100 people. To help ring: 07946 546 507 or 0208 653 opportunities. "He was a great support and influence on communities have lost a true gentleman. grandchildren Gurvinder, Amardeep, Mo had also been a member of Thornton His Grace food bank for help, including 4433; www.hisgrace-evangelicaloutreach. He was our critical friend who supported His Grace tries to give families enough Pastor Bola explained that they Amol and Kiran. He was a member of Trade Unions from Heath Library and Thornton Heath pregnant mothers, the young and the co.uk or to make a contribution via MPS Croydon on the IAG. Our thoughts food for three days as a minimum but encourage self-referrals because: “A lot Regeneration steering groups as wells as old and the food bank is even receiving PayPal: PayPal.me/HisGraceFoodBank He worshipped his sister Pritam Kaur, are with his family during this time.” has been struggling recently. Pastor of people fall into the net and they might appointed to the Trade Union Congress serving as a school governor at St Mary's referrals from MacMillan Cancer who sadly also passed away with Bola Thomas said, “There is some kind need food for the next two weeks, and 1965representing becoming the the TUC first Race Sikh/Asian Committee Catholic School . Support and people ‘transitioning from COVID-19 on 25 March 2020. from 1995-2001. of shortage going on because we’re not homelessness’. then they might be fine.” TURN FROM PAGE 1 n Croydon during EMEGENCY APPEAL FOR PUPILS FACING FOOD AND FUEL POVERTY Ithe first lockdown a film lays bear the shocking campaign was launched TURN FROM PAGE 1 BARBER FINED for victims experiencing A follow up second visit showed ‘a lot domestic abuse to ask staff She said: “The decision to have requested one. more’ were complying, said police. impact of domestic violence in participating stores ilm maker Kaitlyn Boxall survived life at the hands of a violent father thanks only to the create a fundraising page including Lidl and Tesco in Each week, members of the Last month members of the SNT team bravery and love of her mother who protected her while pregnant from domestic abuse. was not one which was made F Thornton Heath for access teaching staff make phone also had to self isolate after possible “Once he realised that to a phone, to use to call for calls home to listen to the contact with the virus and a spokesman of the spring term, the staff Doors was developed she was gone, he took support and advice. children read and to keep said: "It does enforce the message we lightly.team witnessed In the first increased few weeks to raise awareness and her to court for parental in contact with families. are putting out there to comply with the Her film Behind Closed Statistics revealed in the six levels of fear and uncertainty empower victims of responsibility just to spite Where concerns are raised or regulations as we are putting ourselves at weeks up to 19 April there that the lockdown had domestic abuse to escape her. Till this very day, he families request additional risk to reduce the spread." were a shocking 200 domestic created among families. It support, the Deputy head and their life of violence. has never used it and has soon became apparent that On Friday, (12 February) police never ever been a part Special Educational Needs The story of the day – in Croydon. the demands of lockdown responded to reports of a unlawful of my life. He only ever Coordinator then phone home main character Lisa abuse arrests – almost five a were greater than we had gathering in Gilsland Road, Thornton wanted pure control." The police were also called to to support the families further Crawford is inspired anticipated. Families were 561 domestic abuse offences in and offer additional help to by her mother Marisa’s There is now more help struggling with day to day people at the address in violation of Covid the borough during this period meet their needs. shocking ordeal. available to victims of issues such as juggling work Heath.restrictions. Officers attended and found eight – around 13 offences a day. critical workers, those with and the additional support domestic violence but the and home schooling along Ms Moses said: “As a school, Kaitlyn is lucky as she has no memory of the violence as she was just that is needed to ensure that Posters publicising where with how to pay for the EHCPs and those considered we also work with the local lockdowns have led to a vulnerable. they are able to meet the the organiser of the gathering and was huge rise in cases. The domestic abuse victims can additional costs of having authority to ensure that of her father - to the safety of a women’s refuge - after he went abroad needs of their children. As A 57-year-old man was identified as government recently backed a new campaign where domestic abuse seek help were put up in every children at home full time. “ The school is raising funds all families are supported threefor three weeks days old to when watch her football. mother fled Thornton Heath and the abuse a school we will continue to penalty notice. victims can "Ask for Ani" at pharmacies as part of a codeword scheme one of the borough’s 400 off- to provide bespoke support and, wherever possible, to In week one, Paxton opened support our families in their reported for consideration of a fixed In an interview with The Chronicle she spoke about how her expectant to indicate they need help. licences and supermarkets. to those families that ensure there is no break in He was also issued with a community its doors and offered spaces education, whether remotely mother Marisa had taken the ‘full force of each need it it most to spend the provision during this resolution for possession of a small Kaitlyn added: “My mother's dear friend, Noel, A review by Croydon to a total of 15 children. or in school, but the funds beating, to protect her pregnancy bump’. on food vouchers for local challenging time. amount of cannabis. Safeguarding Children Board The spaces were provided raised via the Go Fund Me "I will not be happy until was her hero. He as an outsider, could plainly supermarkets that can be used Kaitlyn who produced and directed the see the bruises on the back of her ears and head. in February 2019 of the to support the children page will ensure that the Back in September speaking at the in store or online for families Independent Film reveals the shocking words er you and the baby in your He would let her stay at his as a place of safety. experiences of 60 children of critical workers and children and their families been easy but the staff have Thornton Heath ward panel meeting who are not eligible for Free father etched on her mother’s memory: "I will not However, of course, when she returned home, she in the borough – many of to provide places for children have the additional resources worked“The past together five weeks to support have not Sergeant Andy Smith said it was stomach, are in a coffin." School Meals but in need of be happy until you and the baby in your stomach, would have to go through another beating. The whom have been criminally with EHCPs (Education, to enhance the learning each other and do their best. “surprising how much residents support to feed their children. rest of her bruises were always covered up with or sexually exploited, and Health and Care Plans), as experience for all children”. We continue to ensure that of Thornton Heath just didn’t give involved in serious violence well as those who are As well as internet access we meet the needs of the a hoot about the law or about the There has been a huge spike in rates of domestic domestic violence During the Autumn term, are in a coffin." found domestic violence considered vulnerable. At to enable better access to children in providing an regulations. during lockdown with a 20 per cent increase in domestic violence Recently Marisa tried to trace Noel on Facebook to thank him but Paxton moved from its clothes and she felt too ashamed to confide in anyone. had featured in 42 per remote learning; support in education, whether remotely incidents in Croydon. sadly he had passed. She was however able to share with his family temporary site on Brigstock He said: “The conversations I had with cent of cases with 23 of the spaces have now increased paying utility bills; specialist or in school, that children’s her eternal gratitude for his support. Road into its new permanent some people blew my mind. children coming to the notice theto 60. end of week five, those equipment and therapy emotional needs are met, and person's life, then I know I have achieved that. To all victims who are Kaitlyn added: “The rates of domestic abuse have spiked since the start of the police due to reports of services for SEN student and that families have the basic “They just didn’t care or believe Since January, children, with state-of-the-art facilities. living with domestic abuse, before lockdown and during, I promise you domestic abuse. resources and crafts to enable resources including the Home Covid existed or said ‘well it won’t effect Kaitlyn said: “If the film, 'Behind Closed Doors' can save at least one families and the staff team of build on London Road , filled that there is hope! Material things do not matter, the big posh house, the the students to progress in The school has been Learning packs, to enable Paxton have tested positive out lookers looking in, thinking your life is perfect. The psychological that you can get out of it! their learning while at home. inundated with requests to people have died on this road from this of the COVID-19 lockdown, and it is horrific. Mum was very proud of the exposure to domestic abuse for COVID-19 and during affect is devastating. Get out, and do not be ashamed to ask for help. film, but it was a hard watch for her. She wants to plead to every woman, loan a device for children to continue to learn. “ me’infection actually or it’sit ‘definitely’ Bill Gates’ willfault.Those because Twenty years ago, there was very little help. She spent two years in a Researchas a child confirmscan have athat lifelong one week, 50 per cent of Ms Moses added: “As Peace of mind is invaluable. You CAN start again, and you WILL.” access their learning remotely the children to flourish and kind of conversations you can’t win. That refuge, and today she now says, ‘To leave your house keys on the table, impact on not only a child’s the staff team were at home headteacher, I am incredibly app.investmycommunity.com/ and to date the DfE have doesn’t speak entirely for the whole Kaitlyn’s mother Marisa had been with her father for two years when and go to a refuge is tough. To live a lifetime of abuse, where your children development but their either self-isolating or having proud to be leading Paxton paxton-academy-sports-and- provided 49 devices and the population of Thornton Heath but it she became pregnant at the age of 30 and had left her job looking after see you being beaten, is far, far worse. ability to learn and form tested positive, but the on its journey at this time science-2457 school has been able to loan a 72 elderly people. He had begged for children but once she had fallen relationships. It can also school still remained open to but I recognise the fear and "My mother met many women during her time at the refuge. She is so device to all the families who pregnant he had ‘full control’. impact on their behaviour. provide places for children of uncertainty families are facing thankful that I was only three weeks old. So, I, myself, do not hold any definitely speaks for a chunk of it .” If you need help, support memories of those dark times. Many women in the refuge, had older or advice please call the FJC and said Kaitlyn: “This is when the violence started, so my mother's abuse children, who had already witnessed so much. on 020 8688 0100. Those continued throughout her whole pregnancy. She could not escape until I She lived at his flat in Thornton Heath throughout her whole pregnancy needing support outside of SCHOOL MINI BUS homeschooling was born. My mother and I talk about it now. I was there weeks old at the the centre’s opening hours time, and at three weeks old, I would not have understood the situation. "Iabuse pledge can to be any changed victims; to doa lifetime not let yourof happiness. children Youwitness can dosuch it! horrificIt is can call the free 24-hour DISTRIBUTES AID in how to make “The emotional impact was more my mother, and still is to this day. actionsheart-breaking, of violence. as you I understand probably still it can love be your difficult, abuser, but becausea lifetime they of National Domestic Abuse eachers at secondary school have My mother had met a circle of friends in Thornton Heath, they were make it seem normal. You end up knowing no different." Hotline on 0808 2000 247. In Tbeen driving around the borough in wonderful to her. She could not tell any of them, that she was planning an emergency, call the police a mini bus dropping off exercise books, a sleep pod for on 999. BehindClosedDoors783 food parcels and delivering laptops to Watch Behind Closed Doors at: https://filmfreeway.com/ students in need. the homeless on leaving, as it would create risk of my dad finding out. St Mary's Catholic High School in mum used lockdown lesson time to insulating materials and simple design actress creates winning comedy West Croydon used its Twitter feed to teach her daughters how to build a which can make a difference in someone's announce to its Thornton Heath pupils A sleep pod so they could imagine what life. " about life, love and family that staff were out and about in the St it would be like if they didn’t have a n local actresses comedy about life, love and family which has has been described Mary’s bus and if they wanted a new "We have been delivering food parcels, Urzula added: “I told my daughters we roof over their heads and had to live as The Royle Family meets Gavin and Stacey has been picked up by a TV station. exercise book: “Just ask!” work packs and laptops throughout the were having another lesson in the woods A outdoors in freezing temperatures. third pandemic, and are using our social in Grangewood Park. I asked them to Tara Ellis, who has worked in The West End, A working- class comedy about love, life St Mary’s successfully applied for a grant media presence to spread the message. Urszula Soltys encouraged daughters - imagine that they wouldn’t be able to and family...on a budget. through the Catholic Children’s Society Due to our pastoral structure, parents are Lena, 10, and Stefania, eight, (pictured in return home to warm up and to think in Eastenders co-created, produced and which along with the laptops from the “We wanted to portray real people, the contacted regularly. Grangewood Park) to put together these about the people that spend nights starred in a web-series; Hand-to-mouth. favours from actor friends. “We are so grateful to London Live for Department for Education, has enabled it in film and TV playing Nick Cotton’s wife people in our family, the people down the tents and think about being homeless as outside on the streets . I think that was screening it, it goes to a whole new level to provide laptops to many students who During lockdown the heart warming tale, pub, people we grew up with. Everyone Scott's niece, a non-actor, was roped in to part of their homeschooling. the best homeschooling experience when you see it on TV - for various reasons - do not have access contact, a Tutor, Head of Year or someone which cost just £200 to make, was picked knows a "Dave and Lisa". play Tara’s on screen daughter and her they’ve had during lock down." to one at home. from our pastoral team. The sleep pods which cost £30 are part of niece produced the logo for the show. “Scott and I are having a virtual meeting "Each family is assigned a first point of up by London Live and re-edited for the “We discussed, characters, plot lines and an initiative run by south London charity During the second wave more than 1,500 TV as a 45minute one off show which was to brain-storm the next series. St Mary’s are still looking in to ways to "This is because we aim to be proactive in dialogue and then Scott went away and came Scott's band ‘The Fabulous Lounge SleepPod, which aims to provide the newly-homeless were among 3,307 found screened last month. continue to source laptops and mobile identifying any challenges our students up with six sweet, heart-warming scripts.” Swingers’, with another of his nieces “We have had some amazing feedback emergency aid to protect rough sleepers sleeping rough in London from October devices to ensure all our students have have and solving them as best we can.” Tara, a resident of Thornton Heath for the created the sound track for the show.. from the public ‘It's like The Royale from the rain and wind. to December. This has also resulted in an As they were both completely non-technical access to our remote learning. The bus last 10 years explained the inspiration Family’ ‘Just stumbled upon this little The school is not alone in using its school “explosion” of Covid-19 with more than Tara jokes “The shoot itself was akin to the has also been delivering food parcels to Urszula said: “I thought helping to for the show: “Myself and my friend Scott sitcom on London Live, it's like This mini bus to stay in touch with students double the number of cases recorded in phone, Scott was fortunate enough to bump shoot of Jaws! What could go wrong did. families in need from the school. build sleep pods would be a great home Baker decided, why wait around for the Life’, ‘lovely characters, you don't mind - the John Fisher School in Purley has rough sleepers in January than across the andin to after an old a failedschool attempt friend whoat filming provided on a the We had limited time because of borrowed learning opportunity for the kids. We phone to ring when we could create spending a bit of time in their company”. A St Mary’s spokesman said: “Next week been providing dozens of families with whole of 2020. technical input and they were away. equipment, so we were chasing light picked up the materials from the charity materials they need to continue their something ourselves? around a garden, dealing with technical “We strongly believe there's legs in this show Sleep Pod and with their easy instructions For more information visit: www: The crew and equipment worked for for families, particularly now because of remote education as well. “After thrashing around with lots of malfunctions and a building site at the and again we're not going to wait around.” we made three tents in one afternoon. fundsurfer.com/crowdfund/sleep-pod- absolutely noting but ‘love and belief’ in isthe half pandemic. term, which can be a difficult time ideas we came up with Hand-to-Mouth. bottom of the garden,” We have learned about the science of fundraising-campaign the project, and the friends even pulled in council in last chance salon CROYDON COUNCIL STAFF TAKE THE as government bails it out but warns it could council looks for buyer still send in commissioners to take control BISCUIT OVER CLAIMS FOR EXPENSES for controversial bxb roydon Council has been criticised Staff were required to acknowledge government review into the powers’ and councillors were not ‘forceful for having little to no controls that they had read and understood financial collapse of Croydon in their challenge’ C A in place to prevent fraudulent staff the council’s expense policy before Council has exposed serious The review said “arguably” the section 114 as it 'winds it down' expense and mileage claims with submitting the claims, said the report. management and leadership failings. notice issued by Lisa Taylor in November he council is preparing to ‘wind down’ Brick by Brick with housing schemes in the employees submitting questionable Most seriously, the report uncovers the should have been issued earlier and found pipeline including the redevelopment of garages in Thornton Heath scrapped. claims for biscuits, birthday cakes and T had incorrectly claimed goods for services former leader Tony Newman had been balloons. croydon in crisis: former council and service users as business expenses able to “create an inner circle of a small There were also examples where officers The council’s systems were so weak, said instead of claiming using the council’s ad culture'asked to that re-word' created reports the financial to present crisis, the number of cabinet members, who have auditors Mazars in the internal audit, that hoc payment process. revealingmost favourable that many picture'. council officers were been very controlling in their management leadership team suspended there was a ‘high risk’ of abuse resulting he former council leader and council bankrupt, is understood to have These included £302.40 for trampolining It was evident that the ‘tone’ of many of cabinet lead for finance Tony been suspended from her duties along tickets for young people, £141.94 for The review, which took place in October T damage with it recommending immediate of the council and its finances”. Newman and Simon Hall were last with the executive director of place Shifa the purchase of tokens and snacks involved carrying out more than 60 inmanagement financial loss action. and or reputational week suspended from the Labour Mustafa, executive director of localities Hazel for a summer school for refugees and financial reports to the ruling Labour cabinet interviews with staff and councillors. party just days after the majority of Simmonds and executive director of health, Auditors tested a sample of 20 approved unaccompanied minors, £73.60 for wine for "did not accurately reflect the seriousness of The report also stated that statutory The report said: “There seems to be a the council's executive team was also wellbeing and adults Guy Van Dichele. expenses claims and found in a quarter an event and £73.59 for food for a summer the Council’s financial position," it said. unanimity of view that these failings are suspended from their posts including of cases expenses were incorrectly garden party. The suspensions are understood to have year chief executive Jo Negrini, along attributable to the poor leadership and the director of finance. categorised and, in some instances, followed the receipt of a report by the officers, citing the former £220,000 a poor management of the council over a should not have been claimed at all. Newman and Hall (pictured), have only Local Government Association into senior the council for £339 for their chartered number of years.” More than 70 schemes have been followed up to see on what terms a ever provided written answers to the management actions between April 2017 Onemembership project officer to the inLandscape Placemaking Institute billed withBaker, director were 'inexperienced' of finance Lisa andTaylor were and recommended for shelving. Plans to disposal might be possible’. The report added that the council is not media for the sorry state they have left and September 2020 but the council has the expenses had been paid to staff describing it as ‘medical fees’ even though monitoring officer Jacqueline Harris- transform 16 neglected garages behind in denial about ‘the perilousness of its A report by PricewaterhouseCoopers Thein ‘contravention’ review identified of the that council’s some of it is against the expenses policy for the Atlanta Court on Parchmore Road, in to However it concluded there was “no position’ but there is anger from staff that in to the council's commerical interests opportunity to blame the council’s woes on about the suspensions. own expenses policy and these council to pay these fees. each in their roles for the first time credible alternative” to the £150million the council has been led to the situation. recommended Colm Lacey, stand down theyears borough's of austerity, finances Tory incuts and and took Covid-19 the made no official comment or statement ‘misreprensentations’ could have resulted which had planning permission are among Only Interim chief executive Katherine The review was published in February capitalisation direction the council is as director but he has remained as chief rather than personal failings. in disciplinary action or the sack. Last month it was announced that a 20those one which and two will bed now flats not for go councilahead. rent, Kerswell and interim director of children, seeking to bring its books back into executive of Brick By Brick Government-appointed improvement However, the ‘administrative suspension’ families and education Debbie Jones, Among a sample reviewed by Mazars they balance this year and next. The council is exploring the sale of the and assurance panel will be created to Mr Lacey has no private sector experience imposed by the Labour Party pending appointed by Ms Kerswell after joining in found an emergency housing interventions company which the council loaned But in a veiled threat it said: “In the watch over Croydon Council and feedback and was previously employed as an inquiry, does not affect Newman and September, remain in post. £200million but has failed to pay any event of a failure by the council to directly to secretary of state Robert Croydon’s director of development. Hall’s positions as councillors. But they which included two birthday cakes costing dividends or interest which was cited as All those suspended served under former Jenrick and MHCLG on a quarterly basis. are banned from taking part in Labour officer£29.98 hadand billed£40 for the event council balloons; for £143.48, while a one of the reasons why the council had to The Chronicle asked ING Media, a leading chief executive Jo Negrini who left the formal statutory intervention will be Party business, including policy meetings. Croydon leader Hamida Ali welcomed the issue the section 114. PR agency which the council oddly pays to council in August with a £440,000 demonstrateconsidered, including significant the progress, appointment a more of £45.10 which included chocolate biscuits review team’s recognition of the extensive represent Brick by Brick’s media interests settlement package amid mounting commissioners.” The government review team was highly democraticfrom Sainsbury’s services for officer£3.90 andhad £22.60claimed of for action: "we are already undertaking to for an interview with Mr Lacey but it said: citing 'personal reasons' followed by critical of the council’s oversight of Brick The review team noted that political "As you can imagine Colm is very busy HallNewman was firstwho to resigned resign from in October the council despite The executive director of resources and assurance, through the scrutiny and determination shared by my cabinet, right now and not available for interviews." concern over its financial position. The expenses which would have been governance. Now the council is proposing food from Stuffins. audit committees had also failed. It said tackle our financial challenges, and the group which he had led for 15 years . signed off by a manager were also wrongly byto sellBrick off particularly some of the its sites lack earmarked of financial for • After a year of sitting empty shared the other permanent member of the senior organisation, to put things right." a vote of confidence in him by his Labour categorised and claimed as being expenses BxB developments. monitoringmanagement officer team, Jacqueline is understood Harris-Baker, to have myself, and officers throughout the for ‘taxis’. Court development in Thornton Heath are who issued the Section 114 declaring the gone on sick leave in recent days. statutory officers ‘did not assert their Meanwhile, taxpayers are also going to ownership homes in BxB flagship Flora Director of finance Lisa Taylor (pictured), residents get be left to foot the multi-million cost of part of Metropolitan Thames Valley finallyHousing, being after marketed doing a partnership by SO Resi Agency, deal Halls, as the council will not be able to to vote for who with BxB. refurbishingrecover the £59 Croydon million arts loan venue given Fairfield to the croydon does third u-turn on sale of lodge H&S IN PARKS 'NOT they want to run .Over the launch weekend 50 per cent TURN FROM PAGE1 Halls and adjoining housing development. of the 23 empty one and two bedroom until March 1 In the case of Heath Lodge ‘critical’ and that a lot of Croydon parks FIT FOR PURPOSE' developer for the refurbishment of Fairfield ‘affordable homes’ were reserved in the croydon council It cost at least £42 million to refurbish this is the third time the council has were looking ‘increasingly tired.’ damning report of health and safety esidents will get to decide whether Labour’s approach was ‘more responsive’ development on Chipstead Road. the venue and the idea was that the tried to sell the Victorian park building. in Croydon’s parks has revealed the Croydon Council is controlled by to residents and ‘more cost effective’ Mr Isles who revealed he had to make A R neighbouring College Green development of Previously BxB had sold just one of the Previously the council had assured the council failed to carry out inspections the largest political group or by an but opposition councillor Lynne Hale £20 million savings to his department’s apartments after it had to suspend all Friends of Grangewood Park that at least and risk assessments which could have individual determined by a popular described the Labour move as a “sneaky budget went on to explain that he was sales because it emerged lenders would 20 per cent of any sale would be ploughed led to accidents and injuries. vote in a referendum in October. motion of dither and delay” Papers which went to the the council’s dealing with a backlog of £77.4m million more than 400 flats would cover these costs. not provide mortgages under shared back in to improving the park. scrutiny committee said: ‘The council to repair the borough’s roads and The minister for regional growth and Cllr Ali said Labour welcomed the ownership schemes on its properties has had one approach from an interested In January last year the council potholes which he reassuringly said was weaknesses in key areas in the local government, Luke Hall had said the appetite for a referendum debate but because the company was not a party and it is suggested that this be advertised, its plans to dispose of Heath not unusual for a London borough! Ainspections review identified of playground significant equipment, referendum on whether Croydon Council that the over-riding focus had to be on ‘registered provider’. Lodge and part of 195 square metre strip paths, lighting and the facilities within should change the way it is run should Council is facing a He said he was having to prioritise repairs of land for access to the property, in the the borough’s parks and greenspaces. The be held on May 6 to coincide with the roydon Council will have to The members of the panel are: £77.4million backlog in on main roads with repairs to minimise She said surely residents and government pay out £2,400 a day for a new Sutton Guardian on Boxing Day without council was also criticised for not having London Mayor and GLA elections stabilising the council’s financial position. C • Chair and governance lead – Tony disruption and third party claims . would agree that the council should improvement panel brought in by the any consultation with the FoGP. repairs to roads a Parks Strategy or management plan for However, Labour controlled Croydon McArdle, ex-CEO of Lincolnshire CC In 2019 it was reported Croydon was its parks and green spaces. Government to oversee the authority The council was forced into an council at an extraordinary meeting (Feb 8) instance before turning its m ind to and currently lead commissioner at the worst London borough for pothole as it battles through a financial crisis. embarrassing u-turn after over 3,000 Meanwhile, the parks department is The highly critical internal review by pushed through a move delaying a borough- securefunding a andbalanced facilitating budget the in referendum. the first Northamptonshire County Council having to save over £400,000 and plans complaints. There had been 4941 complaints The Improvement and Assurance Panel residents signed a petition opposing it auditors Mazars revealed more than half wide referendum on a directly elected • Finance lead – Margaret Lee, currently to achieve this by not cutting the grass so in two years compared to just 13 in Lambeth. She also pointed out that the lockdown will be in place until March 2024 and with local ward councillors promising of the weekly visual playground inspection mayor until October 7. executive director, corporate and often and buying larger bins which it will will report back to the MHCLG and the that it would be up to residents what Mr Isles explained how he was hoping to reports – of a sample of ten parks – for the customer services and previously chief empty less frequently! A paper presented to the meeting said referendum campaign if it were held in secretary of state Robert Jenrick on the happened to the building. offset the cuts by generating income from the months of October, November 2019 and this standalone poll was expected to cost wouldMay and have that had the a October significant date impact would on allow the Landlord Licensing Scheme which generates January 2020, were missing. progress of the council. On January 6 2020, the council issued a The barmy plan was unveiled at a scrutiny £650,000 while holding the referendum a full and proactive engagement enabling £5million. Unfortunately the scheme was • Commercial and asset disposal – Phil statement saying that the strong public committee by Steve Isles, director of Auditors were told that the department alongside May’s elections would be in the residents to make a fully informed decision. An appointment letter from Catherine financial officer Essex CC); and suspended in September last year as the Brookes (Crown Representative). opposition was reason it had decided public realms and was challenged by region of £400,000 to £500,000. Frances to the chair of the new council had to resubmit an application Currently Croydon uses the leader and not to sell the building or land, adding: chair of Scrutiny Streets, Environment out the required risk assessments but Improvement and Assurance Panel, Tony It isn’t yet known how often the panel to the government but after a favourable However, Council leader Hamida Ali said cabinet model – this means the council "... Croydon Council’s elected members and Homes Sub-Committee Councillor didn’tmanagement have the said staffing they werelevels aiming to carry to McArdle, outlines the terms of reference will meet, this is something still being consultation is awaiting a decision. if the referendum had been held in May it leader is chosen by members of the ruling Leila Ben-Hassel, who questioned the put in place a proposed action plan to and says panel members will be paid a fee discussed by Croydon Council. below average spend on parks compared would have needed to verify the 17,000 party but the other option on the ballot of £600 to £800 per day plus reasonable The council also plans to shut a recycling ensure the Health and Safety of its parks The terms of reference say that the with other London boroughs. people who had signed a cross party – the elected mayor model – would mean expenses, including travel and subsistence. andsolution officers the willcommunity work with supports.” local people centre but this will only save £100,000 and supported petition collected by campaign the mayor would replace the council number of days of advice provided by over the coming months to find a viable the meeting heard that residents could September 2021. Councillor Karen Jewitt responded at the group DEMOC. leader and be chosen by Croydon voters. The panel is made up of three members, each board member over 12 months can be charged to dispose of certain items and greenspaces was ‘fit for purpose’ by time saying she was “delighted” with the importance that parks have in the future, meaning that if each of them charges be agreed in advance by the council and at the tip. Forty-seven local authorities As they had now agreed the premise of If Croydon voters favour a directly-elected news along with fellow Thornton Heath Sheparticularly said the given'savings' their did increased not reflect usage the £800 a day it will cost Croydon Council gives two examples. during Covid. are now asking for payments to get rid of the petition there was no need to verify mayor, an election for that position would £2,400 for each day they work. councillors Pat Clouder and Callton Young, Worryingly,were not regularly the report reviewed also identified putting that the signatures so instead, she said here be held in May 2022. who had objected to the strip of land being firethe councilrisk assessments in breach of thepark Regulatory buildings Cllr Stephen Mann, said parks were windows and empty water tanks would be a saving of £20,000. Cllr Ali said ‘disposed of’. Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. items including boilers, doors, fireplaces,

EMPTY 1960s OFFICE BLOCK TO BE plans to build in ARSON SUSPECT TASERED AFTER POLICE OFFICERS INJURED garden of historic FIREFIGHTER HOSPITALISED IN ATTACK wo police officers were taken to CONVERTED IN TO HOUSING UNITS olice officers called to A Scotland Yard spokesman Thospital after they were injured reports that a firefighter said: “Upon arrival a man after arresting a suspect. he millionaire owner of market not for sale. house withdrawn P had been assaulted tasered was acting aggressively and Ambassador House who paid T Network Rail holds a 53-year-old man who was Taser was deployed to detain just £300,000 for it nine years ago at Avenue at 7.05pm after reports of two the freehold for the acting aggressively and him. A 53-year-old man was auction has been given prior approval Officersmen breaking were werein to acalled car. to Norbury site and The Chronicle detained him on suspicion arrested on suspicion of to convert six floors of the empty office understands there of arson. attempted grievous bodily A man was detained after he struggled block opposite Thornton Heath station is a condition on the harm, assaulting an emergency in to 66 one and two bedroom units. lease which would worker and arson with intent at the scene. sustained a serious head Sajid Bashir submitted an application on prohibit Mr Bashir to endanger life." with officers as they tried to arrest him Theinjury firefighter if not for could his helmet have INVESTIGATORS PROBE CAUSE OF April 3 under permitted development from carving up the after he was attacked while non life-threatening injuries. rights, which is a government scheme building for sale as Mr Murch goes tackling a blaze at a block of FIRE THAT SWEPT THROUGH HOUSE Two officers were taken to hospital with allowing certain types of change of individual properties. The man was arrested on suspicion of on to state:“The Four fire engines and around olice and fire brigade Six days later (Jan 9) three assault on emergency worker. The drawings show two bedroom ‘units’ scheme can be 25 firefighters were called to investigators are probing dwellings), to be carried out without P for three people with two toilets with a implemented flats in Kensington Avenue. ablock fire whichjust after broke midnight out on withthe the cause of a fire which useapplying such asfor B1 planning to C3 (from permission. offices to with no changes planning application to build firstcrews floor from of Norbury the two-storey and West destroyed the entire ground adultsa maisonette and a child on Melfort fled to Road. The application proposes accommodation to the exterior Ain the back garden of one of Norwood gaining control of floor and part of the first floor safety after a fire broke out at The Fire Brigade's 999 control GUNS AND BULLETS SEIZED for 48 one bed and 18 two bed units with floor50.17sqm. space Thereof 66.8sqm. is a minimum The average government one of the building. Thornton Heath’s oldest houses has of a Thornton Heath house. anticipated occupancy for 150 people by space standard for new homes which is been withdrawn. bedroom for two people has a floorspace of However, it is the applicant’s intention Deputy Fire Commissioner 50sqm metres for two person one bedroom that a planning application will be the fire by 1.37am. The Chronicle reported in the last edition Mills said: “This abhorrent officersbeen caused took by13 ancalls overloaded to the submitted in due course to improve the proposals to build two, two-storey semi and unprovoked attack on Sixat the fire semi-detached engines and about house 40 in fireelectrical which supply is believed which to have convertingparking and the cycle second, storage. third, fifth, sixth, exterior of the building.” Mr Bashir won’t be able to convert two detached houses at the rear of Berwick firefightersHeadcorn Place attended on January the blaze 3 overheated. eighth and ninth floors and includes flat and 61sqm for a three person two bed. Mr Bashir is the CEO of Copperstones Ltd, The application is for change of use and Lodge, at 31 St Paul’s Road, which had London Mayor Sadiq Khan unacceptable, but during a at 5.05pm. The occupants got out of the which an upmarket estate agents more used received 13 objections. said it was "appalling" that a aglobal firefighter pandemic is completely when all One woman left the property to marketing property in more salubrious ofafforded the floors “protected” as easily status as they -. aremeaning D1 use, the emergency services workers The property owner Mohamed Bharwani, arrived and there were no surroundings including the Battersea soapplicant classified is unable as community to change use, the which use of is conversionAmbassador of House the second, from Class third, B1to fifth, C3. attacked". are going above and beyond who is a pharmacist by occupation and was attended to for the effects buildingreports of before any injuries. firefighters Powerstation development and Dubai. the property without a full planning firefighter had been "violently to serve the public it is even uns and dozens of bullets were sixth, eighth and ninth floors within is the director of a number of property The assault in the early hours of smoke inhalation at the scene application being made. more shocking.” before firefighters arrived and recovered and seized following a His company is presently marketing management companies, withdrew the of January 26, was described by London Ambulance crews. G raid in Thornton Heath. the Aston Martin Residences, in Miami The letter from Mr Bashir’s planning Thesewere vacated floors are years unused ago. Theand remainingwere application prior to a decision being made as ‘abhorrent, unprovoked’ “We take all attacks on Crews worked quickly to Four fire engines and around (pictured) which boasts access to a super consultant, Jon Murch, sets the council a previously used as offices until they by planners. and ‘completely unacceptable’' contain the blaze and to 25terraced firefighters house. were Part calledof a split- to yacht marina, and potentially access to 56 day deadline from the date of receipt vacant but are D1 use. The residential seriously. Command raided an address on The Victorian property is currently used prevent it from spreading into a fire at the converted mid- butler services that will ferry residents to accommodation will be able to utilise the our firefighters incredibly OfficersNorbury from Avenue the andSpecialist recovered Crime two floors: fourth and seventh, are also as a HMO (House of Multiple Occupancy) "We will be working with the adjacent properties and had it a private, exclusive beach. but it took the council until last month to 54 car parking spaces associated with the by fire chief Richard Mills. head injury and was taken to Metropolitan Police Service to under control by 7.27pm. level maisonette on the first ofprovide the application prior approval. to confirm the case 3.50pm on Tuesday January 26. apartments with three one bedrooms, a Thea south firefighter London suffered hospital a as a assist with their investigation.” andstarted second at 9.31am floors andof a was firearms and 38 bullets shortly before was once a busy business hub has sat The conditions attached include an S106 The Chronicle reported in 2019 that Mr having been converted in to five precaution. damagedunder control by the by fire 11.58am. which A 51-year-old man was arrested at the previous office building. Theempty run for down years 1960s and the office only block occupants which agreement and Community Interest Bashir, who also owns Red Wing which is St Paul’s is designated as a Local Area two bedroom and studio flat. in recent times apart from pigeons were Levy and the council makes reference based offshore, had avoided paying almost of Special Character because of the been taken into custody. £300,000 in business rates because of a architecture and date of the properties. scene for possession of firearms and has building in 2019. properly insulated to prevent noise. legal loophole. Ambassador House was AIR AMBULANCE RESPONDS AS MOPED IN teenager arrested with weapon an arts collective who briefly squatted the to ensuring the floors and ceilings are sold at auction in October 2012 due to Last year workmen began stripping back In a letter from Mr Murch of Davies 19-year-old was arrested and liquidation. Mr Bashir acquired the balance the interior of the building and broken Murch, acting for Copperstones Ltd, he COLLISON WITH BIN LORRY IS RESCUED charged with possession of this of the 120 year lease from December 1967. BUILDING FIRM FINED A windows have been patched up with writes: “Whilst the quantum of proposed his is the dramatic moment the Air Rambo-style knife. Ambulance readies itself to land also dispatched London's Air Ambulance. artwork left behind by the squatters.The homes is not a matter for consideration as As usual The Chronicle contacted a T as emergency services rush to the aid in a car, and an incident response officer. We Nickalas Mighten, 19, of Grange Park Road housing is described as units rather than part of this application, it is nevertheless £5K FOR FLYTIPPING "A woman was treated at the scene and of moped rider involved in a collision was a passenger on a moped which was apartments so its unclear who they are provided for completeness..” out more about the Ambassador House taken to a major trauma centre as a with a bin lorry. intercepted by the Violence Suppression intended for but they will be for the rental representativeplans but got no of response. Coppperstones to find priority." The woman's condition has been Unit which was patrolling in Croydon on The scene was screened off while described as: " December 29. paramedics helped the injured woman who was taken to a major trauma unit. Mighten was due to appear at Croydon PLANNERS USE NEW RULES TO TAKE TOUGH STANCE ON HMOS accident at the junction. Magistrates’ Court charged with he council is using new developments coming onto Those that have been refused The accident happened at the Parchmore This is not the first time there has been an possession of an offensive weapon in a Trules to reject the housing market." in recent months include: Road junction with St Paul’s and Fernham public place. applications to carve up • Plans to convert a ground Bensham Grove building firm Road on January 28 at 10.05am. "Some landlords used the He was arrested in Boswell Road. family homes in Thornton has been fined £5,000 after old loophole in the planning A Eyewitnesses said the moped had gone Heath and turn them in occupants at 1 Milner Road being found guilty of fly-tipping in a legislation to cram as many under the lorry. to Houses of Multiple floorwhich flat received in to a 17HMO objections. for six Kent village. people as possible into the Occupancy. • Change of use of a house to a The air ambulance was scrambled along average Thornton Heath three Waste, including wood, glass, plastics, HMO for three to six people at with police and London Fire Brigade. A MURDER CHARGE bed house." carpet, unit panels, black bags, Srirupa Ghosh The Article 4 planning 12 Frant Road. London Ambulance Service spokesperson cardboard, plastic tubing, insulation Gerrie Ozah etectives investigating the murder restriction was introduced by "Now that is a thing of the past. • The conversion of 38 said: "We sent an ambulance crew, a medic foam, and waste food and wrapping was Dof a teenager from Thornton Heath the council in January last year People who live in HMOs deserve Woodville Road in to a HMO found dumped in Denton. have charged and requires owners to seek decent housing conditions just for seven occupants which has a man with his planning permission for the like everyone else.” already received objections. CONMAN WINDOW CLEANER JAILED AGAIN FOR TARGETTING ELDERLY murder. change of use to a HMO. • Retrospective permission for The Chronicle reported in conman who him from knocking on residents doors. behaviour order banning him from two Kyall Parnell was change of use of 102 Richmond Anin August environmental 2019 and enforcement found the waste officer was Already a number of February last year that London disguises In September last year he posed as a roads in Sutton and three in Thornton 17 when he was Road (pictured) which has been attendedlinked to Diligentthe fly tip Developments which was reported Limited. A applications have been turned Fire Brigade provided the himself as a window cleaner and took payment from Heath: Crowland Road, Gilsland Road and operating as a HMO for more fatally stabbed in down by planners with each council with data that showed The court action was brought by Dover window cleaner two residents in Morden. He made off Cassaland Road. than a year providing rooms the heart after an receiving multiple objections District Council who asked the company to trick elderly to the socially excluded as part • In December Nathan Foster, 33, also of altercation on the from Thornton Heath residents. to attend an interview but did not do so, residents out of by DNA at the scene and arrested in of a scheme managed by not Beulah Road, was charged with a number number 36 bus at therewith the had council’s been 21 HMO HMO team specific the council explained. cash has been priorSutton. to police arrival but was identified Previously multi-bedroom Local councillor Karen Jewitt is of offences which ocurred in Hertfordshire. Tulse Hill on New relatedissuing firesover since600 improvement January 2015 jailed for the properties could be converted objecting to all those in Thornton which is used for referrals by In 2015 he was jailed for 14 months for a Year’s Eve 2017. notices in three years. In second time. He faces three charges of attempted to small HMOs (houses Heath and explains why: “As forthe profitSingle Chatfield Homeless Housing, Service letter the authority took the matter to similar offence after targeting two elderly addition to overcrowding, burglary and 11 charges of interfering The Crown occupied by between three a councillor in a ward with a Team (SHS) at Croydon Council. Whencourt and no contact the company was received was found to a guilty final Anthony Moriarty, women in Sutton claiming they owed him HMOs have attracted with motor cars between 5.50am and Prosecution and six unrelated individuals) number of HMOs, I was delighted • In other planning news: Vivien in its absence. 35, of Beulah money for cleaning their windows. complaints about increased 7.37am on November 1 in South Mimms Service had earlier decided not to press under permitted development that small HMOs now have to Folefac has put in an application Road, was sentenced to 12 weeks anti-social behaviour, excessive Last month Folkestone Magistrates and Potters Bar. charges as prosecutors argued it was – which meant planning have planning permission. for change of use of a four imprisonment after pleading guilty to two Court ordered Diligent to pay costs of doorstep of a home where he was talking a case of self-defence but 19-year-old consent was not required for bedroom semi at 71 Melfort counts of fraud by false representation The offences relate to attempting to break Denique Newell was arrested on Monday "It has certainly stopped £1,689 and a victim surcharge of £181, Hewith was a 83-year-old arrested by woman. officers on the the change but now it is. Road for use as a care home. and one count of breach of Criminal in to a vehicle by trying to open the door. and charged with the murder. more of these tiny, cramped litter, fly tipping and parking. making a total bill of £6,870. Behaviour Order which had prevented He had also been issued with a criminal and the homeless. She said: “The food we get is lovely, I’m pregnant and I don’t Club chefs prepare around 350 ROUND THE CLOCK have the energy to cook for AMANDA NOMINATED food parcels a day, four days a NEW CHILDREN'S BOOK: FEATURING PALACE'S the family, so the meals are week, which are distributed by SUPPORT FOR THOSE amazing and they are delicious FOR TOP AWARD project partner City Harvest. and healthy too. To know that AFFECTED BY CANCER Thornton Heath veterinary HUMATARIAN Joel said the operation was Crystal Palace is providing for A leading charity is urging everyone BEA AND THE BUTTERSQUELCH Areceptionist has been nominated 'mind blowing' adding: “It us is so nice and it’s such a affected by cancer to make use of its Sam, who completed a She said: "I got the idea from a for a top national award in recognition shows the heart of people in great help for my family.” round-the-clock support phone line Fine Art BA at Middlesex doodle I did last summer and of her hard work and dedication. EFFORT the club and outside of the club during the pandemic after it emerged University has always loved I called it a Buttersquelch, it Amanda Bailey from Mark Nelsons More than £10,000 has since who are willing to donate and patients in London are living through reading and writing. looked a bit like a bird mixed Veterinary Surgery on Woodville Road been raised through the give something to help others. It the worst possible ‘groundhog day’ as with a squashed lump of butter, has been put forward for the Pet Plan generosity of Palace fans, She had incorporated lettering TO FEED restores your faith in humanity. Covid-19 rates spark growing concerns do thats what I called him. awards as Receptionist of the Year. who have donated through and words into her artwork and about their physical and mental health. "It knocks you back a bit to see a JustGiving page www. tattoo designs doing a a variety "Later in the year for Xmas I 27,000 the scale of the need even in justgiving.com/campaign/ Recent research by Macmillan Cancer of jobs to pay the bills while got a set of spiky steampunk this local area." palacekitchen to help fund this Support has revealed the continuing continuing to practice her art. goggles for my goddaughter, amazing project. toll of the ongoing coronavirus crisis on who has a lot of red curly hair. The Palace Kitchen was set Bea who meets the people with cancer, with many facing up with funding from the club Meals from the Palace Buttersquelch called Boil in "A couple of days after I was Then I added a few more anxiety, disruption to care, and the and individual shareholders, Kitchen have been her garden and after sharing lying in bed ready to fall asleep illustrations and sent it off. disconcerting experience of going through to cover the costs of distributed to ten local a sandwich in Bea’s Grandad’s I had the idea for a line...., 'Bea diagnosis and treatment alone. "Now I'm here, with a book, purchasing fresh ingredients, charities and organisations new book penned by a shed, they get sucked down stared at the Buttersquelch talking to you! It's very exciting ‘mind-blowing’ effort to feed families struggling preparing nutritious meals identified by Croydon Alocal author features an the back of an old armchair, and the Buttersquelch stared and I just want everyone that Aproviding thousands of throughout February, and and safely packing and Council, including the Legacy imaginary creature called the which turns out to be a portal. straight back"... And I thought, local people in need with helped prepare meals. Buttersquelch who befriends Hang on a sec, that's an labelling them ready for Youth Zone, on Whitehorse The illustrated book follows healthy and nutritious collection and distribution. Road which supports local an eight-year-old girl. opening line to a story... "It is a sweet story about Since being launched last the pair as they arrive in reads it to find it as funny as I do. food has won the praise of families in poverty. friendship, bit being scared year, Palace Kitchen has Sarah, a local mother, was one Bea and the Buttersquelch is Boils’ world, populated by “Then I just carried on writing. premiership football player of things that are new, eating delivered more than 27,000 of Palace Kitchen’s earliest At the end of January Legacy Inklebinks and Megabinksadn I had no plan, so even half way Joel Ward and sleeping a lot, and about meals, providing a lifeline to recipients last spring, having lost reached a milestone of Thornton Heath and: “It’s a story and their adventure begins. through I had no idea how it having a good sense if energy." The CPFC right back visited the vulnerable individuals and about friendship, imagination, would end, I just knew that it her job at the start of lockdown distributing 10,000 meals with the first book of Sam Hash, from To celebrate publication of the Palace Kitchen, which it’s just families, including the elderly, playing outside, and laughing. made me laugh, and I mean The book is available to whilst pregnant and with a two- its Big Love Kitchen Cares Project book Sam had a design of the those in emergency housing It is also about sleeping well, really laugh a lot, so carried on. buy from Foyles and retails year-old daughter at home. preparing daily hot meals the Buttersquelch tattooed on eating well and about not being at £11.50. Contact Sam via her arm! Amanda is the friendly face of the been confirmed will continue scared of the dark”. Facebook @samHash2020 practice and is always there to help and Trent Lavender Hill Forty Hall Albany Gunpowder At one point this Park Cemetery Park Park Park customers, human and furry, who ere full Monken Hadley Common Hilly Fields Trent Lavender Hill Forty Hall Albany Gunpowder Darren Randon from Thornton Heath, who Cemetery Park Park Park Park fixed trainer glider Park King George’s Field Monken of praise for her kindness. HELP THE 44TH CROYDON AIR Hadley Common Hilly Fields Bury Park Barnet The Hawk was at the back of cared for his mum Cheryl when she was King George’s Field Playing Fields Bush Hill Park Wood Wood Barnet Elstree Deacons Hill Bury Bush Hill Park GrangeThe Hawk Wood Powell’s Playing FieldsOpen Space Open Space Wood Oakwood Forest Elstree Deacons Hill Grange Playing Fields Powell’s Epping GRANGEWOOD ON THE GREEN LINE Open Space Open Space Oakwood Forest Park Playing Fields Moat Wood Epping Forest Moat Wood Park Barnet Gate Jubilee Park Roding Valley Barnet Gate JubileeOpen Park Space Forest Roding Valley diagnosed with Neuroendocrine tumours in Open Space Grovelands Open Grovelands Open The Petplan Veterinary Awards recognise scout hut which Pearson’s Pearson’sOxhey Harrow Weald BentleyOxhey Priory Harrow Weald BentleyWood Priory Wood Meadows Hainault Forest South Meadows Hainault Forest South Wood Woods Common Open Space Scratch ScratchPark Space Nature Reserve CountryPark Park Park Foxburrow Wood Wood Woods WoodCommon Open Space Tottenham Park Space Nature Reserve Country Park Park Foxburrow Wood Stanmore Cemetery Tottenham Park Common Thistle Totteridge Brook Farm Brunswick Park Wood Fields Open Space Stanmore Cemetery Wood Totteridge MansfieldBrook Farm Brunswick Park Havering Bishop’s Lockwell Stony Heriot’s Arnos Park Thistle Nut Wood Common Pymmes Park Country Park Wood Wood Wood Wood Canons Park Fields Open Space Central 2017, spoke of the support she had received Country Park Wood Park the hard work and dedication of veterinary green version of the iconic London tube map which offers Mansfield Havering was used by the Park SCOUTS REACH FOR THE SKY Bishop’s Lockwell Chandos RecreationStony Heriot’s Lordship Bruce Epping Forest Arnos Park Bedfords Park Pinner Nut Wood Pymmes Park Country Park Ruislip Wood Wood Ground Wood Wood Canons Park Recreation Castle Public Open Park Wood Wood Harold Central Woods Ground Park Space Fairlop Waters Park Country Park Court Northway Tottenham Country Park Bedfords Park Park Queensbury Gardens Alexandra Park Chandos Recreation Marshes Lordship Bruce Harold Woods Epping Forest Pinner Brent Park GroundWestbury Downhills Walthamstow Recreation RaphaelCastle Park Wood staff across the UK and received 13,238 for from Macmillan:“My mum accessed the Public Open then scouts for an alternative way to get around the city using green Park Ruislip Wetlands Park Pages Harefield Park Wood Wood Reserve Park Lodge Farm Park Warrender Kenton Recreation Woodcock Highgate Wood Ground Park Wood Space Harold A Moor Woods Hendon Park Finsbury Park Fairlop Waters scout group which is celebrating its the scouts are Park Ground Park Queen’s Wood Epping ForestNorthway Tottenham Court Parkland Walk Valentines Country Park Kenwood Woodberry Springfield Woods Brent House ParkQueensbury Park Gardens AlexandraPark Park Marshes Harold Reservoir Highgate Cemetery Wetlands Upminister Hall Roxbourne Alexandra Lowlands Recreation Fryent WaterlowPark Park Clissold BrentMillfields Playing Fields nominations. Raphael Park Wood Macmillan Support Line and was left routes features a Thornton Heath park. Walthamstow training purposes. Colne Valley Park Park Ground Country Park Westbury Park Hackney Park Downhills Regional Park Gladstone Golders Hill Park Hampstead Park Park Pages King Downs Hackney ReserveEastbrookendPark Wetlands Harefield Park Heath Gillespie Abney Upminister Park Lodge Farm Park birthday with the redevelopment relocating to WarrenderBarham One Tree Edward Kenton RecreationBelsize Marshes Highgate Wood Country Park Wood Denham Woodcock Park Park Moor Park Hill Rec. Gr. VII Park Wood Wanstead Harrow Country Park Park Ground Highbury HendonCem. Park Queen’s Wood TheFinsbury Chase ParkLodge Park A Park Queen Flats Gaynes Parkway Epping Forest Nature Reserve completely in awe of the information and Fields Kingsland Elizabeth Kenwood Parkland Walk Springfield Valentines Basin London Victoria Olympic Plashet Greatfields Woodberry Northala Fields Perivale Wood Roundwood Camley Street Brent Hornchurch Park Natural Park Reserve Fields Park Park House Park Park Park Old Dagenham Park Park Park Primrose Hill Highgate Cemetery Wetlands Country Park Marnham Fields ShoreditchReservoir Upminister Hall of its headquarters is appealing for Berwick temporary The Greenground Map created walking distances between Fryent Mark Nelson customers were quick to Roxbourne Alexandra Lowlands Recreation Park Waterlow Park Pitshanger Park Kensal Green Clissold Woods Millfields Playing Fields King George's Little Haggerston Beam Valley Colne Valley Park Park CemeteryGround CountryRegent’s Park Mile West Ham Field Venice Park Central Park ParkCountry Park Hackney Park Regional Park Park GladstoneEnd Golders HillPark Park Hampstead Minet Wormwood Russell Festival Park Downs Hackney Eastbrookend Brent Valley Park Scrubs KingSquare Heath Huntsmoor Country Gardens Park Three Mills GreenBelsize & Gillespie Abney Upminister Park Park Acton KensingtonBarhamAvondale One Tree EdwardVictoria Emb. Tower Three Mills Island Marshes Country Park volunteers to support young people Park DenhamStockley Lake Farm Brent Lodge Limehouse New Beckton Park premises. by Helen Ilus has ‘green lines’ parks, plus it plots ferry piers, Park congratulate Amanda. Spikes Hamlets Park Country Park Country Park Memorial Park Park Gardens Wood Harrow Bridge Park Park Park Hill Rec.St. Gr. James’sVII Park Basin Cemetery Park Wanstead Country Park Ealing Park Cem. Brent River Park Holland Limmo Peninsula Highbury Queen The Chase Lodge Park Common Manorway Thamesmead Crossness Rainham Flats Gaynes Parkway Glade Lane Elthorne Park Park Canary Eco Park Green Ecology Nature Reserve Nature Reserve Southfields Stave Hill Fields KingslandMarshes Elizabeth Canalside Park Wharf Study Area Walpole Park Park Kensington Hyde Park Green Park Millennium Eco Park Woolwich Ferry Basin London Olympic Plashet Greatfields Lammas Park Gardens Bridge Roundwood North Pier Camley Street Rainham Victoria continue to enjoy scouting for decades which represent the connections kayaking and swimming spots NorthalaBoston Fields Gunnersbury Perivale Wood Victoria Tower Tabard Deptford Woolwich Ferry Frank’s Park Marshes Hornchurch The phone line is manned by specially Osterley Archbishop's Reserve Park Old Dagenham Park Fields Park Park Cranford Country Manor Park Gardens Garden Park South Pier Park Park Park SouthwarkPark Natural Park Nature Reserve Country Park Park Park Primrose Hill Marnham Fields Kennington Park Shoreditch with different air Avenue Chiswick Ravenscourt Park Brompton Winn’s Since March Park Vauxhall Park Park Greenwich Pier Hannah Sharma said:Berwick “A well deserved financial support she received." Duke’s House Furnival Greenwich Pen. Maryon Cemetery Common Park Pitshanger Park Greenwich Park Eco Park Park Woolwich River Crane Syon Park Meadows GardensKingGardens George'sBishops Park Kensal Green Little Common East Wickham Haggerston Woods Park Regent’s Open Space Mile West Ham Beam Valley to come. between parks that could be as well as places for bird Cadogan Pier Myatt's Fields Burgess TelegraphCemetery Hill Venice Charlton & trained cancer nurses and counsellors who Field Eltham Common Park Central Park Balancing Battersea Park Park Park Blackheath Hornfair Park Park Park Country Park Moormead and Bandy Wandsworth Crayford Marshes End Reservoir Kew £ London £ Nunhead Recreation Ground Park Wandsworth RuskinWormwood Park Oxleas Woods Russell Park activities with Minet Gardens Wetland Centre Cemetery Hilly Fields Park & Meadow Festival with Covid-19 Honslow Common nominee. Amanda is always so welcoming Putney Bridge Heath Nature Richmond Brent Valley Park Brockwell Park Scrubs Square Barnes Cray Kneller Country Putney Pier Peckham Danson Gardens Three Mills Green & Huntsmoor Reserve Gardens Landing Stage Eltham Park Bedfont Lakes Park Acton Rye Park Kensington Avondale ParkVictoria Emb.Hall Place Tower Three Mills Island walked and cycled. watching and viewpoints. Park Stockley Lake FarmMarble Hill Putney Heath Clapham are there for anyone affected by or worried Country Park Limehouse Crane Park Spikes Brent Lodge Park Ladywell Fields Avery Hill & Gardens New Beckton Park Common Dulwich Memorial Park Park Hamlets Country Park Country Park King George's One Park Gardens Ham Richmond Park Park Park St. James’s Basin Park Bridge Park Park Ealing Tree Hill Blythe Hill Fields Cemetery the older aged young people having Lands Tooting Bec Park The history of the Thornton Heath based restrictions the group’s activities have Hanworth Park Horniman Limmo Peninsula and kind, she is an absolute credit to the Teddington Brent River Park Holland Garratt Park CommonCommon Museum Waterlink Way Churchfield Manorway Thamesmead Crossness Fulwell Lock Eco Park Rainham Glade Lane Elthorne Park West Norwood Gardens Park Wood Canary Green Ecology Nature Reserve Park Wimbledon Wimbledon Wandle Meadow Beckenham Downham Scadbury Park Foots Cray Stave Hill Marshes about cancer, every day of the week. and Putney Park SouthfieldsCemetery Canalside Park WalpoleNature Park Park Crystal Palace Place Park Fields Nature Reserve Meadows Millennium Wharf Study Area Commons Park Kensington Hyde Park Green Park Eco Park Woolwich Ferry Canbury Streatham Park Lammas Park Common Gardens Bridge North Pier Rainham Croydon 44th Air Scout Group began been limited to online with weekly Zoom Grangewood Park is just one Helen, a graphic designer Gardens Cator Park Victoria Tower Tabard Deptford surgery.” Frank’s Park Bushy Park Boston Gunnersbury Whitehall Woolwich Ferry Marshes Kingston Osterley South Archbishop's Hampton Court Pier Croydon RecreationGardens Garden Park Cranford Country Bridge Manor Park Norwood Lake Road South Pier Nature Reserve Surbiton Park Morden Hall Ground Park Southwark & Grounds Rec. Gr. Church House Hawkwood Park Cemetery Park Park Gardens Estate Kennington Park Avenue Chiswick Ravenscourt Park Brompton Winn’s Hogsmill Kelsey Park PettsVauxhall Wood Park Park Greenwich Pier Redhill, microlights in Kent and gliders in Park Cannon Hill Ravensbury Mitcham Grangewood Park South Norwood Greenwich Pen. Maryon when it leased the hut on Hythe Road meetings with presentations from: ‘Space Macmillan estimates that around a of 400 iconic parks and open moved to London in 2010 Duke’s House Furnival Cemetery Common Public Jubilee Common Park Common Country Park Greenwich Park Woolwich River Crane Open Space Meadows Gardens Gardens Bishops Park Country Park Eco Park Park Syon ParkWatermeads Mill Green Common East Wickham Park Hogsmill Nature Reserve Bromley Sara-jayneOpen Space Richards said:“Congratulations Open Space Watercress Common Cadogan RoundaboutPier Myatt's Wood Fields Burgess Charlton & Park Wandle Park Telegraph Hill Blackheath Eltham Common Balancing Tolworth Foxes Kennel SparrowBattersea Park Park Park Hornfair Park Hampshire. Court FarmMoormead and Bandy Beddington Park Wood Crayford Marshes from the Air Training Corp . Dave’ from a space centre in New Zealand, flown in Cessna 4 seater airplanes out of quarter of a million people with cancer in spaces across London to and walked every day to work Wood WoodWandsworthSpring Park Reservoir Kew London £ Hogsmill & The Grange£ Nunhead Oxleas Woods Recreation Ground Park WandsworthHayes Darrick Ruskin Park Riverside Nonsuch Gardens WetlandWaddon PondsCentre Hilly Fields Park Honslow Open Space Common Wood Cemetery & Meadow Park Addington Coney Hall Common Amanda you are always so Happy to see Gus Park Hill LloydPutney Bridge Brockwell Park Heath Nature Richmond Hills Recreation Barnes Cray Kneller Park ParkPutney Pier Peckham Danson Reserve Gardens Landing Stage Heathfield Ground High Elms Eltham Park the London Air Ambulance team and the UK are having to shield with at least appear on the map. for two years. House Country Park Rye Park Park GREENGROUNDBedfont Lakes Hall Place Marble Hill Putney BramleyHeath Bank Keston Clapham Country Park Crane Park Nature Reserve Common Ladywell Fields & Gardens The Oaks Common Dulwich Avery Hill They also had the privilege to support Park Croham Hurst Part of the requirement was for there to One when he comes xx" Park Selsdon King George's Park MAP* Ham RichmondWoods Park Park Banstead Littleheath Wood Park Tree Hill Blythe Hill Fields Downs Lands Woods survival techniques shared by members Hanworth Park Ruffett Tooting Bec 150,000 people newly diagnosed with Horniman Teddington Wood Kings *Unofficial London Greenground Map Garratt Park Common Museum Waterlink Way Churchfield Fulwell Lock Wood be an Air Scout Group in residence so the local air shows at Biggin Hill as well The nature-loving map has According to London National inspired by #NationalParkCity Coulsdon South Gardens Wood Park Memorial Recreation Ground Wimbledon Wimbledon West Norwood & contributed by Londoners Betts Mead Riddlesdown Wandle Meadow Beckenham Downham Scadbury Park Foots Cray Farthing Recreation Ground andWood Putney Park Cemetery The idea of the London Greenground Map Nature Park Crystal Palace Place Park Fields Nature Reserve Meadows of the Royal Navy Marines. cancer since March and tens of thousands is to inspire walking and cycling between Downs Kim Smith said:"Well done Amanda you Commons parks & open spaces and use of waterways. Streatham Park The creative greenground lines invite Canbury to see London as one connected Common as visiting aviation sites including DevilsdenGardensHappy Coulsdon Kenley 44th Croydon Scouts were born, almost 12 lines outlining the city’s Park City, the Greenground green network. Cator Park Bushy Park Wood Valley Common Common Whitehall This is is a one person creative project Kingston South Croydon rooted on London Underground Map Hampton Court Pier Recreation and grown independently from ideas Bridge deserve it you are so kind and helpful and of people missing a cancer diagnosis they Ferry Pier Kayaking Bird watching of London National Park City. Thames Royal City Lea Bee Crane LOOP Norwood Lake Road Cycling Swimming Viewpoint Surbiton Morden Hall Ground Based on BeeLine Based on London LOOP & Grounds Rec. Gr. Church House Idea & design by Helen Ilus Walking £ Fees Grand Regent South CemeteryNorth Brent Wandle Hawkwood by default. Group Scout Leader Pat Stannard said: RAF Hendon, RAF Duxford, Tangmere, waterways, including the River map is mainly “an experiment @ TiCL.me / ©Park GiGL © TFL walking trail Gardens Estate Third version 05/2019 would otherwise have received, because Hogsmill Kelsey Park alsoPetts putWood your self out to help everyone Cannon Hill Ravensbury Mitcham Grangewood Park South Norwood Public Jubilee Common Park Common Country Park “We provide fun and adventure for young Newquay Aviation Museum and also Thames and Grand Regent to represent London’s green Open Space Country Park Watermeads Mill Green Hogsmill Nature Reserve Bromley In June the Croydon 44th Air Scout Group, Watercress youRoundabout are Wood amazing keep up the good work of the impact of the pandemic. Open Space Common Park Wandle Park people aged from six years and upwards toured the Air Sea Rescue helicopter Canal, and local outdoor spaces as a accessible map for Tolworth Foxes Kennel Sparrow Court Farm Beddington Park Wood Wood Spring Park Wood Hogsmill & The Grange formed from two groups merging, marks Hayes well done!" Darrick Riverside Nonsuch Waddon Ponds Open Space Common Wood while at an Air Camp in Cornwall. The Park Addington Coney Hall and outside of COVID restrictions they spaces nearby. Londoners, inspiring to take Park Hill Chris Payne, Support Line Manager at Lloyd Park Park Hills Recreation its 44th birthday while the Air Scouting Heathfield Ground High Elms GREENGROUND House Country Park will again be taking part in normal Beavers who are the younger aged have Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “For alternative, green route for Bramley Bank Keston Collie Harp: “Very worthy Amanda is the Nature Reserve Common The Oaks movement established in 1941 celebrate Greenground shows the Croham Hurst Park Selsdon MAP* Woods scouting activities, weekly meetings, plus visited Croydon Airport Museum. many, this pandemic feels like the worst commute or leisure.” Banstead Littleheath Wood loveliest woman and great with all our pets.” Downs Woods Ruffett its 80th anniversary this year. Wood Kings *Unofficial London Greenground Map Wood going on camps, enjoying a whole range of possible Groundhog Day. We want them to inspired by #NationalParkCity Coulsdon South Memorial Recreation Ground Pat added: "Scouting is about getting & contributed by Londoners Betts Mead Riddlesdown Farthing Wood The idea of the London Greenground Map Recreation Ground is to inspire walking and cycling between Downs The land the scout hut is situated on adventurous activities including, archery, know that they aren’t alone. parks & open spaces and use of waterways. The creative greenground lines invite to see London as one connected green network. Devilsden Happy Coulsdon Kenley Wood Valley Common Common is being redeveloped which means the climbing, undertaking new challenges, This is is a one person creative project rooted on London Underground Map happy place. All are welcome, no Anyone in need of cancer support can call and grown independently from ideas Ferry Pier Kayaking Bird watching of London National Park City. Thames Royal City Lea Bee Crane LOOP Cycling Swimming Viewpoint Based on BeeLine Based on London LOOP group will get a new building as part of making new friends and best of all Idea & design by Helen Ilus Walking £ Fees Grand Regent South North Brent Wandle involvedexperience and needed! hopefully finding your HELP DEVASTATED FAMILY FIND THEIR MISSING CAT COLA@ TiCL.me / © GiGL © TFL walking trail the Macmillan Support Line on Third version 05/2019 the housing development. earning badges to wear on their uniform." 0808 808 00 00, or visit family have been left Karina and Nigel Driscoll Sadly since appealing for sighting down Norbury Avenue devastated by the For the next two years while this happens In the past the group have been involved [email protected] www.community.macmillan.org.uk A brought the cat two years information they have also but the cat wasn’t her, it was a disappearance of their ago after their 11-year-old received a number of hoax calls. boy, there was also a sighting To find out more about volunteering email: missing cat Cola who daughter Melody died. in Crescent Way but we have Karina said: “One was someone vanished on Boxing Day. looked there and not seen any Mum Karina Marie explained that pretending to be the RSPCA why we love thornton heath she had hoped that Cola would saying that they have her and with 5 fruit trees we technically have Common but also have Crystal Palace support programmes for the over 50’s locally. help her other children with she has an injured paw, but it “The night she went missing cat fitting her description." an orchard, growing peaches, plums, Park, Addington Hills and South Norwood their grief and help them heal. wasn’t real, and we also had my husband was putting the We love the annual festivals such as those cherries, apples and pears. Country Park close at hand. someone call us saying they had bins out at 10pm, and she ran from the Sakthy Ghanapathy temple But now Cola has gone seen a Chinese man chasing out as he left the door open, Our garden is such an oasis, in the We have made great friends through and the Thornton Heath Festival which missing the children believe after Cola as she escaped from she never normally went out summer, you could be in deepest Kent dog walking, including Iain and Simon reminds us of Brixton in the 90’s before it that anything they love leaves his Chinese restaurant. that late and there has been listening to the birds and the bees who we spend many a happy New Years them just like their sister did no trace of her since.” and are ‘broken hearted’. “It has been so upsetting, so We only hope Thornton Heath doesn’t get around the area. was gentrified. these people that make hoax Cola was wearing a purple Here David Adair and Patrick Rodgers We even heard an owl a couple of weeks Cola went missing from the amongst the flora and fauna. Eve with watching the many fireworks calls not have a heart?” sparkly collar with a name tag explain Why They Love Thornton Heath. ago, yet walk outside the front door and One of us runs a Corporate Charitable so special is the people with the range of family home in Green Lane and heart charm on with her you have the lively multi-cultural buzz of Foundation and the other is in IT so it toocultures gentrified and ethnic as the diversity thing that including makes it and Karina is urging people to Karina added: “Cola is such a “We moved to Thornton Heath some 20 family details. She is spayed the Heath, Thornton Heath that is. is important to be able to get into town the food. check for the distinctive grey shy timid cat outside so it’s so years ago from Brixton to get a house and chipped. easily if we need to. and white chested cat, which hard to believe she would of We have a dog from Battersea Dogs The people are unpretentious and friendly, has white paws, in their sheds, gone into another house on her Please ring 07805 439091 if be too suburban. home and love walking him locally in We have been lucky enough to support local as the song says it is important ‘to be real’ garages and gardens. own accord. She’s been missing you have seen Cola or know with a garden and at first thought it might Grangewood Park, The Rec and Mitcham charities such as ASKI who run amazing and there is plenty of realness here!” However, we soon settled in and now for six weeks now. We had some her whereabouts. thornton heath's claim to the 'croydon de bruyne' FOOTBALLER REFUSES TO BE A 'TICK BOX' hey call him the remiership star Wilfried Zaha T'Croydon De Bruyne' but Psays it is "degrading" to have Arsenal’s rising star Emile to take a knee before every game Smith Rowe was actually and is fed up of being used to "tick born in Thornton Heath and boxes" without change happening. is another one of our small The Crystal Palace star, said he is town’s success stories. tired of having to kneel in order to The talented youngster who has show black people matter as much as been compared to Manchester are keen to have him speak on the Keven De Bruyne, joins the anyoneissue without else and enacting hit out anyat firms meaningful who City’sgrowing world list ofclass luminaries midfielder to His Arsenal career started back change. come out of The Ends who have in 2010 when he signed for Zaha, who grew up in Thornton Heath gone on to excel in the world the Gunners as a 10-year-old. has been the target of online racial of sport.Smith Rowe, 20, who was courted by His parents Fiona and Les, who both work in abuse a number of times - including Tottenham, Chelsea and Barcelona in his academy from a 12-year-old boy last year. days when just aged 15, has no problems with daily to drop off Emile at Hale End where comparisons to great players and relishes educationArsenal’s academy found it difficultis, so they to sotravel decided two hours to The 28-year-old speaking on The Judy learning from the very best in the game. relocate. They try to get to every game their son podcast, said: “The whole kneeling plays in and it is them who instilled in him the down - why must I kneel down for you While in Thornton Heath he played on Sunday's importance of hard work and respect. to show that we matter? Why must for Beckenham based Junior Elite FC founded I even wear Black Lives Matter on the back of my top to show you that we by the former professional footballer Colin As a shy teenager Smith Rowe was asked matter? This is all degrading stuff. Omogbehin whose other notable graduates where he was born, and to make the include Manchester United Aaron Wan-Bissaka, interviewer’s life as straightforward as “When people constantly want to get me to do Black Lives Matter talks and who also hails from Croydon and started his racial talks and I'm like, I'm not doing it just so you can put 'Zaha spoke for career at Crystal Palace. more recognisable than going into the details of us'. Like a tick box, basically. possible,Thornton he Heath. replied “Croydon”, figuring this was Omogbehin said of Smith Rowe who he “I'm not doing any more, because unless things change, I'm not coming to chat recognised as having ‘something special’. “He In a Sky interview recently, he said: “I’ve met a to you just for the sake of it, like all the interviews I've done. was never boastful. He was always humble. lot of big headed people and I really don’t want “All these platforms - you see what's happening, you see people making fake Always respectful. Credit must go to his mum to be like that. My family have helped me to accounts to abuse black people constantly, but you don't change it." and dad for that.” stay humble and keep my feet on the ground." fundraising campaign to support grassroots football fundraising virtual comedy night Seán Ryan, Commercial and Fundraising Ato support non league football club Manager, said: “We need to be innovative The Rams sold out raising £500. in generating funds over the coming months. Our virtual comedy night raised The Thornton Heath club has had to look some critical funds for the club at alternative ways of generating revenue with all football having been suspended "Like many clubs at our level, we hope during this latest lockdown. support through the Football Winter Grassroots sport has been badly affected toSurvival be successful Package. in .” securing financial AFC Croydon Athletic, which hasn’t had In November the government announced withany income finances since tight their for manylast home clubs game like at a £300 million injection of funding to from the 90 sold £8 ticket sales going to support spectator sports impacted by coronavirus restrictions. With no revenue coming in, the club has support the club. the Mayfield Stadium on October 31. turned to fundraising events to ensure The stellar line up included: Lloyd The club is also hoping to attract new it can continue to host football in a safe sponsors and is eager to work with local environment, when circumstances allow, comedian, impressionist and beatboxer businesses whose products and services DONNA'S PRIDE AT for the next generation of young people, can be promoted at the ground, on the Griffith:Stefano Paolini;star of Soccer Winner AM of onthe Sky 2019 Sports; their families and spectators. Funny Women Award Laura Smyth who club website or via social media. BECOMING AN OBE. featured on ITV’s Jonathan Ross Comedy Players training has also had to be be lympic athelete Donna Fraser who Club and Thanyia Moore star of BBC3s suspended for a couple of months, in Ogrew up and started her career in Thecomedians. first fundraiser The hour was and a avirtual half comedy comedy show Bamous, BBC 2’s Mock The Week accordance with regulations. Thornton Heath has been made an OBE nightspectacular featuring screened South viaLondon’s Zoom wasfinest and Channel 4’s TV documentary Black for services to equality, inclusion and hosted by MC Siôn James with proceeds British and Funny. diversity in the workplace. The former sprinter, who became PLAYER TO RUN EQUIVALENT OF JOHN O'GROATS TO LAND'S END UK Athletics’ Equality, Diversity and Engagement Lead in 2017, was among rugby player is collectively running the distance from had taken down the RFU’s returned to gardens. those to have received recognition in the John O’Groats to Land’s End, covering 874 miles, to raise “return to rugby” route A There are lots of plans in motion New Year Honours list. money for the charity Mind. reversed with all grassroots for events to mark the 150th Fortunately Streatham- seasons have been cancelled. The sprinter said: “I’m bursting with pride anniversary of the Club, which Croydon Rugby Football Club's to be recognised in the Queens New Year’s Streatham-Croydon RFC will of course be dependent on Adam Sheehy is joining with Honours List. Thank you all who have however continue to look to current restrictions easing. some friends who will share supported me on and off the track!” and invest in the future and with him running the distance. The club was also delighted to work continues apace at the announce that on the February Adam has been public in his Frant Road site, with clubhouse fourth in the 2000 Sydney Games and 6, SCRFC players Fran and tackling of mental health renovations, a new roof and Thecompeted Olympic at three400m other finalist, Olympics, who finished grew Craig Metcalfe – senior players issues by raising awareness brickwork restoration all up in Thornton Heath and was a pupil for the ladies and men’s 1st XVs of his own struggles and is beginning next week. Works to at Winterbourne Junior Girls School, St – became parents to Charlie raising money for a great improve playing surfaces are Mary’s Catholic High School and Croydon Metcalfe with the hope that the charity, writes Millie Ross. ongoing and new posts will be College. She raced for Croydon Harriers next generation of players is installed on both pitches. Athletics Club. The latest lockdown imposed well under way! in early January, meant that Paxton Academy have moved Donna has continued to support Thornton A link to donate to Adam's can players were unable to train to their new site on London Heath working with local schools be found on the SCRFC social together and the steps they Road and the space will be including the Gonville Academy. media sites.