Issue 53 - March 2012

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

WIN Tickets to see Sweeney Todd page 17

Council tax - held at 0% again See page 6 The Diamond Jubilee - cooking up a great day See page 8 2 yourcroydon March 2012 | Your Croydon

Contents Useful contacts For police, fire brigade, ambulance, call: 999 or 112, Text phone 1800 Working harder for you . .6 Croydon Council general enquiries Despite a financial climate that 020 8726 6000 continues to be hostile, with no immediate change in sight, Croydon’s Croydon NHS Walk-in Centre council tax rise stands at 0% – for the 020 3040 0800 second year running. NHS Direct 0845 4647 Celebrate the Queen’s big date . . 8 Croydon University Hospital 020 8401 3000 The borough is on celebration alert for 2012 as people get set to mark the Queen’s diamond Get in touch jubilee with the biggest and best To get in touch with the Your Croydon street parties. editorial team, email: yourcroydon@croydon .gov .uk or call 020 8760 5644 Wish you were here? ...... 12 If you have any concerns or observations The Frank Denning Memorial Trust is once again regarding the distribution or delivery of offering help to students keen to undertake Your Croydon, please send an email to natalie .rogers@satellitedistribution .co .uk foreign travel. or call 020 7372 4776

Your Croydon welcomes letters for publication. Civic awards ...... 14 They should be no more than 200 words. Receipt of a letter (in print or by email) does not guarantee Your chance to vote for your local hero – a volunteer, inclusion. The right to edit letters is reserved, as or voluntary group, who has provided an exemplary is the editor’s right of reply. Letters from known service to others in the community. politicians and political groups will not be published. Post your letters, including your name and address, to Your Croydon, 7th Floor, , Park Lane, Croydon CR9 3JS. Competition . .17 . You could win tickets to see Take advantage of our the ever-popular Michael Ball starring in a new West competitive advertising rates End production of Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd. FULL HALF QUARTER page from £1,260 page from £630 page from £315 183x270mm 183x127mm 90x127mm If you would like your business to benefit from advertising Fostering ...... 20 . in one of the country’s leading community publications and would like more information, a copy of our rate card or a Separate the facts from booking form, please call: Paula Howell & 020 8760 5644 the fiction around making a This publication is printed on environmentally friendly, rewarding career out of offering TCF (totally chlorine free) paper, produced from a support and a short-term home to sustainable source. When you have finished with this newspaper please recycle it. borough children. 111043/150M/3 www.croydon.gov.uk yourcroydon 3 Council tax – it’s 0% for second year running

One of the most The town centre will benefit from substantial regeneration investment, important tasks I face as making it more accessible and leader of the council is attractive to outside investment. the annual setting of the We’ll continue to deliver on our council tax . In addition commitment for major investment in our roads, along with the replacement to taking into account of all our street lighting and the services that you, as improvements to our parks. We’ve put a residents, have highlighted Also, a new swimming pool, leisure lot of effort into as priorities, I have to centre and affordable housing are keeping council tax being built in ; there are new consider the borough’s bills down because trams for our hugely popular and we know from current and future needs . much-admired network; and we’ll help people celebrate two major events speaking to people A balance has to be struck between who work hard to these factors and the need to keep this year – the 2012 Olympics household bills down in these difficult and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. pay their way that financial times. We’ve put a lot of effort into they expect us to There are real pressures on public keeping council tax bills down because deliver value for services and this is why I asked, we know from speaking to people money – and they through our consultation processes, who work hard to pay their way that they expect us to deliver value for have a right to hold for your assistance in helping me make us to account on the right decisions. Your responses will money – and they have a right to hold mean that we continue to prioritise us to account on that promise. that promise. the resources of the council, on your Therefore, for the second successive behalf, on the services which most year, I’m pleased to say that there will matter to you. be no increase in council tax. This has not, however, been easy. Difficult decisions have had to be made – and further tough choices will be required in the future. We’ve been able to balance the budget for 2012/13 through a relentless focus on efficiencies, and Councillor Mike Fisher continuing to trim waste wherever Leader of the council we find it. This has enabled significant investments for our borough in your priority areas. Education will benefit from a considerable programme of capital investment delivering extended primary schools, new secondary schools and a new school for children with special educational needs. 4 yournews March 2012 | Your Croydon

Blue badges overhauled Help with new TV signal The blue badge disabled The key changes include: parking permit scheme that • badges being produced Cost and the loss of for six months or more; allows people with disabilities centrally, with none produced favourite TV programmes or are registered blind or to park close to where they by local councils; are major concerns when partially sighted. need to be, has recently • a new design and format TV signals switch from The scheme’s website undergone major changes making forgery more difficult; analogue to digital. (www .helpscheme .co .uk/ following a government • changes to how medical With the switch en/eligibility) contains a review. eligibility is assessed. scheduled for April in the checklist detailing who may There are about 11,000 Consultation with the London region, people, have to pay. blue badge holders in borough’s permit holders elderly residents in To find out what your Croydon, and the changes has produced a series of particular, are concerned as digital options are, visit ensure that those who are recommendations that the to how they will be affected. www .digitaluk .co .uk or call entitled to a badge receive council will consider before The switchover will Digital UK on 0845 650 one, while, at the same time, deciding if charges need to be enable virtually all homes 5050 . reducing the potential for reviewed. to receive digital TV free via • (See Don’t get duped in the fraud and forgery. For information on matters their existing aerial. switch to digital, page 18) Previously, permits were including eligibility and badge The Switchover Help handwritten and made from renewals, visit www .croydon . Scheme can help to convert card, but the new design is gov .uk/bluebadge the TVs of people aged 75 or electronically printed, much older to digital. like a driving licence, and Others who may be has security features such eligible are those who as a hologram, digital photo receive disability living and serial number. allowance, attendance The new features allow allowance, constant parking attendants to attendance allowance or check for genuine badges mobility supplement; or more easily through the have lived in a care home windscreen. Asthma resources Get Up & Go! A special pack for people asthma is, its triggers and with learning disabilities treatments, and how to look With the days getting longer All have fully qualified who have asthma has been after your asthma; as we pull away from the instructors and are held made available by a national • an Asthma Attack card clutches of winter, what better in a fun and relaxing charity. detailing what to do in the time to take the first steps to a environment. Using easy-to-read event of an asthma attack; fitter, healthier future? The programme offers a language and illustrations, • an Inhalers Card – a handy To help achieve that, the range of community-based the pack helps people with tool to remind people when to council’s sport and physical exercise classes, costing from learning disabilities manage take their inhalers. activity team has published £4.20 to £5. their asthma more effectively. The free pack can be the third edition of the Get Up The benefits of physical The All About Asthma pack ordered at www .asthma .org . & Go! physical activity guide. activity are many, including contains: uk/easytoread or by calling Packed with a variety of improved energy levels • a booklet explaining what 0800 121 6255. physical activity opportunities and decreased stress levels; in the borough – from free weight loss and control; cycling lessons to outdoor gyms improvements to mental Meet up at The Big Meet – the guide can be picked up, health and wellbeing; New friendships, new skills courses – including basic free of charge, increased and new opportunities – computer skills, health and sport & phys cali act v ty from libraries, i i fitness levels; these are just some of the exercise, crime prevention

GP and dental phys ical act v ty gu de a boosted i i APRIL - SEPTEMBER 2012 i things on offer to the over and arts and crafts – The

surgeries, and the immune 50s at The Big Meet. Big Meet offers people the Healthy Living system; and Funded by Croydon chance to mix socially with Hub in Croydon decreased risk Council and organised by like-minded souls. Clocktower. of developing Kingdom Life City Church, The Big Meet sessions are The courses type 2 diabetes. The Big Meet is part of a usually free, and run twice on offer are For more new community initiative – a week during school term aimed at information, The Big Connect – aiming time at Bramley Hall, in introducing email ashley . to help people aged 50 or Bramley Hill, Croydon. adults to gordon@ more, of all cultures and For more information, call exercise and croydon .gov .uk backgrounds, to connect. 020 8686 4010 or send an physical or call 020 8667 In addition to a range of email to tbm@klcc .org .uk activity. 8416. www.croydon.gov.uk yournews 5

Croydon thanks recycling residents Tramtastic! New model unveiled The people of Croydon have rolling out of the service to The first fruits of Croydon’s Passengers travelling once again proved their green blocks of flats, even more £3m investment in new trams between credentials by helping to people will be able to recycle has arrived and undergone and the retail recycle thousands of tonnes of their food waste. initial testing. parks will also enjoy a more food waste. Pupils will also be able to Ordered to ease peak-time comfortable journey and In the first 14 weeks get involved, with a food- congestion on the borough’s shorter waiting times, with of the council’s new food- waste collection pilot due to network, the tram arrived an extra four trams per hour waste collection, launched be introduced at a number of in January from the Berlin running on Line 4 between in October, more than 3,000 schools. factory in which it was built. 7am and 7pm. tonnes was recycled into Current projections, All six of the new models Longer by 2.5m than nutrient-rich agricultural including estimates from the – bought in partnership with the existing trams, they are fertiliser. new flats’ service, show that Transport for London and air-conditioned, and provide This represents massive the council will meet its target costing a total of £16.3m – easier access for passengers. savings, both financially to divert 12,000 tonnes of are expected to have been • Two hundred metres of track – saving £154,450 in that food waste in the first year. delivered by June. replacement work recently period – and in terms of For more information When fully operational, completed in George Street and greenhouse gas emissions. about recycling, visit www . they will relieve crowding on Crown Hill will mean a more And, with last month’s croydon .gov/recycling the busiest part of the network reliable service and smoother – the approaches to East and ride for passengers, as well as New round of Question Time West Croydon stations. less wear and tear on trams. Would you like to have the (Holmesdale), 2 Oliver chance to talk, face-to-face, Avenue, SE25 to the people that make the 6TY decisions for the council? • Tuesday 22 May – St Are there any issues that Andrew's CE High School, you would like to see the use the Waynflete Avenue council tackling more, or are entrance, Waddon CR0 4BH. there any areas of Croydon The events will run that you think could do with from 7.30 to 9pm, and some extra attention? refreshments will be Speak to members of the provided. cabinet and senior council You can register On track: tram rails have been replaced in Crown Hill and George Street officers about the issues and to attend by emailing services that matter most to communications@croydon . you at a Croydon Question gov .uk or you can simply Time event. turn up on the night, but • Tuesday 13 March – please note that places will be Wolsey Junior School, allocated on a first-come/first­ King Henry’s Drive, New served basis. Addington CR0 0PH For more information • Tuesday 15 May – South visit www .croydon .gov .uk/ Norwood Baptist Church questiontime Striving for a better world for all In recognition of the recent International Day of Disabled Persons, students celebrated by pursuing leisure activities while impeding their actions. The college common room hosted an awareness event putting able-bodied students in the shoes of those with disabilities. Student Nicholas Dowry, Students enjoyed their 17, found the challenge everyday leisure activities, harder than he had such as playing table tennis, anticipated: “Playing pool audio typing and playing blindfolded is very hard. pool, while being blindfolded “It’s given me a deeper to experience a day in the experience of the everyday life of a disabled person. life of blind people." 6 yourcounciltax March 2012 | Your Croydon WORKING HARDER for you

For the second year running, The council has successfully been a long drive to bring value council tax bills in Croydon kept council tax rises at 0% for money into everything done are to be frozen, meaning the because it knows that is what on behalf of residents. services that taxpayers receive residents want, and there has We have also prioritised from the council will cost them the things that matter most to not a penny more. you – after consulting residents After months of making throughout the year on which difficult decisions, prompted by services they value the most. continuing national reductions Despite the economic in public spending, Croydon pressures the council finds Council has delivered a budget itself under there is still a huge that will be welcome news for amount of investment taking local taxpayers. place in our borough – in our It has been a tough year for schools, on our roads and in many and there are more hard regeneration. days ahead as the national The council is putting in Street lighting: renewing all the deficit is tackled, and the council more primary school places borough’s lamp standards . attempts to make the necessary where they are needed and We have also secured savings forced upon it. building new schools. £23m for major improvement Since 2006, the council All of the borough’s street works for the town centre, has worked hard to bring its lights are being replaced and and invested in new trams to finances under greater control, a new swimming pool and help reduce overcrowding on a saving more than £50m over Street cleansing: keeping the affordable homes will open in transport network that is the the past five years. borough’s streets clean . Waddon later this year. envy of the rest of the country.

ValuationValuation Band cost changerise ValuationValuation Band cost changerise A £973.29£971.22 0% E £1,784.36£1,780.57 0% B £1,135.51£1,133.10 0% F £2,108.79£2,104.31 0% C £1,297.71£1,294.95 0% G £2,433.22£2,428.05 0% D £1,459.93£1,456.83 0% H £2,919.86£2,913.66 0% * Incuding reduction of 1% in Mayor of London's precept. www.croydon.gov.uk yourcounciltax 7

What you get for your council tax In the past 12 Council services used: months your Tracey & Housing £1,917 Darren Benefits £354 council has… Early years & pre-school services £4,644 Ofsted judgement of children’s services Waste collection & recycling £203 across Croydon improved from Protecting you and the community “adequate” to “performing well”. and tackling crime £42 Street cleaning and Commissioned £1.2m-worth of new road maintenance £134 early-intervention services to support Parks, leisure and the arts £98 families. Tracey and Darren are housing association Library services £188 tenants. They receive a number of benefits, and Achieved highest council tax collection have two young children. They rely on public Total £7,580 in history in Croydon. transport. Council tax paid (Band B) £1,130 Continued to provide high-quality Council services used: adult learning services across the borough. Adult education £63 Rebecca Waste collection & recycling £203 Implemented public realm Protecting you and the community improvement scheme in Purley. and tackling crime £42 Street cleaning and Delivered first cabinet roadshow road maintenance £134 events across borough. Parks, leisure and the arts £98 Library services £94 Completed 70 homes through the council’s own new-build programme – Total £634 Rebecca is a young, single professional. She uses the majority of which are large homes Council tax paid (Band A) £730* the gym at her local leisure centre, continues to for overcrowded families. study, and is concerned about the environment. * with 25% single person's discount Completed a major investment Trevor & Council services used: programme in council homes which Schools £8,850 ensured that all met the government ’s Jane Youth services £355 decent homes standard and were Waste collection & recycling £203 energy efficient. Protecting you and the community Continued to achieve high standards of and tackling crime £42 street cleansing and graffiti removal, Street cleaning and road maintenance £134 as recognised by the Tidy Britain Parks, leisure and the arts £98 Group. Library services £188 Trevor and Jane are in their 30s. They own Employed 71 apprentices across the Total £9,870 their house. They both work, and their children organisation Council tax paid (Band D) £1,460 are at school. Responded as one team to the Council services used: aftermath of the riots to assist more Roger, than 100 displaced households and Concessionary fare including Freedom Pass £654 Penelope 250 businesses. Care services for & Iris Adopted East Croydon Masterplan in older people £8,439 March, and West Croydon Masterplan Waste collection & recycling £203 in June. Protecting you and the community and tackling crime £42 Bought six new trams to create Line 4 Street cleaning and – Elmers End to Therapia Lane. road maintenance £134 Parks, leisure and the arts £98 Roger and Penelope are in their late 60s. They Worked with the Parish Church to Library services £188 own their own house and Roger’s 89-year-old enable it to become a Minster. mother Iris lives with them. Iris goes to a day Total £9,758 centre a couple of times a week, and three Achieved 100% success for pollution Council tax paid (Band E) £1,780 days a week receives Meals on Wheels while prosecutions. Roger and Penelope are at work. 8 yourdiamondjubilee March 2012 | Your Croydon A diamond time for all With the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee set to crown the year, the Big Lunch promises to have an extra special touch of class this summer.

When the historians sit down In addition to days of encouraging residents to get to write up the account of the celebration being held across involved in supporting the Last year, the 21st century, 2012 will figure the country from 2 to 5 Big Jubilee Lunch in Croydon. royal wedding and prominently because of two June, Buckingham Palace is With the aim of making it significant events. coordinating a programme of really simple to apply to hold Big Lunch saw Obviously, London’s events including: a party, the council will even communities from staging of the Olympic • Big Jubilee Lunch street cover the costs of closing Games will get a mention, parties on 3 June; your road and will provide all corners of the but another event, arguably • A Diamond Jubilee Pageant you with road closure signs – borough taking even more important, will on the Thames; and saving your street more than be the Diamond Jubilee of • The lighting of 2,012 £1,000. advantage of some Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth beacons across the United All it takes is a 10-minute fabulous summer II, as she completes an Kingdom. visit to www .croydon .gov .uk/ incredible 60 years as the Croydon’s Diamond diamondjubilee or a call to weather United Kingdom’s head Jubilee celebrations will be the team of customer services of state. closely linked with other advisers, and the rest will be activities planned for 2012, done for you. including the London New You will just need to say Year’s Day Parade, and where the event is to be held, the borough’s activities to what sort of facilities will celebrate the Olympics. be offered – such as if you Keeping in line with the plan to sell alcohol or intend over-riding royal jubilee to provide catering from an theme, for this year’s outside source – and when Big Lunch the council is you want to hold it. www.croydon.gov.uk yourdiamondjubilee 9 A diamond time for all For the answers to frequently asked questions, or a list of available green my council... spaces, visit: www .croydon . gov .uk/diamondjubilee where you will also learn how to: “...makes life easier” • safely stage events; • arrange road closures; and • There is no need to fill out multiple, complicated forms • arrange the use of land – just visit www.croydon.gov.uk/diamondjubilee, around your estate. complete the simple online application, and the rest Alternatively, will be taken care of. call 020 8726 6000. Last year, the royal • The charges usually applied to road closures will be wedding and Big Lunch waived – saving you more than £950. saw communities from all • Adequate signage will be provided for the closure of corners of the borough your road – saving you up to £150. taking advantage of some fabulous summer weather • If you can’t get to a computer, call 020 8726 6000 and to pool their resources the form will be completed for you. and simply sit down to eat and chat with people www .croydon .gov .uk/diamond jubilee they may see every day but, because of the busy lives we all lead, never really get planning to hold a street to know. party to mark the Diamond Useful links It is a simple, yet profound, Jubilee. Information on the Diamond Jubilee: act of community that can The Big Lunch website has www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG _ 197517 have a real impact – research a useful frequently-asked­ shows that when people get questions section, offering Information on the Big Lunch project: www.thebiglunch.com involved, they feel good, and advice on a range of issues, Organising street parties to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee: it has a noticeable effect on including the important www.croydon.gov.uk/diamondjubilee their area. subject of public liability Show your support and insurance. Or call the council on: 020 8726 6000. register your event at the You will also find details national Big Lunch website, of discounts arranged with or talk to the council if you’re insurers for you. 10 yourfuture March 2012 | Your Croydon Signingfor on a career Jobless youngsters are being thrown an employment lifeline with the launch of a local apprenticeship scheme.

A construction industry to ensure local people are Apprenticeship Week, the apprenticeships scheme is benefiting from training council, John Laing and bringing high-quality training opportunities. Reds10 announced the new and long-term, sustainable job Apprentices earn a CCurv Step (Sustainable Recently prospects to local people. wage and work alongside Training Employment Recently launched in experienced staff to gain job- Pathway) which will bring launched in Croydon Croydon in a partnership specific skills and nationally more and better opportunities in a partnership between the council, recognised qualifications. for Croydon apprentices. construction company John Sir Robert McAlpine has The programme will be between the council, Laing and the Croydon taken on an apprentice in its delivered with help from construction Council Urban Regeneration Croydon project office and Reds10, an award-winning company John Vehicle (CCurv), the scheme another two have been placed social enterprise that works offers youngsters a start in a with sub-contractor Imtech with leading contractors and Laing and the career, and is great news for Meica Ltd. developers. Croydon Council employers looking for skilled In addition, through work Changes in the workers. with Job Centre Plus and New construction industry have Urban Regeneration Young people in Croydon Addington Construction Skills made traditional full-term Vehicle (CCurv), are already learning “on the Centre, eight young people apprenticeships difficult job” as apprentices on two have been offered full-time to achieve because of the scheme offers major building projects – jobs at the Bernard Weatherill the involvement of many youngsters a start in House site. more sub-contractors and a career, and is great in central Croydon, and the On the Waddon site, 7% of shortened programmes. Waddon development. the workforce is on training This innovative news for employers Both are part of the schemes, and three apprentice agreement between CCurv looking for skilled council’s partnership with tradesmen have been placed and Reds10 will broker John Laing under the CCurv with sub-contractors. The apprenticeships across workers. banner. Waddon team has consistently multiple projects and CCurv has worked with exceeded its target of having contractors, adding up construction companies Sir 20% of its workforce made up to a full apprenticeship, Robert McAlpine and Wates of local people. delivering a high standard of on these two major schemes During the recent National modern construction skills.

David Noakes and Dorian Scott Francis are two of the Croydon youngsters who have been helped into work by the apprenticeship scheme, and have been employed on the Bernard Weatherill House site. David (left), from central Croydon, is a fixer’ s mate at Focchi Ltd, the company that designed, manufactured and installed the project ’s curtain walling – the outer covering of a building in which the outer walls are non - structural. Dorian (right), from , is working for MPG, subcontracted to provide internal fit- out and external construction solutions for the development project. www.croydon.gov.uk yournews 11 Go DD and be council tax-free There are all sorts of benefits to paying your council tax by direct debit, not least of which is that you might win a year of not having to pay at all.

When Luana Marca and fourth year, and, as well as the Pierfrancesco Gorini signed the chance of winning, there are a form to arrange payment of number of additional benefits their council tax by direct debit, of paying by direct debit: they thought they were just • Pay over 10 months ending in saving themselves the monthly January, or spread the cost hassle of having to remember by paying over 12 months to pay. ending in March. But the main consequence • No hassle – once set up of their decision was that they the council takes care of ended up not having to pay the everything else. tax on their home • No more queuing to make for a whole year. payments. Luana and Pierfrancesco • No late charges. (right) are among the 79,000 • A choice of payment dates – households that pay their bill 1st, 5th, 15th or 25th. via a direct debit account, but • No more worrying about they had not realised that their cheques going missing in the details would go into the hat to post. Facts about direct debit payment win a council tax-free year. • Reduction in costs helps Almost 80,000 customers already pay by direct debit . Pierfrancesco said: “I’ve support other council never won anything in my life. services. The council has a 99 .9% accuracy rate . “We decided to pay by To set up a direct debit, call If there are any changes to your instalments, you will direct debit because it’s easy the council’s team on 020 8726 always receive 10 working days notice in advance of the and we don’t have to remember 6000 or complete a direct debit to pay it each month.” instruction online at www . payment being taken . Everybody who pays by croydon .gov .uk/directdebit If an error is made by the council, your bank or building direct debit is a participant You can also send an email society, you are guaranteed a full and immediate refund . in the annual draw, now in its to croyctax@croydon .gov .uk

Running to help the homeless It’s fastest foot forward as athletes and local people step out for charity.

Following the success of Nightwatch, Croydon would make it better for last year’s inaugural event, Harriers and Sandilands runners and local residents, the town’s leading running Clubs – to benefit the local especially our very patient clubs – Striders of Croydon community. neighbours in and Croydon Harriers – are Thanks to funding from Avenue.” once again working together estate agent group Streets For more details, to see to host the Streets Ahead Ahead, all entry fee money the route and to download Croydon Half Marathon on can go straight to the chosen an entry form, visit Sunday, 1 April. charities. www .croydonhalf .co .uk/ All proceeds from entry With the starting gun With online entries now fees will be divided among sounding at 9.15am, the closed, the deadline for three Croydon charities – Streets Ahead Croydon Half postal entries is Friday, 16 Marathon will start and March. finish at Sandilands Club Entry fee: £15 House. (affiliated), £17 Commenting on this (unaffiliated); no entry on year’s changes, race director the day. Robin Jamieson said: “Last For information about year’s event was a great Nightwatch visit www . success, but we could see croydonnightwatch . that a slight change of route org .uk 12 yourspace March 2012 | Your Croydon Attention full- time students Russian theatre, Third World medicine and thin air in Bolivia – some of the varied experiences enjoyed by Croydon students last year thanks to help from a charity honouring the memory of a Croydon Mayor who died in office during World War I. I was very The Frank Denning live) within the borough. Support is not available Memorial Trust is once again Any student keen to be for journeys started or fortunate in offering help to students considered for a grant of up completed before 1 May; receiving a grant keen to undertake foreign to £1,000 from the charity similarly, holidays are travel. needs to apply by Friday, 16 exempt. from the Frank Alderman Denning died March. For more information, Denning Trust, in February, 1916, and the The charity's trustees or to obtain an application charity bearing his name will interview short-listed form, email the charity’s which eased the now offers financial help to applicants during the Easter assistant honorary secretary financial side of full-time students from any holiday period for any at gerry .hudson@croydon . discipline, between the ages foreign travel scheduled to gov .uk or call 020 8726 6000 things. of 19 and 25, who live (or begin between 1 May 2012 ext . 62812 whose parents/guardians and 30 April 2013.

They were so involved in their learning, and loved being in school. I had two really interesting weeks at the school, and it was hard to leave. Next, I took part in an “aid day”, which saw us take a boat laden with books, toys, medicine, clothes, toiletries and food, out to a deprived village in the middle of Lake Volta. For my final project, Sherie’s story I worked in a small village library set up and In July 2011, my long-held run by volunteers. I often dream of working with did a reading session with children in Africa was small children during the realised, thanks to the Frank afternoons. Denning Memorial Trust. I really enjoyed my time My first project in the in Ghana and found it to be Kwahu district of Ghana an emotional rollercoaster. found me teaching in a small I’d love the opportunity local primary school. to go back to see how They had one lesson in they’re now getting on, and their Ghanaian language, to give more of my time and Twi; the rest were in English, help to the local families of which all the children spoke. the Kwahu district of Ghana. www.croydon.gov.uk yourspace 13

processing it through the management. laboratory equipment and Planning the elective using ultrasound scans to was a lot harder than I had scan individuals' for fluid expected and the costs just accumulation in the body at kept adding up. altitude. I was very fortunate in Having completed some receiving a grant from the training and preparation Frank Denning Trust, which in the UK, our team of 30 eased the financial side of volunteers flew out to Bolivia, things. acclimatized at 3,700m in I took the opportunity La Paz, before ascending to to split my experience by 5,200m where the research working in the main general Claire’s story lab was. Neha’s story hospital, and for the rest of We stayed there for the time, a much more basic I’m in my final year at eight days, conducting the As medical students, rural hospital. Edinburgh, reading medicine, experiments every other day. our training gives us the I came back from this and, as a winner of the Frank I succumbed to acute opportunity to practice experience having learnt a Denning Memorial Award mountain sickness during medicine abroad for six lot about conditions I would last year, I was thrilled to be my stay at the lab, and it weeks. not usually see in the UK. able to use the opportunity certainly gave me some I decided to go to However, knowing the to take part in conducting insight into why we were Sarawak, Borneo, because difference that better medical medical research into the conducting the research. I wanted to see how care could have made to effects of high altitude on the I am so grateful to the healthcare differs from the some of the patients I saw, body. Frank Denning Memorial UK, when resources are poor. especially in the more rural The award facilitated my Award for helping me along Having read a lot about hospital, was extremely involvement in this research my way in gaining so much malaria and other tropical saddening. through which I learnt and experience, both in research infections, but never having It made me realise how improved on many new and in exploring new and seen a case, I was able to lucky we are to have the NHS skills including taking blood, fascinating horizons abroad. observe and assist in their in the UK.

training. By week two, I stay, I experienced many was already engaging in unfamiliar pressures first acrobatics that seemed more hand. suited to a circus troupe than Spending time with local a group of acting students! people allowed me to pick However, I was up a smattering of Swahili, overwhelmed by just how and that proved useful in much I had developed as outreach clinics where I an actor, when it came discovered the influence of to the all-important traditional healers on huge final performance in the communities. Vakhtangov Theatre itself. Natasha’s story The government issues It has been incredibly free anti-retroviral therapy Lizzy’s story rewarding to put Poverty and poor for HIV, but some people everything I learnt in Russia infrastructure make Third stop taking their tablets, In May 2011, I travelled into practice. World medicine a challenge. believing themselves cured from my home to Eventually, I would hope Many people in the by the mountain healers Moscow, to study at one of to introduce Russian theatre developing countries never – often with disastrous Russia’s most prestigious to schoolchildren in the UK. go to hospital, and those that consequences. drama schools, The We have a thriving do are often very sick. I thoroughly recommend Vakhtangov Institute. eastern European community Working with only anybody in the medical This would not have in Croydon, for example, minimal resources, medical profession to visit Tanzania been possible without the which I am certain would teams battle to treat them. to experience a different generous donation I received welcome the opportunity for The Frank Denning medical system, discover from the Frank Denning its children to explore this Memorial Trust enabled another culture and explore a Memorial Trust. rich theatrical heritage. me, a final-year medical diverse country with some of During two months of I am so grateful to student, to shadow doctors the best national parks and intensive theatrical training, the trust for this fantastic working at the Kilimanjaro coral reefs in the world. and, though I knew the work opportunity, and would Christian Medical Centre I wouldn't have been able would be challenging, I was definitely encourage others in the foothills of Mount to go to Tanzania definitely not prepared for to pursue their travelling Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. if it were not for the Frank the intensity of the physical ambitions. During my two-month Denning Memorial Trust. 14 yourcivicaward March 2012 | Your Croydon Tell us about a local hero The deadline to nominate your favourite unsung hero for a special council award is fast approaching. The Croydon Community Civic Awards will honour the Four finalists from each category will be invited to a civic achievements of outstanding local people and voluntary groups ceremony, hosted by the Mayor, in June, at which the overall who go that extra mile to help others. winners will be announced. But you have only until Friday, 30 March, to tell us about them. To nominate an individual or group for a Croydon Community Civic Award, just complete the nomination form below and post There are 11 categories from which to choose, celebrating local it to the address at the bottom of the page. volunteering and voluntary groups, fundraisers, carers, schools, Alternatively, you can nominate online at www .croydon .gov . lifetime achievement and community champions uk/civicawards

About the nominee Name of person / group Tell us about the person or group you are nominating for an award . (All nominees must live, work, go to school or, in the case of Address groups/organisations, be based in Croydon.) Please use a separate form for each nomination . You can nominate only once in each category . Post code Please tick the category for which you are Email address nominating them Daytime phone Volunteer of the Year – do you know someone who has made an outstanding contribution to volunteering in Croydon Tell us why this person or group deserves an award this year? Personal Achievement Award – which plucky volunteer has made a real difference to the community despite facing problems of their own? Lifetime Achievement Award – we are looking for a special person who has devoted many years of outstanding service to local volunteering. Young Volunteer of the Year – which young person (aged 16 to 25) has made an outstanding contribution to volunteering in Croydon? Carer of the Year – do you know someone who has made an exceptional contribution to caring, and has championed the invaluable role of carers? Young Carer of the Year – which remarkable young person About you (under 25 years) has shown great dedication by caring for a family member? Your name School of the Year – is your school’s volunteering programme Address making a real difference to the local community? Fundraiser of the Year – let us know about a person or group whose impressive or novel fundraising efforts have Post code boosted a local cause. Email address Employees of the Year – is there a group of employees at your workplace that volunteer in the community and make a Daytime phone big difference? What is your relationship/connection with the nominee? Voluntary Group of the Year – which local group is leading the way in volunteering and providing great opportunities for volunteers? Civic Life Award – which dedicated person has made an Please send your completed form to: Yvonne Gaye, outstanding contribution to your community? Croydon Community Civic Awards, Community Relations Team, 7th floor (south), Taberner House, Park Lane, Croydon CR9 3JS. www.croydon.gov.uk yourcommunityyournews 15 Hitting right notes for the young Croydon’s own orchestra, the London Mozart Players, is behind a drive to attract more youngsters to the joys of classical music.

LMP hopes that its offer of free tickets for up to four under-18s with any fully paying adult will prove a tempting draw. With adult tickets costing as little as £12, it is a great evening’s entertainment, and a brilliant way to introduce children to classical music. Managing director Simon Funnell said: “People often think that classical music isn’t for them, that you can only come to a concert if you dress in a certain way, or know lots about classical music. “But actually, when advantage of the offer at the Year competition. presenting the work it has people do come, they’re the end of March when the She will join the LMP’s been doing with six local surprised at how informal orchestra will be joined by associate conductor Hilary primary schools, and then the concert hall is. And you learn as you listen, you don’t gifted young pianist Cordelia Davan Wetton to perform being joined by another 400 have to know anything about Williams, who, at 18 years of Mendelssohn’s First Piano local children to celebrate classical music to enjoy it.” age, won the piano section of Concerto. music-making by performing Families can take the BBC’s Young Musician of April will see the orchestra a concert at Fairfield.

©2012 Gullane (Thomas) Limited. ©2012 HIT Entertainment Limited.

At Alfriston just off the A27 near Eastbourne Call 01323 874100 www.drusillas.co.uk 16 yoursafety March 2012 | Your Croydon

Croydon’s most wanted Police appeal for help in identifying those involved in last summer’s riots. Anybody who was in Croydon and businesses saw their Croydon’s police have of 10 of the rioters that on 8 and 9 August last year stock ransacked and done a fantastic job in local police are especially will remember, with horror, premises trashed as lawless bringing them to justice, but keen to speak to. the unfolding of events individuals ran riot. still at large are hundreds If you recognise any of that saw anarchy come to Since that long summer who have, to date, eluded these people, it is your duty to the streets, resulting in the night, many of those the long arm of the law. call the police with whatever looting and destruction of responsible for the mindless In an effort to bring information you have. many homes and businesses. violence have been arrested to justice some of those Call Crimestoppers on Families were left and penalised – with suspected of the worst 0800 555 111, quoting the homeless, with all their some being sentenced offending, Your Croydon is printed reference number possessions destroyed, to spells behind bars. happy to publish photographs relevant to that photograph.

59865 59001 59793 59110 59636

41877 59653 59716 59390 41741 www.croydon.gov.uk yoursafety 17

Policing Croydon during the games

We are now three big increase in the number of for the games within the firmly on keeping Croydon months into 2012 and people visiting and staying in British tradition of policing; safe and not giving offenders the Olympic Games are Croydon, given the borough’s however, contingencies any opportunities to indulge just around the corner. location and transport links. are in place to uplift our in crime during this period. In addition, however, The aim of the Met will be response, if necessary. This is set to be a there is a multiplicity of to ensure we help to deliver a Being part of the MPS historic year for London, other events coming up, peaceful and safe Olympics. Olympic Games command and I trust we’ll all enjoy including the Euro 2012 The eyes of the world will team, I’m confident that a summer of celebration. football championships, be focused on London – this we’re ready to deal with any My message is to the Queen’s Diamond will be the biggest and most situation that arises to keep celebrate and enjoy the Jubilee, and the Paralympic complex peacetime operation Londoners and visitors safe summer’s events in a Games in September. we’ve ever delivered. throughout the Games. safe and responsible way. All of which, of course, sit The policing plan for Many of you will be Anyone, however, who alongside the “business as the Olympics has been in attending Olympic events is looking at this as an usual”, such as the Notting development since before across London, and there’s no opportunity to cause trouble Hill Carnival – it will be a we even got confirmation shortage of local athletes that can expect to be dealt with very busy year for the Met! that London was hosting will be competing, as well. swiftly and robustly. Although Croydon isn’t the event, such is the scale International and national a host borough, it will feel and complexity of the task. focus will be on the Olympic Dave Musker a significant impact during We plan to deliver the Park in east London during Chief Supt Dave Musker games time – there will be a safety and security operation that time, but ours will be Croydon borough commander

Win tickets for new West End production WIN Theatre tickets

Your Croydon is giving away (Financial Times) musical is To win tickets to what is set to be the theatrical event of the two pairs of tickets to Sweeney unmissable. year, tell us what type of shop Mrs Lovett owns . Todd at the , Laced with dark humour, Strand. dazzling wit and an infectious Terms and conditions: Two prizes, each comprising a pair of top- Starring Michael Ball score, it tells of Sweeney Todd's price tickets valid for Monday to Thursday performances from 2 to 12 April 2012. The editor’s decision is final and there is no cash and Imelda Staunton, this return to London after years alternative to the prizes; prizes are non-refundable, non-transferable “wickedly funny” (The Guardian) of false imprisonment, and his and not for re-sale. production of Stephen savage quest for justice and Sondheim’s “magnificent retribution. Aided and abetted Answer ...... masterpiece” (Evening Standard) by pie-shop owner, Mrs Lovett, Name ...... Daytime tel no ...... has already started thrilling he sets out to avenge the Address ...... West End audiences. wrongs done to him and his ...... A five-star, sell-out smash family many years before. Email address ...... hit at Chichester Festival Directed by Jonathan Kent Theatre, with standing and designed by Anthony Post to Your Croydon reader competition, North-west quadrant, 7th ovations every night, audiences Ward, Sweeney Todd is in floor, Taberner House, Park Lane, Croydon CR9 3JS, to arrive not later and critics agree – this London for a strictly limited than Friday, 23 March. The winners will be the senders of the first two “mesmerising and enticing” season. correct answers, drawn at random. 18 yournews March 2012 | Your Croydon Don’t get duped in the switch to digital Con men and fraudsters are hoping to benefit from the digital TV switchover – make sure they don’t get the better of you.

This April will herald what is scheme to help catch them. received, should report the probably the biggest change to Tony Brooks, director of matter. the way we watch television public safety, said: “These The Consumer Direct since... well, since we started offences cover a wide range of helpline (08454 040506) can watching television. issues, from bogus callers to also help you with this type TV across the UK is going fake property repairmen. of concern. Calls cost 4p per digital, and that means that “In one example, one of minute from a BT landline; Tips for the existing analogue signal our residents was so alarmed from mobile and non-BT lines avoiding scams will be switched off and by the man at the door telling call costs may vary. replaced with a new, stronger her that her chimney was in Consumer Direct can give ✓ Remember that no digital signal. danger of falling on a passer­ you advice both on your one from Digital UK or The London region by that she paid him several cancellation rights and getting Switchover Helpscheme will switch in two stages, will call unexpectedly beginning on 4 April. For without an appointment. details, visit www .digitaluk . co .uk/when_do_i_switch/ ✓ Demand identification london from uninvited callers – While switchover and call the company to promises a better TV- check they are who they viewing experience for all, say they are. unfortunately, there are ✓ Don’t agree to any work always people who use clever on the spot. Take time to and persuasive tactics try to think about what work (if make a fast buck on the back any) you want done. of something new, such as digital switchover. ✓ Buy only the goods and If you think you’ve been services you need for ripped off, or paid a deposit to thousand pounds on the spot unsatisfactory work put right. switchover from reputable a trader you’re now worried – and never saw him again. To find out how, visit the retailers and traders that about, or suspect there’s a “The chimney was later consumer rights site at carry the digital tick logo. rogue trader working door- confirmed to be perfectly safe. http://tinyurl .com/62kbslq to-door in your area, call the “So remember – never do If you prefer face-to­ ✓ If an offer seems too good council’s trading standards business at the door with a face help and advice, go to to be true – in a leaflet, team on 020 8407 1311. cold caller.” your local advice agency or advert, by phone, email The council has a zero Mr Brooks added that Citizens Advice Bureau. or personal approach – it tolerance approach to anybody who has concerns probably is. Be wary and doorstep criminals, and has about a call or visit that they, Not sure? Don't read the details of the set up a special “doorstoppers” a neighbour or relative has answer the door . deal carefully. Breathing life into Oliver Twist This year marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of one of our greatest novelists – copy his style and be in with a chance of a win. To celebrate Charles Oliver Twist to life with www .croydon .gov .uk/leisure/ Dickens’ bicentenary, the themed events and activities libraries/online (subject to first City Read London taking place at Croydon availability). takes place in April. Museum, the Clocktower’s Events include a character Focusing on Oliver Twist, Local Studies Library and re-enactment of Phiz, the one of Dickens’ best-loved each of the borough’s illustrator of several of novels, City Read London libraries. Dickens’ novels, taking place will see the staging of Copies of the book are in the museum and the events in Croydon and available to borrow from Central Library at Croydon across the rest of the all Croydon libraries. Also Clocktower on Saturday, 21 capital. available are ebook and April. City Read e-audio versions, that can Phiz (Hablot Knight London brings be downloaded free from Browne) lived in Croydon www.croydon.gov.uk yournews 19

Safer cycling in 2012 – and beyond With cycling growing in popularity, the council is working to make two wheels a safer option. Upward-spiralling petrol and wheelers to be wary of others on the footway, as And advice for cycling diesel prices are convincing other road users – and courtesy needs to be addressed safely in traffic, with regard more and more drivers that to give pedestrians more by everyone. for HGVs, can be found at swapping four wheels for two consideration. Residents of, and those http://tinyurl .com/bn3n6dp is a financial no-brainer. The council is doing all it working in, the borough With funding from TfL, And then, of course, can, across a range of methods can take advantage of free the council is providing free, there is the added benefit of – courses, leaflets and online – training to help them cycle classroom-based training to being a relatively easy way to assist cyclists. more safely and confidently. HGV drivers. of increasing the amount of Of special concern to the For information, visit www . The day-long courses, exercise taken. new or returning cyclist is the croydon .gov .uk/cycletraining organised directly with However, many new cyclists question of finding themselves While cycling is allowed in companies, are designed to find the levels of traffic on next to a large lorry at a specific areas of certain parks, make the drivers of HGV today’s busy roads to be more junction. there are others in which it vehicles more aware of cyclists than a little daunting, and feel Many address the situation is forbidden, details can be and other vulnerable road they could benefit from a few by bumping up on to the found at www .croydon .gov .uk/ users. road-safety pointers particular pavement, seeing it as the leisure/sports/cycling A dedicated TfL website to their needs. safest option, but doing so Transport for London page offers a range of advice Croydon Council has noted could put them on the wrong (TfL) also provides useful and a number of links to the upturn in interest and, side of the law. They can tips on cycling safety and other informative sites, can be while keen to encourage be challenged if care and responsibility, at http://tinyurl . viewed at http://tinyurl .com/ cycling, is warning two- consideration isn’t given to com/d2omu94 d57ndte WIN for about nine years from available from Croydon Croydon 1847, and research suggests libraries, by visiting www . Competition stores gift that Charles Dickens himself croydon .gov .uk/leisure/ voucher came to Croydon to give a libraries/library-events or What would Dickens do? reading in 1867, and that he calling 020 8726 6900. Dickens’ Oliver Twist shows the reader what had an uncle in Norwood The City Read project has it was like to be a child growing up in the 19th century. whom he visited frequently. been created and developed For children, there will be by Stellar Libraries and Imagine that you are Charles Dickens, and write a short story a free Splats theatre company London Libraries, in or article about what it is like to be a child growing up in performance based on Oliver partnership with Dickens Croydon in 2012. Twist on Saturday, 14 April, 2012 and Penguin Books, Entries should be a maximum of 800 words and will be judged at the Central and Purley and is the only campaign in two age categories: 11 to 15 years; and 16 and over. libraries. linking London’s libraries At all libraries there is an to the Dickens bicentenary Be sure your entry includes your name, address and telephone exciting programme of free celebrations. number, and your age if entering the 11 to 15 years category. talks, displays, quizzes and It is anticipated that this Entries should be emailed to libraries@croydon .gov .uk or crafts for all ages around first City Read London will handed in at any borough library by Friday, 4 May. the theme of Croydon life in become an annual event. For Dickensian times. more information, visit www . The top prize in each category will be a £25 gift voucher. Further details are cityreadlondon .org .uk 20 yourcommunity March 2012 | Your Croydon Fostering fact and fiction A few reasons why you might want to consider a career as a foster parent. You might be surprised to learn that, as you are reading this, there are slightly more than 800 children being fostered in Croydon. You may be even more surprised to find out that a typical foster carer will receive more than £300 per child per week to cover your time, expenses and maintenance for the child. By fostering directly with the counicl there is a high probability that you will always have a child placed with you. And perhaps the biggest surprise waiting for you here is that you, too, could be a foster carer. It doesn’t matter if you are young or old, whether you have children of your own, whether you are unemployed and on benefits, or working full time – as long as you have some spare space in your home, it’s worth considering fostering a child for Croydon.

FACT • You will receive more than £300 per child per week to cover your time and expenses. • This money is not deducted from many state benefits, so you can continue to claim. • You will have a dedicated social worker to advise and support you. • You will get full training as part of your assessment. • You have a say in the sort of child you would be happy looking after. • By fostering directly with the council you can rely on nearly always having a child placed with you.

FICTION Fostering is a bit like volunteering. Wrong: modern fostering is more like a professional career where you get proper training and an allowance. All fostered children are difficult to cope with. Wrong: a lot of fostered children are no different from anyone else of their age – there are some cases that need more support, but these are in the minority. I’m way too young, or old, to be a foster carer. Wrong: as long as you are over 18, and physically and mentally healthy, there may be no reason why you can’t foster a child. I can’t foster because I’ve never had children of my own or worked with young people. Wrong: many foster carers are single people with no children of their own and no experience of childcare – as long as you have the enthusiasm to do it, then you can

Of course, the c ouncil is ultimately responsible for the safety of every child that it places into t he care of a foster parent – meaning every applicant has to be checked for suitab ility. However, as long as the applicant passes criminal record and medical checks, has a suitable home and can demonstrate a commitment to fostering, there is no reason why the an swer can’t be “Yes – you can”. To find out more, or to have a chat about the options available, visit the council’s website at www .croydon .gov .uk/fostering Alternatively, c all 0800 389 0129. foster CROYDON www.croydon.gov.uk/fostering 0800 389 0129 www.croydon.gov.uk yourhealth 21

Tuesday 13 March Sunday 22 April Sunday 6 May Saturday 19 May First signs of spring in the Happy Valley springtime King’s Wood and the Loop Nature wander through South Country Park photo safari Follow part of the London Loop, the Norwood Meet the countryside warden at Bring your camera and capture the parish boundary and back through the Meet the Friends of 11am at the South Norwood Country springtime beauty of the North ancient wood. Meet Marion, Friends for a longer circular springtime walk Park visitor centre for a two-hour Downs through the lens. Includes of King’s Wood, and volunteer with through South Norwood Lake and stroll enjoying spring colours and simple tips on how to take better the Downlands Project, at 10am in Beaulieu Heights, explore the history sounds. photos with your digital compact Kingswood Lane, off Limpsfield Road and nature found in these two parks. Tram: Arena, walk along the tram or SLR camera. Please contact the for a 2½-hour level walk. Meet at 2pm by the main entrance line to the left until you see the countryside warden on 07775 824811 Bus: 403 to South Norwood Lake, next to visitor centre. to book your place. the Waterside Centre, off Woodvale Saturday 12 May Avenue, for this two - to 2½-hour Saturday 17 March Tuesday 24 April What bird is that?... at walk. Springtime wander through Migrating birds at South Hutchinson’s Bank Bus: 410 (Auckland Road) Beaulieu Heights Norwood Country Park Join the Hutchinson’s Bank volunteers Join the Friends of Beaulieu Heights Meet the countryside warden at at 10.30am, at the junction Sunday 20 May for a family wander through the 10am at the visitor centre for a of Farleigh Dean Crescent and Spot the butterflies on park, to explore the many different two-to-three-hour walk looking for Featherbed Lane. Stay ‘til 12.30pm or Hutchinson’s Bank trees on site, and marvel at the migrating birds, which rest in the park bring a packed lunch and continue on Meet Malcolm Bridge, Butterfly first spring flowers. Meet 2pm by on their long journey. to Chapel Bank until 2.30pm. Bring Conservation, at 10.30am, at the the notice board at the main Tram: Arena, walk along the tram binoculars if you have them. junction of Farleigh Dean Crescent entrance, off Church Road for this line to the left until you see the visitor Tram: New Addington terminus, (line and Featherbed Lane. Stay ‘til 90-minute walk. centre. 3) follow the footpath down the hill to 12.30pm or bring a packed lunch Bus: 196, 468 Featherbed Lane. and continue on to Chapel Bank ‘til Friday 27 April 2.30pm. Sunday 25 March Bats over South Norwood Lake Sunday 13 May Tram: New Addington terminus, Spring up the Hill Join us again for this ever-popular Springtime in Foxley Wood (line 3) follow the footpath down the Enjoy springtime in the woodlands event to see bats returning to the Meet the Friends of Foxley Wood at hill to Featherbed Lane. surrounding . The lake after winter hibernation. Book 2.30pm, by the Friends’ notice board, heathland remnant on the ridge your place, numbers are limited, at at the Higher Drive entrance to the Sunday 27 May top is threatened by erosion, spread [email protected] or wood, opposite Highland Road for this Sleepy dormice in Happy Valley of trees, and trampling, but is being call the parks division on 90-minute walk. Please note the site Meet at the car park managed to save it. Join a 020 8726 6900. is on a slope, wear sensible shoes. at 2pm to find out more about the life Downlands Project volunteer, for For more information, visit of the elusive dormouse. Nocturnal, a two-hour walk, taking in steep Saturday 28 April www.friendsoffoxley.co.uk living almost entirely in the treetops, slopes. Meet 10am at the woodland Bluebells and spring flowers in and becoming increasingly scarce, entrance at the junction of Sunday 13 May dormice are hardly ever seen. Find Road and West Hill. Meet the Friends of Selsdon Wood at Spring birds & flowers in Selsdon out how to spot their signs, how they Bus: 412 2pm in the Selsdon Wood car park for Wood live and how we are managing Happy this two-hour walk. Meet the Friends of Selsdon Wood at Valley to help this rare and protected Sunday 25 March Bus:T33 11am in the Selsdon Wood car park species. Happy Valley wildlife tracks for a two-hour walk through the Bus: 405, 60 walk one mile along and trails Saturday 28 April fields and wood. Downs Road and Ditches Lane. Learn how to interpret the clues Spring flowers in Littleheath Bus: T33 Train: Coulsdon South, walk one mile animals leave behind. Join the Woods along Downs Road. warden looking at signs such as Meet the Friends of Littleheath Woods tracks, burrows, droppings and at 10am, at the junction of Queenhill tooth marks, and make your own and Littleheath Roads, Selsdon, for animal-track plaster casts. Suitable this one- to two-hour walk. for children and adults. Numbers are Bus: T33, 64, 40 limited, so phone the countryside warden on 07775 824811 to book. Sunday 29 April Spring flowers of Devilsden Sunday 1 April Wood and Happy Valley Easter at Haling Grove Meet Jane McLauchlin and Malcolm Join the Friends of Haling Grove Jennings at 2pm, in the Farthing for some family Easter fun from 3 Downs car park, off Downs Road, to 5pm. For info, email for this two-hour/two-mile walk. [email protected] Bus: 405, 466 Train: Coulsdon South, walk one mile along Downs Road 22 April - Take your camera to Happy Valley 22 yourdiary March 2012 | Your Croydon

Council meeting dates Venues Deadlines for public questions for the forthcoming full council meeting (starting at 6.30pm) – Central Library and noon on the relevant deadline date. Meeting: Monday, 30 April Deadline: Monday, 16 April Katharine Street, Croydon CR9 1ET Meeting: Monday, 21 May No public questions at this meeting Open: Monday to Saturday (see To submit a question (maximum number of words: 50) for consideration at a full council website for daily hours) meeting, email it to council .questions@croydon .gov .uk ; fax it to 020 8760 5657; print and Library – www.croydon.gov.uk/ complete the form at www .croydon .gov .uk/councilquestion and post it to Questions for the central-library council, Democratic and legal services, Taberner House, Park Lane, Croydon CR9 3JS; or call Telephone: 020 8726 6900 020 8726 6000 extn 63876. Email: [email protected] Museum – Scrutiny meetings (start at 6.30pm in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall, unless where stated) www.museumofcroydon.com Telephone: 020 8253 1022 Meeting: 13 March Community services and safety scrutiny sub-committee Email: [email protected] 27 March Health, social care and housing scrutiny sub-committee 11 April Scrutiny and overview committee

For information on scrutiny, visit www .croydon .gov .uk/scrutinyor email scrutiny@croydon .gov .uk. Fairfield Meetings of the Croydon Community Police Consultative Group are held in the Council Chamber Park Lane, Croydon CR9 1DG of the Town Hall. All are open to the public and begin at 6.30pm. For further information, go to www .croydononline .org/ccpcg Details: www.fairfield.co.uk Forthcoming meeting dates are: Telephone: 020 8688 9291 Email: [email protected] Wednesday, 21 March Wednesday, 23 May.

Details of all Croydon Council meetings can be found on the council website at www .croydon .gov .uk/meetingsofthecouncil

Warehouse Theatre Dingwall Road, Croydon CR0 2NF Details: www.warehousetheatre.co.uk Telephone: 020 8680 4060 Email: [email protected]

Crystal Palace Home fixtures

Date Team Kick-off 17 Mar Hull City 3pm 20 Mar Barnsley 8pm 31 Mar Nottm Forest 3pm 9 Apr Southampton 3pm 14 Apr Ipswich Town 3pm 28 Apr Cardiff City 12.30pm www.croydon.gov.uk yourservices 23 Your A to Z of council services The council provides a comprehensive range of services designed to offer help and advice to residents. Below is only a small selection of those services – for the full list, visit www.croydon.gov.uk and follow the “A-Z” link at the top of the home page.

Adaptations of council property Composting Health clinics – youth support Recycling – sites If you are a council tenant with a Do your bit for the environment, Free, confidential advice about all Where to find our waste and secure tenancy you have the right and produce a nutrient-rich plant matters relating to the sexual health recycling sites, and what can be to carry out improvements to your supplement that will save you of young people is available at a recycled at each. home, but you must get written money on the cost of commercially range of clinics across Croydon. permission. produced fertilisers. Interactive maps Adoption Based upon the council's corporate Croydon is keen to hear from adults geographic information system of all racial, social, ethnic, cultural, (GIS), it provides interactive sexual and religious background mapping that allows you to access a to adopt our looked-after children variety of information. recycling whose permanency plan is adoption. Composting Jobs – disabled people School admissions – appeals Activities for older people employment and training schemes You have the right to appeal to an Improving the health and quality of Deaf services If you have a disability and are independent panel if your child has life of the borough’s older residents. The council provides a community- looking for employment, there are been refused a place at your based service to residents who are schemes to support you. chosen school.. Bereavement services born profoundly deaf or who have The council can help you cope become deaf through illness or Leisure centres Trees and landscape with bereavement by removing as accident. Swimming pools and sport & fitness Find out about trees and related many obstacles as possible, and by centres in Croydon. issues, including tree preservation providing assistance with the many Equipment – disabled people orders, trees in conservation areas administrative and official tasks that Finding the right specialist equipment Meals on wheels and on development sites, and need to be tackled. and/or making minor adaptations The meals on wheels service delivers problems with neighbours' hedges. to your home can help you, a family meals to older or vulnerable people member or the person you care for in their own homes on a short- or Unauthorised occupants – live more safely and independently. long-term basis, according to need. council property Empty council properties may only Family support groups Out-of-school activities be occupied with our permission. Having family troubles that involve Extended schools offer a range of children? The council believes that, services and activities, often outside Wasps with its support, most families can normal school hours, to help meet Pest control provides treatment for Bereavement services solve their own problems. the needs of children, their families a range of common household and and the wider community. garden pests. Bulky waste collection Garages for rent The council can collect single items Looking for somewhere to park your Youth projects that are too large for your wheeled car or motorbike? The council has a Voluntary organisations providing bin, but that can be handled and selection of garages available for rent young people aged 13 to 19 with loaded on to the vehicle by no more throughout the borough. something to do, somewhere to go, than two workers. and somebody to talk to.

Zoo licence You need to apply for a licence to run Trees and landscape a zoo – should you really want to! www. croydo z n.gov.uk/ato Love is… A romantic walk in Park Hill. Buying flowers from Surrey Street. A meal at a Seeing a show local restaurant. at Fairfield.

Shopping for that special little something. Join Love Croydon www.croydon.gov.uk/lovecroydon Send your Love Croydon message to www.facebook.com/ilovecroydon #lovecroydon