THE RIDDLESDOW N R E C O R D E R A half-yearly publication of the Riddlesdown Residents’ Association No. 193 October 2011

INSIDE: what is the RRA, news on green belt issues, broadband news, funday, planning applications, recycling centre, environmental issues, snow & ice, changes to sewers and so much more! RIDDLESDOWN RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION The Committee Vice-President: Mrs H.Kiernan

Brian Longman Bernard Munn Chairman Treasurer 8657 8374 8657 0535

Karen Whitehead Phil Thomas Secretary Planning & Environmental 8668 8677 Website Administrator 8668 3815

John Rapp Monica Pugh Membership, Road Stewards Editor Riddlesdown Recorder and Transport 8660 6008 8660 9531

Janice Kedwards Bill Whitmarsh Social 8660 2178 8668 2011

Frankie Wheeler Fred Wallis 8660 3886 8668 7837

Mavis Wilder Diana Chitty 8668 3579 8668 3337

All emergencies: (Fire, Police, Ambulance) 999 NEW POLICE NON-EMERGENCY NUMBER: 101 All Police Stations: 0300 123 1212 Safer Neighbourhood Team: 222c Addington Road, , Croydon CR2 8LD 020 8721 2470, 07920 233889

Cover photograph: entrance to Riddlesdown Common

2 Editor’s notes n As the new editor, I would like to thank CONTENTS Page the outgoing editor for all his efforts in turning the Recorder into the wonderful Editor’s Notes 3 magazine you now have in your hand. I cannot promise to be another Nick but as with all incoming editors, we want to The Committee Reports 4 stamp our own personalities and give our own perspective to the job. I hope that you will all enjoy the new outlook and I invite you to participate more actively in the BT Broadband Upgrade? 16 creation of this magazine. As this is my first attempt, I wanted to leave the New Riddlesdown Ranger Report 17 magazine content as close to what it was while at the same time, gently introduce a different flavour to the publication. Richard Ottaway on the Croydon Riots 19 Please peruse page 39, where I have added a new twist that will hopefully help our community to continue to thrive, Photos of the Funday 20 thereby abiding by the spirit of the RRA statutes; you can see these on page 25. As The outgoing editor gives thanks 23 the new editor, I thought it might be worth mentioning that neither the RRA nor the Editor of the recorder can be held A Gardener’s Jottings 25 accountable for opinions expressed by contributors. In this issue we rely heavily on our Committee Report where you will RRA Annual Accounts 28 learn more about what we do in the committee, what is happening with the green fields around us, the need for new Community Pages 32 volunteers and BT‟s plan for fibre optic. We also have a lot of information pertaining to planning around our neighbourhood, information on improvements that the RRA have suggested and the usual planning application monitoring. All that is left is for me to wish you all well and to remember to turn your clocks back on the 30th October 2011! See you back in the spring. Monica Pugh

You may write to the Riddlesdown Residents' Association at any of the following addresses: 66 Westfield Avenue, Sanderstead, CR2 9JU, 43 Westfield Avenue, Sanderstead, CR2 9JZ 37 Buttermere Gardens, Purley, CR8 1EJ, 78 Ingleboro Drive, Riddlesdown, Purley CR8 1EF

Please mark your letter with the committee member's name, if applicable You can also use the Website Message Board’s open or private email facilities. RRA Notice Boards are situated by Riddlesdown Pharmacy, by the Church Hall and by Saban’s Newsagents. We also use the boards on St. Edmund’s Green and in the station waiting room. Website: www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk Email: [email protected]

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BRIAN and is clear evidence of effective LONGMAN partnership working. The RRA along with other local voluntary organisations RRA Chairman campaigned for many years for the redevelopment of Purley Hospital and while this is still some way off, the recent RRA introduction of a walk-in urgent care I would like to start my report by hopefully centre, was one of our original priorities. engaging you all in a conversation, a The Association‟s annual fun day, apart conversation about the Residents‟ from being a great day out for the family, is Association; what it stands for, what it does designed to help bring the community and how we do it. As I mentioned in my together. In today‟s world, given the recent last report, our Residents‟ Association is disturbances in Croydon, I hope you will one of the oldest in Croydon. Established in agree that this aim is a worthy objective for 1937 with the clear objective to promote the RRA. In addition to these and many the well-being of the community, which I other projects, the Association operates to think is a statement as true today as it was ensure the interests of residents are then. The RRA constitution defined, in represented on a wide range of issues particular, that by associating with Local including planning, crime, road safety, Authorities, voluntary organisations and public transport and the environment. local residents in a common effort, we Without wishing to bore you with too much might further health, advance education detail, I hope you now have a better and foster community spirit. Over the years understanding of the Association‟s aims I believe the Association has successfully and how we are trying to achieve them. delivered on these and many other of its Now to the question of how we actually get objectives. things done, the answer is simple; we do it For example during the last 50 years the with the help of a willing team of Association has played a major role, committed volunteers. working in partnership with residents to A committee of up to 15 people who are defend the Green Belt and local woodlands elected to a post with a specific of Riddlesdown. responsibility and a willing team of around The Association works in close 40 committed road stewards, who I think partnership with Riddlesdown Collegiate are the real hub of the Association and on a range of community issues, to the without them we would find it almost benefit of both residents and pupils. The impossible to operate. Unfortunately I have joint project sponsored by the RRA to to say we are short of volunteers in both create an educational-based nature trial, areas. Currently we have four vacancies for with its emphasis on the environment, road stewards, in Hyde Road, Lower Barn conservation and management of the Road, Mitchley Avenue and Westfield countryside, has been a resounding success Avenue. As a general rule, Road Stewards Have you visited our website? www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk

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are allocated a section of their road, usually professional web site. On behalf of the around 40 houses. Twice a year they Association, I would like to say a big thank deliver the Riddlesdown Recorder and you to Nick for all his hard work over the perhaps the odd flyer; fun day etc. and once years. His energy, enthusiasm and technical a year they collect the Association‟s expertise has been a real asset to the subscriptions. If you live in a road that Association and he will be missed. Well currently has no road steward the question done Nick, you deserve a rest. is, can you help? Even if you do not live in The Association is pleased to announce one these roads but want to volunteer, we that Monica Pugh, one of our existing would like to hear from you. committee members, has taken on the role On the committee front, you might well as editor of the Riddlesdown Recorder. remember that in my last report I Filling the pages of a magazine with mentioned that if our Association is to interesting articles is never easy and I function effectively we need a constant would ask residents if you have an stream of new people stepping forward. interesting story, especially one with local Nick Byrgrave our editor and web site interest, please let Monica know. I am also administrator stepped down at last year‟s pleased to announce that Phil Thomas, our AGM and we advertised for a volunteer. current Planning and Environmental The good news is we have managed to fill Officer, has taken on the role of our both positions. The sad news is we did not Website administrator and again, I ask if have one single enquiry, which meant you have information that might be of existing committee members had to cover benefit to the community, let Phil know by both vacancies. While this was possible on e-mail. We have a really good web site and this occasion, there is a limit to how many if you have not used it yet, please take a jobs committee members can double up on. look; it has a lot of useful information. I would like to take this opportunity to ask if anyone is or might be interested in Green Belt becoming a committee member or a road With the deadline for the Recorder fast steward. If so please e-mail or ring me for approaching, I now find myself rewriting more information. this section on the Green Belt for the third time. I was going to begin; “the last six Thank You months have been reasonably quiet on the Still on the subject of the Committee, I land front.” However, that was before the mentioned earlier that Nick Byrgrave our morning of 24 August, when the telephone Recorder editor and web site administrator rang and I was informed that a team of decided to step down at the last AGM. I am contractors were cutting down trees. The sure you will all agree that we have been land in question was the section of land extremely fortunate to have had Nick as a running from in front of the gates of member of our committee for the last 12 Riddlesdown Collegiate in Dunmail Drive, years. Nick has not only been our Treasurer through to Grisedale Gardens, behind the but he also took on the role as editor of the rear gardens of houses in Honister Heights. Recorder and if that was not enough, he On visiting the 1.7-acre site, the contractor then developed and managed our extremely informed me they had been instructed to

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remove all the trees that were unsafe. This you read this report, the auction will have section of the Green Belt was originally taken place. With the guide prices way owned by Taylor Wimpey who sold it at above the Association‟s resources, we will auction 18 months ago, along with their need to refocus our efforts to protect our other land holdings in the area, to a single woodland and Green Belt. We now have investor. around 50 individuals who own land in the In 2010, Croydon Council‟s Tree area for speculative purposes. The RRA Preservation Officer, visited this site to and Croydon Council must learn from the examine the trees and concluded that they events of this week. Together we need to were not worthy of formal protection by a ensure that not only is the land, where Tree Preservation Order. As a result, possible, protected by law but we also need Croydon had no authority to prevent the to ensure we have a plan that can react owner of the site cutting down some of the quickly to situations as they arise. trees. A local resident, who had some However, the Association would like to knowledge of woodland tree felling, remind all residents that all of this land, contacted the Forestry Commission and despite the speculators, remains firmly they agreed to attend site. It appears that within the Green Belt. The fundamental whether or not a tree preservation order is aim of Green Belt is to prevent urban in force, you must apply to the Forestry sprawl, by keeping land permanently open Commission for a tree-felling license, if and to protect the countryside, be it in you want to cut down more than five cubic agricultural, forestry or other use. metres of timber. On attending the site the The Association is also monitoring the FC officer advised the contractor to stop outcome of several high profile legal removing trees. challenges across the UK to help protect The felling did stop for the rest of the day woodland, including the right to register but started again the next morning, woodland in certain circumstances as a finishing late on Friday afternoon by which village green. In my last report, I time much of the site was cleared. It mentioned that we had written to a couple appears that Croydon Council were unable of the owners, of the small plots of land on to intervene, as the regulation can only be the field fronting Mitchley Hill. The enforced by the Forestry Commission with purpose of this was to inform the owners of a court order, which takes time. The the broken fences fronting their land and Forestry Commission will now have to advise them of their responsibilities and consider their options. potential liabilities. To date we have Within hours of the site being cleared, received no replies but we will continue to signs appeared on the land, advising of an explore this avenue. We will keep you auction on Monday, 12 September 2011. informed via our website. Land to be auctioned not only includes this section of land, but four other plots in the Neighbourhood Police Panel area including the farm fields. By the time The panel represents the views of residents Keep up to date with Riddlesdown: www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk

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on local police issues, by identifying local of upgrading their broadband services in concerns, setting priorities and reviewing the Riddlesdown area. To roll out the new the outcomes. At the recent Safer service, BT will need to install a new fibre Neighbourhood team meeting, the panel optic network in the area to enable faster expressed their concern at the proposal to speeds. The issue is, when will it be reduce the number of Police Sergeants available and will it be available in all of across the Safer Neighbourhood teams in our roads? If you want to know more Croydon. please check page 16 for further details. A recent initiative, introduced by our local panel, has been to provide the Fun day opportunity for two pupils from Despite the poor weather early on the Fun Riddlesdown Collegiate to attend part of Day, it was still a big success with around the SNT meeting to discuss specific issues 700 people enjoying the day. By midday, affecting the younger generation in the the wind was blowing hard and when it area. started to rain, I feared the worst. However, The panel believes that by adopting a I was amazed to see families determined to more inclusive approach in identifying the enjoy the day, eating their picnics under concerns of younger people we will umbrellas, ground sheets and anything they improve our local policing in the area. could lay their hands on. Then, just like last Priorities set by the panel at the last year, the sun started to shine, the band was meeting for the next three months include in full swing and people even started to burglary, motor vehicle crime and anti- dance - a real first for the fun day. If you social behaviour. Should you have any missed out on this year‟s fun, please ensure other local crime related issues that you you check next April‟s Recorder for details would like the Association to raise with the and please remember, the day is for Police Safer Neighbourhood team at the everyone young and old and it is next meeting, please let me know. completely free. Take a look at the Fun Day pictures on Faster Broadband in Riddlesdown? pages 20-21 and our website. British Telecom are currently in the process K.B. INTERIORS & Garden Maintenance

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7 C O M M I T T E E R E P O R T S PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

Woodland Adjoining the Shops in Lower PLANNING & Barn Road ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS The RRA understand that the Purley by Phil Thomas Downs Golf Club are currently trying to sell the land that has planning permission for ten flats and a number of Planning Applications developers/surveyors have been seen As usual, all the planning applications and viewing this site. It is the RRA‟s and also decisions in our area, are updated weekly many local residents‟ view, that this is on our website: another blatant disregard of local public www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk opinion by the Golf Club. However even if

the new owners do build these flats, the Mobile Phone Mast and Network Rail Planning Inspector, when granting planning Equipment in Lower Barn Road approval in 2009, did say that the flats I have reported previously about the cannot be occupied until the phone mast replacement O2 and Vodafone mobile has been re-located. If O2/Vodafone have phone mast, just to the east of the railway any sense they will not want to alienate the bridge in Lower Barn Road. locals by moving it and we will certainly In November last, O2/Vodafone installed fight for it not to be moved. We are closely the new mast and the additional cabinet. monitoring the planning applications to the However, we understand, due to technical Council, for any new application on its reasons, the new mast has not been fully relocation. Of course, the planning operational for 3G Vodafone and 2G for application for the ten, two-bedroom flats both the O2 and Vodafone networks. We was overturned by the Planning Inspector have been in contact with them and they in February 2009 after the Council‟s say they will advise the RRA when the Planning Committee had refused mast is fully operational, which they hope permission. It is interesting to note Tory will be soon. We have also asked them if Croydon Council leader Mike Fisher has they will paint all their equipment the same recently slammed the Planning Inspector(s) colour green, as the mast. You may have for over-ruling a planning decision, to also noticed that Network Rail have allow a block of flats to be built in Station installed a grey cabinet just inside the Road, . He described the railway fence which has had a high voltage ruling as “an affront to the local decision cable laid to it from the electric Sub Station making”. He also said, “there needs to be a on the west side of the bridge. Network re-balancing of the country‟s planning Rail have told us that this equipment is for system so these judgements can be made the railway communication system. solely by local people. I am sick and tired However, we have told Network Rail that of planning decisions that are entirely local this part of the land does periodically flood in their impact, being made by some so- and because of this, they have indicated it called national planning expert parachuted will be moved further up the embankment in from Bristol….. we want more decisions in due course. able to be taken locally without outside

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interference.” “Well said,” Councillor site could take place out of opening hours. Fisher. The RRA and Sanderstead Ward We suggested to Mike Barton at Croydon Councillors said near enough the same Council‟s Traffic & Engineering Section, thing in, February 2009, yet here we are, that the Council might like to consider over two years later and we still have same improving the traffic flows on this planning issues, in particular relating to “roundabout”, to at least keep some exit flats. In our view, if an Authority, like and crossover points clear. He said they are Croydon‟s Planning Committee, which looking into the matter, but believes it is consists of eleven elected councillors, vote only seasonal, which we respectfully democratically to refuse an application, disagreed with. He also did not accept our what right is there for one unelected suggestion, about installing junction yellow official based in Bristol, to give a verdict box hatching to try to ease the congestion. against the wishes of local people and In response to closing the site to move Council? Come on local and national the containers around within the Centre, we politicians, get your act together and bring did suggest to the Council that this would in legislation to sort this planning mess out! cause less congestion if it was undertaken out of opening hours and that the site was Purley Oaks Recycling Centre not closed for up to 30 minutes at a time. In January 2010, a planning application However Simon Mander, the Recycling was submitted by the Council for the Manager at Croydon Council, responded: existing Purley Oaks Recycling Centre to "As we all know the Purley Oaks site is be enlarged into the existing Highways very popular and this does lead to the Depot at the rear. However after about a containers becoming full quite quickly. year, the planning application was When the containers are full, the Centre withdrawn and we understand this scheme needs to be shut in order for the containers will not be progressing. The RRA believes to be exchanged in a safe and controlled this is a shame, because at some times, manner. The Centre is licensed by the especially weekends, in the spring and Environment Agency and all vehicle summer months, the traffic queues for the movements related to waste and recycling Recycling Centre can cause several need to take place during the opening minutes delays for residents‟ trying to hours. Therefore, it is not possible to move ingress and egress Riddlesdown the containers outside of the publicised Road/Downs Court Rd and also for those opening times. In addition it is not possible trying to enter the Purley Oaks Recycling to advertise the times in advance of when Centre. We took the matter up with the Centre will be shut as the containers Council Officers, the Purley & Sanderstead will become full at different times on a Ward Councillors, and also with Councillor weekly basis. We are actively working with Phil Thomas. We asked why the the Contractor to see what other options application had been withdrawn, whether can be put in place to minimise the the external road layout can be improved disruption." and if the container movement within the For planning & environmental information: www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk

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Cllr Phil Thomas also reports to us, “our horse grazing land is now becoming untidy ultimate aim is to expand the Recycling and overgrown, with shrubs and saplings, Centre into the Depot behind so that we rubbish and, more concerning, dilapidated have a larger facility. I am not able to give fencing. The RRA have taken this up with a timescale on this until a number of issues the Council and Ward Councillors as to with the Highways Dept/Depot have been what powers the Council have to tidy this sorted”. What does seem confusing to the land up. If the three local owners have any RRA, is that the Council did reduce the sense of pride in their area, they would amount of onsite parking when the Centre arrange, along with their four other fellow was redesigned about eight years ago. This, owners who live in Croydon, to make the to me, does seem short-sighted, as my land more presentable! However, we are namesake Councillor at Croydon Council, not holding our breath!! is encouraging us all to recycle more and the cost per tonne to the Council, for waste Environmental Issues, Salting and disposal is rising all the time. Any means, Accidents in Hill therefore, to make recycling more attractive As you may recall, I reported last time ought to be encouraged! Also a new and about high number of accidents during the completely enlarged Recycling Centre has last two winters on Coombe Wood Hill, recently been opened by Surrey County because this road is no longer being salted Council in Redhill, with vehicle and as a primary gritting route and gritters were container movement being kept separate. salting Lower Barn Road instead. The RRA SCC have also extended the opening hours are of the view that both Coombe Wood for a trial period, during the summer Hill (as a steep gradient) and Lower Barn months, from 8am to 7.30pm, seven days a Road (approach to a Railway Station) week! Come on Croydon Council, look at ought to be salted. We have again asked the this scheme! It would probably reduce road Council for further information as to congestion! whether both these roads will be salted but no response has been forthcoming from Former Grazing Field, Mitchley Hill them. We would suggest that residents of The RRA are becoming increasingly Coombe Wood Hill and/or Hill Close concerned about the condition of this land contact one of the Sanderstead Ward which was sold off into pegged plots a Councillors if they experience further number of years ago by Ashgrove Land Ltd difficulties this winter, due to heavy and/or Vantage Land, a Property snowfall and lack of salting. speculating company based in St Albans. Thirty-one owners, mainly based in the Clearing Snow & Ice from Pavements UK, bought these plots, purely on If we get further heavy snowfalls this speculative grounds that planning winter, and if you've always been a bit regulations would change on the Green wary of doing your neighbourly bit, of Belt status. The RRA know, from public clearing snow and ice from the pavement documents at the Land Registry, that three outside your house, because of possible of the plots are owned by residents who legal liabilities, then follow this guide/tip live in the Riddlesdown area. This former published by Direct Gov (the Government's

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public services website). "There is no law with our Ward Councilors about this. stopping you from clearing snow and ice on the pavement outside your home or Changes to private Sewers from from public spaces. It is unlikely you will 1st October 2011 be sued or held legally responsible for any All residents should have recently received injuries on the path if you have cleared it a leaflet from Thames Water advising carefully. Follow the snow code when about “Important changes to the ownership clearing snow and ice safely." of your sewers”. This is a notice of http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/ proposals, to adopt private sewers and Newsroom/DG_191868 lateral drains. Some residents may be However, if you do clear the pavement wondering why Thames Water have outside your house and/or the vehicular written to us, when the whole of our area is crossover to your drive, please do not covered by the Sutton & East Surrey Water deposit the snow in the middle of the (SESW). SESW supply the water but pavement, as some householders in the area Thames Water Utilities (TWU) are have done over the last few winters. It responsible for the sewerage disposal and means that pedestrians have to clamber the drainage pipes. Briefly, what this over these snow mounds and they are change means for all those on a mains usually the last bits to thaw on the private sewer network is that from 1st pavement. It is anti-social and selfish and October 2011, TWU will now be could also leave you open to claims from responsible for the maintenance, renewal any pedestrian who may slip and injure and blockages on drains serving more than themselves. It is possible the Council could one property. This means that if you live in also take action against you, as you are a detached house and the drain goes blocking the highway! directly into the sewer in the road, you will only now be responsible for the pipe from Proposed No Cold Calling Zone (NCCZ) your property to a point level with the Following the article in the last Recorder boundary fence, whereas previously you and the posting on website message board, would have been responsible for the drain we have received only two messages of right up to the sewer connection in the support on this subject!! In view of the lack road. For semi-detached and terraced of support, (unless this article produces a houses, the owner is responsible for that deluge of responses), the RRA will not be part of the drain that is solely serving their progressing this matter any further for our property. As soon as the pipe connects to area. The RRA are, however, of the opinion an adjoining house, it becomes a public that the Council should cover the whole sewer/drain and is now the responsibility of Borough with a NCCZ and not just in a few TWU. Flats and houses in multiple areas, like Shirley, and , occupation are similar to detached houses where residents and the Council have set and the owners will now be responsible up these zones. We will be talking further from a point level with the boundary fence. Have you visited our website? www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk

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Previously, where the common situation vehicles" and also "in front of an entrance occurs, where a drain runs across the back to a property." Local Authorities rather of a number of properties, it would have than the Police now undertake enforcement been the responsibility and cost of all those for this type of offence. This section by the owners/occupiers connected to that drain. . station entrance is not covered by a yellow However, from 1st October TWU will be line and hence motorists believe they can responsible for this, at their cost. It is not park there. The Council could also ticket known how much our bills will increase and then remove the offending vehicle, the because of this change in legislation, but it cost of which to recover is now about £300 is estimated to be between £3 and £14 a plus any additional daily storage fees. We year. You will still be responsible for have asked the Council why dropped kerbs internal plumbing and waste pipes and the weren‟t installed for the two crossing section of drain which solely serves your points opposite the shops, which are property. If you did not receive this leaflet, probably used the most, and their response then a copy is available from TWU, by was that they cannot install them only on ringing 0845 0709150 or viewing their one side of the road, when it is not safe to website: www.thameswater.co.uk put one on the opposite side. Unfortunately the parking bays outside the shops prevent Dropped Kerb by Riddlesdown Station this from happening. We have also asked Entrance the Council whether they will lay a new The Council have recently installed in a white line in front of the dropped kerb by couple of streets (Lower Barn Rd and the Station, to highlight it‟s presence to Mitchley Hill), dropped kerbs to assist motorists. pedestrians to cross the road. It is standard practice to now install these dropped kerbs Refuse & Rubbish dates changing on all road junctions and where the Probably by the time you read this article in pavement ends, to assist the disabled and early October, the new changes for both parents with buggies to cross the road. refuse and recycling will have come into These dropped kerbs, on both sides of the effect on 3 October. All households should railway bridge have been installed where have received information from the the pavement on the north side ends, Council on the changes to general refuse because of the railway bridge. However, (black landfill bins) which will now be we understand the dropped kerb every two weeks. There will also be the immediately outside the main path up to introduction of a weekly food waste service railway station (London-bound side) has with the delivery of two new brown boxes. resulted in a number of motorists receiving The current fortnightly collection of parking tickets, because they are parking textiles, paper/card, cans, glass and plastic across it. Parking in front of a dropped kerb bottles in the blue and green boxes, will be has been an offence for many years and it replaced with two separate weekly is indeed covered in Rule 243 of the collections of the alternate blue and green Highway Code - "do not stop or park where weekly recycling bin collections. In the kerb has been lowered to help addition, during the summer months, there wheelchair users and powered mobility will still be the green garden waste

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collection. No doubt initially it will cause minimal compared to the general rubbish some confusion, especially the blue and black bin. If anything, it is the non- green box collections but the Council recyclable food packaging that takes up maintain there will be substantial cost more space in the black bins than food savings and it will put Croydon in the top waste! No doubt we will be hearing more five London Boroughs for recycling. The on this issue over the next few months! Council claim in the leaflet that “food Especially as the coalition Government waste accounts for over 25% of what most ministers said, during early June, that Local people put in their landfill bins. And if you Authorities must re-instate weekly general are using both your recycling boxes - there rubbish collections! Why, therefore, are will be plenty of space to store what is left Croydon and other Authorities changing to for an extra week.” This claim is perhaps fortnightly their black bin (landfill) slightly exaggerated, as with the cost of collections?! food these days, food wastage, well If you are still unsure as to how it will certainly in this household, is minimal. work further details are available from The Purley Ward have for the last four Croydon Council‟s website at years, had a trial of the food waste http://www.croydon.gov.uk/environment/rr collection scheme, and food waste is andw/bins-oct2011 Purley Property Care

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13 C O M M I T T E E R E P O R T S PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS / TRANSPORT & MEMBERSHIP or follow the link on the RRA website or telephone me. The contact details are on message board posting. the inside page of the Recorder or via the Committee page on the website: Website www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk As our Chairman has previously I look forward to hearing from you. mentioned, Nick Bygrave is now standing down after serving the Riddlesdown community for many years. He has for the TRANSPORT & MEMBERSHIP last 12 years, been very professional in his by John Rapp presentation, of both the Recorder and for the setting up and design and administration of our website. He is certainly going to be sorely missed, Membership Report, October 2011 especially with his fine attention to detail, Over the past year I have talked with many and he will be a very hard act to follow. members, and am glad that this area has so I‟m sure you will all want to join me in much strength and depth held by the people thanking Nick for all his hard work over who have made, and are making, the years on both the Recorder and Riddlesdown their home. Website. As no one came forward to Unfortunately, life has become more manage the website, I agreed to take this pressured (I am thinking of our lady task on and to call upon when needed, members catching the 06:15 and 06:45 Dave Hunt, who will provide the IT trains to London Bridge – contrasted with expertise! However, it would be nice to the 1980s when the first train was at 06:49 receive news and or articles from you so and rarely had lady passengers) and we all we can post them on the website. Also if seem to be working harder and longer you‟ve got something on your chest and (mobile calls before reaching work – if not want to vent some frustration, then why not laptop sessions on the train). post it on the message board, unfortunately Riddlesdown is one of the green parts of because of all the spam postings we were London and is there (with its Green Flag) getting, we had to make people register as a multiple Site of Special Scientific first before posting, although we will look Interest (SSSI) for us all to enjoy, as many at how to try and make to this easier. did during the Association‟s Fun Day in However this is a fairly simple process. Go June. on, give it a try! We do get a pretty high Getting out, during free time (and having number of “hits”, so your posting will free time), is a source of stimulating probably be seen by many people. The feelings of well-being. As we have 1300 message board posting on the dwellings in our area, I cannot start to Leisure Centre has been seen by nearly suggest how each of our readers makes and 40,000 people! If you‟ve got any articles or uses free time. events then please send them to me by e- Margaret and I have done different mail at our new e-mail address at (almost long forgotten) things over the past [email protected] year – I have attended some Crystal Palace

14 C O M M I T T E E R E P O R T S TRANSPORT & MEMBERSHIP

matches and we have had a spur of the rebuilding work. This, coupled with the re- moment Sunday outing to the seaside – and activation of the East London Line which, I recommend creating and good use of free extended to Crystal Palace and West time to you all. Croydon, has reduced train paths between While Margaret‟s and my activities have Norwood Junction and London Bridge. The been away from Riddlesdown, there are solution is to lengthen the trains that can lots of local opportunities to help the run into London Bridge from this Association. I will be happy to talk to any December. Our commuters will have one about these. noticed longer platforms at Sanderstead. Upper Warlingham, Oxted and East Transport Report, October 2011 Grinstead are receiving the same treatment This October I have lots of news to share – and I have received indications that all with you. will be ready for December. The longer We are living in progressive and trains will still stop at Riddlesdown with uncertain times with news still awaited on Selective Door Opening (SDO) used to the proposed (to which many have allow safe boarding and alighting. objected) changes to the 312 and 412 bus There is a determination to keep trains routes. The hope is that the 312 route will running in adverse conditions with continue to run between conductor rail heating systems installed at and Norwood Junction, and we will still be all East Grinstead line stations before this able to go to Purley Hospital and West winter. The speed with which the water Croydon Bus Station (with easy access to main-burst landslide problems were the Whitgift Centre) using the 412 service. overcome earlier this year is an indication I do know that when work is completed of Network Rail‟s determination to provide (2016/2018) on the Thameslink Project the needed infrastructure for good train (Blackfriars Station rebuilding is due to running. finish this year with passenger-impacting While no one has confirmed specific work starting at London Bridge Station morning services that are to be twelve after the Olympics) there will be around 24 coaches, my belief is that we are looking at trains an hour each way between 06:45, 07:18, 07:48, and 08:18 all to Blackfriars and St Pancras International London Bridge. stations. The station that is mentioned less Please keep using public transport and is Farringdon. When both Thameslink and share your feelings to make services better. Crossrail are running Farringdon will be In this context no one has mentioned giving the busiest station in the Country with 140 us more than our current hourly Sunday approaching trains each hour. What does service. this mean for us? When London Bridge work starts station capacity will be reduced, by the need to take platforms out of use, during the For travel information, just visit: www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk

15 RIDDLESDOWN RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Your Contributions

Do not let Riddlesdown Sanderstead or home in the near future a fast internet Purley miss out on Superfast connection is important. Broadband! Written by Brian Mason There is a way to change this if you do something about it. Here‟s how to check to see if you are affected and how to do something about it. To see if you are affected go to: www.productsandservices.bt.com/ consumerProducts/displayTopic.do? topicId=29017 Put your telephone number in the box to check to see if you will have the service. If you are in the initial deployment you will have a date. If you are not in the initial deployment, a message will appear saying that “you are not due to get BT Infinity within the next 6 months.” It will ask if you want to register an interest. If you are not in the initial deployment, register an Your community needs you! interest now. BT gauge where to roll out British Telecom is in the process of the service by the interest registered in a upgrading broadband services in particular area and are continually Riddlesdown, Sanderstead and Purley. The reviewing their plans. new service will offer an improved internet If you live in Riddlesdown, Purley or service giving a 5 to 10 times increase on Sanderstead and are not in the initial existing response times. The new product is deployment and want to change the current called “Infinity”. BT have stated that the situation you will have to register an service will not be rolled out in entire interest now. exchange areas. This is because of It does not really matter if you are not with technical and business reasons, and only a BT, you can still register an interest and by limited number of homes will get the doing so you will be helping everybody in improved service in the initial deployment. your area. It is also likely that other service As an example of this, homes in Brancaster providers like Sky and Talk Talk will lease Lane, Riddlesdown Avenue, Purley Bury BT‟s equipment to provide you with a Avenue, Purley Bury Close and parts of superfast broadband service as well. Riddlesdown Road will not be getting the It is easy to register an interest. You can superfast broadband in the initial rollout. do so in three ways. Go to the link above They will have to wait at least another six on this page. Go to the Riddlesdown months, maybe longer. There will also be Residents Association website other parts of the area covered by the RRA www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk that will not get the superfast broadband in and follow the link. the initial deployment. If you work from Go to www.bt.com and type in “Infinity” in home or are considering working from the search box at the top. You can see the

16 RIDDLESDOWN RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Your Contributions

benefits of superfast broadband by and small trees found across the common‟s following “Discover the benefits of sunny south facing slopes. These include superfast BT Infinity” tab in the bottom the white beam – a downland specialist, right hand corner on this registration page. juniper – so rare we‟ve counted every tree; and numerous wild pears and crab apples, Riddlesdown Common news there is much to be seen. The mix of Written by Matt Johnson & Barry species provides a vast larder of nectar, Gutteridge, Rangers of the City of London. pollen, nuts and berries for a huge array of This is an exciting time for the City insects and other animals, including the Commons team as we have now entered rare and elusive dormouse. into a Higher Level Stewardship Scheme In order to maintain this rich habitat at its with the national agency for nature very best we need to halt its slow but very conservation in the UK, Natural England. definite transformation into secondary This will part fund our conservation work woodland. Without intervention, canopy and we have been busy over the past year trees, such as oak and ash would soon start preparing work programmes, maps and to shade out the shrubs and dominate. On specifications in order to carry out the work the lower slopes, a combination of cutting identified within this agreement. back over mature scrub by contractors and Riddlesdown Common is situated on the volunteers will help create a mosaic of North Downs and renowned for its rare young scrub bushes and open grassy chalk grassland flowers, orchids and rare glades, perfect habitat for many insects, butterflies. Less glamorous but equally animals and breeding birds. An exciting important is the 20 species of native shrub time indeed!

Open and scrub-rich Riddlesdown of the 1911

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RIDDLESDOWN LAWN TENNIS CLUB Any of you who travel from Riddlesdown Station will probably have seen our club as we're situated half way down Lower Barn Road which does mean that our location is extremely convenient for recipients of the Riddlesdown Recorder. Please do have a look at our website (www.Riddlesdownltc.com) for information about the club including our Introductory offer of £50:00 for membership up until end of March 2012. We love our tennis and would like to encourage as many of the local residents to come and join us. It is a sociable game and whatever standard you are, we should have a club session that suits you and we do bring in outside coaches to help individuals improve their games if members express that desire. We also do dedicate our courts on Satur- day mornings to coaching youngsters from the age of 4 to 16.

If you are interested and would like to know more, please give Dave Kerr (Chairman) a ring on 07773 818443.

Home-made meals All-day breakfasts Salads and roast dinners Maggies Diner The Place to Eat 75 Mitchley Avenue, Sanderstead CR2 9HN Tel 020 8405 3388 Open Monday to Friday 7am to 4pm Saturday 8am to 3pm Sunday Closed Parties welcome

18 RIDDLESDOWN RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Your Contributions

CROYDON RIOTS It has been heartening to see communities Richard Ottaway bond together to clean up the mess and to By the time you read this article the ensure that Croydon returned to normal as shocking news of the riots which took soon as possible. place in Croydon in August will be recent The consequences of the riots which history. However, I feel that comment is affected so many of our towns and cities appropriate due to the nature and extent of across England will be felt for some time the most appalling criminal behaviour to hit and we now need to ensure that everything our town. is done to stop such dreadful activity As you will know, Croydon was very occurring again. The Prime Minister set out badly affected and visits were made by the his views on how we will go about Prime Minister and the Mayor of London achieving this in his statement to the House to see for themselves the devastated areas on 11 August. You can view this on my around Reeves Corner where business website www.richardottaway.com or call owners saw their shops go up in flames, my office for a hard copy. looters ran amok and people losing their homes to arson attacks. Similar problems First printed in Sanderstead News and affected residents and businesses in kindly supplied by Councillor Yvette London Road, West Croydon too, with Hopley many families rendered homeless and with no possessions left. I returned to Parliament from my summer holiday to participate in the emergency debate in the House of Commons, to visit the worst affected sites and to attend the Special Service conducted by the Bishop of Southwark at Croydon Minster on the 14th August. The looting and rioting that took place was pure criminality and extensive coverage was given by the media to those charged with offences. Hundreds of arrests were made within days and the courts were handing down stiff sentences. I would like to take this opportunity to put on record my sincere thanks to the brave police officers who manned the Croydon lines on the night of Monday 8th August, facing the most appalling attacks and to all those involved in the clean-up operation - Council teams, and volunteers. Share your views, leave a message on the board: www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk 19

RRA & City Of London Funday— 19th June 2011

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21

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22 RIDDLESDOWN RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION A word from your outgoing editor

From Nick Bygrave issue. He was a master of the art and was also always active in suggesting With best wishes to Monica Pugh in taking improvements to the design of the over as editor of the Riddlesdown magazine. Thanks to all of them. Recorder, I am also grateful to her for My only regret is that I was not more letting me thank some of those who have successful in persuading current residents helped me in contributing to, and to write about themselves and their producing, the Recorder during my nine recollections. It has always seemed obvious years as editor. In particular, to Committee to me that, among a population of at least members Brian Longman, Phil Thomas, 2,500, there must be many stories and John Rapp who, without much urging on memories of Riddlesdown that should be my part, regularly sent in their reports of recorded for posterity. what the RRA was doing. These I hope that Monica will do a better job of contributed to the main purpose of the uncovering the secrets, sinister or magazine – to keep residents informed of otherwise, of the Riddlesdown community. local issues and of what the Association does to protect and maintain the area as a good place to live in. Also important were the contributors to the Community Pages who sent in much useful information of what goes on in and around Riddlesdown. I also appreciated the articles of interest from my regular contributors. Most of these were ex-residents of Riddlesdown: Leslie Oppitz, now living in Wales, provided many essays on aspects of his life and interests here and elsewhere. John Jeffrey-Cooke of Wivelsfield, who sadly died earlier in the year, wrote on his interests – the London Guilds and tax history amongst them. John Wright was another memorable contributor of poems and articles. Harvey Smith, who lives locally was a great source of help. Some of you may recall his amusing articles on herbs, written under the nom-de-plume of Lady Violet Sage-Chervil. He also wrote on such things as place name origins and the NHS, but his chief contribution was in proof-reading the magazine, a subject he wrote about in one Missed Nick’s handiwork? View the old recorders: www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk 23 FREE ADVICE FROM WORLD TENNIS PLAYERS at www.purleyburytennisclub.net (Just click on Memopad, and keep up to date with club activities too)  club play  league and friendly matches  coaching at all levels  great for kids  BBQs  quiz nights  Bar  Tournaments  Floodlighting  improver and weekday (until 4pm) membership  balls provided

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24 RIDDLESDOWN RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Your Contributions

A GARDENER’S JOTTINGS and then feel guilty about not getting on The Glory of the Garden with the job in hand. The last verse One of my favourite poems is „The Glory comes to mind even more often than the of the Garden‟ by Rudyard Kipling. It is rest. It reads often in my mind whilst I am gardening. „Oh, Adam was a gardener, and God The opening verse, though quite lovely, who made him sees that half a proper does not really mean my garden: „Our gardeners‟ work is done upon his knees‟. England is a garden that is full of stately I am often on my knees in among my views‟ – mine does not have any stately plants removing the weeds, as well as views nor does it have peacocks strutting planting and also sowing seeds. The last by but it does have borders, beds, and verse concludes: shrubberies. The third verse mentions the „So when your work is finished, you men and „prentice boys. Many a time I can wash your hands and pray for the have wished for a „prentice boy to give Glory of the Garden, that it may not pass me a hand. It mentions the boys shouting away!‟ I always have to hope that any to scare the birds from the seeds and boy newly planted seeds, plants or bulbs are do we have birds around us that we want still in the same place the next day, as at to scare. The crows can be a real nui- night the foxes and badgers use the gar- sance, mainly in attacking the smaller den as a playground. birds but it is their noise that is so unbear- I am now going to look through the able. They really do spoil the peace that seed and bulbs catalogues that have been can be enjoyed in the garden. arriving these past few weeks and see The poem goes on to read what colourful bulbs take my fancy for „Our England is a garden, and such next spring and hope that the wildlife gardens are not made by singing:- “Oh, don‟t disturb them. how beautiful,” and sitting in the shade‟. That is another verse that comes to mind A member of the when I sit and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee Sanderstead Horticultural Society Re-produced from Riddlesdown Residents’ Association leaflet circa 1937

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P & P Šaban Newsagents

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26 The PROBUS Club of Sanderstead and Riddlesdown

We are a Club for retired or semi-retired professional and business men. Our purpose is to provide an opportunity for members to meet for the pleasure of each other‟s company, have lunch and a drink and to enjoy a variety of interesting and entertain- ing talks. We also arrange a number of interesting outings and an annual short holi- day when wives and friends can join us.

We meet monthly at the Old Whitgiftians‟ Sports Club, Croham Road, South Croy- don from mid-day on the first Tuesday of every month. Annual membership is only £14.00 and the meal and entertainment costs £16.00 per meeting. If you are interested, please contact the Secretary who will be very happy to furnish you with full membership details. Hon. Secretary is Mike Phillips (Tel: 020 8407 0305).

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27 RIDDLESDOWN RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Annual Accounts

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30 COMMUNITY PAGES THINGS TO DO, JOIN, AND HELP WITH Short pieces on local associations, events and activities are included here free of charge. New material is required for each issue please. Space is limited so please get contributions in early (by end February and/or August) – first come, first served. Cantilena Singers is a the Afternoon and we came known as the friendly, local, ladies above, still meeting at St Edmund‟s choir. 2010 / 2011 Church Hall, Mitchley Avenue on the has been a successful first Tuesday of the month. year which has included several Today we are still an active Guild with performances including our annual fund- the Walking Section completing their raising concert in July when friends and 200th walk recently, many in very muddy supporters gathered to hear the choir conditions, and only rarely have they had perform a programme of songs and light to cancel due to snow and ice. They music. This year the choir chose to always manage to find a cosy country support Demelza Hospice Care for pub for lunch half way. Our knitters have Children and the Mouth Cancer made a variety of gaily coloured blankets Foundation. for knee covering in hospices and now In our weekly rehearsals we have fun smaller items of children's clothing to be and improve our technique with clear sent to charities at home. Over a cup of guidance from our musical director, ably tea each month they set the world to right assisted by our pianist. We are helped while busy with the needles. A fairly with relaxation and vocal exercises and innovation is the Monthly Lunch where are coaxed gently through passages with we meet in different venues in the area tricky tuning or timing. sampling various types of food. We also Cantilena Singers welcomes new enjoy our outings to interesting places. members. We meet on Wednesdays at Our speakers recently have been well 7.30 pm in the Small Hall, Methodist received and many questions are raised at Church, Limpsfield Road, Sanderstead the end. (403 bus route). The new term starts on On the serious side we discuss issues of 14 September 2010 when we will begin the day as directed by our Headquarters. to The current one is the abolition of prepare for our Christmas concerts. For cheques which is of great concern and at more information please ring Jill on the recent AGM in Birmingham our 07957 627783. delegate heard the head of the Pay Policy Commission give us his assurance that it PURLEY & RIDDLESDOWN won‟t happen at least until 2016. Since AFTERNOON TOWNSWOMEN GUILD then, of course, the latest news is that the We have just celebrated our 21 years but whole idea has been abandoned. The of course prior to that there were Guilds Townswomen petition was the largest at Riddlesdown known as Purley sent in - get involved and make it happen. Riddlesdown for many years. In 1990 We enjoy our Christmas and Birthday Purley (Evening), based in Purley, parties and get together with other Guilds merged with in the area for meetings. In July we were

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32 RIDDLESDOWN RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Community Pages

represented at the Purley Festival where CR2 7BG. Second Monday of each we had a stand to promote the month 2pm and again at 8pm. Admission organisation, and hoped it would £3.50. Everyone is welcome, not just stimulate interest. As our National RSPB members. Free refreshments. A Chairman always stresses, we do serious selection of RSPB goods, nuts and seeds but also have FUN. If interested please are on sale. Parking limited on site but contact Kay Williams 020 8668 3719 or free in adjacent road (no meters). email- prtg1990G hotmail.co.uk. MONDAY OCT. 10: Ancient Woodlands Andrew Cleave is resident warden at SANDERSTEAD Bramley Frith near Basingstoke, 27 HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY hectares of ancient, mixed woodland. Our society was formed in 1941 at the SATURDAY OCT. 29: The RSPB height of the “Dig for Victory” campaign Croydon Group‟s Autumn Fair will be to promote self sufficiency and interest in held at All Saints‟ Parish Church, gardening. I like to think we are still Sanderstead, starting at 10am. following in the footsteps of our MONDAY NOV. 14: Raptorphilia Keith founders. During the winter we have a Offord will help us with raptor series of lectures on horticultural themes identification in forest, open country and commencing at 8pm (7.30pm 10 raised bog. November) in the hall of All Saints MONDAY DEC. 12: John Buckingham is Church, Onslow Gardens. a regular lecturer on the RSPB circuit and 13 October Plants for Chalk will bring us his talk on The Wonders of 10 November Gardener’s Friends Bird Migration. beneficial insects MONDAY JAN. 9: Our Changing 9 February Photography in the Garden Wildlife Chris Ward will discuss the 8 March Gardens I have worked in changing population of British wildlife. 12 April Natural History of the North Which British species are changing and Downs why? The talks are free to all, but if you MONDAY FEB. 13: Beauty of the Swiss would like to become a member of the Alps Glenda Law will show us the Society for just £6 a year, and receive a outstanding scenery, flowers, animals and generous discount at Knights Garden birds of the Alps. Centers, contact Valerie Burley 8651 MONDAY MAR. 12: 5837. Striking, Impressive and Spectacular Colin Jones, Chairman Seabirds Steve Magennis provides an insight into the world of some of our THE RSPB remarkable seabirds. CROYDON MONDAY APR. 2: Flora and Fauna of LOCAL GROUP South East England Brian Gallop shows Monthly Illustrated Wildlife Talks in us the birds, butterflies, flowers and fungi South Croydon. Old Whitgiftian in this part of the country. Association Clubhouse, Croham Manor For more information contact John Road -off Croham Road. South Croydon, Davis 020-8640 4578.

33 RIDDLESDOWN’S POST OFFICE Newsagents, Confectioners and General Store

Come to us for your . . . Newspapers and magazines (all can be delivered) Stationery, cards, tobacco, confectionery Groceries, fruit and vegetables Wines and spirits Fresh bread and rolls (Sats. only) Chilled drinks, meats and dairy produce Frozen ice cream, ready meals Next day dry cleaning

O P E N I N G T I M E S Shop: Weekdays 6am - 8pm Sat. and Sun. 6am - 7pm Post Office: Weekdays (except Wed): 9am - 5.30pm Closed 1pm—2pm Wednesday 9am - 1pm Saturday 9am - 12.30pm Sunday Closed Last collections from postbox: Weekdays 5pm Saturdays and Bank Holidays - Midday 102 Lower Barn Road Purley Tel: 020 8660 1400 E A S Y P A R K I N G SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL POST OFFICE

34 RIDDLESDOWN RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Community Pages

or see www.croydon-rspb.org.uk 8660 4378.

CROYDON OPEN GROUP WHO PLAYS TENNIS AT PURLEY Now that the holiday season is over, and BURY… you are less likely to be spending your Friendly, calm, funny people, and all evenings outdoors, you might enjoy shapes and sizes. Lobbers, drop shotters, sharing an interest in books and/or music baseliners. Men play doubles Thursday with a small group of like-minded people. mornings. Ladies play doubles Why not consider giving Croydon Open Wednesday mornings. Juniors play Group a try - we meet for a couple of Fridays, from 4pm, and, soon as good hours each week on a weekday evening. enough, in adult tennis. Students play The material for our meetings comes when they‟re not studying (special sub!). mainly from books or music, the subject Couples play, with their children. Club for the evening being planned in advance play is Sunday mornings, Monday and and contributed by the members, who Thursday evenings – made-up games at bring a couple of short extracts from other times. books, music, or something from their The competitive play in club own interests or experience to suit the tournaments, League matches and evening‟s theme. Even if you don‟t know friendlies. anything at all about the subject you may The less competitive enjoy the bar, and be able to find something to bring, no quiz nights. (Social membership only matter how inconsequential it seems. As £18. Bargain!). „Improvers‟ play, with a result of this, and by hearing other one free group coaching lesson included members‟ contributions, you may learn (sub £55). Tots from 4 years of age play things you didn‟t know, or discover min-tennis. Kids love the coaching something of interest that you might like games, and play after school and in the to find out more about. holidays. Teenagers play singles. People We are a friendly and informal group who work find time to play, and sixty- and we are hoping you might be attracted and seventy-year-olds. No one over by the prospect of spending an eighty yet – but coming soon! The club enlightening and enjoyable evening in provides balls. Why don‟t you play? Go pleasant and comfortable surroundings. on, why don’t you play? Ring 020 8668 As the annual subscription only has to 5250 or go to purleyburytennisclub.net. cover administration costs it is low, but there is a small charge for the tea or ST EDMUND’S CARING GROUP coffee and biscuits provided at each St Edmund‟s Caring Group outing this meeting. summer was a lunch for seventeen at the We would welcome new members of Rubbing House on Epsom Downs. The any age so why not come along for a restaurant is adjacent to the Queen‟s „taster‟ session where you wouldn‟t need grandstand on Epsom race course. The to bring a contribution? views across the course are extensive, If you want more details about the group particularly if you catch the horses out on please ring me, Anne Slatford, on 020 the gallop, we were lucky enough to have

35 RIDDLESDOWN PHARMAC Y 104 Lower Barn Road, Purley, Surrey Tel/Fax: 8660 7150 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9am-1pm, 2.15-5.30pm Wednesday, Saturday: 9am-1pm Pharmaceutical advice and health care requirements Toiletries, baby goods, gifts, films and batteries 24 hour film processing (received before 11 am)

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20 years’ experience Reliable service Fully insured.

Phone Neil 0208 657 3547 07940 227 502 36 RIDDLESDOWN RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Community Pages

ring Margaret Hall, 020 8668 1764. The sub is still only £21 (for eleven talks). Or try us out and come as a visitor, paying £5 at the door. Details about the Society on www.purley-literary-society.com The programme for this year is: 11 Oct: Life on a Harp String Margaret Watson plays, and talks about her life as a harpist. Amusing musical SEC Group outside the restaurant. diversion. 25 Oct: Inviting the World to London: sunny weather allowing us to have coffee from the Great Exhibition to the 2012 outside on arrival. Olympics Ian Gibson, London‟s youngest The food was beautifully cooked and Blue Badge Guide, talks about the 2012 plentiful particularly the desserts, the Olympics and the history of events menu was varied and allowed you to have leading up to it. Knowledgeable update. a smaller portion if required. 8 Nov: All You Need to Know about The drive out to Epsom took in the Chickens Jane Furnival, Queen of Thrift Lavender Fields at Carshalton, near Oaks and author of Dumb-bells, Earplugs and Park and the viewpoint on top of the Hair Restorer, comes to town. Funny and Downs looking out over London. uplifting. If you would like any help with 22 Nov: Fun with Words shopping or transport to medical Geraldine Horne, actress, broadcaster, appointments for example or you would teacher, lecturer and examiner entertains like to volunteer your time in helping our with a mixture of monologues, poetry and neighbours of Riddlesdown, please call prose. A lexical delight. Julia Rider on 020 86516493 or Barbara 6 Dec: Seasonal Songs Barry Stevens Towler on 020 86608653. returns to serenade us with Christmas songs and hits from the shows. Relaxing TUESDAY TALKS AT PURLEY LIT nostalgia with drinks and nibbles. The Purley Lit hosts lively, interesting For your 2012 diary: talks on alternate Tuesday evenings from 10 Jan: The Rise and Rise of Social October to March. Media Our youngest speaker, Jonny This makes an ideal and local evening Rose, with topical insights. Find out what excursion because the talks are nearby at you‟re missing! the Purley United Reformed Church 24 Jan: A View of India Hall, 906 Brighton Road, easily reachable John and Bobbie Wilson – enjoy the by bus, and with nearby car parking. warmth and eccentricity of North India Starting at 8pm, they always end by at and its people. least 9.30pm, after questions. And you 7 Feb: All about Woods can arrive a bit early for coffee, tea and Jim Clemens and Renee Bull, who bought biscuits. a wood, talk about it and show their film, To join as a member this coming season A Year in the Woods.

37 St Edmund’s Church Riddlesdown’s Anglican Church at the Heart of the Community Part of the Parish of Sanderstead

Services on Sunday mornings at 8am and 9.15am Family service on the second Sunday of each month Saturday morning children’s club once a month

All welcome - just come along Contact Revd Susan Atkinson-Jones (tel: 8657 5505)

Church hall for hire Very reasonable rates Good for children’s parties Contact Christina (tel: 8651 4857)

Mitchley Avenue (junction with Lower Barn Road)

All types of building & decoration work undertaken We provide a professional and caring service - at competitive prices - with the peace of mind from knowing you are in the hands of a qualified team ROOFING - EXTENSIONS - RENOVATIONS - PLANS ARRANGED LOFT CONVERSIONS - INSURANCE WORK - KITCHENS - BATHROOMS INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL WORKS - UNDERPINNING AND STRUCTURAL WORK AND MUCH MORE! Tel: 01883 626288 Fax: 01883 626299 www.cannon-construction.com Email: [email protected]

38 RIDDLESDOWN RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Community Pages / New Features

21 Feb: Kidnapped in Paradise evening for Arts and Crafts lovers. Tom Hart-Dyke, the plant hunter who Wonderful pictures. survived kidnap in a Panamanian jungle 20 Mar: Who Do You Think You Are? to create the World Garden at (The Dark Side of Genealogy) Dan Lullingstone Castle. Amazing. Waddell on the TV programme, 6 Mar: William Morris and his Red genealogy and crime novel writing. House Sally Roberson with a magical Sinister.

help each other in time of need. The RRA do not only promote the well-being of our

Who Are We? With effect from the next edition of the Recorder, we will be introducing a new feature. The Editor will be interviewing the members of the Committee and the community by promoting social pursuits, Road Stewards. Each issue will include we also work together in trying to an interview, with the first one being that preserve the very beautiful surroundings of a Road Steward. Please contact the that we are very privileged to have. Editor to nominate your Road Steward: who will be the first? Let us know what you think. The Recorder and the Association To give the community an opportunity to depends on the people that contribute and communicate with us and others, we are donate time in order to keep it going. It is introducing “Letter to the Editor” section. not always obvious who we are and what You can communicate with us via we do. Get to know us and in so doing, traditional post. Please send letters to get to know your community. It has been 78 Ingleboro Drive, Riddlesdown, Purley, demonstrated in recent days; following CR8 1EF or by email to our special the riots in our cities, that although we are address [email protected]. private individuals, we do get together to Have you visited our website? www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk

39 Our MP: Richard Ottaway (MP for Croydon Surrey CR8 4DQ Tel: 8405 6752 South), House of Commons SW1A 0AA Email : [email protected] Tel: 020 7219 6392 (surgery 1590) or visit surgery at 36 Brighton Road, Purley CR8 2LG (by appt.) SANDERSTEAD http://www.richardottaway.com/ Lynne Hale Email : [email protected] c/o Town Hall, Katharine Street Our Councillors: PURLEY Croydon CR0 1NX Tel: 8405 6721 Graham Bass Email : [email protected] 19 Woodland Way, Purley CR8 2HT Tim Pollard Tel: 8660 7013 Woodside, 42 Lime Meadow Avenue, Email : [email protected] South Croydon CR2 9AR Tel: 8251 8500 Badsha Quadir, Email : [email protected] c/o Town Hall, Katharine Street Yvette Hopley Croydon CR0 1NX Tel: 8668 2751 c/o The Town Hall, Katharine Street, Email : [email protected] Croydon CR0 1NX Tel: 8657 0973 Donald Speakman, 4 Bencombe Road, Purley, Email : [email protected]

RIDDLESDOWN/LONDON TRAIN TIMES (OFF-PEAK) To East Croydon, Victoria (London Bridge): Weekdays: 0906, 0936 then 6 and 36 mins past the hour until 2306. (LB trains: 1846, 1916, 2016.) Saturdays: 0706, 0736 then same each hour until 2306. Sundays: 0821 then same each hour until 2321. From Victoria to Riddlesdown: Weekdays: 0923, 0953 and then 23 and 53 mins past the hour until 1653 then 1723, 1753, 1823, 1853, 1923, 1953, 2023, 2053, 2123, 2153, 2223, 2253, 2324, 2349. Saturdays: 0723, 0753 then 23 and 53 mins past the hour until 2253 then 2324, 2349. Sundays: 0722 and then same each hour until 2222. From London Bridge to Riddlesdown: Weekdays: 1715, 1744, 1815, 1847. Saturdays and Sundays: No direct services. From East Croydon to Riddlesdown: Weekdays: 0910, 0940 and then 10 and 40 mins past the hour until 1710, then 1730, 1741, 1758, 1805, 1817, 1831, 1842, 1900, 1911, 1940, 2010, 2040, 2110, 2140, 2210, 2240, 2310, 2343, 0010. Saturdays: 0910, 0940 and then 10 and 40 mins past the hour until 0010. Sundays: 0943 and then same each hour until 2143, then 2245. Enquiries: National Rail Enquiries: Tel: 08457 484950, website: www.nationalrail.co.uk/ or www.southernrailway.com/. Southern Customer Services: Tel: 08451 272940 AND SOME LOCAL BUS ROUTES AND TIMES The 412 starts/ends at West Croydon bus station, passes through High Street/Katherine Street, South Croydon (Swan & Sugar Loaf), Upper Selsdon Road, Selsdon (Farley Road), Sanderstead Church, Riddlesdown (Mitchley Avenue), starting/ending at Tesco's, Purley. Frequencies (mins): Early: 20, Peaks 15, Daytime 15, Evenings 20, Late evenings 30. (Sundays 30). First and last: from West Croydon: weekdays and Saturdays: 0620, 2355; Sundays: 0655, 2355. From Tesco’s weekdays and Saturdays: 0552, 2327; Sundays: 0627, 2327. The 403 starts/ends at West Croydon bus station, passes , Park Lane, Swan & Sugar Loaf, Sanderstead Station and Church, , Warlingham Green and Sainsbury’s, Chelsham, Farleigh, starting/ending Chelsham Common. Frequencies (mins): Early: 20, Peaks 12, Daytime 12, Evenings 15, Late evenings 20. (Sundays 20). First and last: from West Croydon weekdays and Saturdays: 0530, 2400; Sundays: 0700, 2400. From Chelsham Common weekdays and Saturdays: 0530, 2400; Sundays: 0650 2400. Enquiries: London Transport 020 7222 1234 www.transportforall.com/; Arriva 020 8271 0101. (Sources: Trains: Southern timetable; Buses: Out & About (TfL). Timetables change, so, if in doubt, check with the operators. RRA can accept no responsibility for the accuracy of the above information.) Our website: www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk

Library Closing Days: Purley and Selsdon – Wednesdays; Sanderstead – Thursdays Croydon Council’s telephone number for all enquiries: 020 8686 4433 RRA Committee Meetings: usually 3rd Wednesday in January, March, May, September, November Printed by Denyer Printers, 33 Lower Road, , Surrey CR8 5NH 020 8660 1375