FREE ISSUE 19 . JULY 2018

SOMETIMES YOU JUST GOTTA ROLL WITH WHAT LIFE BRINGS YOU” “n sweltering heat Hannah Cowey, honest account I15, stands outside her home selling about living cakes she has baked to raise money with cancer: and awareness about the little “Sure, cancer known cancer Sarcoma which her can be a death older sister is battling. sentence, and it What started as a small lump on is shit, but it is 20-year-old Maddie Cowey’s shoulder possible to live and was intially thought to be a cyst with it and live was shown up on a ultra scan to be the through it and PREACHERS USE DRILL rare cancer ASPS (Alveolar Soft-Part more importantly, Sarcoma) which affects the soft tissues live HAPPILY and occurs mainly in young adults, through it. TO REACH YOUNG usually females. “And I believe this to be true of other hese are the Hope Dealers who Tare using controversial drill music per cent of all UK cancer cases a year. chronic diseases, and anyone living with stall outside their home in Parchmore to preach gospel and have caused a long-term, possibly life-threatening Road. over the weekend as part of TheSoft tumourtissue Sarcoma was removed amounts on forMaddie’s just 1.3 outrage by singing in a Croydon disease. Sarcoma Awareness Week. church wearing balaclavas. 18 and then another tumour on her “Personally I don’t know what’s going They are determined that others Here two members of the group shoulder in blade 2016 a whenyear later she wasleaving just to happen with my cancer, all I know is shouldn’t go through the same ordeal her with two large scars which she has that this week is one year since I had and want other families to be more Bread and Means speak to Chronicle embraced and now wears with pride. my second operation which was my last aware of how to spot the early signs of Youth reporter Aisha Jade about how the SPACNation church and God has ASPS is a progressive cancer which is form of treatment, and that my next the disease. scan is in August. Dad Colin, a gardener, said that even impacted on their lives. into other parts of the body, and has “So until August I won’t know what’s if one parent listens then it had been Means said: “I got inspired to start difficultspread to to Maddie’s diagnose lungs. and can migrate going to happen next. But I like to think worth while. making music when my lifestyle The Warwick University student who has that whatever happens, like so many At the moment the disease is not changed. We wanted to listen to spent the last year in Italy studying as people in the cancer community I will the same music that we are used to part of a degree in Classics, has written a be able to continue to ‘live’ with cancer. but a lot of the stuff out there was blog in which she shares her experiences spreadingCoast before further returning and Maddie to England is enjoying to contradicting so being the alternative with Sarcoma, along with her passions life brings you. And sometimes you have a holiday with her boyfriend on the Amalfi was the only solution. Sometimesto accept death. you justAnd gotta live with roll withthat. what“ for life, food, travel and more. Youth Chronicle wishes Maddie well. “Church and God has impacted our In her last blog www.maddiecowey. Meanwhile sister Hannah and her Forcomplete more her info final about university Sarcoma year. The lives drastically. It’s what we live by, wixsite.com/blog she writes a powefully Thornton Heath family, mum Jane, dad www:sarcoma.org.uk faith. We live by it everyday. And now Colin, and brother William manned a that we have found something greater than us it’s like a vision. It keeps us going and keeps us in line. Because PALACE MAGIC LEADS LIONS ROAR AT WORLD CUP we have been impacted we are able to impact on others.” inger Joseph Hungbo, at just 18 Hungbo Southgate player and very team oriented. TURN TO PAGE 2 Wis following in the footsteps of footballing legends who have risen “We had a great through the Palace Academy including group of players around us. There England manager Gareth Southgate. was something Joseph, from Croydon, who signed his special. It doesn’t surprise me Premier League side this month will that we’ve got firstno doubt professional be eyeing contract a future with place the in Gareth Southgate the England team which is chasing Palace for Life Foundation provides as manager of World Cup glory under the leadership football and education programme for England, Chris of Southgate, who was the youngest all ages including over-16s at Croydon’s Coleman managing WIN captatin to lead Palace to promotion. Harris Academy in partnership with Wales and Richard Hungbo who has come through the Volenti Academy, established by one Shaw at the CPFC TICKETS TO Oasis Academy in Shirley where other of Southgate’s contemporaries Bobby Academy. “ Palace prospect Aaron Wan-Bissaka, 20, Bowry. About today’s PALACE FRIENDLY from New Addington was schooled, is Through the varied and holistic work Academy stars, he said: “We have two boys from one of the Eagles academy’s brightest the Foundation carries out they are the Volenti Academy who have gone to America e have 10 pairs of tickets, stars and had attracted interest from giving local youngsters opportunities to on full scholarship and two boys who have got Weach worth £15 to give away both Liverpool and Chelsea. onto the Players Academy at St George’s Park. I for Palace’s pre-season friendly at Wan-Bissaka broke thorough into the did. Just last season alone eight young am proud because we’re dealing with a different Selhurst Park against Toulouse on oneplayers day camefulfil athrough dream thejust Foundationlike Southgate type of kid, a street kid, and we’re giving them a August 4. been described as a ‘promising talent’ programmes - signing for CPFC’s different point of view. Academy teams. To win a pair of tickets tell the firstwho teamis likely last to season remain and part has of alreadymanager “The Foundation let us use the CPFC Chronicle distributor outside Tesco at Bobby who played at Palace for four name to help us get into the community. 11am on Saturday (14) which Palace seasons said: “Gareth was part of the Just like Wilfried Zaha, they all grew I love what I do working with young player grew up in Thornton Heath? players and giving them a chance like I upRoy in Hodgson’s Croydon, andfirst-team their discoveries plans. Only one pair per person. demonstrate how the Academy was a fantastic role model with a great had. I went from having nothing to being structure is great for spotting and youthattitude, team desire when and I joined dedication. Palace. He He was where I am now and that’s because of the Under U12s already go for free and harnessing emerging talent. very professional and driven; a great opportunities I was given.” U18s at a reduced rate of £10. 2 3 thorntonheathchronicle.co.uk TURN FROM PAGE 1 Hope Dealers, editor@ TEENAGERS EXPERIENCE REAL LIFE TRAUMAS describe themselves as ambassadors and thorntonheathchronicle.co.uk ocal school children as young as pioneers for Gospel Drill and recently SINGER,19, TOURS THE WORLD WHILE JUGGLING HER A-LEVELS featured on a BBC 1xtra. L14 with aspirations to one day EXCLUSIVE BY AMBER THORNTON based on what I do I think it’s very Form to do A-Levels despite her music @ThorntonHeathChronicle become a surgeon are being given the However, drill music has been blamed LRIE, has already achieved so rewarding. I’m doing what I love and opportunity to experience real life @THChronicle by police, politicians and the media as Amuch at just the age of 19, and getting paid for it. But everyone only proven to be a great test of strength. traumas including taking part in a fuelling a surge in violent crime. is touring with one of the hottest sees the highlights and they’re like ‘Oh career. Trying to juggle the two had foot transplant. She said: “It was crazy, I had my biology elcome to your monthly Jermaine Goupall, 15, was stabbed to sounds of electro-house music: SG my gosh, you’re travelling around the textbooks out on the tour bus trying to WThornton Heath Chronicle. Norbury Manor Business and Enterprise death in August last year in Georgia Lewis. world, doing all these shows!’ but it’s revise,” she continues, “I missed a month We’d love to hear your comments and College has been selected as one of the Road. His murderers outlined the killing a lot of work. When I went on tour last of school, but caught up really well. I year, I was travelling every single day. I stories. The Chronicle is only possible connects the tongue to the trachea, lungs, in a violent YouTube video. music college in Tooting called BIMM wouldn’t recommend it as it’s risky and winning Operating Theatre Live which is got really ill what with all the different because of the great support we have. heart and liver.” His father Stanley described the music Herfor a journey year and started made aftersome she great went contacts to a stressful, but I couldn’t pass up this firstled by venues science in teacherthe UK toSamuel host the Piri. award- time zones. If you are a business think about The tour arrives at Norbury Manor as having “a demonic mindset”. Drill in the industry. Being from Croydon, it’s great opportunity.” Along with an expert team of clinicians, supporting this initiative which is Business College on July 21, from 9am originated in Chicago, helping to make warming to see another young person “Like I said it’s very tiring, but I Within the next year ALRIE hopes to they are offering 14 to 19-year-old’s providing a source of news and events to 5pm with an option to stay through the city one of America’s most violent from the local area on their path to with an interest in a future career in release some of her own music, now and sense of community spirit. the evening for the Trauma Room. At the with 650 murders last year. success. every day of my life.” that the exam period is over. medicine, health care or dentistry the definitely can’t complain. I would do this Our advertising rates can be viewed at: emergency medicine workshop from Hope Dealers belong to the ALRIE has travelled around the world To ALRIE, touring with a celebrity is She hopes to write loads of music and chance to dissect real specimens like the 5pm to 8pm students will experience www/throntonheathchronicle.co.uk/ brain, eyes, lungs and the heart. SPACNation church movement which to places like America and Brazil for advertising performing a foot transplant using a is led in London by senior pastor Tobi her tours and will continue to do so this with musicians and performing,” she sound, having enough supporters to All the organs are from pigs, which have semi synthetic human cadaver but the Adegboyega, cousin of Hollywood actor summer around Asia and Australia. It’s nothingsays. “Sam more [SG than Lewis] just and “hanging everyone out are definerelease her her brand, own music. and establish her an almost identical anatomy to humans, organs inside are all real specimens. John Boyega. not all singing, as she gets to explore She added: “I feel like I’m not in a rush and all are waste products of the meat Students have a go at surgical techniques I’m hanging out with musicians, and industry. It is essentially the opportunity SPACNation is partners with Connect 25, when the band have a free day with no to release my own music. Sometimes I such as intubation, endoscopy and reallyperforming. down-to-earth, It really doesn’t so it just really feels feel like based in South Norwood and services shows. She said: “I often think to myself forget I’m so young and have all the time to touch, feel and see organs which transplant, getting to grips with the like a ‘celeb’ thing. ndrea Perry, Editor makes such a difference to learning. are held at Stanley Halls. ‘How am I so lucky?’” equipment and infection control and However she adds seeing celebrities Ain Chief National events manager for Operation Bread said: “What inspired me to start However, according to ALRIE the life of want to do it wrong. learning along the way about diseases that she has adored since childhood, such Quote: “No matter what Theatre Live Luke Jones, said: “ As an making music was SpacNation (their a singer is not as glamorous as people “So,in the I’m world going to to figure take mythis time out andand Ihope don’t affect different organs. as Jessie J and Justin Timberlake, is people tell you, words assistant headteacher I know that digital church) I realised that me and other young may think. I’m soon in a position to show my music Tickets cost £60 and £139 for access understandably “really exciting”. and ideas can change the reality is very effective but it can’t provide members needed something to listen to. She sadi: ”I wouldn’t say that I’m to the world!? 24-HOUR to the truama room. To book: the hands-on sensory experience of Being only 19, ALRIE was still in Sixth world” - Robin Williams. www.operatingtheatrelive.co.uk “Church has changed my life @alriebahmusic holding a heart or exploring something aynab Osman, 24 publicevent PARK ART EVENT as amazing as the thoracic cavity which that says it all. “ properly in the singer life just yet, but park is being transformed in to a 24 ZQuote: “Sometimes significantly as I am now a pastor. I think Ahour open arts venue which will see our salvation is in the AT HOME WITH WILFRIED ZAHA artists come together in performance, hands of the person we FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN TO SECURE THE FUTURE OF THE CHRONICLE n a candid interview Palace sound art and sculpture. Our support from ad revenue is minimal help. In fact, we save e started The Chronicle because superstar Wilfried Zaha, has spoken ourselves by reaching out to other and the small grants we receive only I The 24 hour parky people event takes Wof a passion for Thornton Heath Thornton Heath locals, through about how his time at Manchester andmoved I just away had from to deal my with family so in much London… souls” -Rumi covers the monthly costs of printing. As place in Trumble Gardens on Brigstock and its community, writes Editor We’vecampaigns been for influential their businesses in supporting and Utd reduced him to tears and that he craziness.to play football My job but was if I towas play not football..I playing for the actual writing, sub-editing, and There’s always been a lot going on and organisations. Thornton Heath is is happy with his decision to turn his football what exactly was I doing up isha Jade, 21 laying out of the paper, we’ve always at 6pm on Saturday 21 and is part of we wanted to make sure you knew changing, so it’s all the more important back on England and play for the Ivory here…It could have really broken me. I relied on an amazing but small team of used to get up, go training knowing that RoadTHAW from (Thornton 6pm on Heath Friday Arts 20 andWeek). finishes AFact: Is an about it all. (The good and the bad!) we hold those who make the decisions Coast because he was so desperate to international food blogger about our local area to account. volunteers. To make sure we continue to I was not going to be picked”. Artists featured include: Phil Mill, Roshni In September 2016 we launched a play international football. who has reviewed give Thornton Heath it’s only truly local Zaha credits his faith in God and his Bhagotra, Op.X, Katrin Haunch, PINS and printed newspaper and now print 5,000 News is our bread and butter, but it’s not In an interview with presenter Tia Caribbean restaurants paper, we need be able to reimburse belief in his talent for getting him Marianne Hyatt. copies a month. The Chronicle has the only thing we do. We cover the arts, Sackey at his home, the Palace winger through this period of his life, made him in London, New York, Toronto and these volunters for some of their time. what i am waiting for? I wanted to Activities include a bat hunt, song writing become a much-loved local news source. culture, sports, and provide insightful talked about tough times growing up in mentally stronger and knowing what he play international football…Ivory Coast Montego Bay features in to our communities session plus plans to paint the children’s This month we have printed a 16-page We are asking you to help wanted and so returning to Palace “felt approached me again and maybe it was activities. brothers and three sisters - moved from equipment and neglected benches. edition with a 20,000 copies handing by making a contribution. £ like coming back home”. God telling me that I need to play for a mber Thornton, 18 Thornton Heath where his family - five All attendees of the park are invited to over the newspaper’s editorial content And now we are asking for your help. If everyone who read this God and his dad play important roles in country I turned down before but still years-old in to a three bedroom house. get involved, they can paint something, AFact: Have a phobia to local young people to produce a youth We need to raise £10,000 for a budget edition of the Chronicle Zaha’s life and most Fridays he goes to want me…no brainer”. the Ivory Coast when he was just four- they can sing, recite poetry, play an of mould edition and we are keen to continue to gave 50 pence we would pray with his dad before a game and then The decision for Zaha was further others’ company, Zaha is most grateful the day after the game they meet to speak instrument and have some fun. Quote: “There is no encourage young people and the wider meet our target. Fromfor his a father’s close family support who and enjoyed says that each about what he could have done better. on arrival at the airport in Ivory Coast greater agony than community to be creative - and write fornews staffing articles costs. ourselves Up until alongside now, we’ve full- https://www.gofundme.com/ he owes it all to him. Although his THAW includes poetry from Young for The Chronicle. just about scraped by, managing to cover thornton-heath-chronicle-campaign parents were strict, the young Wilf had On his lack of selection for England, confirmed by the huge reception he got People Insight, spoken word by Well bearing an untold story inside you” – he said that in the beginning he had he realised how valued he was by the Angelou no interest in parties or a ‘bad man’ Versed along with a series of art publishing a community newspaper. tocountry play in he a hadWorld left Cup at only Qualifier four. and time jobs. lifestyle and had tunnel vision when it exhibitions, as well as the announcement the Premier League and the Professional here when I was four, all I know is As for the future, Zaha is shrewdly ineshwara came to football. of The Thornton Heath in Bloom winners MEET THE Footballers Association, creates a rejectedEngland. Ivory I live Coasthere, allbecause: my friends “I came are planning ahead and has started his Sanassee, 20 PlayMakers project, jointly funded by workshops and training to support Scouted by Palace from a Sunday league D connection between local young people, here. I’ve done everything here so best own clothing range, Long Live and has Favourite quote from Over the last five months we have had play for England. YOUTH CHRONICLE who generally have limited social develop their writing, interviewing and it was yesterday.” “I did one or two tricks and film nights. the movie, The Greatest “I played one game for England against local superstar still keeps his feet on networks, and CPFC supporters in reporting skills. team,and got he decent remembers reviews his after first thematch game, “like Showman, “the noblest our group of young journalists to becomethe ground a father with forhis themessage first time. that “I’mThis LOOK OUT FOR THE We have also been lucky enough to be game 20 minutes against Scotland. art is making others happy.” across London’s business, media, public able to call on some other local talented Years later this raw talent took him to a person and as a footballer.” powerfuland voluntary and/or sectors. influential positions Manchestereven though United I only only played for this five exciting minutes”. move “ISweden was then for neverfive minutes picked andagain. the Imagine next EDITORIAL professionals such as Emmanuelle Tojust see trying the tointerview work on inmyself full: overall as abirina Abdullahi Ali four years of football life but no FLASH MOB Our PlayMakers opportunity has really Waeckerle and Khalil Goddard to host international football. It got to the point https://www.youtube.com/ Mohamed, 19 his was the practice run for a Flash S ith large sums of investment, captured the imagination and every photography and creative writing “It was a period while I was by myself where it was ridiculous and I thought watch?v=FkF2DnWITIs to become a very difficult time for him. Mob which will be assembling Facts: big fan of 90s and Wan ever-improving art scene, week members of the CPFC community workshops for the group. T current RnB music but the development of Westfield have been getting in contact to ask how somewhere in Thornton Heath on also musicals are a guilty Shopping Centre, and the £100 million they can get involved. That sums up Saturday July 14 at 11am to kick start from the real life experience; one which redevelopment plans to Selhurst Park, Palace really; a great community club! Arts Week. pleasure - especially Hamilton! Ourthey young would journalists not ordinarily have have benefited had. LOCAL ARTIST HIRED TO DO PORTRAIT OF LORD SUGAR there are a host of reasons why Croydon London is often cited as a magnet for with BT over the placement of new is one of the most exciting places to live They have conducted interviews with hornton Heath artist Bareface green street cabinets which meant that atherine Momoh, 22 global talent, and Croydon is a hot-bed was commisioned to create a pop right now, writes Zaynab Osman. for success with individuals like grime T the proposed design would need to be CFact: I like reading opportunities across the industry art portrait of Lord Alan Sugar which As a staunch supporter of all things artist Stormzy, supermodel Kate Moss, novels and watching true keyand figures,the wider had community, great networking and most was presented to him by Apprentice south London and a lifelong football comedian Michael Dapah AKA Big Shaq, Snapshot Collectives decided to pull crime documentaries importantly they have had the chance winner Sarah Lynn at a celebration fan, I was excited to discover and CPFC’s head coach Roy Hodgson, former outsignificantly because ofaltered the uncertainty and artists of the to receive one-to-one support from an of their co-owned confectionary start working for the Palace for Life Great British Bake Off star Sue Perkins, business Sweets in the City. hantol Kenesea and singer Adele, all having links to the The council is now offering a £5,000 in Andrea Perry. SByfield,18 Palace Football Club (CPFC). local area. Bareface had been selected by Croydon budgetproject. for a fresh design for the Temple Itexperienced has been my and honour established and absolute journalist Council to produce a mural as part of the mural. Interests: photography, TheFoundation, Foundation the officialhas been charity working of Crystal with Andrea Perry, PlayMaker and Editor sites are being sought. The council is regeneration of the High Street, but over also advertising for artists for a public The parameters of what the artwork Dancer Kimberly Warren of Urban poetry, writing young people for over 25 years, helping at The Thornton Heath Chronicle, capacity as editor of this Youth Edition. a year later the much awaited CR7 mural commission to complete the design for feature may constitute, have been left Steppers will be leading the adhoc young south Londoners grow through believed it would be a really special pleasureOn behalf to of facilitate the Youth this Editorial project team, in my still hasn’t materialised. the side elevation wall on the Sakthy open to allow for a creative approach to performance. Fact: Plans every detail of her life and the power of sport, inspiring them to opportunity to give some of the talented Ghanapathy Hindu Temple, in Brigstock the brief. her future and writes everything down The Chronicle and the Palace for Life young people across Thornton Heath a wall on Gisland Road and they are Road. To apply for this commission please in her diary. Foundation, I would like to thank everyone thorntonheathartsweek on Twitter or Palace for Life Foundation’s pilot chance to gain hands-on experience of Nownot ameniable there are newto it beingowners used of the so newflank The Temple mural hit a series of issues email [email protected] find a better path in life, for a better life. ToFacebook. find out THAW where runs follow from the @July 14- 21. who has supported this project. 4 5 THE EMOTIONS OF DEALING WITH GRIEF AS A TEENAGER CAN BE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL WHAT MAKES GOOD ACKEE AND SALTFISH? course is giving disadvantaged YAH-SO GOOD ngel O’Dwyer explains how person is given the opportunity to be ACroydon residents and ex BY AISHA JADE aribbean cuisine is becoming Adifficult dealing with grief is as a pulled out of the hole they are sinking offenders a second chance at a career amaica, like other Caribbean islands, Cincreasingly popular, seeing a teenager. in to nor are they made aware of the on the railways. Jis a fusion of different cultures. boom in new restaurants opening but When I found out that my 18-year-old support available to them when they are how do you know your callaloo from sister was killed in a bike crash while she in a similar position and grieving. your cassava and your ackee from many of Jamaica’s signatures dishes was on holiday in Zante I was completely Schools can only do so much and in your saltfish? Thisare combinations is heavily reflected of food in from the fooddifferent as at a loss. There are no words that could many cases, parents and guardians are countries that have a connection to describe the emotion and pain. not an obvious form of support to turn Jamaica in some way. I was 15 and stopped caring about to because they too are going through things that used to matter to me before. their own ordeal. School was the worst. I was very angry I didn’t want to talk to my mum about Jamaica’s national dish, when ackee is in They showed they cared by calling Forseason example, that is. ackee and saltfish, the hurt I was feeling because although I which resulted in me being excluded. me to ensure I was turning up and had lost my sister, she had lost her child. Myall the school time provided and got intome withpointless a mentor fights contributing. They made me feel Young people are our future and more European invaders who used to dry and and I had to attend a programme called needs to be done by society as a whole Saltfish is said to have come from Reaching Higher. sense of worth and self-esteem. They to support them when they need it, even hand, ackee comes from West Africa, CARIBBEAN CUISINE confidentmade me feeland likehelped I was me somebody improve my if they feel like they don’t. salta place the wherefish to mostpreserve of the it. slavesOn the who other My mentor was great but the general with purpose again. This changed my TheLife Foundationfive week railway and City engineering and Guilds, Here Aisha Jade who writes a food While there is a lot of support were taken to Jamaica originated from. I he Caribbean: a region with over 7000 islands but only 28 inhabited blog called: Di Carpean Foodie (www. support on offer to me wasn’t enough. I perspective on life and made me feel like programmeis delivered atrun Selhurst jointly byPark Palace and givesfor available in the immediate aftermath participants an understanding of the remember my classmate from Ghana being Tterritories. Jamaica is often used synonymously due to their culture having dicaripeanfoodie.com) helps you needed more help outside of the 9am to I could do anything I put my mind to. worldwide influences, but there is so much more to this mysterious place, writes navigate a Caribbean menu. She has of a traumatic situation, the long-term railway: running of track and physical Now I give back to the community by emotional effects are often forgotten maintenance, and also covers health and with fruit, each to their own I suppose! Aisha Jade. reviewed Yah–So, a Jamaican inspired me to the Palace for Life Foundation using my experiences to inspire and and victims, friends and families are safety elements. confused as to why we, Jamaicans, ate fish With a rich and unique history that are two countries that share the Island restaurant in Thornton Heath and found 3pmwhich school focused hours. on personal My mentor development referred Some people would frown upon involves colonialism and slavery, of Hispanola. exquisite exterior and interior designs and employability skills. raise awareness of the challenges young often left to deal with the fear, trauma, Successful participants are accredited this meal as they would see it as a people face. Caribbean culture is and has been as well great food. To begin with I didn’t really want to be loss and grief without any support. with an NVQ Level 2 Railway Engineering poor man’s dish due to it being very Haitians speak French and were the Operative Knowledge and Industry multicultural for hundreds of years. ones to lead a successful rebellion To drink I had a mango madness there. I felt I was forced to be there to I am currently a coach on many If you are affected by any of the issues affordable, but I see this as a bonus. mocktail (non-alcoholic cocktail). community based programmes with European, African, Indian and Chinese against the colonial rule which resulted make up for the time I would have been mentioned in this article and would like London Underground and Network Rail. My late Grandmother Mazzie passed are amongst some of the ethnic groups in the founding of the country. Extremely rich in colour and exotically spending in sixth form. the Foundation. I was also in Moscow support, the CDI (Croydon Drop In) is down her recipe to my mother Dee, who and cultures that reside in the islands. mixed, it gave a sharp kick of multiple before the World Cup coaching Team a charitable organisation that exists to JamesCommon Harrison-Sears, Induction (ICI) Community qualification for cooked this for me growing up and still And although there are crossovers 11,000,000 and one of the national England at the Street Child World Cup. support young people aged 11 to 25 between cultures no two islands are the simultaneously. I mean I love anything Susan Patterson-Smith, and head of institutions employ individuals with a cooks it now. Thedishes population is Griot, a is sweet estimated and savoury at just over I worked as a coach and mentor with years old. same. Each one offers its own unique to do with mangoes, who doesn’t? Thecommunity project development,manager at the Soye time, Briggs, young players who have experienced Developmentcriminal background Officer, andsaid thisthat gives not many them fried pork meal. fruity flavours that could be tasted www.croydondropin.org.uk/ language, music, dance and cuisine that Furthermore, a glance at the food menu told me they saw potential in me and homelessness, rehabilitation or social an opportunity to have a “second chance comfort of my own home and you can On the other hand, the DR are Spanish motivated me to follow my dreams. @Croydon_Drop_Int at a better life.” speaking with an estimated population had me intrigued. I liked that they put their exclusion. However, not every young Itoo get with to enjoy this recipe.a taste of Jamaica from the The ABC islands: Aruba, Bonaire and own spin on traditional European foods. of nearly 11,000,000. A national dish is with fear of the unknown everyday. challenges he faced prior to enrolling on Curacaoreflects its pronounced diversity. cure-a-so are sancocho: a soup containing different For example, the bruschetta of ackee, territories of the Netherlands. sun blushed plum tomato and avocado. ”We believe as a Croydon Community Shefronthe programme:“I Tulloch, 31, came described out of prisonthe and meats, vegetables, cassava and plaintain. PUT DOWN THE KNIVES AND SAVE LIVES there was no hope, I was always stuck at GRANNY But, the cuisine differs depending on Bruschetta being from Italy, and ackee we must stand together to support and youth summit Youth violence has been on the rise in strengthen these families as well as the home. If you have a criminal conviction and Papiamento, the latter being a what part of the island you are located. being native to West Africa but heavily London, with over 50 young people MAZZIE’S consumed in Jamaica, this dish was Ais being generations to come. The official languages are Dutch For example, those close to the sea: losing their lives due to knife crime used to apply but I never believed I was Portuguese but also Spanish, Dutch unusual but did not fail to deliver. held to combat “With the help of other professionals diet will consist of mostly sea food. youth violence since January 2018. ongoing your to recordsucceed. it is hard to get a job. I AND Creoleand West language African heavily dialects. influenced These three by who can provide the necessary support ACKEE Furthermore, they have the highest Last month there was an Youth Open “This programme showed me there is islands have a combined estimated population of Japanese citizens in the and give support needed for our young people who are at to empower Day in Thornton Heath which raised risk of youth violence.” light at the end of the tunnel so I want to SALTFISH Caribbean, so in areas such as Constanza similar questions. try my hardest to pass.” a well-known local dish of Cabrito the food will have some Japanese young people to Register for the free event at Serves 4 | Ingredients: populationStoba: a hearty of nearly goat stew.300,000 and share transform their Speakers at this latest event are set to : www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ Guiding participants through the course 1 packet of saltfish Haiti and the Dominican Republic (DR) lives. include MP Sarah Jones, council leader croydon-youth-summit-2018- with four decades of experience Bob Tony Newman, and Croydon’s Young 1 tin ackee influences. registration-46016082341 Honey, CAT1 Safety Trainer, said: “Nine The event is organised by the BME Mayor William Awomoyi. out of 10 participants from the last 1 large onion www.cbmeforum.org Forum, Croydon Council and 20 A spokesperson for the event said: cohort were in employment within one 1 red pepper young people along with community “Many families have been broken, and [email protected] week.” of qualifying, and all 10 were 1/2 scotch bonnet pepper CELEBRATING JERK IN CROYDON supporters, on Saturday July 21 from consequently are living in heart break 020 8684 3719 offered interviews.” 2 large garlic cloves ample the UKs finest jerk at As a calamari lover, my face lit up with 12-5pm at the Brit School. pure glee when I saw that they served 2 large lemons Scookout festival in Croydon this month. it! Crispy on the outside and soft inside 2 ripe plantains it was made well but could have been MP CALLS FOR ACTION 2 sweet potatoes hotter in temperature. BACKBENCHERS TRY TO DELAY JUSTICE FOR SENI time the Jerk Cookout and Cultural said: “I carry a burden for the rest of P for Croydon North, Steve Reed, is 4 – 6 oz plain flour Nevertheless, the dipping sauce made itting side by side in the front row NowFoods in event its seventh has come year to this Croydon. is the first The my life that I wouldn’t wish on my worst Ma passionate advocator for taking 10 tbspn Olive oil event is expected to attract more than the calamari even more tasty. Those who Sof the public viewing gallery in action in order to reduce knife crime. eat calamari often know that the sauce the Houses of Common, Ajibola and enemy. I want no other parent to bear 1,000 people and takes place on July 29 He draws on his experience as former is very important, if it’s not right it could Conrad Lewis watched intently as MP that burden.” in Wandle Park from 12 until 7pm. leader of Lambeth council to tackle ruin the dish completely. Steve Reed gave evidence in support This sentiment was echoed by Mental Rinsethree quarters1 pack of full. saltfish Slice and the placelemons into and a The family fun day includes candy dance knife crime in creating “the biggest An exciting “Ital but vital salad” had of a bill which after eight years would Health Minister, Jackie-Doyle Price large bowl filled with cold water half to and salsa with appearances from Japan’s Community Youth Trust in the country” water. Leave this to soak overnight. me curious when I saw the ingredients. bring some justice for the death who is in full support of Seni’s law and Megumi playing Ska and Reggae and resulting in a dramatic decrease in Who would have thought that pumpkin, of their son Seni, writes Sabirina wants to prevent the same tragic death place them into the bowl of saltfish and comedian Donna Spence who will be youth violence. beetroot and pine nuts could make such Mohammed. Jubilant Steve Reed with Seni’s parents happening to others. hosting the event. a powerful mix? Now the MP wants a similar framework Thechunks. next Get morning, the 2 large rinse plantains off the saltfish. and However, what should have been She stated that it would be “a real force Usecut off a fork the toends then then flake cut it in into half, small leave It was tangy from the beetroot, slightly Very recently, I was privileged enough in Croydon. He placed the success of the the skin on. vegetarian and cultural food. There will sweet from the pumpkin and a roasted to witness the bill’s successful scheme down to “putting the community pantomime as conservative MPs Philip Thisalso beis alocal chance art crafts,to taste world the best music in jerk, passing of the report stage in in the lead, giving them a sense they Additionally, peel the sweet potatoes thirdDavies reading and Sir turned Christopher in to a Chope five hour forstate justice, who have ultimately faced afor double people pain who of and cut each one into 4 pieces. Place A unique taste which I was super parliamentary proceedings but not putting trust into a state, and that same including the shadow Home Secretary face massive injustice at the hands of the plantain and potato into large pot of impressedflavour was by! given Although off from it’s the a vegan pine nuts. dish spoke for hours in an attempt to block the crucial third reading, where the state failing them. These are places the solutions to it too. “ andDiane a foodAbbott competition MP, Broad with Greens judges The Big I would still suggest it for non-vegans. Seni’s Law and Gini Martin’s upskirting cold water and bring to boil. bill was unfortunately blocked and where people should always feel safe.” Hecould said: not “Young only own people the canproblem feel but find Local and Croydon police. The event will also raise funds for bill which were both delayed until July 6. Finally, dessert. A chocolate brownie therefore delayed until July 6, by two very marginalised and distrustful keep adding water until it turns into The aim of the event said organiser Tony Croydon charities including: The Big with rum sauce beautifully embellished Conservative MPs. Local, African Caribbean Leukaemia “gentle giant” who was “very loving and a doughy paste. Knead the dough and Fairweather is: “To show London that with cream and a physalis fruit. The being restrained three separate times Next, get the plain flour and gradually Trust, Mums The Chef, Croydon Best If the bill had passed the critical third Ajibolaloads of had good described friends over her sonthe years.as a but there are organisations in the roll it into car wheel shapes to make Croydon is a wonderful place to live and brownie was soft and good-tasting, but Olaseni Lewis, 23, died four days after about 8 dumplings. Add this to the work and to showcase the best foods Start, BME, Lucy Rayner Foundation and the rum sauce, for me, was too strong. reading there would have only been He hated any sort of bullying, he really ofcommunity established that authoritative have a credibility figures, and at the hands of members of staff and an ability to reach them.” boiled water with the sweet potato and and local charities.” for sickle cell anaemia. Nevertheless, the cream was a nice one more phase to pass, before for the stood up for people, for his friends” plantain. at a mental health unit in Shirley, first The bill was passed on July 6 and To try and combat this he explained: Tony added: “Our aim is to include *Jerk is a style of cooking native to addition to the meal and went well with December 2010. Jamaica, in which meat is dry-rubbed the brownie, it also helped balance out Opposition to this bill used an old trick “We are trying to set up a Community Chop the onion, garlic and red pepper local and national guests and Croydon then by a total of 11 police officers, in and sauté for 4 mins. After this add the or wet marinated. The meat is normally, the rum sauce! billin House could ofbecome Commons official tradition statutory that law. can comprehensive mental health act Youth Trust for Croydon North that will event. The Jerk Cookout will create but not limited to, chicken or pork, and Ultimately, I was highly impressed by and Conrad, a new law entitled the allow a member of Parliament to talk goesin the down UK since in history 2007 -as the the only first bring together all of the big community Drain and add the tinned ackee and charitiesemployment will andbenefit well from being the in the most of the dishes that I had to taste at AdvocatedMental Health by Seni’s (Use of parents, Force) AjibolaBill was out a bill, which Phillip Davies MP (main one that explicitly tackles systemic organisations in the area. Hopefully, saltfishcook for and a further cook for 10 amins. further Drain 5 mins. all the Broad Green and Croydon community, marinade sauce are allspice known as Yah-So. I believe it will do very well and I constructed, with the help of a number opposition) took a hold of, speaking for a discrimination, accountability for police in this way, we can create a stronger plantain, sweet potato and dumplings, and a ‘must see’ attitude from our the‘pimento’ main ingredients in Jamaica and of the ‘scotch spicy bonnet’ jerk will visit soon to give an updated review! of prominent mental health charities led total of two and a half hours, consistently. action and use of restraints within NHS community voice that can advocate for and voila, dinner is ready! international tourists. “ peppers. Stay tuned! by MP Steve Reed. In support of the bill, Conrad Lewis had mental health units. solutions and take power for itself.” 6 7 THE SELF TAUGHT DANCER TAKING AFROBEAT TO NEW HEIGHTS FIRST SPOKEN WORD FESTIVAL FOR CULTURALLY RICH CROYDON BY AISHA JADE from a young age. “Moreover, one of the most important BY SABIRINA MOHAMED kay, real name Akana Gerry, is a “The fact that I do something that I love things to me and a reason why I dance politics or mental health. spoken word collective are set Aself-taught dance instructor who and have a passion for keeps me very is to be a good role model for the youth Ato launch Croydon’s first major Itmore has ‘controversial’recently seen a subjects huge surge including in has been dancing for 12 years and has motivated. I can help people learn dance and to my community. A lot of young poetry festival in September. popularity, primarily from poets who inspired tens of thousands to dance. people come to my classes. I aim to inspire them by helping them to reach In an area both heavily tipped to top share their poetry through various The Thornton Heath local has appeared in “Being creative and learning new things their dance goals. It’s something extra the London Borough of Culture 2020 videos online where some have even music videos for well respected Afro beat isand also I find a must that when extremely dancing. rewarding. I look at racked up millions of views on YouTube. stars Eugy and Mr Eazi and has a huge for them to do besides school/college. list and on the back of a pending multi- I also make sure that my dancing is Darren believes this insurgence of Instagram following of 70,000 and counting. and Benny Tantu for inspiration. million-pound cultural regeneration appropriate. spoken word into a mainstream Akay specialises in what she calls afro- “Theyother dancersare also suchafrobeat as Sophia dancers Official and “In the future I will have my own in 2019, it feels like the right time for narrative has been “a long time coming.” fusion which is afro beats combined are very talented. When it comes to dance studio where I will teach people of Fairfield Halls set for completion with street dance. celebrities, Chris Brown and Ciara are He added: “We’ve been going for four different dance styles such as dancehall, my favourites. They move so effortlessly The Living In Poetry (LIP) festival, at Formed in 2014 after a performance community in Thornton Heath, and years now, whereas some artists have The 22-year-old teaches this through salsa, and afro fusion. I aim to help Croydon to host its first poetry festival. you can tell that they are naturals. Stanley Halls in South Norwood will see at Thornton Heath Arts Week, Well even though we get a bad rap this been going for over 20 years which is online dance tutorials and has her own people to unleash their inner dance Well-Versed Ink, alongside a number Versed Ink are committed to educating emerging talent is slowly but surely absolutely fantastic. dance classes. powers and become the best that they of talented community poets, come and championing the local community changing the perception, such as in the “Recently, the number of open mic She said: “I am half Nigerian and half being a dancer is bookings. I do this can be! My advice to anyone looking to together to perform over two-days. through the arts, acknowledging that arrival of Box Park. nights (for spoken word) have Jamaican. Dance is a massive part “Whatby myself I find as mostI don’t challenging have a manager about it was through a community-organised “There have been so many poets that exploded as well as artists the likes of of both cultures. I also have family so sometimes bookings can be a bit style and be comfortable with it!” event they were ultimately created and members who are dancers so it’s overwhelming but it’s something that I word but for the arts in general in the have been discovered here over the Sugar J and Laurie Ogden appearing learna.kay_xx dance would be to find your own borough.This is a major step, not only for spoken given a platform to share their amazing years. They have always been here and in national adverts. This is showing something that I have been exposed to deal with. poetry. how more people are willing to share Well Versed Ink are formed of three very successful and has inspired many their thoughts and feelings and see the poets, Darrell Randon, Justine Agbowu Darren, of Well-Versed Ink is a huge that break or platform to shine for the young girls and women with her story. supporter of the poetic talent Thornton beencommunity talented, to seebut thethey value just neededin the arts.” SHINING A LIGHT ON EXPLOITATION OF GIRLS POLICE MOVE BACK and Natalie Twum-Barima. The trio Now she has turned that in to a moving moved from staging open mic nights Heath has to offer and marks this as Spoken word, in essence, is poetry spaces.” herica Spence turned around her at a small performance space on inspiration why the group want to created to be performed. It is arguably Wellbenefits Versed of sharing Ink will their be poetry hosting in thesafe Slife after suffering years of sexual IN TO CLOSED STATION the life of a young artist named Sasha month after The Chronicle Brigstock Road to presenting ‘South showcase creative young people in the poetry reinvented for a modern Living In Poetry Festival over the abuse and now her powerful story shortwho has film fallen called into ‘REPOST’, the wrong which company follows reported that police were London’s Potent Poetry Night’ every last area, such as on the line-up of their new audience, providing a kind of social weekend of September 1- 2 at Stanley has been turned in to a short film, A and becomes sexually exploited. paying rent on an empty building in Wednesday of the month, to growing LIP festival. commentary on everyday topics in Halls in South Norwood writes Shantol Byfield. Thornton Heath they left five years audiences at Box Park. He said: “I think there is a huge creative society ranging from relationships to sharing her experiences it will shine Thornton Heath Arts Week on Monday ago - they have suddenly decided to move back in. “Leaving social media was also a quick Thea light 31-year-old on the untold believes abuse that suffered by As you can imagine this is not the ideal ThisJuly 16 short at 7pm film Scratchleywill be first Hall, screened Brigstock at way to learn who my real friends are. I by girls at the hands of gangs and life any young woman would like to live, Road. Proceeds will be going to Skye PROS AND CONS OF SOCIAL MEDIA realised that if people really cared about ultimately change someone’s life. and Sherica was able to break the cycle Alexandra House. ocial media has become a modern- when my friend got a ton of hate for me they’d pick up the phone and call. and set up a foundation called the Skye Sherica said: “ I’m trying to show young Sday currency, consisting of likes posting a picture of her and me together Maybe in the future I’ll return, I haven’t Alexandra House in the summer of June women that ‘yes’ things happens in your and followers. The more you have the under the caption being “Together On decided yet.” Shericaraped at was 15. just She six faced year’s many old emotional when higher your status is but its addictive Saturday!” MBER THORNTON, 16, says: “ shetraumas was firstlater sexually on in her abused life because and gang of support girls and women who have been are as a person. Use it as a seed to grow nature has led to concerns over the With hearts at the end. This resulted in AI have felt my attention span these experiences. 2013,through where a similar she could situation encourage to get help. and life but do not allow it to define who you impact it is having on young people. people presuming we were together and diminishing when trying to do The evening will include an interview As a teenager she ran away from home, The charity based in South Norwood is The police station which opened in led to homophobic comments. something like read a book. In stronger as a person and fight harder.” In the UK, 85 per cent of us own a misused drugs and alcohol and engaged a semi independent living service for with Sherica followed by an open 2010, was once home to the Safer Later that month she deleted her previous years, I could read a whole smartphone and many users are children. I’m studying for a Master’s degree in in promiscuous relationships. vulnerable young women aged 16 to 18. discussion on the wider aspects of Neighbourhood Teams covering account because of the amount of hate 300-page book in about two to Frequent use of social media can English Literature. “However, I began In an interview with Sherica she said It provides in-house and out-house gender-based violence and the role of Thornton Heath and surrounding she was receiving. three days, however this now seems become addictive. Psychologists explain to realise that instead of spending hours that ‘sexual trauma affects people services in life skills including, training community in stopping it. areas. Though it never offered a front this as being a result of conditioning, impossible. www.skyealexandrahouse.co.uk counter service for the public, it how something so simple can create reading, I was beginning to spend hours differently’, in her case it was turning to guidance, 1 to 1 mentoring, counselling scrolling through social media. “Currently, I struggle to read more than what she knew best, sex. and family support. Sherica has been repost-thaw.eventbrite.co.uk expectation and sense of belonging. Thishate isand just lead one to of mental the few health examples disorders of that worked as part of the Safer “The strangest thing was that I wasn’t asA recentany received report notification found social creates media anuse such as social anxiety, depression and myself reaching for my phone. CVA is also working with older people providedNeighbourhood facilities Teams. for over 30 officers suicidal thoughts. talking to anyone or posting much. I was is linked to increased rates of anxiety, “Myone tosleep two patterns chapters are in aalso day, affected. as I find PROJECT AIMS TO STOP HATE CRIME BEFORE IT HAPPENS depression and poor sleep. Despite the downside of social media tackling homophia during school time. peoples’ lives and comparing them to When I aim for an early night it never magine walking to pray and having moved to Gipsy Hill police station in there can be many pros, says Ellie such on a project around intimidation and Lambeth. However, the cash strapped justmine. spending hours looking at other seems to come to fruition if I have my racist abuse hurled at you or feeling through community led activity. Lenses of Croydon is leading on a In 2013 in a bid to cut costs the police as the most harmful to the mental health I Met carried on paying out rent for Ellie’s top E-Saftey tips to keep safe phone next to me. The usual 11pm fearful of being the victim of sexual CVAplace wants where to hate highlight crime that can’t there flourish is Instagramof young people. and Snapchat were identified “So, I shut it all down. I closed my related hate crime by identifying the empty building on the corner of asinclude finding keep new your friendships account private;and hobbies. if you harassment because of the route you more than one way to report a hate There have also been recent calls to ban Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. unsafe places where either an Parchmore Road. attend school with uniform make sure “Despite this, I don’t think the positives take home, or going to school and crime. Often, people resist getting the project which aims to tackle sexually mobile phones during school time and a As a so-called millennial, it’s apparently According to the managing agents the ofbedtime social mediaextends should to around be ignored. 2-3am. Many being routinely abused because of police involved. However, hate crimes incident has or could happen. Local parliamentary select committee is looking you never have the name of your school meant to be like having your heart lease for a year’s commercial rent is people’s careers are only in existence your sexuality. women have been encouraged to take at the impact of social media and screen included in your photos, to avoid creeps, ripped out. can be reported to the council, CVA because of social media. YouTube For many residents of Croydon this is a photographs of public spaces which use on young people’s health. directly or anonymously over the phone. cash strapped Met has potentially been “Instead, I discovered I had so much free vlogger, Zoella, has been able to move daily reality. Lots of people think hate feel intimidating. Once these hotspots Here three of the Chronicle team weigh yourself or friends wearing revealing A number of examples have already £60,000 so times that by five and the tryclothes to avoid and trytaking to follow selfies people or photos who of time to read, to do my work, to actually into a £1 million home because of her crime is about race but it’s also about up the pros and cons. surfaced such as the young Afghani community, can feedback options to the unused building. you know. channel and toy-tester, Tiana Wilson gender, sexuality, disability and religion. llie Barnett, 13 says chances men who routinely face racist and anti havecouncil been to makeidentified these CVA spaces along safer. with the Thepaying Chronicle as much understands as £300,000 that for policean “I also learnt how trivial things on social It can include: verbal abuse, Islamic abuse being shouted at them are if you have a social media ATHERINE MOMOH, 22, says: enjoy being with people. in Lambeth want the space back at E media are. Friends would tell me about “Therefore, social media can transform intimidation, threats, harassment, This might be through improved account and its public, you are more C”I loved reading as a child and in broad daylight as they walk to the Gipsy Hill so are kicking out the Croydon events kicking off and causing a huge liveshas a if net used worth properly. of £3.2million As long as at we just 9. assault and bullying, as well as damage lighting, CCTV, more police patrols or than likely to have received some used to spend hours on end reading mosque in London Road. teams. novels. Even now, I still love reading scandal online. Meanwhile, it had no regulate our own usage, it should not to property. street art. form of hate. One example of this is effect on my life whatsoever. There have even been incidents where The SNT teams set to move back in and my love for books is the reason burden our lives too much.” Croydon Voluntary Action is running cars have intentionally driven fast cover: Thornton Heath, South Norwood, a campaign to tackle hate crime in the towards them. Sadly the group have Bensham Manor and Upper Norwood. local area, something which has steadily given up reporting it to their Imam Throughoutback to key agencies the project holding CVA willthem be to highlightingaccount and whatcoming it findsup with and solutions feeding to The good news for residents in risen since the Brexit vote. because it has become so routine. Thornton Heath is that having a police stop the race hate happening. THORNTON HEATH FEATURES IN NATIONAL TV AD CVA is now working with the group presence at the heart of Thornton national advertising campaign fast food chain is making customers’ getting a McDonald’s using new in-store builder Priya Loomba is funded by the to come up with practical solutions to Heath is likely to mean the amount of can work with the community to grow for fast food chain McDonald’s lives easier with new table service and touchscreens to make their order. The two-year project led by community make them feel safer and more aware of anti social behaviour in and around the A peoples awareness. When race hat is features Thornton Heath. mobile ordering. part of the race hate reduction strategy. how they can report these incidents. Priya said : ”The project is about how we High Street and Woodville Road will be not challenged it can escalate. It’s about severely curtailed. Tesco are understood WorkingMayor’s Office with the for councilPolicing and and police; Crime theas Has anyone else noticed on the TV The campaign features three adverts – teenagers who connect through the Last year following the attack on a getting people to report and trust. to be ‘really pleased’ about the news adverts that when the new parents, or Hands Full, Grownup and It Must Be. TheMcDonald’s final TV app.ad, It Must Be, follows two 17-year-old refugee Reker Ahmed in “The reasons why people don’t report given the amount of begging and general father and daughter sit down to eat Hands Full sees two new parents struggle A McDonalds spokesperson said: “Our identify what is happening in the are two fold they don’t necessarily anti social behaviour around the store their McDonalds, they are actually in the project has two objectives to: CVA held an event, entitled ‘We Stand with everyday tasks such as taking a Thornton Heath restaurant and team community and create an environment know what hate crime is and they don’t along with high levels of shoplifting. London Road restaurant? Shirley,Together’. the council in conjunction with where people feel able to understand have faith action will be taken.” However it may take some time to move An eagle eyed Chronicle reader also saw The team were extremely enthusiastic what hate crime is and report it. Representatives from communities back in as the Met took out all the phone pramtable servicedown stairs at McDonalds. and juggling Grownup, shopping, wereand represent perfect for exactly our recent what adwe filming. look for and where something has already across the borough stood together to @CroydonVA lines, furniture and the internal swipes branch. beforemeanwhile, finally centres getting around some respite a father with and in our people – helpful, enthusiastic and taken place to look at the environment send out the clear message – ‘hate crime www.report-it.org.uk no longer work. The Met lease on the Thethe cameras new campaign filming highlights the adverts how at thethe daughter day out which ends in them keen to get involved.” where it happened and make it a safer will not be tolerated in Croydon.’ Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 building expires in June 2020. 8 9

atherine Momah “THIS POLICEMAN WITH A STICK OF ROCK RADIATE WINDRUSH Cwrites about 70 ith the smell of BBQ, the sounds MUSICAL CELEBRATES STORY OF MIXED HERITAGE Dido and Fern were born in very years of Windrush. PERSUADED ME TO COME OFF THE BOAT” of reggae music and the sun brand new musical which follows arts including acting, singing and W the story of a young girl who is of different times but realise they have Brigstock Road, arrived 2010. shining brightly, you’d be forgiven A dancing. for thinking you really were in the mixed heritage and feels none of the in Britain in the 1950s As a result of the scandal, Home sees that there were people in history The bootcamp will run for two weeks Caribbean. history books reflect her is looking and 1960s. They came Secretary Amber Rudd resigned and was for cast and production participants. much in common. For the first time Fern from various islands in Instead it was the Radiate Windrush between 10 am and 4 pm. WINDRUSH the Caribbean, including Festival which saw people of all ages and Fern Meets Dido follows the imaginary Staged by Sing a Book, a Community in August from 20 to 24 and 27 to 31 Despite the controversy, those I character Fern who while on a school Interestjust like her.Company, which believes This will prepare those involved to Barbados, Jamaica and Guyana. For replaced by Sajid Javid. trip to Kenwood House in north London, passionately that people learn best perform in Fern Meets Dido - The Can you conceive a time when churches There were also stalls selling food clothes, many, arriving in Britain was a big saying they did not want the scandal goes back in time and meets the real life Musical which will be staged at the denied migrants membership and you races enjoy live music and performances. theatre on November 4 and 5. would be discriminted from getting a shock. interviewedto overshadow at ASKIcelebrations were firm and in the the musical is looking for young people Shockingly, many churches denied the impact they made shaping this country, The aim of the festival was to celebrate the Elizabeth Belle. when they are enjoying themselves, There will be a charge of £2 per day but Windrushjewellery and and natural Black British hair products. identity. if that’s a problem, talk to organisers. To This year marks 70 years since the new migrants membership explains particularly the NHS. Didobut little was known born in historic about 1761, figure and Dido was the production, performing or behind job because of the colour of your skin? I spoke with Paula Perry, selling black the daughter of Maria, an enslaved agedthe scenes. between If you 13 andare keen16 to and take are part a bit in get involved auditions and registration Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury for the boot camp will take place on Docks, Essex with 492 immigrants that’s how a lot of black churches came British history textbooks she had helped African woman and a British naval older or younger please apply anyway. Millieup.” Reid: “Because of that rejection ASKIbe played is running on a loop a project at Croydon called Museum “All to write. Sing a Book is offering a two-week boot Saturday July 14 from 10 m to 1 pm at from the Caribbean on board. With the Shoestring Theatre. Britain on the brink of collapse after Millie mentions often getting into Aboutin Central Me” Library which includes as part of a Blackshort film to West Indies where he was stationed. He camp at The Shoestring Theatre in the Second World War, the government History month in October. officersubsequently Sir John took Lindsay his young who daughtermet in the Oakley Road, SE25. For further info: 07719 131 934 passed the British Nationality Act 1948. becoming a born-again Christian as a There will also be a photographic back to England and asked his extended There, experienced DBS cleared coaches Email: [email protected] This declared that those living in the fightsteenager. with racist pupils in school before exhibition showing members of the family to raise her at Kenwood House. will provide coaching in the performing Fernmeetsdido Fern Meets Dido Commonwealth were British citizens In April this year it was discovered that Windrush generation representing their and had the right to enter and settle in thousands of the Windrush generation countries of origin, “to show the islands and make it better. Because I am a very the UK. had been wrongly deemed illegal have very different traditions”, says THE STORY OF A YOUNG IMMIGRANT CALLED SHANTOL friendly person I said ‘hi’ to anyone and immigrants. As a result, some have been Joseph Jeffers, CEO of the charity. everyone, although I wouldn’t always get a positive response back. place to live in. Businesses were often detained, deported and denied NHS When asked if they considered Britain y name is Shantol Byfield, I’m 18 has been there since my mother left. My mocked. I However,unwilling Britainto hire blackproved people, to be aeven difficult if services. their home, I receive a mixed response She said: “Not enough people know Myears old and I live in Thornton grandmother also has only one leg and started to I tried my hardest to be understanding Worse still, their landing cards – the but Elsie Henderson, was resolute: ‘I about black British history. They Heath. I am an immigrant who came needs extra help. Her leg got amputated think it was a and sympathetic towards others and don’t realise we’ve done so much. For this is where my interest in writing and All of the people I interviewed at only proof many had of legally arriving consider here my home. I left Barbados to the UK from Jamaica in 2014. when I was 12-year’s-old which was ‘new girl thing’ they were qualified for the job. in the UK by boat – were destroyed in when I was 19.’ example, in the 1950s we had our own I came to this country to live with my the same year that my dad moved away. but they only photography started to develop. I am bus boycott in Bristol.” mother because we have been living At the age of 12 this was a lot to take treated me like always ready to take on a challenge, y first experience was that after a week, that. Things did which I think is the reason why I was the office of ASKI, a local charity on didn’t want to come. My mum had a Coco Davillé had a stall selling apart since I was one year and six MI wanted to go back home,’ says Leonora, “Ilot of trouble getting me off the boat,” months old. new lifestyle. I thought that moving to change later on able to overcome that ‘ideal’ behaviour a retired traffic warden and care-worker who the UK to live with my mother and her when I started of an immigrant from Jamaica should remembers Millie Reid. who were caught up in the Windrush My sister was able to migrate too. This in and I found it hard to adjust to this arrived from Jamaica in the 1960s. family would be a good thing for me and have. She arrived in Britain at the age of three from handmadewave.” jewellery who had “ family may not be new to you because the But now: ‘When I’m here I’m home. When I’m in Jamaica and is currently a social worker. number of Jamaican-born nationals I overcame all their expectations and left Jamaica I’m home.’ publisher, also had a stand and were the case. I felt unwelcome and isolated. secondary school with a whopping 10 “When I started mixing with the other girls. I went to an all-girls’ ‘This policeman with a stick of rock persuaded me to come off Newselling Beacon books Books, by various the UK’s black first British black to be 152,000. I would fit in fine. However, that was not GCSE’s. I’m now on to study psychology, school. Then I started to go out more and get more comfortable the boat.” so used to my Jamaican norms, saying sociology and doing photography at writers and poets, such as Akala and Everyoneliving in the also UK seems in 2013 to havewas estimated a different with my surroundings.” ‘hi’ to everyone, taking care of the less A-level, which I’m very proud of and I’m ‘theory’ of why Jamaicans migrate, but Life was just so different here. I was fortunate, being respectful to everyone, positive that I will do well. Of course, food played a huge role in let me generalise and make it easy for to get upset and ‘acting up’. That’s thought it was so cold we arrived in remember one incident that’s as clear as theBenjamin festival. Zephaniah. There were several stands being bold and able to stick up for exactly what they wanted, I get angry I want to make a change using my myself, being independent but at the “IJanuary!’ says Merle Carter, who moved “Iday. I phoned up for this job and they told simpler and safer. Education is so easily talents and I know I have much to offer. to Britain from Jamaica and worked as a civil me to come. When I went, an elderly white same time also able to follow the rules. and dumpling. youaccessible to understand. and everyone Life is wants just better, to learn, happens over and over again and of I might be an immigrant from Jamaica servant for the Department of Health. gentleman opened the door and he jumped andcourse fight it isback, to the then minority get kicked groups out. like This who was frowned upon, but that will Beingselling at jerk the chicken, festival itpatties, was clear curry it goat right? and stepped back and said the job’s gone. was hard to make friends as everyone the Caribbean. Makes sense doesn’t it? never stop me from achieving whatever “I was so lonely so I asked my auntie what time was not about the ongoing Windrush Leaving Jamaica was a very hard “He didn’t even let me in”, Yvonne Gaskin, a retired secretary seemed so unkind. I received unpleasant it is that I want to achieve. the local church started and she said she didn’t go because a scandal; instead it was about celebrating decision to make, considering the fact Secondary school was very difficult, it My life has not been the best but I’ve from Guyana, tells me. looks, I’ve been called names and friend of hers went to church and the pastor told her not to black culture and spreading positive that I had to leave my grandmother who learnt to accept the situation I’m in return because the congregation didn’t like to see her there.” vibes. compassionate, I consider her my mum. andle Park will directors, people running businesses at THE CHARITY GIVING YOUNG REFUGEES A LIFELINE I feel very blessed to have her as my Wbecome a blaze “DO WE SEE OURSELVES AS LEADERS OR ONLY FOOTBALLERS AND RAPPERS?” the top? Or do we see ourselves as only BY SHANTOL BYFIELD caseworker.” of colour, music and footballers and rappers? “ efugees all around the This is only one of the many refugees dance this month when EXCLUSIVE BY AISHA JADE Rworld have to pack up grateful for help. Young Roots helps to the second Croydon eon Mann is a figure best known 25 per cent – of retired England all they have and leave improve the life chances of 11 to 25 International Mela Lfor his in-depth interviews and Sinceinternational 1990, one footballers in four – havejust under been their homes because they year old refugees and asylum seekers in takes place. campaigns against racism within the black or from an ethnic minority fear for their lives. Croydon. The Mela brings together international sports industry. background (BAME). But of those ex- This is not a choice. Meet Isak, he is 19 Michele Kirschstein, is service manager acts, local artists, street theatre and the He is the co-founder of The Black List, players who have subsequently gone at Young Roots when asked if her work delicious Tastes of Asia food market. an annual event celebrating the off- came to the UK in 2015, aged 16, as an was challenging? she replied: “Yes, Entrance is free from 1-8pm on Sunday pitch achievements of black role models andunacompanied a refugee who minor fled and Ethiopia. was granted He first it can be challenging in some ways, July 15 and organisers hope to exceed the within the football industry. Brighton’sinto a management Chris Hughton job, that is thedrops only to refugee status. working with young people who are 8,500 people attending last year. BAMEjust one manager in seven. in the Premier League vulnerable may get emotional.” Headline acts include: British singer- For the 2018 edition, Palace for Life’s racial abuse. However Isak found himself homeless own, Susan Patterson-Smith, Deputy “It is widely sighted that one in Mann added:“More encouragement persecution and poverty to seek asylum What keeps her going? She replies: “As a result, the governing bodies came Director of Community Development, three players come from a minority is needed amongst the community. support ended at 18. whoin the have UK. fledThis from is because zones itof is conflict, the home “Positive feedback you receive from the R&B with elements of South Asian music. under a pressure to act against these of Lunar House - the national Visa and (pictured) was featured for her work background and it has been like this for Afterwardswhen his accommodation he was supported and byfinancial the songwriterPerforming Arjun,with the known London for Mozarthis fusion of Immigration Service, where their claims in helping young people get into 10 to 20 years. respected careers need to be made Refugees at Home charity which offers teenager and not have that label’ “ Players, he’ll be playing a greatest hits set are processed. employment. “However, when it comes to the “Self-policing is also a factor. You need Professionalvisible. figures succeeding in these spare rooms to refugees who are in Sheyoung lastly people, hightlighted they just he want fact to that be like a and songs from his latest album. peopleinjustices. within groups to tell their Mann continues to raise awareness of chairmans and chief executives you “A lot is behind the scenes. I have need of extra help. Over nine months he Isak is so grateful for the help he has mainly the young refugees come to Also headlining will be Zack Knight, could probably count them on one hand. colleagues that what they are doing is been to meetings where people in the stayed in various houses until Young received and thanks everyone who has Young Roots to ‘socialise with people whose most recent song “Bom Diggy unacceptable. minorities from attaining senior positions “This is the result of a long history of room were of colour and helped make Roots stepped in to support Isak with helped him. in a similar situation’, and also to ‘access Diggy” has become a YouTube hit with thewithin racial the prejudices industry: anthat uncomfortable prohibit ethnic racism that started with slavery. It may important decisions. accessing long-term accommodation. He said: “Everyone at Young Roots was one to one case work support’. more than 200 million views, as well as rising star Ezu from South London. topic that many tend to ignore. sound bizarre as slavery existed in the within myself. The self-doubt and “People were unaware of them until The Croydon based charity Young Roots helping me with everything including This clearly suggests that all these disbelief that I couldn’t be a sports Furthermore, he explains: “In the 80’s 1800’s and before but history sets a tone “The first challenges that I faced were Black List. Now, the youth can see these set up in 2004, has also helped him to scheduling my medical appointments, refugees want is to feel accepted and and 90’s racism was overt. You would for the present. people and decide that they themselves access independent accommodation, taking me there, enrolling me in college, cared for, which is exactly what the team will be presenting a fantastic dance looking like me. “If you were taught and subconsciously can also go into this industry because and enabled him to attend English over at Young Roots offer. Croydon-basedprogramme at the dance Bandstand, company and Beeja thrown on the pitch and racial abuse believe that black people are “Thisjournalist is one due of tothe those reasons who why were I not people that look like them are. classes, socialise and enrol at Croydon “So they were very vital in all aspects They are indeed a trusted community Apsara Arts is working with Emergency taking me to the job centre,. Exit Arts (EEA) on performances seebeing horrific chanted scenes at black of bananas players. being unintelligent, you are not going to want co-founded Football’s Black List - to “It also presents an opportunity for College studying ESOL. of my life for all these years. If I hadn’t for refugees and asylum seekers to be a reconstruct the way in which many and activities aimed at families and “Whilst this is no longer the case, we to see those people in charge of your Funders include Mayor of London, Big come to Roz Doe (Rise Up Youth Case part of and feel welcomed in the UK. black people, particularly the youth see children. presently face other challenges such as football team. why we lack so much black and minority Lottery, Children in Need and the Paul Worker) I would not be in college, I themselves. the lack of representation at all areas of “Campaigns such as Kick It Out, started football to reflect back and question Hamlyn Trust. would not have housing. @weareyoungroots For further information about this football outside of playing. the conversation about the levels of “Do we see ourselves as being leaders, change it.” Croydon attracts many refugees “Roz is always with me, she’s very www.youngroots.org.uk year’s event:/www.croydonmela.org ethnic key figures and how we can 10 11

are meant to be guiding young people. In addition, many classes have been sign partnership agreements with With a lack of committed teachers, are cancelled due to the lack of teacher. private developers that get around the education standards falling, asks Amber “I am rather disappointed,” states a FREE SWIMMING HOUSING CRISIS AFFECTS MENTAL HEALTH normal spending rules and put them in THOUSANDS TO Thornton? charge of the process. TEACHER member of the class, Samia Farooqui. oung people aged 16 and under n the 80s owning your first car and There must be a root cause stimulating “We are struggling to keep up with Ibuying your first house seemed like However, controversially, not all the ATTEND PRIDEFEST the different teaching styles and our Ycan keep cool and get active this summer, with FREE swimming sessions. a rite of passage. 1,000 homes being built in Croydon out there is more than one. teachers barely know our names. How by its Brick by Brick enterprise are he third Croydon PrideFest is RETENTION can they push us to the best of our All you have to do is complete an Skip three generations; young drivers expected to bring more than Fromthe influx the dailyof leavers stress and of dealing as I had found are put off learning to drive by the T with hormonal teens on the school’s abilities when they don’t know what application form online to be eligible for a constructed mainly in the north of the 7,000 people together for a day of our abilities are?” This lack of faith in cost and soaring property prices celebration and inclusivity. CRISIS teachers is having detrimental effects on means owning your own house is less classifiedborough on as pocketsaffordable. of land Some the being council amount of marking constantly needing from July 21. Artist impression of already owns, are set to be rented to be done, there is a lot of pressure put students. free swim at Croydon’s five leisure centres attainable than it ever has been. eachers are rapidly battlefield -the playground- to the large Eight-year-olds and younger are Brick by Brick scheme or sold to private individuals. This is upon teachers. As a result, stress and anxiety levels entitled to free swimming but must be As mainstream politics continues to Tleaving secondary have increased dramatically, and a be dominated by Brexit it seems local affordable homes everywhere to drive “I end up feeling unappreciated by accompanied by an adult, who must Labour run council building one of its schools due to stress politicians, perhaps now more than ever, not only senior management but also register them. whycontroversial Steve Reed Brick objected by Brick to the schemes the on and a lack of support, students,” a teacher from my school tells one to talk to. A-level student Mary have a responsibility in pushing young keep them empty. That’s insanity!” however this is leaving To register: www.better.org.uk/ green space between exisiting homes me, “There is an immense amount of majority of students feel they have no people’s issues to the forefront, writes Whiledown prices.homelessness We’re building is on the flats rise just to students approaching nowhere I can go when I’m feeling freeswimcroydon, or through the self- on the Auckland Rise and Sylvan Road pressure put on us to achieve results.” Sabirina Mohamed. thousands of properties are lying empty their exams in a Ademajserious anxietytells me: about “I feel my like exams, there’s or service machines. estate in Upper Norwood. Perhaps the government need to In an interview with local MP Steve in the capital many sold to overseas things in general. I feel like I’m dealing He questions the strategy, particularly predicament of stress, create ways to offer better support Customers will then have to collect their Reed, Sabirina asked him about the link investors. with this alone.” the effects it will have on the next anxiety and worry. for teachers, as well as students. With card from within the centres. The free between mental health and housing and The free event on Saturday July 14, With the level of teachers leaving exam season on the horizon, students Clearly it is a problem many young swimming sessions deal will end on The Local Government Association found generation. people are facing in today’s education he accepted that “mental health goes up more than 60,000 council houses have will start with a parade along North are concerned about how well we will Sunday 2 September. “I don’t want the council to build the system. as people struggle to make ends meet.” been sold under the Government’s Right increase each year, should students be perform as a result of teacher retention same type of housing (private) in one Park where there will be live music and theirworried? jobs at secondary schools on the declining. Sometimes it is a case of there being The independant thinktank the to Buy scheme over the past six years. entertainment. The dance tent is open Resoltion Foundation revealed recently End from 11.30am, along to Wandle According to the National Foundation support, but it is not well communicated But because of the reduced rate of the council housing so the kids have some until 10pm. for Educational Research around 10 to students. SEEKING that one in three Millennials will never property, Town Halls have only been own their own home, half will be renting estate. Some of the flats should be I,since myself the have start had of the five school different year teachers in Therefore, there should be more things stand they wouldn’t be able to star of Channel 4’s ‘Muslim Drag into their 40s and third perhaps even each year. In 2011, the leaving rate was overSeptember the year 2017. for one This subject, has obviously four being discussion, more widely advertised replace them. afford it, so they’re losing something Queens’, and singer songwriter had a negative impact on us students, support and stress management CREATIVE into their pension years.. hope of getting these flats one day. As Confirmed acts include Asifa Lahore, to119.6 per per cent cent and of qualifiedthis had increased teachers leave to Soable instead to build councils or buy arejust being 14,000 homes to and they’re not going to gain.” Christopher Haul. Other acts will be 10.6 per cent in 2015. resulting in us having to learn a techniques around this topic to ensure The Labour MP criticised the current announced on the Croydon PrideFest incentivised under a licence granted to “We should be maintaining the supply This increase is of concern, as teachers the mental wellbeing of all students. government for not replacing every website in the coming week. them by the coalition government in the of social and council housing so that it YOUNG MINDS home they have sold. 2011 Localism Act, to set up property can be readily available for the people To find out more about the event, majority of the syllabus independently. visit www.croydonpride.org.uk. He said: “We need to build more that need it.” EXAMS ARE THEY WORTH ALL THE STRESS? development firms of their own or to BY AMBER THORNTON “It was very draining,” a friend Vishal YOUNG PEOPLE ARE THE FUTURE IN THE BATTLE AGAINST CRIMES AGAINST THE ENVIRONMENT lastic, we use it By the year 2025 all the UK’s main He said: “I believe that this is an issue owadays, there’s a lot of pressure Kavri told me, “the work load was never daily from our supermarkets aim to have eliminated the on young people to do well. From ending.” With young, developing 16 to P N Oyster cards to the single use of unneeded plastics. Attitudes need to change, and we need adolescence, it is ingrained into us 18 year-old minds, this is not healthy. packaging on our not just in Croydon, but nationwide. that we must succeed in school to Chronic stress can be detrimental to artial to penning a poem? Enjoy The government already imposed the meal deals at lunch solutions on how to best save our have a good life. mental health, causing issues such as Pscripting short stories? A fan of depression and anxiety. Whilst it can be flashfiction? time. The problem retailers, which reduced the number of toenvironments.” come together collectively to find A lot of the pressure to do well in exams understood that the intensity of exams is, most of it is used fivebags pence used bybag 80 charge per cent. back in 2015, on “We have approached other institutions can stem from the demanding voice of Palace for Life Foundation are looking once and then Not only does litter bring down and encouraged them to use recycled parents, or university entrance grades. for young people who would like the process of universities, the amount of disposed of, writes the value of an area, but seeing it coffee cups and containers. Also, we Yet, are exams an accurate way of opportunity to harness their love for write next will determine what I do stress and pressure that erupts as a Aisha Jade. everywhere is also an eyesore and last have been to schools to educate them depicting student excellence? is somewhat necessary for the filtering writing and literature into a lifelong and for the next three years’, and this was a result felt unnecessary. year it cost £1billion to clear up. Croydon on the dangers of littering. *Meanwhile in Thornton Heath, white daunting thought. valuable skill by supporting them to A huge amount of plastic ends up in the stencilled designs have been sprayed Nevertheless, statistics suggest it is all produce work that they can be proud of. environment causing extreme harm, is one of the worst places in the country “Young people are our future and many in a state of relief. Although only lasting This poses the question as to why the of them are the force for this movement on the pavement around signposts and worth it. According to the Graduate With the active support of an especially to the seas and oceans which Havingaround justtwo completedweeks, the myexam A-levels, period I wasam experience is so stressful? Changes to Labour Market Statistics 2017, of a cleaner environment.” experienced and published writer you have become an increasing concern. Cllr Collins, is so determined to crack a very stressful time. GCSE’s and A-Levels have been called employment rates for non-graduates for flytipping. The innovative designs created by After clearing out all of my revision upon to make exams harder, due to will be given the opportunity to make Many wildlife species have become printlampposts designer to stop Samantha flytipping. Warren, use were at 71.1 per cent whereas endangered due to this with increased from £80-£150 and it also materials from my chaotic bedroom criticism of being too easy in previous contributions towards an anthology paint that can also be seen at night and graduates were at 87.5 per cent. documentaries such as Blue Planet II downon the on issue flytipping and often that goes he has out takenwith a Theemerged fine for the littering council has withheldrecently been years. which will be published in December nearly £1million in fees due to street- feature local cultural references like the However, research from the 2018. highlighting how bad the issue is. sabatical from his own job to concentrate large the pile of papers and books were A-Levels have now gone ‘linear’, Intergenerational Foundation also offenders. cleaning and bin-collecting contractors temples, the clock tower, musical talent as they engulfed the room. What’s more, plastic is non- floor, I couldn’t help but notice how meaning all exams are taken at the end suggests that the promise of higher Working with author, Head Teacher Heenforcement continues: officers “Plastic confronting packaging is a Veolia because of poor performance. and the legendary white squirrel from The amount of information that needed of the second year making the exam and The Foundation PlayMaker, Khalil biodegradable, meaning it does not Grangewood Park. earning is nothing more than a myth, decompose. A large amount is also large proportion of what people tend Plans to roll out a new system of bin to be learned did not correspond with period more intense. unless degrees such as law and medicine Goddard, the Palace for Life Foundation to litter. Companies should consider collections and new wheelie bins for what was actually on the paper; only will be delivering free creative writing non-recyclable. This has lead Croydon “I ended up feeling very overwhelmed,” are studied. This highlights that council’s Stuart Collins, to encourage environmentally friendly materials when recycling in September are fraught with Health Trust as part of Thornton Heath approximately 15 per cent of it was a friend, Estelle Thomas told me, “to there are other pathways to success, workshops to participants over the making their products. “ potential pitfalls. The council hopes it TheCommunity project isAction funded Team’s by the Street People’s Action necessary. his staff to use reusable containers and remember everything we’ve learnt over university is not an absolute necessity to summer holidays. coffee cups. His campaign Don’t Mess with will increase the recycling rate from This made me question whether exams the course of two years was too much achieve this. During this time you will be given a Croydon emphasises the importance of Cllr Collins, pictured spraying one of were really testing our intellect as they for my brain to handle.” Cllr Collins, cabinet lead for Clean Green decision to no longer charge for bulky Despite this, many students (like platform to highlight issues that are Croydon, said: “As a council we are no maintaining a clean environment and theProject. designs said: “Thornton Heath has Stress felt by myself and my peers was 38waste per collections cent to over has 50 faced per cent. criticism The myself) still have their minds set upon important to and experienced by you longer purchasing plastic water bottles demonstrates the consequences of not rallied together to try and tackle the memorise lots of information. evident from the atmosphere of the getting into a good university and doing that it has led to waiting lists of over through a literary medium of your doing so, by punishing those who do not problem with a novel and eye-catching lead us to believe, or just our ability to school library, as well as social media well. two months for collections. It seems absurd that the wording choice. glasses at no extra cost.” comply with the rules. solution.” of a single question in a paper could sites like Twitter. Students across the UK Perhaps this is because it is already were all in the same boat and we could You will then be invited to submit we now only use glass jugs and drinking drastically affect my chances of getting so deeply ingrained within us to go to contributions for the anthology which into the university I want, possibly collectively feel the heavy importance of university. will celebrate the diversity and talent of hindering my chances of achieving the our exams. This leaves me wondering whether the young creative voices in South London. attractive successful life I strive for. Many students had even confessed to CROYDON COUNCIL REGENERATING THORNTON HEATH system needs to change, or the way in Whilst in an exam, I realised: ‘What I having emotional breakdowns the night which we think about success does. 1. New welcome sign to Thornton Heath. before their exam, in absolute distress. for the next generation to experiment 1 3 5 Thisand realise project their will providetalents. an opportunity 2. Thomas Farley public house sat empty for two years. one of the group members. Are you: One has been found in Bridport Road -aged 16 to 24, LOOK OUT FOR STOLEN HOODIES but two others, in navy blue with CHRIS the station and Ambassador House. -live or attend school in Croydon, and istinctive The scout leader’s vehicle was broken and another in dark grey with MOR Funded3. The newly by £2.78million laid paving Greateroutside LondonTesco, hoodies in to using a remote device - the car written on the arms are still missing. -would like the opportunity to develop, Authority Homes Bonus money. D learn and/or showcase your creative specially designed had been locked and alarmed - near The scouts are asking residents to be 4. Flora Sandes pub and Ambassador writing skills, 2 4 6 to commeorate the Warwick Road on June 28. Some of the vigilent as the items may have been House boarded up and tagged. 85th anniversary hoodies pictured were taken along with discarded in neabry gardens as the Please email: zaynabosman@ 5. One of the new murals tagged. of the 26th his bike rack. palaceforlife.org with a short bio Croydon Scout about yourself and why you are 6. Shop front improvements instances of The hoodies are emblazoned on the paint peeling and a magnet for pigeon mess . Group have been back and have been personalised with a thievesContact fled. via @scouts26croydon interested in this opportunity by stolen from a car. distinctive badge that was designed by Monday July 23 2018. - To be completed by August 2018. 12 13 BUILDING A YOUTH LEGACY UNLIMTED EXCERCISE FOR ALL AT NO COST uilding work has officially begun s part of a campaign to encourage on Croydon’s Legacy Youth Zone. Apeople to become active, Croydon B Council has unveiled a series of new OnSide Youth Zones were set up in 2008 outdoor gyms offering free unlimted to improve young people’s futures by opportunties to exercise , writes building affordable and inspiring places FREE ACTIVITIES Dinesh Sanassee. for young people to go, with positive oung people in Croydon can things to do, staffed by people who care, PIZZA PLACE FIRES UP COMMUNITY Five will open in Croydon, as part of Yaccess a fantastic array of free open seven days a week. activities when school is out, with he tasty new pizza restaurant One outdoor gym has already opened parks sessions, pop-ups and projects They offer in their buildings which cost Fireaway is serving up a T ain council New Addington investment with of £370,000.others to be happening throughout the summer. £6.5million to build, 20 activities each competition prize to support artisic These prices do include however night ranging from football, climbing kidpreneur Jasmine E Redman. the opportunity to use other Better From DJ masterclasses to drama and curling to nail art, DJ-ing, drama and Upper Norwood Recreation Ground, physically and mentally. company gyms in Croydon. productions; seven-a-side football The 11-year-old has produced a rolledKing George’s out in Purley Field inWay Selhurst, playing and fields, point to improve their fitness, both “For example when we were debating The annual Croydon health report of 2017 *The outdoor gym, in Grangewood sessions to enterprise and 50p. over the hoardings earlier this year. children’s colouring sheet (pictured Grangewood Park in Thornton Heath. shows that obesity amongst adults in the employability workshops; music and with Fireaway owner Mario Aleppo) Park will be officially opened at Theemployability aim of Youth training Zones and is to entry raise is the just We debated whether we should have Outdoor gyms are being introduced by area is a problem with two in three adults for the new eatery on Brigstock Road. the annual fun day - Picnic in the and counselling, there is a huge range aspirations, enhance prospects and the council to make sure that people in Croydon either overweight or obese Park - on Sunday July 15: 1- 5pm; by This will form part of colouring in get the minimum amount of physical artof opportunities projects to confidence-building for young residents improve health and wellbeing for young “Also we debated with the police which Croydon’s Mayor Bernadette Khan. aged eight up to 18 or up to 25 with country and doing new things. graphics or graffiti? competition which Jasmine will be activity recommended, which according people, by providing affordable access is a fairly important topic that I feel The event will include: the annual additional needs. to a wide range of programmes, services She said: “I want us young people to youth need to keep on the agenda.” doing at Grangewood Park’s Picnic in whileworse one when in looking10 of four at 10-11 to five year year olds old’s the Park (see opposite for details). a week. The funding has partly come inwhere Croydon one inare four obese. are obese.These figures get Bake Off competition, dog show, and activities. have a place where we do not have to Kadian Foster added: ”We need a place place in centres across Croydon tofrom official the mental guidelines health is 150 charity, minutes the Matt music from local jazz singer Mitra In Croydon, the Legacy Youth Zone will waste so much money to use facilities Prizes will include a colouring book, Croydon’s Director of Public Health Rachel throughout July and August, with multi- where young kids and teenagers can go, Palmer Trust, created by a group of Djalilli, drummer Mark Huggett Projects and workshops will be taking be on Whitehorse Road and if all goes and that is what Youth Zones are doing, t-shirt and pizza vouchers. Flowers, said that she wanted to “promote sports and laser tag sessions held in have fun and connect and what better friends. and guitarist Marcus Cliffe with his to plan, will open in about a year’s time, it is coming very soon and when it way than a Youth Zone.” Jasmine who is the business owner health through the organised efforts of wife Lucinda, also a vocal artist. parks. arrives there will be no need to waste Matt killed himself after suffering years society,” and believed that “an essential early summer 2019. Some of the activities the development of Adventureville ‘Colour your way to The Crystal Palace Choir will also The activities on offer have been time when you can bring in 50p and get of anxiety and other mental health part is that it includes working to reduce developed in consultation with Legacy Youth Zone is a partnership group have got involved in include: Calm’ will be selling her books, bags perform. Other activities, include a to use the facilities straight away.” issues which he didn’t talk to people inequalities in health and society as a young people in Croydon. Creating between Croydon Council, private white water rafting, paint balling, ground and t-shirts at the event. bouncy castle, juggler, face painter, about, so his friends, “wanted to do whole.” positive opportunities is at the heart business, local community and most plus yoga demonstration, bug hunts, braking, other Youth Zone launches, ice something in his memory.” of Croydon’s Choose Your Future importantly young people. the group which meets on Tuesdays skating, the Lord Mayor’s Show, and they The council have outlined several arts, crafts and plenty of stalls to campaign, which is about supporting Other young people are welcome to join TACKLING GROOMING Matt was “fun loving” and a “big reasons why using outdoor gyms will be Clubs are split into two age groups also got to watch CPFC v Chelsea and meet peruse plus lots of cake! and encouraging young people. pilot is offering alternatives to young sportsmen,” so something sports related Louise Bell said: “When I went to the Palace star Wilfred Zaha. The gym will be unveiled at 1.30pm Also during the summer, young 5.30pm to 7pm. people to stop them being groomed was a good option for the Trust, explains one reason, which is a key issue for local age range eight to 19, or 25 for young group, I gained new opportunities which Angel Chizea said: “ OnSide give young A and there will be demonstrations people will be able to access a range and lured in to a gang lifestyle. volunteer Jessica Bulman. beneficial.residents, especiallySaving on younggym memberships people who is ofpeople juniors with and a disability.seniors, covering Legacy thewill also are life changing, as it helped me feel people loads of opportunities to take by a qualified personal trainer and of support and advice services in work in partnership with other youth part in things, the motto is giving young Palace for Life Foundation have The Trust approached local councils if you sign up to Croydon’s Just Be’ pop-up locations and during the recently launched OFFSET, a new sports sessions in parks, backed by providers who can use this state-of-the- and interacting with others that I did people something to campaign you will receive a goodie 10-week programme aiming to of and the outdoor gyms planned by find gyms expensive. organisations including Palace for art facility to run sessions. morenot think confident I would by talk doing to. public speaking do, some where to go anyone below the age of 16, at the local bag. help young people build positive about projects they could be a part leisure centre in Thornton Heath is from Life Foundation, Croydon Drop In, the Rasahrn Odarteey has been involved “It helped me with my life path as when and someone to talk.” The price for a junior membership, for Three local doctors from the relationships and deter them from she added. £19 a month. For 16-18 years of age, sexual health team, Onside and Music with Onside Young Peoples Development I am older I want to open my own www. taking the wrong path in life. It’s an Parchmore Medical centre will also Klub. CroydonThe Trust Council which seemeddonated like £100,000 a good fit, the price of membership goes up to a be giving health advice throughout group for a year now says it has been legacyyouthzone. opportunity to get active, make new For more info email: very interesting meeting new people and such as team work, communications and friends and learn new skills. towards the Croydon gyms, hopes the afternoon. org price for adults from £47.50 a month. [email protected]. seeing different Youth Zones around the businessdebates will in film help and me theses with that skills career. we use people will use the facilities as a starting The new Premier League Kicks scheme price from £23.75 before a sharp rise in that has seen 640 arrests in 18 months was founded in response to the issue of young people being groomed for “WHEN criminality and or involvement in anti- HELPING JOBSEEKERS criminality in the process social behaviour in the borough raised by withGloves officers not Gunz identifying is supported 35 County by Palace Lines for of the Croydon Youth Offending Service. POWER OF FOOTBALL IN THE COMMUNITY Life Foundation, with investment from the YOU’RE Cliff Hilderly, Gangs Operational BY SABIRINA MOHAMED Premier League and Professional Footballers’ whether that be in netball, football or IN CROYDON Manager for the Croydon Youth he Premier League wants ondon Learning Consortium, Association. Offending Service, said: “In our work whateveranother sport.” sport they find interesting YOUNG to get more young girls London Youth and Croydon Director of Community Development Soye in trying to support young people T Movement in this arena has already L actively engaged in football. Works joined together last month to Briggs explained: “We have been working with to exit a gang lifestyle we became been witnessed in the Premier celebrate the work of their local staff Gloves not Gunz since 2017, supporting their aware that these young people were This includes a commitment to League’s Primary School Stars’ AND GETTING and jobseekers by hosting Croydon fantastic boxing initiative that runs in one of being groomed from an early age and reaching out to a wider range campaign, which aims to engage more form and targeted by an older gang member. Employability Day. the most deprived areas of Croydon. This kind that there was a need for a specialist of young girls across the UK to young girls and boys into football early HeNow was aged just 18 16, having when transformed he was kicked his out life of through sixth INVOLVED of provision is absolutely vital in showing get involved in sport, alongside on at school but encompasses, says boxing, Precieux said: “I was always going missing young people they have alternative choices.” The Foundation’s Dulaine Smith from empowering them with the from home or school and worrying about my Perchard: ‘targeted provision after Precieux was incredibly grateful for the group’s theproject Gangs to addressTeam was this.” able to help bring school which is really WITH mum and when I look back, I didn’t like the support when he started. “When I came to the the programme to life. their own lives. direction my life was going in. When you’re young gym after getting in trouble, Adam and Ben confidence to truly succeed in aimed at engaging girls that otherwise There are a range of different activities Undoubtedly one of, if not the most popular sporting institution and league tables in wouldn’t take part in mixed sports DANGEROUS and getting involved with dangerous groups, it [Eckett, who also runs the sessions] didn’t within the programme to help engage makes you feel like a big man, but that’s not the young people, from cooking courses, the world, home to the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Crystal Palace FC - the sessions.’ way to do it.” understood my situation because they came to sports and self-defence classes, Perchard mentions that female GROUPS..... In an attempt to take himself away from this judgefrom the me, same they background.”met me with open arms. They workshops on life skills, and a fun trip growing audience, across a number of diverse multi-media platforms. empowerment in particular is an area Coordinated by the ERSA (Employment Precieux wanted to give back to his community away at the end of the programme. AlthoughPremier League the Premier showcases League’s the fineststaple Britishservice footballing and revenue talent – generator to a massive is in footballand ever- the Premier League sees ‘as a huge Related Services Association), hundreds YOU FEEL Boxing Club, where he met Adam Ballard, founder and volunteer with the group to help other The Foundation’s Community entertainment, efforts targeted at enabling successful positive changes in local and part of the work they are doing’ at of employment support centres and situation,of Gloves notPrecieux Gunz, joineda community Croydon organisation Amateur young people in the same situation. present and looking towards the future employers threw open their doors to that aims to tackle youth crime and violence. ”We have partnered with Acorns to Oaks Perchard. and onwards. raise awareness about what they do to LIKE A BIG Meeting weekly in Norbury Park, the group to turn up on time and was disorganised, which Developmentto keep young Officer, people Johnout of Patrick, trouble said: and international communities are of major importance, says its Head of Community, Nick However, Perchard acknowledges help people into work. help build their resilience whilst also However,affected his at preparationfirst Precieux for would the sessions. often struggle believing they can genuinely get into football from a much younger age. more work needs to be done in terms Staff used the day to showcase the followed by a mentoring session on important teaching them valuable life skills. The Foundation and Gloves not Gunz staff Perchard is a firm believer in this message as well as boosting girls’ mindset’s into of setting targets, as a means to successes of employment support in MAN” givesissues young such aspeople gangs, a freeweapons fitness awareness class, and “OFFSET is for girls and boys aged Research suggests girls are more likely to drop competitive sport than boys once they worked with Precieux to help him understand reach the Premier League’s ultimate Croydon and the tremendous efforts sed by a gang as a healthy relationships. the importance of being a role model and setting 10plus, who want to make new friends reach their teens because of peer pressure and goal of a ‘more diverse workforce UCounty Lines drug Children across London are being exploited good examples for young people and he soon and learn new skills, with the added the perception of sport as ‘too masculine’. that accurately represents the local dealer Precieux Noka got bonus of a fun trip at the end!” ERSA CEO Kirsty McHugh and Councillor adopted a more professional approach; turning Other explanations include greater community including women, ethnic made by the jobseekers they support. involved in trafficking drugs and cities, something known as County Lines up before the session with everything he needed. Sessions run every Wednesday encouragement for boys in competitive school minorities and the disabled.’ to rural towns and cities. and– and trafficked the scale to of sell it happening drugs in rural in Croydon towns is 6.30pm-8.30pm at the Peppermint Council, visited the Croydon event which Having delivered cocaine Children’s Centre, Franklin Way, He adds: “We want to make sure the Manjupromoted Shahul-Hameed employability from opportunities Croydon reportedly “massive”. football session, Precieux completed his boxing Asked about how the Premier League aims and heroin to areas including Gangs look to target young people in order Valley Park, Croydon, CR0 4YD. Premier League is giving every young Five years after attending his first community tosports integrate and issues more aroundgirls into body football, confidence. Perchard person an opportunity and working Bournemouth, Ashford and to do this as it is believed the rate of children and noticing the improvements he had made For more information please Employability Day is a crucial day of swiftly responds: “We can ultimately give towards increasing the diversity in recognition for the employment support Kent for the gang, Precieux being arrested and convicted for drug selling is activator qualification in February this year, contact John Patrick on for jobseekers in the borough. was threatened at knife [email protected] or our workforce especially at senior sector and underlines the critical work lower than adults. activity, then hopefully they’ll develop a love of point by a rival gang. 07808322956 management and elite coaching level.” of providers. in his commitment, mentality and confidence, girls a first positive experience into physical Gloves not Gunz rewarded him with a job as In Norfolk officers have set up an operation the organisation’s first Youth Mentor. 12 PREMIER LEAGUE KICKS HELPS YOUNG PEOPLE TO FIND THE RIGHT PATH oung people in Croydon are when Croydon Council attended one of E FOR turning their lives around thanks our sessions. A lot of people have been AC L Y L IF to Premier League Kicks, which uses attending Kicks because of it too.” A E the power of football and sport to Flavio also sees the potential of Kicks P engage 11 to 24-year-olds in some of to support him into a positive path by the most high-need areas of the UK. allowing him to turn a passion into a In south London, Palace for Life way of earning a living. Summer f Foundation’s PL Kicks programme “One of the challenges I face, as I like o o n aims to create safer, stronger and more u n dati respectful communities by developing and sources to get me into a higher level young people’s potential. supportive and educational activities as somewhere I like to socialise; a lot of my footballof football. a lot, I am is findingtrying to the get right to at links least Current activities include girls and boys well as exit routes for young people. friends attend too. semi-pro or if possible pro. football, multi-sports, BMX, boxing, There is also an annual football “It’s also part of my Choose Your Future “I am the type of person who plays cheerleading and youth clubs, with tournament contested by every Premier programme which is helping south football a lot so I know I have got the almost 1000 young people taking part League team in the country, the PL London quite a lot to get teens off the activities each year. Kicks Cup, which this year took place in streets. people to take me to the right places, Manchester. “Choose Your Future is a campaign abilityshow me but the it’s right about teams, finding agents, the right and work closely with the local authority, Flavio Oliveira, 20, from Croydon, who going on across London to get young MetropolitanThe Foundation’s Police, PL Youth Kicks Offendingprojects attends PL Kicks Community League people, to stop knife crime, and to give For full details on current PL Kicks Team and local community sessions at Selhurst Sports Arena them guidance down the right path. I sessions,possibly the please financial see event side listingsof it too”. on the organisations to establish safe, explained: “I attend Kicks because it’s got into the programme through Kicks opposite page. for under 18s CROYDON’S HEALTHY EAGLES ARE TAKING FLIGHT PIONEERING PROGAMME TACKLING MENTAL HEALTH ore than 130 overweight ocal schoolchildren who took What? When? Where? Who? Cost? Mchildren in Croydon have taken Lpart in a pioneering programme Multisport Every Monday (except 27 August), from Canterbury Road Recreation 5-18 Free – No Booking part in an intensive programme that to lower their chances of developing 30 July, 10am-3pm Ground Required uses the power of Crystal Palace FC to mental health issues have been help them lead a healthier life. rewarded with a trip to Selhurst Park. Multisport Every Tuesday from 31 July, 1-5pm Norbury Recreation Ground/ 8+ Free – No Booking South Norwood Recreation Required Palace for Life Foundation launched The youngsters, aged between seven Ground/Grange Park/Shrublands Healthy Eagles in January with the aim and 11, all completed Palace for Life of working with young people and their Foundation’s Team Mates programme, dressing room as loads of famous Multisport Every Wednesday from 1 August, 10am-3pm Canterbury Road Recreation 5-18 Free – No Booking families on health education and to which offers children extra support to footballers!”. Centre Required provide opportunities to exercise in a develop their emotional resilience and Wednesday 15 and Wednesday 22 August, Wandle Park/Wilford Road 8+ Free – No Booking safe environment. Now in its second season, the Premier Multisport League-backed early mental health 1-5pm Recreation Ground Required Weekly sessions are run across the Among the 10 schools to take part were borough and to date, Healthy Eagles has Multisport Every Thursday from 2 August, 1-5pm Timebridge Centre 5-18 Free – No Booking Kensingtonself-confidence. Avenue Primary School helped nearly 80 children, with a reached over 400 families, health care knowCroydon that are almost overweight 38 per orcent obese.” of children Required professionals and community workers and Monks Orchard Primary School in intervention is flourishing, having Earlierin their thisfinal year, year children of primary at Thornton school in Croydon. Multisport Thursday 2 and Thursday 9 August, 1-5pm Thornton Heath Recreation 8+ Free – No Booking in Croydon. Heath Leisure Centre were surprised Ground / Walton Green Required Team Mates runs across 24 weeks of Lifewaiting Foundation list of schools Chase wanting Hill said: to “At join. least Health and Wellbeing Manager at the by Palace player Jason Puncheon and Multisport Every Friday from 3 August, 10am-3pm Timebridge Centre 5-18 Free – No Booking Foundation Beth Towle said: “Healthy Palace Ladies players Ellie Stenning the school term and helps children to Healthy Lifestyles Officer at Palace for Eagles is great for family engagement think critically about their behaviour, and 16 suffers from a mental illness; Required Healthy Eagles session. allowing them to challenge themselves onethat inworks 10 children out at three aged childrenbetween in five every Premier League Kicks Every Monday, 6-7.30pm Archbishop Lanfranc Academy 14+ (advanced Free – No Booking Thereand Ciara was Sherwood also a smoothie who joined contest their and the way they think. To celebrate classroom and highlights how vital this Advance (football) level) Required a healthy lifestyle in the future. their hard work and commitment on the support is. and parents are reporting an 83 per cent with 200 schoolchildren entering with Multisport, youth club, crime Every Wednesday, 6.30-8.30pm Peppermint Children’s Centre 10+ Free – No Booking increase in their confidence to maintain course, children were invited to Selhurst “It is extremely rewarding to see the “Children are now attending other recipies designed for their favourite Required community sessions, cooking as a family, player. Park for a workshop and a tour of the progress children have made through prevention workshops stadium. trying new foods, making friends and A smoothie dedicated to Eagles Team Mates and we were delighted to Premier League Kicks Boxing Every Tuesday, 5-6.30pm Sting ABC, Surrey Street 10+ Free – No Booking concentrating better in school as a defender Patrick van Aanholt won One of the pupils from Kensington show them around Selhurst Park. Required result of being on the programme which combining banana, kiwi, spinach, Avenue said: “I’ve learnt loads from “We are now working closely with those Every Thursday, 6-8pm Selhurst Sports Arena 15+ Free – No Booking is fantastic. Premier League Kicks carrot and lime. Team Mates, I try to think about what who are taking the step up to senior Required “Three quarters of the children we have Community League For more information on Healthy school this summer and supporting Tournament night worked with have been over the age of Eagles, contact bethanytowle@ and not lose my cool. The stadium them through what can be a very 12, which is really encouraging as we palaceforlife.org I’vetour learnt was awesome, when I find I’ve things sat in difficultthe same challenging time.” BMX Every Thursday, 3.30-4.30pm Croydon BMX Track, Norbury 10+ Free – No Booking Park Required Premier League Kicks Every Friday, 6-8pm South Norwood Recreational 10+ Free – No Booking 20% OFF SOCCER SCHOOLS THIS SUMMER multisports and youth club Ground Required eaders of the Thornton Heath for players who show the potential to Premier League Kicks football Every Friday, 5.30-7.30pm Sutton Life Centre 8+ Free – No Booking RChronicle can save 20 per cent progress. Required when booking Soccer Schools for the Palace for Life Foundation Sports Autistic Football Mondays during school term time only, 5-6pm Heavers Farm School 8-11 £30 per term* summer holidays with Palace for Life Development Manager Rob Perrett TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN Autistic Football Mondays during school term time only, 6-7pm Heavers Farm School 12-14 £30 per term* Foundation. said: “Our Soccer Schools will help The Soccer Schools will run from 9am- youngsters work on every aspect of SUPPORT PALACE FOR LIFE Down’s Syndrome Football Wednesdays during school term time only, Monks Hill Sports Centre 8-25 £5 per week* 4pm at Selhurst Sports Arena from their game to ensure they become the FOUNDATION’S WORK IN 6-7pm best player they can be. Soccer Schools Every week day from Monday 23 July – Selhurst Sports Arena 5-12 From £15.75 boys and girls of all abilities. “We hope that the skills they gain will SOUTH LONDON VISIT 31 August, 9am-4pm per day* Palace’sMonday SoccerJuly 23 Schoolsfor five to12-year-oldhave been Girls Football Every Saturday until 28 July, 9.30-10.30am Heavers Farm School 5-11 £3 per session* running for 25 years and have been will teach them transferable skills WWW.PALACEFORLIFE.ORG designed by coaches at Palace for Life notlike justcompassion help them and as fair a footballer, play. Most but Foundation and Crystal Palace FC to give importantly, we want the courses to be young players chance to develop their FUNDRAISING@ football in the school holidays. new friends, as well as new football *TO BOOK OR FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT Players who attend Palace for Life enjoyableskills.” and for players to leave with PALACEFORLIFE.ORG Foundation Soccer Schools will have the To book, simply visit [email protected] chance to progress to Elite Development www.palaceforlifecourses.org 020 8768 6047 Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .ai Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .ai Centres, where they will be able to and enter the code ‘Chronicle’ @cpfc_foundation /palaceforlife palaceforlife www.palaceforlife.org to get 20% off. leads into the Crystal Palace Academy join the Elite Player Pathway which she was 18 because of that experience for Life Foundation. PAM HAS HER SIGHTS SET ON A CAREER IN COACHING and maturity. She said: “Palace is a good club and ootball was seven, but my mum worked so she set up and we get great support from Fplaying couldn’t take me to training. By the time I female team sport in England with the club’s massive fanbase. This is mum and role turned 16 it got easier, I could take myself Football‘so many is more now opportunties officially the biggestfor girls one of the reasons why I love Palace.” model Pam then when I started playing’, says Pam. Shay is rightly ‘proud’ of his McRoberts has Pam admits she initially found it quite The Women’s Super League has seen footballing mum’s achievements and her sights set intimidatingand I joined a as team.” she had never played on a professional contracts for players his friends think it is ‘cool’ that his on breaking proper pitch with a referee and linesman. making a career in football a paid mum plays football. another ceiling Quickly, she realised her potential and reality. - becoming the Now she is a role model for other spent four seasons at Millwall, before aspiring young footballers coaching first woman moving to play for Charlton where she Southern section of the third tier in to coach a in schools having gained her Level Crystal Palace finished third in the 2 FA coaching award. If she ever professional six. men’s football hangs up her football boots Pam has Shehad hertook first four child years Shay, away who from is nowthe aged 2017-18,the new-look improving second on tier a fifthof women’s place in team. ambitions to become a manager or game after having Shay but the sports thefootball previous in the season level below and applied the WSL to butjoin coach for a professional team. Inspirational Pam grew up in nearby were disappointed not to get a licence. Women have now come so far in the Peckham and spent her childhood international level for Northern Ireland, However, this has not dented Pam or beautiful game, with professional playing football on the streets of south madwas not31-year-old, done with who her hasfootballing played atcareer her teammates ambition to ‘win the contracts, women running the line at London. She was the only girl amongst league’ and as many other trophies Premier League games and refereeing the boys and it wasn’t until she was 16 right wing. She believes having her son along the way. She gives 100 per cent matches, so it is now only a matter of that she started playing for a ladies team. andhas madejoined her Palace a better Ladies player in 2015 and onshe the now despite all her other commitments time before a female coaches a men’s She said: “I started playing when I understands the game more than when team and says Pam: ‘I’d like it to be me!’ including a full time job with the Palace MENTORING PLAYERS THE PALACE WAY EXCLUSIVE BY DINESH SANASSEE going out on loan is the best way for hen a young player from the players to experience the “real world” Wacademy makes his debut, the and that players come back telling story of how they got there is usually him how the experience is a “real eye forgotten. opener.”

the Professional Development League is the man behind bringing through ichard Shaw, 49, started playing Thethis yearCrystal and Palace Shaw under says they 23 side did itwon in these young players. Not only does he for Crystal Palace in 1986, Richard Shaw, Crystal Palace U23 coach, “the right way.” R want to improve them as players but making 207 appearances for the he also places equal importance on club. improving them as people. He believes old’s every week, they used the league to couldn’t do it,” but instead they played Ratherdevelop than the youngerfielding aplayers. team of 23-year- beforeHe ending left in his 1995 playing to join career Coventry at in working to “complete the picture,” him there for the rest of the season. Shaw, at an end of season meeting, told City where he made 307 appearances by working on players physicality, Shaw makes the point of “putting mentality and maturity. individual development in front of make sure that they work hard over the Milwall.development Since side. January 2013, Richard has Speaking of Aaron Wan-Bissaka in results.” thesummer. players to enjoy their holiday but to been at Palace working with the U23’s particular, who made his breakthrough When speaking of the criticisms of the He explained how he would know if the players hadn’t done the work over the season, Shaw displayed a huge sense personal experience of reserve team of “pride” as he has been working with summer and knows how important it is into the Crystal Palace first team this underfootball. 23 He league, said that Shaw it had“preparedspoke of his own for them to be fully focused when they Wan-Bissaka since he was 17. Shaw him for what the real life was going to be come back. described how it wasn’t always easy and like in terms of being a football player.” He said: “They have one session to him. But he believes that now, “youngsters have a lot given to them without really they had to be “strong and firm” with are not very good in that session, the working for it.” about the ability of the 20-year-old to impressmanager with won’t the have first you team back and up if again.” you He doesn’t only see this as a problem in Whenplay at approached right-back, Shawby first describes team coaches how Shaw has found great satisfaction in football but something that is present in they knew he could but they had never working with younger players and aron Wan Bissaka, 20, has been society in as well. really played him there. helping them develop. Aat Crystal Palace for nine years So next game against Charlton away, he Richard Shaw is a great example of joining the academy when he was is not real football, referencing the played at right-back, explains Shaw. He someone doing work which you may not 11. Like crowd favourite Wilfred Zaha, Hepossession explained based that andthe underthe non 23 tackling league remembers it well and describes how be directly aware of but is someone who he is also from Croydon. He made his aspects of the game. The positives Wan-Bissaka was at fault for one of is pivotal to a club like Crystal Palace, impressive debut in February against he sees in it are the building of the the goals they had conceded and says bringing through the younger players. Tottenham and was given the Player of the how “it would have been easy to say he technical skills. However, he believes Month award for Crystal Palace in March.

up the Premier Leaue Player of the finished the season strongly, picking HODGSON GRATEFUL FOR ‘ELECTRIC’ PALACE Palace player to win the award in over a rystal Palace are now looking Hodgson also spoke about the Monthdecade. award for April - the first Crystal Cforward to another year in the importance of, “ improving the One player that will certainly be missed Premier League, which is something sightlines for some of the fans,” making as his loan spell comes to an end is sure that they can have the best view of that may not have been expected seven Ruben Loftus-Cheek who is in the the game. Selhurst Park is regarded as England World Cup squad. Four players games into last season with no goals having one of the best atmospheres in and sitting bottom of the Premier who have already left because their the Premier League. contracts ran out: defender Damien League, writes Dinesh Sanassee. The manager is grateful for the support Roy Hodgson took over as manager and of the fans, which he describes as winger Lee Chung-Yong, and goalie patience coupled with a back to basics “special” and the atmosphere they Delaney,Diego Cavalieri. midfielder Yohan Cabaye create as “electric.” Being from Croydon, ending the season in a respectable 14th pitch but also stadium expansion plans Hodgson knows what Crystal Palace signing of the summer goalkeeper place. Now the focus is very much on have been approved by Croydon Council. means to local people. approach helped the team find its form PalaceVicente have Guaita. also The announced Eagles are their looking first to the 2018/19 season which kicks off in Hodgson whose contract has been further reinforce their squad to ensure August and the improvements which renewed until 2020 told The Chronicle consolidate their position in the Premier can be made to ensure Premier League the expansion will, “make the stadium League. Youth talent like Wan-Bissaka club again as it did this season, with status. On the field, Palace will be looking to look so much nicer” and give people in certainly gives fans a reason to be optimistic. thatdepth an in injury the squad crisis crucial does not to survivingstrike the Changes are not only expected on the Croydon a stadium to be proud of. Established stars like Wilfred Zaha in the Premier League.