Imagine – we’re Gimme shelter – one Speaking out for youth – offering you the chance man’s tale of how how two teenagers offer to influence the way our sheltered housing gave inspiration to their peers borough develops him a new lease of life Page 18 Page 2 Page 12

Issue 27 - March 2009

yourYour community newspaper from your councilcroydonwww.croydon.gov.uk People power does the trick Fed up with their local park’s bad reputation, residents decided to do something about it.

With spring beckoning, a Over the past year, the group of group’s achievements have residents are looking back included: with pride at what they • holding a family fun day, have achieved for their attended by more than community. 150 people; The Friends of • holding a toddlers’ Thornton Heath Rec was sponsored walk in formed in 2007 when the area; a group of concerned • working with the residents decided to come council to improve litter together to try to improve collections, increase the security and facilities the ranger service, within the recreation and secure funding for ground, occupying about improved play facilities; 13 acres between Melfort • bulb planting with local and Bridport roads. schools; Since its formation, Kim said: “There is the group has established much more to do, and the meaningful links with coming year will see the Croydon Council and group working to run more neighbourhood police, events and activities. making their local park a “We all want to see the safer and more enjoyable park as a clean and safe place to visit. resource for all to enjoy. Founder member Kim “With everybody’s Esnard said: “We did this help, we’re sure that because we believe that people will find it’s a safe the Rec could be a great and clean environment.” resource for all local For further information people and our visitors. about the Friends of “Sadly, for too long, Thornton Heath Rec, visit the Rec has been neglected the website at and has gained a bad www.thorntonheathrec. image. It became a place org.uk. You can also email which many people – friendsoftherec@yahoo. young and old – were co.uk or telephone Paul reluctant to use.” on 07786 076131. Pulling together: residents worked to bring park back into community ownership

This newspaper is printed on environmentally friendly paper from a sustainable source, and produced at lower cost than the previous Your Croydon magazine. 2 yournews Can you imagine Croydon?

What’s the first word that comes to mind when you think about Croydon? What type of place would you like it to be in 30 years time?

These are just two of the Over the next six months By Donna Lightbown questions that Croydon’s we will be carrying out Local Strategic Partnership the largest consultation will be asking local people we have ever undertaken like you between now in Croydon, seeking views and September as part from the widest number of Imagine Croydon, an of local people, across all ambitious plan to create ages and backgrounds a long-term vision for the – people who live here, borough. work here, study here, All successful cities shop here, do business have a clear, long-term here, volunteer here, it’s not just about what the meet people in Croydon email them to info@ vision of what they want chill out here or just pass council and its partners and see what they think. imaginecroydon. Kail Gunaratnam to achieve. By imagining through here! do, but what we can all Events will be advertised com or upload them to and planning ahead, it is However, thinking do together to make our in the local media and on www.imaginecroydon. easier to build a future about the future is not neighbourhoods and the internet, including at com. You can also send I’m excited that everyone can enjoy easy. No one could our borough safe, clean www.imaginecroydon. us your mobile phone and share in – which is have predicted 10 or and beautiful. If people com. videos. about Imagine why we are taking action 15 years ago just how see worthwhile things There will be lots of Or, just email info@ Croydon because now, especially in these much technology would happening, organised by creative, fun ways for you imaginecroydon. challenging times, to transform our lives today. local people, they’ll want to get involved. Keep com or visit www. it’s not just about develop a vision for the However, if we all use our to get involved.” your eyes peeled for the imaginecroydon.com for what the council borough. imagination and start to Big Brother - type diary more details on how you We want to ensure that really think about the sort How can you get room that will be touring can get involved. does, but what we we harness the significant of place we’d like Croydon involved? the borough, visiting Whichever way is can all do together growth and regeneration to be, we can make the We will be holding a shopping centres and easiest, we want to hear that is planned for our right decisions today wide range of exciting other community facilities, from you. Together, we to make our borough to achieve even to secure our vision of events and activities to but if you can’t wait to get can help shape the future neighbourhoods greater things for the Croydon as a place of real enable everybody to have involved why not: of Croydon. people of Croydon. And to opportunity and one that their say, from those that • take part in our online and our borough do this we need your help. we all want to belong to in have only a few minutes to survey now at www. safe, clean and A long-term vision for the future. spare, to others that want imaginecroydon.com Croydon will be successful As resident to participate more fully. • email your ideas to beautiful. only if it reflects the values Kail Gunaratnam says: The Imagine Croydon info@imaginecroydon. and aspirations of local “Every one of us needs team will be out and com people, so we need as to be an ambassador for about at all sorts of events • take photos of the many people as possible to Croydon. I’m excited about – both in public places and things you like or don’t share their ideas with us. Imagine Croydon because for specific groups – to like in Croydon and

yournews 3 youreducation 20 yourcommunity 11 yourhealth 21 Take advantage of our yourspace 12 yourbusiness 22 competitive advertising rates specialfeature 14 yourdiary 24 FULL HALF QUARTER yourenvironment 16 yourevents 24 page from £990 page from £444 page from £222 355x259mm 148x259mm 148x127mm yourfuture 18 yourheritage 26 If you would like your business to benefit from advertising in one of the country’s Editorial team leading community newspapers and would like more information, a copy of our rate card or a booking form, please call: Paula Howell & 020 8760 5644 Editor: Fred Hall Reporter: Alison Cann Reporter: Briony Key Email: yourcroydon@ Email: yourcroydon@ Email: yourcroydon@ croydon.gov.uk croydon.gov.uk croydon.gov.uk The next issue of Your Croydon will be published on Monday, Tel: 020 8760 5644 Tel: 020 8760 5644 Tel: 020 8760 5644 30 March. Commercial advertising is welcome, but inclusion of an advertisement does not indicate council endorsement of any Reporter: Richard Gibbs Reporter: Helen Parrott Advertising: Paula Howell Email: yourcroydon@ Email: yourcroydon@ Email: yourcroydon@ products or services mentioned. croydon.gov.uk croydon.gov.uk croydon.gov.uk Tel: 020 8760 5644 Tel: 020 8760 5644 Tel: 020 8760 5644 This Newspaper is printed on environmentally friendly, Produced by croydondesign the in-house business within Croydon Council. TCF (Totally Chlorine Free) paper, produced from a [email protected] 81369/150M/11 sustainable source. When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it.

March 09 | Your Croydon yournews 3 Time for a Bloomin’ marvellous new look No, you’re not imagining things – you are looking at the new community newspaper from your council

Since first appearing in 1994, under the Croydon Reports banner, the council’s regular, publication for residents has appeared as a full-colour, A4 glossy magazine. Now, though, it’s time for a change. A number of factors have led to the switch to a tabloid format, produced on high-quality newsprint. We’re confident that the newspaper will be a wider reflection of what’s happening to local people. It will continue to provide information on council services and amenities, and increasingly we expect it to be used by other public sector partners. There will be a greater emphasis on community news – whether it’s a Croydon in Bloom: start planning now for this year’s competition children’s nursery in or an Following last year’s the first two weeks of Britain in Bloom last year, contributing to making wildlife, are all welcome. older people’s day centre successes in the July, and the nation’s top and did tremendously well business and community No matter what kind of in , a mothers’ in Bloom and Britain judges will be here in early in achieving a prestigious areas more attractive to activity you are involved group in or in Bloom competitions, August. Silver Award. residents, visitors and in, let us know by entering a youth club in New Croydon in Bloom is In London, Croydon in So, if you are a customers. Croydon in Bloom. Addington. calling for boroughwide Bloom has achieved the gardener, veg grower, Croydon in Bloom The closing date for We feel the newspaper involvement this year, Best Large City award two help with a school garden is not all about having entries is 1 May, so now will make for lively and Briony Key reports. years running. or are, perhaps, part of a lavish and expensive floral is the time to pull on your engaging reading. Gardeners, It would be great if we community or voluntary displays. Judges will be gardening gloves. Another reason for communities, and could achieve the hat trick group working to improve looking for examples of For more information the redesign is, perhaps businesses have the chance by beating off five other your local environment, well-maintained gardens email croydoninbloom@ inevitably, cost. The to receive recognition London boroughs in doing why not take part? and interesting ways of croydon.gov.uk, call 020 council is always looking through a range of awards so. Businesses, too, can get using plants. 8760 6900, or pick up an for the best ways to at local and regional level. Croydon also involved by brightening Dry gardens, veg entry form from Access provide value for money, London’s judges will represented London in shop fronts, pubs, gardens, herb gardens, Croydon, libraries and and the switch to a be visiting Croydon during the Large City Category of hotels, restaurants, and or gardens to encourage leisure centres. newsprint tabloid has led to a marked cost saving. The bottom line is that Robert steps up as youngest Mayor a newspaper is cheaper Do your personal best to produce than a colour Councillor takes chain of office following sad death of his friend A new initiative offers the unemployed a magazine on glossy paper. Another change for the Robert Askey readily However, he regards chance to get involved with 2012 better has been achieved admits that he would the four months that Personal Best is a training programme, and applying with a new, more effiicient have much preferred to he will be Mayor as an and volunteer programme to become a London distribution contract. have become the youngest opportunity to be a role that uses the excitement 2012 Volunteer, will be We hope you’ll find Mayor in Croydon’s model for young people in surrounding the London guaranteed an interview. the tabloid Your Croydon history in different Croydon and to show that 2012 Olympic and If you are unemployed a good read that helps circumstances. people in their 20s can Paralympic Games as a and interested in you get even more out of Appointed Deputy have a major say in what way of encouraging people volunteering – and living in Croydon. Mayor last May, he has happens at the Town Hall, to learn new skills, engage would also like help This is your chance now taken on the chain of and across the borough. in their communities, finding work – call or text to get involved. If you office following the death Robert was just 23 raise their aspirations and Naomi Mensah-Bonsu have any interesting of the serving Mayor, when he was elected increase their chances of on 07500 917547 or stories to tell about your his friend and mentor to the council in 2006 getting a job. email nmensah-bonsu@ community, drop an Councillor Jonathan to represent the Upper Anybody successfully wandsworth.gov.uk to email to yourcroydon@ Driver. Norwood ward. completing the find out more. croydon.gov.uk

www.croydon.gov.uk 4 yournews

Meet your match at Delivering service in adversity careers event Last month’s freak Arctic conditions brought out the best in our community. Great opportunity to such as domiciliary care, look at what’s on offer district nursing, meals in the jobs market on wheels and Careline place. – brought out the best in Are you worried about partnership working and your job? Would you like community involvement. to get new skills? Are you With many staff currently out of work? unable to get to their Or do you simply fancy a normal place of work, by change? identifying those residents If you answered yes to most vulnerable, and any of the above, the Jobs coordinating these services & Careers Croydon day to identify where staff could be just the thing for were available to help, you. The one-day event, it was possible to ensure sponsored by Croydon that nobody was left Council, will offer visitors unattended. a chance to find out The contractors about a variety of career, working with the council education and training to provide these services opportunities. rose to the challenge, Turn up on the and they and their day, or book your free staff underlined their place by visiting www. running for the first full non-stop over three many minor roads went commitment to caring for jobsandcareersevents. By Fred Hall day of the snow. days, fighting to keep untreated, but it was Croydon’s residents. co.uk where you will also Early February’s heavy Despite the problems, the borough’s primary important to keep main However, underpinning be able to sign up for snowfalls and massive a large number of routes clear. Indeed, over roads open, both for all of this were the many regular updates. interference to normal council staff reported the first three days of the buses and the emergency incidents of members The one-day event is services provided a major for duty, many walking operations, the vehicles services. of the public supporting free, and is open from challenge to delivering miles through difficult covered more than 3,000 The conditions – neighbours in need and 10.30am to 6pm on service in Croydon. conditions to get to their miles using around 1,000 which left many of the contacting the services to Thursday, 12 March, so The most obvious place of work to ensure a tonnes of salt and grit. most vulnerable in the let them know that people you can pop along at any disruption was to degree of service. Unfortunately, this community isolated in were being cared for. time. transport services, with The council’s fleet of prioritising of main routes their homes and virtually Many thanks for a no trams, buses or trains gritting vehicles worked necessarily meant that inaccessible for services sterling effort all round.

Boxercise: Michel (second from left) May the 4x4 with participants of the programme BRIT School be with you open to adults The BRIT School Impromptu partnership comes to runs many different the aid of snowbound diabetics. courses tailored to adults of all ages. February’s exceptional diabetes patients, the This great facility allows snowfalls resulted company provided an Croydon residents to take in a highly unusual experienced driver. advantage of the school’s partnership being struck Employee John Goldie, specialist equipment and between Croydon Council, from , leapt at professional studios. Croydon Primary Care the chance to assist, and A range of subjects is Trust (PCT) and a car escorted nurses on their taught by existing BRIT dealership. evening visits to dozens Boxing Clever School staff, many of The arctic conditions of residents in need of whom work in media and threatened a valuable insulin. Local charity worker Mind in Croydon as a model of health entertainment. service, putting the Thanks to Land Rover Michel Thizy’s idea to works with people with improvement. All courses last eight wellbeing of PCT patients and John, a vital service use non-contact boxing mental health problems Michel has worked for weeks and run on mid- at risk. was kept running, while training to help improve and Michel’s innovative the charity for 10 years week evenings. Having exhausted also keeping hospitals and the fitness of people with programme also aims as a welfare benefits Subjects include all usual avenues in the ambulances free to deal mental health problems to help build their self- adviser and mental health theatre, textiles, singing, search for a suitable with emergencies. has won a £6,000 grant esteem as well as improve advocate. He is thrilled video production, vehicle to negotiate the Hannah Miller, the from Croydon Primary their fitness. with the success of the photography, keep fit and snow-covered roads, council’s executive Care Trust. Although the scheme programme. contemporary/jazz dance. council officers found that director of adult services Michel’s “extraordinary is still in its infancy, it has He said: “I thoroughly The next courses Guy Salmon Land Rover and housing, said: “Highly commitment” to the already attracted a grant enjoyed the ceremony and start between 16 March Gatwick, in Crawley, was unusual circumstances scheme impressed the of £200,000 from the Big was obviously delighted and 11 April. For more only too willing to help. sometimes call for highly judges who said that Lottery Fund, and has to be given the award. I information contact As well as providing a unusual solutions and we it had “made a huge been featured on the BBC’s want to thank Mind In [email protected]. suitable four-wheel drive were delighted that Land difference to people in Sports Relief campaign. Croydon for taking on sch.co.uk or call vehicle to help district Rover in Crawley was able a very difficult area of It’s backed by the board my idea and for 0208 665 8640 for a nurses continue their to help the council and work that has a really low National Institute for supporting me to develop prospectus. nightly visits to local our PCT partners.” profile.” Mental Health in and progress the project.”

March 09 | Your Croydon yournews 5 Book space at new Benefit scam pairresource centre Office and seminar space available for charity groups. face prison term Whether your organisation or conference room for needs to rent an office or more formal events. The book rooms for meetings centre can accommodate or seminars, new space anything from small is available for rent from regular or one-off Croydon Voluntary Action meetings to conferences at the CVA Resource and exhibitions. Centre in London Road, For an informal chat to Broad Green. It is open to find out what is available, voluntary organisations discuss rates or to visit and social enterprises. the centre and view its It has rooms for excellent facilities, phone meetings and training Joy Henry on 020 8253 sessions plus a board room 7060. Laughing for a good cause Annual comedy benefit returns to Elaborate deception over a number of years netted couple thousands. Fairfield for fourth successive year A Norbury couple has virtually wheelchair bound payments to employ An investigation was Local community groups and giving their services pleaded guilty to falsely and unable to walk more his own carers and was launched, and Port was are set to benefit from free of charge, are Arthur claiming more than than a few steps unaided. provided with council discovered leading a titters, chuckles and Smith, Tim Vine, André £100,000 in benefits The 19-stone man even accommodation that normal, active lifestyle guffaws on 10 March Vincent and Zoë Lyons. following an investigation claimed that he employed was modified to meet his without the need of a when Fairfield hosts, for Croydon Commitment by Croydon Council’s a relative to lift him up disabled needs. wheelchair or a walking the fourth year running, a is a corporate-led social corporate anti-fraud team. and down two flights of Susan Port, 54, was stick. charity comedy benefit. responsibility charity, And David and Susan stairs each morning and given direct payments Anyone wishing to The proceeds of supported by local business Port have been warned night. after claiming to be one of report a fraud can do so Committed ’09 – Getting and promoting the work there’s a real chance they He successfully claimed her husband’s carers. anonymously by calling Serious About Comedy will of other local charities and could be going to prison a range of benefits and The fraud came to light the 24-hour Fraud Line, be donated to the Croydon voluntary groups. when they return to court help to make his life more in 2006 when the council free, on 0800 328 9270. Commitment Grass Roots Tickets, costing £12, for sentencing. comfortable, including was tipped off that the Trust, providing grants to are available from the David Port, 51, duped disability living allowance Ports’ disabled parking bay For full story and local community groups. Fairfield box office. Call doctors and officials into and a new mobility car. might have been obtained sentencing see April’s Among the comedians 020 8688 9291 or visit believing that he was He was also awarded under false pretences. Your Croydon lined up for the evening, www.fairfield.co.uk Finding Croydon’s best bar, bar none It’s opening time again for a scheme that has been been a major factor in the reduction in drink-fuelled crime in the town centre.

A Croydon initiative that last year’s award, in High well-being of its customers None are way above the band of Best Bar None across the borough were has been applauded and Street, Croydon. and will undergo a legal minimum and not all accredited pubs, bars and accredited. copied by local authorities All of the borough’s rigorous joint audit businesses will be able to clubs. Trade feedback from as far away as pubs, bars and clubs have conducted by the council’s meet the exacting criteria Other award winners indicates that, this year, Queensland, in Australia, been invited to take part licensing department, and on the first attempt. in last year’s contest the number of businesses has been launched for its in this year’s campaign, police and fire officers. Those reaching the were High Street’s Green applying for accreditation sixth year. run in conjunction with Among points to be required standards will Dragon, which won the could increase by as much Commended as a the Metropolitan Police checked will be door be presented with a best-pub award; Hustler, as 40%. model of good practice and the London Fire policy, health and safety, certificate and plaque, in Church Street, winner An independent panel by the Mayor of London, Brigade. staff training, customer incorporating the of the best-club award; of judges will select the Croydon Best Bar None Each competing care and ways of dealing campaign’s distinctive and Tiger Tiger which overall winners and 2009 gets under way establishment will have with disorder. logo, at a glittering won the best bar award. runners-up, and these during March at Tiger to prove it is committed The standards ceremony later in the year Additionally, 31 other will be announced at the Tiger, overall winner of to the health, safety and demanded by Best Bar and will join a growing establishments from awards ceremony in June.

www.croydon.gov.uk 6 yournews Borough council tax rise lowest for seven years Despite reduced government funding, average council tax rises by only 81p per week. With a rise of only 2.99%, limited by the continuing children’s centres and a new pool for Waddon. Croydon residents are failure of government to plans for six more; Said council leader facing the lowest council provide grant income that • developing a Mike Fisher: “Each year tax increase for seven matches the borough’s Turnaround centre since taking office we’ve years, and by an amount needs. to provide a one- set a lower increase than below the current rate of The 1.75% increase stop service aimed at the year before. inflation. in grant for Croydon is preventing young people “We’ve kept our Being particularly the lowest level of extra becoming involved in promise to taxpayers mindful of its impact on funding for any council in antisocial behaviour; at a time when we’ve people’s pockets during the country. • becoming the first had to cope with a these uncertain financial And, with the local authority in succession of the meanest times – and at a time economic downturn Meals on wheels: improved and more flexible service London to achieve grant settlements the when home energy prices, causing a higher demand centres and youth service. increasingly dependent. the government’s government has handed to train fares and petrol for council services while These are the key areas This record level of target of reducing any council. prices have increased by as also squeezing income, the borough’s residents efficiencies amounts to use of temporary “And, at the same much as 50% – Croydon the council has fought have determined as a around 6% of the council’s accommodation for time, we’ve been able Council’s low increase has to maintain a balance priority. budget. Croydon is now homeless people by to find extra money for been designed to restrict between charging what To deliver these the sixth most efficient 50%; the things residents tell the extra payment for it needs to maintain improvements, while authority in London. • delivering an improved us they want improved, 2009/10 to just 81p a essential services and keeping the increase in and more flexible meals- such as community safety, band D council tax well Examples of ways on-wheels service; recycling and standards in below £1 a week, the in which the council • providing new state-of- our schools. An extra £2.7 million will go council has surpassed last is improving its the-art accommodation “Through careful year’s level of efficiency performance include: for older people; financial management, into improving education savings. • achieving a 15% • attracting 12,000 older we’ve again delivered a Some £17 million reduction in serious people to visit the Pop sustainable budget and week for a typical band D keeping to an absolute has been removed from youth crime since the bus, benefiting from a confirmed Croydon’s household. minimum the burden on council spending without launch, with the police, range of services; record as an efficient, The small increase has residents. a major impact on the of Operation Safe for • placing more than £1m competent council. been helped by working Next year’s budget will frontline services on All; into the pockets of older “However, it’s worth closely with Mayor of see considerably more which many residents are • the opening of 20 new people by helping them repeating what I’ve said in London Boris Johnson, investment in those areas access benefits to which previous years – if only we who has pegged his that are priorities for local they were entitled; had received a fairer deal element of the overall bill. residents. • helping 120 people with in terms of the support Throughout the An extra £2.7 million learning disabilities Croydon households get budget-making process, will go into improving into paid employment, from government then the the council has focused on education standards in training and education. council tax increase we’ve keeping next year’s bills as schools. In addition, the council been forced to levy could low as possible in order to More money will be has announced a five-year have been much lower.” avoid imposing a burden going into tackling crime, draft capital programme of At Band D, the average on families struggling in improving waste collection £46m, including funding council tax bill in 2009/10 the recession. and street lighting, as well for key priorities including will be £1,137.88, However, room for as developing Croydon’s recycling, Thornton Heath compared with £1,095.81 manoeuvre has been network of children’s Fellows Court: state-of-the-art facility for older people Library, , and for the present year. Future assured for Gingerbread Corner With 30 years under its belt, The Gingerbread Corner Centre Plus is set to continue for many more.

In a unique partnership with Croydon Playcare with local agencies in the area so people don’t have to Visitors to the centre will also find information and Company, the centre is being rebuilt from scratch. The wait until the build is complete. help to get local family support programmes for families redevelopment started in 2008 after Croydon Playcare “Parent line Plus, in , offers free confidential and children aged eight to 13 years. held a reunion for the many families who have been part advice and information on any aspect of parenting. We Help with transport to get to the Selhurst Children’s of the Gingerbread Corner network over the years. have a welfare benefits adviser who can help people Centre site for local families is available. Children and young people worked with architects to claim benefits for families with children including The build is expected to be completed by the influence the design by holding children’s meetings and disability living allowance and tax credits.” summer. creating a 3D model of the new building. Responding to the needs of local people means that To find out more about what the Gingerbread Centre More than 300 families rely on the service each year the centre also offers information and help for families has to offer, now and in the future, please visit: and while the build is taking place, services continue to on debt management, and home-start support in the www.croydonplaycare.co.uk/ Tel: 020 8684 8848. be offered at the centre. This gives children and young family home for parents of children under five and If you offer services to families in the Selhurst area people the opportunity to see the build from inception, families caring for a child with disabilities. and would like to find out more about plans for the providing excellent opportunities for learning. Services include early-years education, childcare and new service please email Liz Fajemisin project director, Sue Moses, the Centre’s chief executive, is excited by play services for children under 11 and after-school and children’s services, Croydon Council, at liz.fajemisin@ the plans: “We’re already offering services in partnership holiday schemes. croydon.gov.uk

March 09 | Your Croydon yournews 7 Top marks Gearing up for the future for The credit crunch is challenging for everybody – a council-backed event could have the answers. Croydon College is now in the top 5% An exciting day-long event they become older and of all colleges in the aims to offer practical tips more challenging? country for helping and advice to help people • to improve your students achieve top over the worst of the committee skills or learn marks. This includes current economic down- more about the funding school sixth forms and turn. available to help you specialist colleges. Do you want: with the community Figures from the • some help and advice to work you are already Department for Children, make the most of your involved with? Schools and Families also money, stay on top of If you answered yes show that the college is your finances and out to any of these questions one of the top 10 further of debt, and help you then our Gearing up education colleges to cope with the credit for the future event nationally. The figures relate crunch? could be your chance to to Contextual Value • to improve your skills to find out how to make Added (CVA) scores. get back into work or get improvements in your life These compare where a a better job? or in the lives of others student was in relation to in your family or your achievement levels before community. This event is they joined the college open to all residents from with the results they our estates and is designed Croydon Adult Learning of parenting; are limited and booking in achieved on leaving. to give you some ideas and Training service • healthy lifestyles, diet, advance is essential. This measure clearly and skills to help improve (Calat); exercise, etc. A light lunch will demonstrates the very those areas of your life • public speaking; Other organisations be provided for all real improvement the that you want to change. • money management and will be taking part, attendees at the event college makes to the This exciting and benefits advice. displaying information and refreshments will be academic achievements innovative event will • Increasing your and offering advice on: available throughout the of its students and the take place at Fairfield, awareness and •activity programmes for day. The event is free to enhanced opportunities Park Lane, Croydon, on understanding of drug kids in summer 2009; all tenants or leaseholders open to them in the Tuesday, 10 March, and and alcohol abuse, • volunteering in Croydon; who pay rent or service future. • to increase your own self there will be two sessions, including the effects of • housing management; charges to Croydon Mariane Cavalli, esteem? from 9.30am to 12.30pm different drugs and the • Croydon library; Council. All other residents college principal, said, “These results are a • to find out more about and from 1.30pm to reasons some people • local support services for will be charged a fee of testament to the hard drug and alcohol 4.00pm. You can come turn to drugs and those affected by drug £40.00 to attend. work and dedication misuse and how it to either one or both alcohol; and alcohol abuse. For more information of staff and students. • committee skills such There should be and booking details, affects families and sessions. We are hoping Croydon College has communities? to provide sessions on a as minute-taking and something for everyone, contact Tim Nash or always been committed • some ideas to help you range of issues including chairing; so contact us now for an Sheila Thomas on 020 to supporting students and your family cope the following: • starting a new business; information pack and 8726 6100 or by email: in both their studies and with your children as • taster sessions from • meeting the challenges reservation form. Places [email protected] personal development.” New centre Olympics inspire Lights, offers new hope camera, Hall promises improved help into the Clocktower student citizens The photography workplace for people with disabilities. Representatives of Croydon College work of young people The job prospects of care management. from Croydon Youth people with disabilities are The service will be recently attended a major conference Service’s learning set to receive a boost as moving from an outdated to find out how the college can benefit difficulties and disability projects the finishing touches are industrial building to the from the London 2012 Games. (LDD) is on display applied to a new support easy-access Chatsworth at the Museum of facility. Hall, Chatsworth Road, in The conference had a as a result of the work it Croydon until Friday, Hailed by inspectors April. guest list headed up has already done using 27 March. as a “significant” boost The building has by Lord Coe, double the Olympics to inspire The project, called Me, to services, the specially undergone extensive Olympic gold medallist citizenship in Croydon. Myself & I, gave the young adapted premises was refurbishment to make it and chairman of the The college’s people the opportunity one of several areas of fully accessible, including London 2012 Organising enrichment team used The Olympic to take pictures of their improvement highlighted raising the ground floor, Committee, and focused the ethos of the Olympics Conference also provided hobbies, their family and by in its latest adapting door widths, and on how colleges can use to inspire students to an opportunity for the friends and the places assessment of a Croydon installing lifts and ramps. the Olympics to widen initiate and participate college to showcase its they meet. Employment and Success in moving participation in sport; in community citizenship work. Staff and students It was run in Support Services’ (CESS) people into unsupported develop coaching and projects. These included from the college hosted partnership with programme. jobs and monitoring their sporting excellence; and encouraging recycling a workshop on “Post-16 Addington High School, Workstep, which helps performance were also motivate and inspire in local primary schools, Citizenship and the 2012 which has particular disabled people back into flagged up by inspectors students to fulfil their raising money for Great games” in which they expertise in visual arts work, offers training, job re-examining the service potential. Ormond Street Hospital explained their projects and media. The school search assistance, welfare after identifying issues in Croydon College was and supporting Children in and what they had also provided the funding benefits advice and also March last year. invited to the conference Need in overseas. achieved. for the project.

www.croydon.gov.uk

yournews 9 Education plans get thumbs up Firms urged Proposals submitted for government approval after OK from council. Local approval has been Ashburton Community while Beckmead School and undertaking statutory to go for given to plans that could School. will be rebuilt to offer consultation. see a £350m investment in Under the plans, state-of-the art facilities “The statutory education across Croydon. Croydon will see: three for pupils with special consultation is designed Following ratification new academies established educational needs. to capture formal government by councillors, the at Ashburton, Haling Dave Hill, executive feedback from specific Transforming Croydon Manor and ; two director, children, young stakeholders at the schools Schools programme has trust schools at Addington people and learners, said: affected, including staff, been submitted to the and Westwood; and new “We’re delighted that the governors, parent-teacher contracts secretary of state for sixth-form and further ink is now dry on the associations, and unions.” children, schools and education facilities at 11 overarching plans for the Exam results for 2008 Small firms could take advantage families for final approval. other schools. future of education across show Croydon is improving The council has Four mainstream Croydon. faster than authorities of the thousands of public sector launched a first wave of schools – including “We’re on track to nationally, and now, with contracts available. statutory consultations Archbishop Tenison’s CofE proceed with the next steps 47.6% getting at least at a number of schools, High and Norbury Manor in the process – obtaining five good GCSE grades, A London conference on helping local firms win including Haling Business School – will be approval and funding outperforms most similar 29 April will encourage public sector contracts. Manor High School and rebuilt and refurbished, from central government, authorities. small and medium-sized Visit http://compete. enterprises (SMEs) to bid croydonenterprise.com/ for government contracts to find out about Croydon The Develop Your Built to Compete. Tendering Skills Roadshow Its aim is to support aims to walk SMEs Croydon’s small to medium Travel freedom boost through the public sector -sized businesses to marketplace and help become more successful, them to prepare successful winning public and private tenders to win contracts. sector business with large for elderly The Supply2.gov.uk organisations. portal provides a database Supply2.gov.uk is of government contracts owned by the Department Early-morning and evening travel for small businesses for Business, Enterprise & now possible thanks to review of wishing to supply to the Regulatory Reform. public sector. More than For further information scheme. 3,000 new opportunities on the Roadshow or to Changes to the Freedom holders of London. are posted every month. register for the service for Pass scheme have opened The additional benefits The Croydon free, visit www.supply2. up the travel potential for apply to journeys made Enterprise programme is gov.uk holders aged over 60. by older Freedom Pass The scheme now holders on London Buses, allows those users to Tramlink, Tube, DLR, London boroughs have disabled people to live travel, free of charge, on London Overground and recently agreed a £240 as independent a life as Transport for London certain National Rail million deal to provide the possible. services for 24 hours services. Freedom Pass between 1 The Mayor said: “I’m a day, every day of the The Freedom Pass, April 2009 to 31 March delighted that elderly week. paid for and run by 2010. Freedom Pass holders The move follows a London’s boroughs, is one London’s boroughs will be able to use this “cast iron” commitment of the most comprehensive have been running the important scheme to get by the Mayor of London concessionary fares scheme for more than 20 to early morning hospital to add to the hours that schemes of its kind for years and have invested or other appointments free travel was available older and disabled people around £3 billion to that most Londoners for elderly Freedom Pass in the country, and enable London’s older and would take for granted.” Helping survivors of rape London’s only rape centre is looking for volunteers to support those who have suffered this terrible crime. CRYSTAL PALACE FOOTBALL CLUB PRESENTS IN CONJUNCTION WITH SOCCER SIX The whole of the capital 08451 221331 – as well coordinator, said: “The advocacy departments. has only one remaining as providing information, women and men we Successful applicants are A CHARITY FOOTBALL MATCH rape crisis centre – and support and referrals for speak to have survived offered a free, accredited CRYSTAL PALACE FOOTBALL CLUB PRESENTS it’s based right here in their friends, partners and incredible trauma. Their training course. UK CUPIN CONJUNCTIONSTARS WITH CELEBRITY SOCCER SIX XI A CHARITY FOOTBALLVERSUS MATCH Croydon. families. strength and drive is Many volunteers go Funded by Croydon It also offers inspiring and powerful. on to find valuable and MARKUK CUP BRIGHTS STARS CELEBRITY LEGENDS XI XI Council and other London counselling to female “The work can be fulfilling paid work after SELHURSTVERSUS PARK STADIUM authorities, small grants survivors from across the challenging but it’s completing voluntary MARKSUNDAY 29THBRIGHTS MARCH 2009LEGENDS KICK-OFF XI1PM STADIUM and charitable donations, capital, and support and always rewarding and work at the centre. SUNDAYTICKETS 29TH MARCH 2009 KICK-OFFBENEFICIARY 1PM the Rape & Sexual information for female we’re looking for more If the idea of helping ADULTS £8 CONCESSIONS £5 FAMILY TICKETS BENEFICIARY TICKET £25 (2 ADULTS + 3 CHILDREN) Abuse Support Centre survivors taking their case passionate women to join with this important work ADULTS £8 CONCESSIONS £5 FAMILY GIVE THE TICKET £25 (2 ADULTS + 3 CHILDREN) BOX OFFICE 08712 00 00 71 GIVE THE supports female and male through Croydon Crown our dedicated team.” appeals to you, contact BOX OFFICE 08712 00 00 71 TO KNIFE CRIME *Appearances of individuals featured on this advertisement are TO KNIFE CRIME *Appearancesnot guaranteedof individuals featuredto be at onthe this event. advertisement are survivors of rape and Court. The centre is currently Fiona at helpline@rasasc. not guaranteed to be at the event. childhood sexual abuse Fiona Elvines, recruiting for volunteers org.uk or you can call 020 on its national helpline – the centre’s helpline for its helpline and 8683 3311.

www.croydon.gov.uk 10 yournews

kilometres travelled equals 40,000 1, 000,000 laps of the 28km Tramlink network. Take me to the moon Croydon tram clocks up a remarkable one million kilometres – and is still going strong.

An astonishing record has been set by one of the It’s funny to borough’s trams clocking up one million kilometres think that – the equivalent distance of going to the moon and we have hit back three times. one million Tram number 2546 is the first of Transport for kilometres London-run Tramlink’s nine-year-old fleet to when we’ve reach the astronomical been in service figure, achieved by completing almost 40,000 for less than 10 laps of the 28km network running from Wimbledon years. to Beckenham Junction. And it is estimated to have carried nine million passengers. Tram driver Peter Ashby: time flies in the driver’s seat Tram driver, Peter time as the tram, said: “I million kilometres when TfL London Rail’s “That, in combination Ashby, 61, helped can’t quite believe that it’s we’ve been in service for chief operating officer, with TfL’s continued celebrate the remarkable almost 10 years since we less than 10 years. Howard Smith, said: “This investment in the achievement by cutting a both joined Tramlink – “This, to me, shows is a testament to the hard network to increase specially commissioned time has really flown by. not only the vital role we work and commitment capacity and reliability, series of cakes. “It’s funny to think play in serving Croydon’s put in by London Tramlink will bring passengers Peter, who joined that, travelling around community but the staff and a reflection on the improvements they Tramlink at the same Croydon, we have hit one resilience of our vehicles.” their high standards. deserve.”

CROYDON A23

40 miles

remove it or lose it

Incorporating the following organisations

L F B LONDON FIRE BRIGADE

March 09 | Your Croydon yourcommunity 11

It was great to see The copy of Your Croydon so many new people that you are reading is the taking part. 106th edition of the council’s Richard Allen community newspaper. Thornton Heath gets active Hundreds take the chance to try centre’s facilities – and improve their health.

Some wanted to try something new, while others were thinking of taking up some regular activity.

Thornton Heath Leisure Centre: local residents take the opportunity to dive in and have a go during the open weekend

“Come on in and get something for everyone. “The centre already which was attended by community to visit the active” – that was the Free activities for has a number of students more than 60 enthusiastic centre to see what’s on invitation extended to children ¬– including pool competing at national and participants. offer. the community when splash sessions, football, international levels in this And a tasty barbeque “Some wanted to try Thornton Heath Leisure basketball and a number sport.” attracted plenty of interest something new, while Centre held its open of martial arts disciplines – In addition, free for those who had worked others were thinking of weekend recently. received a great response. aerobic taster sessions for up an appetite, and others taking up some regular And it was an Richard Allen, resident adults were programmed who just fancied a bite to activity, as well as having invitation warmly accepted coach of the tae kwon during the weekend, eat. fun and meeting new by more than 600 people do sessions, said: “It was covering such disciplines Gary King, of people.” who were able to try their great to see so many new as Pilates, Aquafit, Body management company For details of the hands (and legs, and feet) people taking part and Blast, circuits, Ragga Fusion, said: “The centre’s full activities at a range of classes and showing real enthusiasm and the very popular weekend was a great programme, telephone activities, organised to and interest to learn the Socacise, a dance-based opportunity for all 020 8689 5300 or visit ensure there would be sport. class to Caribbean music, members of the www.fusion-lifestyle.com

When it first appeared I Full house thought it was We’ve found a man who’s collected every edition of the a good idea to council’s residents’ news magazine. give residents Since the council began council on the spot with Now retired from an regularly producing one of the questions he administrative career an insight community news for submits with clockwork which saw him work for into what the residents back in 1994, regularity to the scrutiny many of the engineering there have been 79 issues or full council meetings. businesses that used to council is trying of Croydon Reports and 26 Peter, 72, turns up be located in , Peter Collier with a select few from his collection of Your Croydon. at the council chamber Peter devours local news from there. He smiles – a fault that has been to do. And long-standing for most meetings of the and wants to ensure he when recollecting how remedied recently by Waddon resident Peter council, and many more knows what’s going on. the councillors who now switching the distribution Collier has still got every besides. He became involved champion Your Croydon company. one of them. He said: “I ask in community activity previously called for He’s unsure whether The well-thumbed questions about all sorts when the local priest was Croydon Reports to be he’ll like the new tabloid copies are stored in a of things. It lets the trying to start up a group curbed: “I’m pleased paper as much as the cardboard box in the councillors know that the for local people, and they’ve continued.” established magazine. loft and come in useful, reports are read and that wanted representation One of his few But that may be just says Peter, for reference some people do care about from someone who wasn’t complaints about the because he’ll have to get a purposes, particularly what the town hall is a tenant. publication is that it hasn’t new box to cope with the when he wants to put the doing on our behalf. Peter’s interest grew always been delivered new size.

www.croydon.gov.uk 12 yourspace

Sheltered housing has given me back my independence. There is help there but only if it is needed. Residents organise their own life. Gimme shelter Doomsday – that was the word Paul Diss-Holland used to describe how he felt about the date he was to move into council-run sheltered housing. But, rather than the beginning of the end for the man with a degenerative disease, moving into ’s council-run Borough Grange proved to be the beginning of a new life, with new horizons and new possibilities. Paul told Your Croydon his story in his own words.

I was a catastrophe trepidation for Japan, sort of place that has the But a place was found the notes onto the score waiting to happen – 96% where I lived for 10 power to seize babies for me quickly, at Borough with mouse clicks. I can of those with my illness years, and then moved to if you don’t look after Grange in Sanderstead, now go into jazz pubs and have a particular cell Germany, where I lived for them. He ordered me to and Doomsday drew nigh. hear pieces I have written structure. nine. hospital to be treated for As soon as I had moved performed. The disease lies in I enjoyed both of these malnutrition. in, my horizons started Things continue wait in your genes until greatly differing countries I was brought back to to widen. I purchased an to open up. I am now something triggers it. but things started to take the UK and spent a year in electric scooter which renting a vehicle under What the trigger is and a nasty turn. I found I the room which had been enabled me to go out the Motability scheme. how it operates is not could barely walk even Sheltered housing has I spent a year understood. with a stick. My knees given me back my in the room As a young man I swelled up, and my fingers I used to write music, independence. There is was healthy. But in my stiffened. I sank into mostly big-band jazz. help there but only if it is which had been late 20s, while living in gloom and fatalism. At one needed. Residents organise Australia, I felt my joints stage, I did not eat for two their own life. my bedroom as seizing up. Too afraid to go weeks. It was more of an Let’s not exaggerate, a teenager. This to a doctor, I pretended I eerie experience than a my bedroom as a teenager. by myself. And a new everything is far from could rid myself of it alone hungry one. This time round it was like computer let me give sweetness and light. When time round it was and took to exercising Weak, I fell over in a prison. my brain some overdue life has dished out to frantically. my flat but managed to I could only lie on the exercise. you as much gratuitous like a prison. I finally returned summon help from my bed and fry my brains I started to write a nastiness as it has to me, to the UK and was neighbours. When they with daytime television. television sitcom, but I it can never be completely diagnosed with ankylosing rang my doorbell after My sister, with my knew that, even if it was trusted again. spondylitis, a rheumatic this and got no reply, reluctant consent, helped brilliant, the chances of I can still emerge into disease. The doctor’s they feared the worst and me to apply for sheltered it ever being aired were the morning as stiff as a prognosis, however, was alerted the authorities. housing. I viewed the minute. board and feel that I am upbeat. Most of those with My first intimation of prospect with foreboding. I Then I had a better yet again back at square the condition, he told me, what was happening was pictured sheltered housing idea. Before I’d gone to one. But things lighten up lived normal lives. He when the fire brigade tried as a cross between a Japan, I used to write as the day goes on and I prescribed mild painkillers to come in through my derelict tenement and a music, mostly big-band regain my appetite for life and a regimen of exercise. bedroom window. Victorian poorhouse. I jazz. I could no longer and for the things I am My illness did, indeed, Accompanying them drew comfort from the fact write by hand, but I found doing. seem to reach a plateau was an official from a that there seemed to be a a computer program I have a tomorrow. I’m and I set off without government office, the long waiting list. which allowed me to put glad I found shelter.

March 09 | Your Croydon yourspace 13

Across its 22-acre site, Spa Hill Allotments has more than 300 plots and is a haven for a variety of wildlife – and keen gardeners. Planting the seeds of healthy living

Community allotment scheme in Upper Norwood promises a fruitful time for older and vulnerable people.

Mahes Gunaratnam

I’m 68 now and retired. I’m not a person who wants to be at home dusting the furniture. I want to keep fit and grow vegetables. I’m a lover of organic food.

A project set up to older and vulnerable The next stage is to by Croydon Age Concern. encourage older and people to work jointly in a build about 30 beds, some For more information, vulnerable people to healthy outdoor activity. of which will be raised or to join the project, become involved in In the process, they for use by wheelchair email Anjna Mehta- working on a community also get the chance to users and those with less Lancing at anjna.mehta- Diana Benstead allotment is thriving in socialise with like-minded mobility. [email protected] Upper Norwood. people, and learn about A group of young Alternatively, email The Spa Hill growing crops organically. adults with learning Peter Newbury at Community Allotment A plot, developed at disabilities who are pjnewbury@hotmail. I can’t bend very well but Project, a partnership the Spa Hill site using planning to go on a com or call him on 07711 I’m looking forward to gardening of the council, local Lottery funding and horticultural course have 495739. voluntary organisations cash from the council’s joined the project, as well The Spa Hill Allotment the raised beds and meeting and the Croydon community care grant, has as some older adults who Society’s website can be Federation of Allotment seen a paved area laid and are part of the Fit as a found at www.spahill. people. Societies, brings together two sheds built. Fiddle health project run org.uk/

www.croydon.gov.uk 14 specialfeature

council tenants, members of More than 10,000 council tenants over the past residents’ associations have five years have received low-energy light bulbs received training to become energy supplied by British Gas and EDF as a part of the 25 champions for their local community. council’s drive to help in reducing energy costs.

Every cloud has a silver lining The recession is creating tough times for people everywhere and, here in Croydon, residents are feeling the impact, too. Your Croydon talked to Madge about her personal experience of coping with the credit crunch. The council Madge had lived in New come, so I needed to wake “It was getting me down help people like her. “I her local area. “I love my Addington since the up to my life without and I started to cut back talked to a lady at the flat, it’s so cosy and cheap gave me a 1960s, bringing up her Bill. I’ve always had good on the heating through the housing office and she to run,” Madge says. family there. But her neat, health but I needed to winter.” told me that I could get “Then the council gave me grant of £4,000 three-bedroomed home start looking after myself But a bigger question a grant for moving to a a grant of £4,000 because because I was had seemed empty and again.” was playing on Madge’s smaller home, as young I was giving up two sad since her husband, Madge took up mind. She’d been happy families need houses just bedrooms by moving to a giving up two Bill, passed away in 2005. swimming, and renewed in her home but she was like mine. I told her that smaller place.” “After losing Bill, I was contact with old friends thinking about her future I’m very independent and Madge was able to bedrooms by very down for a year and who also use the pool in a three-bedroomed not ready to go into a sell her old car and her moving to a a half, when I didn’t eat regularly. “I was getting daughter helped her to well or look after myself,” out a bit more,” she says. find a smaller, newer smaller place. Madge says. “I wasn’t “But I noticed that my old I didn’t need all the space and more economical exercising, just staying car was costing an awful and I was paying too much one. “With the price of at home and the doctor lot to run as the petrol everything going up, I was giving me pills for went up. Bill loved that thought my future was depression.” car, but it drinks petrol. house. “I didn’t need all sheltered scheme. She said looking bleak,” she says. With support from Then the heating bills, the space and I was paying I might get a nice flat, just “But I’ve cut my living her friends and her three too – gas and electricity so much to heat it, too,” right for my needs now costs, got a nice little car grown-up children, Madge seemed to cost so much.” she says. and into the future.” and left something in eventually got through As a pensioner, Madge Madge talked it over She applied and the bank for a rainy day. her bereavement. “I’m is conscious of living with her friend, Irene, was allocated a garden My credit crunch cloud 71 now, but I could be within her means and not who thought that the flat with a housing turned out to have a silver around for some time to having anything to spare. council had a scheme to association, not far from lining!” www.croydoncrunch.org There is a growing amount of information and advice on all aspects of the recession aimed at individuals, families and business.

Finding your way through the maze is being made easier and the information will be updated regularly, so keep with the help of a new website to help Croydon residents checking to see what’s new. Don’t worry if you don’t have and businesses survive the recession. internet access at home, you can drop into your local www.croydoncrunch.org is a good place to start the library to surf the web, or look out for the latest issue of search for help. It’s a “virtual one-stop shop” for residents Your Croydon for regular help, advice and information.

March 09 | Your Croydon specialfeature 15

Since April 2008, Croydon’s welfare rights service has raised more than Help & £750,000 in extra annual benefit £750,000 income for residents aged 60 or over. advice Citizen’s Advice www.citizensadvice.co.uk Mortgage rescue scheme Local centres: Addington Citizens Advice Bureau Help for struggling families to keep their homes. 1a Overbury Crescent Help is now available to there as a tenant, paying must do all we can to help money adviser, who will can be given advice and Croydon CRO OLR families in the borough an affordable below- those who are in this awful provide an assessment of assistance on alternative who are facing the real market rent. As local situation to stay in their their financial ability to options by the council’s T: 01689 846890 possibility of losing Homebuy agent, London own homes. remain in home ownership housing advice team. Thornton Heath their homes. Croydon, and Quadrant Housing “I am pleased that as well as provide help Homeowners wishing Strand House, Zion Road as one of the first Trust will act as lead the council has acted so with tackling debt issues. to find out more should Croydon CR7 8RG authorities to introduce association. positively and quickly to Homeowners who are not call our housing advice T: 020 8684 2236 the government’s new The council has respond to our residents’ eligible for the scheme team on 020 8726 6100. Mortgage Rescue Scheme. already begun accepting needs, and that we are Fred Hall finds out how enquiries. The scheme playing a part in helping National Debtline it works. will not, however, be families keep a roof over The National Debtline can Croydon Council is suitable for everyone their heads. give free information to working alongside local who is behind with their “These are very people with debt problems. housing associations mortgage, and will be difficult times for people The line is available offering vulnerable considered only when all and this new scheme Monday to Friday 9-9pm homeowners who are on other options have been should help us to prevent and Saturday 9.30-1pm. the brink of repossession investigated. Residents homelessness and support an affordable way of who are concerned about those who, through no T: 0808 808 4000 staying in their homes. their mortgage repayments fault of their own, are W: www.nationaldebtline. Under the scheme, should always keep in facing repossession.” co.uk eligible homeowners will contact with their lender Anyone who has An online budget sheet has be offered two options: and seek early advice on contacted their lender been produced to fill in at to own their homes on the alternative options and is still facing difficulty www.nationaldebtline. a shared equity basis their lender can offer paying their mortgage co.uk/budget_sheet (with a share being sold if they are getting into should contact the to a housing association, difficulty. council’s housing advice enabling the applicant’s Councillor Dudley team. They will assess Help the Aged estimates monthly mortgage Mead, deputy leader whether a household that more than £4.2 billion payments to be reduced) and cabinet member meets the eligibility of means-tested benefits or to sell their home for housing, said: criteria for the Mortgage are unclaimed by older entirely to the housing “Repossession is a tragedy Rescue Scheme and refer people every year. If you are association but remain for any family and we them to an independent receiving a state pension there are a number of additional benefits which can Cut up those cards! and missing payments Time to switch be claimed. Most store cards charge could make you liable Thousands of people can very high APRs – some for significant interest save money by switching SeniorLine Top Tips of almost 30%. Credit payments. Always think suppliers for utilities, may be harder to come twice about taking out a credit cards and even bank Advice line provided by, but that’s no reason loan to pay off your debts. accounts. Comparison by Help the Aged . . . to help with those to hang on to one of the It might be attractive, websites are a good place T: 0808 800 6565 growing household bills. most expensive forms of but you may end up to start. Don’t be afraid to (Textphone-Minicom borrowing around. If you paying back a lot more negotiate if you can. Some 0800 26 96 26) do decide to hang on to than you borrowed. companies have a great your cards, leave them You may not be able to deal more flexibility with at home and away from afford the repayments and price plans than they may Parentline Plus the temptations of online the loan may be secured advertise and it is worth A free helpline offering help shopping. against your home, which asking about special deals. and information to anyone If you have outstanding you could then lose. caring for children. Send us your top tips store card debts you should Tel: 0808 800 2222 consider transferring them Start budgeting Do you have some tried to a lower-charging credit Fewer of us these days use and tested ways to save Tel: 0800 783 6783 card or, even better, pay it budgets – balancing what money, or make better use for people with hearing or off altogether. comes in against what goes of something you already speech impairment out – to run our homes. have? If you have advice Avoid taking on any Noting down what you for others on how to cope new credit – even if Housing advice, spend will help you decide with less, or you just want Croydon Council it’s interest free where you might be able to share your experiences If you’re already in to cut back and save some - let us know. Write to T: 020 8726 6100 significant debt taking on money. the editor (address on T: 020 8760 574 additional burdens – even If you do have serious page 2) or email us at E: [email protected] if they are at 0% – is not a money problems, a budget ourcroydon@croydon. good idea. You will have to will help you prioritise gov.uk We’d love to hear , Park Lane meet the payments – your debts. from you Croydon CR9 1DH

www.croydon.gov.uk 16 yourenvironment

Organisations were surveyed including local authorities, waste management companies, reprocessors and exporters, to 200 determine market confidence and prices.

Residents are being urged to continue their good work in recycling increasing volumes of household refuse.

Carry on recycling Public urged not to lose heart as stories spread of stockpiled recyclates in market-price crash.

Residents are being surveys conducted by of recycling and waste urged to continue their the Waste and Resources management, said: good work in recycling Action Programme (Wrap) “It’s true that there’s a increasing volumes of and the Local Government small number of local household refuse. Association, along with authorities that have The recycling message Environment Agency had to store recyclable is being underlined figures on applications to materials for a little because of media articles store recyclable materials, longer than usual. indicating that the bottom indicate that prices are “Here in Croydon, due has fallen out of the stabilising. to careful management, recycling market, leaving Wrap surveyed 200 we’ve been able, with the industry unwilling organisations, including the help of our waste to collect previously local authorities, waste contractor Veolia, to profitable materials. management companies, ensure that all our Croydon Council, the reprocessors and recycling has, indeed, Environment Agency and exporters, to determine been recycled. other government bodies market confidence and “It’s vital that residents the environment.” export market. are urging the public to prices before Christmas. continue to recycle as Liz Goodwin, Wrap “The overall picture continue the recycling Although views much of their waste as chief executive, said: from the survey is that lifestyle, with evidence were mixed, the overall possible. “Our market intelligence people can still be that prices for materials sentiment was that “The alternative would suggests prices for confident in using the have now stabilised. markets are slowly be for the rubbish to go recovered materials are recycling service provided While the downturn recovering. into landfill, which is slowly stabilising and by their local authority, as in demand began late Malcolm Kendall, expensive for the council more materials are now the materials they put out last year, recent industry Croydon Council’s head taxpayer and damaging to moving through the are still being recycled.”

March 09 | Your Croydon yourenvironment 17

Why not hop on the tram, get off Small and simple changes the bus a stop early, or, if leaving can have a significant impact the car at home isn’t an option, set on how much water is used up a car-sharing scheme? in the home. Saving water is a piece of cake It often seems strange, especially when caught in a deluge on our damp little island, that water conservation is something we all need to take seriously. Saving water is something a few of these? we can all do – but the Spend less time in good news is that it doesn’t the shower – can you do mean a drastic change of it in four minutes? You’ll lifestyle. save not only on the water Imagine your overall used, but on your water- water use in the home as heating energy bills, too. a cake, divided up into We’ll help you with a free* than using a hosepipe. Drink tap water, but don’t the different ways you use shower timer (subject to Outdoor plants – run the water ’til it’s cold. water. It would look like the availability). Use a watering can early Keep a jug of water in the cake in our illustration. Machines – Load morning or evening to fridge, instead. Now, imagine cutting a washing machines and minimise evaporation, and *Order by email: small slice off each division dishwashers fully. Two half aim for roots. Consider showertimer@waterplc. of cake, so you would loads use much more water using water-efficient plants. com or call our Customer eat less. It’s like slimming and energy than one full Get a free** copy of A Services Team on 01737 really – only the pounds load. Guide to Drought Resistant 772000. you are losing could be off Toilet cisterns – We Gardening. **Order online at www. your metered water and hot provide free** Save-a- New appliances – waterplc.com or by water energy bills. flush sachets to customers. fix them. Don’t leave taps the water that nature When buying bathroom calling 01737 772000 Small and simple Slipped into toilet cisterns running when washing, provides, and reuse it in the facilities, washing machines There are more reductions can have a they reduce the volume cleaning teeth or rinsing garden. See our water butt or dishwashers, purchase suggestions of ways to save significant impact on how needed to refill the cistern. vegetables. Use sink-plugs offer**. water-efficient models by water within your home much water is actually used Taps and plugs – If where possible. Cars – Clean with a checking litres used. (or business) at www. in the home. So why not try you have dripping taps, Water butts – Collect bucket and sponge, rather Drinking water – waterplc.com Benefit of green Word search travel choices Carry on recycling People in Croydon are waking up to a new and green way of travelling to and around the borough.

Changing your travelling early, or, if leaving the car travel and has adopted habits can have hugely at home isn’t an option, set sustainable transport beneficial outcomes – up a car-sharing scheme? measures. both for you and for the Whatever you choose, it You can follow in the environment. will be making a difference. footsteps of Futures by Simply by leaving Businesses in simply choosing to change the car at home, you can Croydon keen to improve your travel habits. improve your health and their environmental Log on to Transport for cause less air pollution, performance can do so London’s journey planner while helping you save through Croydon Council’s at www.journeyplanner.

money and cut CO2 Envibe team, which gives org to find a greener way emissions, which are hands-on support and to travel around Croydon warming the planet to rewards environmental and beyond. dangerous levels. business excellence. One of the greenest There are some great Established in 1995, ways, of course, is cycling. examples of Croydon and employing 12, Futures If you live, work or study businesses, and their staff, Supplies and Support in Croydon, and want to that have been doing Services is an independent start cycling, or would like just that. distributor of washroom, to gain confidence on the Words to find And you, too, can take cleaning, janitorial and road, you can apply for 1 Airport 6 Ikea 11 Purley Way a leaf out of their book associated products. a free, two-hour cycling 2 Alms Houses 7 Nestlé 12 Selhurst Park and improve your health, Working with Envibe, lesson (subject to budget). 3 Clocktower 8 NLA Tower 13 The Queen’s Gardens while benefiting the local the Waddon-based business To take advantage of 4 Fairfield Halls 9 North End 14 Water Tower environment. has taken positive steps this great offer visit www. 5 Happy Valley 10 Old Palace 15 Whitgift Why not hop on the at all levels to raise staff cyclinginstructor.com or tram, get off the bus a stop awareness of eco-friendly call 0845 652 0421. Solution on page 25

www.croydon.gov.uk 18 yourfuture

I was lucky enough to be invited to meet Gordon Brown at No.10 to speak about my campaign. Eliza Rebeiro Young people

The actions of two teenagers are proving inspirational for many young people.

The past year has been a the community are bright, difficult time for young interested individuals with people in London. a productive future Croydon has a greater ahead of them. number of young people Two inspirational than any other London characters who have made borough, and local families a positive effort to tackle have seen more than their the problems of youth fair share of heartbreak as a violence have agreed to result of the spate of violent speak on what drives them offences that have blighted and what their hopes are. the capital. Their stories should But what must be provide inspiration for their remembered is that these peers, and offer a reminder offences are the work of a to us all that there are tiny minority. many fantastic young role Most young people in models in the community.

Croydon has a greater Speaking out: against knife crime number of young Q&A For the past 20 months, much of Eliza Rebeiro’s people than any time has been given over to her campaign to convince young people it’s neither cool nor clever to carry a knife. other London borough. Eliza is the 15-year-old founder of Lives not Knives, and she has helped raise awareness in the local and national press of the dangers of carrying knives. Her tireless campaigning efforts were recognised recently when she won a Croydon Guardian Community Champion award.

Q: Tell us what raised awareness of Q: You were recently spent Takeover Day – in every way possible. promted you to start Live not Knives? invited to speak at visit www.11million. Q: What now for your Lives not Knives A: I wanted to make a the London Week of org.uk – working with the Lives not Knives campaign? statement so, firstly, I had Peace. How was that? Croydon Central MP campaign? A: I founded the Lives some T-shirts printed up A: I organised the Speak Andrew Pelling, which A: We’re hoping to take not Knives campaign in with the Lives not Knives Up Stand Tall event with was a great opportunity to a road-show to schools July 2007 to try and bring slogan on them and got all Safer Croydon Partnership see, up close, how a local to warn young teenagers awareness to kids about my friends wearing them. which was supported politician works. of the dangers of getting the dangers of carrying a With the help of by Councillor Steve Q: You’ve just won a involved in knife and gang knife. campaign supporters O’Connell. Croydon champion crime and we organised a Around this time, a lot and the Croydon Youth During this event my award. Tell us about Valentine’s Ball in memory of teenagers were being Theatre Organisation friends and I were able that. of all the teenagers stabbed in Croydon, and it (CYTO) we’ve managed to tell a lot of important A: I was really pleased who’ve lost their lives to seemed the problem was to put on a number of people about the effects of to be awarded a Croydon knife crime. escalating. successful, positive events knife crime. Community Champion If you want to I wanted to do for local youths and Q: Your efforts have Award, and, although find out more about something positive to schoolchildren. also been noticed by I’ve been campaigning Eliza’s campaign, sign bring awareness of the I’ve been invited to the prime minister. for only 20 months, I feel the petition at www. problem and make known speak at the Fairfield A: Yes, I was lucky that my friends and I have livesnotknives.com to parents and adults the Halls, at City Hall, and enough to be invited to achieved a lot. You can also leave true statistics of the many recently I was on the meet Gordon Brown at I’d like to say a big a message on the teenagers who do carry a panel for Choice FM and No.10 to speak about my “thank-you” to my friends campaign’s Bebo page knife. Richard Blackwood’s Real campaign. and family who have at www.bebo.com/ Q: How have you Talk. And I also recently rallied around and helped livesnotknives

March 09 | Your Croydon yourfuture 19

Bullying is at one end of the behavioural spectrum, and knife crime and gang involvement is at the most extreme, violent end. Michael Castle speak out

Speaking out: Q&A to tackle bullying Bullying, in its many forms, blights the lives of too many young people. One young person who felt that enough was enough New Addington’s is 17-year-old Michael Castle, from New Addington. Michael’s anti-bullying campaigning has been making sporting heroes a big difference. Big enough to see him recently Young people from Timebridge awarded the Diana Anti-Bullying Award in recognition of his contribution.Michael told us about his Youth Club were awarded their campaigning and what sparked his involvement. County Colours at the annual Clubs for Young People Q: How did you go on anywhere – in the the behavioural spectrum, It’s only through Awards’ Night in Dorking. first get involved workplace, at school or and knife crime and gang awareness that people will Twelve members of the Fieldway-based club received in the anti-bullying college – and that it’s not involvement is at the most feel empowered enough to this award, given to young people that have represented just young people who campaign? extreme, violent end. try and stop it. Surrey in competitions such as pool, air-rifle shooting, A: I decided to get can be victims. Q: Tell us about anti- Q: What would you fishing and five-a-side football. involved in peer Bullies bully as a way bullying initiatives say to children and Around 60 young people entered competitions across mentoring training at of making themselves and what you hope to young people who the county. secondary school where I feel empowered or to achieve. are the victims of And the youngsters’ success was emulated by the club mentored Year 7 pupils for intentionally cause harm A: Anti-bullying week bullying? itself, which picked up the prize for the best club – the two years. to somebody. was held last November, A: Each young person Bowles Trophy for Enterprise Award. I’m a member of the Q: If young people and the slogan was Being would have a different Three under-19s boys represented Surrey in the Essex south-east board for are involved in Different Belonging opinion about bullying shooting challenge, with one coming away with the Top the Young Anti-Bullying bullying, does it Together. and how it makes them Marksman of the Day award. Alliance (Young ABA) mean they are more It’s a great thing feel personally. And the club also won the Diamond Games Cup and I’ve received the likely to join a gang because we’re all different Bullying comes in during a multi-activity day and was the first to enter a girl Diana Award, the highest and become involved from each other and many forms, be it physical in the fishing competition. accolade for anti-bullying in knife crime? our differences are our or verbal, and different Other club successes have included: work in the country. A: In my personal strengths. people react differently. • an under-14 girls team reaching the national five-a- Q: What is your opinion, there’s not By raising awareness There are many side finals in Manchester; understanding and enough evidence to of bullying, people can websites where you • seven young people competing in the south-east experience suggest that this is the start to recognize the can look for help, regional pool finals in Chichester; of bullying? case. signs at an early stage including my website • and two teams – an under-19 girls, and an under-14s boys – getting through to a national pool competition A: People need to be What is known is that and reach out to a young www.freewebs.com/ finals, held in Barnsley, and coming third and eighth, aware that bullying can bullying is at one end of person in trouble. voice4teens/index.htm and www.myspace.com/ respectfully. castle12200 Scott Pickard, a club member, was chosen to go on a week’s residential course for young leaders and now sits Go to the blogs and on the Surrey Clubs for Young People youth board. read “bullying” and “getting started”. Bullying is always Shannon McGoldrick wrong and we all need to try to raise awareness and – “Timebridge is a place help become the solution that I can go to, instead to this problem. of staying indoors being For more information bored. I’ve gained a lot on bullying go to of confidence in my the Young ABA website at www.anti- pool-playing ability while bullyingalliance.org.uk/ being at the club, and I’m really looking Page.asp forward to the next pool competition.”

www.croydon.gov.uk 20 youreducation

97% of primary schools, 95% of secondary schools and 100% of special schools are part of the Healthy Schools programme. The best days of their lives Cashless Parents and their children are learning if their application for a school place has been successful. Here’s what to do next. schools a winner Technology wins highest praise for changes to school meals system.

An online system for payment of school meals allows parents to know what their children are eating – and has helped Croydon Council to win a top prize. Designed to eliminate the need for children to carry money to pay for their school lunch, the system has been adopted by 72 primary schools and nine secondary schools Parents send meal since its launch in 2006. payments directly to the Judges at this year’s school, ensuring their Secondary school • The outcome of all regarding which schools For more information e-Government National child eats at school, Receiving the results of applications for Croydon in Croydon have on Croydon Awards praised the improving dietary health, your applications schools will be sent to vacancies. community schools ground-breaking e-Pay and allowing parents to • You should receive a parents on 20 March. • If you have made appeals, please refer Cashless Schools Project monitor what their child letter by 2 March, or There is no guarantee applications for schools to the Admission for using forward-thinking has eaten. you can check online that you will receive outside Croydon, the to Primary School methods to make immense Parents who don’t want at www.croydon.gov. an offer of a place at education offices in 2009/2010 brochure. improvements to the to use a debit or credit uk. You will receive a one of the schools you those areas will let you school meals’ service – and card, or have limited single offer of a school have listed on your know if your application Secondary appeals for having a huge positive access to the internet, can place for the highest- application. If only one has been succesful. • Information on how effect on the health and pay at any shop displaying ranked school on the of the applications you • Late applications for to appeal for Croydon welfare of children. the PayPoint sign. application form you have made has been primary schools in community school submitted. successful, you will Croydon will not be places will be provided • If all your applications receive an offer for that considered until after in the letter produced Bringing history to life are unsuccessful and school. If more than one 20 March 2009. Late on 2 March 2009, as you live in Croydon, you of your applications has applications can only appropriate. Please A world-class exhibition is an unrivalled educational will receive a formal been successful, you be considered on note that academies, coming to Croydon, and opportunity for offer of a community will receive an offer of exceptional grounds. voluntary aided and pupils from across the schoolchildren with free school place on 2 a place at whichever • Sometimes, an foundation schools borough will benefit from admission for pre-booked March. You should make of these schools is application for a have their own appeal the experience. school groups and their sure that your child’s ranked highest on your preferred school is procedures and, if you Hidden Treasures from teachers. name is included on the application. unsuccessful, and, you wish to pursue your the Mary Rose, will be A key focus will waiting lists for your may be able to appeal to appeal rights for such staged in , be learning and the preferred schools, and • If none of your an independent panel. a school, you will need , from April exhibition will target for any other school applications for a to contact the school to August, and will house Key Stage needs through in which you might be school in Croydon has Primary appeals directly. a sensational collection of discovery visits, workshops interested. The council been successful, you • Information on how For more information more than 200 artefacts, and lectures. will help you to find will be able to arrange to appeal for Croydon on Croydon community raised from the Solent Ticket prices have been schools in Croydon with for your child’s name community school schools appeals please in 1982, after 437 years heavily discounted, with vacancies. All vacant to be included on the places will be provided refer to Transfer to underwater. Croydon residents seeing places at these schools waiting lists for your in the letter you receive Secondary School As well as displaying 50% lopped from their will be allocated in preferred schools. You on 20 March 2009. 2009/2010. many of the finest admission charge. accordance with the are allowed to express Voluntary aided and • You will need to treasures from the Mary Don’t miss this exciting schools’ published a preference for up to foundation schools persuade the panel that Rose, the exhibition opportunity – book your admissions criteria. four community primary have their own appeal there are special reasons will feature fascinating tickets today. schools. You can also procedures, and you’ll that your child should insights into the daily lives For more Primary school contact the school need to contact the be given a place despite of officers and ordinary information, visit www. Receiving the results of admissions team for school directly to make the fact that the school sailors. maryrosehiddentreasures. your applications advice and information an appeal. is full. The exhibition offers org or call 020 8633 9939

March 09 | Your Croydon yourhealth 21

9 out of 10 of us would 9/10 rather a non-smoker! Stop your money going up in smoke Wednesday, 11 March is National No Smoking Day – make this the day you stub out your last gasper.

Feeling the squeeze on congratulate you on your your finances? Is your new smoke-free lifestyle. money going up in smoke? Croydon Stop Smoking If you smoke 20 Service is running a Quit cigarettes a day for a year, to Win competition until it will cost you nearly that date, with the prize £2,000! Imagine what you draw taking place in June. could buy, or do, with all You are four times that extra cash. more likely to quit if you Every year, thousands use a service like ours of smokers choose and nicotine-replacement National No Smoking Day therapy (NRT) than if you as the first day of their go it alone. new smoke-free life – why not join them? How we can In addition to saving yourself a credit crunch- help you: busting bundle of cash you Croydon Stop Smoking can also expect to enjoy Service offers free help, all the health benefits advice and discounted that come with nixing the access to NRT and other nicotine. stop-smoking medications As if all that wasn’t a to ALL smokers who live good enough reason to and work in the Croydon quit, a survey conducted area. last summer found that: You are FOUR times nine out of 10 of us would more likely to stop rather kiss a non-smoker! smoking for good if you trained advisers across designed to help and about how to go smoke to Win promotion will use a local stop-smoking Croydon who can offer support you to stop free, where the service’s be awarded through a Quit to win! service that can advise individual help, tailored to smoking for good. The advisers are located, public draw in June. For Register with Croydon you on the right products your needs, and access to sessions are free, relaxed or to ask how to access full details, terms and Stop Smoking Service to use and offer regular discounted NRT products. and informal, and the pregnancy and workplace conditions, visit www. before 31 March and support and information. All our advisers offer advisers are there to help services, please call free croydonstopsmoking you could be in line The Stop Smoking a planned programme of and support you. on 0800 019 8570. service.co.uk or call for a fantastic prize to Service has more than 150 up to six weekly sessions, To find out more Prizes for the Quit 0800 019 8570. More public swim time at Book a healthy date Rewritten schedule frees up extra swimming time for public and learners Croydon Library Service and the local Primary Care Trust (PCT) are planning a Health Fair at Portland Road leisure centre. from Monday 8 to Friday 12 June at . Croydon Council has made offering the club three been introduced to the and 10pm, allowing public changes to South Norwood lanes of the pool from Saturday mornings public swimming to take place A range of community and PCT-related groups Leisure Centre’s timetable 6pm-7pm. lane swimming session from 7pm to 8pm. showcasing different ways to keep healthy will be to free more space for An additional public from 9am to 11am. The change will be present. public swimming. session has been added on The council has also implemented in April Each weekday will have a theme, including: healthy The changes include Saturdays from 8am -9am agreed to move a local because the club, at living, safe sexual health, drugs, alcohol and mental replacing a swimming in the main pool, shared swimming club’s training present, is in the middle wellbeing. club training session on with learn-to-swim classes session on Mondays and of preparations for Other attractions will include, the Pop Bus and Talk Mondays from 5pm-7pm in the shallow end. Wednesdays from 7pm this month’s national Bus being parked outside the Clocktower on different with a public swim and An additional lane has to 9pm, to between 8pm championships. days to offer help and advice.

www.croydon.gov.uk 22 yourbusiness

Clas Ohlson – A ray of Swedish sunshine piercing the clouds of recession. The usefulshöpp comes to town

A ray of Swedish sunshine has burst through the clouds of recession to brighten Croydon’s Our store is main shopping street. over two floors In common with town into the UK retail market our stores – such as town But he acknowledges buy essentials – that we shopping centres up and and, if the initial response centres and shopping that there are likely to be stock – rather than use and has entrances down the country, Croydon of shoppers is anything to centres. tough times ahead, both up valuable time on the on both North End is feeling the effects of go by, it won’t be the last. “In Croydon we’ve for householders and weekend when they could the current tough trading Mark Gregory, UK managed to achieve both. retailers: “We feel that be doing other things with and inside conditions. managing director, said Our store is over two floors shoppers will want to buy their family. The arrival of Clas that the Croydon store and has entrances on both small items to make the “The convenient the Whitgift Ohlson, one of Sweden’s was the ideal location: North End and inside the home run smoothly and store location – with Shopping Centre. most successful retailers, “Like many parts of the Whitgift Shopping Centre.” more efficiently in bad great product ranges however, showed that country, Croydon didn’t Mr Gregory said the economic times as well at affordable prices – the town’s pedestrianised have a store offering company’s commitment as good. combined with our friendly North End and covered our range of products in to value appealed to “We take pride in and knowledgeable staff, shopping malls continue the town centre and the customers on all salary being a ‘usefulshöpp’. is proving to be popular to hold an attraction for initial reaction from local ranges, particularly young Croydon has a big office- with Croydon and should businesses. shoppers has been great. families and couples based community who provide a launch pad for Croydon is the “We always try to find building first homes typically like to be able to successful expansion to company’s first venture convenient places for together. use their lunch hours to towns across the country.” Putting Croydon on the conference map Croydon Business is leading an initiative to bring big-name seminars to the town.

Conferences are good news use a unified approach to Conference Croydon stand cater for different sizes which the main speaker, for any town or city as attract large conference at Confex, the UK’s leading of events. Fairfield is Gareth Thomas, Minister they fill hotel rooms and planners to their towns. trade show for event particularly versatile, and of Trade, travelled by train venues – and the local “Conference Croydon” organisers. is one of and tram. economy benefits from the is the start of such an Brian Stapleton, the very few south London The splendid Victorian extra “business tourism” approach for our town. Croydon Business chief venues with the capacity to Town Hall, with its revenue. As part of the initiative, executive, said: “Croydon cater for 500 people. abundance of seminar Recognising the Croydon Business is offers great opportunities “And we have a rooms, has also proved to potential for getting the putting together a for conferences and good choice of other be a popular and flexible town on the national Conference Croydon seminars. venues such as Croydon venue for conferences. conference map, Croydon Handbook highlighting “We have one of the Park Hotel, Jury’s Inn, Anybody interested Business is supporting a everything that Croydon best transport networks Aerodrome Hotel, the in partnering with this new initiative. has to offer. in the south-east and are Hilton, and others.” project should contact All the big conference And Croydon Business preferred, by many people, UK Trade and Kesh Nuckchady on destinations – such as recently joined Fairfield to central London. Investment recently held 020 8680 6142 or Harrogate, Blackpool, Halls and the Croydon “We have some a national seminar at email knuckchady@ Brighton and Southport – Park Hotel on the excellent venues that can Addington Palace – to croydonbusiness.com

March 09 | Your Croydon yourbusiness 23

Putting the town Croydon’s diamond orchestra. on the box See page 26

Innovative screen-based advertising and information service launched next to town’s busiest station.

The Croydon Visitor and visitors alike. an estimated 20 million Centre, close neighbour of Managed by passengers use its services always-busy East Croydon Croydon Bid (Business in 2008. station, is set to become Improvement District), Hello Croydon:TV the place to advertise in this powerful marketing is part of the drive 2009, with the launch of platform gives local and to reinvigorate the Hello Croydon:TV. national companies a information services on This innovative unique way to promote offer around the transport multi-media presentation their business, while hub, which incorporates a – designed to enhance enhancing the information major Tramlink stop and the Croydon town-centre available at the George bus station. experience – offers lively Street centre. For advertising information on culture, One of the fastest- opportunities, contact entertainment and growing train stations in Viv at vnewbould@ advertising to residents the UK, East Croydon saw croydonbusiness.com

www.croydon.gov.uk 24 yourdiary yourevents

Details of all Croydon , Council meetings can be Katharine Street, Croydon found on the council website ticket office:020 8253 1030 at www.croydon.gov.uk/ email: [email protected] meetingsofthecouncil text: 07771 837121 dates for your diary Croydon Clocktower Spike Theatre presents Martin Carthy and Norma of poems and answering Council The Sandman Waterson with Chris questions about his writing Wednesday 4 March Parkinson and role as Poet Laureate. Deadlines for public questions for forthcoming full council meetings (all start at 6.30pm). Noon 7.30-8.45pm Friday 6 March 8-9.40pm £10 (£7.50 concessions) on the relevant deadline date. Rich, intelligent and visually For more than 30 years, Meeting: Monday, 30 March Deadline: Monday, 16 March stunning folktale for adults Martin Carthy and Norma So & So Circus Theatre To submit a question (maximum number of words: 50) for consideration at a full council and brave children. Waterson have been at the The Hot Dots meeting, email it to [email protected]; fax it to 020 8760 5657; print and £7.50 (£6 concessions) forefront of the English folk Saturday 21 March 7.30- complete the form at www.croydon.gov.uk/councilquestion and post it to Questions for the scene. They can be relied 8.30pm council, Democratic and legal services, Taberner House, Park Lane, Croydon CR9 3JS; or call upon to say something It’s 1932 and The Hot 020 8726 6000 extn 63876. Shobana Jeyasingh contemporary and relevant Dots are taking the planet Dance Company while retaining their music’s by storm. Death-defying The Dancer’s Cut traditional roots. Scrutiny Sub-committee acrobatics, film and Thursday 5 March £12 (£9 concessions dance combine to tell Deadlines for the forthcoming scrutiny and overview committee public question sessions. Noon 7.30-8.35pm a heartbreaking tale of on the relevant deadline date. A 20th anniversary Andrew Motion An evening romance, drama, fame and Meeting: 3 March Children, learning and leisure Deadline: 23 February performance that offers an with the Poet Laureate failure in this exciting show, Cabinet member: Cllr Tim Pollard (children’s services and adult learning) insight into this company’s Monday 16 March that is suitable for the whole exciting and intricate work. 7.30-9pm family. Meeting: 10 March Community services Deadline: 2 March £10 (£7.50 concessions Introducing his latest book Cabinet member: Cllr (safety and cohesion) £6 (£5 concessions)

Meeting: 17 March Health and adult social care Deadline: 9 March Cabinet member: Cllr Margaret Mead (health and adult social care) Meeting: 24 March Scrutiny and overview Deadline: 16 March Guided walks Cabinet member: Cllr Sara Bashford (resources and customer services) Tuesday 10 March to the top of Croham To submit a question (maximum number of words: 50) to the cabinet member detailed above, First signs of spring Hurst, plus what is done to email it to [email protected]; fax it to 020 8760 5657; post it to at South Norwood prevent erosion, increase Scrutiny public questions, Democratic and legal services, Taberner House, Park Lane, Croydon Country Park the heathland and promote CR9 3JS; or call 020 8726 6000 extn 62529. 11am, Country Park diversity. Visitor Centre Bus: 412 Selsdon Road Neighbourhood partnership Tram: Arena, follow the path, Sunday 29 March Neighbourhood partnership meetings (start at 7.30pm) past the sport field over the hill to the centre Conservation of the Whitgift Field Meeting: 4 March Group: Broad Green and Waddon Bus: 312, 197 Portland Venue: Salvation Army Citadel, Booth Road Road, walk to the Park Booking essential, call the warden on 07771 715812. Meeting: 11 March Group: Thornton Heath, Bensham Manor and West Thornton entrance off Albert Road Another chance to join the tracks and trails Venue: Archbishop Lanfranc School, Mitcham Road warden to help improve Please phone the warden on Meeting: 18 March** Group: Coulsdon East and Coulsdon West Wednesday 18 March the chalk grassland in the 07775 824811 for booking Venue: Congregational Church, Coulsdon Road Heather high on Whitgift Field, removing details, Family event. the pebbles the dreaded ash regrowth. Learn how to interpret the 25 March Norbury and Upper Norwood Meeting: Group: 10.30am, Upper Selsdon All equipment provided, clues animals leave behind. Norbury Manor Business & Enterprise College, Kensington Avenue, Thornton Heath Venue:  Road entrance, opposite including gloves, tea, coffee Join the warden looking West Hill, two-hour hilly walk and biscuits. Come for an at signs such as tracks, For information on Neighbourhood Partnerships, visit the website at www.croydononline.org/ hour or the whole day. neighbourhood_partnerships/, email [email protected], write Join Marion Davis, burrows, droppings and to Neighbourhood Partnerships, Democratic and legal services, Taberner House, Park Lane, Downlands Project Volunteer tooth marks, and make your Croydon CR9 3JS or call 020 8726 6000 extn 62564 or 62811. for a closer look at the Sunday 29 March own animal-track plaster patches of heathland that Happy Valley wildlife casts. Croydon Community Police Consultative Group Meetings of the Croydon Community Police Consultative Group are held in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall. All are open to the public and begin at 6.30pm. For further information, go to www.croydononline.org/ccpcg Contact us General enquiries Housing Environmental reporting Forthcoming meeting dates are: Wednesday, 18 March; Thursday, 7 May T: 020 8726 6000 T: 020 8726 6100 T: 020 8726 6200 Opening hours F: 020 8760 5745 E: contact.enviroteam@ Details of all Croydon Council meetings can be found on the council website at www.croydon. 8am-7pm (Monday), E: [email protected] croydon.gov.uk gov.uk/meetingsofthecouncil 8am-6pm (Tuesday-Friday) Adult social services F: 020 8760 0871 Planning and building control T: 020 8726 6800 Tel: 020 8726 6500 These meetings are to be transmitted via webcasting. Minicom: 020 8760 5797 F: 020 8760 5406 Fax: 020 8633 9428 Neighbourhood Partnership meetings are not webcast live. Email: contact.thecouncil@ E: planning.control@croydon. Email: referral.team2@croydon. They can be viewed at www.croydon.ukcouncil.net/site/webcasts.php croydon.gov.uk gov.uk gov.uk

March 09 | Your Croydon yourevents 25

Fairfield, Park Lane, Croydon CR9 1DG. Box Office 020 8688 9291 Book online at www.fairfield.co.uk where you can choose your own seats. A booking fee of £2.25 per ticket may apply.

Fairfield

Friday 6 March 8pm Sunday 15 March Thursday 9 April 8pm Friday 24 & Saturday Saturday 25 April 7.30pm PATSY CLINE THE 2pm & 5pm ROSS NOBLE 25 April LONDON MOZART CONCERT 2009 SOOTY IN SPACE THINGS Fri 11am & 2.30pm, Sat PLAYERS Celebrating the musical 5..4..3..2..1..BLAST OFF!! Ross covers the topic of 10.30am, 1.30pm & 4.30pm MENDELSSOHN PLUS history of one of the “all-time Join Sooty, Sweep and things in this brand new MILKSHAKE LIVE! MY Conductor Gerard Korsten great” female artists. Soo on their intergalactic show – big things and small FIRST CONCERT Principal Soloists from the Tickets: £14.50 adventure into Space! See things, things that have Join your favourite TV London Mozart Players Sooty’s amazing rocket! Friday 20 March 7.45pm happened to him, things characters and Milkshake! The evening programme Meet Harry, the fantastic THE FUREYS that have happened to presenters in a brand includes Mendelssohn’s robot! Look out for the three- & DAVEY ARTHUR you. Surfing the wave of new, action-packed, all Symphony No.3 ‘Scottish’, legged Martians!! Watch out Irish folk favourites continue the here and now, join “the singing, all dancing musical Mozart’s Symphony No.25 for the Flying Saucers ... the St. Patrick’s Day most brilliant stand-up of extravaganza. Fifi & Bumble, K183 and Haydn’s Sinfonia and Cups!! celebrations at Fairfield. his generation” (Sunday Peppa & George, Rupert Concertante for Oboe, Tickets: £16 & £14.50 Telegraph) in a free-form, Bear, Little Princess, Noddy Tickets: £12. & Tessie Bear and Mr. Bump Bassoon, Violin & Cello. Family ticket (Two adults/ free-wheeling ride into the way things are. & Little Miss Daredevil all Tickets: £10 to £29.50 two children) £42 Tuesday 24 March 7.45pm together on one stage! Tickets: £20, concession £18 SWANSEA CITY OPERA Tickets: Adults £14.50, Tuesday 5 The Elixir of Love (L’Elisir Children £12, Family Ticket to Saturday 9 May d’Amore) by Gaetano (2 Adults & 2 Children) £50 Tue, Wed, & Sat 7.30pm, Donizetti Matinees Wed & Sat Tickets: £19.50 & £18.50 Saturday 25 April 11am 2.30pm, Fri 5pm & 8.30pm ARTHUR DAVISON Saturday 7 March 8pm FAMILY CONCERT BUDDY – THE BUDDY Thursday 26 March HOLLY STORY THE HOLLIES 7.45pm Wednesday 15 until Medieval Mysteries with Spring 2009 UK concert tour The Pied Piper of Hamelin The Worldwide Musical AN AUDIENCE WITH Sunday 19 April Sensation Tickets: £23.50, £21.50 Conductor Darrell Davison JENI BARNETT 7.30pm Wednesday Fifty years ago, the man who Tickets: £14.50 to Saturday, 2.30pm Dragonsfire Medieval changed the face of popular Thursday, Saturday Music Group music died, tragically, in a Friday 27 March 8pm & Sunday The Little Symphony plane crash aged just 22. BJORN AGAIN CIRQUE DE GLACE of London Buddy tells the story of Monday 16 to Thursday Hear all your favourite Abba Achieving a new standard in Travel back in time to the three years in which 19 March hits in one superb evening. ice show presentation, the the medieval era with the he became the world’s top recording artist with a show Monday 7.30pm, Tickets: £19.50 & £17.50 critically acclaimed Russian haunting story of the Pied Tuesday to Thursday Ice Stars combine with the Piper of Hamelin and the that features over 20 of Buddy Holly’s greatest hits 10.30am & 1.30pm Thursday 2 April 7.45pm magical world of cirque in an Dragonsfire Medieval Group including Peggy Sue, That’ll WHY THE WHALES CAME eclectic mix of spectacle and dressed in period costume. THE CHICAGO BLUES The concert also includes Be The Day, Not Fade Away, A wonderful adaptation ice dance that is guaranteed BROTHERS Handel’s Water Music, Oh Boy, Maybe Baby, Rave of Michael Morpurgo’s to stimulate, dazzle, thrill and Featuring the All Star Pachelbel’s Canon, and On and Raining In My Heart. acclaimed book by entertain all ages. Chicago Blues Band Warlock’s Sword Dance. Birmingham Stage Tickets: £23.50, £25.50, Sunday 8 March 7pm Packed with more than two Tickets: £26.50, £24.50, Company. Children, aged Tickets: Adults £9, Children Wed Matinee £21.50, THE KEN DODD hours of the very best blues £20.50, children all seats £15 seven years and up, will £7, Family Tickets £7 & £5 Under 16s £18.50 HAPPINESS SHOW & soul music from both of be captivated by this Wednesday 22 April Tickets £19.50 The Blues Brothers movies – Word Search Solution exciting story. with plenty of laughs, too! 7.45pm Tickets: £14.50, Children Wednesday 11 March 8pm Tickets: £16.50 STEELEYE SPAN £9.50. Schools £6 THE BOOTLEG BEATLES 40th Anniversary Tour Tickets: £22.50 Tickets: £17.50 Wednesday 18 March 7.30pm Friday 13 March 8pm Friday 24 April 8pm LONDON MOZART BEST OF BRITISH HERE COME THE BOYS! PLAYERS MEDIUMSHIP WITH The Chippendales troupe 60th Birthday Gala Concert COLIN FRY & TJ HIGGS of American muscle-bound Tickets: £19.50 Conductor/Piano Howard Wednesday 8 April 8pm hunks, original cast sold out Shelley, Violin Isabelle van BLAKE AND NATASHA every theatre in the UK and Saturday 14 March 8pm Keulen, Soprano Dame MARSH now Here Come The Boys! Felicity Lott. THE LADIES OF COUNTRY Classical Brit Award winners looking better than ever Starring Join the LMP on this special 2008, for their self-titled with some stunning new BILLIE JO SPEARS, evening to celebrate 60 debut album, Blake are faces, exceptionally talented STELLA PARTON, CHILLI years of fantastic music joined by acclaimed soprano singers, dancers and an GOLD & ELAINE BOYLE making. Natasha Marsh. outstanding new show. Tickets: £22.50, £20. Tickets: £10 to £29.50 Tickets: £27.50 & £25 Tickets: £25

Box Office 020 8688 9291 Book online at www.fairfield.co.uk

www.croydon.gov.uk 26 yourheritage

The UK’s longest-established chamber orchestra – and one of the most respected orchestras in Europe 20 Years – has been here since 1989. Happy birthday LMP

It’s a diamond anniversary for Croydon’s jewel of an orchestra.

the borough. most respected orchestras and a unique alliance and opera conductor to To mark in Europe – has been was formed between the introduce more vocal and this special here since 1989, when local authority, private choral music. anniversary, it became the borough’s, sector sponsor and arts Currently, the LMP the LMP will and Fairfield’s, resident organisation. is part of the Cultural play a concert orchestra, under the The council was keen Olympiad, made in Fairfield Hall, leadership of Ms Glover. to take the orchestra and possible by the Croydon also marking 20 The move to Croydon its individual musicians Community Grant Scheme. years of residency came about after a series out of the concert hall and Pupils in year 10 of in Croydon, with of concerts at Fairfield into the wider community, have Croydon’s chamber Howard Shelley, which gave the venue so the borough underwrote worked with musicians London orchestra celebrates its Dame Felicity Lott and the chance to prove the the cost of the LMP’s from the LMP and a 60th anniversary this Isabelle van Keulen. excellence of its acoustics. annual concert series at singer-songwriter to create Mozart month. This concert will be The orchestra quickly Fairfield and also helped their Song for Croydon, Players stage London Mozart Players in the presence of HRH established itself within the with office accommodation called Above and beyond, stage more than 100 Prince Edward, the Earl of local community and its for the orchestra’s inspired by dreams of more than 100 local events each year, Wessex. wide-ranging programme administration. Olympic achievement. with groups of musicians And, in May, former has now grown into a In 2000, the British An annual competition local events performing in a wide music director Jane Glover very significant part of the conductor Andrew Parrott will offer Croydon’s each year, range of venues, from returns to the LMP to orchestra’s life. picked up the baton of aspiring young songwriters residential care homes to celebrate her birthday with Croydon Council music director and has the chance to add verses with groups of special schools, hospices a concert at Fairfield. and Nestlé, the UK broadened the scope of to be sung by primary and hospital wards to day The UK’s longest- headquarters of which is the orchestra’s work, schoolchildren at schools musicians. centres, and in virtually established chamber opposite Fairfield, were using his experience concerts in the build-up every school and college in orchestra – and one of the approached for support, as a renowned choral to 2012.

North End – revisited Photographer Frazer Ashford takes a second look at Croydon’s premier shopping street.

During this series I have I’ve no recollection donkey rides at one time. found several views of whether that was morning The arcade ran from the same street, albeit at or evening, but I can’t North End down to Frith different times, and for honestly believe that, Road. Note the neat row this month I am showing as a Croydon schoolboy, of parking meters outside another view of North I would have been out the store. End, in the heart of central taking pictures at six in the On the right-hand side Croydon. morning! of the picture is . I think that this picture Still, the deserted Like other traders, the was taken during the late street image does bring store has had its ups and 1960s – when I was still a back a few memories. downs, but, unlike old schoolboy – and captures a On the left of the rival Kennards, it survives strangely ghost town-like picture is Kennards, the to this day, even if it bares view. I have no idea as to department store. Long little resemblance to the which day of the week it gone now, it was every ’60s store with its old, was taken, but enlarging kid’s delight at the time small windows and the the image reveals that a as the arcade was full of narrow pavement. clock on the outside of one plaster castle battlements For more examples of of the shops shows that it and other wonders. Frazer’s work, visit www. was 6.10. There were even frazerashford.com

March 09 | Your Croydon

you told us “we want better prospects for our children”

we listened “ we’re introducing sixth forms at every school” we’re still listening www.croydon.gov.uk/listening