THE RIDDLESDOWN R E C O R D E R A half-yearly publication of the Riddlesdown Residents’ Association No. 194 April 2012

1937 2012

RRA 75th Anniversary! INSIDE: the end of an era, who are we, letter to the editor, dog walking, conserving the chalk hill blue, a trek, Purley Lit centenary, strange but true? And much more ... RIDDLESDOWN RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION The Committee Vice-President: Mrs H.Kiernan Brian Longman Chairman Bernard Munn 8657 8374 Treasurer 8657 0535

Karen Whitehead Phil Thomas Secretary & Riddlesdown Planning & Environmental Collegiate Liaison Officer Website Administrator 8668 8677 8668 3815

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

Janice Kedwards Bill Whitmarsh Social 8660 2178 8668 2011

Frankie Wheeler Fred Wallis 8660 3886 8668 7837

Mavis Wilder Diana Chitty 8668 3579 8668 3337

All emergencies: (Fire, Police, Ambulance) 999

NEW POLICE NON-EMERGENCY NUMBER: 101 All Croydon Police Stations: 0300 123 1212 Purley Safer Neighbourhood Team: 020 8721 2467

Cover photograph: Riddlesdown by motor bus by Charles Sharland, 1913, courtesy of London Transport Museum 2 Editor’s notes n Happy 75th RRA! CONTENTS Page This year seems to be jam-packed with celebrations. Editor’s Notes 3 The Association is 75, the Queen has been on the throne for 60 years (congratulations Your Majesty) and The Committee Reports 4 London is welcoming the world as part of the Olympics and Paralympics! What an exciting year! The End of an Era 24 As you all know, the committee members

and the wonderful Road Stewards are all volunteers, so we should remember to Who Are We? 25 salute all volunteers who help create the atmosphere in our neighbourhood that Letter to the Editor 27 helps us appreciate it so. And we should also remember all those thousands of volunteers that will make London the Dog Walking 27 place to be this year! Yes, as a tourist or a

resident, there is a lot to do as part of the Olympics and the Royal celebrations. Conserving the Chalk Hill Blue 32 I also take this opportunity to remind you, if you get the bug, and you want to get Riddlesdown Collegiate 33 involved, please contact us! This also prompts me to seek volunteers for the Recorder. As the current Editor, I A Trek 35 will be producing my last copy in October, pressures of work and life force me to give this publication up, giving the opportunity The Purley Lit’s Centenary 37 to someone who can spend more time on it and help promote it. Please contact me or Strange but true? 39 the chairman if you are interested. I hope that you will enjoy this edition - I have been very lucky that we have had many Community Pages 41 contributors that have helped make this celebratory edition a bumper one, enjoy! Monica Pugh

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

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

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BRIAN prescription, the Pharmacy in Lower Barn LONGMAN Road also provides many free NHS services, including medicine reviews, new RRA Chairman medication consultations and follow-ups, cardiovascular health checks including cholesterol testing on the premises and a Support our local shops. one-to-one Stop Smoking Clinic. The I am sure you will have all read the recent Pharmacy is also part of the Croydon stories in the media describing the Minor Ailment Scheme whereby the desperate plight of many small shops up Pharmacist is able to prescribe over-the- and down the country, struggling to counter medications for a whole plethora of survive. It is now a common occurrence common conditions. This service is free to that local shops, once the centre of the children and adults who are exempt from community, are being forced to close. prescription charges, thus avoiding Commercial pressures from the big unnecessary visits to the GP. They can supermarkets, Post Office cuts and rising also provide pre-packed, weekly medicine rental costs are forcing once-thriving local trays to the elderly or infirm, free of shops to close. The statistics speak for charge, to help those who are confused or themselves with over 2,000 local shops forgetful about taking their tablets. closing across the UK each year. Established over 40 years ago, this Last year the Government appointed Mary independent Pharmacy provides an Portas, one of the UK’s leading retail essential service to the local community. experts, to lead an independent review into With no other pharmacies nearby, let’s the future of our High Streets and Town make sure we keep this one. Centres. The review came up with 28 ideas Over the last decade, we have seen a for rejuvenating the High Street but what constant stream of small Post Offices can we do, as residents, to support our local closing and despite a recent 10-year deal to shops in Riddlesdown? The first thing to keep Post Offices to sell stamps and handle say is how fortunate we are in today’s parcels, they still need our support. The climate to still have a range of local shops, RRA recently lobbied the Post Office, via including a Post Office, a Pharmacy and our local MP, in an effort to increase the two excellent Newsagents that also sell a range of services that our local Post Office wide range of food and general supplies. can offer for example; car tax renewal. The However as I mentioned in my 2008 report, reply was simple and to the point. There we must not be complacent. These shops were eleven other POs within a 3-mile will only survive if we support them. radius that already had this facility, so we Local shops are essential to our community should use Purley, Warlingham or and often a lifeline to many people, Coulsdon. So what is wrong with especially the elderly. Did you know, for Riddlesdown!! example, that besides dispensing your It is often said, the closing of one shop Have you visited our website? www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk

4 C O M M I T T E E R E P O R T S CHAIRMAN often leads to the closure of another. All health and safety, potential fire risk and our shops to some extent rely on each other security issues. Unfortunately despite the to generate footfall, from Tip Top Hair to way the work was carried out we were Wessons and Maggie’s Diner to Caterham informed there had been no breaches of Glass. planning controls. Whilse we must remain Did you know that Ray, who established vigilant and continue to explore every the glass business back in 1973, supplies avenue available to us, the land, despite the everything from traditional leaded lights to speculators, remains firmly within the double-glazed units from shower screens to Green Belt Planning Regulations. The other picture frames and mirrors, and lots more. live land issue currently occupying the By now, many of you will be aware that Association is the plot of land adjacent to Peter and Trish after 30 years of working the shops in Lower Barn Road and I would all hours managing Saban Newsagents, refer you to Phil Thomas’s full planning have decided to retire. I am sure I speak for report for the latest update. everyone when I say they will be missed. Having mentioned Planning, I would like Their shop, selling everything from to take this opportunity to thank Phil for all magazines to milk, has over the years the hard work he puts in on behalf of the developed into a community hub. A place Association on a range of Planning and where you not only buy your newspaper Environmental issues - not to mention the but also renew acquaintances and share Web site, which, if you have not yet information and as one elderly resident visited, I suggest you do. It is very good. once told me, a place where they always felt welcome. The same can also be said of Committee our Post Office with its warm welcome In the last issue of the Recorder, I made an from Vijay and Pailupa Patel. appeal for several new Road Stewards. The A recent poll revealed that more than a good news is, we have had volunteers for quarter (28%) of adults in the UK feel Westfield Avenue and Lower Barn Road isolated or have a friend or loved one who but still need Stewards for part of Hyde feels isolated, because of a lack of access to Road and Mitchley Avenue. essential shops and services within walking As a general rule, a Road Steward is distance. Let’s make sure this does not allocated a section of their road, usually happen in Riddlesdown. Please support our around 40 houses. Twice a year, they local shops. deliver the Riddlesdown Recorder and perhaps the odd flyer for fun day etc. and Green Belt once a year they collect the Association’s On the land front, I can report there have subscriptions. been no significant developments since the If you live in one of these two roads, can cutting down of the trees on the 1.7-acre you help? site opposite the gates of Riddlesdown I would also once again like to take this Collegiate running behind the rear gardens opportunity to ask if anyone is, or might be of houses in Honister Heights. interested in becoming a Committee Following this incident, we raised several member. If so, please e-mail or ring me for issues with the Council, including those of more information.

5 C O M M I T T E E R E P O R T S CHAIRMAN

reviewing their procedures on antisocial Trains dog behaviour. It was agreed that the City At a Committee meeting in January, of London Rangers, in partnership with the Committee member Monica Pugh said that Safer Neighborhood Police Team, would she and her neighbours thought the new hold an awareness event on the Downs in longer trains were nosier through the tunnel the summer. This is to ensure dog owners and crockery and china were starting to are fully aware of the City of London’s rattle in some houses above the tunnel. new procedures on antisocial dog Following some excellent investigation behaviour. The Panel agreed priorities for work by Phil Thomas and Monica who the next three months: metal theft, motor logged both the times and direction of the vehicle crime, both theft of and from, offending trains, two diesel units were burglary and burglary awareness by means quickly identified to have wheel flats, such as leaflet drops and verbal which would explain the increase in noise communication on micro-beats and the use and vibration. Both units have now been of Residents Associations’ websites. repaired and we thank Southern for their On the subject of our website I would prompt action. Local MP Richard Ottaway recommend that you take a look at the wrote to congratulate the Association on Association’s excellent crime and scam their true public spiritedness in raising the information page. I am sure you will agree alert. Well done the Association! that Phil, our web site manager, is doing a great job in developing the site. Neighbourhood Police Panel The panel represents the views of residents Fun Day on local police issues, by identifying local To celebrate the Association’s 75th concerns, setting priorities and reviewing anniversary in 2012, the children’s fun day the outcomes. At the recent Safer races will have an Olympic theme, so not Neighbourhood team meeting, the panel to be missed. Last year, despite indifferent expressed their concern that Croydon had weather, around 1,000 people enjoyed a one of the highest levels of metal theft in picnic on the Downs and relaxed in the sun London. The panel also discussed how the to the smooth sounds of an excellent jazz SNT panel could better link into the band. The day gets better every year, so if Neighbourhood Watch Scheme and the you missed out last year, this year’s date is need for more crime awareness information Sunday 17 June, Father’s day, starting at on the RRA website. noon. I have checked the calendar and there At the end of our AGM on Wednesday are no clashes with Wimbledon, British 6 June, at 7.30pm, Malcolm Saunders of Grand Prix or England’s European Cup Croydon Neighbourhood will be giving a games. This year the event will be located short talk about the Neighbourhood Watch on the field next to the car park, about 200 in Croydon. The City of London also metres from its usual position. The reason briefed the Panel that they are currently for the small move is that the City of Keep up to date with Riddlesdown: www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk

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London and Natural England are trying to and old, and it is completely free, so pack encourage the regeneration of wild flowers the picnic, remember the sun cream and we on the common and will not be mowing will see you there starting at noon. some sections of grassland until late July. PS: Is there anyone who can spare a Remember: the day has fun for all the couple of hours on the morning of the fun family. Donkey rides, Punch and Judy, day, to help us set up 9.30am to 11.30am. If swing boats, tractor rides, children’s so, can you please either email me or give Olympic fun races and so much more. It is me a ring. a really great day out for everyone, young

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

residents to comment on, regarding the PLANNING & repositioning of the mast. It is completely unreasonable that local residents are not ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS made aware where this mast is to be by Phil Thomas relocated. We expect the mast will still be located near the new, or existing residential Woodland Adjoining the Shops in Lower properties, which for health concerns, may Barn Rd not be ideal. The on-going saga with the Purley Downs We also raised an objection about Golf Club continued just before Christmas, insufficient on-site parking, as Government when the Golf Club submitted another guidance has changed in this respect. The planning application to renew the existing Government has now published new unexpired planning permission, for ten guidelines, subsequent to the last approval, two- bedroom flats and ten parking spaces. and the maximum standards for vehicle The existing planning permission, granted parking that Councils can impose on on appeal, was only valid for three years residential developments have now been and expired on 20 February 2012. So a new abolished. We also referred to the on-street planning application was not unexpected. parking issue and the chaos the works are However, the RRA subsequently learnt that already causing; it will no doubt get worse the Golf Club exchanged contracts on from all the additional on-street parking 2 February and completed the sale of the that the flats occupants and their visitors land to a developer, Frankham will need. Developments, on 16 February. It is still the RRA’s and also many local Most residents will be aware on residents’ view, that these proposed flats by 7 February that contractors acting on behalf the Golf Club and Frankham of the developer entered onto the site, Developments, is a blatant disregard for started felling trees, clearing and local public opinion. The RRA and many excavating the site, presumably with the local residents do take the view, that 2-, 3- agreement of Golf Club. This was before or 4-bedroom family houses, which are any plans were submitted to the Council as currently in greater demand than flats, to where the existing mobile phone mast would be more suited for this site! would be relocated to, which the Planning It is interesting to gauge the level of Inspector said MUST be relocated before complaints about this development and any of the flats can be occupied! some interesting comments have recently Because of the Planning Inspector’s appeared on the message board of our previous approval, the options were very website. The following from “MartynP” limited on objecting to this new probably just about sums up the feelings of application. However, the RRA objected many local residents: “I have watched with on the grounds of the mobile phone mast dismay as the developers have moved on to and its eventual repositioning. We believe the site, cut down all the trees and levelled that if the new application is to be approved all of this land (although it was very by the Council, then O2 and Vodafone pleasurable watching Mrs Patel at the Post should first submit an application for Office giving one of the tree surgeons a

8 C O M M I T T E E R E P O R T S PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS telling off!)… This development is so Due to technical reasons, the new mast was unnecessary and yet we all just seem to not operational for the 3G Vodafone have been steamrollered into it ….I hope network, only the 3G network for O2. This that Purley Downs Golf Club haven't been problem was overcome in October last. short-sighted, as me and my business will However, we have now learnt that the mast not be using any of their services or will not be operational for the 2G network attending any events at the club in the on either O2 and Vodafone networks. future!... It is just so crowded down our end The RRA took this up with the of the road already...no one can park and Cornerstone Project (the joint Vodafone the shops must lose loads of trade already and O2’s representation) and their response due to the lack of adequate parking”. to this is: "Our rollout focus at the moment However, on 1 March, we learnt that the is for 3G, as more and more switch to Golf Club withdrew the latest planning smart-phone handsets. If residents in the application, so all residents’ latest area have an issue with 2G network objections will be superfluous. The reason coverage I would suggest a contact with for this, obtained from the Planning Officer either O2 or Vodafone customer care, who is: “This application has now been can discuss possible solutions. withdrawn as the application allowed on Alternatively, a visit to the nearest retail appeal commenced on site prior to its shop." expiry date… We are pursuing compliance We have reminded them that the Planning with the conditions attached to the appeal application did state that this would be a decision.” In other words, because they 2G mast as well and that there are number started work before 20 February 2012, the of residents around here who only have 2G old 2007 application was still valid within phones for either of these two networks. the 3-year period after being granted on However they responded in December last, appeal on 19 February 2009. However, the after re-considering, that the replacement mobile phone mast still has to go mast will not be available for 2G users on somewhere before the flats can be occupied either Vodafone or O2. The RRA believes , and a new application must be submitted this is in complete disregard for their to the Council by O2 and Vodafone to customers (both residents and visitors relocate this mast. through the area) who try and use their We will be updating further developments phone within the valley close to as we learn about them, on our website. Riddlesdown Station and on the railway line, and who get a very poor signal. Mobile Phone Mast in Lower Barn Road The advice from the Cornerstone Project I have reported previously about the is to upgrade to a 3G phone but we are replacement O2 and Vodafone mobile aware that not everyone wants a 3G phone! phone mast, just to the east of the railway However, the alternative is to try a 2G bridge in Lower Barn Road which was phone on either T Mobile/Virgin or the replaced in November 2010. Orange networks, whose 2G coverage in

For planning & environmental information: www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk

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

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

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

10 C O M M I T T E E R E P O R T S PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS this particular area is much better! owners about planning applications will no longer be sent out. The Council hope to Riddlesdown Tennis Club, Lower save £85,000 a year by adopting this stance Barn Rd and it is expected the Council will no In early February, the Riddlesdown Tennis longer send these letters from April 2012. Club submitted a planning application for They are currently out to consultation, at fifteen, 4-metre high floodlights the time of writing, but indications are, this surrounding the three courts and also to policy will go ahead. erect a windbreak screening to the tennis The cost-saving measure will mean that courts facing Lower Barn Rd and the neighbours will no longer be told about property adjoining. While the RRA do not planning applications close by. It has been want to do anything to stop the enjoyment reported in the Coulsdon & Purley of the tennis club members, we are a little Advertiser on 9 December “that Council concerned about the floodlighting and any leader Mike Fisher has claimed the changes possible light spillage to adjoining could create a more effective procedure”. properties, particularly opposite the courts. He is also reported to have said: "At the The RRA have asked the Council to moment we write to everyone within a consider imposing a time limit of 10pm to certain distance of a planning application 8am, when these lights will not be used, and one of the biggest complaints we get is, similar to Purley Bury Tennis Club, to I live next door and I didn't get a letter. avoid disturbance to local residents. You can live next door and be more than so However the RRA’s main concern is the many metres away and not get a letter, and totally unattractive screening that is to be you can be four or five doors away in the fixed to the existing chain link fencing to other direction and you do get one. We act as a windbreak. We are not aware there intend to put out site notices around the is a huge issue with wind in this valley and area, as they do in Sutton”. no doubt it will deteriorate in time and get It is reported that one change cited within wind torn, unsightly and flap around the proposal is to give Residents' making a noise! We have raised an Associations the power to get applications objection in this respect. At the time of sent to planning committee – meaning they writing the Council have not made a would have to be debated by councillors decision on the application. before being passed. "The combination of giving them a greater role and having signs Croydon Council to Stop Sending around the site, we think will actually Planning Letters from April 2012 improve the amount of notice and reduce As usual, all the planning applications and the costs significantly," said Councillor decisions in our area, are updated weekly Fisher. The Advertiser also reported that on our website: Councillor Tim Pollard said, “Planning www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk alert e-mail lists were also being However late last year, Croydon Council considered”. indicated, that as part of cost cutting The RRA consider that this issue does measures to save £45 million over the next raise some serious concerns for residents as three years, letters advising adjoining to their right to be advised of any potential

11 C O M M I T T E E R E P O R T S PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS development being undertaken close to number of previous issues about the high their home. It is hoped that if notices are number of accidents during the last two displayed in the locality then they are winters on Coombe Wood Hill - because inspected regularly by Council staff, within this road was no longer being salted as a the 21-day consultation period, to ensure primary gritting route and gritters were that they are in place and not defaced or salting Lower Barn Road instead. The RRA vandalised or, more important, missing. is of the view that both Coombe Wood Hill However, in reality, this probably won’t (as a steep gradient) and Lower Barn Road happen. This proposed new planning (approach to a Railway Station) ought to consultation does also place greater be salted. emphasis on the RRA’s weekly update of Following an RRA committee meeting on all planning applications within our area, 18 January, the Committee advised which is available on our website. We also Councillor Yvette Hopley, who was present hope that the Council will again change the at the meeting, of the continuing saga of planning process to allow Residents’ the lack of salting to this road and she Association objections being referred to the again took the matter up again with Planning Committee, because at the Councillor Phil Thomas, the Council’s moment, Residents Associations are only Cabinet Member for Environment and classed as “one objector.” On any planning Highways. application it currently requires a total of The RRA have now received the news in 12 objection letters, or a petition signed by late January, via Councillor Hopley, that 20 people, to get an application referred to Steve Iles, Head of Highways at Croydon the Planning Committee. The Council did Council, “has agreed with Councillor Phil change this ruling a few years ago. The Thomas that he will review the priority of RRA do automatically refer any objections Coombe Wood Hill and amend the that we think fit, direct to Ward Councillors treatment routes accordingly.” in either the Purley or Sanderstead Wards, However during the snowfall on 4/5 to ask that they refer it to the Planning February, the Council did not plough and Committee. salt Coombe Wood Hill and we again took The RRA will continue its policy of not this up with Councillor Hopley. Subsequent normally intervening in disputes between correspondence that was passed to us from neighbours or to raise objections to the Steve Iles, gave us actual times of gritting Council regarding each and every in Coombe Wood Hill (all the gritters are residential application, unless the RRA now fitted with tracking devices) and it was Committee consider it will have a in fact gritted twice after we complained. detrimental effect on the neighbourhood. We were also advised that as of Wednesday 8 February, Coombe Wood Salting and Accidents in Coombe Hill will again be treated as part of the Wood Hill primary route. This is good news and one As you may recall, I have reported in a that the RRA has been campaigning for Have you visited our website? www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk

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13 C O M M I T T E E R E P O R T S PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS over two years now, to have this steep hill residents not currently affected by on street reinstated for salting and it would appear rail commuter parking will be soon! that Lower Barn Rd is also being salted as Parking by commuters, residents and well. Common sense seems to have visitors to the area, is making it harder for prevailed at the Council! The RRA will occupiers who use their driveways to exit continue to monitor the situation. We them because of poor sightlines and would like to thank Cllr Yvette Hopley for turning, with parking opposite driveways her assistance here. on narrow roads. Because of this, residents are now leaving their vehicles on the Parking in Riddlesdown streets, thereby adding to the congestion As previously mentioned in the Planning problem and not helping road safety. There section above, with the flats development have been many accidents in the area and looking increasingly likely in Lower Barn parked vehicles have been damaged. We Road, many people believe the on-street are also aware of commuters who only live parking problems will intensify particularly a short distance from the Station, driving a in Lower Barn Rd, Brancaster Lane, few hundred metres to park a bit closer so Riddlesdown Ave, and Coombe Wood Hill. they don’t have to walk! If you live within If you don’t think it’s a problem at the RRA area and drive to the Station then moment just wait a few more months to please consider walking (it’s not that far). find out! For some residents in Lower Barn Walking is also good for your health! Rd, they have to park a considerable Some local residents’ may feel that this distance away from their properties. does affect them, however, if they are Household car ownership has increased travelling in their vehicle in one of these considerably in the last few years with affected roads and a resident pulls out of most households now having two, three or their driveway because they cannot see, even four vehicles. Road congestion has due to vehicle parking and obstruction on substantially increased with both commuter the highway, then it is more likely the and household on-road parking. This we occupant(s) of the vehicle travelling at believe, is partly because planning consents speed will be at greater risk of injury/death are being granted by allowing principally than the motorist exiting their driveway. It garages to be demolished and extensions to is natural instinct for a motorists travelling houses allowed thereby reducing off-road at say 30mph, to swerve away from a parking. vehicle exiting a driveway and thereby hit In addition, because of continued increase another parked vehicle and they could be at in train use, longer trains, and high parking greater risk of injury/death! Believe me, charges in central Croydon, rail commuter I’ve seen it happen! This problem affects parking is increasing. It is also predicted us all, not just those living near the Station! that train travel will increase markedly over The RRA have tried to get the Council to the next few years and commuter parking install selected yellow lining for road safety can only get worse. If you currently don’t in a number of streets but this has usually have a commuter parking problem outside been met with the comment from the your property and live within a 250-metre Council that a Controlled Parking Zone radius of the Station, then we believe those (CPZ) will only be considered. Perhaps the

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

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Council may act if there are some fatalities both sides, have been installed where the but then it will be too late for those families pavement on the north side ends, because affected. of the railway bridge. However, we understand the dropped kerb Dropped Kerb by Riddlesdown Station immediately outside the main path up to Entrance railway station (London bound side) has I reported previously about a dropped kerb resulted in a number of motorists receiving that the Council have recently installed, in parking tickets, because they are parking a couple of streets (Lower Barn Rd and across it. Parking in front of a dropped kerb Mitchley Hill). It is standard practice now has been an offence for many years and it to install these dropped kerbs on all road is indeed covered in Rule 243 of the junctions and where the pavement ends, to Highway Code. We asked the Council last assist the disabled and parents with buggies autumn, if they would install a white access to cross the road. These dropped kerbs, on protection line to warn motorists of this

15 C O M M I T T E E R E P O R T S PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS dropped kerb. The Council agreed to the “The service will operate for week 1 RRA's request and this white line was collections, from week starting Monday 23 marked on the road in early January. April to Friday 23 November, and for week Motorists should therefore be warned that 2 collections, starting week commencing if you park on this white line (or possibly Monday 30 April to Friday 30 November in front of any other dropped and shared 2012. The Council will be delivering two access way dropped kerbs) and/or any part free, clear, garden waste sacks and a of your vehicle overhangs the dropped kerb service information leaflet to your property you could receive a parking ticket and also during late March/early April. Thank you possibly be lifted by the Council - and the to everyone who uses this popular kerbside cost to recover your vehicle is in the region recycling service." of £300, including the cost of the PCN fine. Please note: your current Refuse/recycling This is slightly different to red/yellow lines information from the Council should tell where you will only usually get a PCN if you whether your property is covered by any tyre is actually on the yellow or red Week 1 or Week 2 collections. line. The Council's Enforcement Officers do patrol the area. Grass Verges, Street Cleaning, and Flooding Green Waste Collection We are continuing the saga with Council As you may already be aware, following Officers and Councillors on street cleaning, criticism last year about the shortened time and the poor state of a number of grass limit for this Green Garden Waste verges, and flooding in the area. However, collection which ended in early October, it is becoming extremely difficult to try and the Council appear to have listened to all get continuity, with many Council Officers the criticism, including adverse comments now leaving through retirement or from the RRA. We have received the redundancy and new Council Officers or following information from Councillor contract staff taking their place. Yvette Hopley: "The Council is pleased to There are, in particular, bad sections of advise that this year’s (2012) popular grass verge damage at the bottom of kerbside seasonal Green Garden waste Copthorne Rise, in Lower Barn Rd, collection service will operate for 32 Derwent Drive where the schoolchildren weeks, this compares with the 24 weeks walk daily, Rectory Park and various parts service operation last year. Following of Mitchley Ave but especially near the bus feedback from residents regarding the stops. We hope some grass re-seeding will duration of this popular service during take place this spring. 2011, the Council has listened to the The Council’s contractor Veolia do their feedback and has been able to negotiate best on street cleaning. However, with the with its recycling collection Veolia to ever-increasing number of cars now provide an additional eight weeks of parking on the streets in our area, it is service this year. becoming difficult to clean them properly. For planning & environmental information: www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk

16 RIDDLESDOWN RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION With thanks to London Transport Museum for the posters

Mind the Map: inspiring art, design and cartography Dates announced for new exhibition at London Transport Museum Friday 18 May to Sunday 28 October 2012

A new exhibition about the inspiration, Looking in particular at the relationship history and creativity behind London between identity and place, Mind the Map transport maps opens on Friday 18 May will explore the impact maps have had on 2012. our understanding of London and how Mind the Map: inspiring art, design and they influence the way we navigate and cartography will draw on the Museum’s engage with our surroundings. outstanding map collection to explore the Mind the Map will be accompanied by an themes of journeys, identity and publici- extensive public events programme and a ty. The exhibition will be the largest of its book to be published by Lund Humphries kind and will include previously unseen - London Underground Maps: Inspiring historic material and exciting new art- Art, Design and Cartography. works by leading artists including Simon The exhibition will be displayed at Lon- Patterson, Stephen Walter, Susan Stock- don Transport Museum, Covent Garden well, Jeremy Wood, Claire Brewster, and Piazza, London, WC2E 7BB. Agnes Poitevin-Navarre. Admission to the Mind the Map exhibi- The displays will explore geographical, tion is included in the entry ticket to the diagrammatic and decorative transport main Museum galleries. maps, as well as the influence of the icon- Under 16s go free and adult tickets cost ic London Tube map on cartography, art £13.50 (£10.00 for adult concessions) and the public imagination. which allows free entry to all the Muse- The Underground, London Transport, and um galleries for a whole year. its successor Transport for London, have For further information visit produced outstanding maps for over 100 www.ltmuseum.co.uk or call 020 7565 years. These have not only shaped the 7298. city, they have inspired the world. (Advert supplied by LT Museum.)

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

They do send teams around, early in the Rural Affairs (Defra), late last year, did mornings, usually once a month, to highlight Croydon and Purley as the fourth undertake a sweep before the commuter most susceptible area to surface-water parking begins. However, the mechanical flooding in the country! We will continue sweeper also continues to trundle in the to liaise with the Council and Ward middle of the road on most streets near the Councillors to try and get continuing Station because of parking and so the gully/soak away clearance done. gutters or gully grids do not get cleaned No Cold Calling Zone properly. Fortunately we still do have a Finally, as we have mentioned in previous number of residents who litter-pick in the issues, we have received a fairly lukewarm area and the RRA is extremely grateful to response on the RRA’s wish to implement them all for undertaking this civic act. a No Cold Calling Zone in the area. Is it Flooding is also still an issue in the area that people can’t be bothered to tell us? Or and in particular after the heavy rain of are you prepared to be disturbed a number 3 January, many roads were flooded, of times a week by doorstep sales people? including Mitchley Ave, Rectory Park, The RRA is still prepared to try and Coombe Wood Hill. Mitchley Ave was so implement a No Cold Calling Zone, if bad that a number of manhole covers were residents so wish. lifting through pressure of water because of A look at the weekly crime/scams blocked soak aways. The road adjacent to summary on our website, issued by the the zebra crossing in Mitchley Ave was Croydon Borough Neighbourhood Watch completely flooded. Lower Barn Rd did Association, reports some of the scams also flood under the railway bridge again, currently doing the rounds. It has been although not quite as severe as previously. proved in some instances that cold calling We are still pressing the Council to carry has been linked to some distraction out full gully and soak away cleansing burglaries or shoddy workmanship done by particularly to Mitchley Ave, Rectory Park some rogue traders. The advice from the and Coombe Wood Hill, where some of the RRA is: be very wary of some of these cold gully grids have been reported by us, as callers, some of whom can be very being blocked, three years ago! Much of persistent. Some of these conmen also do this run-off water from these streets higher particularly target the elderly and up does find its way to under the railway vulnerable. If you have elderly neighbours bridge in Lower Barn Rd, where flooding living near you and know sales people are occurs frequently. in the area, please try and keep an eye out However the response from the Council to for their safety. We would also suggest, if date has been pretty poor. Unfortunately you have internet access, to try and look at they would appear to consider cleaning the weekly scams page on our website. gullies and soak aways as a low priority This lists many of the latest scams doing now. This is a shame as a report by the the rounds on our Crime and Scams Department for Environment Food and warnings page. For planning & environmental information: www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk

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

background changes for our benefit which TRANSPORT & MEMBERSHIP include: installation of conductor rail heating systems, the Riddlesdown Station by John Rapp ticket office staffed when trains are running (more staff time to clear snow and ice from the ramps from street to platform level), Transport longer trains (which has been gratefully Since my last report there have been many welcomed by our commuting residents), improvements to the infrastructure of the the announcement of an order being placed bus and train services we enjoy. for 26 new five-coach trains (expected to Essentially there have been no changes to be in service in December 2013), and frequencies – just many improvements to Southern becoming more passenger and make our travel experiences better. resident friendly. Buses The changes to the bus stops have In this Olympic year patience will be been completed. The bus stops needed to needed, as London’s transport system is deal with the change from a one to a two tested. My hope is that a lot of the extra door access point - we now get on at the capacity being provided will continue to be front and get off in the middle on the 412 available after the Olympics. route. The stop in Selsdon Road was Please support our good bus and train highlighted to London Buses as it was on services by using them, and commenting the street corner at the front of the bus. (perhaps as a Committee Member) to the Passengers found themselves alighting in service providers. the middle of the road and therefore There is still pressure on further exposed to the traffic when the bus moved improvements which include the former off. Having dealt with that problem, Cinderella line between West Croydon and London Buses have attended to all the Wimbledon, which has become part of the other stops, and we no longer find successful Tramlink System (that last year ourselves alighting or perhaps falling over ordered six new trams for delivery this onto a slippery grass verge. year); the car park at Upper Warlingham While not all bus stops are equipped with Station – that is expected to be increased in next bus announcement boards, they now size next year; and since the introduction of all have a unique reference number on a new diesel stock to Uckfield, a passenger plate mounted on the stop, so that mobile journeys made increase from around telephones can be used to ask when the 110,000 in 2004 to around 335,000 in the next bus is expected to arrive. year to 31 March 2009. I have also been told that in March or Only time will tell whether Sunday April some of our older (and therefore less services will increase to half hourly (one reliable buses) are to be replaced by newer from East Grinstead; one from Uckfield) on buses. Sundays or if the line to Uckfield is Trains. There have been a number of electrified. For travel information, just visit: www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk

20 C O M M I T T E E R E P O R T S TRANSPORT & MEMBERSHIP/COLLEGIATE LIAISON OFFICER

Membership Heights. As my readers will know I am a people The day we first moved into person. I can tell you that I keep finding Riddlesdown, opening all the windows in people who have recently moved to our new home to air the place, we couldn’t Riddlesdown, and are delighted by their understand what all the shouting and move. screaming and what sounded like They recognise its attractions and hope, as megaphones was, or where the noise was Riddlesdown Residents have been doing coming from. We had not realised we had for around 75 years, to bring up a family in moved so close to a large high school and one of the best areas on the edge of we had moved in on school sports day, one London. of the noisiest days of the school year! At Our mix of town and country does need to times having such a large school near our be guarded, and we have three young and home has been disruptive, but also at times enthusiastic Councillors to support us when very useful - as a mother knowing your we ask for Council services. I expect that child’s school was literally just down the many of you have contacted them and been road. impressed. We all like to share good news Like many other residents I do tend (often with outsiders about the area in which we without even thinking about it consciously) live. Please think about sharing within our to carry out daily activities around the community, either as a Committee Member school times – for example if you don’t or as a Road Steward. have a particular time constraint, it is much I, or any Committee Member, will happily easier and more pleasant to walk or travel accept the challenge of finding use for your around the area (e.g. walk the dog on the skills and knowledge. common, go to the local shops, go to the Best Wishes to all of you. local GP, get a local bus or train, drive around) outside the times the COLLEGIATE LIAISON schoolchildren pass through Riddlesdown OFFICER at the start and end of each school day. by Karen Whitehead At the time of this edition of the Recorder going to press, I’ve included below what information is available about school term I’ve just taken over liaising with dates and school times and activities and Riddlesdown Collegiate (the former noted the link below to the extremely Riddlesdown High School) on behalf of the informative Collegiate website. As more RRA. I’ve helped on the RRA committee information becomes available, it will be (who are all volunteers living locally) for updated on a regular basis on the RRA the past ten years or so, mainly taking the website and each RRA issue of the minutes at committee meetings and getting Recorder. involved in one previous joint project with Riddlesdown Collegiate Half Term Week the school. I’ve lived in Riddlesdown now commences 4 June 2012. for over twenty years – mainly on the Last Day of Term & Break for Collegiate corner of Eskdale Gardens and Derwent Summer Holidays 20 th July 2012 (note Drive and more recently in Honister Collegiate can sometimes finish early at

21 C O M M I T T E E R E P O R T S COLLEGIATE LIAISON OFFICER lunchtime). Riddlesdown at different times, depending on when they have lessons and breaks Provisional Autumn Term Dates are: during the day. There are also some First day of Autumn Term 3 September ‘holiday clubs’ running in the school 2012. holidays, again listed on the Collegiate Half Term Week commences 29 October website. 2012. At the time of this Recorder going to Last Day of Autumn Term 20 December press, there were plans to hold a Summer 2012 (note Collegiate can sometimes finish Fair one Saturday early in July, but the date early at lunchtime). was not finalised – this date and details of Collegiate Times are 8.45am start and any other major school activities will be 3.25pm finish. However, there are various listed on the RRA website and included as breakfast and after school clubs and possible in future Recorders. activities, meaning that some The Collegiate will also be actively schoolchildren pass through Riddlesdown involved in the 2012 RRA Fun Day, earlier and later than these times – these are helping Brian Longman, the RRA listed (with times and weekdays) on the Chairman, the RRA Committee and all the Collegiate website. other local volunteers who put this The school Sixth Form also pass through together.

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22 C O M M I T T E E R E P O R T S COLLEGIATE LIAISON OFFICER

Over the past year, various matters raised concerns individually and directly with the concerning the Collegiate with the RRA Collegiate. One problem can be include the 2011 Firework Display, held identifying schoolchildren – so look for the for the first time. Brian Longman, the colour of children’s ties and jumpers and RRA Chairman, raised this issue with the any particular identifying features and any Collegiate. The RRA had no grounds or particular clothing eg. coats, bags. ability to stop the Collegiate holding this I am also able, on behalf of the RRA, to event, but did meet with and explain local co-ordinate and pass on any resident’s concerns to the Collegiate. At the time of comments and concerns to the Collegiate. this Recorder going to press, the Collegiate They view themselves as part of the local did not know if it would hold another community and are helpful and will look Firework Display this year in 2012, but if it into and deal with any issues raised with does, has promised to liaise and them. Like all the RRA Committee, I am a communicate better with all the local volunteer, but if you email or leave me an community. answer phone message if you don’t get to Another matter has been the issue of the speak to me on the phone, then I will act as overcrowding on buses, particularly in the soon as possible. afternoons. The RRA has discussed this Residents are also very welcome to attend matter with the Collegiate and it is worth RRA Committee meetings – for which the noting that the schoolchildren themselves Collegiate kindly provides meeting room have raised their own concerns with the facilities and refreshments. These take school, RRA and local police – it is place from 7pm – 9pm, around five times a unpleasant for the children as well as year, in January, March, May, September residents waiting for long time periods and and November, usually on the third trying to board overcrowded buses. At the Wednesday of these months. It is best to time of this Recorder going to press, the telephone ahead to check the dates and Collegiate were once again liaising directly arrange to go to the meeting with one of the with the local bus company to see if RRA Committee and in particular to ensure anything could be done about the situation. anything you wish to raise is scheduled on At the 2011 RRA AGM, concerns were the agenda. raised about schoolchildren (as well as For more detailed information about other people) walking through local farmed Riddlesdown Collegiate dates, times & fields and damaging crops. Brian activities see: Longman, the RRA Chairman, raised this www.riddlesdown.org/ matter with the Collegiate, who have been also the RRA’s own website: working since then, to inform the www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk schoolchildren about farming; that these farmed fields are both private property and Note from the Editor: greenbelt land and damaging crops is an act Thank you to all our Committee members of criminal damage. for their contributions. Overleaf we have Residents can (and do) of course raise Your Contributions. Keep up to date, visit: www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk 23

Copy of the first item in the archive of the Riddlesdown Residents’ Association. The Editor.

24

50th Anniversary and it seems that the issues are the same as today! The Editor

25 RIDDLESDOWN RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Your Contributions

The End of An Era by Graham Kiang This gorgeous couple were generous to a Monday 30 January 2012 marks the end of fault, and contributed so much to village an era. This is the last day of Peter and life. They often visited and delivered Trish Saban’s management of the goods to infirm and elderly newsagents in the Mitchley Avenue parade neighbours. Their newspaper boys and of shops. girls seem to do better than average at The newsagents and Mace grocers were school and in later life, and it has been opened by Trish’s parents, Jean and Glen gratifying to see them return for a chat once Edwards, in 1972, and Peter and Trish took they have got to university and over the newsagents almost 30 years beyond. Generations of Riddlesdown ago. And so the business finally passes Collegiate pupils have passed through the from the Edwards family. P&P Saban shop: new pupils were taught to behave or Newsagents has been at the hub of the they wouldn’t get in; sixth formers were Riddlesdown area for all these years. The treated like adults. shop was the place in which to meet other Customers may not appreciate just how members of the community. It was always hard it is to be a small shopkeeper, a pleasure to shop there, to be exposed to a requiring relentless hard work and long joke, a bit of abuse, a kiss and a pinch from hours. Over the years, the Sabans have Peter (he was friendly to the women faced increasing competition from the customers too!). And which red-blooded supermarkets, and had to endure high- male could have been immune to Trish’s handed treatment from the newspaper charms! The Trish Saban Fan Club held wholesalers. Peter was the victim of a regular meetings there. vicious assault in an attempted robbery, N.J. Harrison Chiropody Services (MInstChP)

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26 RIDDLESDOWN RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Your Contributions / Who Are We? and we’re all content that his attackers agreed to be our first candidate and she certainly did not get the better of him! We kindly answered my questions. all need to appreciate how important it is to How long have you been a Road Steward have successful local shops, and I wish the and why? new owners well. Since 1991, I think it is lovely that we have With a bit of luck, we will continue to an organising committee and I appreciate it have the pleasure of seeing Peter and Trish very much. When the existing Road in the area as they enjoy a well-earned Steward for Ingleboro Drive left, I retirement and life of comparative volunteered. leisure. Please join me in wishing them the How long have you lived in Riddlesdown? I moved to Riddlesdown on 16 December Who Are We? 1981; so 30 years. My husband and I by The Editor moved from South Norwood. I remember coming up the Brighton Road, then up very best of health, good fortune and all Riddlesdown Road and it being pure white happiness. snow at the top. Our first interview is with one of the people What brought you to Riddlesdown? who represent the life blood of the We were looking to move to our own home association. Our Road Stewards ensure and saw an old school house advertised in that we all are in touch and that you receive Kenley. They wouldn’t give us a mortgage your copy of the Recorder. Monique Kent as there were no modern conveniences in the house. We then walked up the road a bit and discovered Riddlesdown. Where are you from originally? I was born in Switzerland, by Lake Constance, but I have been living in England since 1964. I came to England to improve my English by working as an au pair in Brighton and I never left. I met my husband there; he was a lift engineer from London working in Brighton. I chose Brighton because I needed to be by the sea. Here I feel close enough to the sea. What is your favourite part of Riddlesdown? Walking up to the quarry with the lovely views across to Kenley and Whyteleafe. Describe life in Riddlesdown? Selective, nice position, quiet, fresh air, convenient for the dog. Is being a Road Steward a lot of work? When you have to collect the money and the people are not there, you have to return

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28 RIDDLESDOWN RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Who Are We? / Letter to the Editor / Your Contributions again, but the people are friendly and you did in the war is surely so misguided that get to know them, especially since he might then start blaming modern-day Riddlesdown has stable occupancy. Italians for what the Romans did to the Would you recommend more people daughters of dear old Queen volunteer to become Road Stewards? Boudicca. Many people argue that the Definitely, it is nice to feel appreciated by bombing and subsequent incineration of the people that you collect the money from. Dresden at the end of the war was a What would you change in Riddlesdown? mistake. Should we then by this reasoning expect many Germans to dislike us because of our supposed role in the carnage that occurred? Not only is World War II considered to be a very interesting period of history for students which will keep them focused, but more importantly isn't it essential to keep everyone as informed as possible about the horrors of the holocaust and extreme right- wing nationalism so that they are less likely to emerge once more? After seeing a programme on the holocaust, a student once said to me, "I thought it was bad, but I had no idea it was THAT BAD!" On the whole I am pleased with how it is, - A concerned resident. apart from more cars parked on the road as Any comments, please reply by writing to not many people use their garages. the Editor. Dear Editor, YOU CAN' T BE SERIOUS!!! Dog Walking on Riddlesdown Common It may not be just John McEnroe who uses by Karen Whitehead. this rather memorable statement. I think it Having lived in Riddlesdown for twenty may also be used on many occasions by two years and having helped on the RRA people in education, referring to some of committee for around ten years, my eyes the ideas and policies being put forward by have been opened over the past three former and present members of the months, having acquired a new family pet government. in the shape of a new puppy. As a family Ken Baker thinks we should remove we were amused after a couple of weeks of World War II from the GCSE History walking Bertie, our new puppy dog, on syllabus because otherwise it might create Riddlesdown Common, to overhear one too much anti-German feeling. Anyone group of dog walkers say “Who is that over who is likely to target modern-day there?” and the reply “Oh it’s Bertie with Germans because of what their forefathers those new people!”. As a family we have View the old copies of the recorder: www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk 29 RIDDLESDOWN RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Your Contributions all not only chatted to more local dogs. Although many different local Riddlesdown residents over the past few resident people and dogs have helped us months than the previous twenty-plus years, with Bertie’s training over the past few but we have been overwhelmed by the months, none have more so on a daily basis kindness, friendliness and general than local residents Angela and Don and helpfulness of the Riddlesdown dog their dogs, Floss and Harvey. These are walking community on Riddlesdown two local retired greyhounds who have Common. We have met all sections of the displayed patience and tolerance to a lively local community, from mums with babies and annoying puppy, who has been able to and toddlers, through to families and learn from, and copy, their good behaviour working individuals, schoolchildren and on walks. Therefore, I am starting my their parents, as well as retired local people, series with an article about these two all walking their dogs. Also of course, there amazing dogs but would also like to thank are non-residents who walk on Riddlesdown all the other dog owners and dogs who have Common, particularly on the weekends. given us help and advice with Bertie. Although we have previously all walked Angela and Don have lived in occasionally on the Common without a dog Riddlesdown for over twenty five years and in the past, the other thing we have noticed although they have had other dogs is that walking at ‘dog friendly’ hours, we previously, they have owned six different seen more of the wildlife and beautiful retired greyhounds and walked these dogs scenery on the Common, having over the on Riddlesdown Common for the past past few months frequently seen sunrise and fifteen years. They also support the Retired sunsets and various local wildlife we have Greyhound Trust, promoting its work, never seen on the Common before, assisting with fundraising and encouraging including pheasants and deer. I hope to be people to adopt. able to bring you some people’s individual Greyhounds are one of the oldest breeds of personal stories, as residents, of when and dog and have been traced back around four why they moved to Riddlesdown, as well as thousand years. They can be seen in early also featuring some stories of the various cave drawings and they are the only breed

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31 RIDDLESDOWN RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Your Contributions

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thousand years. They can be seen in early racing each year, with more dogs needing cave drawings and they are the only breed rehoming who have not made the grade to of dog mentioned in the bible. The race, perhaps due to minor injuries. The greyhound was the dog of the Pharaohs in RGT works to find homes and ensure Ancient Egypt and also the dog of the racing greyhounds enjoy a comfortable and Kings of Ancient Greece and of the landed well-earned retirement, adopted by caring gentry and nobles in England. Queen people. They are easy dogs to adopt, only Cleopatra had greyhounds, from a breed requiring two short walks a day and being which is now extinct, but looks identical, laid back, gentle animals, loving to lie just a smaller size than present greyhounds. down and chill out and generally just to They originated in Southern Arabia and relax around a house. were then introduced to Britain by the In addition to several other ‘Riddlesdown Romans. There is an illustrated manuscript resident’ retired greyhounds, Angela and in the British Museum from the ninth Don’s current two greyhounds, Harvey and century showing a chieftain and his Floss, can be seen walking daily on huntsman with two greyhounds. If you Riddlesdown Common. They are well search the British Museum collection, there known among the Riddlesdown dog are around 400 greyhound images and walking community, because both dogs statues including metal statues in the required socialisation with other breeds of ancient antiquity Greek and Roman dogs and other animals, having lived in a collections. kennel environment where they were Greyhound racing is believed to have basically just used to other greyhounds and originally started in North London in 1876 sheep. Their gentle nature has meant that and is still incredibly popular today. Angela and Don have had to rescue them Around 10,000 greyhounds retire from from being ‘attacked’ by magpies. On one Have you visited our website? www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk

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Floss (far left) and Harvey, with owner and local Riddlesdown resident, Don, on Riddlesdown Common, December 2011. occasion one of them was attacked and 1998. Floss had nine offspring in 2005 and injured by a group of around 12 squirrels she was adopted by Angela and Don and on the Riddlesdown Common, with the moved to Riddlesdown in 2010. greyhounds not reacting back. Floss and Any Riddlesdown resident’s interested in Harvey are also are wonderful with other obtaining more information regarding dogs and in particular puppies, displaying homing retired greyhounds can find real patience and tolerance when being information online at bothered. Both these beautiful, well www.retiredgreyounds.co.uk or by phoning behaved, gentle and friendly dogs can trace the RGT on 0844 8268424. their lineage and pedigree back to Ireland in the 1820s. Although it is difficult to Conserving the Chalk Hill Blue – believe when you see them walking Lysandra coridon b y Matt Johnson – elegantly around Riddlesdown, they were Riddlesdown Ranger for the City of both 400 and 600 metre racers, which they London could run in around 23-25 seconds at On Riddlesdown common in the aptly around 40mph. Harvey’s racing name was named Butterfly Glade, between June and Synome Harvey and he was born in Ireland October, splendid pale blue butterflies can in 2001 and raced 66 times in his career be seen sipping on their favourite nectar. before being adopted and moving to For over twenty years this wonderful Riddlesdown in 2009. Floss’s racing name spectacle has taken place because the was Shirl Tel Kel. She was also born in Horseshoe vetch has an important foothold Ireland in 2001 and raced 69 times, coming here and is the favourite food plant for its first in 18 races, including becoming Kent caterpillar. These short, stout, grey/green Champion twice in 2002-2004 and being yellow spotted caterpillars have an unusual placed second and third in a further 25 “symbiotic” relationship with the resident races. Her sire was Eyeman, who was yellow meadow ants that protect it in undefeated and winner of the Irish Derby in exchange for the sweet “honey” the

34 RIDDLESDOWN RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Your Contributions

Chalk hill Blue – Lysandra coridon

caterpillar secretes. Looking down through this idyllic mosaic of wildflowers and grasses, the dreaded Bramble is lurking, slowly gaining conserve those Chalk hills on the North strength. It’s here because the soil is Downs for future generations to enjoy. changing from the natural alkaline to a more favourable acid by the constant leaf As usual the academic year has been litter from the neighbouring wood. incredibly busy so far. When term began To combat this trend, over the next four last September we were celebrating our year we’ve developed a strategy to push best ever GCSE once again and many very back the wood by 30 metres. The first 15 impressive A level results for individual metres will be encouraged to reverted back students. Since then we have made rapid into grassland, and the following 15 metres progress in what has been a very busy year. will be put into a 15-year coppice rotation Our OFSTED Inspection took place in to create a rich scrub edge to the woodland. October and we were really pleased to be Working in partnership with the graded as Outstanding for students’ Riddlesdown Collegiate school children attainment and for their attendance. This and our volunteers, we were able to was within an overall judgement of Good, achieve our first year’s ambitions to with many features of our Collegiate Share your views, leave a message on the board: www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk 35 The PROBUS Club of Sanderstead and Riddlesdown

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

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

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36 RIDDLESDOWN RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Your Contributions structure highly praised by the OFSTED Should you have any concerns about our team. The inspectors commented also on students in the local community, please do the excellent behaviour of our students and not hesitate to contact us. the great contributions they make to the You may be aware that the Government Collegiate and wider community. has made available to good or outstanding It is always a pleasure to welcome our schools the opportunity to become an neighbours to the Collegiate for special Academy. The Board of Governors at events. A number of local residents have Riddlesdown Collegiate met on 21 January attended both our Christmas Concert in December and a tremendous production of Fiddler on the Roof in February. These events showcase the magnificent talents of our students and the hard work of our staff in delivering memorable experiences. Riddlesdown Collegiate works hard to make great contributions to the wider educational community in Croydon, particularly through our Science Specialism. Our students continue to teach Science in local primary schools and the Secondary School Science Fair which we organised at John Ruskin College was 2012 and agreed unanimously to move another tremendous success. We also have forward and investigate whether our school a tremendously talented group of should convert from a Trust School to entrepreneurial scientists in College VI, become an Academy. In order for the whose work you can find out more about at Board of Governors to come to a final their website www.chmdesign/integral . decision, we are currently consulting with At the Collegiate we work hard to ensure students, parents, staff and other the behaviour of our students is first rate stakeholders in order to gain a wide range but, like all schools, sometimes small of views and to hear and address any numbers of our community let us down. questions or concerns. You can find information about this on our website.

A Trek by Eirian Whitehead

Having led a fairly sedentary life as a Riddlesdown Resident for the past 20 years, this is the biggest challenge I have ever undertaken. I’m not really the adventurous type, having remained within Riddlesdown for my entire life (when my family moved house, we only made it to the top of the hill), even attending the local

37 RIDDLESDOWN RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Your Contributions Riddlesdown High School, and certainly never travelling anywhere abroad alone. However, last year I decided to sign up for a charity challenge for The British Red Cross, due to take place in April 2012. This will involve a 250km trek across the Arctic, from Tromso in Norway to Jukkasj ӓrvi in Sweden, driving a team of huskies in temperatures of -20°C and below for six days, in order to raise money for the charity. The charity itself helps vulnerable people both abroad and in the UK when in crisis through emergency services and in exactly comparable to a team of working more personal cases such as helping people huskies! To help with this I’ve attempted to to live independently following spells in gain as much experience with large dogs as hospital, and so is a cause which I felt was possible, both through walking mine, as worth supporting. well as various other dogs on the common, The trek itself will hopefully be the trip of and even taking on a ‘Wolf Walk’ in 2011 a lifetime and probably the craziest thing I with the Wolf Conservation Trust where will ever do, but certainly requires large you are able to walk with, and even stroke, amounts of preparation in both fundraising captive wolves. The fitness and mental and training! Riddlesdown is an amazing aspects of the trek will be an incredible area to train in, with the hills to build up personal challenge for all the participants - stamina through running and the large open and as there will be 15 of us overall the spaces such as the common to walk and run training is doubly important as I don’t want long distances (some of you may even have to hold anyone back! seen me zooming around or walking with As previously mentioned, there is also a the dogs, Bertie and Joe!) Writing this at fundraising aspect to this, which is the beginning of February 2012, I’m something that I would like to thank praying for snow to help with the ‘mental Riddlesdown for as a community. As part challenge’ that the trek will involve. of my fundraising, I will be offering a dog Having been advised that the cold is one walking service for the local area (some of of the hardest parts of the challenge to cope you may have seen my leaflet, or even with, especially at night when you’re still taken me up on the offer!) I hope this will and have nothing to distract you from the be of use to many, especially with the freezing temperatures, I have grand plans common being so close - it really seems to to camp in my garden in an attempt to be dog friendly area. At the time of going acclimatise. A further challenge brought on to press, the trek is still a while off, with 77 by the trek will be controlling the huskies. I days left for me to prepare, but there will do own two dogs myself, but am pretty be a further update either in the next issue sure that miniature schnauzers aren’t of the Recorder, or perhaps on the website.

38 RIDDLESDOWN RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Your Contributions white film, then colour film and slides, and now often computer projections. The Lit’s beginnings were in a mutual improvement class of the Congregational Church. It formed a committee in 1901, whose first act was to elect ladies as members. Its first AGM was in 1902. The programme – then called the Syllabus – cost 2d and membership was 1/6d. The first lecture given was by the founding chairman, F McKenzie Turner, on Foreign Trees. In those pre-television days, instead of If anyone is interested, I also have regular inviting outside speakers as now, the updates on my progress both with training society generated its own material. The aim and fundraising on my blog: was to help each other develop skills, www.eiriansarcticchallenge.blogspot.com , primarily in different aspects of public or if anyone would like to contribute to my speaking, or ‘Elocution’. An early device fundraising efforts, the link is was the ‘magazine’ programme, an evening www.justgiving.com/eirian-whitehead. of bits and pieces put together by members: reading out essays, reciting, discussing THE PURLEY LIT’S CENTENARY topics. by Harvey Smith This was the norm up to the First World War – when one topic of debate was: What The Purley Literary Society was founded in is Patriotism? After the war came 1901 but celebrates its hundredth active considerable social awareness with debates season from October 2012 to March 2013. held on prohibition, housing and (The anomaly in dates is because it was nationalisation. One motion was: ‘That it is suspended during both world wars.) The right and proper for members of a Christian society - known popularly as the Purley Lit Church to play games on Sunday’. In the - hopes its centenary talks will attract more 1920-21 season a motion was: ‘Is Labour members from Riddlesdown. fit to govern?’ In 1923 members wanted It has long been a membership society, “lectures on vital questions of the Day such open to all, organising lectures and as coal, licensing laws and taxes be given.” illustrated talks by specialist speakers, for In the mid-1920s and throughout the the enjoyment and mental stimulation of 1930s drama became a regular feature. In members and visitors alike. Originally 1927 they put on Lorna Doone, ‘a romance events were held every week but now are of Exmoor’ by RD Blackmore. A local every other Tuesday, winter to spring, in couple, Mr and Mrs AWG Berrill, the URC Church Hall, Brighton Road, regularly held Dramatic Evenings, usually Purley CR8 2LN. Its ‘shows’ began with near Christmas. In 1938 it was The Lantern Slides, then sometimes black-and- Unguarded Hour, ‘a play in two Acts and Get involved, visit the website for you area: www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk 39 RIDDLESDOWN RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Your Contributions five Scenes’ by Bernard Merivale, after never been a Literary Society. The cultures which there was ‘a Silver Collection’ in aid of different countries, travel around them, of the Purley Hospital Extension Fund. adventures and wildlife in them, are The society has almost complete sets of dominant topics. Well-known people, often programmes from after the Second World giving an insight into the secrets of their War to the present day, but few published careers or lives, often from radio, television programmes are extant for the 1920s and and journalism, have been frequent 30s, and none earlier. Even a published speakers. Music and drama have been programme does not guarantee that in all popular over the years – but otherwise the cases a talk actually took place (bad Purley Lit offers extraordinary variety, weather and from sudden illness cartooning to being two the weather, hazards). crime to From 1901 gardens, onwards there current affairs are some lists to magic. of suggested A highlight speakers. was the Three times it meeting in was proposed the Church on that George 29 November Bernard Shaw 1974 for the be invited as a radio ‘name’ to programme, launch the Any season; there Questions. is no record that he ever The chairman was The earliest printed programme came. David Jacobs (a (‘Syllabus’) of talks, 1919-1920 Famous names, speaker at the Lit a however, there have been. Popular few years earlier), and on the panel historian Arthur Bryant (25 guineas), Malcolm Muggeridge, Anna Raeburn, Lord Barbara Cartland (Famous People I Have Longford and Enoch Powell. Questions Known) and Dilys Powell (A Day in the included Churchill’s reputation, the Life of a Film Critic) in the late 1940s. obscenity laws, the Irish problem (a time of Vera Brittain, Constance Spry, Odette many bombings), inflation, bottom- Churchill, Freddy Grisewood, Lady Violet smacking and the lack of ‘characters’ in Bonham-Carter, Percy Edwards and the society. Flying Doctor, in the 1950s. Trevor Bailey, In the 1980s and 1990s, and the past Christopher Chataway and Colin Cowdrey decade, speaker fees rose steeply, making it in an unusually sporting 1960s. harder to obtain familiar names. The Occasionally members give talks. minutes record that “several of the speakers The Purley Lit, strictly speaking, has were virtually unknown and yet many of

40 RIDDLESDOWN RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Your Contributions the best evenings came from them”. Thus We found this mildly disconcerting but in the 90s the Lit put the emphasis on didn't worry unduly because the area interesting topics. There was Mollie seemed safe enough. There was a Sedgwick on the Adventures of an children's playground in front of the Edwardian Lady Parachutist, Major Taylor apartment and the local residents seemed to Smith on Running a Bookshop, Marion be just families and elderly people. The Allward – who bought a ruined castle – and apartment certainly seemed very secure the blind Ellen Daniels on Some of having two lockable front doors, a security Croydon’s Well-known and Interesting camera and a metal exterior door with People (starting AD 871). another lock. And so it is today. The programme Little did we realise that the problems organisers since 1996, John and Bobbie would occur from inside the flat rather than Wilson, try to have something to please from the outside. We discovered on the everyone. Above all, the Purley Lit is an second day that there was an unexplained austerity-Britain bargain evening out - £22 pool of water under the kitchen table that for eleven talks, £2 a visit. Visit the web seemed to come from nowhere. No water site: www.purley-literary-society.com had been spilt and there was no sign of Why not encourage live entertainment water leaking from any part of the kitchen. and show your support this year? Join early In addition we found that the water was for the Centenary Season – just ring quite cold whereas the flat tended to be Margaret Hall, Membership Secretary, overheated. The same evening, as Roger 8668 1764. A bargain even if you don’t go was passing the kitchen table, he felt a cold to every talk! chill down the back of his neck. From the third evening onwards we kept STRANGE BUT TRUE? By Roger Boff hearing a strange gurgling sound coming from the kitchen which went on for several We always like visiting quirky places from minutes. At times it was so loud that it time to time, so during October we decided interfered with television viewing. When to visit Minsk in Belarus (part of the old we got up to investigate it the sound Soviet Union). It is a place, in our opinion, suddenly stopped. We also frequently with a fascinating yet horrible history what heard the sound of crockery moving in the with Nazi reprisals and Stalinist purges. kitchen, but when we entered the room The representative from the flat rental nothing had moved. agency who took us to our apartment from We didn't give these events much the airport spoke quite good English. consideration until we arrived home and When we arrived he mentioned to us that read an article about poltergeist activity previous tenants had encountered a few which stated that a frequent phenomenon minor problems, but there was nothing was unexplained pools of water. really to worry about. He said that we In conclusion we think one has to decide should always have the blinds down in the whether all this is due to an overactive flat when the lights were on. He also said imagination or whether Belarus is truly the we should NEVER answer the door even if land of the undead! the person ringing said it was the police.

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42 COMMUNITY PAGES THINGS TO DO, JOIN, AND HELP WITH Short pieces on local associations, events and activities are included here free of charge. New material is required for each issue please. Space is limited so please get contributions in early (by end February and/or August) – first come, first served. Cantilena Singers is a friendly, local, ladies SANDERSTEAD choir. HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY During 2011 a A date for your diary, Saturday 23 June. successful year included several public Once again it is time for our 71st Summer performances. At our annual fund-raising Flower Show, opening at 2pm in the concert in July friends and supporters Wettern Tree Garden, Purley Oaks Road. gathered to hear the choir perform a As usual we will be putting on a programme of songs and light music traditional flower and produce show. including a medley from the Sound of Naturally we will be using the Jubilee Music, One Day More from Les and Olympics as a theme for some of the Miserables and folk songs from around floral exhibits. There will be fruit and the world . veg, flowers, wine, photography, craft Last year the choir chose to support and domestic classes filling the great Demelza Hospice Care for Children and marque. Outside we have a plant sale, the Mouth Cancer Foundation. craft and charity stalls. A children’s A free Christmas concert was held in entertainer, teas on the lawn accompanied December at Emmanuel church hall and by the Crystal Palace Brass Band. Not attracted over 100 friends and supporters. only is it a great day out, you could also The choir performed a variety of carols join the society and enter some of the and Christmas music and held a retiring classes. You will be surprised at how collection which enabled us to provide a much more enjoyable the day is when donation to support the Salvation Army. you have the exciting prospect of winning This enjoyable evening was the finale to one of our silver cups. a successful year which included Membership costs just £6 a year and informal concerts at residential homes. entitles you to five horticultural themed In our weekly rehearsals we have fun talks, the chance to go on coach outings and improve our technique with clear to some great gardens and a discount at guidance from our musical director, ably Knights Garden Centres. assisted by our pianist. We are helped Contact Valerie Burley 8651 5837. with relaxation and vocal exercises and Colin Jones Chairman. are coaxed gently through passages with tricky tuning or timing. THE RSPB Cantilena Singers meet for rehearsals on CROYDON LOCAL GROUP Wednesdays at 7.30 pm at the Methodist Monthly Illustrated Wildlife Talks in Church, Limpsfield Road, Sanderstead South Croydon. Old Whitgiftian (403 bus route). Association Clubhouse, Croham Manor For more information please ring Jill on Road - off Croham Road. South Croydon, 07957 627783.

43 RIDDLESDOWN RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Community Pages

CR2 7BG. Second Monday of each month. ST EDMUND’S CARING GROUP 2pm and again at 8pm. Admission £3.50. St Edmund's Caring Group is a voluntary Everyone is welcome, not just RSPB group for the local folk in Riddlesdown; members. Free refreshments. A selection of from our leaflet drop last summer we were RSPB goods, nuts & seeds are on sale. pleased to recruit a new volunteer, but Parking limited on site but free in adjacent would like some more! If you are a driver road (no meters). The 33, 64 & 409 buses and can spare an hour or two we would like stop nearby in Croham Road. you to join us at SECG helping us support MONDAY APR 2 : The Flora & Fauna of our less able Riddlesdown neighbours. If South-East England Brian Gallop. NB - you are not a driver, befriending is another this is on the first Monday of the month easy way of helping those unable to leave because of Easter. their home. We hold two volunteer MONDAY MAY 14 : Climate Change meetings a year and manage to help a Dr Richard Black, who works for the variety of clients stay in their own home RSPB, will discuss how climate change can mainly by shopping and offering transport affect the numbers of some species. for medical appointments, hairdressers etc. JUNE : - no meeting . We have been to the pantomime and MONDAY JUL 9 : Colin Kirtland, an enjoyed a day out in the summer with our active wildlife enthusiast, will talk to us clients, so we have fun too ! Do please about Birdwatching in East Anglia, his consider volunteering - it is good to help home patch. others and can be very rewarding. If you MONDAY AUG 13 : Join the RSPB feel that we could help you as clients please Croydon Local Group’s environment don’t hesitate to call. committee for an in-house show and talk, Contact coordinator: Julia Rider 8651 6493 to be followed by the Group’s General or email: [email protected] , for more Meeting (2pm) & A.G.M. (8pm). information MONDAY SEP 10 : Birds & Mammals of the Brazilian Pantanal – Much-travelled TUESDAY TALKS AT PURLEY LIT Barrie Mason drives all around the UK giving a range of talks to RSPB Groups. The Purley Literary Society ended its 99th His talk on this particularly colourful season of ‘ Lively Interesting Talks’ region is eagerly anticipated. with one on William Morris’s Red House MONDAY OCT 8 : Mike Read’s talk on on 6 March, and Dan Waddell’s ‘Who Do Scottish Wildlife will cover all seasons of You Think You Are?’ (The Dark Side of the year, and many habitats such as Grouse Genealogy)’ on 20 March. This was about Moors, ancient Caledonian Pine Forests the book of the TV programme, the and much more. genealogy boom, and Dan’s fictional For more information contact John genealogist detective Nigel Barnes in his Davis 020-8640 4578. crime novels. or see www.croydon-rspb.org.uk Have you visited our website? www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk

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

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

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

45 RIDDLESDOWN RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Community Pages

It’s the Purley Lit’s Centenary season, 2012-13, beginning on 9 October. I includes the Antiques Roadshow’s Paul Atterbury describing life and objects in Edwardian Britain. While founded in 1901, the society was suspended during both world wars and is only able now to celebrate a century of active seasons of talks. So there’s an Edwardian flavour to one or two more of the talks, including one on the Edwardian pastime of jig-saw puzzles. Plus travel, art history and the Great Train Robbery! You can pick up full details at the Sanderstead Horticultural Society’s Summer Show at Wetton Gardens on Saturday 23 June. The Purley Lit will have a stand there and is looking for new members to help celebrate the centenary season. FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT The eleven talks work out at £2 each if Kick London is a Christian charity you join as a member, providing many developing life skills through sport. excellent evenings out in the new Entries are invited from Purley and austerity Britain. Or it is £5 each talk for Riddlesdown churches and church visitors. Talks are on alternate Tuesday affiliated organisations for Kick evenings from October to March at the London ’s annual Football Tournament at United Reformed Church Hall, 906 the Croydon Sports Club in Selsdon on Brighton Road, Purely CR8 2LN. You 14 July. There will be tournaments for can also get details on the society’s web School Years 3-6 (mixed), 7-9 (boys) and site: www. purley-literary-society.com 10-11 (boys). We would like more girls and enjoy reading Bobbie’s Blog – where to take part, but a girls’ tournament in one of the programme secretaries gives either of the upper age groups will insights into arranging talks, lectures and depend on sufficient entries being computer/projector shows. received. Anyone interested in entering a Talks are on a wide variety of topics team should contact: including travel, life in different Robert Gamble Chair, countries, natural history and wildlife, Local Action Support Group (Croydon) theatre, history and archaelogy, art – and, Tel: 020 8657 6513 of course books. Email: [email protected] More information from: Margaret Hall 020 8668 1764. Keep up to date with events in Riddlesdown: www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk 46 Our MP: Richard Ottaway Donald Speakman , (MP for Croydon South), House of 4 Bencombe Road, Purley, Surrey CR8 Commons SW1A 0AA 4DQ Tel: 8405 6752 Email : Tel: 020 7219 6392 (surgery 1590) or visit [email protected] surgery at 36 Brighton Road, Purley CR8 Our Councillors: SANDERSTEAD 2LG (by appt.) Lynne Hale http://www.richardottaway.com/ c/o Town Hall, Katharine Street Email : [email protected] Croydon CR0 1NX Tel: 8405 6721 Our Councillors: PURLEY Email : [email protected] Graham Bass Tim Pollard 19 Woodland Way, Purley CR8 2HT Woodside, 42 Lime Meadow Avenue, Tel: 8660 7013 South Croydon CR2 9AR Tel: 8251 8500 Email : [email protected] Email : [email protected] Badsha Quadir Yvette Hopley c/o Town Hall, Katharine Street c/o The Town Hall, Katharine Street, Croydon CR0 1NX Tel: 8668 2751 Croydon CR0 1NX Tel: 8657 0973 Email : [email protected] Email : [email protected]

RIDDLESDOWN/LONDON TRAIN TIMES (SOUTHERN RAILWAY)

To East Croydon, & London Victoria, (London Bridge (LB)) : Weekdays: 06.15, 06.43(LB), 07.06, 07.18(LB), 07.36, 07.48(LB), 08.06, 08.18(LB), 08.36, 08.46(LB), 09.06, then 36 and 06 mins past hour until 23.06 (LB train: 18.46). Saturdays : 07.06, 07.36 and then 06 and 36 mins past hour until 23.06. Sundays : 08.41 and then 41 mins past hour until 23.41. To London Bridge - No direct services Saturdays and Sundays. From London Victoria to Riddlesdown: Weekdays : 05.53, 06.24, 07.32, 08.53, 09.23 and then 53 and 23 mins past hour until 23.24 & 23.49. Saturdays : 06.23, 06.53 and then 23 and 53 mins past hour until 23.24 & 23.49. Sundays : 07.34, and then 34 mins past hour until 22.34. From London Bridge to Riddlesdown: Weekdays : 07.03, 07.19, 08.02, 08.25, 17.15, 17.44, 18.16 & 18.47. Saturdays and Sundays: No direct Services. From East Croydon to Riddlesdown: Weekdays : 06.10, 06.41, 07.11, 07.17, 07.34, 07.52, 08.16, 08.41, 09.10, 09.40, 10.10 then 40 and 10 mins past hour until 17.30, 17.41, 17.58, 18.11, 18.31, 18.41, 19.01, 19.11, 19.40, 20.10, 20.20, 20.40, 21.10, 21.40, 22.10, 22.40, 23.10, 23.41, 00.10 . Saturdays: 06.40, 07.10 then 40 & 10 mins past hour until 23.41 & 00.10. Sundays : 07.58 & then hourly until 22.58. Enquiries: Southern Customer Services: Tel: 08451 272920 or www.southernrailway.com National Rail Enquiries: 08457 484950 or www.nationalrail.co.uk LOCAL BUS ROUTE AND FREQUENCY Bus 412 (Arriva) The 412 starts/ends at West Croydon Bus Station and travels along Wellesley Rd, Katharine Str, High Str, South End, Selsdon Rd, Upper Selsdon Rd, Addington Rd (stop for Selsdon), Rectory Park, Mitchley Ave, Downs Court Rd, Godstone Rd, & ends/starts at Brighton Rd, Purley Hospital. Frequency Weekdays and Saturdays : Early; 20mins, Peak; 15 mins, Daytime; 15 mins, Evenings; 20 mins, Late Evenings; 30 mins. Frequency Sundays ; 30 mins. Enquiries: Tfl London Buses: Tel 0845 300 7000 or Tfl website: www.tfl.gov.uk Links also available via the Transport section on the RRA website: www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk

Timetables are subject to change, so if in doubt, check with Tfl or the Operator(s). The RRA cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy of the above information . Our website: www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk

Library Closing Days: Purley and Selsdon – Wednesdays and Sundays; Sanderstead – Monday, Thursdays and Sundays. Croydon Council’s telephone number for all enquiries: 020 8726 6000 RRA Committee Meetings: usually 3rd Wednesday in January, March, May, September, November Printed by Denyer Printers, 33 Lower Road, Kenley, Surrey CR8 5NH 020 8660 1375

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