Imagine Croydon – three Major changes are Work experience provides generations of one family proposed for the way a valuable insight into what do just that. trauma and stroke victims the future may hold for Read their views. get initial treatment. young people. Page 4 Page 10 Page 17

Issue 29 - May 2009

yourYour community newspaper from your councilcroydonwww.croydon.gov.uk Keeping an eye on community safety Crowd management and street safety set to improve as hi-tech vehicle takes to Croydon’s streets.

Improving public safety started patrolling the mounted telescopic and protection is the No streets of the borough. camera that can extend 1 consideration behind Apart from its to a height of six metres, Croydon Council’s distinctive branding, giving a commanding newest acquisition. leaving nobody in any view of any situation. A specially fitted out doubt as to who is Images – still or Ford Transit High Roof, controlling the van, the moving – can be recorded bristling with the latest £100,000 mobile CCTV on board, or fed to state-of-the-art surveillance unit’s most noticeable the council’s security equipment, has just feature is the roof- team in the Taberner House control room. And the van isn’t rendered incapable when night falls – infrared cameras can collect pin- sharp pictures in the most demanding of conditions. Any recorded images will be able to be used as evidence should prosecutions result from a situation. It is expected the Prince views Mary Rose CCTV unit will be used principally in situations Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, amazing time capsule, illustrating the needing a degree of crowd visited Croydon recently to officially daily life of officers and sailors, as well management – at sporting open a landmark exhibition. as the military equipment of the ship. events, festivals or any Hidden Treasures from the Mary Running until 7 August, the location where large Rose, being staged in South Croydon, exhibition is taking place in Whitgift crowds might gather. marks the 500th anniversary of Henry School’s conference centre. And its constant radio VIII’s accession to the throne. Pictured with Whitgift headmaster link to Croydon’s police The Mary Rose, which sank Dr Christopher Barnett, Prince Andrew station means it will be in July 1545 at the Battle of the viewed some of the 200-plus exhibits, able to call for assistance, Solent, was the flagship, and which together provide a unique should it ever be required. a favourite, of Henry VIII. insight into life aboard a Tudor ship. For more on the She was raised in 1982; and the For information, visit www. mobile CCTV vehicle, resulting collection of artefacts is an maryrosehiddentreasures.org see pages 14 and 15.

This newspaper is printed on environmentally friendly paper from a sustainable source, and produced at lower cost than the previous Your Croydon magazine. 2 yournews May 2009 | Your Croydon

Man plagued by memories One step at a time of torture Man admits excessive Richard Gibbs talks to an extraordinarily courageous man who, despite all the odds, is taking volume from stereo. part in this year’s London marathon – even if it takes him a fortnight. A South Norwood man told magistrates that he Purley grandmother, determination and I know far worse than mine, played music at high Jenny Jones, will be he’ll succeed.” and they make their lives volume in an effort to following the course Major Packer’s aim better in so many ways.” forget the torture he had of this year’s London is to raise £1m for the Tributes to Major undergone in Columbia, marathon with charity Help for Heroes, Packer’s courage – from his home country. unprecedented interest. supporting those injured service chiefs, politicians, Freddy Mureno, of Her grandson Phil, 36, while serving in the sports personalities and Whitworth Road, admitted will be taking part – and armed forces. celebrities – have been led four charges relating that’s pretty remarkable He said: “This has by HRH Prince Charles to breaches of a noise- because, just over a year been a difficult year for who said: “I can only abatement notice served ago, he was expected me and I’ve experienced imagine how exhausting on him last September. never to walk again. a wealth of emotions, and challenging life is for He was conditionally In February 2007 he however with faith, hope you now as you wrestle discharged for 12 months, suffered a severe spinal and friendship, my life with the physical damage told to pay £750 costs, cord injury after a rocket has changed around and caused by your injury. and his equipment attack in Basra while I want to use it now to “You are a credit to the was destroyed. serving as a major with make positive difference British Army and we are The court heard that, the Royal Military Police. to others. enormously lucky to have from February, 2008, Rehabilitation at the “Like the other extraordinary men and Croydon Council received military’s specialist centre, thousands of fundraisers women, such as yourself, a number of complaints of Headley Court, in Epsom, who support Help for who are prepared to very loud music coming has got him back on his Heroes, I have reasons risk life and limb for his from Mureno’s flat. feet again and, cussedly for feeling so passionate country.” A noise-abatement resolute, Phil expects to about this charity. While A widowed notice was served but complete the distance on in hospital, I really needed grandmother in Purley has loud music continued. crutches. something to pull me very personal reasons for On 12 November Managing just two through some very dark agreeing wholeheartedly, council officers seized miles a day it will take and lonely days; Help for and will be feeling every his stereo equipment. him the best part of a Heroes has done this and agonizing step Phil takes. He obtained fortnight. really helped me cope Jenny Jones hopes replacement equipment, Said Jenny, a former with what’s happened. many more will take the resulting in further occupational therapist “The team at Help for opportunity to follow her complaints and more visits who lives just a couple of Heroes show compassion, grandson’s progress and from pollution officers. On minutes from the library: understanding and support Help for Heroes one such visit a reading “I’m immensely proud sincerity in all that they through the website: of 70dBA was recorded. of Phil; I’ve always had do and the donations www.philpacker.com. Guidelines state that tremendous faith that they receive are used to For more inspiring daytime readings above my grandson would walk support fellow injured Flora London Marathon 50dBA and night-time again. servicemen and women; stories, please visit www. readings above 30dBA “He has guts and many who have injuries memory-joggers.co.uk Royal backing: Phil has support of Prince Charles are a noise nuisance.

yournews 2 yourenvironment 16 yourcommunity 6 yoursport 22 Take advantage of our yourfinances 9 yourbusiness 24 competitive advertising rates yourhealth 10 yourheritage 25 FULL HALF QUARTER yourvote 12 yourevents 26 page from £990 page from £444 page from £222 355x259mm 148x259mm 148x127mm specialfeature 14 yourdiary 27 If you would like your business to benefit from advertising in one of the country’s Editorial team leading community newspapers and would like more information, a copy of our rate card or a booking form, please call: Paula Howell & 020 8760 5644 Editor: Fred Hall Reporter: Alison Cann Reporter: Jon Bownas Email: yourcroydon@ Email: yourcroydon@ Email: yourcroydon@ croydon.gov.uk croydon.gov.uk croydon.gov.uk The next issue of Your Croydon will be published on Monday, Tel: 020 8760 5644 Tel: 020 8760 5644 Tel: 020 8760 5644 25 May. Commercial advertising is welcome, but inclusion of an advertisement does not indicate council endorsement of any Reporter: Richard Gibbs Reporter: Helen Parrott Advertising: Paula Howell Email: yourcroydon@ Email: yourcroydon@ Email: yourcroydon@ products or services mentioned. croydon.gov.uk croydon.gov.uk croydon.gov.uk Tel: 020 8760 5644 Tel: 020 8760 5644 Tel: 020 8760 5644 This Newspaper is printed on environmentally friendly, Produced by croydondesign the in-house business within Croydon Council. TCF (Totally Chlorine Free) paper, produced from a [email protected] 90040/150M/4 sustainable source. When you have finished with this newspaper please recycle it. www.croydon.gov.uk yournews 3 Have fun in Foxley Clamping down on Woodland friends’ group hosts special day for all the family.

The Friends of Foxley are coppiced wood. holding a Foxley Woodland A barbeque and blue badge scams Day in Purley on Sunday, 3 refreshments will also be May, from 10am to 4pm. provided by St Barnabas Londonwide database will enable crackdown on parking fraudsters. Events at the local Scout Group. nature reserve will include For more information A crackdown on the a system designed to help guided natural trail walks, about the event contact fraudulent use of the blue those with disabilities. rural craft stalls, coppicing Freda on 020 8668 badge parking scheme Blue badges offer a demonstrations and 2008, Carl on 020 8660 for disabled people has range of on-street parking children’s activities. 7790 or visit www. resulted in the seizure concessions to people with The Working Horse friendsoffoxley.co.uk of more than 90 fake or severe mobility problems. Trust will demonstrate Entrance to the event stolen badges in London. But theft of badges from Ardennes horses towing can be found in Higher Now, London Councils vehicles and the use of fake timber from the wood for Drive, Burwood Avenue, is expanding its blue badges have increased. constructing tables and Northwood Avenue and badge database to cover Robin said: “Thank benches. Woodland Way. the whole of the capital goodness something’s And Croydon There is no car following the success of a being done about it.” Charcoal will be giving parking available on site nine-month pilot scheme in “I know that people’s demonstrations, with or in Woodland Way (the five boroughs. cars have been broken into locally produced charcoal Woodland Way entrance is And the move has and the blue badges taken for sale made from Foxley by foot only). pleased Robin Hunter, for fraudulent use. chairman of local group “I don’t know how Disability Croydon, many times I’ve seen who said he hoped the people, driving cars out and running to the across the capital. How to complain cooperation between displaying the blue badge, supermarket or wherever This meant council Like any organisation, have received the right authorities would see a park in bays reserved they may be going. parking attendants from Croydon Council does not level of service, you now reduction in the abuse of for disabled drivers, get “You can’t help wonder the five participating like receiving complaints – have a number of ways to what, exactly, their boroughs, their colleagues but we acknowledge that tell us: disability is.” at Transport for London we make mistakes and • visit www.croydon.gov. Previously, each local and the police could easily that some complaints are uk and follow the links; authority kept its own check whether displayed justified. • email us at records, but was unable blue badges had been In order to deal with complaints@croydon. to check details on blue stolen or were fakes. the complaints we do gov.uk; badges issued in other Now, enforcement is to receive, we have devised • telephone 020 8726 boroughs and displayed by be expanded to cover the a new way of dealing with 6000 and select the offenders. capital. them. service your complaint The pilot scheme The monthly cost of We take all feedback relates to; involved pooling, in one running the database is seriously and use it to • contact us in writing; or database, information £1,978, to be divided ensure we resolve any • visit us in person at about 12,000 blue parking between the boroughs, problems and continually Croydon Council, badges which had been Transport for London and improve our services. Taberner House, Park reported lost or stolen the police. If you do not feel you Lane, Croydon CR9 3JS. Helping hand for the hard-of-hearing Week of events in central Croydon, offering assistance and advice.

The effects of hearing information to others. be available to answer with acquired hearing loss. loss will be the focus of The week will feature questions on the The Langley Audiology attention when the Pop invited guests to speak services they provide. Centre – Bevan Allen with bus next visits North End. on specialised subjects advice and information for Marking Deaf and will be available to Thursday 7 those suffering tinnitus. Awareness Week between give personal advice. BT Retail – Information 5 and 9 May, the Croydon on standard and more Saturday 9 Hearing Resource Centre Tuesday 5 specialised products and Croydon Deaf Children’s will be hosting five days Croydon Council’s services. BT offers support Society – Volunteers of exhibitions and advice sensory impairment and advice to customers offer information, advice sessions on Croydon team – information on who find communication and practical support to Council’s Pop Service the services available slightly more difficult. children and families. bus, parked adjacent to those with a hearing Stuart Coverman, to the Almshouses. impairment. the council’s equipment All week With its easy Croydon Voluntary assessment officer – The services of local accessibility in the Association for the Advice and information charity Croydon Hearing heart of Croydon’s main Blind – Richard James on a range of available Resource Centre will shopping area, the advises those with equipment. be available, with a exhibition will advise dual sensory loss. range of information shoppers and visitors Friday 8 and equipment. who have a hearing Wednesday 6 Link / Hearing Concern For more information loss on the help that is Hearing Centre, Mayday – Details on the services on the weeks events available, and give general NHS Trust – staff will available for adults living call 020 8686 0049 4 yournews May 2009 | Your Croydon Changes made to bulky waste College gets approval collection service for major works Subsidised charge for removal of Big plans afoot as Coulsdon College’s redevelopment hopes get the nod. large household items. Good news at last for start building work in Coulsdon College as another month and Despite a nominal charge – such as washing £32m redevelopment look forward to final of £10, the council is machines, dishwashers proposals are given final completion of the whole subsidising the actual and domestic refrigerators approval by the Learning site by early 2011. cost involved with the – for which a charge of and Skills Council. “Disruption will be collection and disposal of £15 per visit is made. Following a recent minimal as the contractors bulky household waste Residents wanting to review of funding, the will be working within throughout the borough. arrange collection of such LSC announced that the existing college Customers are items should ring the same the college is one of building line. encouraged to explore contact centre number. eight projects across the “Immediately, options for reuse via The council’s reuse and country, held back from students will benefit household appliances recycling centres are at: December 2008, to be from temporary modern recovery companies, or • Factory Lane, Waddon; Coulsdon College: set for new look (above and below) given the go-ahead. IT-enabled classrooms the recycling of unwanted • Purley Oaks, Brighton David Goodlet, and an early upgrade bulky household waste Road, South Croydon; college principal, said: to our IT capability. items at any of the • Fishers Farm, North “It’s fantastic news “It’s an incredibly council’s three reuse Downs Crescent, for the college. exciting time for everyone and recycling centres. New Addington. “While phase one at the college and we’re If these options Customers are of the redevelopment, delighted that the are not viable, call the reminded that the illegal the sports pavilion and government and LSC council’s contact centre depositing of any type of theatre, was completed have seen the potential on 020 8726 6200 to waste, either on public a year ago, we’ve had in Coulsdon College. arrange a collection. land or on the public to wait until now to “The benefits will The council also highway, is an offence for get the go-ahead for be felt by students and operates a collection which a fine of £2,500 the rest to proceed. the local community service for unwanted could be imposed for a “This means we can for years to come.” household appliances successful prosecution. Antisocial behaviour Fare dodgers caught hotline goes live Phone at any time – and get immediate response. in Croydon operation The frustration of network rate, should be Arrests and penalty fares result in trawl on borough bus routes. witnessing or experiencing sent to 60660 with the antisocial behaviour prefix ASB, together with Two people were arrested manager Revenue and not being able to a description and location, recently when 53 buses Protection South at tell someone when it’s using no more than 160 carrying 1,418 passengers TfL, said: “Fare evaders actually happening is characters (including were checked by fare- on our buses cost now over in Croydon. spaces and punctuation). evasion inspectors. Londoners in the region Croydon Council has Out-of-hours calls And 17 penalty fares of £30m in 2008. this month introduced will be handled by the were issued to passengers “This money could and a 24/7 reporting council’s CCTV control found to have either should be used to further arrangement with a room staff and every failed to pay or not to improve the service and new dedicated line call will be personally have paid the correct we urge all bus passengers for overnight and answered without obliging amount for their journey. to have a valid ticket or weekend calls. people to leave a message. Additionally, 12 people ensure they have validated There is also a new Depending on the are being considered for their pay-as-you-go text reporting facility nature of the incident, prosecution by Transport Oyster card to travel. for those wanting to staff may be able to for London (TfL). “From 11 January this report a problem but despatch a council London Buses revenue year, TfL’s penalty fare for who may be fearful of mobile enforcement protection inspectors non-payment rose to £50. identifying themselves. unit with a dog; alert (RPIs) and police “We anticipate that Fare’s fair: pay up or pay the price Between 8am and police; or take details officers from the TfL- this increase, combined 5pm, anybody wishing and organise prompt funded Safer Transport with the ongoing pay the correct fare for on the bus network to to report an instance follow-up attention. Teams conducted a joint operations carried out on your journey and that detect fare evaders. of antisocial behaviour Noise-nuisance operation targeting bus routes throughout deliberate fare evaders They use a range should continue to call the calls will be passed to fare evaders on a the capital, will act as will be prosecuted.” of tactics, including council’s contact centre the night-duty noise number of bus routes. a greater deterrent to More than 97% of both plain-clothed and on 020 8726 6000. pollution officers. During The exercise, which those considering not the six million passenger uniformed RPIs patrolling After 5pm and at daytime, neighbourhood took place on London paying their fare. journeys taken every in both small and weekends the number to enforcement officers will Road, involved five “We hope our actions day on the buses are large numbers and, on call is 020 8760 5565. be notified of urgent police officers, two send out the clear message correctly paid for. occasion, staging high- Text messages, situations and deployed PCSOs and eight RPIs. that, in order to avoid There are profile exercises with the charged at standard as appropriate. Stefan Linn, area a penalty, you must approximately 300 RPIs support of the the police. www.croydon.gov.uk yournews 5 Sailing for the big adventure With thousands of miles of ocean to cross, Coulsdon man David Harper is hoping to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

Most people looking to Australia to China via Cancer Research, a charity undertake their first sea- Indonesia, taking between close to my heart. going sailing experience five and six weeks, “It’s estimated that might start with a short immensely challenging. one in three people will trip – across The Solent to The leg, involving be directly affected by the Isle of Wight, say. sailing through a wide cancer in their lives and Not so David Harper, range of conditions from I’m certain that most will of Croydon-based hotel tropical heat to near-Arctic know someone who has consultancy business conditions, starts on 2 been affected and will Leisure Property Services. January 2010. understand why it’s such His first sailing adventure Training has started in an important charity.” will see him taking part earnest and has involved With the cost of in the Round the World sailing through a force- training and the berth Clipper Race 2009-2010, eight storm. onboard met by his raising money for Cancer David said: “Hopefully, company, every penny Research. I’ll know what I’m doing donated will go straight to As a complete sailing by the time I climb on the charity. novice, David knows that board the 68-foot Clipper David added: “I really he will find the 5,100- for the race. hope readers will be able mile (8,200 kms) leg from “I’m raising money for to donate something to this worthwhile cause. “Going to my Just Giving webpage at www.justgiving.com/ davidharper2. is the easiest way to donate money. “This is an excellent charity, doing superb work in reducing the impact that cancer has on everyone’s life”. Training: David’s sail legs have been tested as he prepares for next January Memorial stone for Cane Hill patients Suburbs hold the key Asylum’s dead to recovery in London at last honoured New report warns that failure to invest in London’s suburbs will make the capital less with dedicated competitive in the future. memorial. The suburbs are home programme to put high Location 1000 is the to 60% of London’s streets back at the heart anonymous name population and provide of the community; given to a small corner jobs that account for • providing more of Croydon Cemetery a third of the capital’s modern office space to that is the final resting economic output. attract businesses and place of former patients While many suburban entrepreneurs; of Cane Hill Hospital communities are being • improving public writes Paula Howell. hit particularly hard transport links; Now, after almost 30 by the recession, a • investing in community years, the plot has been In memoriam: Cane Hill patients get bronze plaques London Councils’ report facilities such as marked with a mounted – Successful Suburbs: hospitals, schools, parks bronze plaque in memory finally closed in the late Because the exact services, said: “For years, the case for investment and cultural facilities; of the departed. 1980s, records show locations of all the graves we’ve been approached by in London’s suburban • reducing the suburbs’ Built on a hilltop that about 5,000 people on the site were unknown, people wanting to see the communities – argues that carbon footprint by overlooking Coulsdon were laid to rest there. they were exhumed final resting place of their investment in suburbs reducing reliance and Farthing Downs, In 1981, Croydon by hand digging and relatives and we’ve only such as Croydon now on cars, cutting air Cane Hill Hospital was Corporation was granted transferred to Croydon been able to point them will put the capital in a pollution and making officially known as permission to remove Cemetery for cremation. towards an unmarked stronger position when it buildings more energy the 3rd Surrey County mound of earth. emerges from the current efficient. Pauper Lunatic Asylum. “One of our suppliers economic downturn. The proposals are When it opened in We hope it will serve as a kindly manufactured a It highlights the based on making the most December 1883, it had dedicated memorial area bronze plaque which vital economic, social of underused resources, space for 1,100 patients, has been mounted on a and environmental and future investment in but within five years granite stone and now contribution suburbs the suburbs, rather than accommodated 2,000. any remains buried on The ashes were then marks the location. make to the capital and transferring money away All patients who the land as long as they scattered in Location “We hope it will serve outlines a number ways from inner London. died at the hospital were handled with care, 1000 within the Garden as a dedicated memorial of boosting investment For more information between 1884 and 1950 showing consideration of Remembrance. area in remembrance including: on the report, contact were buried within its for the deceased and Kevin Pilkington, of those who died at • a town and district London Councils on grounds, and, when it their relatives. manager of bereavement Cane Hill Hospital”. centre improvement 020 7934 9842. 6 yourcommunity May 2009 | Your Croydon

I am impressed by how dynamic Croydon has become – and the speed of development. Lynette Phillips Imagining a family -friendly future

Imagine Croydon, your chance to get actively involved in the future of our borough, is well under way. This month, we speak to one of the borough’s veteran volunteers about how change over the years has helped shape Croydon’s identity. A major Asked to choose a word – positive or negative – achievement to describe Croydon, Lynette Phillips barely of the new hesitates before saying developments, “progressive”. Lynette has had links the family with Croydon for several decades. Though she suggests, is that moved out of the borough more people are in 1973, she has worked and volunteered here right inclined to stay, through to the present day and feels a strong sense of and spend their attachment to the place. time and money, The main change that Lynette has seen over the within Croydon, years is the expansion and intensification rather than going of development in elsewhere. the borough. She says: “I am impressed by how dynamic it has become – and the speed of development.” She cites the tram, flyover and Whitgift Shopping Centre improvements as the most visible examples. Lynette is a key member of the community, contributing her time freely to a Across the generations: Andrew, Lynette and Jamal number of Croydon’s local community partnerships, London – a situation she facilities and shops Jamal agree that Croydon status – the three agree which feed into the hopes will continue. are highly regarded. is torn between Surrey that Croydon must borough’s wider local Her optimism is shared He says: “I hope 2012 and London, with neither play to its strengths. strategic partnership, by her grandson Jamal, will see improvements identity really fitting Jamal says: “It’s Croydon Together. She a keen swimmer with in sports facilities.” into the genuine sense good that there are also has a longstanding Olympic aspirations. Moving out from the of local pride that many differences, that gives association with the He points out that vibrant urban centre, Croydon people feel. Croydon an identity.” Croydon Guyana Link. central Croydon is already however, Croydon is Andrew suggests: Lynette feels that From her experience, a big attraction for young more complex to define. “The Croydon brand has one of London’s biggest she says that Croydon people from surrounding Lynette’s son Andrew to have a strong message boroughs “serves all the is “a lot more organised areas – a fact which, puts it bluntly: “There’s which can’t be confused.” different categories of than other London though sometimes given a difficulty with Croydon To obtain this strong people – and is multi- boroughs” and well- a negative spin, shows and its identity.” message – coupled, ethnic, as well.” respected elsewhere in that the borough’s leisure Lynette, Andrew and perhaps, with city Andrew sums up www.croydon.gov.uk yournews 7

Keep your eyes peeled for the next edition of Your Croydon when we will be outlining details of how you can have your say on a plan that we are preparing (called the Core Strategy – Issues and Options Consultation Paper) to help us deliver our long-term vision. Get involved at www.imaginecroydon.com or call 020 8407 1329 for more information

Lynette says: Andrew says: “Croydon is “The Croydon a lot more Jamal says: brand has to have organised than “I hope 2012 a strong message other London will see which can’t boroughs and improvements in be confused. well-respected – sports facilities.” Multiculturalism is a situation I hope a strong part of will continue.” the brand.”

by saying: “Multi- the highest proportion difficult, Lynette says: “It’s Having had experience “Not many young culturalism is a strong of people who both live a little bit of a nuisance, helping to coordinate a people – or their parents – part of the brand.” and work within its but a good thing, really – I project to train young can afford to pay the sort Loyalty to Croydon borders – surely a strength can see where the policy is Health Champions, of prices that are charged is a strong factor on which to build. going, environmentally.” Lynette outlined the for leisure activities here.” in the economic Asked where Croydon Oxford and Cambridge difficulty in getting young Asked for the secrets reinvigoration that this could improve, the are cited as cities from people to turn up. of communicating new “brand” implies. three stress the need to which Croydon can Andrew, though, is with young people, A major achievement rebalance industrial and learn – not just for adamant that something Jamal pointed to online of the new developments, residential land, and to their universities, but practical can be done methods, such as the family suggests, is diversify the borough’s for their bicycle use. about this: “‘Have Facebook, but said that that more people are economic base. The biggest challenges activities that they’re the most important is inclined to stay, and spend The need to counter that Lynette, Andrew and interested in doing, word of mouth – friends their time and money, the misconceptions Jamal foresee will be in engage them through telling friends about within Croydon, rather about youth crime is combating inequality music and sport, about Imagine Croydon. than going elsewhere. another priority. between the north and their future, give them Lynette sums up the Of any London Recognising that south of the borough, and publicity and a boost mood: “I want Croydon borough, Croydon has parking has become more engaging younger people. – and make it free. to be world class.”

Major Exhibition comes to Croydon . . .

MARY ROSE HIDDEN TREASURES Life on board Henry VIII’s flagship

7 April – 7 August Whitgift Conference Centre Whitgift School (10am – 5pm daily) Brighton Road Telephone: 020 8633 9939 South Croydon CR2 6YT www.MaryRoseHiddenTreasures.org 8 yourcommunity May 2009 | Your Croydon

Ccat is a diverse and varied group, passionate about one thing only: ending slavery and human trafficking in the borough. Ccat shows its claws Formed of a range of groups and individuals, Croydon Community Against Trafficking is working to bring a halt to the trade in human misery.

It is a community problem and we have worked hard to get everyone in the community to play their part in ridding our town of this injustice.

The usual reaction And the concerns of The police, supported raids found no evidence fuelling the demand for when people hear that Ccat regarding the issue by council licensing of trafficked women, but trafficked women every slavery and trafficking is of women being forced to officers and Ccat, have the council and police are time they look to use happening in Croydon is work in the sex trade are conducted two operations committed to continuing illegal services in our shock and disbelief. shared by Croydon Council in recent months, raiding their enquiries, with the borough. Sadly however, the and the police. a number of premises help of Ccat, into this And there is much enslavement of women, While not an anti- that intelligence had issue. more education and forced to daily sell their prostitution campaign, nor identified as brothels. The It is a community awareness raising that bodies against their will, a group of people united majority of these premises problem and we needs to be done so that is a harsh reality that on a moral crusade, Ccat is we can all play our part in victimises the vulnerable a diverse and varied group, ending modern day slavery and compels us as a passionate about one thing If you would like to know in our town. community to awaken only: ending slavery and more about Ccat visit Our community is to a situation that has human trafficking in the united in saying that we continued, unnoticed, for borough. www.theccat.com will not allow people to be too long. For more than enslaved in our borough Croydon Community three years, this wide were linked to massage have worked hard to and we will not allow Against Trafficking (Ccat) representation of the adverts placed in local get everyone in the traffickers to continue to is a coalition of concerned Croydon community, newspapers. community to play their operate a high-profit and citizens, faith and with the council, police Some 18 separate part in ridding our town of low-risk industry that community groups, that and partner agencies, has premises were searched, this injustice. degrades our great town. aims to stop the injustice of been working together to with 30 people arrested for There is much work If you would like to human trafficking for sexual deal with this issue in our a variety of offences. to be done. Croydon men know more about Ccat, exploitation in Croydon. community. In these instances, the need to realise they are visit www.theccat.com www.croydon.gov.uk yourfinances 9

residents registered for council’s online account-checking service. 5,000 www.croydoncrunch.org Check your council account online Internet makes keeping abreast of your council finances a breeze.

Residents, landlords, Landlords deductions from ongoing email address and businesses and council • View payment benefit to recover a create a password. tax payers are now able to information about previous overpayment. On completion of check their benefits, council the tenants that the registration process, Landlords tax and business rate landlords are receiving a code to activate accounts wherever direct payments of • Landlord statements your registration will and whenever it suits them. benefit for, showing online which show the be emailed to you. And council tax and a history of current breakdown of which Enter the code to business rate payers are and past payments tenants and amounts activate your registration, now also able to receive for each tenant. make up individual and you will be able to their bills electronically. direct payments. request access to your Internet users can We are working to council tax/business rates access a host of secure further enhance these Later this year we hope account, benefit claim or information at their online services with the to be able to provide landlord statement online. own convenience. following improvements. a facility for benefits You will be asked a Those registering for customers to advise a series of questions, based the service are able to: Council tax change of address online. on the type of service • Facility to make payment We will also be you are requesting access Council tax/ looking to work with the to, eg account/claim Unemployed get business rates arrangements online, following receipt of site operator, Gandlake, number, post code. • Check their balances a court summons to further develop the Once you have half-price bus and statements. for non-payment. online services offered. requested access to an • Examine personal Already popular, more individual account, an payment history. Benefits than 5,000 residents have activation PIN letter is and tram travel • Inspect payments made • More detail about the registered for the services, despatched to the account and due to be received. information we have which are being accessed holder. Please allow Thousands of unemployed used to calculate a more than 2,000 times each two to three working Benefits Croydon residents to be helped customer’s benefit month by our customers. days for this to arrive. • Examine information claim – eg, income and To register, visit When you receive back to work with extension about how entitlement household details. https://myaccount. the PIN letter, you can of discount travel scheme. for benefit has been • More detailed croydon.gov.uk enter the PIN provided worked out. The first step is to to unlock the account information about Unemployed Croydon to interviews, and access • View details of current register for an online you have requested payments made, to residents can now libraries, job centres, and past payments of account, which requires and access the online include an explanation benefit from half-price and other amenities. housing benefit made. you to enter your information/services. if we are making weekly bus and tram travel. The Mayor is The Mayor of London, particularly concerned Boris Johnson, with to help jobseekers Transport for London through the current (TfL), has decided that economic downturn. anybody in receipt of The discount will also Job Seeker’s Allowance help those who benefited (JSA) or the new from the previous Income Employment and Support Support discount scheme Allowance (ESA) can who have now been made benefit from the deal. ineligible by the recently Many of the 5,971 introduced changes to residents in Croydon the benefits system. currently receiving JSA The Mayor has or ESA can now get the already introduced a same half-priced travel number of targeted concession available fares reductions and to those on Income concessions, including Support currently. reduced off-peak Tube The move, which fares, half-price bus fares is part of the Mayor’s for Londoners on Income economic recovery action Support, free travel for plan, is designed to help war veterans and the people back to work by 24-hour Freedom Pass making it easier to travel on all TfL services. 10 yourhealth May 2009 | Your Croydon

minutes – maximum travelling time to 30 nearest hyper-acute stroke centre. The shape of things to come Developing new, high-quality major trauma and stroke services for London.

Proposals for changes to of trauma networks continued treatment emergency healthcare based around new major and rehabilitation. in London could see trauma centres. Each All Londoners would Croydon’s Mayday would provide 24/7 be within 30 minutes’ University Hospital specialist emergency ambulance journey of a become a first-class care for people with the hyper-acute stroke centre. trauma centre. most serious injuries. Croydon PCT is leading If the plans go People with less the local consultation ahead, it would act as serious injuries would on the proposal, which a satellite unit serving be treated in first- finishes on 8 May. south-west London’s class trauma centres at During the major trauma and stroke accident and emergency consultation, local people centre at Tooting’s St (A&E) departments. have the opportunity to George’s Hospital. The proposals would comment on the proposals Every year, thousands of Londoners have a stroke or suffer a All Londoners would be within major trauma injury. 30 minutes’ ambulance journey Clinical evidence and international best practice of a hyper-acute stroke centre shows that these patients have the best chance of ensure faster access for the improved services. survival and reduced to specialist care – all Following the disability if they are taken Londoners would be outcomes of consultation, directly to the highest within 45 minutes’ it is proposed for PCTs to quality specialist care. ambulance journey of a introduce new services Currently, the standard major trauma centre. from early 2010. of care varies considerably New specialist acute For more information across London, and, stroke services with far on Healthcare for while some people in higher standards than London’s proposals London are receiving are currently available for stroke and major good quality care, far too in London are also trauma care, visit www. many are missing out. being proposed. healthcareforlondon. Healthcare for London, All stroke patients nhs.uk or contact the led by London’s local NHS would be taken by communications team at organisations including ambulance to a hyper- Croydon PCT on Croydon Primary Care acute stroke centre where 020 8274 6205. Trust (PCT), has developed they would receive expert You can also request plans to introduce new care for the first 72 hours. information in other specialist stroke and major Once stabilised, languages, Braille, audio trauma services in London. patients would be and easy-read by calling Healthcare for London cared for in a dedicated the following freephone is proposing the creation local stroke unit for number: 0808 238 5481

Croydon resident Vivien “Londoners should Griffin said that, while benefit greatly by she broadly welcomed having dedicated the proposals, it was centres in situ, but I do important that vital issues have concerns about were addressed. residents in Croydon. She said: “The Mrs Griffin (right) proposals, in theory, said that another concern sound great, but what was the heavy volume steps will be taken to of traffic around the ensure the right number Tooting area: “Most of and calibre of qualified our local population are nurses and doctors will familiar with Mayday be in post to man the and would be rather units 24/7? worried about being sent “At the moment there to St George’s because is a severe shortage of of the distance and time medical staff in Croydon. it takes to get there.” www.croydon.gov.uk yourhealth 11

days – life of donated 35 red blood cells. Give blood, save a life A quick pin prick is little price to pay for the feeling that you might have saved a life.

Despite the demand for blood being constant, worryingly just 4% of those eligible donate blood. From emergency surgery, to heart transplants and leukaemia patients, hospitals need about 8,000 units of blood a day, every day. Blood can be a lifesaver for those who have been in an accident or need following treatments or operations, but a blood transfusion can also help improve the quality of life for those who are terminally ill, giving them precious extra time to spend with their families. Blood comes in four main types – O, A, B and AB – with O the most common, meaning it is most in demand. Blood can also be subdivided into its main components – red cells, white cells, platelets and plasma. Red cells last only 35 days, and platelets are good for only five days, which is why the National Blood Service is always after your blood! Almost anyone between the ages of 17 and 65 can become a new blood donor, and giving is quick and easy. On the up: number of cases of measles has soared as fewer have children vaccinated The National Blood Service will be holding donation sessions across Croydon during May, so why not give up a small part of your busy day and make the effort to attend? Free tea and biscuits is only part of the reward you Is your child safe? will receive – knowing you could have literally saved a life in your lunch break is a feeling that’s hard to beat. Parents offered another chance to have their children vaccinated against MMR or cervical cancer.

In just three years, the launch a catch-up MMR contagious and even life- women are also being number of suspected immunisation campaign. threatening. At its worst it targeted by the PCT in cases of measles in The PCT’s can lead to fits, meningitis, the Arm against Cervical Croydon soared by immunisation coordinator, brain inflammation Cancer campaign May: donation sessions more than 250%. consultant community (encephalitis) and launched in Croydon’s Newly released paediatrician Dr Joy pneumonia. schools last September. ADDISCOMBE figures show that the Okpala, said: “The risk of Dr Okpala added: “I’d With the message that Main Hall, Church of Our Lady of the Annunciation, borough returned 48 suffering from measles, urge all parents to have it is not too late for girls in 147 Bingham Road CR0 7EN such cases in 2008, mumps or rubella is their children vaccinated school year 8 to have their Monday, 4 May – 1.45 to 4.30pm and 5.30 to 8pm against just 19 in 2005. now high because of 10 if they’re not already. HPV vaccination to help Yet it is estimated years of poor take-up of MMR vaccine is the prevent cervical cancer, the CROYDON that about 12,000 of our the MMR vaccination. safest and most effective PCT is running catch-up Parish Church Hall, Church Street CR0 1RN children and young people clinics for any girl who Thursday, 14 May – 2pm to 4.30 and 5.30 to 7.45pm have not been immunised missed her appointment against measles, mumps Measles can be highly for any other reason. COULSDON and rubella (MMR), or contagious and even Parents who would St Aidan’s Parish Centre, have had only one dose. now like their daughter Chipstead Valley Road CR5 3DE Croydon Primary life-threatening to be vaccinated or Wednesday, 27 May – 2pm to 4.30 and 5.30 to 7.45pm Care Trust (PCT) is who would like more appealing to parents to “Every child and way to protect children information about HPV SELSDON urgently check that their young person needs to against these diseases.” and the local immunisation Selsdon Hall, Addington Road CR2 8LL sons and daughters aged be immunised with two Parents with questions programme, should phone Wednesday, 20 May – 2pm to 4.30 and 5.30 to 7.45pm 13 months to 18 years doses of MMR vaccine about MMR are advised the PCT’s HPV information THORNTON HEATH are fully protected. to be protected from to contact their local line on 020 8714 2828. Glaziers Lounge, Selhurst Park Stadium, And for those the potential serious GP or to ring the PCT’s For general information Whitehorse Lane SE25 6PU who aren’t protected, consequences of catching special helpline on 020 about either vaccine, visit the PCT has teamed these diseases.” 8274 6369 or 6374. www.immunisation. Thursday, 7 May – 2pm to 4.30 and 5.30 to 7.45pm up with local GPs to Measles can be highly Croydon’s young nhs.uk/vaccines/ 12 yourvote May 2009 | Your Croydon

Ways to vote: • in person • by post 3 • by proxy A vote for Europe June will see citizens across the European Union voting to elect members of the European Parliament. Polling in the UK will take place on 4 June.

What is the European for either a registered Parliament? political party with a list of Members The European Parliament candidates, or an individual of the European passes laws that affect independent candidate. everyone in the EU. It The number of Parliament deals with issues such as: seats won by each party the environment, human roughly corresponds (MEPs) have rights, consumer rights, and to its share of the total the power economic development. votes, and the seats are Members of the given to the candidates to change, European Parliament on each list in the order (MEPs) have the power their name appears. approve or to change, approve reject EU laws. or reject EU laws. Who are the More information candidates? regarding the European Candidates can be Parliament can be found nominated to stand for at: www.europarl.org.uk election between 28 April and 7 May 2009. How are the A list of candidates MEPs elected? was not available as Your European Union citizen. Cyprus) you will need to The forms must be The UK is divided into Croydon went to print. If you are not already complete an additional completed and returned 12 electoral regions, Details of candidates on the register, or you need registration form in order by Tuesday, 19 May. each of which elects will be on the council’s to update your details, the to vote in this election, For further information, a number of MEPs to website at www.croydon. deadline is Tuesday, 19 May. even if you are already or to check that your represent that region in gov.uk from 8 May. To check your on the electoral register. completed form has been the European Parliament. registration details, This is to confirm that received, contact: Electoral Croydon is part of the Can I vote on 4 June? contact the council’s you wish to vote in this Services, Croydon Council, London region, which You can vote only if you electoral services office. election in the UK, rather Town Hall, Katharine will elect eight MEPs. are 18 or older on 4 June, than in your country of Street, Croydon CR9 1DE. Members representing and if your name is on EU citizens origin, or home country. Alternatively, the UK are elected under the electoral register. If you are a citizen One of these forms was telephone 020 8726 a form of closed-list To be on the electoral of a European Union sent out to every EU citizen 6300 or send an email proportional representation. register you must be a country (other than the on the electoral register at to electoral.services@ Electors can vote British, Commonwealth or UK, Ireland, Malta or the beginning of March. croydon.gov.uk

How to vote:

There are three ways to vote. • You can vote by proxy. A proxy vote • In person at a polling station between is when you appoint someone to 7am and 10pm on Thursday, 4 June. vote on your behalf because you are Poll cards will be sent to all registered unable to attend the polling station electors at the beginning of May to vote in person. The deadline for telling you where your polling station applications to vote by proxy is 5pm is. You do not need your poll card in on Wednesday, 27 May. order to vote, but it will assist if you take it with you when you go to vote.

• You can vote by post. A postal vote can be arranged for registered electors on request. Your ballot paper will be sent to you a couple of weeks before the election. You must then return your completed postal vote to the Town Hall or to a polling station no later than 10pm on election day. The application deadline is 5pm on Tuesday, 19 May. www.croydon.gov.uk yoursafety 13

suspects arrested in anti-burglary 70 drive Operation Spotlight. Met matters and alleyways as access points. Mortice locks should always be used, particularly at night, as Park wisely and should window locks; and modern uPVC doors should be double-locked with the key to prevent them being opened. avoid a fine By making houses less appealing to Operation Spotlight is burglars, people’s Leaving your car need not hit your the response of Croydon homes are less likely wallet hard – obey the rules and police to a burglary to be targeted. increase that has been For example, by save your money. occurring in the borough investing in timers for since the end of 2008. lights, it is possible to Parking enforcement before we can enforce; An average of nine give the impression is one subject that will • that you may go off residential burglaries that someone is home always stir the emotions. to look for change for a day are being when they may not be. Contrary to popular the pay-and-display committed in Croydon, Burglars can force opinion, parking machine – you may be compared with six some sash windows, enforcement is not about issued a PCN; this time last year. especially old ones raising money. It is about • that it’s okay to park The operation without key-operated keeping traffic moving because other cars are launched in December locks. A good way to on our roads and streets, parked there, or because and police activity reduce the risk is by and ensuring they are safe someone says that you includes high-visibility fixing a window box/ for both pedestrians and may; patrols, searching planter to the window motorists. • that parking is free or suspects’ addresses, ledge and fitting To avoid getting a unrestricted on Bank intelligence-led proper window locks. penalty charge notice Holidays, Sundays or operations, issuing We recommend (PCN) when you park in the evenings – we crime-prevention that you property-mark your car, check the signs enforce until midnight advice and educating your possessions and and pay where necessary. in central Croydon. residents and business register them on www. It makes sense to pay a owners about security. immobilise.com. Look out for: modest parking fee rather Since the operation Registering items than receive a £40 fine. • controlled zones where began, more than 70 and uploading photos on Keep loose change in blanket restrictions will be issued a PCN. ticket is unfair – write suspects have been the Immobilise website your vehicle so that, when apply – signs for these to the address on the arrested, 30 of whom increases the chances If you receive a PCN: you park, you don’t risk are often placed only at back, giving as much have been charged and of being reunited with getting a PCN while you the start of the zone; • don’t ignore it; you tangible evidence as will appear in court. them should they be lost try to get change. • when you lock your receive 50% discount possible, and take notes We have searched or stolen and come to vehicle, check that the if you pay within 14 and photographs at the about 10 homes and the notice of the police. Don’t assume: pay-and-display ticket days – the address for scene; seized more than If you see any • that you have five you have purchased is payment can be found • if your initial appeal is £500,000-worth suspicious activity minutes’ grace on a clearly visible and hasn’t on the back of the unsuccessful, a further of property. taking place, you should single yellow line or in fallen off the dashboard notice; appeal can be made to Recovered items contact police on 999 for a pay-and-display bay – if it can’t be seen you • appeal if you think the the Parking Adjudicator. include jewllery an immediate response. mobile phones, games If you have any consoles, laptops and information regarding computer games. burglaries in the borough Even though we please contact Croydon have been achieving police’s priority crime Knife clampdown successful results, unit on 020 8649 1377. burglary remains an For further crime Test purchases result in further successful prosecutions in council bid to on-going priority and a prevention advice, make Croydon Safe for All. concern for the borough, contact your local and we continue to safer neighbourhoods Croydon Council’s The council has now November 8, two 15-year- for proof of identity. raise awareness, issue team. For details of campaign to stop the secured four successful old schoolboys were sold Portwood Supplies crime-prevention advice your local team, enter sale of knives to children prosecutions following a a pack of knives for £1.99 Ltd, and Sulun Izzett, and appeal to the your postcode at has seen two more series of test purchases by a shop assistant at owner of Bargain Bucket, public to be vigilant. www.met.police.uk/ traders prosecuted carried out by the trading Bargain Bucket and, later were each fined £666.67 We cannot tackle saferneighbourhoods for selling potential standards service last the same day, were able to and ordered to pay more burglary alone – we weapons to schoolboys. year, as part of Croydon’s purchase a knife costing than £1,000 in costs. need your help. During separate operation Safe for All. £1.80 from Portwood When interviewed Suspects gain entry hearings, the proprietors Between 25 October Supplies DIY store. by trading standards to homes via front doors, of Portwood Supplies, in and 7 November 2008, 48 In both cases the officers, both stores had windows, conservatories, Supt Adrian Roberts Portland Road, and Bargain test purchases took place boys, who were working admitted that they had not at the rear of properties, Temporary Bucket, in Whitehorse Lane, with 14 knife sales made alongside trading provided formal training and using gardens borough commander pleaded guilty at Croydon to children under 18. standards officers, were about age-restricted Magistrates’ Court recently. On the morning of not asked their age or products to their staff. 14 specialfeature May 2009 | Your Croydon

degrees – field of vision of roof-mounted 360 telescopic camera. Looking out for

The streets of Croydon will be even safer following the arrival of a specialist surveillance van brimming with state-of-the-art kit.

After 17 years keeping It’s an an eye on Croydon from a hi-tech security control outstanding room within the council headquarters, Norman piece of kit Whaley now has a chance that takes the to actually do the same job close to where any action council’s use of is taking place. As the council’s highly CCTV for crime experienced CCTV and prevention and systems manager, Norman knows exactly what to detection to a look for when watching banks of monitors. new level. Just like a trained police officer out on patrol, he and his own team of 15 operators have developed a highly tuned instinct for suspicious behaviour. Until now, Norman and his colleagues have relied on images fed back from a network of 77 fixed cameras. But with the arrival of Croydon’s latest acquisition to make the public at large feel safe and protected as they go about their business, Norman can take to the road. He said: “We’ve got everything on board to make us self-sufficient for hours of surveillance. “The vehicle has its own cameras so that we can see what’s happening around us, to protect the crew, as well as the telescopic camera which revolves around 360 degrees and provides pin-sharp pictures of anything happening within 150 metres. “It’s an outstanding piece of kit that takes the council’s use of CCTV for crime prevention and detection to a new level.” The £100,000 diesel Ford Transit High Roof is a state-of-the-art mobile CCTV vehicle, fitted out Police and council working together: Supt Dave Stringer and Norman Whaley by specialists in public www.croydon.gov.uk specialfeature 15

The vehicle is expected to be particularly useful in situations where the council and police are involved in crowd-management situations. Looking out for public safety

In the frame: Supt Dave Stringer and Councillor Gavin Barwell Bird’s-eye view: the roof-mounted camera

safety and security. When radio links to the police that they can be seen by either tax or insurance. beaming pictures both to on duty it will be jointly station, the vehicle will trained operators watching In addition, the vehicle the mobile crew and the crewed by a council be able to summon banks of monitors feeding carries a portable rapid- control room. All cameras enforcement operator assistance immediately back real-time images. deployment camera which used are high-resolution and a police officer. while recording “If there’s any trouble, can be installed anywhere devices that can be used Highly visible with incidents as evidence they know that it can and operated remotely, around the clock. its security markings, the for court proceedings. be spotted instantly, van has a six-metre high The vehicle is expected and an emergency response summoned. “A lot of criminal We A lot of criminal behaviour behaviour is deterred by believe it will is deterred by cameras cameras. And if something does happen there’s a quickly pay for strong likelihood of it telescopic camera that can to be particularly useful being recorded, so those itself through its be raised like a periscope in situations where involved can be identified, to give a bird’s-eye view of the council and police arrested and prosecuted.” deterrent value anywhere in the borough are involved in crowd- The mobile team will alone. Most that would benefit from management situations be able to operate from camera surveillance. – whether at bus and anywhere in the borough. will be comforted Pictures can be rail stations, sporting The vehicle is recorded on board events, festivals or just even equipped with and reassured or fed back to the dealing with the large automatic number plate that the latest council’s security numbers who come to recognition equipment team in the Taberner use town centre pubs that will provide the technology is House control room. at the weekend. police with instantaneous Infrared lighting Supt Dave Stringer, confirmation of the being used to means razor-sharp images of Croydon police, is legality of any vehicle that make Croydon can be captured, even impressed with the comes within its sight. in the most demanding acquisition: “Overall, This will be valuable safer. conditions, day or night. law-abiding people feel in finding stolen cars, or Through constant comfortable knowing those being used without 16 yourenvironment May 2009 | Your Croydon

This year, Croydon is representing the capital in Britain in Bloom so we really want to stand out with colourful displays and environmentally aware projects.

Nominations are now open Give borough for Croydon in Bloom! Spread a little summer colour and help the borough to a riot of colour land another national title. Calling all green-fingered in Britain in Bloom so we or large your front garden residents and businesses really want to stand out or balcony, no matter – now is the time to with colourful displays where you live, “discover nominate yourself, a and environmentally a greener borough” and neighbour or friend for aware projects. help make Croydon an this year’s Croydon in There are more even more attractive place Bloom competition. categories than ever in which to live, work and As, fingers crossed, the before, so why not visit visit. sun starts to shine and the council’s website at Entries can be summer arrives, a more www.croydon.gov.uk/ made via the website, colourful borough will croydoninbloom to make or by completing the merge as preparations a nomination? nomination form below are made for the annual Closing date for entries and sending it to: competition. is Friday, 5 June, so there Greenspaces, Freepost This year, Croydon is is no time to waste. SEA 59112, CR9 1WZ (no representing the capital No matter how small stamp required).

competition ’09 application form

We’re not in Croydon anymore: next stop Europe With past wins under our belt, it’s once again time for the borough to plant up and put up – with a European title in our sights. Please return by Friday 5 June 2009 (Freepost address, no stamp required) I would like to enter or nominate the following: Croydon in Bloom has is it just London that’s Britain in Bloom finals in a great track record in involved in improving the year following their First name: Surname: the London in Bloom local environments and win. competition, winning the revitalising communities? Should Croydon win Address: Large City category in London in Bloom its category in Britain in Postcode: 2007 and again in 2008. is part of the Britain in Bloom 2009 it could be Further success was Bloom Campaign – the nominated to represent Tel no: Fax no: achieved last year in largest horticultural the UK in the Europe the Royal Horticultural campaign in Europe. in Bloom Competition Email: Society’s Britain in Every region of the (Entente Florale). The UK My details (if different from above) Bloom, and fingers are UK is taking part, the 18 is a founder member of crossed that the borough regions/nations including the European campaign First name: Surname: will match that success Northern Ireland, which is made up of 12 Address: this year. Scotland, Wales, Jersey, countries. So what is the Guernsey and the Isle of However, the bloom Postcode: bloom all about, and Man. does not stop there! From little hamlets Communities in Tel no: Fax no: and villages right up to Bloom is an international the largest UK cities, it campaign which includes Email: is estimated that some the UK, western Europe, 2,000,000 people are Ireland, Canada and the n The Front Garden Award n Best School Garden directly involved, with USA. Beyond that, there’s (best front garden or balcony) 10,000,000 residents and Nations in Bloom. n Best Conservation Project n The Community Garden Award visitors benefitting from So, come on, support (best street, square or cul-de-sac) n Town or District Centre Award the competition. Croydon in Bloom by The Business Premises Award The Biodiversity Award So, how does it work? making your business, n n Competitors enter their front garden or balcony The Bloomin’ Pub & Restaurant Award n 2009 RHS Britain in Bloom Theme n regional campaign (in a bright and cheerful n Hotel & Guest House Award n Pegasus Retirement Homes plc Croydon’s case, London in place and help us to put Trophy for Best Hanging Basket Bloom); the winner may Croydon on the national n Allotment Awards then be nominated to stage, or perhaps the Continental flora take part in the national European or world stage. www.croydon.gov.uk yourenvironment 17 croydon For its tireless efforts to promote Fairtrade in Croydon, the network has been nominated ec citizen for an Eco Citizen 2009 award. 2009 Fairtrade Fortnight finds favour in Croydon Bananas and Ghanaian cocoa farmers are just the tip of the environmental iceberg for the borough’s Fairtrade Network.

If you are looking for an The UK Fairtrade a whole day with James example of local people Foundation had aimed to and Anane, two cocoa tackling a global issue at set a record for banana producers from the Kuapa a local level, you need eating with as many Kokoo plantation in search no further than people as possible in the Ghana – suppliers to, and the Croydon Fairtrade space of 24 hours. shareholders in, Divine Network. Croydon certainly Chocolate. You have only to rose to the challenge! The The day was bursting consider for a moment the Network held a stall at the with activity and full network’s efforts to have Whitgift Shopping Centre of opportunities for the 2,023 Fairtrade bananas handing out free bananas farmers to meet and eaten in Croydon in the 24 to anyone who could take engage with the different hours beginning at noon part. sectors of Croydon’s on 6 March to see what the But Fairtrade Fortnight community. network can achieve. wasn’t just about a day Laura Blake, of The event was part of bananas – the network Divine Chocolate, said of Fairtrade Fortnight organised numerous events “We received such a 2009, which saw 420,000 all over the borough. warm welcome from the bananas eaten across the A special highlight Ghanaian community and UK, so Croydon made a was the network’s the farmers and Divine Fair Enough: fairtrade goods for every taste significant contribution! achievements in organising staff had a memorable evening. The category Favourite Green Project covers projects that “At one point, a Ghanaian hymn was happened between October 2008 and July 2009 that aim sung, which the farmers to raise the profile of environmental issues or to encourage knew. The congregation environmentally friendly behaviour within the community. and the farmers stood up and started dancing and Eco Citizen 2009 Details of the categories In the work place singing at the front. can be obtained by calling The role of businesses “It was such a categories the Eco Citizen team should not be wonderful moment of the on 020 8760 5791 or underestimated as they farmers and UK Ghanaians Recycler of the year following the link from play an important part in joined together in Low-carbon household www.croydon.gov.uk/ changing our approach celebration of Fairtrade. It Favourite Croydon environment/ to the environment. The was very emotional to be a green project Entries will be judged council supports Envibe part of it.” Natural Croydon according to the following (Environmental Business criteria: sustainability Excellence) which Best environmental of the project, outcome, provides free hands-on What is the Fairtrade Network about? message/campaign originality, and positive support and advice to Primary school impact on the wider local businesses. This ever-active group of dedicated community. For details, visit Fairtrade champions was established Secondary school The award ceremony www.envibe.co.uk or in 2003 and pushed Croydon to The Croydon Eco will be held in the call Debbie Clement on achieving its Fairtrade borough status Citizen 2009 autumn. 020 8760 5536. that same year – the first borough in London. Since then, the network has Nomination for Croydon Eco Citizen 2009 croydon worked tirelessly to further the cause of Fairtrade in Croydon. Your name ec citizen Through community activities 2009 in Fairtrade Fortnight, the World Contact number/email Party and Mela, as well as numerous outreach events, the Network has Who are you nominating? persuaded organisations, both large and small in the borough, that Contact number/email Fairtrade is worthwhile for them, their staff and for the wider community. Network hub: Fair Enough Category The opening of Croydon’s Fairtrade minimum standards of environmental shop, Fair Enough, in November 2003 behaviour – meaning that Fairtrade Reason for nomination was a high point of the Network’s products are much better for the campaign. environment. FT is not just a social issue, as Fair Enough can be found opposite

well as guaranteeing a fair price for Croydon Parish Church, in Church Please return to: Environment and sustainability team, 18th floor, Taberner House,

farmers, Fairtrade guarantees certain Street. Park Lane, Croydon CR9 3BT

! 18 yourenvironment May 2009 | Your Croydon

neighbourhood and estate recycling 830 centres across the borough. Climbing the John Bownas finds that, with recycling figures steadily improving, Croydon is upping its game Three still further with a view to hitting the target of 30% by the end of next year.

years ago, The council loves to And, showing that the for apparently looking just Croydon had say “thank you” to its council practices what it a bit too closely into some residents – and because so preaches, when a local of its residents’ recycling one of the worst many people are becoming newspaper reporter lifted boxes when doing a such keen recyclers they the lid on the recycling survey of selected streets rates in London, now have a real reason to boss’s own wheeled refuse to see how many people it has leapt from do so. bin, it was found that he were using the service. Three years ago, was doing everything by Rather than just noting 16% to 28% of all Croydon had one of the the book. which homes had put worst rates in London, While the council boxes out, council workers household but since then it has leapt is clear that it doesn’t also took a quick look waste being from 16% to 28% of all condone bin-snooping, inside some of them, as, household waste being that particular revelation with the lids on, it wasn’t kept out of kept out of landfill sites. was welcome as it further obvious that the boxes That’s a fantastic raised the profile of the were actually in use. landfill sites. achievement, and it importance of good But, as far as the proves that the residents recycling habits. council’s bosses are of Croydon really do care Of course, a press story concerned, even that about their environment. did later pick up Croydon minor infringement

Addiscombe resident Madeleine Sales is a regular recycler and welcomes the council’s service improvements: “Without the boxes my bin would be full – and I know it’s great for the environment, too.” Neighbourhood recycling centres: new bins and new signage www.croydon.gov.uk yourenvironment 19

properties now have access to the 125,000 green garden waste collection service. recycling hill

shouldn’t have happened Over the course of the past two years In addition to these improvements, the and they have given Croydon Council has: council intends in 2009/2010 to: assurances it won’t again. Cabinet member Phil • extended the twin • renewed all recycling • let a new contract • complete the final • continue to explore Thomas spelt it out: “As box recycling service bins and introduced for the management phase of offering options to expand far as I’m concerned, from 48,000 to new signage at of the three centres, residents living in the range of recycling is a service that we want to help people 125,000 properties; neighbourhood resulting in an blocks of flats access recyclables accepted use as fully as possible. recycling centres; increase in the to recycling bins; at the reuse and • extended the amount of waste recycling centres; “The last thing we • extend the number seasonal kerbside • upgraded each of recycled at each want to do is alienate of weeks that the • expand the green garden waste the borough’s three facility; people by having them seasonal green commercial recycling think we’re in any way collection service household reuse and garden waste will service, including invading their privacy. from 48,000 to recycling centres; • promoted the operate; a new co-mingled “Croydon is fortunate 125,000 properties; commercial waste collection service, to employ a lot of staff • extended the range recycling service. • increase the number initially for schools; who feel passionately • introduced recycling of recyclables that of clear garden- about recycling – but, more bins to residents, can now be accepted waste sacks from • work toward importantly, the borough is across the borough, at the borough’s two to a maximum achieving a 30% blessed with residents who living in blocks household reuse and of six for each recycling rate by are increasingly showing of flats; recycling centres; fortnightly collection; March 2010. that they also care just as much.” A long way from home Able to withstand the harshness of a British winter, these exotic visitors were found in a Croydon park.

They may look like your Meike said: “The as 1,200 eggs every year, average garden snail, species originates from and, because of that, it is but these two are big East Africa, and might illegal to release them or enough to raise the grow to a shell length of their eggs into the wild. eyebrow of anybody up to eight inches (20cm) If established in the happening across them, and a fully extended wild they could cause for they are a pair of length of one foot (30cm), extensive damage to giant African land snails. although the shells of agricultural crops and They were found our pair were only about would have an impact recently by countryside four inches long. on local wildlife. In the rangers in South Norwood “The recent cold US it is illegal to own Country Park. Luckily, snap probably didn’t them or introduce the the rangers weren’t bother them too much species into the country. too astonished by their as they can even survive Our pair are now appearance, and handed snow by aestivating, flourishing in their new them over to the council’s which is a similar home in Thornton Heath, community partnership state to hibernation. where they have taken officer, Meike Weiser. “They’re common as residence in an old baby Known to grow to classroom pets, as they’re bath until a suitable the size of a man’s fist, easy to keep – they’ll feed tank can be found. achatina fulica (as their on all types of soft fruit, Latest reports are mothers may know them) salad and cucumber.” that the two cats and is able to survive in Giant African land dog in residence have Britain’s climate despite snails are prolific breeders adjusted well to the its more exotic origins. and can produce as many new houseguests. Break for freedom: visitors found in South Norwood Country Park 20 youreducation May 2009 | Your Croydon

Now is the time that you should be giving serious thought about which school you’d like your child to attend. A very important decision

If your child was born between 1 September 2005 and 31 August 2006, or is due to start Year 6 in September, you will soon need to make important decisions about their school.

an internet connection. List the schools in the Staff at your local order you prefer them. children’s library will also You MUST apply even be able to help you. if you already have a child Voluntary-aided or attending your preferred foundation schools may school. require a supplementary You MUST apply for form, which must be primary school even if completed and returned your child attends the to the school by the attached nursery. closing date for If you are applying for applications. a secondary school School places are outside of Croydon you allocated according to must include this school admissions criteria, so be on your Croydon realistic about the schools application form; however you apply for. If you can’t applications for primary meet the criteria, you’re schools outside of not likely to get a place. Croydon must be made to You can select up to that borough directly or four primary schools in online. Croydon for the primary The deadline for Whether it’s your child’s Secondary Schools consider your comments reception class; and up to primary applications is first day of education, or Brochure; both are also and let you know of the six secondary schools can 4 December 2009; the step up from primary available online at www. decision. be chosen for children secondary applications to secondary, the decision croydon.gov.uk You can find out about aged 11 or over. must be lodged by of where to send them can Applications for local schools by obtaining Selecting more schools 23 October 2009. be worrying. primary schools can be a prospectus or visiting will improve your chances If you miss the Croydon Council does made from 14 September, the school’s website, but of getting an offer at one deadline, you will have to all it can to smooth the and for secondary actually attendance of the you prefer. wait for all places to be process, and now is the applications from 7 school’s open day/evening Selecting only one will offered before your time that you should be September. will give you first-hand limit your chances, and application is considered, giving serious thought To see the application knowledge. putting the same school and you could be left very about which school you’d criteria for 2010, visit Complete either a more than once will not disappointed. like your child to attend. www.croydon.gov.uk paper application form or raise your chances. For information or From September, the If you wish to object to an online application at It is wise to select at advice, contact the Primary Schools Brochure any of the criteria you can www.croydon.gov.uk/ least one school in which council’s choice adviser by will be available from write to the Office of the admissions you are likely to qualify calling 0845 1111100 or local primary schools. Schools Adjudicator until To apply online, all you for a place, even if that by sending an email Your child’s primary 31 July. need is an email address school is not your first or to child.care@croydon. school will send you the An adjudicator will and a computer that has second choice. gov.uk www.croydon.gov.uk youreducation 21

children hurt and seriously injured 10,556 on Britain’s roads in 2007. Stepping out for safety Oval Primary School has four new junior road safety officers who are on a mission to make sure their fellow pupils know how to stay street safe – and they found time to give Helen Parrott a few pointers.

Jessica Whitehurst and Mia Middleditch, both 10, and nine-year-olds André Hertczeg and Blake Payne have been picked to be in charge of road safety at their school after Pedestrians impressing head teacher Kate Toope with their can help ideas and enthusiasm. themselves They’ve just finished their first assembly, by wearing inviting Your Croydon along to watch them bright clothing, explain to a captive particularly audience how to cross the road safely. when it’s dark. Afterwards, they tell me that over the next year they plan to make sure their class mates get the message by giving monthly assemblies, going into classrooms and running exciting Green Cross competitions. They even hope to set Code up their own school When you walk newspaper. to school, to your Mia explains: “Road friend’s house or safety is an important anywhere at all, you issue; without it, the must follow six simple chances of being run over steps before crossing are dramatically the road. increased. Punching home the message – Jessica, Blake, Mia and André, helped by Tanya Marshall “Many UK primary These handy rules schools are participating “It’s a very big issue” He says: “The Green to be careful. “Drivers And they recognise are called the in a scheme called Junior Mia says. “You hear all Cross Code is something drive past even when that it’s not just children Green Cross Code Road Safety Officers to the time about kids really important when we you’re on a zebra crossing. that need to be street 1. First, find a safe make children, as well as getting knocked down cross the road, and I’ve “If you get to the safe. place to cross adults, more aware of the by cars. learnt what’s good and crossing you can’t leave it Jessica says: “You still the road consequences of not using “If you’re a short not that good about roads to chance that you’ll be have to think about the road safety and the 2. Stand on the person and you go out on in Croydon. safe – you still need to use Green Cross Code and benefits of using it.” pavement, near the Green Cross Code.” about others safety as Jessica says that the kerb Mia also advises that well as your own – even hundreds of schools In 2007, 73 children were killed, pedestrians can help when you’re with an 3. Look and listen for across the capital are themselves by wearing adult.” traffic and think involved in the JRSO 2,043 seriously injured and bright clothing, And André nods in about what you’re scheme, which gives 8,513 hurt on Britain’s roads particularly when it’s agreement when Tanya doing pupils an active role in dark, as drivers might be Marshall, the school’s road safety education and 4. Wait until it’s safe your own, and there’s a “The bad is that tired and may not easily lollipop lady, says parents the chance to get serious to cross. If you’re big jeep or lorry coming, sometimes drivers go spot them, and by not should learn how to cross messages across in a unsure, don’t cross they won’t be able to see through red lights instead using any items that may the road, too. fun way. you and that’s how of waiting for green lights be a distraction, such as Laughing, he adds: 5. Keep looking and And the message is, accidents happen.” so it’s important to make mp3 players. “But you still can’t stop listening as you indeed, serious. In 2007, Blake thinks the most sure they stop before you Jessica adds: “I think everyone because some cross the road 73 children were killed, important thing that they cross.” road safety is also about people don’t listen. I have 2,043 seriously injured 6. Walk straight can do as JRSOs is to tell André agrees but says being responsible on the to tell my mum every and 8,513 hurt on across the road – people about the Green it’s not just at pelican road, as well as knowing single time to stop going Britain’s roads. don’t run Cross Code. crossings that people need how to cross the road.” between the cars!” 22 yoursport May 2009 | Your Croydon

Workshops went alongside a football tournament bringing together young people from all over the borough, with a view to breaking down barriers. Cutting out knife crime Selhurst Park door swings open to welcome youngsters keen to turn their backs on youth violence.

Both workshops emphasised the notion that, with rights, come responsibilities and that we are all fully responsible for our attitudes and behaviour.

Caption

In addition to the of their actions. In attendance at place with no excuses from what they may have showpiece charity match As part of the work all workshops and being allowed. formerly considered to staged at Selhurst Park being delivered by the tournaments were The combination of be opposing postcodes, is recently, the Crystal trust, its coaches were a number of Palace workshops and football incredibly powerful and Palace Community Sports already involved in first-team players, tournament to let off serves to begin a vital Trust’s “Give the Red Card delivering workshops including Shaun Derry steam and safely bring process of change within to Knife Crime” campaign locally about the dangers and Clint Hill. together young people these young people. has been helping of the growing knife Another first-teamer, youngsters through culture in Croydon. Julian Speroni, said: successful workshops. The day’s sessions “This is a great project The “Red Card” took in workshops which is clearly targeting Sudoku initiative is a partnership educating the participants a local concern. between the trust, in the reality of knives “The club’s support Julian Speroni Crystal Palace FC, and violence, and shows how seriously Croydon Council and the consequences we view the problems the Metropolitan Police, inherent in these. of knife crime. and was developed in The workshops went “The workshop today response to the growing alongside a football was very powerful and concern shared by the tournament bringing really brought home partners around the together young people the risks associated escalating problem of from all over the with being involved knife crime locally. borough, with a view to with knife crime.” The rationale for the breaking down barriers. Both workshops initiative was to assist in The success of the emphasised the notion reducing the incidents “Give the Red Card to that, with rights, come involving youth-enabled Knife Crime” programme responsibilities and crime and knives in was built upon the huge that we are all fully Croydon, and providing draw of football and the responsible for our Croydon youngsters unique position Crystal attitudes and behaviour. with the facts and Palace Community Sports A great deal of information regarding Trust holds within the discussion around the consequences local community. decision making took The solution is on page 27. www.croydon.gov.uk yourfuture 23

Work experience has taught me that you get nothing done without communication and teamwork – teamwork’s really important. Hopeton Rose Students sample the world of work In times past, work experience might have been seen, by employers and students alike, as something of an imposition – things, though, have changed.

Jack Allen at Stubbs Mead: “It’s all about encouraging people to be greener.” Hopeton Rose (right), with Alan Hiscutt: “This has made me feel much more confident.”

Work experience is sides have been favourably Adam Day, of human experience student. about getting feedback an important facet impressed with each other. resources, said: “There “They get an invaluable from customers and of education. have been so many understanding of the real encouraging people I’d Knowing what to What the students said positive comments. The world – it’s a great way to to be greener. expect in the workplace, Lilian Arnold spent time business performance build their self-confidence “I enjoyed myself. certainly take where most students will at the council’s Taberner unit has never had a and independence. The days went really another student. spend the following five House headquarters work experience student “We all liked quickly – they’re more decades of their lives, is and its training centre before – this has been Hopeton – he was a exciting than school days. They have a good way to provide at Heathfield, in South the most successful joy to have around.” “Being treated as an the motivation they need Croydon, as part of a placement of all.” Hopeton Rose, Alan’s adult is really good.” amazing IT skills to stick to their studies. placement with the human Judy Pevan, from the student, enjoyed being Julie Daubeney, – one made lots Placements are resources department. department for adult placed with Dash. He depot manager at Stubbs organised by Croydon She said: “The services and housing said: “I’ve been answering Mead, said: “At first, there of appointments Education Business experience has motivated (Dash), said: “I’d certainly the telephone – this was slight resistance to Partnership on behalf me to achieve a degree take another student. has made me feel much having a student here, with clients for of secondary schools in psychology.” They have amazing more confident. but after working with us, and used across the borough, IT skills – one made “Work experience has Jack we’d definitely and they include What the council said lots of appointments taught me that you get take another one.” the Google map opportunities to work Janice Joannou, head of with clients for us, and nothing done without CEBP would like with Croydon Council, organisational development, used the Google map communication and to hear from schools to work out the one of the borough’s said: “I was very impressed to work out the most teamwork – teamwork’s and employers in the most efficient largest employers. with the calibre of the efficient visiting order.” really important.” Croydon area who wish Recently, Year 10 Selsdon High students. It Jack Allen spent to take advantage of visiting order. students from Selsdon was great to watch them What each said his work experience at the benefits of work High School have been grow in confidence. about the other Stubbs Mead recycling experience placements. getting to grips with “I would absolutely Alan Hiscutt, a supporting- depot, in Waddon. Please call Tony the work in some of recommend employer people manager for He said: “I thought Slonecki, partnership the council’s many engagement to other Dash, said: “I’d definitely it’d be dirty work, but manager, on departments, and both organisations.” take another work I’ve discovered it’s all 020 8395 3311. 24 yourbusiness May 2009 | Your Croydon

The EDC has been set up by the borough’s economic development partnership to lead the implementation of Croydon’s ambitions and far-reaching economic development strategy. No business like new business Major appointments announced at new company leading borough’s commercial thrust.

Barry Croydon’s new economic for the Department for provide a single voice development company Business, Enterprise and to lobby for investment and Tony are (EDC) has got off to an Regulatory Reform. and growth, particularly delighted by encouraging start with He was a partner at important in the current the appointment of two professional services firm economic climate. the prospect highly experienced and PricewaterhouseCoopers It has been set up by committed business for 17 years and is a the borough’s economic of working people to lead the newly former chair of the development partnership together in the launched organisation. Threshold Housing as a not-for-profit limited Joining as chief Association. company to build on new company executive is Tony Kildare, Both Barry, who successful partnerships currently a director of lives in Purley, and between the public, to improve Ernst and Young and Tony are delighted by voluntary and business Tony Kildare Barry Rourke the borough’s previously chief executive the prospect of working communities, and lead of South Yorkshire’s tourism, leisure, knowledge, particularly together in the new the implementation of economy. EDC, Renaissance. entertainment, in the construction, company to improve the Croydon’s ambitions and He has also held manufacturing and engineering and natural borough’s economy. far-reaching economic leading roles with financial services. resources sector. The EDC, which development strategy. the East Midlands Appointed chairman He is a board member receives public and Look out for profiles Development Agency is Barry Rourke, who has of Columbus Corp, a New private sector funding, on both newcomers and Scottish Enterprise substantial boardroom York-based acquisitions will transform how to Croydon’s business and his professional experience and broad company, and chairs Croydon goes about scene in the next issue background covers business and industry the audit committee promoting itself and will of Your Croydon. Little stars, big success Two enterprising women show that it is possible to start a successful business in the face of a hostile economic climate. Banks crash, pensions benefited from a visit most days – and, again, realised a dream in setting Collette said: “Since shrink and gloom abounds by the crime prevention we’ve had to develop a up their new business, opening in May last year, – but go no further than officer who gave them waiting list. they have also managed our business has expanded DIY Den Little Stars Childcare in security advice for the “We’re proud to say to increase their turnover very quickly, and we Hardware shop New Addington for proof premises. that we’ve achieved all substantially, added seven currently have a waiting opens in central that a new business can Their involvement with this with no advertising.” employees to their staff, list at the pre-school. grow and prosper in spite Croydon Enterprise also In a little over a year, and thrown in a six-fold “It’s been hard work Croydon. of the current economic led Samantha and Collette these hard-working young improvement in business and extremely stressful, Last month’s edition of downturn. to the New Addington women have not only growth for good measure. but definitely worth it.” Your Croydon carried Proprietors Samantha Croydon Adult Learning the story of Tish Warbey Coelho, 32, and Collette and Training (Calat) and how, in the face of Singers, 29, set up their Centre, and its proposed economic recession, she first pre-school in New childcare facilities. had used her years of Addington for children Showing excellent retail experience to launch aged over two in May business acumen, the her own business. 2007, and were soon full girls met with Rose- Unfortunately, in the to bursting. Marie Best, head of transition from computer Collette said: “Demand service and support at screen to printed page, has been so great that Calat, to discuss the the details of Trish’s we’ve had to turn away possibility of running the enterprise went missing many disappointed childcare centre, and, last from the article. parents until a space September, Little Stars So, if you’re in town becomes available.” ‘mach two’ was created. and in need of some A lot has happened Samantha and Collette counter-sunk screws, a to their business in the are delighted with the new broom, replacement past year. Following immediate success of their curtain track or any their association with new business. number of hardware the Croydon Enterprise Samantha said: “We goods, pop in to see Trish programme, Little Stars accept children aged from and her staff at DIY Den acquired a new sign six weeks up to eight years in St George’s Walk. for the business, and and we’re already full Childcare success: Collette Singers and Samantha Coelho www.croydon.gov.uk yourheritage 25

Heathfield Remembered: Jean Thorpe recorded her memories of Heathfield in her booklet Heathfield Remembered 1925-1965 a copy of which is available to read in Croydon’s local studies library, on the top floor of the Central Library, in Katharine Street. Lights, camera, Heathfield The TV spotlight falls on Heathfield House for a new BBC series.

The profile of one of Heathfield’s history Croydon’s grandest estates, Heathfield The Grade II Listed House, is set to rise as it mansion was built in is featured in a BBC TV the late 18th or early series, Shooting the War. 19th century, and is an The series, to be excellent example of a screened on digital “Ferme Ornée” (French for channel BBC4, is based ornamental farm). on amateur film shot in Its garden has a Britain and Germany working farm included in during the Second the overall design, which World War, and includes is itself planted with archive film shot by local ornamental hedgerows. businessman and then- The name Heathfield owner of Heathfield, first appears in an 1837 Raymond Riesco. tithe assessment for the Mr Riesco bought the parish of Addington, but it house and gardens at the is thought the house dates Heathfield House: left to Croydon Council after the death of Raymond Riesco top of Gravel Hill in 1925 from around 1815. and lived there until his In the 1840s the estate Heathfield was in some training centre, with the death in 1964, when he was sold to Thomas disrepair when Mr Riesco farm leased to a local The Riesco Collection left the estate and house Walters, then, in 1872, bought it around 1925. farmer and the woodland to the people of Croydon. to Charles Goschen who He agreed that managed by the London Raymond Riesco’s did not have a tail, so His daughter, Jean added it to his Ballards Croydon Council would Wildlife Trust. first collection was of he cut some hair from Thorpe, was interviewed estate. He leased it to his take over the estate after Since the storms of postage stamps, but he his own horse, Taffy, to for the series, which will brother Henry, one of the his death and display his 1987 and 1990, which refocused his attention create one. feature footage detailing last serving members of magnificent collection of caused the loss of 200 on to Chinese ceramics The Riesco her memories of that the East India Company. pottery. The collection trees in the 18-acre around the time of the Collection consists of time and of living at A former Mayor of of Chinese ceramics garden, the council’s parks Second World War. 230 items, dating from Heathfield. Croydon, Alderman now occupies a gallery department has been He did not travel the pre-Tang dynasty The archive footage Howard Houlder, bought in Croydon Clocktower, carrying out an extensive to China personally, to the Qing dynasty is supplemented by film the house in 1919, but which is open from restoration programme. buying most of the (2500BC to the 18th shot, in the grounds and was forced to sell it 11am to 5pm, Monday to As Your Croydon went ceramics through art century). The collection house, for the series by through bankruptcy. A Mr Saturday. to print, no broadcast date dealer and friend, includes 180 porcelain production company Costain then bought it, Heathfield House for Shooting the War had Edgar Bluett. items, 30 pieces of Available Light. but never lived there, so is currently used as a been finalised. During the war, Chinese stoneware Riesco wrapped many and 20 pieces of of the ceramics in earthenware, featuring newspaper and buried mainly vessels and them in his garden to figures of the highest prevent their being quality. damaged. Riesco kept careful One of the first records of his collection, items in the collection but had a relaxed was a figure of a attitude to damage horse. When it arrived and breakages, placing his children were emphasis on beauty and disappointed that it rarity. Copies of photographs Jean by Thorpe held Croydon by Local Studies Library and Archives Service Days of yore: a young Jean Thorpe helps out on the farm (second from right) 26 yourevents May 2009 | Your Croydon

Croydon Clocktower, A celebration of Katharine Street, Croydon ticket office:020 8253 1030 Tudor Croydon email: [email protected] text: 07771 837121 In 1509 Henry VIII became king. To celebrate the 500th anniversary of this historic event, Croydon Council is supporting the Hidden Treasures of the Mary Rose exhibition, at Whitgift Conference Centre, David Lean Cinema running until 7 August 2009. Doubt (15) Che: Part Two (15) Lea de Lonval (Pfeiffer) and In tandem with the exhibition, the council is running a Fri 1 & Sat 2, Mon 4 Wed 20 & Thur 21 May Cheri (Friend) – the son of season of Tudor-inspired events, taking place at Croydon to Thu 7 May Director: Steven Soderbergh, her old colleague and rival, Clocktower and in local libraries. Director: John Patrick 2008. Starring: Benicio Madame Peloux (Bates). All of these events are FREE and are suitable for a range Shanley, 2008 del Toro, Rodrigo Santoro, Synecdoche, New of audiences and interests. Starring: Meryl Streep, Demián Bichir, Catalina Philip Seymour Hoffman, Moreno. The second part York (15) tbc Full details of the exhibition and all events can be found Amy Adams. A progressive of Soderbergh’s remarkable Fri 29 & Sat 30, Mon 1 in a brochure available at borough libraries and by priest attempts to review portrait of Che Guevara to Thu 4 June visiting www.museumofcroydon.com the notorious disciplinary The Boat That Rocked (15) covers the period to his Director: Charlie Kaufman, practices of a school Fri 8 & Sat 9, Mon 11 capture and death. 2008. Starring: Philip Among the season’s highlights are: in the Bronx, bringing to Thu 14 May Seymour Hoffman, Tudor Family Day him into conflict with Director: Richard Curtis, 2009 Is Anybody There? (12A) tbc Catherine Keener. Theatre Sister Aloysius (Streep), Starring Rhys Ifans, Nick Fri 22 & Sat 23, Mon 25 director Caden Cotard Saturday 30 May, 11am to 3pm, free. Play the lute, who begins a crusade Frost, Bill Nighy, Philip to Thu 28 May receives a “genius grant” make your own jester bauble, and learn to be a fool at to reveal the clergyman Seymour Hoffman Director: John Crowley, 2008 for his work and moves our Tudor Family Day. The Queen’s Gardens, Katharine as a child molester. A comedy set in the British Starring: Thelma Barlow, his theatre company to a Street, Croydon. (In the event of bad weather, the day’s pirate radio revolution of Michael Caine, Linzey warehouse in New York events will be held in Croydon Clocktower, The Damned United (15) the 1960s. A band of rogue Cocker, Anne-Marie Duff, City to embark on an Katharine Street. Children under 12 must be Fri 1 & Sat 2, Mon 4 DJs captivate Britain, Garrick Hagon. The story ambitious on-going project accompanied by a parent or carer. to Thu 7 May playing the music that of Edward, a young boy based on constructing a Director: Tom Hooper, 2009 defined a generation, and whose parents have turned simulacrum of his life. Starring: Timothy Spall, stand up to a government their house into a retirement Museum Talks Martin Sheen, Jim Broadbent that, incomprehensibly, home. He becomes Encounters at the End of the World (PG) tbc All talks take place in the activities room on the ground The confrontational and prefers jazz. increasingly obsessed with Wed 3 & Thu June floor of Croydon Clocktower, running from 2.30 to 4pm. darkly humorous story of the ghosts and afterlives of Director: Werner Herzog, All are free and booking is advised to ensure a place, Brian Clough’s doomed Che: Part One (15) the residents when they die. 44-day tenure as manager Wed 13 & Thu 14 May 2007. Starring: Ryan Andrew call 020 8253 1030. of Leeds United. Director: Steven Soderbergh Shifty (18) tbc Evans, Werner Herzog • Tudor connections in Croydon – Tuesday 5 May. Starring: Benicio del Toro, Fri 22 & Sat 23, Mon 25 Scientists living and working Local historian Yvonne Walker, takes a look at the Rodrigo Santoro, Demián to Thu 28 May together in Antarctica face buildings, locations and people with Tudor links to Bichir, Catalina Moreno Director: Eran Creevy, 2008 an ongoing battle to keep Croydon. The first of this two- Starring: Daniel Mays, Riz body and mind functioning part biopic chronicles Ahmed, Francesca Annis, against extremes of • John Whitgift and his legacy to Croydon – how Castro’s initially Jason Flemying, Nitin temperature and isolation. Tuesday 2 June. Local historian Sue Turnbull, relates tiny army successfully Ganatra. After a lengthy the life and importance of this controversial Tudor Flame & Citron (15) overthrew Batista’s absence, Chris (Mays) returns Wed 6 May figure to modern Croydon. corrupt regime in Cuba. to the area he grew up in Director: Ole Madsen, 2008 on the outskirts of London Children’s and • The Old Palace in Tudor times – Tuesday 7 July. Starring: Stine Stengade, Slumdog Millionaire (15) to attend a party, but his The chair of the Friends of Old Palace, Barbara Bevan, family films Mads Mikkelsen, Fri 15 & Sat 16, Mon 18 main motive is to catch up looks at the fascinating history of this important Thure Lindhardt. to Thu 21 May with Shifty (Ahmed), the Jimmy Neutron: heritage building. In Nazi-occupied Director: Danny Boyle, 2008 best friend he left behind. Boy Genius (U) • John Whitgift’s Almshouses – Tuesday 4 August. Copenhagen 1944, Starring: Anil Kapoor, Irfan, Sat 2 May Join Ken Woodhams for an illustrated talk on this resistance fighters Flame Khan, Dev Patel, Freida Pinto Paris 36 (12A) Director: John Davis 2001 important Croydon landmark that has survived since (Lindhardt) and Citron Jamal Malik, an 18-year-old Wed 27 May Starring: Megan Cavanagh, the reign of Elizabeth I. (Mikkelsen) work undercover, orphan from the slums of Director: Christophe Mark Decarlo. The story of performing acts of sabotage Mumbai, is just one question Barratier, 2008. Starring: a super-intelligent pre-teen against Danish informers away from winning 20 million Gérard Jugnot, Clovis boy inventor and his faithful Historical Walking Tours until Flame is commanded rupees on India’s Who Wants Cornillac, Kad Merad. Three hound, Goddard, who Join our free guided tours highlighting some of the to execute his girlfriend To Be A Millionaire? show. unemployed stage workers undertake a daring rescue buildings and locations in Croydon with Tudor Ketty (Stengade) But how can a “slumdog” decide to occupy the music mission to battle evil aliens, connections. Tours depart at the stated time and last possibly know so much? hall where they worked save the Earth and return In The Loop (15) approximately 90 minutes. They are suitable for people until a few months ago to home in time for dinner. Fri 8 & Sat 9, Mon 11 of moderate fitness. If you have a disability, please advise Good (15) tbc produce a “hit show”. to Thu 14 May Happy Feet (U) us when booking so that we can ensure the tour is Fri 15 & Sat 16, Mon 18 Director: Armando to Thu 21 May Cheri (15) tbc Sat 9 May suitable for you. Booking is advised. Call 020 8253 Iannucci, 2009 Director: Vicente Fri 29 & Sat 30, Mon 1 Director: George Miller, 2006 1030. Starring: Steve Coogan, Amorim, 2008 to Thu 4 June Starring: Robin Williams, • Tudor Croydon with Chris Bennett – Thursday 23 James Gandolfini, Starring: Viggo Mortensen Director: Stephen Frears, Nicole Kidman, Hugh April, 10.30am, and Saturday 30 May, 10.30am and Tom Hollander Literary professor John 2009. Starring: Michelle Jackman. A penguin named 2.30pm. Meet at entrance of Croydon Clocktower, A razor-sharp political Halder explores his personal Pfeiffer, Kathy Bates, Rupert Mumble is born without the Katharine Street. comedy. A British Secretary circumstances in a novel Friend, Felicity Jones ability to sing the romantic of State (Hollander) • The Royal Road to Croydon with Brian Lancaster advocating compassionate Set in the luxurious demi- song that will attract his accidentally backs military – Monday 15 June, 7.30pm. Meet at Thornton Heath euthanasia. Backing for monde of pre-First World War soul mate, so resorts to action on prime-time TV Station. the book from powerful Paris, Cheri tells the story of some fancy footwork to and suddenly has a lot of political figures leads to the love affair between the tap dance his way into the friends in Washington. devastating consequences. beautiful retired courtesan heart of his loved one. yourevents yourdiary 27

Fairfield, Park Lane, Croydon CR9 1DG Details of all Croydon Box Office 020 8688 9291 Council meetings can be Book online at www.fairfield.co.uk found on the council website where you can choose your own seats. at www.croydon.gov.uk/ A booking fee of £2.25 per ticket may apply meetingsofthecouncil Fairfield Dates for your diary Council Buddy – The Buddy Bill Junior is shown in full. Heather Small & Snake Holly Story (Ages: nine and over). Davis Band Meeting: Monday, 18 May, 6.30pm Tuesday 5 to Saturday Tickets: £13.50, £14.50. Tuesday 19 May 8pm 9 May; Tue, Wed, & Sat Children £9.50 Heather performs a mixture To submit a question (maximum number of words: 50) for consideration at a full council 7.30pm; matinees Wed of blues and jazz standards. meeting, email it to [email protected]; fax it to 020 8760 5657; print and & Sat 2.30pm, Fri 5pm Jools Holland And His Tickets: £26.50, £28.5 complete the form at www.croydon.gov.uk/councilquestion and post it to Questions for the & 8.30pm Rhythm & Blues Band council, Democratic and legal services, Taberner House, Park Lane, Croydon CR9 3JS; or call The man who changed Thursday 14 May 8pm The Solid Silver 60s Show 020 8726 6000 extn 63876. the face of popular music Featuring Gilson Lavis, Ruby Thursday 21 May 8pm tragically died in a plane Turner & Louise Marshall, Featuring the unforgettable crash 50 years ago, aged plus special guest Dave talents of The Searchers, just 22. Buddy tells the story Edmunds. Merseybeats, Wayne Neighbourhood partnership of the three years in which Tickets: £26.50, £28.50 Fontana and very special Neighbourhood partnership meetings (start at 7.30pm) he became the world’s top guest John Walker (of the Meeting: 12 May Group: Purley and Kenley recording artist. Walker Brothers). London Mozart Venue: Christ Church Hall, Brighton Road, Purley Tickets: £23.50, £25.50, Wed Players Jane Glover’s Tickets: £19.50, £21.50 Matinee £21.50, Under 16s Birthday Concert Meeting: 13 May Group: South Norwood and Selhurst £18.50 Saturday 16 May 7.30pm Royal Philharmonic Venue: BRIT School, 60 The Crescent, Selhurst 2009 marks significant Orchestra – Great Piano Paul Merton’s birthdays for both the Concertos, Beethoven Meeting: 20 May Group: Sanderstead, Croham and Selsdon & Ballards Silent Clowns LMP and its former artistic Wednesday 27 May Venue: St John the Divine Church Hall, Upper Selsdon Road Tuesday 12 May 7pm director Jane Glover, who 7.30pm Meeting: 27 May Group: Addiscombe, Woodside and Ashburton Join Paul as he screens returns to the orchestra Pianist Freddy Kempf joins hilarious extracts from the to conduct two fantastic the RPO for Beethoven’s Venue: St Mildred’s Centre, Bingham Road, Addiscombe very best silent comedians. heroic Emperor Concerto. Mozart symphonies. For information on Neighbourhood Partnerships, visit the website at www.croydononline.org/ Buster Keaton’s Steamboat Tickets: £10 - £29.50 Tickets: £10 - £29.50 neighbourhood_partnerships/, email [email protected], write to Neighbourhood Partnerships, Democratic and legal services, Taberner House, Park Lane, Clocktower Croydon CR9 3JS or call 020 8726 6000 extn 62564 or 62811. The Factory Todd Gordon & Tina May historians Alison Weir, Marc Croydon Community Police Consultative Group Wed 6 May 7.30-8.40pm sing Frank & Ella Morris, David Boyle and Alice Meetings of the Croydon Community Police Consultative Group are held in the Council Chamber Presented by Precarious Fri 15 May 7.30-9.20pm Hogge debate who deserves of the Town Hall. All are open to the public and begin at 6.30pm. For further information, go to Exploring themes such as the Two of Britain’s most the title of Britain’s Greatest www.croydononline.org/ccpcg commercialisation of the outstanding artists perform a Monarch. £6 (£5 concessions) female body, the power of sincere homage to the Forthcoming meeting dates are: Thursday, 7 May advertising and the musical genius of Frank London Mozart Players importance of possessions Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. Fri 22 May 3.30-4.45pm Details of all Croydon Council meetings can be found on the council website at www.croydon. and fame, this show attempts £12 (£9 concessions) The LMP Chamber Ensemble gov.uk/meetingsofthecouncil to awaken the most will perform a programme of gluttonous consumer to the Britain’s Greatest delightful works for clarinet, true value of life. Monarch Debate piano and strings. A fantastic £7.50 (£6 concessions) Mon 18 May 7.30-9.00pm way to start the bank holiday Join us as bestselling weekend! £12 Arabella Weir – Does My Bum Look Big in This? Sudoku solution Contact us Mon 11 May 7.30-9.00pm Her readings are very funny, General enquiries Registration services Adult social services inclusive, and a great girls’ (customer contact T: 020 8726 6300. T: 020 8726 6500. night out, followed by a Q &A centre) F: 020 8760 5633 F: 020 8633 9428 session and after-show book T: 020 8726 6000. register.office@croydon. E: referral.team2@ signing. £12 (£9 concessions) Opening hours 8am-7pm gov.uk croydon.gov.uk (Monday), 8am-6pm Dancing on Your Grave (Tuesday-Friday). Revenues and Benefits Business advice and Wed 13 May 7.30-9.20pm Minicom: 020 8760 5797 T: 020 8726 7000. council partners Presented by The E: contact.thecouncil@ F: 020 8667 8440 T: 020 8726 6600. Cholmondeleys and The croydon.gov.uk E: croyctax@croydon. Featherstonehaughs gov.uk (council tax)E: Life in the community This all-singing, all-dancing Housing [email protected]. T: 020 8726 6700. music hall experience T: 020 8726 6100 uk (housing benefit) features music written E: [email protected] Planning and building and performed onstage by Children, youth, families control composer Steve Blake Environmental reporting and schools T : 020 8726 6800. and ukulele bashing minstrel T: 020 8726 6200. T: 020 8726 6400. F : 020 8760 5406 Nigel Burch E: contact.thecouncil@ F: 020 8633 9441 (only if E: planning.control@ £7.50 (£6 concessions) croydon.gov.uk making a child referral) croydon.gov.uk What’s your vision for the future of Croydon?

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