THE RIDDLESDOWN R E C O R D E R A half-yearly publication of the Riddlesdown Residents’ Association No. 189 October 2009
Members of the Purley Riddlesdown Townswomen’s Guild
INSIDE: Farmland for sale z Mitchley Woods z Commuter parking z Planning applications z Police matters Croydon’s core strategy z Common knowledge PLUS: William Pitt and his taxes z Fun day pictures Danger underground z Jam not Jerusalem ...and more
1 RIDDLESDOWN RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION THE COMMITTEE Vice-President: Mrs H.Kiernan
Brian Longman Bernard Munn Chairman Treasurer 8657 8374 8657 0535 [email protected] [email protected]
Phil Thomas Karen Whitehead Planning Secretary 8668 3815 8668 8677 [email protected]
John Rapp Nick Bygrave Membership, Road Stewards Editor, Riddlesdown Recorder; and Transport Website Administrator 8660 0787 8660 9531 [email protected]
Janice Kedwards Bill Whitmarsh Social 8660 2178 8668 2011
Frankie Wheeler Fred Wallis 8660 3886 8668 7837 [email protected]
Mavis Wilder Monica Pugh 8668 3579 8660 6008 [email protected]
Derek Gutteridge 8660 2584
Cover photograph: Members of the Purley Riddlesdown Townswomen’s Guild. From left to right: Joan Winter, Elizabeth March, Kay Williams, Marjorie Quested, Norma Peck, Elsie Piller, Doreen Gear, Anne Moore, Jean Mackenzie, Margaret Frankland, Brenda Chapman, Freda Frost, Pat Gilbert. See ‘Jam Not Jerusalem’ on Page 35 EDITOR’S NOTES CONTENTS John Jeffrey-Cooke’s article on William Pitt Page and his taxes may appear to have little to do News and Committee Reports 4 with Riddlesdown in the 21st century but taxes are still with us and, at least to me, an admirer of Pitt the Younger since school, the subject is Common knowledge 15 very interesting. Also, there is a distant connection with the area – Pitt lived at a house near Keston, and the oak tree where A resident writes... Wilberforce resolved to abolish the slave trade 17 is near there. More to the point, John’s article represents another successful endeavour to get residents, William Pitt and his taxes 19 both present and former, to write about what interests them. I am sure there are many more of you with knowledge of any number of Fun Day pictures 22 different things that the Riddlesdown Recorder would benefit from. Please help me to keep these pages full by writing articles for them. Early Recollections Part 2 26 It is an innovation to feature on the cover of the Riddlesdown Recorder a photograph of people – in this case, members of the Purley Danger underground 29 Riddlesdown Townswomen’s Guild. It is a change from the usual views of the area and one worth repeating. Riddlesdown Collegiate report 33 So if there are any other local groups whose members would like to be cover-ladies, - gentlemen, -girls or -boys, please get in touch. St.Edmund’s Caring Group 34 I might ask you write an article about your group to accompany the photograph. As usual, it seems premature to mention Jam not Jerusalem 35 Christmas at this time of year but the Committee sends to all residents its best wishes for the season and for 2010. Community pages 39 Nick Bygrave
You may write to Riddlesdown Residents’ Association at any of the following: 66 Westfield Avenue, Sanderstead, CR2 9JU 43 Westfield Avenue, Sanderstead, CR2 9JZ 37 Buttermere Gardens, Purley, CR8 1EJ 44 Riddlesdown Avenue, Purley, CR8 1JJ Please mark your letter with the committee member’s name, if applicable. You can also use the Website Message Board’s open or private email facilities. RRA Notice Boards are situated by Riddlesdown Pharmacy, by the Church Hall and by Saban’s Newsagents. We also use the boards on St. Edmund’s Green and in the station waiting room. Website: www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk. Email: [email protected] 3 NEWS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS Welcome to the October edition of the almost as we were going to print, the Riddlesdown Recorder. land mentioned in the first article It is with a sense of relief I have to below came up for sale. This could be report that the last six months have a significant event, hence ‘we held the been reasonably quiet in Riddlesdown. front page’ to give our current view of However, as you can read below, one what is happening. item, Mitchley Woods, continues to Brian Longman, Chairman RRA dominate Association business. And, FOR SALE: MITCHLEY AVENUE AND MITCHLEY HILL LAND The Association has learnt that Taylor to an uplift provision whereby 25% of any Wimpey (formerly Laings) have put their uplift in the value of the site, arising from substantial land holding of 73 acres in the granting of planning permission for Riddlesdown up for sale. Currently, the any non-agricultural uses, will be payable majority of this land, around 50 acres, is to the vendor. This uplift provision will farmland, which is let to a local farmer. apply for a period of 80 years and will One plot is the 26-acre field off Mitchley hopefully deter any potential speculators Hill/Rectory Park and the other plot is the who might be hoping for a quick profit. 24-acre field off Mitchley Avenue, With this news breaking only days There are three smaller plots, including before printing the Recorder, we cannot at the unmade section of Dunmail Drive and this stage report more details. However we land off it, ranging from two to 12 acres, are opening discussions with other and another plot on the west side of interested parties, including local Honister Heights, of 4.7 acres. Taylor councillors, Croydon Council, Corporation Wimpey are looking for a price in excess of London, Riddlesdown School, and local of £535,000 for all the plots. They are land leaseholders, to consider the options. prepared to sell them as a whole, or My final thought would be that, if one alternatively as six lots. The only good of the largest house builders in the UK is news is that all the land is within the selling the land, there is little chance of it Metropolitan Green Belt and the farmland being developed for housing in the is classified as Grade 3 agricultural land immediate future. We shall report any according to the MAFF (the former further developments via our web site and agriculture ministry – now DEFRA) notice boards. Brian Longman classifications. We also understand that the freehold of the farmland is subject to a Farm Business Tenancy until 2013. The sale is also subject MITCHLEY WOODS In the last edition of the Recorder, I made a bid for the plot. Unfortunately, mentioned that a four-acre plot of while our bid was above what was woodland had recently come back on the considered a reasonable price for the land, market and, while still over-priced, was it was rejected. Shortly after this the land beginning to approach a more sensible was once again removed from the market. valuation. We are currently investigating if the plot The Association took advice on current has been sold to a new owner. woodland valuations and subsequently With the field adjacent to Mitchley Hill 4 now divided into 32 small plots and sold served on the front field. This is to individual owners, and Mitchley Woods particularly useful in safeguarding the also divided and owned by various owners, visual amenity of a green belt site by the question of who owns what is removing any entitlement to undertake complex. development that would ordinarily not The Association, conscious of the need require planning permission. to fully understand the situation, took the We are hopeful that knowing the details decision to commission a small low cost of all the land owners will help us in our land survey of the area. This is to ensure efforts to ensure the fences around the we are fully aware of all the land field remain secure and in good condition. ownership details, including any We have already approached Croydon for relationships the plots might have with their help footpaths and rights of way. in this. Having said this, it is worth pointing out Since our formation in 1937, the that all the land remains firmly in the Association has on many occasions, green belt and as such is protected from needed to defend the open and pleasant certain types of development. aspect of Riddlesdown and with your help In addition, a tree preservation order we will continue to do so. (TPO) has been issued on the whole of Brian Longman Mitchley Woods and an Article 4 has been ‘IMAGINE CROYDON’ CROYDON’S NEW CORE STRATEGY Croydon Council is currently reviewing its associated with climate change planning requirements for the next 20 and growth. years. The strategy is intended to ensure The Council is currently looking to the that there are enough homes, shops, jobs, public for any comments on the schools, health, and leisure and recreation document. Copies can be obtained from facilities, but also outlines how the Council www.croydon.gov.uk/corestrategy or by intends to protect the environment. About telephoning 020 8407 1385. All comments one-third of Croydon’s area is Green Belt should be made to the Council before the or Metropolitan Open Land and with end of September 2009. This may be just many areas, like Mitchley Woods, of high after you receive this copy of the Recorder visual quality, it is essential that your views but it doesn’t matter if you miss this are considered as part deadline. The report sets out Croydon’s of this process. initial thinking and is intended to get the The consultation document called debate going. Following the initial ‘Imagine Croydon’ asks a series of consultation, a second report will be questions on a broad range of issues from produced around February for a second transport to Green Belt. public consultation before final On the Green Belt, the report makes publication. Don’t miss your chance to several comments, one being that the have your say. The RRA itself will be Green Belt and Metropolitan Open Land responding to the document . is safeguarded for the future, but with Brian Longman and Phil Thomas appropriate uses that support measures to tackle the issues
Our website: www riddlesdownresidents.org.uk
5 NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE PANEL Many of you by now will have seen reduce the level of burglaries in our the headline that homeowners in Croydon community. are among the most likely to be burgled in Remember that many of the burglaries Britain. Our Neighbourhood Police Panel, are via unlocked doors and open widows, introduced in 2006, meets four times each so make sure you are locked up. year to represent the views of local If you need to contact our local residents on local policing issues. police team their number is Burglaries have been and continue to be 020 8721 2470 but remember that this high on our list of priorities. At this point number is not intended for emergencies I think I need to praise the work of our (use 999). Brian Longman local neighborhood police team who have been extremely proactive in their efforts to RRA COMMITTEE I am sure that you will all agree that we are positive comments I receive from extremely fortunate to have the services of residents, he produces a magazine that is Nick Bygrave on our committee. For the both interesting and informative. last 10 years, Nick has not only been our Well done, Nick. Treasurer and, for the last six, editor of The Association is pleased to announce the Riddlesdown Recorder but he also that Bernard Munn, a recently joined manages our extremely professional web member to the committee, was elected to site. It was therefore not a surprise when the position of Association Honorary Nick at the last AGM, decided to step Treasurer. The committee welcomes new down from his role as members; it is not hard work and if you Treasurer. The good news is that Nick has are interested or would like more agreed to continue with his role as Editor information please give me a ring. of the Recorder and Administrator of the Brian Longman web site. On behalf of the Association, I would like to thank him for all his hard work and, judging by the number of PLANNING AND REGULATORY MATTERS As usual, all the planning applications in the RRA area are updated weekly on our website www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk. There is a message board on this site which also provides some useful information and discussions from many local residents. All residents are welcome to view the message board; however, to post any message you will first need to register in a simple process. Phil Thomas, RRA Planning Officer PLANNING APPLICATIONS There does seem to be a decrease in the last issue; they now increase the scope of number of applications now being work that owners can undertake without submitted locally; this is probably due to planning permission. the new Planning Regulations (General However, so that you don't contravene Permitted Development Order 2008) that any planning requirement and hinder any came into force on possible sale of your property at a later 1 October 2008. Councillor Yvette Hopley date, it is always best to check with the reviewed these revised regulations in our Planning Department before commencing 6 any extension. Building Regulation and 6pm and Saturday between 8am and 1pm consent will usually be needed and also only. sometimes the requirements of the Party Sundays and Bank Holidays should have no Wall Act apply. noisy work at any time. Vehicles and deliveries This Act is usually applicable to any entering and leaving a site should also comply with work on a party wall and for any these hours.’ excavation, like foundations, that are dug Any contravention of noise issues can within either three or six metres of an be reported to Croydon’s Pollution adjoining property. The person carrying Enforcement Team on 020 8760 5483. out the work should get the written These noise restrictions generally do not agreement of any adjoining owners before apply to home improvements, such as commencing. DIY, unless they are continuous and Homeowners having work carried out unreasonable. should also ensure that their building Details and progress of significant contractors comply with the Council’s planning applications follow. Code of Practice: ‘The Control of Phil Thomas Pollution and Noise from Demolition and Construction Sites’. The Code of Practice says: ‘where residential occupiers are likely to be affected by noise, the hours of noisy work should be restricted to Monday to Friday between 8am 71B Mitchley Avenue No. 75) – he did amend his application in As reported last time, an application for a a number ways to try and alleviate local change of use for this new ground-floor concerns and he ought to be praised for shop, which has recently been built doing this. adjoining Saban's Newsagents, was Because Ward Councillor Lynne Hale submitted in mid-January. The change of also objected, the matter was reported at use requested was for a fish and chip shop the Planning Committee on 30 April 2009. and for new ducting at the rear. The Planning Officers in their report were This application was met with a recommending approval of the scheme mixed response by local residents. The and after due discussion, the Planning RRA appreciated that a number of Committee agreed with their Officers and residents welcomed the scheme but granted approval. there were a few who were against it. However, the Committee decided that However there were only two objections the premises could only be open from to the Planning Department about this 11.30am to 2.30pm and 4.30pm to 10pm application, one of which was from the on Monday to Saturday to try and stop RRA. The Principal of Riddlesdown school children waiting around the area School and the Police also raised some after school closing. Litter bins will have to issues. be provided in the immediate locality and The main points of concern were: the applicant has also agreed with the additional litter in the neighbourhood; RRA to undertake a litter pick, within school children congregating around the about 100 metres of the shop, at the end parade of shops, mainly after school; of each day. He has also agreed to install regular unhealthy eating for school additional filters within the ducting to children; general noise and disturbance; reduce the smells from the fryers. parking issues and cooking smells from The Planning Officers and Committee the shop. To be fair to the applicant – Mr did not agree that parking would be an Ouanounou, (the owner of the Cafe at issue, especially in Copthorne Rise, and 7 made no conditions in this respect. This submitted and the Council refused this. will have to be monitored and, if The application went to appeal again and necessary, with the agreement of residents on 31 March 2009, the Planning Inspector and shopkeepers, we will revert back to allowed the development to go ahead. the Council's Parking Division later. The second location was at No 68 and The RRA and Councillor Lynne Hale was for a third application, for a two- (whom we thank for her help) and others bedroom detached chalet bungalow at the in the local community have worked in rear, and parking. The applicants appealed conjunction with Mr Ouanounou to try on the Council’s refusal of the application and overcome some of these concerns and the Planning Inspector upheld the and to get the best deal for local residents. Council’s decision and dismissed the We hope it will be to everyone’s appeal on 4 March 2009. satisfaction. Purley Fire Station Woodland adjoining 108/110 Lower I reported a year ago that outline planning Barn Road (The Parade of Shops) permission had been granted for the As far as we are aware, very little seems to demolition of the existing fire station and have progressed on the proposed new the erection of a replacement, comprising development since we reported in the last appliance bays for two vehicles, a three- issue. storey drill tower and ancillary As you may recall, we advised that the accommodation. Planning Inspector had given the go-ahead It will also feature an area where Fire for this controversial scheme to build ten Personnel can meet local people and pass 2-bedroom flats and ten car parking on safety advice. spaces. However this The London Fire Brigade recently development can only be occupied after submitted a full planning application and the O2 mast, currently sited on the the Council approved this. It is not yet pavement, is moved, probably to the clear as to what will happen while the new new car park within the development. This station is being built. will again involve a new planning application for the resiting of the mast. Tesco’s wind turbine We understand that the Purley Downs As reported last time, Tesco submitted an Golf Club is currently trying to find a application, for the siting of a 10.6m high developer to purchase this land. Any (35 ft), 6 kilowatt wind turbine in their car updates we hear of will be reported on park, just on the western side of the petrol our website. station. The Council recently approved this application, so we wait with interest to 68 and 81 Westfield Avenue see whether there will be enough wind in As reported in previous issues, a number this valley to turn the blades. Obviously of planning applications have been with the increase of the UK’s power submitted for two back-land developments requirements over the next few years and in this road. The first was at No 81, which very few new mainstream power stations had two previous applications turned being built, I’m sure in the very near down by the Council and one of them future, on a cold, frosty, wind free, refused on winter’s day when a huge area of high appeal. A third application for the erection pressure is sitting over the UK, we will of a three-bedroom detached hear the announcement from the National chalet bungalow at rear, the formation of Grid that ‘there is currently no power vehicular access onto Copthorne Rise and available at the moment, due to a severe provision of associated parking was wind shortage which has stopped all the 8 wind turbines rotating throughout the drawing with their letter and is intended to country’! be sited behind 91/93 Wind power needs support from other Brancaster Lane, adjacent to the track, on sources of power, which means for every the golf course side. However at the time, wind farm built, there should be a coal, in April 2008, that Network Rail advised gas or nuclear power station available to the Council of their intentions, they seem support these wind farms on windless to have got the address incorrect and days. referred to it as rear of 91/93 Lower Barn Rd. Network Rail mast at rear of 91/93 Network Rail basically said in their letter Brancaster Lane of 11 May 09 that the works will be Network Rail caused some confusion in carried out within four months and will be May by writing to some residents in Lower undertaken mainly through daytime Barn Road, near to Riddlesdown Station, working, unless otherwise notified. about the new 15m radio communication Phil Thomas mast that they intend to install. I reported in the October 2008 issue about this; the mast is solely for communication by the train operators on the rail network. It was shown correctly positioned on the REGULATORY MATTERS How big is your garage? the existing guidance of A decade after the Government 5m x 2.5m, which has been in place since ordered developers to discourage car the 1930s. They also propose that there ownership by making it difficult to park should be larger driveways, more parking on new housing, one local authority, Essex spaces per dwelling, bigger County Council, has now produced a new on-street bays and more visitor parking. guidance that acknowledges that the policy Any home with two or more has failed. Far from reducing car usage, bedrooms will require at least the policy has turned some modern two spaces. developments into obstacle courses for A number of other Local Authorities both pedestrians and motorists. have shown an interest in these proposals. Essex County Council found that This is in stark contrast to Croydon’s planning guidance imposed by this current policy of a maximum of one Government had created a severe shortage space per flat and, in some cases, no of spaces in many developments. Families spaces, which can cause no end of on- had not responded by giving up their street parking problems. It is also going to second or third cars, but were parking on be a major problem for on-street parking narrow residential roads, thereby blocking for the new flats development to be built access for emergency services and refuse in Lower Barn Road, but this is one aspect collection vehicles etc. In a survey, the that the Planning Inspector ignored. Council found that 78% of garages were Croydon also need to amend this policy in not being used to garage vehicles because their new planning review, which is the trend towards larger cars and 4x4s currently being undertaken, to try and meant that many vehicles did not fit clear our cluttered roads of parked cars! through the 6.5ft door and within the Environmental Issues – Report It! space. They propose that new garages We have a fairly regular dialogue with the should in future be 7m x 3m, rather than Council on various environmental issues in
9 the area like litter, street cleaning, blocked I don’t know about you, but I seem to road gullies, grass verges, broken and have noticed an increasing number of missing bollards, potholes in roads and HGVs and large coaches (PSVs) now faint white road markings, particularly using our residential roads, in particular give-way lines at road junctions. With the Coombe Wood Hill, Brancaster Lane, help of Councillor Lynne Hale, we have Riddlesdown Road, and roads leading up recently had some success with the to Riddlesdown School via Ingleboro Council in getting bollards replaced in Drive, Derwent Drive and Honister Lower Barn Road to protect the grass Heights. Although Mitchley Hill and verges from parking, and also having the Rectory Park are classed as ‘A’ roads, there white and yellow lines repainted. We are are still restrictions on the times that some still pursuing them for works to of these vehicles can use them. other grass verges in some streets and the The London Lorry Control scheme appalling state, in particular at most road controls the movement of any heavy junctions, of white give-way line markings. goods vehicles over 18 tonnes maximum We have also had success in getting the salt weight, at night and at weekends. The bin at the Lower Barn Road junction with times of restriction are between 9pm and Coombe Wood Hill replaced. It was 7am Monday to Saturday and Saturday removed by them a number of years ago from 1pm through Sunday to 7am and caused severe inconvenience to an Monday. ambulance, on an emergency call, in the This ban also applies to the full size snow of early February. refuse vehicles which should not be in our We are also trying to get them to residential streets before 7am. The undertake weekend cleaning of a number operators of these vehicles can apply for of streets, within a 500m radius of the permits to travel on these roads in the station, which are constantly parked in restricted period but they must have good during the week by commuters. reasons to do so. Croydon Council locally However we are unable to report every monitors the lorry control scheme and all defect in the Riddlesdown area. So if you breaches of this Lorry Control should be know of any problem, such as an reported to them. abandoned car, road defect, blocked road A number of roads on the west side of gully, a loose, broken or defective manhole Purley, and also to Grasmere Road and cover, defective street light or any Warren Road, now have restrictions environmental problem, then please report banning vehicles over 7.5 tonnes (unless it to the Council and help improve the area delivering in the street) and it is maybe for all concerned. This can be done either something that needs to be monitored and through their website - reported to the Council for action to some www.croydon.gov.uk and go to ‘Report It’ roads within our area. Perhaps some on the right side, or telephone 020 8726 residents would like to start a discussion 7100 or about this on the message board on our 020 8726 6200. website. We would also like thank the increasing There also seems to be an increasing number of local residents who are now number of PSVs collecting and dropping walking around the streets clearing paper, off children from Riddlesdown Collegiate, litter etc., and also the resident who keeps reversing the railway bridge in Lower Barn Road along Honister Heights from the Derwent clear of graffiti. Drive junction. This is probably because the school doesn’t permit turning within HGVs, PSVs and overnight parking the school grounds and there is nowhere
10 for them to turn in Dunmail Drive. serve a notice on the household and, if This seems to me to be an extremely necessary, undertake the work themselves dangerous practice and an accident waiting by removing the danger and charging the to happen. Be warned! owner accordingly. All the London Boroughs also currently So check if your vegetation is ban any commercial vehicle over five overhanging the pavement and, if so, then tonnes gross weight and vehicles with please arrange to cut it back to level with more than 12 passenger seats from parking your boundary. within their residential roads overnight If you want to report an overhang at a between the hours of 6.30pm and 8am, particular property to the council, it can be Monday to Sunday. A vehicle over five done on the council’s website by going to tonnes, is normally (but not always) the Report It section and then ‘Street recognised as one that has four wheels on Pavement Obstruction’ and following the the rear axle (rather than two) and a plate online instructions. somewhere on the vehicle (which maybe in Alternatively, you can telephone the the cab) displaying the maximum gross Council on 020 8686 4433. weight. There are a few of the yellow and Noisy Diesel Train black signs, usually fixed to some From November of last year, some streetlights in every street, advising of this residents noticed an extremely noisy diesel overnight parking restriction. We have train travelling through the area, causing heard of a number of complaints that noise and vibration problems, particularly vehicles over five tonnes are parking in for those living above the tunnel. We some streets in between these hours. reported this problem to Southern on a Croydon Council’s Parking Division number of occasions and one particular enforces any contravention here and any diesel train was identified. On 17 April, enquiry should be directed to them, on this train caught fire at Hurst Green 020 8760 7100. Station, with 600 people having to be Overhanging hedges, shrubs and trees evacuated. We receive complaints and comments Southern are still investigating the cause about the number of households within of the fire, which was a catastrophic the area, particularly in the summer failure of one of the wheel bearings, and months, who allow vegetation from their hopefully this has now ended the problems gardens to overhang the pavement and for those affected. public footpaths. Phil Thomas This vegetation can cause inconvenience particularly for people with buggies, in wheelchairs, the disabled and more importantly the visually-impaired, who could walk directly into it and injure themselves. All property occupiers are legally responsible for ensuring that this does not happen and could have damages awarded against them by a court for an injury. The Council also has the power to WATCH THE NOTICE BOARDS FOR DETAILS OF THE CHILDREN’S FANCY DRESS PARTY 11 KITCHEN AND BATHROOM SHOWROOM POPULAR RANGES, & KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF
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12 TRANSPORT The Colours of Autumn number of major projects. Autumn is a season of changing colours It is already a time for anyone changing and, over the next few years, the glory of at East Croydon to become a train spotter, the trees will not be alone as the colours as it is much less easy to rely on train type of the trains we use will become more or colour having a relationship with a varied. particular destination. Please, to avoid The new Southern Railway franchise reaching unexpected destinations, read the runs for only five years and ten months dot matrix information and listen to from 20 September 2009. announcements. While it could be extended up to a Further notes can be found on the further two years, at the moment it ties in Association’s website. John Rapp with the completion times of a MEMBERSHIP Living in Riddlesdown has many Ambulance Car being raced by a few cars advantages, including Riddlesdown itself. It as it was going towards Sanderstead for its is special that so much beauty – I saw an next task did worry me. adult badger in the woods earlier this year Hopefully, none of us has been – is so close to the urban world that most photographed by the camera of us use for work and shopping. we already have, but I can see the day, Our main road is Mitchley Avenue. We when, to control through-traffic, can easily get to and leave Riddlesdown, we have a camera on each side of Mitchley but, sadly, so can others Avenue. John Rapp and the sight one evening of an active RRA FUN DAY 2009 I think this year’s Fun Day was the biggest rides, fun races and more. If you are not and most successful ever with close to convinced, look at pages 22/23 and on 1000 people enjoying a picnic on the our website for pictures of this year’s Fun Downs and relaxing to the cool sounds of Day. If you missed out this year, check the a great jazz band. There were donkey next Recorder for the 2010 date. rides, Punch and Judy, swing boats, tractor Brian Longman
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14 COMMON KNOWLEDGE by Barry Gutteridge, City of London Ranger, Riddlesdown Common Promoting responsible dog the Riddlesdown Residents’ Association ownership Family Fun Day, monthly volunteer While most of the open spaces and parks projects, and educational visits by schools in the area are starting to quieten down as and beaver groups. In recognition of the nights draw in and the weather starts Riddlesdown as a vibrant community looking a bit wintry, the number of resource, the site has once again been visitors to Riddlesdown tends to increase awarded a Green Flag. The independently- at this time of year. judged Green Flag Award scheme This is because of the all-weather recognises the very best parks and open facilities provided in the form of a large spaces in the country, and this is the car park, and nearly two miles of surfaced seventh year in a row that Riddlesdown track. The increase in visitors can has achieved this status. So well done sometimes bring a few problems, everyone! particularly as many of those extra visitors bring along a dog or two. More help needed While we welcome dogs on all our sites Looking after Riddlesdown's rich mosaic and we recognise that dogs bring great of wildlife habitats takes quite a bit of pleasure (not to mention health benefits) effort. The Riddlesdown Volunteer Group to many people, we do expect everyone to (see picture below) has been helping the take full responsibility for their four-legged rangers with this important work for many friends. As a reminder, we have recently years, but with a busy winter work re-branded our free dog bags, which are programme planned, we would like to available from dispensers around the site. recruit some more volunteers. If you can Text on the bright orange bags now spare a few hours on the second Thursday displays the following instructions: of each month, and would like a bit of Please keep your dog within sight at all times exercise, please give us a ring on 01372 and ensure that it returns when called, or if not, 279083. please keep it on a lead. We'll provide all the training, tea, coffee Please do not allow your dog to chase any and biscuits you'll need. Please bring a wildlife or livestock. packed lunch if you intend to stay all day. Please do not allow your dog to disturb other site users. Please ensure your dog is always wearing a collar and identity tag. Thank you for cleaning up after your dog. Sticking to these few simple instructions will help to keep Riddlesdown pleasant and safe for everyone to enjoy.
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16 A RESIDENT WRITES... settling in. On this Common we look after our dogs. Your services are not required. I have lived in this area for nearly 24 years Good day to you.” Zoe settled into her and (except for a few short months) have new home very happily and lived until she wandered across the Common twice daily was sixteen. accompanied by a dog. We are so One day last summer, I was returning fortunate to have this open space. It is home after visiting a cousin in St. Albans never the same two days running and it is and caught a late train from East Croydon big enough to take a different route each to Riddlesdown Station. After a few day. There is also plenty of wildlife to minutes the man sitting opposite said, watch. I shall never forget the day my dog “Aren’t you the lady on Riddlesdown and I stood still to watch three muntjak Common who has just lost her big black deer dog? It’s pouring with rain and my wife is having lunch. meeting the train at The dog walkers Sanderstead and will are very kind-hearted happily give you a lift people. One incident home.” I would have that stays in my accepted thankfully, memory is when having then Lawrie, out with his recognised him, but own dogs and three two neighbours (who others he was used to have two walking for lovely golden neighbours, had a retrievers) had heart attack and died offered to meet me near the Eskdale at Riddlesdown Gardens entrance. Station and see me The ambulance men, safely up the alleyway who had difficulty between persuading Zoe, one Macduff, my companion on the Common Riddlesdown Avenue of Lawrie’s own dogs, and Riddlesdown to let them take her away, called in the Road to save me a very long walk. RSPCA. On most walks I meet many people (and When the Inspector arrived he could their dogs) to talk to and have made not find any ownerless dogs so he several good friends. So, to the kind- approached a group of people talking hearted dog walkers of Riddlesdown about the event. An elderly lady told him Common, my very grateful thanks. I “Young man, the dogs belonging to his would otherwise be a very lonely old soul. friends have been returned to their Bernie Vail, Riddlesdown owners. His own dogs are now in their new homes, have had a meal and are
17 W E S S O N S Riddlesdown’s Post Office Newsagents, Confectioners and General Store Come to us for your . . . 5 Newspapers and magazines (all can be delivered) 5 Stationery, cards, tobacco, confectionery 5 Groceries, fruit and vegetables 5 Wines and spirits 5 Fresh bread and rolls (Sats. only) 5 Chilled drinks, meats and dairy produce 5 Frozen ice cream, ready meals 5 Next day dry cleaning O P E N I N G T I M E S Shop: Weekdays 6am - 8pm Sat. and Sun. 6am - 7pm Post Office: Weekdays (except Wed): 9am - 5.30pm Closed 1pm - 2pm Wednesday 9am - 1pm Saturday 9am - 12.30pm Sunday Closed Last collections from postbox: Weekdays 5pm Saturdays and Bank Holidays - 12 noon. Sundays: none 102 Lower Barn Road Purley Tel: 020 8660 1400 E A S Y P A R K I N G SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL POST OFFICE
18 WILLIAM PITT Parliament in support of Pitt, but could AND HIS TAXES not find a seat. by John Jeffrey-Cook The King’s agents helped Pitt to obtain a formerly of Riddlesdown Road good majority in the unreformed William Pitt was born on 28 May 1759 Commons, where a limited franchise and when his father was effectively Prime rotten boroughs meant that bribes and Minister. Pitt’s father took a peerage, as Royal influence could do a great deal. Pitt’s Earl of Chatham, when his son was seven, reputation won the elections of 1790 and on the earl’s death when Pitt was 18 and 1796. the title went to his eldest Direct taxation was brother. Pitt was a sickly child, unacceptable and tax had to be educated at home, but a prodigy, ‘voluntary’; the subject did not groomed for politics by his pay unless he bought or used the exceptionally able father. articles taxed. A householder After Cambridge and call to the was charged annually according bar at Lincoln’s Inn, he was to the number of his coaches, elected an MP in 1780; at only 21 manservants, windows etc. Tea, he made a brilliant and apparently wine, tobacco and many other impromptu maiden speech goods bore duties. The Treasury supporting an attempt by Edmund Burke had four tax departments: to reduce government expenditure. He Customs (imports and, until 1845, exports), served briefly as Chancellor of the Excise (home-produced goods), Stamps, Exchequer under Shelburne. Three times and Taxes, but inefficiency was rife. Pitt King George III asked Pitt to be Prime made reforms and stamped out corruption. Minister, because, like his father, he was a His first budget in June 1784 modestly great orator, consistent in his policies, and increased many existing taxes. He allocated had attacked the King’s ministers but not over £2 million to the building of the King personally. In December 1783, warships, and set up a Parliamentary still only 24, Pitt accepted. Inquiry into the state of the navy and As Prime Minister and Chancellor of the corruption in the dockyards. To counter Exchequer he faced a daunting task: out of widespread smuggling of tea Pitt reduced annual tax revenues of about £13 million, the duty from an average of 119% to a £8 million went on interest on a national uniform 25%, with advice from tea debt of £234 million following the merchants including Richard Twining, American war. With a weak Cabinet (all but whose 1706 firm is still at the same him in the Lords) and few allies, he premises, 216 Strand. weathered several defeats but, with his Pitt increased the window tax on houses honesty, consistency and logical arguments, with more than four windows. He imposed gained the support of the independent an excise duty on bricks, new assessed taxes members and the public. on owning horses and killing game, and a Reporting of Parliamentary debates was stamp duty on hats. The hat stamp (Fig 1) allowed (since 1771) so his had ‘to be pasted or affixed to the lining’; reputation grew. but stamps were reused so from In March 1784 he called an 1797 the Stamp Office impressed election; Horatio Nelson, eight stamps in lining material before months older and already a use. captain after 13 years in the Navy, In 1785 Pitt transferred several was back in England taxes to the Taxes Office so they could be collected together as the and wanted to stand for Fig 1: a Hat stamp
19 ‘assessed taxes’. He increased the £1.1s spirits, bricks, tiles and plate glass, and (£1.05) duty employers paid on every male raised an £11 million loan to provide the servant (except those in farming) to £1.5s navy with over one hundred ships of the (£1.25) each for one or two, rising to £3 line. In 1795 a new assessed tax of £1.1s each if more than ten were kept; bachelors for using hair powder (besides the stamp paid more. duty) raised £177,000 in its first year; Pitt’s Time and again he charged the rich opponents called it the guinea-pig tax (on disproportionately more, not for pig-tails) and ceased to wear wigs; it theoretical reasons, but simply because eventually put wigs out of fashion. From they could afford it. He charged for female 1796 dog owners had to pay 5s per dog, servants, causing much humour at his and from 1798 users of armorial bearings expense as he was unmarried; the rates (coats of arms) paid up to £2 2s per were only 10s (50p) each for three or more carriage. This was the last of the assessed but double for bachelors. A tax on rents of taxes, which remained basically unchanged retail shops caused riots in Downing for 70 years; some became licences and Street. that on dogs survived until 1988! By March 1786 tax receipts at £15.4m Early in 1798 Pitt tried the misnamed exceeded outgoings, even with the largest ‘Triple Assessment’ charging three to five peacetime navy times the previous year’s assessed tax bill, ever. A new stamp or if less, 10% of income; it was not a duty on hair success. powder (Fig 2) During a debate to increase manpower eventually yielded for the navy, Pitt accused George Tierney over £200,000 a Fig 2: a Hair Powder stamp MP of obstructing year. In 1789 he reformed tobacco tax, the defence of the country, resulting in a repealed the hated shop tax, and increased duel on Putney Heath the next Sunday the duty on playing cards from 1s 6d afternoon when fortunately both missed! (7½p) to 2s (10p) per pack. The basic 1s On 3 December 1798 Pitt famously (5p) from 1756 was shown on the wrapper introduced income tax at 10%, but and the extra 1s on the Ace of Spades (Fig incomes under £60 were exempt. Amazing 3). numbers declared income at ‘just under’ In 1790 the £60! Pitt hoped to raise £10 million a year mobilisation of the navy but got less than £6 million. With the cost over £3 million and Peace of Amiens in 1802 it lapsed. Spain caved in without By then, however, Pitt had resigned fighting. Still, by early because George III would not back Pitt’s 1792 Pitt again had the promises to emancipate the Catholics in budget back in surplus. Ireland. His boyhood friend, Henry He abolished the taxes on Addington, the Speaker, took over; both Fig 3: taxed Ace of female servants, carts and were re-elected MPs in 1802. Spades tallow candles, and When hostilities with France resumed in exempted from the window tax houses 1803 Addington reimposed income tax with less than seven windows. To get rid (calling it Property Tax) with two clever of sinecures he left them vacant, but at the changes. First, he removed the need for a King’s insistence he became Warden of hated return of total income by requiring the Cinque Ports carrying £3,000 a year. the originators of income (tenants, After the execution of Louis XVI, employers, borrowers, companies, and France declared war in February 1793. banks) to make returns and, second, where The next year Pitt increased taxes on rum, possible, tax was deducted at source. Only 20 traders had to notify their own profits. months after that, on 23 January, Pitt too With a rate of only 5%, half that of Pitt’s, died prematurely, aged 46, exhausted in the Addington’s tax brought in almost as service of his country but having laid the much. financial foundations for victory on land However, Addington was no leader: as ten years later. fellow MP George Canning wrote, ‘Pitt is to Addington, as London is to John Jeffrey-Cook is Clerk Emeritus of the City Livery Paddington’. Pitt returned to power in May Company of Tax Advisers. Interested readers will enjoy 1804 and, despite having fiercely attacked William Hague’s excellent biography of Pitt published Addington’s income tax changes, calmly by Harper Collins in 2005. adopted them! The following February, Pitt put further increases on salt, horses, legacies, postal charges and property. Before Nelson sailed from Portsmouth in Victory on 16 September 1805 he went to 10 Downing Street and told Pitt his plans to destroy the French and Spanish navies. Afterwards he told his family “Mr Pitt paid me a compliment which, I believe, he would not have paid to a Prince of the Blood. When I rose to go, he left the room with me and attended me to the carriage.” Six weeks later, on 21 October, Nelson died aged 47 at Trafalgar, and three
21
RIDDLESDOWN PHARMACY 104 Lower Barn Road, Purley, Surrey Tel/Fax: 8660 7150 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9-1pm, 2.15-5.30pm Wednesday, Saturday: 9-1pm Pharmaceutical advice and health care requirements Toiletries, baby goods, gifts, films and batteries 24 hour film processing (received before 11 am) ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED
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19th PURLEY (RIDDLESDOWN) SCOUT GROUP FOR BOYS AND GIRLS
Our sections meet for activities as follows:- Beavers (ages 6 - 8 years) - Monday 5 pm. to 6.15 pm Cubs (ages 8 - 11 years) - Wednesday 7 pm to 8.30 pm. Scouts (ages 10½ - 14 years) - Thursday 7.30 pm to 9 pm
The meetings are held at the Group’s Headquarters: The Scout Hut, Dunmail Drive, off Mitchley Hill (junction Rectory Park), Sanderstead. All enquiries and further information from: GROUP SCOUT LEADER: MRS L.GILLAMS, 8645 0733
24 FROM THE RECORDER turned out to shout us down. (No, he was not at the AGM this year either!) EDITORIAL JUNE 1963 Fortunately, the children are less An angry editor speaks choosey and like all children are game for out... anything. Over a hundred of them joined Well, you certainly let us down. Only 62 in the fun at the Christmas Party, and on members of the Association, out of a Sports Day we look forward to the potential 1,800, managed to find customary heavy turnout on the Playing their way to St. Edmund’s Hall, on Fields Wednesday evening, 3 April, for the at the School. Annual General Meeting. Yes, less than 4% of you bothered to We would be very happy to get 62 at our AGMs turn out to carry out the only formal nowadays and I would not dare to complain so forthrightly regular business of the Association and to at the usual 30 or so attendees, including Committee hear a first-rate talk on what surely must members, that we usually get – out of an estimated affect us all most closely this year – the 2,500 residents (1.2%). new rating valuations. At least we probably do as well with our Fun Day It seems that we on the Committee only attendance, and probably far better when adults are have to put a foot ever so slightly wrong included, but we fail in comparison to 1962 Christmas and all hell breaks loose. But of course on Party numbers. that occasion we dared to justify taking no Does anyone know who ‘he who was not at the AGM’ action on a foregone conclusion and was or did? Nick Bygrave complete strangers – 142 of them –
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25 EARLY RECOLLECTIONS agreement. She was there at 6pm looking Part 2 gorgeous but so was her mama who spent the whole evening by our sides not letting by Leslie Oppitz us out of her sight. So in despair I let the ARMY EXPERIENCES ABROAD girl teach me Italian. “Adesso io credo io AND AFTER parlo bene Italiano quando io After nine months training at Catterick, my voglio...”(Now I believe I can speak Italian regiment, the 4th RTR, left the UK to well when I want to…) arrive at Ibbenbüren in NW Germany just My final year was spent in the desert in days after the end of the war with Egypt between Ismailiah and Tel El Kabir. Germany. It was boring with frequent sandstorms, Crossing Belgium and Holland in a four- endless drill parades at 5am, and so on. A ton truck was an experience indeed. pleasant diversion was reveille. Instead of a Devastation was everywhere. Damage to bugle, the adjacent Royal Signals chaps buildings was appalling. fitted loudspeakers and played ‘The Green The Party House at Ibbenbüren became Cockatoo’ - a Roberto Inglez recording. Regimental HQ and troops were billeted in The only variation for me to daily routine various public buildings. I had my own was when I caught malaria and I was billet and was responsible for Regimental rushed to an Egyptian hospital, delirious. stores. My temperature reached 105.4. A non-fraternisation ban was issued We had endless and quite serious brushes although it later became difficult to control with the local folk who, so long after with many young soldiers meeting German hostilities, were beginning to resent British girls who had lost husbands and loved- presence. I was also there during a serious ones. I well recall in the early days how the cholera outbreak. I recall the burly sergeant girls used to lean out of their upper shouting at us that we would be inoculated windows on warm and he ‘didn’t want no- evenings displaying one keeling over at the their shapely busts to sight of a bloody big tease us! needle’. Nobody did – My next army except the sergeant! experience was I was demobbed in followed by 15 months January 1948. We sailed in Northern Italy where from Port Said to a highlights were trips in Scottish port. three-tonners to Venice Conditions were and Trieste. I well recall cramped with six-tier when stationed in a bunks on a lower deck. small village, a The boat was the SS gorgeous Italian girl Stamford Victory. would sit on the Sailing through the Bay balcony opposite of Biscay was a sewing and making eyes horrendous experience across the street. as the riveted boat Eventually I said in tipped from wave crest poor Italian, “You leave to wave crest. We were back door open six told on arrival that this o’clock this evening.” was the boat’s last She smiled her Leslie in Egypt journey – it was deemed out-dated and due to be 26 scrapped. there”. He pondered thoughtfully for a Years later I returned to Ibbenbüren moment and added, “But I am surprised with my wife Joan in 2002 and we were you come back in case a lady greets you not really surprised to see how much the with Hullo Papa!” town had changed. I found where parades Leslie Oppitz, now aged 81 and a former resident of had been held next to the town’s church. Sanderstead, now lives with his wife Joan, in Wales. The church had memories too. I recalled He is author of ‘Lost Railways of Surrey’ along with a late evening in 1945 when I had entered many other railway and tramway books. it to find the vast organ unlocked. It gave me the opportunity to give my finest rendering yet of ‘Lili Marlene’ - much to the displeasure of many German folk. During this recent visit I asked an elderly German, “Do you remember when we were stationed here in 1945?” “Ach ja”, he replied “And your Naafi was over FROM THE RECORDER by but to the trees and adjoining property. SEPTEMBER 1975 If parents can remind the children, this Conkers would be greatly appreciated by local Just a reminder to conker collectors this residents. autumn. Please do not throw missiles into Was this just a plea for protection from conker the trees. It is very dangerous and can throwers or an early Health and Safety cause untold damage not just to passers- initiative? Editor Stones P pping re-scho Ste ol
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RRA WOODLANDS AND COUNTRYSIDE APPEAL Our appeal for funds to put us in a stronger position to secure the Mitchley Woods and to build up a fund for purchasing other threatened parts of the local green belt is still open. If you can help, please drop a cheque payable to RRA Woodlands and Countryside Appeal into the box in Wessons Post Office, Lower Barn Road, or in Sabans, Newsagents, Mitchley Avenue, or send it to Brian Longman, 66 Westfield Avenue, Sanderstead CR2 9JU or Nick Bygrave, 44 Riddlesdown Avenue, Purley CR8 1JJ. Please supply your name, address, telephone number and, if available, your email address.
We shall be grateful if you will signify that, if the Mitchley Woods bid is ultimately unsuccessful, you agree that your contribution may be held and used by the Association for future campaigns to protect the Green Belt of Riddlesdown and surrounding areas. Absence of any signification will be deemed to be agreement.
28 DANGER centre of the tunnel the locomotive collided with another train bringing further UNDERGROUND... ballast down the line (there was single by Ron Cox working). There were no lights on either The recent articles in the Bourne Society’s engine, which were completely smashed.’ publications by Paul Sowan (The London The driver of the Addiscombe train was and Brighton Railway Merstham Tunnel ) thrown off the engine, the fireman was and by Peter Skuse (Navvies on the Oxted scalded, one navvy was crushed and others Line at Whyteleafe/Warlingham) reminded were injured. The most severely hurt were me of an 1882 report in The Croydon conveyed to Caterham Cottage Hospital Advertiser. and the remainder to Croydon General. Construction of the Oxted line had The driver and fireman both lived in begun in the mid 1860s but was suspended Bynes Road, South Croydon, but the when the collapse of the banking firm of navvies were mostly residing at two Overend and Gurney caused financial notorious Croydon Middle Row lodging turmoil (this was the last such crisis until houses (Duncan’s and Porter’s). 2008). In 1882, work recommenced. The ...AND DANGER OVERHEAD Croydon Advertiser reported, on Saturday 40 years on, it was not safe to be over the 5 August, that a considerable length of the top of Riddlesdown Tunnel. The Croydon tunnel under Riddlesdown had been cut Advertiser reported, on and that the bridge beyond (i.e. The Rose 25 September 1926, that two American and Crown viaduct) ‘which has excited a officers, the Military Attaché and the great deal of admiration’ was complete. Assistant Naval Attaché at the United However, a few days earlier, on the States Embassy, were injured when an Tuesday, between 7 and 7.30 in the American Service machine, kept by the evening, two of the contractors’ Embassy at Kenley Aerodrome for the use locomotives had collided. The Advertiser of officials, crashed on Riddlesdown, noted: ‘the line does not normally send almost opposite The Rose and Crown. It down any ballast after 5.30, so, at 5.45, the fell within a few yards of the chalk quarry, men in trucks that had already unloaded near the viaduct. It was on an experimental their ballast set off to return to flight and very soon had developed engine Addiscombe (the contractors, Messrs trouble. It cleared the quarry but came Firbank, were obviously using the down near the brow of the hill, missing Woodside-Selsdon line). In about the the quarry by a few yards. The plane burst into flames, but the pilot got clear and rescued his companion. Both were badly burned and were taken to Purley War Memorial Hospital. Coulsdon and Purley Fire Brigade arrived ‘with commendable promptitude’, despite the difficulty of access. Only seven months later, the Croydon Advertiser (30 April 1927) reported that a single-seater fighter had come ‘spinning down’ over Kenley, and had crashed close to the site of the earlier Riddlesdown Tunnel from the station incident, bursting into flames. The pilot, 29 P & P Šaban Newsagents 71 Mitchley Avenue, SANDERSTEAD S Croydon CR2 9HN Tel: 020 8657 2998
Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: z 6:45 am to 6 pm Wednesday, z 6:45 am to 7:30 pm Saturday: z 7:30 am to 7:30 pm Sunday: z 7:30 am to 1 pm 30 Flt Lt David Greig, DFC, landed two ground to indicate where he was. He was miles away, in a field near Warlingham. He collected by a motor car and taken back to had never made a parachute descent the aerodrome, where he had a cup of tea before and it was the first time in the and then flew back to Northants. country that a pilot had successfully A further accident took place at Kenley jumped from a single-seater aircraft two or three weeks later, when two planes spinning out of control and had lived. collided when practising ‘acrobatics’ at He had taken off to test the ‘spinning 2,000 feet. capability’ of the machine. At 12,000 feet, Riddlesdown wasn’t at all a safe place! he had put it into a spin but it had gone out of control. He was an instructor at the (This article is reprinted from the Bourne Society RAF Central Flying School at Luttering magazine with grateful acknowledgement to them (Northants). and to the author.) On landing, he had gathered up his parachute and set off to find a phone but was met by nine-year-old Betty Knight who thought he was carrying ‘a bundle of women’s clothing’. He was directed by her to Fairchildes House, the home of A S Daniell, ‘a well-known magistrate and landowner’ and his sister. Miss Daniell commented, later, that the pilot was ‘surprisingly cheerful’. By this time, aeroplanes were searching for him, so he spread out his parachute on the AxLr8 Driving School
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32 RIDDLESDOWN enough to have worked with him. In recent years he has taken his love of COLLEGIATE REPORT Science into the primary schools where his by Gordon H. Smith, Principal award winning Pupil-Teacher programme has begun to enthuse the next generation Mr. Mike Vingoe of Scientists. Mr. Vingoe continues to be at the forefront of our work with the local community and has been an avid supporter of the PTFA. We are lucky that Mr. Vingoe will continue after his retirement to work with Riddlesdown to support and develop Science. We wish him a long, adventurous and exciting retirement.
Riddlesdown Collegiate We are delighted to introduce you to Riddlesdown Collegiate. You have known us for many years as Riddlesdown High School and will be familiar with the high standards we achieve; our new name brings new approaches which will build stronger partnerships with families, more effective learning for our pupils and greater success for all members of our community. Riddlesdown Collegiate is a group of small schools, which we have called Colleges, on the Riddlesdown site. Each Mike Vingoe retires from teaching at the College has its own Headteacher and end of this term after a career spanning Deputy Head, a team of specialist 37 years in Croydon. Having started out at teaching and support staff, and teaching Haling Manor in 1972 where he taught facilities for every subject in a discrete part Science and was variously Head of House of the current School building. and Head of Year, he moved to Sylvan Within four of the Colleges there are 80 High School in 1981 as Head of Year and pupils from each of Years 7 to 11, so that subsequently Head of Science. the Headteacher looks after 400 pupils in In 1988 Mr. Vingoe joined Riddlesdown total. The Sixth Form College provides for as Faculty Head for Natural Sciences, post-16 students and the Creative and eventually becoming Project Manager and Performing Arts College provides then Vice- Principal with responsibility for specialist facilities for all pupils and Specialist Science Status. Throughout his students in Art, Design Technology, time at Riddlesdown, he has shown Drama, Media Studies, Music and PE. himself to be an outstanding Science Our six Colleges are: Aquila, Orion, teacher and a real enthusiast for young Pegasus, Phoenix, CPA and College VI. people and learning. He has led and arranged trips and visits across the world, enthused huge numbers of young people with a love of Science and changed the lives of many who have been lucky 33 ST. EDMUND’S CARING am writing to pay tribute to a wonderful local group, led by Barbara Towler and GROUP Julia Rider. It helped me with transport to A resident writes... hospital and with shopping whenever I Back in March, I slipped and fell in my needed. house and broke my ankle quite badly. The Group is a great asset to the local Unable to get to my feet, I dragged myself community. Residents, unable to get to the phone and called an ambulance. themselves to doctors, hospitals, After an operation to insert metal screws chiropodists, lunch clubs, supermarkets, in my ankle I returned home, unable to chemists, hairdressers, physio in the gym, walk, with the injured leg in a large plaster visits to relatives in hospital, all can and cast. many do benefit from the SECG who My daughter in Bexhill was about to even run an annual outing to interesting have a baby but my other daughter places for clients. managed to come down from York for a I cannot thank them enough for what few days, and my kind neighbours assisted the volunteers did to help me and throughout my convalescence. recommend anyone in need to contact But overall I was pretty much helpless. Barbara (8660 8653) or Julia (8651 6493) Then the volunteers of the St.Edmund’s for information or help. Caring Group came to add their help and I Diana Chitty
Visit the RRA website: www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk
34 JAM NOT JERUSALEM Edmund’s The Purley Riddlesdown Church Hall. Townswomen’s Guild This year Townswomen all over the by Mary Ellis British Isles are celebrating the 80th Most people are familiar with the jam and anniversary of the formation of the Jerusalem image of the Women’s Institute, National Union of the Townswomen’s but they know very little about the Guild. The first guild was formed in Townswomen’s Guild. Yes, we do Haywards Heath, Sussex, in 1929 and, by sometimes make a pot or two of jam and the end of that year, there were 29 guilds. even – when the occasion calls for it – a The formation of the guilds followed Victoria sponge, but we don’t end our from the Act of Parliament on 7 May meetings by singing the words of William 1928 giving women over the age of 21 the Blake. right to vote on the same terms as men. There has been a Riddlesdown The Act raised the question of how best Townswomen’s Guild for 57 years. It was to educate all women to understand and originally the Riddlesdown Evening fulfil the responsibilities of citizenship. Townswomen’s Guild and was started by During the late 1980s, membership of Gwen Ayers, who lived in Mitchley the Riddlesdown Evening Guild began to Avenue, and Louis Duffy, who lived in fall and in 1991 it amalgamated with the Ingleboro Drive. The Guild’s first meeting Purley Riddlesdown Afternoon Guild place was the Friend’s Meeting House in which had been formed Downs Court Road. 34 years previously. They had no trouble in recruiting The Guild meets at St Edmund’s members and after a few years they Church Hall, at 2pm on the first Tuesday needed more space. They were delighted of each month. Members (see some of them when the assembly hall in the newly-built on the front cover), Riddlesdown High School became whose ages range from 31 to 93, are available. Their membership had reached updated on nationwide Townswomen 100 and they enjoyed meeting there for affairs and enjoy talks and demonstrations. over 20 years before moving down to St They also meet during the month for sub-section activities which include theatre outings, craft afternoons, Scrabble, country walks, and lunches. Townswomen throughout the British Isles continue to update their skills. Nine years ago the virtual Guild ‘Townswomen on Line’ went live on the internet enabling Townswomen to keep in touch with each other on a daily basis. They call themselves ‘spider girls’ because they are on the web, and they discuss any and every subject under the sun. They share their problems, celebrate their triumphs and exchange jokes. They now have two hundred members including two who have moved abroad to New Zealand and Kathleen Davies, Chairman, PRTWG 35 St Edmund’s Church Riddlesdown’s Anglican Church at the Heart of the Community Part of the Parish of Sanderstead
Services on Sunday mornings at 8am and 9.15am Family service on the second Sunday of each month Saturday morning children's club once a month
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36 Switzerland. friends and, above all, have fun! There are now 40,000 Townswomen in If you are interested in learning more, 1,100 guilds in England, Scotland, please contact: Northern Ireland, Wales and the Isle of Kathleen Davies Man, and a very large number of them 33 Buttermere Gardens attended a celebration service for the 80th Tel: 8660 2983 anniversary of the Townswomen’s Guild in Bath Abbey in April. Townswomen share their ideas, develop new skills, campaign on national issues, give support to each other, make new Purley Property Care Quality painting, decorating & maintenance work for your home & garden Small jobs Internal & External painting & decorating Wall & floor tiling General repairs & maintenance Floor sanding & varnishing Fencing, paving, turfing Bathroom renovations & installations General carpentry Gutters - UPVS/cast iron - repaired, replaced & cleared Etc. Free Quotations. References available. Fully insured. Phone: Steve Hulbert 020 8645 9112 or 07961 807475 KN STAINED GLASS Traditionally constructed stained glass windows and leaded lights Old or damaged windows re-leaded Broken panels repaired For advice or free estimate call: Phone: 020 8656 6334 Mobile: 07834 973 859 No job too small
EMERGENCY AND NON-EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS All emergencies: (Fire, Police, Ambulance) 999 All Croydon Police Stations: 0300 123 1212 Sanderstead Safer Neighbourhood Team: 222c Addington Road, Selsdon, Croydon CR2 8LD 020 8721 2470, 07920 233889
37 38 COMMUNITY PAGES THINGS TO DO, JOIN, AND HELP WITH Short pieces on local associations, events and activities are included here free of charge. New material is required for each issue please. Space is limited so please get contributions in early (by end February and/or August) – first come, first served. Cantilena If you enjoy books and music, you might Singers is a like to share your interest for a couple of friendly, local, hours each week with a like- minded, small ladies choir. group of mainly retired but young at heart On 11 July local people. Even if you feel you don’t over 100 friends know much about either books or music and supporters gathered in St Matthew’s don’t be put off; in fact, you don’t need to Church, Chichester Road, to hear the know anything at all. The object is to find choir perform a concert of songs and something on the theme for the evening light music. to share with us, and maybe discover The programme was a mix of something you didn’t know along the way. traditional pieces and modern favourites, We meet on a weekday evening, and and included Scarborough Fair by Simon basically bring along a couple of short and Garfunkel and Rhythm of Life by Cy extracts from books, or music in any style Coleman. or format, to loosely fit the subject on the The annual summer concert is always a programme. We welcome all tastes and are fundraising event for the choir’s chosen not judgmental or competitive but very charities. This year the Croydon informal, the prime object being to have a Opportunity Pre-School Group and de pleasant, interesting evening, with a Stafford Kenya appeal each received £300 purpose, in friendly company. from the proceeds of the concert. We would welcome new members so, if This enjoyable evening was the finale to this sounds a tempting alternative to a successful year which included several whatever TV has to offer, why not come seasonal performances before Christmas along for a ‘taster’ session where you and informal concerts at a residential wouldn’t need to bring a contribution. home. If you want more details about the In our weekly rehearsals we have fun group please ring me, Anne Slatford, on and improve our technique with clear 020 8660 4378. guidance from our musical director, ably assisted by our pianist. We are helped PURLEY BURY TENNIS CLUB with relaxation and vocal exercises and are Purley Bury Tennis, between Brancaster coaxed gently through passages with tricky Lane and Purley Bury Avenue, has an tuning or timing. attractive bar where social members and Cantilena Singers welcomes new tennis members can meet for a drink and members. We meet on Wednesdays at 7.30 a chat. Various social events are organised pm in the Small Hall, Methodist Church, – one this year was a ‘James Bond’ Casino Limpsfield Road, Sanderstead (403 bus evening, and there are regular quiz nights. route). Now golf days are being mooted, and a The new term starts on wooden racquet tournament, and a singles 16 September. For more information, ladder for the over-energetic. please ring Jill on 020 8763 8971 or 07957 Highlights this summer were Greg 627783 Rusedski’s presence at the club’s Open CROYDON OPEN GROUP Day, and the rapid emergence of youth 39 LINIAN LAUNDERETTE COMPANY 10 Ye Market, Selsdon Road, South Croydon FOR ALL YOUR LAUNDRY NEEDS BLANKETS AND DUVETS WASHED AND DRIED V 9 SERVICE WASHES 9 9 IRONING SERVICE 9 9 SHIRT SERVICE 9 9 SPORTS KITS 9 9 WASHING 9 9 DRYING 9
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40 over Finals Weekend. That success is down members and helpers alike. to imaginative coaching by Mark Love and The Club is sponsored by Croydon his team, with regular school holiday Council, and the meals are cooked at its competitions for juniors ranging from Fairfield Halls kitchens and are delivered in under 9 to under 18. temperature-controlled containers to ensure One outstanding achievement was that of they arrive piping- hot. The menus are 14-year-old Harrison Walden in winning changed to reflect the seasons – including the boys U18 singles as well as the U16 an excellent Christmas lunch with turkey singles and doubles (with Ben Fullard). The and all the traditional trimmings – and they junior player of the year award went to provide plenty of variety whilst giving good William Collomosse. On top of that, the nutritional value. Most dietary restrictions junior U18 girls singles finalists, Lydia can be accommodated. Fernandes and Joanna Levitt, won the The lunch costs a very reasonable £3.20 seniors’ ladies doubles! (payable on the day), with a small additional Youth, indeed, made a clean sweep of charge for tea and coffee. Pre-booking is the senior finals when all the winners were essential, however, as the food is prepared under 25. Several young members were in to order by the kitchens. more than one final – James Hart in three, If you are interested in joining the Lunch Alastair Horsford, Amy Farrin and Joanna Club as a member, or would like to find Levitt each in two. Toby Pallett won his out more about joining the rota of helpers, first singles title, Amy Farrin the ladies please contact Olive singles, Joanna Levitt and James Hart the on 07971 679045. mixed, while James and Alastair took the men’s doubles. What’s more, all the winners CHRISTMAS MUSIC AT are former junior members. PURLEY LIT Chairman Alan Browne was delighted, Book now for the Purley Lit Christmas telling the local papers: “It’s so encouraging concert! As for all our talks it will be in the for the future of the club. And watching hall of the Purley United Reformed the juniors you couldn’t but be impressed Church on the Brighton Road, 8pm on by their behaviour on court, never mind Tuesday 1 December. Tables will be the high standard of their hitting.” arranged in party fashion for groups of Contact the club on 020 8668 5250 and friends, with an interval for drinks and look at its web site: refreshments. www.purleyburytennisclub.net Music for Christmas is planned to have something for everyone. It is being LUNCH CLUB FOR THE RETIRED specially put together by Carol Whinnom’s Alternate Wednesdays, twice a month, at St Badger Music with around a dozen pieces Edmund’s Church for piano, flute or soprano voice. Before If you are retired, like good company and the interval, classical music, typically by excellent food, then perhaps you would composers such as Bach, Mozart and enjoy joining Riddlesdown’s Lunch Club. Purcell. After the interval, popular pieces, The Club meets twice a month, on some from musicals, perhaps by Bernstein, alternate Wednesdays, at St Edmund’s Lerner & Lowe or Bert Church in Mitchley Avenue. The Kaempfert…perhaps The Girl from members are a friendly, welcoming group, Ipanema…perhaps I Feel Pretty. We’ll find and the volunteers who serve the meals are out on the night. always cheerful and helpful, so the lunches Book tickets in advance for you and your are characterised by a buzz of friends by ringing Margaret Hall on 020 conversation, fun and fellowship between 8668 1764.
41 (Late teenage and adult music students despite the fact that some residents drive form Badger Music; performing for Purley little more than 60 yards and park their Lit goes towards the vital practical own cars along the Club’s frontage while experience for their professional music they go to the local shops or to catch a qualifications.) train. What else has Purley Lit in store for (ii) Local youths have little respect for winter 2009 and spring 2010? In privacy or rules – many use the courts October, The Story of the Calendar Girls, without paying, and even climb over the followed by a photographic tour of side netting to gain access when the courts London’s Gardens. In November, the are locked. This often causes damage and Sahara, followed by Wildlife in SE Asia. it should not be necessary for members to In January 2010, Pompeii and have to police their property. Herculaneum, followed by Eleanor of (iii) The council threaten annually to Aquitaine. In February, The Riches to remove our charitable sports Club status Rags story of Sally Lady Moon, followed and inflict business rates upon us. They by Fred Dibnah’s wife Sheila on being do not collect refuse nor will they trim the married to Steeplejack Fred. In March, roadside trees that overhang the courts, Underground in East Surrey, followed by because they have no money and in case a the River Zambesi in Zimbabwe. resident complains. Talks are on alternate Tuesdays from 6 So life is often difficult but we all enjoy October. Ring Margaret to become a playing the game (tennis that is) to our member - only £21 for eleven talks, £5 own limited ability. It provides us all with each for visitors. exercise and a social life while, unlike school sports, there are winners and losers RIDDLESDOWN LAWN TENNIS in every game. Let’s not lose the use of CLUB this valuable amenity; it was provided for More local residents are now using the the residents of Riddlesdown by Laing courts than at any time in the past 10 Homes Limited in 1935 and it will be our years. This is very encouraging but we 75th birthday next year. Come and help us need even more local support if we are to celebrate by learning to play tennis. Phone survive. 020 8668 4352 for more information. In an era when publicly owned sports John Pewtress grounds and sports amenities have all too SANDERSTEAD HORTICULTURAL often been left to wither and die the value SOCIETY of those that remain is ever more evident. The Society has discovered that James Once lost, the sites are usually built upon, Dickson (1738-1822), one of the seven and finding new sites within built-up men who, in 1804, founded the Royal communities is often impossible. Even if Horticultural Society, is buried in the available they are too expensive to develop churchyard of All Saints, Sanderstead. unless sponsored or run by large James Dickson owned a seed shop in companies for profit rather than for the Covent Garden; he was also Curator of benefit of the membership. the British Museum and an authority on Unfortunately the odds are very much non-flowering plants – the mosses and stacked against clubs such as ours: ferns. (i) Parking is now almost impossible Dickson was married to the sister of the during the week. We have had tyres knifed explorer Mungo Park. Upon his while parked in Barn Crescent and retirement, they moved to Croydon. The complaints from some local residents genus of tree ferns was named Dicksonia when cars are left in front of their homes, in his honour.
42 The site of his grave has long been built activities and pre-school groups – and it’s over, but the Society has placed a plaque also available for occasional hire at very and planted a Dicksonia Antartica to the reasonable rates (see the advertisement left of the porch in his memory. elsewhere in the Recorder for details). The For details of membership of our congregation has strong links with the Society, contact Valerie Burley local community. Our members are on 8651 5837. actively involved with the Residents’ Association, St Edmund’s Caring Group, ST. EDMUND’S CHURCH our Neighbourhood Partnership and the Mitchley Avenue, junction with local branch of The Children’s Society. We Lower Barn Road also sell Traidcraft goods. Each September, Riddlesdown’s Anglican Church in the we hold our annual charity Fair, which Sanderstead Team Ministry provides an afternoon of traditional family St Edmund’s Church welcomes all entertainment, and which is a popular members of the community to its services highlight of the Riddlesdown community’s and activities. year. Services take place on Sunday mornings The members of St Edmund’s at 8am (said worship) and 9.15am (with congregation, and Revd Susan Atkinson- music). The format varies from week to Jones (tel: 020 8657 5505, week to provide a variety of worship [email protected]) look styles, and includes Holy Communion, forward to meeting you. Morning Prayer and Family Worship. At Please also visit our Parish website at festivals, such as Christmas and Easter, www.sanderstead-parish.org.uk. there are additional services. Our tradition Christie Johnson is main-stream Anglican. Details of forthcoming services can always be found on the noticeboard at the front of the building. We run a range of other Christian activities, including prayer meetings and house groups, which enable participants to learn more about their faith in fellowship with others. On the first Saturday morning of each month, we hold an informal gathering called ‘Coffee, Chat and a Little Bit More’, which provides an opportunity for those who might not be particularly connected with the Church to meet Church members in an informal context. Then, on the second Saturday morning of the month, we run a club for children aged between five and eight years old from across the Parish. During the week, our multi-purpose building accommodates many other activities such as social and keep-fit THE RIDDLESDOWN RECORDER NEEDS ARTICLES FROM YOU – REMINISCENCES, THINGS OR PEOPLE THAT INTEREST YOU 43 Our MP: Richard Ottaway (MP for Croydon South), House of Commons SW1A 0AA Donald Speakman, 4 Bencombe Road, Purley, Tel: 020 7219 6392 (surgery 1590) or visit surgery at Surrey CR8 4DQ Tel: 8405 6752 36 Brighton Road, Purley CR8 2LG (by appt.) Email : [email protected] http://www.richardottaway.com/ SANDERSTEAD Email : [email protected] Lynne Hale c/o Town Hall, Katharine Street Our Councillors Croydon CR0 1NX Tel: 8405 6721 PURLEY Email : [email protected] Graham Bass, 19 Woodland Way,Purley Tim Pollard, Woodside, 42 Lime Meadow Ave, CR8 2HT.Tel: 8660 7013 South Croydon CR2 9AR Tel: 8251 8500 Email : [email protected] Email : [email protected] Derek Millard, c/o The Town Hall, Katharine Yvette Hopley c/o The Town Hall, Katharine Street, Croydon CR0 1NX. Tel: 8660 9329 Street, Croydon CR0 1NX Tel 8657 0973 Email : [email protected] Email: [email protected]
RIDDLESDOWN/LONDON TRAIN TIMES (OFF-PEAK) To East Croydon, Victoria (London Bridge): Weekdays: 0906, 0936 then 6 and 36 mins past the hour until 2306. (LB trains: 1846, 1916, 2016.) Saturdays: 0706, 0736 then same each hour until 2306. Sundays: 0821 then same each hour until 2321. From Victoria to Riddlesdown: Weekdays: 0923, 0953 and then 23 and 53 mins past the hour until 1653 then 1723, 1753, 1823, 1853, 1923, 1953, 2023, 2053, 2123, 2153, 2223, 2253, 2324, 2349. Saturdays: 0723, 0753 then 23 and 53 mins past the hour until 2253 then 2324, 2349. Sundays: 0722 and then same each hour until 2222. From London Bridge to Riddlesdown: Weekdays: 1715, 1744, 1815, 1847. Saturdays and Sundays: No direct services. From East Croydon to Riddlesdown: 0910, 0940 and then 10 and 40 mins past the hour until 1710, then 1730, 1741, 1758, 1805, 1817, 1831, 1842, 1900, 1911, 1940, 2010, 2040, 2110, 2140, 2210, 2240, 2310, 2343, 0010. Saturdays: 0910, 0940 and then 10 and 40 mins past the hour until 0010. Sundays: 0943 and then same each hour until 2143, then 2245. Enquiries: National Rail Enquiries: Tel: 08457 484950, website: www.nationalrail.co.uk/ or www.southernrailway.com/. Southern Customer Services: Tel: 08451 272940 AND SOME LOCAL BUS ROUTES AND TIMES The 412 starts/ends at West Croydon bus station, passes through High Street/Katherine Street, South Croydon (Swan & Sugar Loaf), Upper Selsdon Road, Selsdon (Farley Road), Sanderstead Church, Riddlesdown (Mitchley Avenue), starting/ending at Tesco's, Purley. Frequencies (mins): Early: 20, Peaks 15, Daytime 15, Evenings 20, Late evenings 30. (Sundays 30). First and last: from West Croydon: weekdays and Saturdays: 0620, 2355; Sundays: 0655, 2355. from Tesco’s weekdays and Saturdays: 0552, 2327; Sundays: 0627, 2327. The 403 starts/ends at West Croydon bus station, passes Fairfield Halls, Park Lane, Swan & Sugar Loaf, Sanderstead Station and Church, Hamsey Green, Warlingham Green and Sainsbury’s, Chelsham, Farleigh, starting/ending Chelsham Common. Frequencies (mins): Early: 20, Peaks 12, Daytime 12, Evenings 15, Late evenings 20. (Sundays 20). First and last: from West Croydon weekdays and Saturdays: 0530, 2400; Sundays: 0700, 2400. from Chelsham Common weekdays and Saturdays: 0530, 2400; Sundays: 0650 2400. Enquiries: London Transport 020 7222 1234 www.transportforall.com/; Arriva 020 8271 0101. (Sources: Trains: Southern timetable; Buses: Out & About (TfL). Timetables change, so, if in doubt, check with the operators. RRA can accept no responsibility for the accuracy of the above information.)
Our Website: www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk Library Closing Days: Purley and Selsdon – Wednesdays; Sanderstead – Thursdays Croydon Council’s telephone number for all enquiries: 020 8686 4433 RRA Committee Meetings 2009: 18 November; 2010: 20 January, 17 March
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