27 January 2014

January Sky in Shirley by Marzia Nicodemi-Ehikioya

Marzia Nicodemi-Ehikioya
Editor, linguist, outspoken campaigner on local and national issues. Loves opera, books and libraries.

Russell Elliott
Passionate believer and advocate of alternative - Just cos something has always been done a particular way doesnt make it the best!

Nadia Nazir
IT Consultant and Interior Decorator, loves to sew, knit and bake.

Tom Dunsmore
Family man. Retired engineer. Has worked abroad. Speaks Spanish. Enjoys travel.

Robert Dil
Graphic Design Consultant and Co-owner of TD Studio in Addiscombe. Loves making music & diving.

Jill Latter
Miniaturist, Shirley resident for more than 50 years, makes beautiful cakes.

Andrew Pelling
Former Shirley resident, Councillor, London Assembly Member & MP. Investment Banker & commentator for insidecroydon.com

Nathalie Baron Ayurvedic therapist, loves natural remedies, nature, books & writing

Andrew Dunsmore
Top London photographer, runs Picture Partnership in his Shirley Studio or on location. He helps you take better pictures.

Helen Campbell-MacDonald
Practitioner of alternative medicine and regular contributor to Alternatives page.

Charles Park
of Planning Partnership Ltd, Shirley. The man to look for if you want something special for your home.

These Shirley poppies grew on Rev. Wilks grave in St. Johns graveyard, Shirley

Contents
Shirley Life Lets Talk about Migration by Editor A picture from Shirley Printed Matters Can we afford to eat right? Yes, we can The blackboard Green Thumb is back Useful websites Shredded paper and Bisphenol A aka BPA City of London Dollshouse Festival Slimming World Hypocrisy and Prejudice Police Matters Shirley Shops Update Peter Kennedy Court Andrew Dunsmore, Picture Partnership, Shirley Shirley Library: February Activities About Hair 5 11 16 19 20 23 24 26 28 31 32 34 38 40 42 46 53 55

Front Cover: January Sky in Shirley

Editorial Team
Nathalie Baron, Tom Dunsmore, Jill Latter, Marzia Nicodemi-Ehikioya (Editor), Andrew Pelling, Russell Elliott (Advertising Consultant), Robert Dil (Graphic Design Consultant) and Nadia Nazir (Website Administrator).

Contacts
T: 07940 415532 E: shirleylife@rocketmail.com Blog: http://shirleylifeblog.wordpress.com

W: www.shirleylife.com

http://www.gardenofpomegranates.com/
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There are those, in each generation, who predict The budget should be balanced, the that Armageddon is just treasury should be refilled, public debt around the corner. Rome should be reduced, the arrogance of fell and other civilizations officialdom should be tempered and started. We are finite controlled and the assistance to foreign beings and death comes lands should be curtailed, lest Rome to all. We should live life to becomes bankrupt. People must again the full and not live to learn to work instead of living on public ammass wealth in a world assistance. Cicero, 55BC where people starve or are homeless or are exploited to make the few even richer. C. JoyBell, known for her poetry, prose, novel-writing and philosophical writings and speeches, described life thus: Life is a bowl of cherries. Some cherries are rotten while others are good; its your job to throw out the rotten ones and forget about them while you enjoy eating the ones that are good! There are two kinds of people: those who choose to throw out the good cherries and wallow in all the rotten ones, and those who choose to throw out all the rotten ones and savor all the good ones. Health and happiness are far more important than wealth. I have a nine year old car and plan to keep it until it gives up the ghost. A new car would not make me happier. Making a little difference does. Shirley Life is 3 Driven by passion, Shirley Life is 3 years old. I would like to thank all the contributors and all the readers for their support. We have evolved and our readers live in Shirley, in the USA, in the Middle East and even in Australia. We have always remained true to ourselves and look forward to the year ahead.

Happy New Year

s r e t in r P ly d n ie r F l Your Loca

TD STUDIO
353 LOWER ADDISCOMBE ROAD CROYDON - SURREY CR06RG T - 020 8656 0555 / 0888
E - TDPRINT@BTCONNECT.COM

Flytipping I was waiting for the bus at the Langland Gardens bus stop when I noticed a radiator cover placed against the railings. Somebody had gone to the trouble to deliver it there. Why? Did they want the item to be reused? If so, why did they not put it in front of their house? One cannot stop on the horrid double red lines and risk a heavy fine. We cleared the garage and had an exercise bycicle that we no longer wanted. We put it in our drive with a big sign: Please take me. The bycicle went within a quarter of an hour. We were proud that we had saved it from landfill and hope that person who took it away will put to good use. The weather on the front page Last year we had snow and ice in Cheston Avenue on the front page. Although we have not seen any more of this so far, we have been plagued by incessant rain and grey skies. I took the picture from upstairs as the contrast reflects the weather we are not enjoying. Slimming World I am happy to support Orla because she is a real person who has changed her diet to a healthier one and, in the process, she has become fitter. I went through every piece of literature on the Slimming World website and I was pleased to read: Success isnt achieved by setting impossible standards or through humiliation. Its achieved through caring, compassion and respect for you. You decide what size you want to be and well help you get there, where you want to be. At Slimming World we work together to help you look and feel great body, mind and soul. Details on page 33.
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Nadia Nazir
A freelance website developer available to assist you within your budget. Businesses, Individuals, Students, Non-Profit Contact us now for free enquires nadia@nadianazir.com for any web related service www.nadianazir.com
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Call us on 8776 2562 or 07590 202547 for further details

LETS TALK ABOUT MIGRATION

Gossiping about immigration The media seems to talk of immigration and little else. The frenzy whipped up around Bulgarian and Romanian immigration was nothing short of ridiculous. There was no invasion of Britain by air or coaches. However, the public at large has become anxious and this anxiety has transformed British politics leading the big parties to compete over promises to curb immigration in order to stave off UKIP. Politicians pledging to make big cuts in immigration would once have stood accused of pandering to racism. They say what they think people want to hear, just because they want to be elected. BBC Political Editor Nick Robinson, in the documentary The Truth About Immigration, visited a school in Southampton, where 42 languages were spoken, 2 of which were Zulu dialects. I am Italian and almost each town in Italy has its own dialect. When I meet Italians from other regions, we speak Italian, our common language. This is a fact. We have a primary school in Shirley where far more than 42 languages are spoken and, yet, there are no rivers of blood in our streets. This is a fact. The documentary referred to the results of the latest British Social Attitudes Survey, which allegedly found that 75% of Britons want immigration curbed. Each year, since 1983, NatCen's British Social Attitudes survey asks over 3,000 people what it's like to live in Britain and what they think about how Britain is run. I went online to read more about the 75% who wanted immigration curbed. There was not a single question on immigration in 136 pages. I am happy to be corrected and enlightened about the matter.
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w w w. s h i r l e y e l e c t r i c a l . c o m

A contemporary cafe with great food served in a pleasant and friendly atmosphere at 219 Wickham Road, in the Library Parade

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There is no doubt that many British people seem to find foreigners challenging and believe that this is a country which runs on rules, etiquette and routine. Having to explain the rules to them is awkward. Awkwardness must be avoided at all costs. Foreigners are tolerated, somewhat grudgingly: the British tend to show impatience and roll their eyes a lot, when foreigners do not abide by the rules. When they live abroad, many British are happy to share the sunshine with the ethnics but prefer to live amongst themselves, in splendid isolation. The media reports that the British on average think 24% of the population are Muslims when the reality is closer to 5%, that 31% of the population are immigrants when the reality is 13%, and that black and Asian people make up 30% of the population, when in fact it is 11%. I would like to see cast iron proof of it all to shut the bigots up. Discussing immigration is pointless without facts. People whine and gossip about it. Farage claims that there are 1 million illegal immigrants, maybe 2 million, in Britain. No one has ever challenged his spurious claim, no better than: My hairdresser's cousin's postman, knows a Bulgarian woman who came over just to claim benefits. Where are the 29 million Bulgarians and Romanians who were allegedly threatening to enter like an eastern European tsunami one minute past midnight on 1 January? That was a mighty scary number. It was an inflated perception, fuelled by the dislike of unknown. At the moment it seems impervious to fact or logic. Poster art was a mainstay of the Nazi propaganda effort against the Jews and had several advantages: the visual effect would reach the viewer easily. It was tried here too. It did not work, however. Let us discuss migration. No problem. Some facts http://fullfact.org/articles/immigration_from_romania_and_bulgaria-29315 http://fullfact.org/finder/immigration/entries_exits

Editor
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Editor
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Broom Gardens, January 2014

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Printed Matters

Sometimes you can buy good books at Costco, especially for children. I was looking for a book to give as a present to a six year old and I was astonished that the majority of books were printed in China. Years ago I decided not to buy anything made in that country because it is my strong belief that goods should be produced locally. Most of the workers in that emerging country are exploited and there is little quality control. I finally found a good set of books printed in England. No, I did not buy the Horrible Histories for the young man as they are not appropriate for his age but took a picture of the Box of Books because it was Made in Croydon! I had also bought some diaries (in another shop) for the Shirley Life Team as in previous years. In one of them, pages jumped from June to November and started in April after that. Caveat emptor! Marzia
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Can we afford to eat right? Yes, we can.

Many people say one of the reasons why they do not eat healthy foods is that they cannot afford them. Indeed, healthier foods and diet patterns do cost more on average. The largest price differences are found with meats and protein-based foods, although a very healthy diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as fish may not be more costly than processed foods and ready made meals. One also needs to consider the health risks associated with eating a poor diet. Still, numerous families are facing economic struggles that can make the decision to pay more for healthier foods a tough one. Fortunately, this doesnt mean you have to give up fruits and veggies there are actually quite a few superfoods that come in at affordable cost per serving that can help you to achieve or maintain optimal health. Dried beans Beans of all types are packed with satisfying fiber that helps keep you feeling fuller longer and also supports heart health. They are loaded with protein and a number of essential nutrients like calcium, potassium and magnesium. Research has found that consuming beans can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and several types of cancer. Beans are a bargain: you can soak overnight and cook in different ways the day after. Bananas Bananas are a great, cheap, superfood. They contain lots of vitamin C and B6, are rich in carotenoids and also contain 3 grams of fiber that can help ward off cravings and hunger. Of course they are also known as Natures Power bar due to their high potassium content which aids in the proper functioning of all the bodys cells, tissues and organs. Go organic to avoid pesticides, the average organic banana
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costs just a few pence more than one that is inorganic. The chemicals that are used leak into the soil and through the peels so the bananas contain unnecessary toxins. Celery Eating four sticks a day is said to produce a moderate reduction in blood pressure due to celerys rich supply of phthalides which are phytochemicals known to support heart health. Garlic Adding garlic to your meal is not hard on the pocket, just pennies per clove, and it packs a punch when it comes to health benefits. It contains 70 active phytochemicals and regular consumption has been found to lower rates of ovarian, colorectal and other types of cancer. To maximize garlics effects, crush or mince the cloves first and let stand for 15 minutes before heating. In addition, make sure to buy locally grown organic varieties. Garlic from far away countries tend not to be organic. It may be cheaper than the organic variety, but the difference in price per clove is quite minor when considering your health. Eggs Although free-range eggs are pricier than conventional eggs, they are still economical compared to meat. They contain 13 essential nutrients, including protein which helps battle cravings for less healthy foods later in the day as well as helping to maintain muscle mass. Eggs got a bad rap for a while due to their fairly high cholesterol amount; however, its been proven time and again that consuming eggs helps to raise HDL, or good cholesterol. Eggs are also rich in the antioxidants Lutein and Zeaxanthin, which helps to significantly lower the risk of age-related eye disorders. Do check out www.riverford.co.uk for special offers on many organic foods on the next page.
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www.riverford.co.uk

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while others are good; its rotten ones and forget about enjoy eating them while the you your job to throw out the

Some cherries are rotten

Life is a bowl of cherries.

two

that are good! There are kinds who of choose the people: to

ones

those

throw

all the rotten ones, and those throw out all the rotten good ones. who choose to

cherries and wallow in

out

good

ones and savor all the

C. JoyBell
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Green Thumb is back

Work restarted on the lawn on 10 January and two Green Thumb men appeared with a big machine and a smile on their faces. One was given the following information: Aeration Hollow Tine Aeration has been carried out on the lawn today. This has removed hundreds of cores reducing compaction and subsurface thatch problems. The machine was used on most of the lawn but the irregular bits (Ones lawn is not straight) were done by hand. It was a bit noisy for a quarter of an hour. The lawn was raked initially, then blown and raked again. One had the impression that the men were professionals and was very pleased. The cores and thatch were neatly bagged and left on the side. The Spring Treatment is scheduled for 26 March 2014. When the treatment started, Ones lawn was is a sorry state. In fact, there were more weeds than grass. Now, in spite of the atrocious weather, it looks like a lawn. One recommends

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USEFUL WEBSITES
NEWS AND BLOGS
If you want to know what is really going on in Croydon insidecroydon.com/ If you are interested in police matters http://inspectorgadget.wordpress.com/ If you are interested in checking facts http://fullfact.org

FOOD AND HEALTH

Bradleys for the best frozen fish around (quality, price and great choice) www.frozenfishdirect.co.uk For books and health products that might change a few things in your life for the better www.credence.org For organic food on your doorstep, check www.riverford.co.uk and discover, once more, what real food tastes like For a fun and inspirational blog full of gluten free recipes http://glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.co.uk/p/site-index.html If you want to make a difference about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world http://www.fairtrade.org.uk Subscribe to www.thealternativedaily.com to receive your
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daily source for alternative health news and tips. You can really learn a lot from this website. Get the latest natural health news and information from www.drmercola.com and discover long-term health solutions to improve your wellbeing For Ayurvedic theraphy, enter the peaceful world of www.gardenofpomegranates. com and enjoy beauty, the natural way When you need a freelance make-up artist, check www.mimidmakeup.com For a hairdresser with a difference www.wickhamstudio.co.uk/

LIFESTYLE AND BEAUTY

WEBSITES TRAVEL

If you are looking for a reliable person to build your own website, check www.nadianazir.com Before travelling and planning an outing, DO check www.tripadvisor.co.uk for real feedback

SERVICES

For superb and traditional shoe repairs www.traditionalshoerepairs.co.uk For electrical work www.shirleyelectrical.com
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Shredded paper and Bisphenol A aka BPA

For years I have been shredding paper and feeling good about passing it on for use in compost heaps. I was shattered when Russell made me aware of the risks of Bisphenol A when handling receipts and printed paper. He will not put shredded paper in his compost heap because BPA is an endocrine disruptor - a substance which interferes with the production, secretion, transport, action, function and elimination of natural hormones. BPA can imitate our body's own hormones in a way that could be hazardous for health. Using compost that had contaminated paper added to it to grow vegetables is, therefore, a hazard. From http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/newscience/2011/11/2011-1205-bpa-paper-products Recycled thermal paper receipts, though, are a likely source of the BPA in the products tested in this study. People recycle about one-third of the thermal receipts used, and many products tested in this study were made from recycled paper. BPA is used to develop the thermal receipts given to customers at checkout. But, it is loosely bound and is easily transferred to skin and other items that come into contact with the receipts. BPA production exceeds 8 billion pounds per year. It is used in plastic products and in the resin linings of food and drink cans. Human exposure is widespread and is mostly through diet but inhaling and skin contact are also recognized as sources of exposure. The chemical is associated with a wide scope of health risks, including reproductive cancers, low sperm counts, behavior problems, obesity and diabetes. In this study, researchers collected both non-thermal paper products and thermal receipts and analyzed them for BPA. Sampled paper products from New York state and Boston, Mass. were grouped into 14 categories, including flyers, envelopes, food wrappers/cartons and tickets. Most of these non-thermal papers were considered recycled. The researchers analyzed more than 100 thermal receipts from stores, banks, restaurants and other outlets in the United States, Japan, Korea and Vietnam.
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Ninety-four percent of the thermal receipts except those from Japan had measurable levels of BPA. Undetectable levels in Japanese receipts are related to the 2001 BPA phase-out in that country. Measurable amounts were also found in receipts claiming to be BPA-free. The source of contamination in receipts appears to be directly related to the coating of BPA as a color developer and not the printing ink itself. BPA was found in 81 percent of the non-thermal papers tested, but at levels much lower up to 1,000 times less than in the receipts, which would result in somewhat minor exposure levels. All recycled materials tended to have some level of BPA. The source of contamination in non-thermal papers was not determined in the study, but up to 30 percent of thermal papers are recycled, suggesting a potential for cross-contamination during the recycling process. While levels of BPA exposure to the general population from these paper products are much lower in comparison to what occurs through food, the results add a variety of paper products to the long list of products that result in human contact with BPA. I read more about BPA and I have made a few changes: I no longer eat or drink canned foods and drinks unless the labelling says it is BPA free. I have removed as many plastic containers as possible and replaced them with glass or china. I no longer microwave foods in the few plastic containers still around the house. (Plastic containers should not be washed in the dishwasher. You should avoid cleaning plastic containers with harsh detergents.) I no longer shred receipts. There, of course, those who deny all risks and claim that studies are inconclusive and there is no risk to health. Boots, for example,claim: A tolerable daily intake is the amount of a contaminant that experts recommend can, on average, be consumed every day over a whole lifetime without causing harm.
http://www.webmd.boots.com/news/20101001/scientists-conclude-current-guidelines-on-bpa-are-safe

Are you surprised? Revenue is more important than health!

Marzia 29

The Goat
C&C
P L A N N I N G P A R T N E R S H I P LT D 8 Ash Road, Shirley, Croydon, Surrey, CR0 8HU

1 -3 B R O O M R O A D S H I R L E Y C R OY D O N

P LANS FOR L OFTS , E XTENSIONS , H OUSES , & S TRUCTURAL C ALCULATIONS

FOR COUNCIL APPROVALS

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YEARS EXPERIENCE

Recently refurbished family-run pub offering a wide range of beers, ciders, real ales & wines

FREE CONSULTATIONS

07796 777700 020 8777 9999 ( OFFICE ) 020 8777 7000 ( OFFICE ) EMAIL : charles@candcplanning.co.uk
TEL : TEL :

MOB :

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Jill Latter, Shirley resident and Shirley Life Editorial Team will exhibit her fine miniature furniture and soft furnishings on 2 February 2013 at the City of London Dollshouse Festival, Tower Hotel, St Katherines Way, London E1W 1LD http://www.dollshousefestival.com/London_Dollshouse_Festivals/LDF_Home.html
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Real food for real people. No starvation diets! Call Orla on 07888 745169 or drop in at Orchard Way Primary School, Shirley, on Wednesday at 7:30pm

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Hypocrisy and Prejudice

I have been thinking about putting together a History of the Shrublands Estate for a few years and I am collecting documents and pictures. Please get in touch with me if you would like to share your memories. When I moved to Shirley in April 2002, I remember asking neighbours about the nearest Post Office and Pharmacy. I was told that they were in Broom Road but that the area was not nice. I walked to the Parade and met Mr. Patel, the pharmacist of GreenChem. We started talking and I asked him why the area was not nice: he laughed and explained it was a Council Estate. I walked around the Estate and noticed that, in spite of Councils neglect, it had been well designed and was pleasantly green. Residents smiled and I smiled back. It was (is) a perfectly nice place. The area which now forms the Shrublands Estate was originally woodland and, subsequently, formed part of the Addington New Golf Course. Croydon had suffered badly during the 2nd World War from bomb damage and there was a severe housing shortage: the Council made a Compulsory Purchase Order for the 137 acre golf course. Plans were drawn up in 1946 and the prefabricated houses were soon built. I believe that the perception of otherness started there and then. I was given a copy of a Bridle Post, August 1986 that contained a very revealing article, The Moat at The Goat: it highlights an urban priority problem and one resident states: This problem has been with us for 30 years .... Nobody knew, or even seemed certain what the actual problem was but a suggestion was put forward for a full time lay or clerical member of All Saints to live, work, eat, drink and sleep on the Shrublands Estate, first to crystallise the problems and then to discover how best to bridge the moat at The Goat . It was eventually decided not to proceed because it cost money. I was flabbergasted because of the hypocrisy displayed. They talked about Shrublands as if it were a far away third world country. I have always been politically incorrect and have always called a spade a spade: I believe that the problem was (and is) that the good people of the rest of Shirley felt (and feel) that they do not want the plebs near them. Interestingly, there seem to be, at the moment, more people in work in the Estate than in the rest of Shirley, where many people have fallen on hard times and are on benefits. PS: For non Shirley readers: The Goat is a pub, still standing. Editor
to be continued 34

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The Chestnut Clinic

Specialising in the Identification & Treatment of Allergic Disorders Home Visit Service
Tel: 01959 572055 Email: Chestnuthomeopathy@virginmedia.com Website: www.chestnuthomeopathy.co.uk

63 Steeple Heights Drive, Biggin Hill, Westerham, TN16 3UN

Tel: 020 8688 0844 Mobile: 07860 795836 Email: paul@ccrltd.co.uk 6 Commerce Way Croydon Surrey CR0 4XA
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Police Matters
The Shirley Ward Crime Rate is average in Police speak but it is not average if you are a victim of crime. When did you last meet with a member of the Team? You might have never met them. You have now a chance to do so on Wednesday 9 April at Shirley Methodist Church in Eldon Avenue at a Public Meeting. Put the date in your diary. If you have pressing concerns, contact them on Shirley.snt@met.police.uk. Do not keep your fears to yourself. They are there to help you.

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http://content.met.police.uk/Team/Croydon/Shirley
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Shops Update
Two more shops have closed down
Beaus Hair and Beauty, in between Proctor Estate Agents and Marios Traditional Barbers, is another empty shell in the Library Parade. The Shirley SNT, now called Neighbourhood Policing Team and in Addington Village, closed in September 2013, so 2 out of 5 shops are closed. Haldi, one of the best Indian takeaways in Shirley, has closed its shutters in the Broom Parade. It is more and more difficult for many small businesses to survive in the current economic climate.

and a third one will close at the end of the month

Express Timber in the Library Parade, a shop that Shirley residents loved because one could buy exactly what one wanted and receive sound advice, is closing at the end of January. Are there people who believe the recession is over?
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Petition
Shirley has no car parks and red lines make motorists lives a misery. Furthermore, TfL, in its wisdom and without consultation, has set different times for parking in Wickham Road. 30 minutes are not sufficient to shop, have a cup of coffee or a hair cut. As a result, shopkeepers complain that their trade is suffering because residents shop in West Wickham or beyond for fear of heavy fines. Please consider signing a petition for parking times to be extended to 1 hour along Wickham Road.

More shops are closing down: For the love of Shirley, please support our shops.
West Wickham Tesco Express, Shirley The same day I went to get petrol in Wickham Road and found the pumps were closed, I received a leaflet saying that we would get a bigger and better Tesco Express in Shirley, trading 7 days a week, Monday to Sunday from 6am to midnight. Why they decided to call it West Wickham Tesco Express beggars belief. I do my main shopping at Tescos in Elmers End and I have nothing against Tesco but believe that supermarkets kill small shops. There is nothing worse than empty shops to bring the tone down in any place, Shirley included.
Editor
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Andrew Dunsmore, Picture Partnership, Shirley

Resolutions
Last month we emphasised the discipline of concentrating on what you wanted to achieve with your photos, what you wanted them to communicate to yourself or to other viewers. This involved assessing the picture from different viewpoints and considering the best, or several, combinations of speed and aperture. How have you fared? Do you feel there is some noticeable improvement and the effort is worthwhile? Then, I had in mind a Christmas card winter with light dustings of snow or bright early morning frosts and particularly new camera owners, courtesy of Santa Claus, anxious to test their cameras and their skills. Weather forecasting is not one of my skills, but in view of the unseasonal mildness of the winter so far, it seems more than likely that the next two or three months may bring severe conditions, ranging from more heavy rainfalls and possibly some snowfalls to strong winds and very low temperatures. The advice of disciplining yourself before pressing the button still applies in these, as in all, conditions but you may then be tempted to test your camera, your skill and your flash in other ways and concentrate on indoor photography. This includes portraiture, still life, collections of various sorts and can be carried out at home in most cases. However, for that extra special collection, should you wish to have the facilities of a professional, well equipped photographic Studio where you are in full control of the background and a varied selection of lights, you may wish to hire ours at Picture Partnership.
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If your New Year resolution included a determination to lose weight, see also our pics. of what disciplined control can achieve. This lady, photographed in our studio, lost 5 stones (32 Kg) in six months with the help of Chris Tuck, of CT Fitness in West Wickham. Are you sticking to your New Years' resolution? Our address is : 213 Wickham Road, Shirley, Croydon, Surrey, CR0 8TG. Tel: 020 8656 4024. Picture Partnership are six doors away from the Co-Op opposite Shirley Library.

www.picturepartnership.co.uk

@PPPictures

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SHIRLEY LIBRARY

February 2014

National Libraries Day

To celebrate National Libraries' Day on Saturday 8 February we will be holding a Coffee Morning from 11am to 12pm. Tea, coffee and homemade cakes will be served. In the afternoon we will be having a special Saturday crafts session all about storybook characters.

Half Term Holiday Activities

Monday 17 February: Wild West Craft session. Suitable for children 3 years and over from 2.30 to 4.30pm. Tuesday 18 February: Stitch A Felt Creature. Suitable for children 6 years and over from 2.30 to 4.30pm Thursday 20 February: Healthy Living Storytime. Stories about fruit and vegetables. Suitable for children under 7 from 2.15 to 2.45pm. Followed by Food Glorious Food craft session. Suitable for children 3 years and over from 3.00 to 4.30pm Friday 21 February: Make a textured picture using a variety of materials. Suitable for children 3 years and over from 2.30 to 4.30pm.

Free Regular Childrens Activities and Events

Storytime: Every Thursday from 2.15 to 2.45pm . Rhymetime: Every Friday from 10 to 10.30am. Once upon a Rhyme: 10 to 10.30am on the following Saturdays: 1 and 15. Saturday Crafts: 2.30 to 4pm on the following Saturdays: 8 and 22. Teen Reading Group: is for children aged 11-19. This months group will meet on Thursday 13 February from 4.30 to 5.30pm.

Free Regular Activities and Events for Adults

Board games: Do you like playing Scrabble, Monopoly, cards, chess and Battleship? We have a selection of games which can be used in the library any time. Monthly Craft Workshop: Card Making on Tuesday 11 from 2.30 to 4.30pm. Stitch, Knit and Natter from 2.30 to 4.30pm Friday 14 and 28. Computer sessions for beginners: Learn to set up an email account, use Facebook, do online shopping, use Word, Excel and Powerpoint or improve your typing skills. These sessions are offered on Mondays and Tuesdays in the morning and afternoon and on some Saturday mornings. Please contact the library for further details.
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Free Wifi - the library now has free Wifi access.

Display boards Our display boards are available for use free of charge to advertise your club or society. Please contact Fiona or Irene at Shirley Library on 020 3700 1019 or email

Croydon.shirleylibrary@carillionservices.co.uk

Free monthly talks from authors or speakers

Author Julie Frost on Tuesday February 25 from 2.15 to 3.30pm will talk about her book Light Between the Shadows: Reflections on Life. Tea and coffee will be served afterwards. Please reserve your place at the library.

READING GROUP
FOR ADULT S

The group will discuss Pigeon English by Stephen Kelman on Thursday 20 February from 6 to 7pm. Eleven-year-old Harrison Opoku, the second best runner in Year 7, races through his new life in England with his personalised trainers - the Adidas stripes drawn on with marker pen - blissfully unaware of the very real threat around him. Newly-arrived from Ghana with his mother and older sister Lydia, Harri absorbs the many strange elements of city life, from the bewildering array of Haribo sweets, to the frightening, fascinating gang of older boys from his school. But his life is changed forever when one of his friends is murdered. As the victim's nearly new football boots hang in tribute on railings behind fluorescent tape and a police appeal draws only silence, Harri decides to act, unwittingly endangering the fragile web his mother has spun around her family to keep them safe.
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Sasha is probably the best hairdresser in town. She is a true professional.

http://www.wickhamstudio.co.uk/
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About hair
I love reading emails from The Alter native Daily because there is always something new to lear n or think about. I have always had a difficult relationship with my spaghetti hair and have always dreamt of a dark and curly mane. Here is a precis of the article: Commercials and ads with gorgeous women swinging thick, shiny locks over their shoulders can convince almost anyone that a product that can transform their hair should also work for us. Traditional shampoos and conditioners are convenient to purchase, usually fairly inexpensive and sometimes even claim to include natural ingredients. Unfortunately, a quick look at the label often shows otherwise. Hair care products are some of the least regulated consumer products and some of their ingredients are not even disclosed. Many include parabens that are known to be hormone disrupters and environmental/potential human carcinogens or phthalates which are immune system toxicants that impact the repr oductive system in addition to a host of other chemicals. Commercial hair care products typically leave the hair coated with plastic from silicone derivatives as well. Synthetically caring for your hair can have significant side effects, especially with the toxins building up in the body over time. If youve been using anything but all-natural hair care products, your hair is probably crying out for a detox. The goal of detoxing is to get rid of all of the crud that builds up on the hair and scalp after many years of using most shampoos and conditioners. A detox will allow you to switch to a completely natural plant oil-based cleanser and conditioner in order to enjoy a truly healthy scalp, naturally beautiful and shiny hair, without poisoning yourself and the environment. Keep in mind that modern shampoo wasnt even introduced until the 1930s; before that, shampoos were made up entirely of natural oils. A detox requires using no commercial hair care products whatsoever for several weeks. As your hair follicles begin to unclog, natural oils will also start to flow, meaning your hair will feel oilier during this time.
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It can take 3 to 4 weeks for this to calm down, so it does require at least some patience. While this stage can be difficult, wearing your hair up in a ponytail can make it a bit easier. Just remember that in the scheme of things, its not a long period of time to have to put up with less than desirable hair, especially considering the long term benefits. To speed up the detoxification process, consider using a detox hair mask and shampoo with an all-natural homemade shampoo using the recipes that follow. Detox hai r m as k Ingredients: cup bentonite clay powder cup aloe vera gel cup apple cider vinegar 1 additional cup apple cider vinegar Instructions: Blend the bentonite clay, aloe vera gel and cup of the apple cider vinegar together and work into the hair; allow it to sit for about half an hour and then rinse with one cup of apple cider vinegar, allowing to sit for 1 to 3 minutes. Next, shampoo your hair by utilizing the following recipe. H a i r d e t ox n a t u r a l h o m e m a d e s h a m p o o cup organic coconut milk cup liquid castile soap, such as Dr. Bronners teaspoon vitamin E oil 20 drops of essential oils as desired, such as peppermint, lavender, rosemary, or a combination of these Instructions: Combine all ingredients, shaking well to mix. Shake before each use. Your health, your hair, and our planet will thank you for detoxing! I knew nothing about bentonite. The word reminded me of Supermans kryptonite so I investigated further. B e n e f i ts o f B e n to n i te Cl a y Bentonite clay has strong internal cleansing properties and has become a popular ingredient in some detoxification programs. Many people have used bentonite clay to address symptoms of constipation, like bloating and gas. Some have even cited it as relieving symptoms of more serious conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
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Remove toxic metals and chemicals following radiation treatments Promotes healthy bacteria balance in the digestive system Supports liver detoxification Helps colon cleansing Boosts immune system

W h y i s B e n t o n i t e C l a y E ff e c t i v e ? Bentonite clay has negatively charged molecules, which give it adsorptive properties. It is able to pass through the intestinal tract and attract the toxins which are positively charged. When they are in contact with each other, they swap ions and are bound together and the toxic molecule is absorbed by the clay molecule. Its absorptive abilities come from the low number of minerals that comprise it - only 17 minerals. This low number indicates a higher potential to absorb other molecules. The toxin molecules that bonded with the clay molecules are internalized in the clay molecule. In this state, your body can expel the toxin-filled clay in normal bowel movements. B e n t o n i t e C la y C a u t i o n s Bentonite clay is powerful and effective. However, there are times when it should not be taken: Elderly people and pregnant women shouldnt take bentonite clay It should not be taken within 2 hours of other medications or supplements Using bentonite clay in accordance with instructions seems to be safe but you should always consult a healthcare professional to assess your individual needs.

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I shared the article with Sasha New of Wickham Studio in the Bluebird Parade (see page 52) in Shirley and asked for her professional opinion. She answered: I have read the article regarding detoxing your hair. I have heard about this and, although not shampooing your hair for a few weeks is meant to let the natural oils come through and improve the condition, I have to admit that I am sceptical. My personal opinion is that it would be the same as not washing your body for a few weeks. Not very healthy for the skin, I think. In order for our hair to grow and be healthy, the scalp needs to be in tip top condition. We have clients who do not shampoo their hair very often and their scalp becomes itchy. They scratch it and make it sore. I agree that many many products contain silicone which build up on the hair and scalp and, over time,these products are not good for the hair. Parabens can also be harmful. It is essential to use the correct products for your hair type and every now and then a claryfying shampoo is good to get rid of all of the nasties. We use a claryfying shampoo in the salon when necessary. Due to the amount of styling products we now use and external factors such as pollution, it is essential to cleanse the hair correctly. In fact I have a client who is going trekking for three weeks and will not be shampooing her hair. I am seeing her the day before she goes and the day after she gets back and I will report back to you my findings. The other suggestion I would make is that if anyone is considering a hair detox, they must brush their hair thoroughly from scalp to tip every day with a natural bristle hair brush to assist in the removal of dirt and distribute the natural oils. C o n cl us i o n I will try the Hair detox Natural homemade shampoo instead of my usual shampoo and I will report back too. I have ordered the products online.
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Marzia

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