31 October 2013

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This Shirley poppy grew on Rev. Wilks grave in St. Johns graveyard, Shirley
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!
Andrew Pelling
Former Shirley resident, Councillor,
London Assembly Member & MP.
Investment Banker & commentator
for insidecroydon.com
Robert Dil
Graphic Design Consultant and
Co-owner of TD Studio in Addiscombe.
Loves playing music & diving.
Giovanna Ricciardelli
Travel Consultant specialised in Events.
Loves entertaining, swimming, cooking
Italian food. Seriously interested in
architecture and interior design.
Andrew Dunsmore
Top London photographer, runs
Picture Partnership in his Shirley
Studio or on location. He helps
you take better pictures.
Nathalie Baron
Ayurvedic therapist, loves natural remedies,
nature, books & writing
Elizabeth Ash
Library campaigner, tweeter,
interested in education and social
media, enjoys cooking.
Nadia Nazir
IT Consultant and Interior
Decorator, loves to sew, knit
and bake.
Helen Campbell-MacDonald
Practitioner of alternative medicine
and regular contributor to
Alternatives page.
Jill Latter
Miniaturist, Shirley resident for
more than 50 years, makes
beautiful cakes.
Tom Dunsmore
Family man. Retired engineer. Has
worked abroad. Speaks Spanish.
Enjoys travel.
Interested in
being part of our
online magazine?
Please contact us
on
shirleylife@rocketmail.com
Charles Park
of Planning Partnership Ltd, Shirley.
The man to look for if you want
something special for your home.
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Contents
Shirley Life 5
Lets Talk about Croydon by Editor 11
A picture from a garden in Shirley 16
Fermentation by Marzia 19
The Alternative Daily 22
Veg boxes and a recipe by Riverford 24
The Heathfield Grand Christmas Bazaar 25
About cars in Shirley, Croydon by Marzia 26
Useful websites 28
Suffering in silence? Lets talk about it by Daksha Webb 30
West Wickham Food Market did not re-open 33
Shirley SNT 36
Save the David Lean Cinema Campaign Update by Adrian Winchester 38
Nathalies Column: Six tips for winter well being 42
Eggshells 44
I bet you would not like this in front of your house! 46
The blackboard 47
News from Shirley Community Centre 48
Andrew Dunsmore, Picture Partnership, Shirley 50
Shirley Library: November Activities 54
The farce goes on from Inside Croydon 56
Green Thumb: Chapter 6 58
Front Cover: A tree in Shirley after the storm
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

W: www.shirleylife.com
Blog: http://shirleylifeblog.wordpress.com
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Is Life too short to do-it yourself?
Garden maintenance & grass cutting
Painting and decorating
Flat pack furniture assembly
Shelf, mirror, picture hanging
Jet washing of drives, patios, decking
Changing of light bulbs
Garages and sheds cleared
NOG Property Maintenance
Free estimates and no call out fee
Just call NOG for a no obligation quote on
07909 948118 or 8776 1909 or email nogpm@tiscali.co.uk
5
SL is interested in an alternative way of
life and I read a lot of alternative
websites. I came across an article about
tart cherries (Montmorency) and childhood
memories flooded back because we had a
big tree in the garden that produced an
extraordinary amount of cherries. My
grandmother stewed them with a little
honey and we ate them in the evening.
Why? Well, I discovered that they actually
contain a natural form of melatonin that can help you to get sleepy
naturally and fall asleep more easily. One could use them for an
occasional late night smoothie or use a tart
cherry concentrate. The concentrate can be
added to a drink or caffeine-free tea at night
to help get you that low dose natural
melatonin. One spoonful of this tart cherry
concentrate in a cup of chamomile or mint tea
late at night helps immensely for calming
down and falling asleep at night.
A side benefit is that tart cherry also contains powerful antioxidants
that fight joint pain, gout, and other inflammation related problems.
The farce goes on
Laing is out and Carillion is in. What will happen next to the Libraries
in Croydon? Within three weeks of Laings takeover, Croydon Council
was hailing it as a successthen, suddenly, on October 18, JLIS is
sold. What next? This administration is not value for money. Read
more on page 64.
Plastic Age
Please listen to what Boyan Slat, a 19 year old inventor has
to say. He makes refreshing sense in our plastic world.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROW9F-c0kIQ
*In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-
organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like
experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine
to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized
events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event.
TD STUDIO
353 LOWER ADDISCOMBE ROAD
CROYDON - SURREY CR06RG
T - 020 8656 0555 / 0888
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Coffee? No, thank you.
Croydon Central MP asked me a favour: ... its also
useful to have longer chats with small groups of
people. Several friends have kindly volunteered to
invite some of their neighbours around to meet me and talk about the local
area. I have found these meetings incredibly useful and I think those whove
come along to them have enjoyed them too. So I'm emailing to ask if youd
be prepared to host one of these house meetings.
If its something that you might be prepared to do, email me and we can
have a chat about what would be involved.
Id be hugely grateful if you do feel able to do it.
I am not prepared to host any house meeting to give free publicity to a
person who has done little or nothing for Shirley and toeing his partys line
ever since he was elected. Neither have I forgotten that he enlisted the
personal help of Mr. Cameron to get elected. The few times I petitioned him
I was lectured on the reasons why I was wrong to hold views that did not
fit with his.
I wonder how many can afford to host coffee mornings. Perhaps the MP will
provide coffee and biscuits: MPs are elected to serve and should be
delighted to have the opportunity to help their constituents. I also wonder
how many elected representatives went to check on the welfare of their
constituents after the storm
This week I signed a petition to stop the 11% pay rise for MPs salaries, on
the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority recommendation.
http://www.change.org/petitions/david-cameron-stop-the-11-pay-rise-for-mps-salaries
The pay rise was meant to come with the scrapping of expenses (daily
meals, travel, expenses for second homes, orthopedic beds, light bulbs,
shower heads, duck ponds etc) but now they are demanding the pay rise
whilst keeping their expenses intact. At the same time they are cutting
benefits for vulnerable families, freezing salaries for nurses and sacking the
police we need to keep our communities safe.
A new research out on 28 October to mark the launch of Age UKs Spread
the Warmth winter campaign, says that the winter can be harrowingly
difficult for thousands of older people with the ever increasing cost of energy
bills adding to worries about being able to keep warm and well this winter.
This winter, 24,000 older people may not survive the cold weather - thats
200 deaths a day that could be prevented.
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DESIGN
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Not value for money
This is my road and I am not happy with yet another botched job
carried out by Council contractors on 30 October 2013.
I had to deliver a box to the Green Chem in Broom Road before it
closed and I went by car. As usual, I drove around the holes because
tyres and exhaust are expensive. I decided that I was going to take a
picture on my way back. Potholes annoy me because I pay Council Tax
and Road Tax: I have a right to drive on even roads.
I was away for some twenty minutes. I saw the lorry and some
contractors, three or four. I did not have to wait long to go through.
They seemed to be in a great hurry and it clearly shows in the picture.
This job is done at regular intervals and the potholes seem to get
bigger each time once the filling wears away.
I will now keep a diary to see how long the repair will last. Then I will
ask the Council how much the botched repair cost and also if they
monitor the quality of the jobs paid for by the residents.
Editor
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tacky
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LETS TALK
ABOUT
CROYDON
Now that it is official that Croydon is
the most miserable part of London, I
can add a few bits of my own.
When the Croydon Village Outlet
opened, we decided to go and have
a look whilst getting some ethnic food
in West Croydon. We could not get in
because the tills had crashed or so
we were told. Time flies but we finally
managed to enter the place on 26
October. The filthy contraption in the picture is a sprinkler and had not
been cleaned for some time. I wonder if it works.
The Outlet is a depressing pile of tacky items sold at prices that are not
real: we went to the Gold Room and found 8 to 12 years old garments
at inflated prices. I even thought of organising dedicated trips to
Tuscan outlets for people wanting to buy Mabrun or Prada in nicer
surroundings. TKMaxx is far better.
We did find two items of furniture that were nice but they would not fit
in the average Croydon home and did cost 3,500.00 and 4,250.00.
A bit more than the average family in Croydon and beyond can spend
on a sideboard and a bookcase.
The makeshift floors are still there and there were contractors going
around with long metal poles. The staff looked miserable and lost. All
in all, the Outlet is not a good addition to Croydon.
Quite disappointed, we walked down to The Brixtons in London Road.
Not much cheerfulness here either but at least the food is good. We
tried to get on the tram but it was not working or the stop was closed.
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www. shi r l eyel ect r i cal . com
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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I looked ahead and what did I see? This is part of the town centre, not
a back alley. It was depressing. Who in their right mind would want to
move to or come and shop in Croydon?
Do please read http://insidecroydon.com/2013/10/23/its-official-
croydon-is-the-most-miserable-part-of-london/ and, in particular,
the exchange between the Editor and some misguided troll. Croydon
needs extensive surgery and careful reconstruction before it is too late.
I have been watching the Riesco saga with dismay and I read with
interest a letter in Croydon Guardian written by a resident who started
a petition asking Councillors
Dudley Mead, Tim Pollard and
Steve OConnell to resign as a
consequence of their shady
behaviour that sparked the request
for a judicial review. When I
checked the website, however, I
could not bring myself to sign the
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petition because it was summarily put together and did not make
much sense. I cannot be the only one who thinks this because there
were only 3 signatures.
Do we give up and move? No, we should not. There is hope. In
November 2011, the Cabinet Member for Communities and the Big
Society (now defunct),
Councillor Vidhi Mohan said: I
am very pleased to be able to
announce the 21 successful
applicants to the first round of
the Councils Small Grants
Fund. The Croydon
Communities Consortium
received 5,000.00 to
organise A series of public
meetings and the development of
on line forums which aim to
increase the proportion of
residents who feel involved in
decision making in the borough
and increase the proportion of
decision makers who value and
use these involvement mechanisms.
The officers in charge of CCC bought a microphone and organised
nothing. In July 2013, something changed and a new working group
started to work on a strong and transparent constitution and to put
together a plan of action. There is going to be an AGM on 15
November 2013, reconvened from July. It will take place in the Town
Hall and is open to all.
Hopefully, various groups and individuals will see that it
is possible to work together even holding different
points of view. The divide et impera philosophy that
created the fragmentation of public life must be
destroyed in order to enable a truly democratic society
to prevail.
Editor
http://croydoncc.wordpress.com/2013/08/23/about-croydon-
communities-consortium/
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Fermentation
Cheese, beer, wine and bread are all
fermented foods as is a range of
other foods. Fermentation serves a
variety of purposes in food:
fermenting preserves foods;
it improves or changes foods flavour;
it contributes to good health.
Fermented foods and drinks are alive with
flavour and nutrition and flavours tend to be
strong and pronounced. Think of stinky aged
cheeses, tangy sauerkraut, earthy miso, good
wines. People have always appreciated the flavours resulting from the
transformative power of microscopic bacteria and fungi.
One major benefit of fermentation is that it preserves food. Live-culture
yeasts and bacteria produce alcohol, lactic acid and acetic acid, all
bio-preservatives that retain nutrients and prevent spoilage.
Vegetables, fruits, milk, fish and meat are highly perishable, and our
ancestors used whatever techniques they could discover including
wild fermentation to store foods.
Fermentation not only preserves nutrients, it also breaks them down
into more easily digestible forms. Soybeans are a good example. This
extraordinarily protein-rich food is largely indigestible without
fermentation, which breaks down the soybeans complex protein into
readily digestible amino acids. Fermented soy gives us traditional
Asian cultured foods, such as miso, tempeh and tamari (soy sauce),
which have become staples in contemporary Western vegetarian
cuisine. (Tofu is not fermented, but its manufacturing process makes
it easier to digest.)
The fermentation process also creates new nutrients. Some live
cultures have been shown to function as antioxidants, scavenging
cancer precursors known as free radicals from the cells of your
body. Fermentation also removes toxins from foods. Eating raw,
fermented foods is an incredibly healthy practice, directly supplying
your digestive tract with living cultures essential to breaking down
foods and assimilating nutrients.
Cultural Theory
DIY fermentation is a journey of experimentation and discovery. Every
ferment yields unique results, influenced not only by ingredients, but
also by environment, season, temperature, humidity and other factors
affecting the behavior of the microorganisms think of them as your
micro-livestock whose actions make these transformations.
Fermentation generally requires little preparation or work. Most of the
time is spent waiting. Home fermentation is about as far as you can
get from fast food. Many live-culture foods get better the longer you
leave them.
Dairy Ferments
No cultured food is better known or acknowledged for its health
benefits than yogurt. Perhaps you know some of the famous yogurt
Lactobacillus organisms by name, such as acidophilus or bulgaricus.
These lactobacilli, known to improve our intestinal ecology, are often
marketed as probiotic supplements. It is mostly consumed sweet,
though yogurt is also savoury.
Cheesemaking involves many different variables. Milk can be
transformed into a hard cheddar cheese, a runny Camembert, a
mouldy blue cheese or, for that matter, Velveeta. A particular cheese
is the product of the particular milk of particular animals grazing in
particular pastures, subjected to particular temperatures and
particular microorganisms, and aged in a particular environment.
Tara is a Tibetan cousin of a ferment widely known as kefir, which
originated in the Caucasus Mountains. Kefir and tara are distinguished
from yogurt by the method of fermentation and the organisms that
the fermentations involve. Kefir and tara are made with grains
colonies of yeast and bacteria that look like curds that are strained
out after fermentation, then reused.
Vegetable Ferments
Fermented vegetables complement any meal. Their tangy flavours
accent the other food on your plate, cleanse the palate and improve
digestion. Cabbage and other Brassicaceae family vegetables (bok
choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, collards, cauliflower, kale, mustards,
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and many more) have long been recognized as foods rich in anti-
carcinogenic nutrients. Other vegetables are often pickled in lactic
ferments: Carrots, cucumbers, peppers and more can ferment in
lactic acid brines.
Bread
In Western culture, bread is synonymous with sustenance. This is
reflected in our slang, where money can be called dough or bread,
as well as in our prayers: Give us this day our daily bread.
Yeast is used in bread making to make dough rise. Yeast is a fungus.
The predominant type used in bread making is classified as
Saccharomyces cerevisia: saccharo means sugar, myces means
fungus, and cerevisia might seem more familiar if you think about the
Spanish word for beer, cerveza. The same yeast that makes beer
makes bread. Both of these processes developed simultaneously with
grain agriculture in the Fertile Crescent region of the Middle East.
Beers can start breads, and breads can start beers. In both, the yeast
does the primary thing yeast knows how to do: It consumes
carbohydrates and transforms them into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
In bread, the carbon dioxide is the more important product.
Prior to the widespread availability of commercial yeast, people used
any one of a number of methods to propagate their yeasts.
Propagation can be as simple as using the same vessel repeatedly
without washing it between uses. Most often, bread makers reserve
a bit of yeasty batter or dough as a starter. A starter can be
maintained for a lifetime and passed on for generations.
The article above was adapted from a very informative piece
published in Mother Earth News. If you wish to read more, please
go to http://www.motherearthnews.com/real-food/fermented-
foods-zm0z13aszmat.aspx?PageId=3#axzz2jIUy8RAq
You can learn how to make sauerkraut, create delicious
Sourdough breads and muffins or your own yogurt, kefir and
chvre.
A word of warning: Mother Hearth News may be addictive.
Marzia
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Consider subscribing to The Alternative Daily: it is free and it keeps
you informed on a number of topics, from natural health, to diet and
fitness and alternative news.
You can sign up at www.thealternativedaily.com and unsubscribe if
you do not like it.
It is also an inspirational website without evangelical undertones.
Thought of the month:
Make a list of what is important to you
and start to prioritize
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Bananas are rich in potassium, natural sugars and fiber which provide instant
and sustained energy. Bananas also contain tryptophan, a protein that the
body converts into serotonin, which can improve your mood and make you
feel happier.
Save over 50% on your first box of Riverford Organic Veg, only
5.99* (normally 12.95)
To take advantage of this offer visit www.riverford.co.uk or call our
Customer Services Team on 01803 762059 and quote Shirley Life
* Half price veg box offer is open to new customers setting up a regular order.
Look up recipes and cooking tips on www.riverford.co.uk/recipes
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The Heathfield Grand Christmas Bazaar
On Sunday December 1, from noon to 4.30pm, you will have a rare
chance to peek inside Heathfield House and do some Christmas
shopping at the Heathfield Grand Christmas.
The Pantry Cafe will be serving hot homemade soups with fresh buttered
rolls at lunchtime, followed by traditional English cream teas in the
afternoon. All proceeds benefit the Heathfield Ecology Centre Animal
Welfare and Wildlife Rescue Fund.
Heathfield is at the top of Ballards Way, near the junction with Coombe
Lane. Nearest tram stop is Coombe Lane, about 5 minutes easy walk
from Heathfield. Disabled parking is available in front of Heathfield House.
There is also a car park in Riesco Drive, (1
st
left off Ballards Way) or you
can park in Ballards Way.
Heathfield Nature Conservation Volunteers
They meet every Tuesday and Friday and on every first and third Sundays of every
month from 10:30 to about 15:30 in the Winter, and a little later as the weather
warms up.
On Tuesdays and Fridays, take a packed lunch with you.
On the first or third Sundays of the month, if you stay for the day helping out, a free
hot vegetarian meal will be provided for you.
Wear old clothes and comfortable walking shoes. If you have steel-capped protective
boots, that would be ideal. A pair of good work gloves if you have them, but we will
find you some if you don't have your own. Dress according to the weather. During
very hot sunny wether, a cap and sunglasses would be useful.
The work is very varied and some of it can be quite physically challenging, but the
sense of achievement is huge. Obviously we do take into account people's ages
and physical condition when selecting jobs for them to do. There is always something
for everybody to do. There is an ecology centre with schoolroom and various
workshops, a wildlife sanctuary, with seven wildlife ponds and an old varieties'
orchard, where our two eco-mowers (Wilf & Sam, the sheep) keep the grass under
control.
If you are thinking of volunteering, please contact Lorraine Chatfield (Warden)
mobile: 07919 652 723 or email: warden@heathfield-ecology.org.uk
About cars in Shirley, Croydon
I took the pictures of the 7 Day Notice of Removal and Croydon
Council PCN in the afternoon of 31 October 2013.
The Notice of Removal is dated 6 October 2013 and the PCN is dated
24 October 2013.
The car was left parked on double yellow lines and around a busy
corner. It has been there for many weeks. Why was it not moved to a
safer place? This vehicle is a hazard and could be set on fire, just like
the one dumped in Mead Way and spotted by Said Otmani in the
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Summer. On Sunday
27 October, walking
through Mead Way, I
noticed that, sadly, the
tree had not survived
the fire and had been
removed by Croydon
Council. How long will it
take before it is
replaced? Will the
insurance pay for its
replacement or will the
residents pay through Council Tax?
We spotted another dumped car in the car
park of Ivy House in Shirley Oaks Village.
There is a blank notice attached: either
nobody filled it or they filled it such a long
time ago that the ink evaporated.
It is not within our remit to investigate these matters but we do have a
right to ask why these vehicles are not removed sooner. Marzia
28
USEFUL WEBSITES
NEWS AND BLOGS
If you want to know what is 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
LIFESTYLE AND BEAUTY
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/
WEBSITES
If you are looking for a reliable person to build your own
website, check www.nadianazir.com
TRAVEL
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
LIBRARIES
Save Croydon Libraries Campaign
soslibrary.blogspot.co.uk
Alan Wylie's Stop the Privatisation of Public Libraries
http://dontprivatiselibraries.blogspot.co.uk/
The Library Campaign
http://www.librarycampaign.com/
Voices for the Library
http://www.voicesforthelibrary.org.uk/wordpress/
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Dear Friends
The menopause affects all women; some sail through it and
others can suffer symptoms including hot flushes, night
sweats, mood changes, disturbed sleep and so on. Those
suffering often feel lonely, confused and find it hard to admit
to these symptoms even to their closest friends, let alone ask
for help. Most women decide to suffer in silence rather then
face the embarrassment of discussing it and seeking help.
They are unaware of how common and normal these
problems are and what help is available to them. In the
meantime, it can be difficult for those around them and it
also affects family life.
Having discussed these issues with people I know and also
medical consultants, I thought that it would be a good idea
to run an awareness event so women can learn more about
the menopause, prolapse and incontinence and also about
HRT.
The speakers have studied and specialised on these issues
and will be happy to answer questions from the audience.
The event is Free and car parking is available. If successful,
we may run future informative events. Please do take up this
opportunity if you would like to learn more.
To confirm your attendance, please email croycae@gmail.com
Kind regards
Daksha Webb
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33
The West Wickham Food Market did not re-open
At the beginning of October, Shirley Life received an email that said
the West Wickham Food Market was re-launching on Sunday 20
October, thanks to local chilli sauce and chutney maker, The Chilli
Pig, and with the support from Bromley Council.
The new market was to be based on the previous site the car park
behind Carpet Right on West Wickham High Street and would
operate on the first and third Sundays of each month from 10am to
2pm.
Many stallholders from the original market were to return to sell their
local artisan produce, including The Chilli Pig, Batch Farm
Cheesemakers and Hens Kitchen gluten free cakes. New stalls were
also going to join, including The Crumbery delicious homemade
chocolates; hot steak sandwiches from Gabors Kitchen and English
wine from West Fisher Winery in Kent.
The previous market had closed in July but was able to re-open
thanks to the grit and determination of The Chilli Pig, who have taken
the organisation of the market under their wing and, with the help of
Bromley Council and the local community,
were determined to make it successful.
Chris Guthrie of The Chilli Pig said: We and
many of our loyal customers were
disappointed that the old market dwindled due
to lack of support, so we decided to run it
ourselves. We have been involved with many
markets since launching The Chilli Pig in 2011
and know keeping the market local, with local,
quality produce at affordable prices is the key
to success. The response from local producers and re-sellers has
been overwhelming: we have 15 stalls signed up and are getting
enquiries daily. We intend to have a guest stall slot at each market, to
create interest for customers, as well as regular stallholders.
Before uploading the article, I decided to double check the information
with the PR Agency. A good idea because I received the following
email: I'm really sorry but the market has had to close, due to
circumstances beyond the control of the organisers. The Chilli Pig,
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however, still operate and are a local Bromley company. I don't know
if they attend any other local markets, but if you wanted to do
something on them, I can put you in touch. I was not impressed.
I was looking forward to meeting The Chilli Pig. I looked them up and
found out that they produce homemade chilli sauces, chutneys and
ketchup and are based in Bromley. Set up in 2011, they sell their
produce at local and specialist food markets including Bromley market,
One New Change at St Pauls, Partridges at the Duke of York Square,
Chelsea and online via www.thechillipig.co.uk . I will go and try what
they make because we all love chillies.
So much so that, on 8 September, I bought my first chilli plant in
Brighton. Quite an interesting and lively shop. The Chilli team can visit
your organisation or attend a party to organise a chilli challenge
evening with an ascending heat challenge and chilli roulette, even an
Extreme Foods Challenge involving blindfolds and bugs!
35
Marzia
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38
NOVEMBER 2013 FILM SEASON
AT THE SPREAD EAGLE
Monday 4 November at 2.30* and 8.00pm
BEHIND THE CANDELABRA (15) 2013 USA
118 mins
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Stars: Matt Damon, Scott Bakula, Michael
Douglas, Debbie Reynolds
Douglas gives the performance of a lifetime in
this biopic of Liberace the one time highest-
paid entertainer in the world. Based on the book
by his lover of six years Scott Thorson (Damon),
it shows the difficulties of a celebrity marriage
secret to all but those closest to them.
*The 2.30pm screening will be subtitled for the hard of hearing.
Monday 11 November at 2.30 and 8.00pm
THE KINGS OF SUMMER (15) 2013 USA 95
mins
Director: Jordan Vogt-Roberts
Stars: Nick Robinson, Gabriel Basso, Moises Arias
Frustrated by his single father Frank, Joe declares
his freedom once and for all when he and two
teenage friends, in the ultimate act of
independence, decide to spend their summer
building a house in the woods and living off the
land.
Monday 18 November at 2.30 and
8.00pm
SUMMER IN FEBRUARY (12A) 2013
UK 100 mins
Director: Christopher Menaul
Stars: Dominic Cooper, Emily Browning,
Dan Stevens
Save the David Lean Cinema Campaign Update
A true tale of love, liberty and scandal amongst the Edwardian artists'
colony in Cornwall. Alfred Munnings now regarded as one of Britain's
most sought-after artists is at the centre of a complex love triangle,
involving aspiring artist Florence Carter-Wood and Gilbert Evans.
Monday 25 November at 2.30* and
8.00pm
Much ado about nothing (12A)
2012 USA 109 mins
Director: Joss Whedon
Stars: Alexis Denisof, Amy Acker, Clark
Gregg, Nathan Fillion
Filmed in black and white during a
break in filming of Avengers Assemble
at Whedon's family home with an
alumni cast of friends. This fresh
contemporary take on Shakespeare's
comedy has an almost Woody Allen
feel to it.
*The 2.30pm screening will be subtitled
for the hard of hearing.
The Spread Eagle is in Katharine Street, Croydon, next to Croydon
Clocktower. Screenings are free just order your drinks/food
before going upstairs. Seats are first-come, first-served, so arriving
early is advisable.
To be added to the Campaign mailing list, please email:
savedavidlean@gmail.com
Adrian Winchester, Campaign Chairman
Our Facebook page is a useful resource for anyone interested in the
Campaign, with photo albums, scans of press coverage and screening
reminders: http://www.facebook.com/LeanCampaign
For additional updates, film presentation reminders, etc, please follow
the Campaign on Twitter: @SaveDavidLean
39
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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
41
The Chestnut Clinic has moved
to
63 Steeple Heights Drive
biggin Hill TN16 3UN
42
Nathalies Column
SIX TIPS FOR WINTER WELLBEING
Last month we saw how to keep in top condition
during winter by looking after our diet and
digestion. This month read on to see how exercise,
making time for me-moments and looking after your
immune system can optimise your winter wellbeing.
4-Keep active
Cold temperature contracts the blood vessels which hinders blood
flow and the proper distribution of nutrients. It also slows down the
natural detoxifying process. Gentle to moderate exercise will
increase blood flow and rebalance the circulatory system. It
increases heat in the body, stimulates digestion and helps release
toxins.
Research have demonstrated that people who exercise regularly
have a lower risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke and some
cancers. Not only is exercising good for your physical health but it
is also good for your mental health. It reduces stress levels and lower
risks of depression and dementia but it also increases self-esteem
and boost our mood. Regular exercise increases our energy levels,
improve sleeping patterns and can help control our weight.
Ayurveda recommends yoga to build muscle strength and increase
flexibility. It also is great as calming stressed and over-active minds.
Exercise does not have to limit itself to yoga or have to be expensive.
A brisk walk in the crisp morning air just after breakfast is equally
good. So is riding a bike or water aerobics. Aim to do at least 30
minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activities 5 days a week.
Always consult your doctor before undertaking an exercise
programme especially if you have been inactive for a long time and
suffer health issues.
5- Find some me-time
Now is the time to slow down, relax and recharge your batteries
43
ready for spring action. The rhythm of winter leads to cosy nights in
with a good book or a luxurious soak in the bath with essential oils.
We all live in a time-poor society and finding some me-time between
juggling a career and family life can be difficult. However, some down
out time is essential to give our busy mind a rest. Stress not only
affects our mental wellbeing but also our physical bodies. Finding
ways to reduce our stress levels and calm our mind is as important
as brushing your teeth in the morning. Meditation can be a very
useful tool in learning to de-stress. It is free and can be done almost
anywhere at anytime, although a quiet environment is preferable.
Take a few precious minutes out of each day to pamper yourself;
sitting in front of the TV does not count. Find time to read a book,
have a bath, meditate, go for a gentle walk, see the sunrise or
sunset, watch the birds in the garden, anything that will calm your
mind and nourish your soul. And dont forget to treat yourself
regularly to a massage to keep you body, mind and spirit healthy.
3- Boost your immunity
A healthy diet and digestion, exercise and stress-busting me-times
should be enough to keep your immunity strong. However, for times
when you need a little aid from nature, there are a few natural
supplements out there that will give you that extra help. Ayurveda
recommends Chyawanprash, a jam like food supplement which is
rich in vitamin C. It contains over 47 fruits, herbs and spices and is
widely used in India for its multiple health benefits. It has great
immune system strengthening properties and is rich in anti-oxidants.
It can be eating directly or mixed with liquid such as milk or water or
even spread on toast. Echinacea is also very good at boosting
immune functions. Regular use of Echinacea reduces the bodys
susceptibility to the two most dreaded viral infections in winter: colds
and the flu.
Keep well & healthy
Nathalie
www.gardenofpomegranates.com
44
Eggshells
Do you think of eggshells
as food bucket fodder?
Think again. From facials to
fertiliser and craft projects
to cleaning products, the
humble eggshell can be
re-used all over your house
and garden.
You could:
1 Feed them to your pets
Eggshells are rich in calcium, iron and minerals which makes them
an excellent nutritional addition to your dogs, cats or chickens diet.
To create your own healthy supplement, simply rinse your eggshells
and store them in an airtight container until you have as many as
you'd like.
Cooking your shells is essential and will ensure any potential
bacterial nasties are neutralised. Zap them in the microwave for two
to three minutes or bake them in the oven for 20 minutes at 120 c.
For chickens simply grind up the shells into smaller pieces using a
pestle and mortar and add the mix to their feed or sprinkle it on the
ground where your hens like to forage.
For dogs and cats you'll need to put in a little more elbow grease and
grind your shells into a powder-like consistency before sprinkling a
teaspoon on your pet's normal food. Your homemade shell
supplement can be stored for up to two months in an airtight
container.
2 Fend off slugs and snails
Eggshells are a gardener's great ally in the fight against slugs and
snails. It sounds a little barbaric but sprinkled liberally round the base
of your veggies, roughly crushed egg shell pieces are perfect for
creating a spiky protective barrier. Any soft bodied pest attempting
to make a meal of your lettuce will meet a swift, sharp end.
3 Add them to the compost heap
Eggshells are an excellent addition to your compost heap and they
also make fantastic plant food if mixed together with some left over
45
coffee grinds. Even the leftover water from your boiled eggs can
provide a nutrient-rich boost to your indoor and outdoor plants once
cooled.
4 Create colourful works of art
With a wide range of egg colours now available in most large
supermarkets it's easy to collect a rainbow of eggshells to make into
colourful artwork. Once you've gathered enough shells, dry them
out in the oven by baking at 120c for about 20 minutes and then
grind them into small pieces with a pestle and mortar. Next, arm the
children with some PVA glue, let them draw a pretty picture and then
sprinkle eggshells over the top to create a work of art worthy of any
kitchen cupboard. There's a great how to guide on the Makes and
Takes website and it even includes instructions on how to dye your
eggshells, just in case you're feeling a little more adventurous!
http://www.makeandtakes.com/kids-crafts
5 Add them to your beauty regime
If your skin is feeling a little lack lustre, pep it up with an eggshell
facial! Simply pop your washed eggshells in the microwave for two
minutes and then crush to a rough powder with a pestle and mortar.
Next, whisk your powder up with an egg white and apply generously
to your skin. Leave the mask on for about five minutes (until it feels
dry and tight) and then rinse with warm water. To combat minor skin
irritations or itching drop an eggshell into a small cup of apple cider
vinegar, cover and let it soak or a few days. Remove the shell and
dab the mixture as needed on the affected area.
6 Create your own cleaning products
The humble eggshell makes a great non-toxic alternative to harsh
abrasive cleaning products. Crushed and mixed with soapy water
eggshells can be used to scour dirty pots and pans or clean the
inside of thermos flasks.
Mixed with a cup of lemon juice, a handful of cleaned and roughly
ground eggshells can be used to give your washing machine a DIY
MOT! Pour your mix around the bottom of the machine drum and
leave overnight, then run the rinse cycle the next morning and any
lime scale deposits inside the bottom of your machine will be
washed away.
46
47
And I my head oppressed by
horror said:
"Master, what is it that I hear?
Who are those people so defeated
by their pain?"
And he to me: "This miserable
way is taken by the sorry souls
of those who lived without
disgrace and without praise.
They now commingle with the
coward angels, the company of
those who were not rebels nor
faithful to their God, but stood
apart.
The heavens, that their beauty not
be lessened, have cast them out,
nor will deep Hell receive them -
even the wicked cannot glory in
them.
Dante Alighieri, Inferno

48
NEWS
from the Shirley Community Centre

The Friday Club who meet every Friday between 2 and

5pm would be happy to welcome new senior residents.
There is no charge and you can enjoy a chat over tea (or
coffee) and biscuits plus games and bingo. Just drop in!
You can hold your parties at the Centre on Saturdays and
Sundays. Contact the Site Manager, NOG, on 020 8777
4298 from Monday to Friday from 9 to 11am or Friday
afternoon. He will be happy to show you around.
The Centre is available for hire during the morning and
early afternoon. We are gradually populating the day slots:
please consider meeting at the Centre for your group or
association.
SCCA (Shirley Community Centre Association) would like
to welcome new Trustees. If you are interested in helping
the Centre become an even more lively place, please email
scca-shirley1@hotmail.co.uk for further details. The AGM
of the Association is on 12 November: all are welcome to
attend and come on board. There is a lot to do to keep
the Centre doing?
Is there anybody out there willing to help us restoring the
flat roof or who can get us wall insulation at cost? Please
phone 020 8777 4298 and leave a message is nobody
picks up.

Notice
is hereby given of the
A G M
of the
SHIRLEY
COMMUNITY CENTRE
ASSOCIATION
on
Tuesday 12
th
November 2013
at 7.30pm
All are welcome.
Please arrive early due to limited space.
49
50
Andrew Dunsmore,
Picture Partnership,
Shirley
Oh, what a month October was! Will I remember it? Yes, of course I
will; in more ways than one.
It was the month I lost two members of staff at the same time; one on
holiday, and one off sick. Boy! Was that tough, but the rest of the staff
just peddled harder and 'Thank-you' to them we kept everything
ticking over.
I was invited to a celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the profession
of Sister Judith CSC. Of course I took my cameras, although they were
not part of the invitation, and took lots of different pictures throughout
the day as a record for Sister Judith. She was so pleased when she
received them a short while later, my reward being the smile and large
hug she gave me.
Then the Harvest Festival at Westminster Abbey, attended by HRH
The Duchess of Cornwall GCVO, to celebrate the Harvest in
association with British Food Fortnight. A great service, great kids and
lovely displays.
Followed by a Soire evening in memory of a young girl who died at the
age of 15 and a half, just too young. It raised money for one of her
favourite charities,The Diamond Centre for Disabled Riders.
And finally Hallowe'en - we had a number of people coming to the
studio dressed for Hallowe'en and having a spooky picture taken,
which we then printed for them there and then, in return for a minimum
1 donation to Winston's Wish, a charity helping children suffering
bereavement. As a result we are able to send Winston's Wish 100.00.
There is something about helping others that is more rewarding than
anything else. But we must also remember.
Remember Sister Judith CSC, 60 years helping God and Others.
51
www.picturepartnership.co.uk. @PPPictures
Remember those who helped us when we needed help most.
Remember those who are no longer with us.
November is the special month of Remembrance when we remember,
too, those who gave the most. Their lives. Let us not forget them nor
their families.
I hope our pictures will help you to remember too.
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.
54
SHIRLEY LIBRARY
November 2013
Free Regular Activities and Events Children and Teens
Storytime: 2.15 to 2.45pm on the following Thursdays: 7,14,17,21 and 28.
Rhymetime: 10 to 10.30am on the following Fridays: 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29.
Once upon a Rhyme: 10 to 10.30am on the following Saturdays: 9 and 23.
Saturday Crafts: 2.30 to 4pm on the following Saturdays: 2,16 and 30.
Chatterbooks, a reading group for children aged 8-11 years old, is no longer running.
Teen Reading Group: For children aged 11 to 19, the group meets once a month to
read and discuss books, recommend books to each other, choose new books for
the library and do lots of other book related activities such as quizzes and games or
any other activities that the members suggest. Thursday 14 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 12 from 2.30 to 4.30pm.
Stitch, Knit and Natter from 2.30 to 4.30pm Friday 1, 15 and 29.
Work Club on Tuesday mornings from 10am to 12 noon. The Work Club is here to offer
support with job search, help with typing CVs, help filling in application forms and
there is access to the internet and email. No appointment is needed, just drop in.
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.
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 8726 6900 or email
Croydon.shirleylibrary@carillionservices.co.uk
Free monthly talks fom authors or speakers
Author Linda MacDonald will give a talk about her book Meeting Lydia on
Tuesday 19 November from 2.15 to 3.30pm. She will sign copies of her book
following her talk. Tea and coffee will be served afterwards.
55
READING
GROUP
FOR ADULTS
The group will discuss The bed I Made by Lucy Whitehouse on Thursday 21
November from 6 to 7pm.
Lucie Whitehouse has created a perfect thriller. The Bed I Made grabs you from
the very first chapter; it is not one to be missed but certainly not one that I would
recommend reading just before you turn the lights off!
NO
MENTION of
CROYDON
LIBRARIES
OR
A MAJOR
CORPORATE
TAKEOVER
56
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The farce goes on
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Green Thumb: Chapter 6
The grass would look even better but the weather was unkind and one
could not mow the lawn before Green Thumb arrived.
On 28 October, One had the Autumn/Winter treatment. Green Thumb
sprayed with a micronutrient feed that gives good colour and helps
with the control of moss. One had to keep off the lawn to allow the
product to dry. Not a difficult task considering the weather.
The Spring Treatment is scheduled for 26
March. Winter is coming and nature slows
down. There are a lot of birds, however.
One was a bit startled by a fierce looking
creature. It seems it was a European
Green Woodpecker or so One was told on
Twitter when One asked for help.
Was it worth? One thinks it was because the lawn was in a very sorry
state at the beginning of the treatment. With minimal effort and cost,
One has a lawn, now. One chose The Complete Programme and pays
18.77 per month. One will resume reporting in the Spring.
6
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1
2
3
4
5
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GB GARDENING SERVICES
All aspects of garden maintenance undertaken
LAWN CARE AND CUTTING
WEEDING, PLANTING AND PRUNING
HEDGE TRIMMING
LEAF CLEARING
FENCE AND SHED TREATMENT
JET WASHING OF PATHS AND PATIOS
NO JOB CONSIDERED TOO SMALL
All your gardening needs catered for using our own
tools. Removing all debris from site and leaving
your garden clean and tidy
ALL AT COMPETITIVE PRICES
FREE NO OBLIGATION
QUOTATIONS
Contact Greg:
Mobile: 07968 404 448
Email: greggiebrown@yahoo.co.uk
www.cariaddollshousefurnishings.com
Jill Latter Jill Latter Jill Latter
DOLLS HOUSE FURNISHINGS
CariAd
D
olls H
ouse
F
urnishings
63
http://www.wickhamstudio.co.uk/
Wickham Studio Teen
Are you between 13 and 19 and would love to save
40% on all hairdressing and nail services for a year?
Simply join our Teen Club by purchasing a Teen
Club Card for only 20.00. Simply email
wickhamstudio@yahoo.co.uk and leave your name
and contact details telling us that you are interested
in joining Teen Club.