19 September 2011

Picture by Picture Partnership, Shirley

at the Shirley Community Centre

Contents
Shirley Life Andrew Pellings Column Charles Parks Column In the kitchen: Herman, the friendship cake by Marzia Considering Alternatives: Teeth by Helen Campbell-McDonald Planning from hell: the Green Triangle and back garden infills Invaders: poplar suckers by Desperate residents Vintage Finds Express Timber by Tom Dunsmore Giovannas Column Shirley Community Centre Spare a Thought Guv by Christian Wilcox About Andrew Dunsmore of Picture Partnership, Shirley by Marzia Shirley Library: October Activities Outsourcing a very real threat to Croydon libraries by That Woman Jill Latter, miniaturist: Best Dressed Beds Repairs and no snow preparations @ Croydon Council 5 9 12 14 18 20 22 24 26 30 33 37 40 42 43 46 51

Front Cover: Angelina, Zumba trainer at the Shirley Community Centre

Editorial Team
Tom Dunsmore, Mike Jackson, Jill Latter, Marzia Nicodemi-Ehikioya (Editor), Andrew Pelling, Russell Elliott (Advertising Consultant), Peter Hacker (Financial Consultant), and Robert Dil (Graphic Design Consultant).

Contacts
T: 07940 415532

E: shirleylife@rocketmail.com

W: www.shirleylife.com

NOG Property Maintenance

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Congratulations, Jill Our Editorial Team member, Jill Latter, had one of her exquisite miniature beds featured in Dolls House Magazine, a national publication. She said: Whilst I was exhibiting at Miniatura (a Dolls House Fair) at the NEC, Birmingham, a journalist asked me if she could borrow the bed for a few minutes so it could be photographed. On her return she told me that it would be for an article on the Best Dressed Beds. Please see pages 46 and 47. Welcome to Shirley Life, Christian We are happy to welcome Christian Wilcox, Treasurer of the Voices Forum Schizophrenia Support Group, Co-Lead of the Mental Health Forum, and Chairman of National Perceptions, a registered charity for Schizophrenia Support. A bouquet for C&C RE wrote: Through the pages of Shirley Life I would just like to deliver a huge bouquet of thanks to C&C Planning Partnership for successfully securing planning permission for a small extension to my property. Throughout the initial application process where Charles Park took my requirements, proposed solutions and built them into a workable design through to subsequent appeal and second application, Charles has been most knowledgeable, proactive and professional throughout the process. In light of this and his success in achieving an uncompromised design for me, I can only but wholeheartedly recommend C&C Planning Partnership's services to anyone wishing to improve their homes. They will not be dissappointed with the service and I believe this is a great example of the importance of using local people with local knowledge and experience. Many thanks again Charles and Chris; excellent job done! Save the David Lean Cinema Campaign An extract from the last newsletter: Some press coverage has tended to imply hostility on the part of the Campaign in relation to the Fairfield's film programme, so it seems desirable to clearly state the committee's position. We have no objection whatsoever to the Fairfield Halls expanding their film programme with a view to attracting more diverse audiences, and we welcome the opportunity to see more films in Croydon that add variety to the ones shown in multiplexes. Our reservations specifically relate to the title The David Lean Cinema at Fairfield, which we consider inappropriate and misleading. However, this is not a criticism of the Fairfield Halls, who were obligated to use these words. When awarding the Fairfield a 1.5 million grant (which covers two years), one of the council's conditions was: A re-branding of the cinema programme to enable continuity of the David Lean Cinema brand. This re-branding enabled the council to claim that the cinema was moving rather than closing. In reality, it insults the intelligence of the David Lean's loyal patrons, who are essentially being told that they need not miss
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You are warmly invited to attend Friday Peer Group Sessions

every Friday
between 2 and 5pm at

The Shirley Community Centre

SHRUBLANDS AVENUE SHIRLEY, SURREY CR0 8JA
We aim to create a welcoming place for Older Adults to meet with their peer group, and make friends, socialise, play games (Bingo sessions and other games), listen to music, sing along and reminisce. We also plan to offer health advice and information, exercise classes, and ComTea (relaxed computer basic training) sessions.
Free tea, coffee and snacks

Call us on 8776 2562 or 07590 202547 for further details.

the experience of viewing films in an intimate 68 seat venue, or the distinctive programming associated with it, because the important thing is that David Lean brand lives on! To keep up with the latest news, press coverage, etc. you can follow and like the Campaign on http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Save-the-DavidLean-Cinema-Campaign/235352359813053 More bins to come.... unsatisfactory answers.....

Measurements taken at the Addiscombe Bin Show: Caddy: w23 x h25 x d23cm Bin: w28 x h37 x d39cm

Editor
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Extraordinary Council Meeting by Andrew Pelling

With Croydon still reeling from the riots Croydon Council was summoned to a debate by the Labour Opposition to discuss the implications of the civil unrest for Croydon. The meeting was somehow unsatisfactory in that the Labour Group had much to criticise but were always constrained in their remarks for fear of being seen to cause too much trouble whilst the town is still recovering from the trauma of the troubles. There is indeed much to complain about as the police Borough Command in Croydon has admitted that only 60 to 100 police officers were out on the streets to cope with the conflict already predicted by the police from 9am that morning. One wonders where the other 600 Croydon police officers were at the time. Residents were told by 999 to defend themselves as well they could when arsonists threatened. There are questions about why Croydon politicians did not ask for more police of the most senior politicians in the land during the day ahead of the riots as the police started telling shops to close from as early as 9 am that day, according to the acting Borough commander at the time. Another pertinent question is why the amount of money being provided to Croydon is so much lower set at 10 million rather than the previously agreed 65 million due through a programme called LEGI that had been provided under the previous government but cut by the new government and the abandoned Enterprise Zone that would also have yielded millions for Croydon. There are questions also that have been raised outside the Council chamber about why Richard Ottaway MP went off yachting in Cowes after the riots and why Gavin Barwell tells on his blog on the night of the riots that I was at the AGM of the South Norwood Residents Association this evening. As I drove home, I saw several plumes of smoke
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rising from Croydon town centre. Given what's happened elsewhere in London over the last two days, I feared the worst and sure enough when I got home and turned on the TV I saw the shocking pictures of Reeves. Why wasnt he with his constituents instead of driving straight off to Sanderstead from a meeting in South Norwood ? Fortunately through by badgering, Malcolm Wicks, the other Croydon MP, has got the Secretary of State to get the Mayor to give back the riot money that he had most eccentrically passed on to Spurs, the football club. The Leader of the Council said that there would be a review of what happened on the night though the Labour Group seemed to misinterpret this as an independent public inquiry. The meeting did call unanimously for extra police, contrary to the vote of Councillor OConnell and Gavin Barwell to cut police in the London Assembly and Parliament respectively. So here are some key points made by our elected Councillors. Cllr. Fisher (Leader of the Council): The council will seek to evict any convicted in the riots who are in social housing. The now departing Croydon Police Borough Commander was the best Croydon has ever had. A review will take place on what went wrong and this information provided to the Commons Select Committee. When people needed help the Council helped them. 16,000 had been given to the 100 families made homeless and traders given 1,000 interest free loans. Free planning advice would be provided to traders in the most affected areas. Cllr. Newman (Opposition Leader): Traders let looters get on with it, prioritising instead saving residents lives. Why were 38 police officers transferred earlier that day to Lewisham ? Why was the Town Centre the only place protected? Suggested lessons to be learnt on tackling gangs from New York. Pleased both parties calling for extra police but Conservatives need to have their Croydon MPs and GLA member change their support for police cuts. Cllr. Collins (Labour): Many in West Croydon felt abandoned as police protected property in the town centre instead. Collins mentioned a 9 year old at public meeting who asked my mother called the police. Why didn't they come? Broad Green Councillors had asked for a year for police office in Broad Green because of the crime rates; Collins speculated that there would have been less rioting if the police had tackled crime more closely along the London Road previously. Cllr. Pearson (Conservative): 90 individuals of all races attacked the Co-op,
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many from New Addington. Parents should control their children. Cllr. Letts (Labour): Some traders in London Road and Brighton Road feel abandoned and have the bureaucracy of six forms to be filled in to seek compensation. Cllr. Mohan (Conservative): 1,000 new volunteers after the riots. Croydon will soon be a good place to live in. Cllr Ayres (Labour): The residents vigil to protect New Addington shops was laudable but also disturbing as it reflects a loss of confidence in the police. Police will be found to have misapplied resources, had poor riot training and no appropriate riot equipment. Cllr. Gatland (Conservative): Drawing upon her own previous experience as an IRA gun-runner the Councillor said that when areas are hit by violence there is a need for good people to move in and not let those gain political power who through what they say act against Croydons interests. Wanted to see Swan & Sugar Loaf re-furbished. Cllr. Shahul-Hameed (Labour): Footfall to shops still low, homeless still in difficulties, need a police station and easier parking terms for West Croydon. Cllr. Hoar (Conservative): He was in Council CCTV room on the night. Croydon was like a war zone. Stop criticising police because they are brave so no more criticism should be permitted. Cllr. Louisa Woodley (Labour): When combatting gangs it is utter madness to be cutting Safer Neighbourhood Teams Sergeants. Criticised London Assembly Member and Councillor OConnell for voting to cut police numbers. Cllr. OConnell (Conservative/London Assembly Member/Chair of the Metropolitan Police Authoritys Finance Committee): He will campaign for extra police as the person in charge of the finance for extra police. Police got it wrong on the night. They broke their compact with the people to protect them. Cllr Hale (Conservative): The Council did a great job. Cllr Kabir (Labour): The 100 homeless families treated badly by the Council were placed in expensive B&B. Cllr. Pollard (Conservative Deputy Leader): The inquiry is a review panel with Councillors not an independent inquiry. 70,000 in loans have been dispersed to businesses and there is 800,000 in rate relief. Cllr. Butler (Labour Deputy Leader) criticised Cllr. OConnell for attacking police when there was a thin blue line of just twelve officers defending the London Road/Station Road junction. The failure was elsewhere. Police officers close to breakdown after the very long hours post the riots.
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Charles Parks Column

Planning in LB of Croydon
A planning application was made to London Borough of Croydon on 28th March 2011 and the planning department requested the proposed dormer roof be reduced in height and depth. After talks with the owner, it was agreed to leave the application as it was because you cannot appeal if an application is withdrawn. The application was refused on 1st June 2011 despite no objections from any neighbours. C&C Planning suggested to the client that a second application should be made and to put in an appeal to the Department of Enviroment Planning Inspectorate for the first application which was refused and let them both run concurrently. A second application was made (which the council do not charge for) by ourselves: this showed the roof reduced by 50% in height The council asked for the dormer to be reduced in depth and it was agreed the side of the proposed dormer would be so small that it would not be worthwhile building it. C&C Planning confirmed that many other dormers had been given planning permission in this area to similar houses but, nevertheless, the application was refused on 27th July 2011 for a similar reason as the first application. After considering all the points put forward by both the London Borough of Croydon and C&C Planning, the Inspector confirmed that the application should be allowed and planning permission approved. We attach 2 sets of plans. It should be noted that the dormer with the higher tiled roof (the first application which was submitted) is the one that has been approved by the Planning Inspectorate.

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 12

Refused by Croydon Council but approved by HMs Inspector

Refused by Croydon Council

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In the Kitchen: Herman, the Friendship Cake

Jill phoned and asked me if I knew Herman, the German Friendship Cake. A what? I asked. His name is Herman, she told me. As my usual, I researched and found out that Friendship cakes have been called the edible chain letter. Various friendship cake starters have been passed from person to person for more than a hundred years. The original concoction, aka Amish Friendship Cake or Herman Cake, started as a mixture of flour, sugar and water. Airborne yeast fermented the mixture which was a staple to early pioneers in bread making. Of course, this was before you could buy active dry yeast at the grocery store. The starter, which was the leavening agent, was used to make pancakes, breads and cakes. Sourdough packing pioneers relied on the starter as a leavening agent. Today is friendship bread recipes are more of a luxury or a novelty than a necessary staple. When the starter is passed on, a recipe and instructions are given with it. The mixture sits on the counter for seventy-two hours, until it becomes a fermented starter. Then, according to a carefully prescribed ritual, the starter is fed and stirred daily. The stirring must be done with a wooden spoon, for 10 more days. If it is not carefully nurtured, the starter will die. But then, if it lives, the resulting mass must be divided. One portion goes into a quick bread batter, another is kept and the two remaining portions are given to friends, thus the name - friendship bread. Folks too greedy to share have found that the starter spreads to gigantic proportions, soon over-running the kitchen. After experiencing this disaster, most people are compelled to pass it on. Anthropologists say people like to share things they have invested their time in. It is the notion of giving something of yourself. Although this friendship bread starter is a frugal gift, it is homemade and it produces a mouth-watering bread with a distinctive taste that can only be achieved with the starter.
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What give friendship bread that distinctive flavour? The acids produced as a by-product of the growing yeast create wonderful flavour. The acids are the vital part of the flavour compound that gives each loaf its slightly different tang. The acids also help preserve the starter by inhibiting the growth of certain harmful bacteria. Avoid starter recipes that call for the addition of milk, cream or eggs. These mixtures may change colours, start to smell putrid and look slimy. This is a definite indication that something other than yeast is living in your starter. Animal products were not a part of the original starter recipe. Rather, they were added only when the cake was mixed for baking. Recipes that call for milk, cream or eggs in the starter will support the growth of some modern day bacteria. Salmonella, Clostridium perfringens and staphylococcus areus like to grow in dairy products left at room temperature for hours. The modern day version is also refrigerated after 72 hours as an added safety feature. Why all the safety precautions? Because times have changed and so have conditions on this planet. Lets face it. The pioneers did not have to contend with a hole in the ozone layer, acid rain, polluted waterways or a disappearing rain forest. They also led different lifestyles. They exercised much more, worked harder and were exposed to fewer chemicals. Some even walked from St. Louis to California or there about.

My Herman
Jill kindly presented me two Hermans: one for Giovanna and one for me. Herman came in his small container with a set of instructions for ten days. I was a little worried but gave him a chance and took him in. He was a German friendship cake starter mix and all I can say, after ten days, is - WOW! You have to try this. I cook but do not know anything about cakes: it was my first cake. Read on to find out more about this great 10 day German friendship cake. Thank you, Jill.

In The Beginning
This is Herman as I received him. A bubbling dish of goo, sorry - 'German friendship cake mix' (flour, milk and sugar apparently). The instructions
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were quite clear 'You cannot put me in the fridge or I will die of cold. If I stop bubbling, I am dead.' I was worried. I read on and felt relieved as the only thing I really had to do from day to day was to give him a stir. Half way through the ten day cycle you add some flour, milk and sugar then on 10th day you add the ingredients for the cake and bake. A common cycle is based on the addition of one cup each of sugar, flour, and milk every five days, with the mix being shared into equal portions and the cake being baked every 10th day. The ten day cycle produces four starter mixes, which must be either used to bake a cake, given away, or used to start a new cycle. It is common to bake one part and give away the other three.

German Friendship Cake Instructions

Here are the instructions I received with my little Herman. Hello, my name is Herman. I am a sourdough cake. I'm supposed to sit on your worktop for 10 days without a lid on. You CANNOT put me in the fridge or I will die. If I stop bubbling, I am dead. Day 1 You get Herman and put him in a large mixing bowl and cover loosely with a tea towel. Day 2 Stir well with a wooden spoon (I liked the idea) Day 3 Stir well with a wooden spoon Day 4 Herman is hungry. Add 1 cup each of plain flour, sugar and milk. Stir well. Day 5 Stir well with a wooden spoon Day 6 Stir well with a wooden spoon Day 7 Stir well with a wooden spoon Day 8 Stir well with a wooden spoon Day 9 Hungry again. Add the same as day 4 and stir well. Divide into 4 equal portions and give away to friends with a copy of these instructions. Keep the 4th one. (or keep 2 for yourself if you wish to have you cake and eat it). Day 10 Herman is very hungry. Stir well with a wooden spoon and add the following: 1 cup sugar half tsp (teaspoon) salt 2 cups plain flour
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 23 (two thirds) cup of cooking oil 2 eggs 2 tsp vanilla essence 2 cooking apples cut into chunks (I added mixed dried fruit instead) 1 cup raisins (I didnt use them) 2 heaped tsp cinnamon 2 heaped tsp baking powder Mix everything together and put into a large greased baking tin. Sprinkle with a quarter of a cup of brown sugar and a quarter of a cup of melted butter. Bake for 45 minutes at 180 degrees. The cake freezes well. After 45 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius the top is nice and brown and the smell is delicious! I recommend that you cook Herman for a little longer than the instructions say. Place baking foil over him so he doesn't dry out and burn and give him another 15 - 20 minutes in the oven. The extra time helps him cook to perfection, the foil prevents him from becoming too dry or burning on top. Sticking a knife into the middle to test is a good idea. If you get wet mix on the knife then it needs more baking. However, because of the apple content, it is quite a moist cake anyway. I was a little apprehensive to start with as the recipe contained milk. However, the ingredients were obviously able to ferment safely over time without refrigeration. I divided Herman in four portions as instructed. Then I cooked one as bread and one as a cake, gave one away and kept going with the 4th. I plan to do the same every 10 days and change the recipe each time. I have become addicted to Herman. So, if you are offered a German Friendship Cake called Herman please, give it a go. You'll be as suprised as I was!

Marzia
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CONSIDERING ALTERNATIVES
Tried Everything Else? Try Homeopathy
If you are experiencing problems with your teeth the first person you are likely to visit is a dentist. More often than not the dental practitioner will have a solution, whether it is to repair, replace or extract a tooth, to undertake root canal work, offer cosmetic alterations or give advice on oral hygiene. With medicine we find increasing specialisation; we are referred to different hospital departments depending on which area of the body is considered to be malfunctioning. When it comes to the mouth we can enlist the services of dentists, orthodontists, hygienists, maxillofacial surgeons etc. However , did you ever think of going to see a homeopath to help with dental pain and discomfort? As a homeopath I see oral health as part of a bigger picture. The condition of our teeth and gums is not solely a matter of how we look after them, but strongly relates to factors such as nutritional status, metabolism and genetic inheritance. Homeopathic remedies can be used to ensure that the basic building blocks are in place. It is easy to forget that teeth need a healthy blood supply, that they are nerve rich and, like any other part of the body, will suffer if nutrients are not taken up at a cellular level. Healthy teeth and bones rely on the balanced absorption of certain minerals and vitamins. Even if we eat the right foods or take adequate supplements, a pre-existing systemic imbalance/weakness may prevent our bodies from utilising these nutrients. Those who take great care with cleaning their teeth, visit the dentist regularly, and yet suffer interminably with tooth problems, can get despondent. They invariably know people who, despite infrequent brushing, rarely see a dentist, and never get toothache or need fillings. Clearly individual susceptibility is an issue here. Homeopathy has the edge over other therapies in recognising that consideration of the whole person is important in any treatment. A vital point to bear in mind when it comes to our teeth is that each tooth has a relationship with an energy meridian in the body. Although we imagine we are dealing with a tooth problem, the reality may be that we have a weakness in another organ quite distant from the mouth. There are charts available that provide details about these biological dental inter-relationships (e.g. see http://www.drwolfe.com/dentistry/tooth_chart ). If someone has an issue with a front tooth, we need to be aware that this lies on the acupuncture meridian
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that runs through the bladder and kidney. If the focus is on strengthening these organs, the tooth problem may resolve spontaneously; by re-establishing flow in the blocked energy channel, the body is then able to heal itself. It sometimes happens that after dental work has been carried out, pain can persist and, in the absence of any detectable problem, the dentist might prescribe antibiotics. If you are not happy to use antibiotics you will find homeopathic remedies of great service in addressing the trauma of dental surgery and promoting rapid healing. We have remedies for relieving acute pain, draining abscesses, resolving chronic neuralgia, and dealing with the general face-ache that can resist conventional approaches. Another aspect that is given scant regard is the emotional component. If someone feels fear at the prospect of having a high powered drill in their mouth, or having a deep local anaesthetic injection, then they are far more likely to experience pain. Fear and anxiety prevent the release of the bodys natural pain relieving substances; endorphins and enkephalins (neurotransmitters). By addressing the underlying tension, homeopathy can modify a persons experience of pain. Sometimes fear of visiting the dentists surgery may mean that essential repair work is neglected, and further deterioration ensues. It is worth considering homeopathy when such a phobia needs to be overcome. Look after that smile!

Helen Campbell-MacDonald, Homeopath Helen practices at The Chestnut Clinic, West Wickham; fully insured and registered with the Homeopathic Medical Association, she adheres to its strict Code of Ethics and Practice.

The Chestnut Clinic

Specialising in the Identification & Treatment of Allergic Disorders Home Visit Service Tel: 020 8462 5800 Email: Chestnutclinic@btinternet.com Website: www.chestnuthomeopathy.co.uk

20 Chestnut Avenue West Wickham BR4 9ES

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Planning from hell: the Green Triangle and infills

An Outline Planning Permission 11/01999/P was presented for the Triangular Land r/o 2-26 Shirley Avenue, r/o 9-33 Valley Walk, and land adj and r/o 179-189 Shirley Road, Croydon. lt was for the erection of buildings to provide up to 50 assisted living sheltered apartments for the elderly with associated landscaping and parking. The same developer stated that the Green Triangle is 1 A site of Nature Conservation Importance. 2 A site of Borough Grade 11 Importance for Nature conservation 3 Local Open Land recognised as being vital for the quality of life in Croydon. and yet argued that these classifications were inappropriate and should be revoked. Shirley Life does not believe that these classifications are inappropriate because Residents are fully aware that badgers and bats are present in the Green Triangle which is also a haven for biodiversity and wildlife. There is also a lovingly tended apiary in situ. Shirley Life believes that, once more, greed is raising its ugly head and lust for profit is driving developers to destroy another green lung in Shirley. We are already an over-developed area without the necessary infrastructures. The development proposals weree described as midway between category 2 housing and Part 3 accommodation (registered care home). This level accommodation implies a high level of support. Accommodation would probably be suitable for couples as well as single people. It is therefore possible that up to 100 individuals may be housed there, reliant on ambulances and other large delivery vehicles. Appropriate access with safe entry and exit to the site is an important factor relating to the sustainability of the site, services, and properties. There is none. The area near the Green Triangle is heavily congested. Shirley Road is a red route, there is a large roundabout that buses from and to Croydon and Addiscombe have to negotiate. There is a large secondary school and school traffic is heavy.
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This is an Outline Planning Permission so there are no plans available. It can be safely presumed that the developer will want to exploit the area to the maximum and we might get a high building that would dominate the residential properties in the area. A building capable of housing 50 to 100 individuals, plus common areas and parking for staff and visitors cannot be compatible with the local residential buildings. Parking problems will indeed be exacerbated as overflow parking is already being absorbed in Shirley Avenue and surrounding roads. Residents are often unable to park outside their own properties. Shirley is not Croydon but a suburb. Therefore, there is no room for high rise buildings and more cement. Shirley Life objected to the application and, in particular, quoted the following in support of the objection: 1 UDP SP4 that states that the Council will: a Preserve or enhance areas of recognised and valued character or special interest. b Prevent the loss of identity of different parts of the Borough including conservation areas and local areas of Special character, and publish Proposals Statements for all conservation areas. The Council and the elected representatives should enforce such policies and discard the outdated and inaccurate papers presented by the developer. 2 UDP SP9 that states that the Council will: Seek to protect the special character of wooded hillsides and ridges. Development that would adversely affect the character of the area or lead to the loss of tree cover, either as a result of construction or as a likely consequence of the everyday use of the development, will be refused. Shirley green spaces are being eroded one by one. We must protect the character of the area. 3 UDP SP11 that states that the Council will: Ensure that all new development and proposed alterations to existing buildings do not have an adverse impact on the designated panoramas, local views and landmarks. Where the opportunity arises, the Council will encourage the creation of new views and landmarks. Infills and back garden developments are back in Shirley and far more dangerous than the front extension of the Maywood Restaurant, one of the best restaurants in Shirley. The extension does indeed grace the previously shabby Poppy Parade and many residents commented against the refusal. Shirley Life has objected against Outline Planning Permission 11/02230/P at land rear of 42-44 Lime Tree Grove for the erection of a three bedroom detached house; formation of vehicular access onto Annesley Drive and provision of associated parking.
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Invaders: poplar suckers

We noticed something growing in the lawn, in between paving stones, in the plant borders. Our neighbours had the same problem. We pulled them out and they grew back. A nightmare. We asked for help and the response came in the form of a question: Was there a poplar or had there been a poplar in the vicinity? The answer was yes, a poplar had been felled by another neighbour. It appears that Lombardy poplars (Populus nigra Italica) are notorious for spreading by root suckers after the main tree is removed. We learnt that poplar trees have a narrow, vertical growth pattern that makes them good landscape options for lining driveways and paths. Unlike other types of trees that propagate by seed, poplar trees propagate primarily by growing new trees off their extensive root system. These new trees are called suckers and can quickly become invasive if not removed. It is recommended to cut down poplar suckers as soon as they first emerge from the ground. We also read that the root buds become active when the tree comes out of dormancy in spring, resulting in an abundance of unwelcome suckers. In all texts there seems to be reference to spring but this is happening in September! The blighters are eveywhere and grow at incredible speed. One could spend the rest of ones life either pulling the suckers out by hand or chopping them back, or one could go the easier route and kill whats left of the tree with a glyphosate-based product. This chemical is one of safest to use in the home garden, but it is a non-selective herbicide. To apply it, paint or spray the exposed stump and suckers with a 50:50 solution of glyphosate to water. (Roundup Tree Stump & Rootkiller or Deep Root Ultra Tree Stump & Weedkiller). Triclopyr (SBK Brushwood Killer) can also be used. If the suckers are very large, you cut them down to the ground and allow them to resprout to half the original size before spraying. This will reduce damage to nearby desirable plants from drifting spray. Repeat the process as needed until suckers no longer appear. Will they ever go away?
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The beginning

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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

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Express Timber

by Tom Dunsmore

In the last issue we found out something of Johnnys adventures as he built his career in the timber trade, of the obstacles that are part and parcel of businesses in general and the self-employed in particular and of the disastrous fire that burned his business in Penge to the ground. What would have been a devastating final blow to many in their early 50s was the beginning of another venture for Johnny who promptly decided to rebuild and start again although he views it as his last opportunity to develop the business. So we now take up the story of his arrival in early 2008 at Express Timbers, 211 Wickham Road, and his now familiar premises. This was the start of the recession and, with hindsight, was a far from favourable time for anyone to set up a new business, but with two additional staff, what they initially lacked in stock and finance the whole team more than compensated for in experience. By offering their traditional service of advice and assistance in all their product range, cutting timber to size and free delivery, often the same day, and by being competitive in their pricing, and by offering to quickly obtain items not in
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stock, often within 24 hours, the business is gradually being rebuilt. The first year was the most difficult, establishing themselves in a new area, maintaining their former wholesale links and developing new retail ones, being competitive and all the other factors which all businesses have to contend with nowadays. Johnny buys his large range of timbers direct from importers to meet the needs of his wholesale customers and this wide range is available to his other customers. His current stock consists mainly of softwoods in a wide range of mouldings and sizes and he is gradually building up to a range of specialist mouldings in hardwood; in time, he hopes to meet everyones requirement in mouldings. He also stocks sheet material, fencing, decking, etc. etc. and whilst the larger merchants stock mainly sawn timber, he has it ready planed. Not appreciated from the road is a yard to the rear where the larger sizes are stored and on-site cutting, drilling and planing, etc. are carried out. And this only touches on the timber side! The variety of goods stocked by Express timbers is impressive. Even the window and external display of timber, plumbing, ironmongery, paint, decorating, door furniture, electric tools, safety clothing, gardening and other equipment and accessories of various sorts doesnt do justice to the extensive range held. Inside there are well stocked shelves displaying more items and the office turned out to be a veritable miniwarehouse of nuts, bolts, screws, hooks and much, much more. Not content with being unable to display everything, Johnny has plans to change the layout next year to improve the access and display for the benefit of his customers.

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Johnny speaks very highly of his staff whom he claims to work to a frazzle but they obviously thrive on it! They all strive to maintain the same very high standards of service, work very hard and take the minimum out of the business to ensure that the maximum is ploughed back in and stock kept as high as is consistent with takings; with such a myriad of stock items each takes responsibility for a section. Paul is a keen model maker and is interested in architecture; he is responsible for tools, electrics and key cutting and will fashion complicated keys by hand if required. Louis concentrates on the plumbing side of the business. The shop is open seven days a week, which is especially convenient and useful to those who can only shop on a Sunday. Johnny also speaks very highly of Shirley customers, many of whom are now regulars and familiar faces; this is not only very satisfying, but proves that the desire of customers to have the majority of their needs under one roof and receive a first-class, personal and competitive service is being met. There is plenty of competition in the area (and Wickes has opened up nearby) but this special, comprehensive service with delivery thrown in - the hallmark of Express Timber has found a niche in Shirley and Express Timber is rapidly building on it. The public also seems to appreciate the lack of a queue at the check-out! One would think that there cant have been much time for anything else in Johnnys life, but he was no mean boxer when at school and was a Junior ABA (Amateur Boxing Association) champion and now, having given up boxing, is a keen golfer with a highly commendable handicap of 9 and has found the time to be Captain of one club and chairman of another. Well done, Johnny. Its pleasure to have you (and your team) in Shirley.
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GIOVANNAS COLUMN
Alton Towers Theme Park
Spend a day in the park This summer I had the chance to spend a day at Alton Towers, one of the biggest and most interesting theme parks in Europe. If you want to take a good look at the area surrounding the park, jump on one of the cabins of the skyride it will give you an aerial view of the Tower, the rides, and its fantastic gardens. The castle in the middle of the park has always belonged to the Talbot family, Earls of Shrewsbury. The park had opened its doors to the public for the first time in 1860 when the public used to visit to watch acrobats, elephants, bands and fireworks and its magnificent gardens. The Tower was owned by different families until the 1950s when it was finally given back to the Alton Towers LTD Company that used to own it and became a Theme Park in the 1980s. The rides for thrill-seekers are: Th 13teen, The Blade, Nemesis, Air, Enterprise, Oblivion, Rita, Submission, just to name few and are the most popular ones among teens and adults. Walking through the park in the Katanga Canyon area you will love the Congo River Rapids ride: this is great fun for families but everyone would enjoy it. You can also try The Flume: you will climb into a bathtub and

30

Picture by Picture Partnership, Shirley

fly down. It drops through waterfalls. You will have lots and lots of fun. There are a variety of restaurants as well as ice cream shops; however, if you have packed a picnic, there are a lot of beautiful spots where you can have your lunch, relax and enjoy the atmosphere. We did enjoy the runaway Mine Train which is also a ride for little ones as well as Marauders Mayhem where you will swirl and twirl in gunpowder barrels Hex is a multimedia experience: a ride through the history of the castle, quite surprising and mysterious, not for the faint hearted. We decided to go on the Battle Galleons, it was an experience that I would definitively avoid next time because we got soaking wet. It was also funny as I did not expect to get so wet. The kids loved it, so, if you decide to go on it, make them put their raincoats on or take a change of clothes with you. It is best to purchase the tickets in advance in order to avoid the long queues at the entrance. It was a lovely experience that I would like to repeat in the future; less tiring and stressful than travelling to Disneyland Paris and, in this economic uncertainty, less costly.
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32

Shirley Community Centre (SCC)

Activities at the Centre

PM Monday Available Tuesday Zumba with Angelina 1.30 - 2.30pm Zumba with Emma 6 - 7pm Tenshin Tsunami Ryu 7 - 9pm Wednesday Available Racquet Club 4 - 5pm Thursday Available Fit n Funky 2 - 3pm from 22/09 Racquet Club 4 - 5pm Zumba with Angelina 6 - 7pm Legs, Bums & Tums 7 - 8pm Road Cycling Club 8 -10pm Friday Available GKR Karate 6 - 7.30pm Tenshin Tsunami Ryu 7.30 - 9.30pm Saturday Shirley Saturday School Available Sunday Shrublands Christian Fellowship Care Direct UK and Living Hope Project are now running activities for Older Adults in the south end part of the Centre each Friday afternoon. Please contact them on 8776 2562 or 07590 202547 for further details. Shirley Saturday School has now opened. Places are still available: please contact Dr Lawrence on 07417 436130 for further details. Future events for your diary: Saturday 29 October: event to present the 10 winners of the Prize Draw of the survey Which of the following would YOU like to see at the Centre? and a presentation of the results of the Survey. It will be a Halloween themed event. Saturday 12 November: Quiz Night. All proceeds to the Royal British Legion.
33

AM Available Available

What the Centre offers The main hall is complemented by a well equipped kitchen, there are two other rooms, and a separate room suited to smaller committee meetings. These premises are ideally placed in a residential area and are well served by two bus routes. There is some on-site parking, The Centre is available most mornings and the early part of each afternoon. It is also very popular for private parties at weekends. To hire the Centre, please contact 020 8777 4298 on Thursdays between 9.30 and 11.30am or email lettings4scca@hotmail.co.uk. There is also a website, www.shirleycca.com, to keep you abreast of events . Midweek charges are 10 per hour (40 for a whole morning or afternoon, 50 for a whole evening) or 250 for private parties on a Saturday or 350 on a Sunday. The small Meeting Room cost is 5 per hour at any time. More details available on request.

Shirley Saturday School - Give your child a head start

AS/A2 Chemistry, Biology - Science KS3 - Science GCSE (Core, Additional and Triple), Maths, GCSE, KS3 English GCSE, KS3 We specialise in providing personalised tuition for our students. We provide for students with varying abilities. We advise and help A level students in their application to Universities. An early start with us is a big step to your childs success. Do not wait until your child starts struggling in school before deciding to get extra help! For further information, please contact Dr Lawrence on 07417 436130 or email shirleysaturdayschool@hotmail.co.uk There are now 3 Zumba classes at the Shirley Community Centre with Angelina on Tuesday from 1.30 to 2.30 and Thursday from 6 to 7pm and Emma on Tuesdays from 6 to 7pm
Come and have fun with us!
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10am to 1.30pm at The Shirley Community Centre, Shrublands Avenue, CR0 8JA

SCHOOL SHIRLEY HIGH OPEN EVENING SCHOOL

Thursday 22 SEPTEMBER 2011
BETWEEN E pm E 7.30 pm O P E N 5.00 V andN I N G

T h u r s d a y 2 2 S EPresentations: 2 0 1 1 Headteachers P T E M B E R
5.30 pm, 6.15 pm, 7.00 pm BETWEEN 5.00 pm and 7.30 pm Headteachers Presentations:

5.30 pm, 6.15 pm, 7.00 pm RECORD BREAKING YEAR OUR BEST EVER RESULTS

100% OF D B R E A GAINED 5 A*- C R E C O RSTUDENTS K I N G Y E A R 71% B STUDENTS R R E 5 A*- C O U ROF E S T E V EGAINEDS U L T S (including Maths + English) 1 0 OF O F S T U D E N T S G A I N E D 5 A * - C 69% 0 % STUDENTS GAINED 10 OR MORE 7 1 % O F S T U D E A*-SCG A I N E D 5 A * - C NT (including Maths + English) 6 9 % COME D E N T S BE I N E D 1 0 O R M O R E O F S T U AND G A INSPIRED A*- C

COME AND BE INSPIRED

Headteacher:note: 6thBarrow Cert Evening will be NPQH FCoT (Please Mr N M Form Open Ed BEd(Hons) held on Thursday 17 November 2011 from 6.00 pm 8.00 pm) Shirley Church Road, Croydon, CR0 5EF Telephone: 020 8656 9755: Fax: 020 8654 8507 Email: office@shirley.croydon.sch.uk: Website: www.shirley.croydon.sch.uk Headteacher: Mr N M Barrow Cert Ed BEd(Hons) NPQH FCoT Shirley Church Road, Croydon, CR0 5EF Telephone: 020 8656 9755: Fax: 020 8654 8507 Email: office@shirley.croydon.sch.uk: Website: www.shirley.croydon.sch.uk

(Please note: 6th Form Open Evening will be held on Thursday 17 November 2011 from 6.00 pm 8.00 pm)

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Spare a Thought Guv by Christian Wilcox, Defender of Crazy People

In this age of cuts its easy to forget there are others who are actually worse off than you. As you struggle to handle mortgage payments, less money in your pocket, and higher food and clothing bills. Add to that less help from The Govt with your kids and it really does add up. Its not going to be easy for you. But, there are those who have actually got it harder. Imagine a life where you are literally skimming the Poverty Line every day, end up in fuel poverty (where 10% or more of your income is spent on fuel to stay warm and clean), and also have a mind you simply cannot rely on. I dont mean that last one in a jokey sense. I mean for real. Where crazy thoughts invade your day, and can be so overwhelming they actually effect you. Where voices that only you can hear taunt you or confuse you. And where other people can be very scary indeed due to them wearing the wrong colour shoes ( for example ). You can end up so afraid you dont leave the house for days on end, and as such the liberty your average person enjoys just isnt there. So youre stone broke and crazy. Welcome to the life of the Mentally Ill. My people are mostly harmless (I am one of these Mentally Ill people. I was gassed by my boiler and left with a bad brain injury), and are more afraid of you than angry at you. They avoid you, they hide from you, and they want
37

to be left alone by you. Most violent crime out there is carried out by people classed as sane. Not by us Mental Health Service Users. And this is all very real. Were not a danger to anyone really. So Im writing this to show the level of hardship we face. If youre mild like me its inconvenient, but rarely disastrous. Others are, quite frankly, stuffed. And have trouble making their money last the 2 weeks between payday for us at present, let alone the month you guys often budget to. As we are simply too ill to do the math properly. But its not stupidity in most cases. Its being distracted. How do you concentrate and do big stuff when you are so heavily distracted by your illness? Some people just cant. Its too much. So, how do we manage our illness? Therapies are becoming more available (although that is still slow going), and we have medication as well. But medication has a down-side. Much as it stops us being so distracted and hounded by our illnesses it still leaves us half asleep all the time. Its often not safe to drive, we have to sleep more, and in some ways we are still too distracted to get stuff done properly. So need help with some things in life. Typically this help comes from Charities. We do get some state assistance as well, but a lot of it is The Third Sector. And in Croydon that Third Sector budget has been cut by 8%. And out of a budget of 17 million pounds for the whole Voluntary Sector that is a lot of money to lose. About 1.5 million pounds? Charities I know that work with the Mentally Ill are suffering. Add to this Government plans to cut 100,000 disabled kids by 50% in the new Universal Credit system to replace the Disability Increment of Child Tax Credits. And also how Disability Living Allowance will now be replaced by a system where a predicted 800,000 disabled people will get a Benefits Cut, and Its not going to be pretty is it? It kind of makes you wonder why you pay your taxes. In this Green and Pleasant Land the most vulnerable in our society are really going to get it hard. And its the Charities that stand against these terrible cuts. So how are these Charities surviving? Well, they are surviving, but its now a lot harder for them. The problem is thus: The more time they spend fundraising the less time they have to spend helping people. They are small teams and only have so many sets of hands, so this is true. This is why Council money was so valuable. It simply happened, and left them free to focus on the work. They did not need to worry about funds that much. Now
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so much of it is gone these Charities are now suffering. Front line services like Youth outreach right the way through to The Counselling Services are feeling it. They cant do as much front line work, as they have to spend more time fund-raising now. Or they have to shrink, and not fund-raise as much. If they shrink theyll be helping fewer people as well. So who helps us Mentally Ill types now? I did speak to one of Gavin Barwells (the MP) Litter Pickers about whether they would do more. I was curious about the Big Society. Gavin has a volunteer group that goes out and picks up litter in the local parks. As the MPs own team, I figured they would lead by example and as such rise to the challenge. I was left very disappointed. Their choice was more important than going where the real need was. They simply werent interested. They do Litter Picking only. Litter wont kill anyone. Isolation and Mental Health problems can kill. For real. Yet they would not rise to the challenge. I actually suggested adopt-a-granny. Its a simple enough concept. You adopt an old lady (or couple ) and do her shopping run for her once per week. So that she is not alone, and gets help with those heavy bags when needed. Simple enough, but it ensures said granny can carry a lot of food and cleaning products home. So ensures she is well fed and has a better quality of life. Cans of pet food can be heavy, and a little furry friend in old age can be a life-saver. It also requires less medical skill than caring for the Mentally Ill can, so should have been a breeze for the MPs team. I never did get a reply to that one. So, whos going to help us as we struggle to manage our lives? With noone in the Charities with a spare hand these days, and the Big Society being more interested in chocolate wrappers? Sadly, thats the million dollar question. So spare a thought guv. You may be having a hard time at present, but others are suffering more. And they could do with some help. All you have to do is treat them like human beings, not be afraid of them, say hi to your neighbours to make sure theyre ok, keep your kids quiet around them (peace and quiet is good ), and maybe pick up a paper for them. Its not a biggy, but it can make a world of difference to those living in what can often be a very tough world. A world which is about to get much tougher with these cuts.
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About Andrew Dunsmore of Picture Partnership, Shirley

Councillor Louisa Woodley, a friend and a colleague (she is, amongst other things, a gifted language teacher) needed some professional pictures taken for her GLA campaign. I had no hesitation in recommending Andrew, one of the best photographers in the country. A session at Picture Partnership is exciting: you don't just get a shoot. You get fun. And at the end of it, you'll have natural, stunning images that can be treasured forever. Andrew puts you at ease and gets you out of your shell. Louisa looks splendidly relaxed and confident. Marzia www.picturepartnership.co.uk.

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41

27 January 2011

October 2011 Family Learning Week is on from Friday 7 to Saturday 15 October. You can book for the following events at Now Online at www.shirleylife.com Shirley Library from mid September: Family Knitting Friday 7soon to 5pm and very October 2.30 Puppet Making Saturday 8 October 2.45 to 4pm in container Make aprint from recycled fabric on Tuesday 11 October 4 to 5pm Family Card Making Friday 14 October 4 to 5pm Rhymetime at 10am. Singing for babies and their parents and carers on the following Fridays: 7, 14, 21 and 28 October Wiggle and Jiggle at 11am. Singing for toddlers and their parents and carers on the following Fridays: 7, 14, 21 and 28 October Storytime from 2.15 to 2.45pm. Stories and crafts for 3-7 year olds on the following Thursdays: 6, 13, 20 and 27 October Rock and Rhyme at 10am. Singing for babies & toddlers and their parents and carers on the following Saturdays: 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 October Stories and Craft Sessions from 2.45 to 3.45pm. For 4-9 year olds and their parents and carers. Saturday 22 October: Autumn theme Chatterbooks, the fun and exciting reading group for 8-11 year olds, is restarting as a monthly group from Thursday 13th October from 4-5pm. Come in and sign up! Games Club from 2.30 to 4.30pm. Do you like playing cards, dominoes, chess and other board games? Come RGERY and join us. Every Tuesday on 4, 11, 18, 25 October POLICE SU d Craft Workshops & Card Making from 2.30 to ighbourhoo s Safer Ne on Shirley 4.30pm. There will be a charge of 3 to cover the cost of in surgery eams drop T materials. Tuesday 18 October 2 October Saturday 2 to Stitch, Knit and Natter from 2.30 to 4.30pm. Get from 2.30 together with other knitters for a cup of tea and a chat. and make3.30pm. your Beginners welcome. Friday 7 and 21 October

Read about g in outsourcin ges! the next pa

E LOS C
If you stay s il

ent

SAVE OUR LIBRARIES

voice heard !!!

Outsourcing a very real threat to Croydon libraries

News of Croydon libraries broke on Friday, again not as an official notification but in the local Advertiser - a paper only received by a small proportion of Croydon residents. The article stated that, It is almost certain that an outside organisation will take over the running of Croydons libraries. Cllr Sara Bashford told the Advertiser that the recommendation going to cabinet Monday 19th September will be to go out to tender. Residents may feel assured by the tone of the article that refers to this, following a public backlash that led to Croydon Council dropping original plans to close six libraries.... The Council has listened and responded to residents is the message received. Unfortunately the situation couldnt be more different. The extent of confusion and misinformation is quite astounding! Debate is recorded in recent weeks in the letters pages of the local Guardian http://soslibrary.blogspot.com/2011/07/kept-in-dark-over-croydon-libraries.html http://thatwomansblog.blogspot.com/2011/07/listened-and-respondingcroydon-style.html http://soslibrary.blogspot.com/2011/08/library-users-have-been-denied-sayon.htmland http://soslibrary.blogspot.com/2011/08/libraries-debate-on-letter-page.html between library campaigners and members of Croydon Council who deny that residents are being kept in the dark over libraries. Campaigners are adamant that the silence and mixed messages on libraries have added to the confusion, leaving many residents completely unaware. They point out: Only 6 libraries were the subject of the consultation exercise, yet all 13 were put out to market test and now look likely to be outsourced The consultation document was flawed, with parts not even been analysed, denying residents the right to register that they wanted libraries to stay as they were - a message heard very clearly from residents across the borough during the consultation. An Internal Reshuffle was undertaken, separate to the consultation, resulting in a drastic reduction of staff in Croydon libraries and a marked deterioration in the service on offer, already saving the council money before any cuts were even considered as a result of the consultation. Cllr Bashford gave her assurances to look into a comprehensive list of concerns from residents across the borough, relating to this deterioration of
44

service, highlighted to her by campaigners some months back. She has so far fed back on only two very minor points, well short of the response expected on concerns ranging from repeated errors, reduced help in libraries, libraries being closed without notice, cancelled activities, and greatly reduced staffing and access to qualified librarians. Campaigners made clear that these problems were not present prior to this reshuffle and were in no way a criticism of the library staff who they praised for their dedication in such difficult circumstances. In fact the welfare of library staff, their pay and conditions, have been a major concern of campaigners and have been passed on to Cllr Bashford also. The decision to market-test all 13 libraries was taken on the basis of the ideas of just 412 replies, recorded as Explore links with commercial businesses i.e. outsourcing, sponsorship, advertising, cafe, retail. No breakdown was recorded as evidenced by the refusal of the FOI request http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/breakdown_of_responses_to_libr ary#incoming-199932 so those who offered ideas of efficiencies such as seeking sponsorship or adding a cafe have effectively had their suggestion counted as a vote for outsourcing. Despite a complete denial of any involvement with companies such as LSSI and Laings, just days after the decision to market-test all 13 libraries, Croydon hit the national papers. It was reported that Croydon were working with Wandsworth and had already met with LSSI, an American firm with a dubious record for reducing hours and book stock, replacing staff with less qualified ones, eroding the pay and conditions of staff and increasing charges. Have Croydon residents spoken out and given a clear message to the council? Most certainly yes - 22,605 written responses were received in the form of consultation documents, petitions, letters and emails as well as those who turned up in their hundreds at all six public meetings held across the borough.

B C

ut, have Croydon, the listening council, really listened and taken account of residents opinions by basing their justification to pursue outsourcing on the views of just 412, and views that may well not have supported outsourcing in any case? roydon has a clear record now for flawed consultations. There will no doubt be a lot of anger from residents when they discover what is really happening with their libraries.

http://thatwomansblog.blogspot.com/
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CariAd

Dolls House Furnishings

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Picture Framers & Art Gallery

t: 020 8654 0073 f: 020 8656 3360 e: fish@fishframes.co.uk www.fishframes.co.uk

Open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm

Lynn MacAskill, GCF 182 Wickham Road Shirley, Croydon Surrey CR0 8BG

Wickham Studio offers professional Hairdressing and Nail services in a relaxing and friendly atmosphere. We have a member of the team to suit any individual and welcome all clients from one to one hundred. As well as being passionate about hair and offering honest and professional advice to help you make the best of your locks, we offer BioSculpture gel manicures and mini, classic and luxury manicures. Also on offer is Fake Bake spray tanning only 18.00 the best value for miles around. We are the only local salon to have the wonderful Flabelos exercise machine, the ultimate 10 minute workout. In 2009 Wickham Studio were awarded 4 Stars in the prestigious Good Salon Guide. Please call 020 8777 2714 to book an appointment.

We look forward to welcoming you to our salon.

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As unique as you are. Call 8777 2714 to book your appointment.
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50

Repairs and no snow preparations @ Croydon Council

ictures are indeed more powerful than words. Below, you can see a repair carried out in Stuart Crescent not long ago. I had to do a bit of investigating because I did not understand the reason for such a botched up job. I learnt that the crack in the footway was noticed on an inspection in February and a repair commissioned to ensure the public did not trip over it. The cost of the repair, if indeed you can call it a repair, was minimal because the gang who carry out such remedial work potholes etc are paid for by the day and not per individual repair. I was assured that Jill Govett, the Streetscene officer for Shirley ward, would take up the issue of poor workmanship.
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Are we supposed to be happy with substandard repairs such as this eyesore or the many potholes in our ward that keep reappearing a short while after they are filled? Are they not a waste of our Council Tax? On quite a different issue: we have not had much of a summer but winter might be even worse. Hollies are covered in berries! Our neighbouring Bromley Council has already organised a second Snow Conference to prepare for any forthcoming adverse weather. Local community groups work with the Council and can sign up to the new scheme and receive their own supply of snow shovels and salt to distribute locally as they see fit. The Snow Friends Co-ordinator writes: We know that local residents have a wealth of knowledge about their local area. This is why by us providing the support and guidance we hope you can act as the catalyst for mobilising your network of local members to help tackle any snow and/or ice where you see best in your neighbourhood. (sic) It seems that Councils, particularly with a Tory administration, think alike. We pay Council Tax but receive fewer and fewer services. We are expected to volunteer to do jobs because workers have been sacked. They tell us that we are in it together but can you see much savings in government quarters? Many of our local politicians hold two or three jobs paid by us, the taxpayers.

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