RIDDLESDOWN RESIDENTS' ASSOCIATION
COMMUNITY PAGE Things to do, join, and help with around Riddlesdown
THE CORPORATION OF LONDON
WEST WICKHAM & COULSDON COMMONS DIARY
The Corporation's Newsletter and diary of Guided
Walks and Events around their local open spaces, including Riddlesdown,
may be viewed by clicking on the
link above.
10th PURLEY GUIDES – GUIDES GOING GOOD!
The Guide unit of St Mark’s, Church Road, Purley is still going strong after
all these years, despite facing changing attitudes of young people towards
such organisations.
Due to the dedication of all the leaders who have been involved with the
unit through out the years, it has successfully evolved into a modern
vibrant group offering young girls the chance to challenge themselves in a
variety of ways, and build solid friendships that will last for years.
However, at the heart of Guiding still remain solid core values
incorporating the promise and the law. Keeping some of the older values
ensures that the girls learn to respect others, themselves and the world
they live in.
Incorporating off-site activities and getting the Guides outside is always
an important part of the programme. With this in mind, over the last few
months the girls have taken part in scuba-diving, hiking at night, kayaking,
raft building, outdoor rock climbing, crate challenge and bungee
trampolining.
As in years past, badges still form a part of the Guiding Programme. We
believe that all young people should be given the opportunity to learn
life-saving skills that the badges incorporate.
To date, many of the Guides have achieved their Fire Safety, First Aid and
Water Safety badges. This involved visits to the local fire station as well
as a session from the Red Cross.
The rest of Guides is aimed at fun, games, making new friends and generally
having a good time! We must not forget the highlight of each year: the
summer camp! The girls sleep under canvas for a week and have a great time!
The programme is fun packed and most of the girls that join at the start age
of 10 will remain with the unit until they reach the maximum age of 15½.
We currently have 21 girls and are proud to say it is one of the largest
units in the area. If you know of anybody who is interested in joining
Guides, please call Alison on 07793 214156 or email her at alison.l.baldwin@btinternet.com.
CANTILENA SINGERS
Singing from Caterham Valley to Thornton Heath
With several new members swelling our ranks last term, the Cantilena Singers
fulfilled three engagements before Christmas. At our annual event in Mayday
Hospital’s foyer, carols old and new entertained people as they passed
through the foyer or sat listening at the tab1es. Generous donations were
received in the collecting tins for Friends of Mayday.
In July at our public concert, we had raised £650 for Marie Curie Cancer
Care. Following this success, we were invited to participate in a
remembrance service in Caterham. We were delighted to attend and our two
groups of selected carols were well received.
Our third carol singing event was in Central Croydon. We were very pleased
to take part in the Croydon Federation of Townswomen’s Guilds’ annual Carol
service.
We extend our thanks to our conductor and our pianist for giving their time
to enable us to spread our joyful singing on these three occasions.
The choir meets on Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm in the small hall, Methodist
Church, Limpsfield Road, Sanderstead. We welcome new members.
For more information, ring Jill on 020 8763 8971 or 07957 627783
MARION'S GUIDED WALKS
APRIL to JULY 2008
These walks are for everyone who loves to get out into fresh air, and wants
to know more about the history and wildlife of the countryside around them.
The walks are circular, so we finish at the start point. Boots are advised
as paths may be muddy. Bring waterproofs in case of a shower.
Marion is a volunteer with both the Downlands Countryside Management Project
and the Friends of King’s Wood. Walks are free but donations are welcomed
for either organisation.
Wednesday 23 April: Canopies and Magic Carpets Grid ref 349 603
Savour springtime delights in King’s Wood. Trees are fully dressed and the
ground is carpeted with bluebells. Shall we see the famous sea of blue? Join
Marion, of Friends of King’s Wood, for a two hour walk. We meet at 10am
where Orchard Road enters the woodland (Off Limpsfield Road, B269, bus route
403)
Wednesday 21 May: Secret Places Beyond Hamsey Green Grid ref 346 595
Across the fields to tracks through hidden woods, and search for grassland
flowers nearIy lost in the chalk valley where volunteers are now stemming
the tide of scrub. Join Marion, Downlands Project volunteer, at 10am at the
junction of Tithepit Shaw Lane and Wentworth Way. This gentle walk lasts two
hours.
Sunday 29 June: Downlands Countryside Walk Grid ref 302 572
This signposted walk was the first established by the Downlands Project in
1999. It remains very popular, which is not surprising as it threads through
magnificent scenery up to the crest of the North Downs. Come with Marion to
explore for two hours the walk’s northern section around Happy Valley. Start
at 10am from Farthing Downs car park, one mile south of Coulsdon South
Station.
Sunday 6 July: Chalk Giants and Jewels Grid ref 375 541
Experience scenic vistas, majestic beeches and myriads of tiny flowers high
up on Woldingham's chalk hills. Marion’s two hour walk starts at 10am from
South Hawke car park at the top of Gangers Hill, 300 yards from junction
with Northdown Road.
For more details about the Downlands Project Walks Programme, telephone
01737 737700 or 01883 341140
PURLEY BURY CROQUET CLUB
We play croquet from early April till the end of September. Most people who
come to the club have never played the game before, so coaching will be
arranged during the season. There are a lot of social activities, and two
evenings have already been booked at Hever Lakeside theatre. When you read
this we will have had a skittles evening at the Haycutter Inn. For further
information, please ring Penny on 020 8660 8239, or visit us at the club in
Brancaster Lane.
PURLEY RIDDLESDOWN AFTERNOON TOWNSWOMEN’S GUILD
The first meeting of the year proved to be somewhat of a challenge for the
Guild, as, when they arrived at St Edmund's Hall for their annual coffee
morning, they found the hall already occupied by a lively pre-school group
due to a booking error. The alternative venue was the very much smaller
William Goddard Room. However, in true Townswomen spirit, the guild managed
to squeeze fifty ladies into a space designed for half that number, and
still make the coffee morning into a very cheerful occasion.
Guild members enjoy a wide variety of activities including Scrabble, country
walks, lunches at local pubs and restaurants, drama, theatre outings and
coach trips. The busy knitting section made over two hundred patchwork
blankets for charity in 2007.
Recent talks at the monthly meetings have included ‘Growing up in Egypt’, ‘A
Warden at the Palace’, and ‘Waterside Birds’.
The guild meet at St Edmund's, Mitchley Avenue, on the first Tuesday of the
month at 2pm. New members always receive a warm welcome. For further details
telephone Mary Ellis (secretary) on 020 8660 1175.
RIDDLESDOWN LAWN TENNIS CLUB
This year the incentive will be on giving everyone a chance to play tennis
and keep fit. We have a limited number of memberships for all ages and
standards and these cost just £25 for a junior under 12, £50 for juniors
over 11, £70 for an adult beginner to £185 for a full senior. These rates
include affiliation fees to the Lawn Tennis Association and the use of balls
for Club sessions.
This year there will be special incentives for juniors who attend regularly
on Saturday mornings and demonstrate their keenness and ability. We will be
offering assistance and funding for more advanced coaching, play in matches
and entry to competitions.
It is planned to have sessions for juniors of all ages from five to 18 and
all levels of ability on each Saturday morning throughout the season, which
will run from 29 March until 27 September.
Numbers in each group will be limited and it is hoped to have three basic
groups with a qualified coach in attendance throughout. The 5-8 year old
group (or those less able) will be from 9.30am to 10am, followed by the 8-12
year group (or those with medium ability) from 10.05am to 10.50am with the
eldest and most able from 1100am to 12pm. There will be substantial
discounts for those who pay in advance.
The Club also holds sessions for adult beginners and improvers on Sunday
mornings from 10.30am to 12pm with guidance available throughout April, May
and June. We also welcome established players who are welcome to have a
trial game.
There will be open days on 29 March and 26 April – juniors in the morning
09.30 to 12pm hours (in groups as above) and Seniors in the afternoons 2pm
to 4.30pm. Come and have a go!
The Club is a private, members only, club and is not open to the public.
However courts may be hired by the hour (excluding Club session times) for
£10 per hour, but by prior arrangement and payment in advance only.
For more details please contact John Pewtress on 8668 4352 or by e mail to
jpewtress@aol.com. Our Web site is
www.riddlesdownlawntennisclub.freeservers.com. or
www.riddlesdown.totaltennis.net
ST. EDMUND’S CARING GROUP
For a few years now we have taken a group of clients and volunteers to the
Sanderstead pantomime and this January was no different – we had a great
evening entering into true pantomime spirit at Dick Whittington. We would
like to recommend this event to everyone – there were some spare spaces so
why not come along next year – maybe as a volunteer for SECG.
By now you should have received an information leaflet from us – do please
use your local volunteering neighbourhood care group either as a client or
PLEASE join us as a volunteer.
Our coordinators:
PENNY 8660 8239
JULIA 8651 6493
BARBARA 8660 8653
are always available so do please get in touch. Julia Rider
SANDERSTEAD HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
A date for your diary: 28 June. From 2pm at Wettern Tree Garden, Purley Oaks
Road, we have our annual Summer Flower Show. Always a colourful occasion
with our plant stall, music from The Crystal Palace Brass Band, teas on the
lawn, craft and charity stalls.
We have competitions for flowers, vegetables, floral art, wine, domestic
exhibits, photographs, craft and, for children, a garden in a seed tray. We
guarantee you a super afternoon and all children who enter the junior
classes will win a prize.
Do come along, or why not enter? It is simple to join the Society. Ring
Valerie Burley 8651 5837. Membership costs £6 per household.
To find out more about us look at our web site at:
www.sandersteadhorticultural.org.uk
Colin Jones. Chairman
VICTIM SUPPORT CROYDON
We been offering emotional support and practical information to crime
victims in the borough for almost 25 years. While most of the referrals come
via the police, we also provide the same free and confidential service to
victims who have not reported the crime.
Often, just being able to talk to someone who will not judge you or tell you
what to do is most beneficial, and we are offering support to more than ten
thousand people a year. We have a team of about 35 trained volunteers who
enjoy this rewarding and often complex role. If you would like to access our
service or require more information about volunteering, please phone 020
8681 7711 during office hours.
WHEN LIT MEANS FUN!
Now’s the time to put talks, audio-visual shows and evening entertainments
group, Purley Lit, into your diary for the autumn. They have just finished
another hugely enjoyable season with speakers Nick Baines, Bishop of Croydon
(4 Mar) and columnist Roger Bing (18 Mar).
Already lined up for this autumn are speakers on Cambodia (7 Oct), the
Docklands Light Railway (21 Oct), Art (4 Nov), dogs (18 Nov) and Canada (2
Dec). The new year kicks off with the Himalayas on 6 January.
The events are easy to get to by car or bus, being held in the Purley United
Reform Church Hall beside the Brighton Road in Purley centre. They take
place every other Tuesday from 8pm to about 9.30pm, preceded by coffee and
biscuits.
Purley Literary Society enjoyed the hoped-for surge in membership last
season. Join cheaply now for the next – only £21 for all eleven 2008/9
events – or come as a visitor on the night (£3).
For information: Margaret Hall –
8668 1764