RIDDLESDOWN RESIDENTS' ASSOCIATION

 

(Click for H O M E  P A G E)

 

THE RIDDLESDOWN RECORDER ON THE WEB

OCTOBER 2004

(Photographs and adverts omitted)

EDITOR’S NOTES
You may wonder why there are articles on wine, herbs and gardening in this issue. Perhaps they are not the usual stuff of community magazines, quite apart from the fact that Riddlesdown is not known for its great vintages nor, as far as I know, for any unique herbs. But clearly we have a unique herbivore in the person of Violet Sage-Chervil – see page 20 – a hitherto unknown resident who turns a pretty phrase, and quite likely a pretty leg, if one could spot her pruning the parsley.

   These articles are there because they are written by residents who have something informative and interesting to convey to their fellow residents. I hope that they may persuade others to write of their interests and enthusiasms – which may be done under a nom-de-plume if desired.

   Riddlesdown must have a great wealth of experience and interesting knowledge if only one can get at it, so please have a go at writing something down and, at the same time, help reduce the stress on the Editor in his search for material to enliven the magazine.

   If you cannot do anything yourself but know someone who can, please tell me where I can get in touch with them. Even if you or they can’t or don’t wish to put pen to paper, conversations can always be taped.

   As usual, thanks to all contributors, including our Chairman and Committee Members whose reports barely begin to reflect the work that they do all year round on your behalf.

 COULD YOU STANDBY?

We would like to set up a list of people who would be prepared to be on standby for a some fairly infrequent jobs for which the Committee is in need of assistance.

   For example, every six-months, to prepare for the 1400 copies of this magazine delivered to members by our Road Stewards, a few of us deliver the 46 bundles to them. This is quite a task.

   We would welcome similar help with occasional deliveries of bundles of notices to the Road Stewards. Then there is the setting up of the annual Funday in June or July, and the Children’s Fancy Dress Party in January.

   We would be very appreciative if we could add your name to a Standby List – people whom we could telephone as the need arises. The longer the list, the less we would have to call on any one person, or the smaller the segments into which each job could be broken down.

   Please ring me (8660 0787) or Brian Longman (8657 8374) if you can help.
   And, of course, we are always in need of Road Stewards. Please ring John Rapp (8660 9531) if you can volunteer to join this select band.

Nick Bygrave

__________________________

 Mina Hardy would like to thank all her friends that she heard from on her 99th birthday at the end of July. She celebrated in style with lunch out in a restaurant with some of her family. She has settled in well at the care home in Skelmanthorpe in the beautiful West Yorkshire countryside.

__________________________

RIDDLESDOWN RECORDER ARCHIVE
The numbers still needed are:
1930s/1940s: any.
 1950s: 29, 33 36, 37, 40, 42 to 45, 58 to 62, 64
 1960s: 73, 76, 86 to 88.
1970s: 119,123 1980s: 132

__________________________

THE COMMITTEE REPORTS...
CHAIRMAN

It is with disappointment that yet again I find myself  reporting on the two issues that have so much dominated my last two reports: telephone masts and access to the new school car park.

Telephone masts

For those unaware of the history, a quick resumé. Two years ago O2 applied for permission to site two new masts in the area, one in Lower Barn Road and one in Mitchley Hill.

   The association objected to both on the grounds they were too close to resident’s’ homes.

   We suggested mast-sharing with the large mast near the school. O2 refused.  Finally, after months of discussions, a compromise was reached between O2 and Croydon. The two applications would be withdrawn in favour of a single mast sited half way up Dunmail Drive. 

   Then in December 2003, O2 submitted yet another application, this time for a mast in Lower Barn Road; so much for the compromise. O2 argued that this application was not part of the compromise deal as the mast was for the 3G network, the other two applications being for the 2G network.  However, common sense finally prevailed and the application was rejected by Croydon.   Great, or so we thought, but unfortunately there was a sting in the tail.  Croydon, despite reaching a decision in January, failed to let O2 know until February.  Not a problem you might think, but, in July, workmen descended on Lower Barn and erected a 15-metre mast on the pavement by the railway bridge.  O2 justified their action by saying that Croydon had failed to inform them of the decision to reject the application in time. The Council, by law, have 56 days to communicate their decision; Croydon took 57 days, so O2 built by default.

   Despite a strong challenge by Croydon, O2 insisted that right was on their side.

   The Association has been in discussions with both Croydon and O2 but the situation to date remains unresolved.  Croydon are considering legal action against O2, and the association is considering action against Croydon. However, despite the inadequacies of Croydon's planning procedures, O2 also needs to consider its conduct in this affair.   Employing the 56 day rule to the disadvantage of the local residents does not befit a company of its size and reputation.  This is a company that used to employ the slogan “it’s good to talk”; today talking appears not to be in their vocabulary.

Our Local MP, Richard Ottaway, has now taken up the case and we have not given up. For developments, please check the web site. 

   For your information, this mast is for the 3G network only and does not support the 2G network used by the vast majority of mobile users in the area  The prime purpose of the mast is to open up the railway line to Oxted, allowing passengers connection to the internet with the ability to send and receive data and video footage.

 School car park

Well I had hoped for a good news story, but again the outlook is bleak.

   Residents and our local Councillors all agree, the school should not turn a public footpath on green belt land into an access road for the school’s new staff car park.      

   Discussions have been lengthy and involved and we have expressed to the school all our concerns regarding safety and security and the possibility of opening up the green belt to future development. (Wimpey’s own the land). 

   Following a conversation with the school’s Chair of Governors, the association was given to understand that there was some support for the idea of accessing the car park via the school’s own land. However, this support appears to count for nothing.        

   I am now informed that despite the level of opposition, the school are intent on carrying on regardless.

   So much for good community relations; surely it is time that the school realised that it is actually part of this community and its responsibilities as a good neighbour do not end at the school gate.

   We will keep you informed of developments. 

 Mitchley Woods

Riddlesdown sits at the edge of the green belt.  We are very fortunate to have the Downs professionally managed by the Corporation of London, but much of the surrounding local woodland requires attention if the wildlife and fauna is to continue to flourish. 

   Discussions have recently taken place between ourselves and Croydon’s Downland Warden as to the possibility of setting up a community group to help to manage the environment in Mitchley Woods.   Wimpey’s, the landowner, has indicated its broad support for the idea and perhaps the school could also be encouraged to participate on an education level.  It is early days yet but we need to know if there is support for the idea; in other words, do we have willing volunteers.  If you are interested or have a view, let us know via our web site or the PO Box.

 Riddlesdown

The Corporation of London is currently embarking on a consultation exercise to develop a five-year plan for the management of the Downs. I will be representing the association in this process and would welcome your comments and ideas. All suggestions to our web site or PO Box, please.

 Neighbourhood Partnerships 

Finally a word about the Neighbourhood Partnership meetings.

   Riddlesdown sits geographically across two partnership groups – Purley and Kenley on the one hand and Sanderstead and Selsdon on the other; residents can attend either.  As Chair of the Sanderstead and Selsdon partnership, I can recommend the meetings as informative and a place to have your say on the issues that affect Croydon. The next meeting following this publication will be on January 26 at 7.30 pm at the new Selsdon Community Centre. The meeting will include an open question and answer session with councillors from Croydon's Cabinet

   This is a chance for you to have you say, be it parking, crime or just the town’s general direction.  So make a date in your diary; dates are also published in the local press.                                  Brian Longman

 

PLANNING

Domestic planning applications

Again there have been above the average number of residential planning applications submitted to the Council over the summer months and as usual, all of these, with decisions, are updated weekly on the RRA website.

   Shortly after the publication of the last Recorder in April, the Council’s Development Committee granted outline planning permission for the back land development of a two-bedroom detached house in Riddlesdown Avenue, fronting on to Riddlesdown Road. The RRA, a number of local residents and a Ward councillor attended the meeting and voiced disapproval of this scheme but the Council overruled the objections and granted consent by one vote. All Labour committee members voted in favour of the scheme and all Conservative members voted against. Council officials were questioned at a later date whether or not party political voting had taken place rather than observing the due planning process, only to receive bland assurances that this was not the case.
 

O2 Phone Mast in Lower Barn Road

As the Chairman has reported, O2 started erecting a 3G mast near the railway bridge in early July, despite the Council refusing their application in January.  These 3G masts only have a limited number of subscribers at the moment and transmit at a much higher frequency than conventional phone masts. Phone companies are allowed to erect masts up to 15m high without planning permission, although they must first notify a Local Authority of their intention. According to the Council’s website, O2 applied for planning permission on 3 December 03. The Council rejected this application on 28 January 04.

   The Council have 56 days to get this notification back to O2. It doesn’t take much working out that these dates are exactly 56 days apart. It appears that O2 decided to sneak their application in over the Christmas/New Year period so the Council had a restricted time to deal with it and then they decided to erect it at the start of the holiday period, when the Council’s response was somewhat slow.

   It is quite ironic that O2 have decided to erect a 3G mast in a location where the conventional 2G-telephone reception is very poor and does not benefit from their new mast in the lower part of Dunmail Drive.

   We await further developments of discussions between the Council and O2. At the time of writing, O2 have posted a notice on the mast inviting objections to those living near the mast.

   These should be sent to the Acquisition Development Group, Stafford Taylor Building, 1 Leeds City Office Park, Meadow Lane, Leeds LS11 5BD within 3 months of 25 August 04, quoting Reference NC/DAB/031 – Cell No 15447. Any further information that we find out will be posted on our website.


Mitchley Avenue

In May, an eagle-eyed resident noted that the Council had inserted a small official notice in the Croydon Guardian – not on the usual Council official notices page – about a proposed street trading licence in the lay-by opposite 89/91 Mitchley Avenue. This licence was to be for 5 days a week between 10.00 and 19.00. The committee felt an objection ought to be made against this application, in particular in respect of the underhand way the Council was going about it. None of the Ward Councillors had been advised and no notification was listed at the proposed site. The Committee, together with George Wimpey, the owners of the farm land, the farm tenant and some residents, objected on the grounds of possible noise and disturbance to local residents, loss of car parking, road safety issues, lack of planning permission and the siting of any toilet for the proposed trader. It was also felt this trader could attract further unwanted vendors, like burger and ice cream vans. The Council responded by saying that there was in fact an error and the address should have been the lay-by opposite
99-103 Mitchley Ave. The Committee’s response to this was that, as the Council did not own this lay-by, how could they give a licence for land they did not own, although the pavement fronting the
lay-by was public highway. The Council finally responded in June that the trader had decided to seek an alternative site.

 Sainsbury’s in Selsdon/Warlingham

Slightly away from Riddlesdown, in Selsdon, the new Sainsbury’s store, Library, Community Hall and Day Centre is now complete. The parking costs £1 for a maximum of 2 hours but this is reimbursed if more than £5 is spent within the store.

   Rumours were also circulating that Sainsbury’s intended to sell their store at Warlingham to Homebase. This has turned out to be untrue and in fact we learn that Sainsbury’s will be extending this store later in the year.

 Waitrose in Sanderstead

The new Waitrose development at Sanderstead is progressing well and, at the time of writing, is due to be open on 30 September. In May, Waitrose applied for amendments to both the store opening hours and hours of deliveries to the new store. The Council rejected the hours of deliveries but allowed the store to have amended opening times, which are to be between 08.30 and 20.00 on Monday to Thursday and Saturday, between 08.30 and 21.00, on Fridays and between 08.30 and 16.00 on Sundays. This has been granted for a one-year limited period from the date of opening but to revert back to those permitted under the original permission, subject to further review at that time by the Council.

 Purley Town Centre

The Council adopted the Purley Town Centre Regeneration Strategy and Planning Guidance on 20 April. Although it is not statutory, the Guidance will supplement the Council’s Urban District Plan (UDP) of 1997. As well as possible alterations to traffic routes, the Guidance gives indications of the redevelopment of main sites in the town centre. This includes the hospital site, the printers/car repairers and station car park in Whytecliffe Road South and Tesco’s site.  

   A full copy of the Guidance can be viewed and downloaded on the Council’s website www.croydon.gov.uk on the Environment page.

   In conjunction with this, approval was given in May for the redevelopment of Purley Hospital for a new hospital building and parking. This includes a diagnostic and outpatients facility, integrated with primary care and community services.
   New services such as a minor injuries unit and a well-woman suite will be developed alongside the re-provision of outpatients, mental health outpatients and services like x-ray and ultra sound.
   At the time of writing, preliminary work has commenced on the demolition of the adjoining office block on Brighton Road, and all the preliminary work is expected to take about six months.                                                                                                                                                    

   It is intended to build part of the new development around and behind the existing hospital so that it is kept open during construction, which should take about a further 13 months. The old hospital will then transfer into the new building before demolition of the old hospital building takes place. A mixed development of retail, private and affordable housing will then be developed on the frontage to Brighton Road.

 Phil Thomas    

                                                                                                 

TRANSPORT
Déjà vu

I feel that I am living again through a period that came to a successful end.

   During the last years of the twentieth century, I was, with others, encouraging South Central, as it then was, to improve the late evening hourly southbound service to Riddlesdown.  I was delighted to include the following two paragraphs in my August 2003 article – published in last year’s October Recorder.

“We have lived through a period during which various railway managements have not been able to see the green light inviting them to make progress. We understand that following the South Central Franchise Agreement earlier this year, 2004 is expected to be a year in which progress takes place.

   They have recently been displaying greater appreciation of the need to protect the assets that enable them to provide a service – and to collect fares. They have already recently increased their opening hours (an earlier first train, half-hourly evening trains and a later last train) and the Association would like to see them doing the things needed to turn window-shoppers into passengers that they keep.”

   Sadly, last May, they got the move of Uckfield services from Victoria to London Bridge wrong and many of our residents have expressed concerns that after a long day, and perhaps as a result of business needs, doing that unexpected little bit extra, they arrive at London Bridge Station to find that the 18.12 departure, which has been diverted from East Grinstead to Uckfield, now no longer calls at Sanderstead, Riddlesdown, Upper Warlingham, or Woldingham.

   The new trains, that will be in service this autumn, will travel faster than the old stock. The Association has been advised that, because of the new stock, from December the 18.12 will serve Sanderstead, Upper Warlingham, and Woldingham.

   I have been told that the possibility of stopping at Riddlesdown is still “on the table.”

   I will continue to ask about that required timetable improvement. Any feedback from our travelling members will be appreciated.

   I hope to make shorter good news comments about train services next time – leaving space for bus comment.

 John Rapp 

MEMBERSHIP

I am pleased to say that new Road Stewards are still coming forward. Both new and existing Stewards are very much appreciated. One road now has a team, with one member dealing with the April Recorder and collection of subscriptions, and the other taking care of the other deliveries.

    Margaret and I now have a kitten, Lucy, who has taken lots of our time. I have been reminded that the Association could not manage without the support of its Road Stewards. I am always happy to hear from  a member who would like to share free time with the Association.

   John Rapp

ENVIRONMENT

A resident wrote to us recently about roadside parking: "....It would appear that, for whatever reason, more and more people are regularly parking one, and frequently two, vehicles in the road, even though most houses have a run-in and/or a garage. This means that visitors frequently cannot find a parking space near to the property they are visiting.
   And perhaps even more annoyingly, the few times in the year that the Council send a vehicle to sweep the gullies, it has to miss out long lengths of road because of parked vehicles. We pay such a high Council tax now that surely we are entitled to get the roads swept properly.
   So, please, before you always park in 'your' space in the road, think of other people......"

   To which we would add a plea that, if vehicles have to be kept on the road, they should not be parked on grass verges. The torn-up mess of mud and grass that is sometimes left can be a real eyesore.
   Graffiti is again on the increase. We do recommend that, wherever possible, you remove it from your property as it is considered the only way in the long run to deter the perpetrators whose main aim is to be noticed. Chalk scribblings will wash off. For spray paint, you can call the Council on 020 8686 4433 (Cleansing Department) or you can buy special remover from hardware shops such as Turtles in Croydon.

   The quantity and variety of litter also both seem to  multiply, particularly on the Common. School holidays bring some relief but less than one might think. We again thank the small band of residents who nobly and regularly continue  to clear it up and, as usual, we are grateful to the resident who keeps the bridge clear of graffiti.

  

CRIME AND POLICE

Police and Safety

We have a new police chief at Kenley. Inspector Graham Davis has been appointed to take control of Addington, Sanderstead, Purley, Kenley and  Coulsdon. He can be contacted on 020 8649 0380. We still have our very able Police Sergeant Paul Knight in charge of the ever-growing number of PCs and PCSOs (Police Community Support Officer) assisted by the CWOs (Council Ward Officers). We will have more foot patrols of these new officers, so do make yourselves known to them as they walk around the area.

   The Safer Neighbourhood Scheme is now well under way. In Addington/Fieldway, 1 Sergeant, 4 PCs and 6 PCSOs are dedicated to this area to really get the problem of anti-social behaviour under control as well as help keep crime to a minimum. The important factor is that they cannot be moved to other wards or be taken away to control other problems in the borough or London. The same scheme is now under way in Waddon with 1 Sergeant, 2 PCs and 3 PCSOs. South Norwood is also on course with the same level of staff.

   If these schemes prove a success the plan is to increase the number of wards that will have dedicated policing.
   Consideration is being given to up to 6 other wards to be included, but this is subject to funding. Highly-policed areas could soon surround us, so now is the time to be taking all of the basic precaution against opportunist theft and other crimes.

   Our area is relatively low priority because we have low levels of crime but things can change if those areas around us are heavily policed, so take care.

   Check over your security precautions such as locks and windows. It is always worth doing this each month because the more secure your property, the less likelihood you will become a victim; it really is in your hands.

   Our hard working PC Linda Cain has written guidance on making contact – see page 10. She has also indicated that more patrols are being made now the schools have gone back. She also is to have a surgery in St Edmund’s Church Hall, 08.00 to 10.00 on the last Saturday in the month. So if you have any concerns, just drop in and have a chat with her and she will do her best to put things right.

Bogus callers

The bogus callers are still active in Croydon and local areas. Do not let anyone into your property without knowing they are due to come. It is surprising that the normal person will just let people in if they look smart and have a good story. It is just that sort of person who is a bogus caller. If someone comes to the door and wants to enter your property, first say ‘no’, ask for head office details, phone them and suggest they make an appointment. They will be pleased to do so.
 

Credit cards

Do not let your credit card go out of your sight. If the machine is elsewhere, go to it with the person. It is better than finding afterwards that someone has cloned your card. Also remember that, shortly, we will have to use a pin number instead of signing slips, so do you know your pin numbers? All cards will be changed over by December, so get going and start practising as some outlets have already started using pin numbers.
 

Neighbourhood Watch

Have you signed up for the email from Neighbourhood Watch letting you know the crime that is going on in your area? It really is a very good service for the general public and well used. It is so easy to do. Just log on at

         cbnwa@btconnect.com

or phone 020 8649 0168 and give your address and postcode.

   If you do not have email but a relation does, why not ask them to get the details and let you know? Remember forewarned is forearmed.      

        GOOD LUCK and KEEP SAFE 

Our delegate to the
Police Consultative Committee

ARTICLES

TO CALL OR NOT TO CALL!!! 
BY PC LINDA CAIN, OUR WARD POLICE OFFICER
 Since taking over Riddlesdown/Sanderstead Ward, I have noticed that residents are unsure when to call the Police. Here is some guidance.

   The Met Police operates a grading system for all calls received either by 999 or direct to Croydon Police Station on 020 8667 1212.

   The system is: I Grade: Police aim to arrive within 12 minutes;

S Grade: Police aim to arrive within an hour; E Grade: Police have no target time, but such calls are for extended enquiries, generally not for a Quick Response.

   What do these grades mean in practice then?

   An I Grade call is one where you consider there is an emergency and the Police are needed to assist as soon as possible; ie. crime is being committed and the suspects are still at or near the crime scene, or there is imminent danger to life and limb.

   An S Grade call is where you need Police to attend but there is no urgency; ie. a crime has been committed but the suspect is no longer on the scene. You may feel that you need a Police officer to attend in person due to a sensitive issue that you wish to discuss. If, however, your car has been stolen or criminal damage done but the suspect is no longer on the scene, this can be telephoned direct to  Croydon.

   An E Grade call is for when you want Police response other than the emergency response team; ie. if you need a Community Ward officer to contact you regarding on-going problems such as youths regularly making a nuisance of themselves.

   Remember the following numbers

Emergency: 999

Specific Police response: 020 8667 1212

Ward Officer: 020 8649 0380

My mobile: 07786 588507

My email: linda.cain@met.police.uk

My surgery is on the last Saturday of every month 08.00 to 10.00 at St Edmund's Church Hall.

   An update on Riddlesdown: a group of youths is causing concern around Riddlesdown, Purley and Kenley  with under-age drinking, graffiti and criminal damage. I and other Ward Officers have patrolled the area more frequently, set up Graffiti Watch to identify the ‘artists’, and worked with Trading Standards regarding the supply of alcohol to the under-aged. Also, when the schools return, there will be more Police patrols at the end of the school day.

 

MEMORIES OF  RIDDLESDOWN
The paper across the shop window in Lower Barn Road set off a whole train of memories for me.
   We came to Riddlesdown in 1950 when the first shop in the parade was a fishmonger’s – but not for long as the business failed. It was followed by a greengrocer’s under different managements; then a gift shop, after that a business and then, as now, an office.
   Next came the bakery under Mr Coram, master baker. He baked bread, cakes and even petits fours which looked delicious, though we never splashed out to taste them. One could also buy a dinner there, and for a week, after I came home with our second child, we dined there. Mrs Laureston, who served behind the counter, used two old-fashioned telephone directories to raise our small son to a proper height for the table. But the diners went and more dry goods took their place. Mr Coram retired and his son David, also a master baker, took his place. After David decided to move on, the shop became a grocer’s and stayed so under different ownerships.
   Was there something else before the Bespoke Tailors (also now gone)? If so I have forgotten what.
   Then came the chemist, under different managers, but what a valuable shop to have. We would have needed to go to Purley or Sanderstead for our prescriptions and other medical needs without it. The Post Office too supplies many everyday needs, adding groceries to its shelves.
   The end shop sold haberdashery, stockings and tapestries – that too failed and it has been a hairdresser’s ever since.
   In the early days one could go into the woods behind the shops. There were days, when our son was small, when I could take him to a rise in the woods and we would wait for a certain train to come to the station, wait for it to puff its way into the tunnel, and then home for tea. On a hot summer’s day one could walk through the woods behind the houses and come out on to the Green at the end of Lower Barn Road – very pleasant. No St.Edmund's Church then. Residents’ Association Meetings, Welfare Clinic and other activities took place in Laing's Site Office on the corner of Buttermere Gardens and Mitchley Avenue. Money  was raised in various ways to help with   the building of the Church and Community Hall.
   There were collecting      boxes on the counters of             some shops specifically for funds for the building.
   So to the shops in Mitchley Avenue. The first, as now, a newsagent, card shop and a source for sweets etc. Here, too, today one can buy groceries.
   Next a greengrocer’s, then Mr Imms the butcher, followed by a grocer’s. All three owners would send their staff to the house for orders, sometimes twice a week, and deliver the goods within a day or two. A great help to a mother with young children and, of course, before the days of supermarkets and access to cars. We used the bus – the 234. It came every 20 minutes – I can't remember it never turning up, but memory cannot always be relied on.
   Because many Mums would go to Purley, where there was a good range of shops, one met one's friends and neighbours, exchanged news, and had a sense of being part of a community when using the bus.
   The last shop was a builder’s – a father and two sons, a good plumber and carpenter. The trade didn't last for long after the father died and the shop became a hardware shop – very useful. After that, it was an art and printing business.
   The greengrocer’s is now a glass shop, the butcher’s a cafe and the last two shops are an Estate Agent. 
   I may not have been accurate in my remembering but perhaps this article will stir up some other memories.

 Faye Norman

WINTER GARDENING – ORCHIDS AS INDOOR PLANTS
With central heating and double-glazing, certain orchids make interesting plants indoors. Many orchids will flower during the winter and tolerate a north- or east-facing window. No orchid likes full sun all day and neither should they be placed over radiators. Some will flower for many weeks.

   Phalaenopsis (the moth orchid) and Doritis need temperatures above 65oF (18oC) at night with an increase during the day.  Odontoglossums, Oncidiums, Miltonia and Vuylstekeara accept 55oF (12oC) at night and more than 60oF (16oC) during the day.

   Cymbidiums and Dendrobiums in leaf will be happy with similar temperatures but a little more light. They should be protected with a net curtain from hot midday sun.

   All these orchids should be watered once a week and should be given a weak fertiliser once a month. This can be special orchid fertiliser as directed, or one-quarter strength 'Tomerite' when in flower, and of similar strength 'Maxicrop' when not.

   Once a month, the compost should be flushed through with water at room temperature to remove any salts.

   As most orchids grow in rain forests, they would appreciate a fine spray of water on their leaves and on any roots which are not in the compost. This should be done every three or four days, taking care water does not lodge in the crown of the plant.

   Paphiopedilums (Slipper Orchids) also need a north- or east-facing window and a minimum temperature of 55oF (12oC).
They should be watered from below, and never spray the leaves.

   With correct treatment, most of the these orchids will flower once a year at about the same time as previously. Phalaenopsis can flower at any time, usually for many months duration. Often when flowering has finished and the stem cut down to just above the next leaf bract, another flower stem will be produced. Cymbidiums can be placed outside from early June until the end of September. If there is a dry spell water and fertilize as with the indoor plants. It is best that Cymbidiums outside should be kept in dappled shade.  Dendrobiums should be kept a little cooler and drier when flower buds begin to show. When flower colour is seen, water normally.  Repotting newly received plants should not be necessary for two years or so. Some local garden centres give repotting demonstrations in the spring or early summer.

David Slimming

 

WINE MADE SIMPLE

I'm not a wine buff, but one who believes that wine is there to be enjoyed.The notes that follow are based on a series of talks that I gave to trainee army mess stewards about wine. I will start with the very basics, and will go on to discuss the wines from all parts of the world.

   So – what is wine anyway? A formal dictionary definition is that it is the naturally fermented juice of freshly-gathered grapes. But that brief sentence gives no idea of what makes the juice so special, or of the enormous range of different wines and their almost endless variations in taste, colour and smell (bouquet).

   Wines, and the grapes from which they are made, are delicate, living beings. Just as human beings from different parts of the world have different characteristics because of the way they are brought up, so have wines. The variety of grape, the soil, cultivation, climate, and, of course, the vinification or wine-making process, all affect the finished products.That is why there are so many different colours, textures and tastes.

   In a sense, wine is part of the good life, but more than ever nowadays, particularly with easy access to the French Channel ports, and with supermarkets able to buy in greater quantities, it doesn't have to be expensive to be enjoyable.

   Don't be panicked into buying the wrong thing through sheer confusion at the vast choice of bottles confronting you. The broad categories of wine are really quite easy. There are five of them: white, red, rosé, sparkling, and fortified wines like port and sherry.

   Red, white and rosé are nearly all table or still wines. Their texture can be anything from heavy, nearly the weight of olive oil, to light and delicate, with endless variations in between. Their tastes vary from very sweet to very dry. So let's define these two terms. As a broad rule of thumb, if it tastes sugary, it's sweet; if it doesn’t, it’s dry.

  The colour and smell of a wine are almost as important as its taste. A white wine can be anything from ultra pale yellow, right up to a deep yellow and rich golden.There are two general rules: with the exception of German wines, a majority of which have at least a hint of sweetness, the lighter a wine's colour the drier it will be; the yellower the sweeter; and for dry wines,     the darker the older.

   Red wines run from deep   purple, almost black, like some   Cahors wines, to light shades of red, and it's worth remembering that outside Germany and Eastern Europe, there are very few sweet red wines. Red wines turn brownish as they get older. Rosé wines range from deep shades of pink to almost colourless, and though mostly on the dry side, can also be medium or sweet. The most famous sparkling wine is, of course, champagne. It starts as a still white wine, but then goes through a secondary fermentation in the bottle (when the CO2 is retained under pressure in the wine) – hence the bubbles. As with table wines, champagne may be dry (brut), medium (demi-sec) or, rarely, sweet (doux). It can be smooth and mellow or, sometimes, quite sharp, particularly if it is very young. There are numerous other sparkling wines, a few red, but mainly white or rosé, most of which have fewer bubbles than champagne, but sparkle nonetheless. Australia and New Zealand in particular, also Italy, Germany and Spain, all produce wines which are second cousins to champagne. Some people say they're not so good, but they shouldn't be compared – in their own right, they are good value for money, particularly wines like Australia's Seaview Brut. In Italy, sparkling is "spumante", or, lightly sparkling "frizzante". In Germany, it's "sekt", and in France "mousseux". Many of these have had their bubbles added artificially, but a lot of the Australian and New Zealand sparklers are made by the more expensive secondary fermentation or "methode champenoise".

   Fortified wines like port and sherry are so called because, at a certain stage of their production, brandy (usually) is added, making them as much as twice as strong as table wines and about half as strong as standard grades of spirits like whisky or gin. Port is usually sweet, and, originally, sherry was dry (Fino) or medium-dry (Amontillado), but cream (sweet) and dark oloroso sherries remain popular. Watch out for "Dry Fly", "Dry Sack", and "Luncheon Dry", which are all medium sherries. You will hear people talking about vintage and crusted ports. A vintage port is from a single year and appears two or three times a decade, and is a wine of exceptional quality, though some, like the 1975, didn't run for above 15 years; others like the 1977 didn't reach their best much before 2000, and others may peak even later. Crusted port is a blend of two or more vintages, which, as the name suggests, throws a crust as it develops. Madeira, Malaga and Marsala are other fortified wines. Late bottled port is just what it says, bottled after being matured in cask for five years; it's then ready to drink, and unlike vintage port has no sediment.

   That's enough for this instalment. Next time, I will talk about storing and serving, and, space permitting, about what wines go with what dishes.

 

ANDREW PELLING, Councillor and GLA member, writes...

There are times when you feel that having a Greater London Authority just gets in the way of getting things done.

   The saga of the missing bus shelter outside the Fairfield Halls is an example of the frustrations that come with two tiers of local government.

   When the bus stop was moved outside Fairfield Halls the bus shelter remained with the newly created bus stand where no passengers join. Throughout the winter there was no shelter.

   I even had to ask the Mayor about the matter at an Assembly Meeting.

   The Mayor spoke of ‘very challenging circumstances’ needing ‘a great deal of co-operation with the Council to achieve a way forward’. The circumstances at the site are apparently ‘unique and require much development work’, so the Mayor advised. You would think there was a moon-shot being organised.

   Eventually a bus shelter has been put up. However apparently it was put up by an enterprising sub-contractor and does not have permission from London government and must come down.

   So does the GLA achieve much ? Certainly we don’t get to see a lot of the money we pay out to the GLA. The GLA’s London Development Agency gives just 2.5% of its money to South London. Since 2000, Croydon has been given £6.5 million whereas a Borough like Newham has received £106.1 million. No doubt they are deserving but the scale of difference is too large. The GLA is promoting the London Olympics but I don’t like south Londoners remote from the Olympic site having to pay for the Games through local taxes.

   The GLA has, though, been a place to lobby for local interests. The Coulsdon Relief Road was not going to get built but Livingstone did listen to my complaints about his intention to drop the scheme and now a road is being built that no transport minister of either political party got round to building.

   Solving the Purley Cross traffic snarl-up looks difficult with such a big take of Tesco’s commercial value at the junction pushing up prospective costs well beyond the current budget.

   We are seeing extra police officers from the GLA’s Metropolitan Police Authority and we are getting a new, or perhaps a return to old style, policing with the safer neighbourhood initiative. More wards look like getting their teams of dedicated Police officers and Police Community Support Officers although at the time of writing we seem to be losing the argument for Riddlesdown to get these next year.

   Bus ridership is up 19% and bus mileage is at its highest since 1963. The bus subsidy is ballooning out of control and due to reach a billion pounds a year by 2008.

   Certainly there is some old mad-cap style, ex GLC-type spending of our money up at City Hall. Ken has brought himself a film studio and has recently given money to CND to host a conference, and £400,000 for a left wing pressure group conference for groups across Europe. I’d rather the money was spent on police officers for Riddlesdown.

   I’m chairing the Budget Committee at City Hall. With the changed political balance at the London Assembly there is just a chance that we’ll pull back on the Mayor’s budgetary demands. We need a 2/3rds majority to block the Mayor’s budget or 17 of the Assembly’s 25 votes. In the previous Assembly that was not possible with nine Labour Members backing the Mayor. Now a combination of Greens (2), UKIP (2), Liberal Democrats (5) and Conservatives (9) could secure the required votes, but it is a tall order combining such disparate forces.

   Of course Ken Livingstone remains as entertaining as ever. I do recommend coming to Mayor’s Question Time of a Wednesday morning – the best free show in town. If you’d like to visit City Hall – a splendid if somewhat impractical building, do please contact me at andrew.pelling@london.gov.uk
or on 020 7983 4353.           Andrew Pelling

 

GROWING HERBS IN RIDDLESDOWN

A friend once asked to see my herb garden - and was clearly disappointed. Despite the expanses of lawn undulating towards the down, she saw no doll’s house box hedges, no knot garden pattern, no St John’s Wort. Just herbs dotted about in different places near the house to help make food more interesting.

My distant ancestor, Nicholas Culpepper, was more interested in the medicinal aspects. But not me. He published his ‘Complete Herbal and English Physician’ in 1652, price threepence. To him sage was wonderful because a “decoction made in wine, takes away the itching of the testicle.” Not a problem I have. Rosemary he liked because “it is a remedy for the windiness of the stomach…and expels it powerfully.” Which explains my husband George’s reaction after a large plate of my blissful rosemary potatoes last Sunday lunch. This is an excellent stock-in-trade accessory if you, like me, find interesting eating places hard to come by around Riddlesdown.

I boil some old potatoes, cut into chunks, until nearly cooked. I add them to a baking dish I’ve had going on Regulo 6 with olive oil and quite a few sprigs of spiny rosemary for 10 minutes, and roast for about an hour.

That achieves all we need for an enjoyable lunch is some ham or tongue or cold meat leftovers, a side-salad of herb leaves from the garden and a couple of glasses of Chateau des Merles 2000.

I like putting a bay leaf or two in when cooking rice or doing onions for a casserole. I usually leave the rosemary in the potatoes but I always take the bay leaves out.

Rosemary, bay and sage - which I use a lot for stuffings and stews - grow well round here.

Thyme seems to do less well, but sufficient, as I never want much and find few recipes. Like my old friend dear Christopher Lloyd at Great Dixter, I think winter and summer savoury gentler.

Tarragon - French not Russian - takes its time to prosper and I have to protect it in winter from frost. I keep adding a plant or two each year. Very good to flavour chicken.

For soup I do like to have plenty of sorrell. The problem is it’s not too keen on Riddlesdown chalk and flint so I have dug in a lot of peat compost under it, outraging my organic friends of course. I soften the tang of the leaves with cucumber but this year I’ve been having to buy it as George has been dilatory with his allotment at the bottom of the garden. I also tried some of my lovage for a soup but thought it too strong.

George has, however, grown tomatoes, bless him - and not those cherry-sized ones that are so much in fashion. I peel and slice up his tomatoes when he comes in with them looking so pleased with himself, sugar them and keep in the fridge overnight. I serve them soaked in a vinaigrette of chopped chives and flat parsley: Mmmooohahh! as Nigella Lawson says (too often). Basil is traditional with tomatoes and easy to grow from seed in pots on the kitchen windowsill.

It’s nice to have some dill for fish - even if a fishmonger is now hard to find; and I got George to wrap fennel leaves round the fish when he did one of his fabulous barbecues this summer, the day of the gales. It’s interesting to grow different mints, apple being my favourite.

For ready-made salads I grow rocket from seed, because it’s easy. To encourage leaf growth I regularly nip off the flowers and eat them but the buds pretend to be leaves and it’s difficult to focus on them without my reading glasses. Regular watering helps stop plants seeding too quickly.

I have also established several patches of buckler’s sorrell (which doesn’t seem to mind the soil as much) and has plenty of scrumptious heart-shaped leaves. I grow salad burnett, sweet cecily, red orach (for colour) for more ornamental leaves and throw in one or two of lemon balm, fennel, chervil, evening primrose and even curly parsley if I pass them at the time. I do pass the evening primrose - I was amazed to learn you can eat all of it - because I scatter its flower petals over the salad for luminescence. Young leaves are best. Grapes, bits of avocado and stilton give substance.

I do look around the down for herbs growing wild when I take Shiso for her 6.30am romp. Is that Good King Henry? I’m sure that’s sorrel Shiso! Fetch! No, personally I don’t trust myself to be sure what’s what and I don’t want to have to nurse George back to health after poisoning him with fool’s parsley or crocus petals.

What hints can I give about growing culinary herbs? Well, that’s the first point - grow them in groups so you know what they are, and weed around them. I’m a bit forgetful so I keep the pointed labels firmly in the ground when I buy the plants. I have also learnt to grow a lot of what I like. The one’s I don’t use much of course grow like mad: the angelica, the lemon balm, the sweet cicely, the lovage, so one of them is more than enough.

And what with waiting for my hip operation and my gammy knee I make sure as many as possible are near the kitchen, where luckily it’s sunny, which most herbs like. Otherwise George has to go and pick them, which is a risky business.

I have great difficulty with the flat french parsley and am often off to the Foxhollow nursery which is now open to the public and sells herb plants at a pound a time (but likes you to buy several). What I keep failing at is chervil, and George, who reads a lot, says that’s postmodernly ironic. “Ha, ha,” he says, “you’re not so wise about chervil after all!” Which he thinks is funny.

Violet Sage-Chervil

 

NOTES FROM THE COMMON

Gone are the days when the keeper’s lot was to open and shut the Common gates, patrol the site, and undertake whatever seasonal practical project the landscape required – hay-cutting, path mowing or mending fences.  Our role today includes a much more diverse list of tasks, much of which involves engaging our neighbours in the process of how our Common, this public open space, is managed.  As I write, the Corporation of London is consulting with local people as a forerunner to producing the 2005-2010 Management Plan. We were very pleased to be invited to stage the highly successful July 13 consultation meeting at the conference room of Riddlesdown High School –  a room packed to the rafters with interested people.

   Another successful event became a highlight of the summer past. Once every five years the local Corporation of London Countryside Day comes to Riddlesdown and this year we were able to combine it with the annual Riddlesdown Residents’ Association Fun Day.  The joint event allowed for many more stalls, crafters and activities to be offered.  Despite unkind weather many hundreds of people and their families travelled on to the Common to experience, amongst other things, working horses cutting hay, a hurdle maker, a basket weaver, a traditional trug maker, a charcoal burner, and livestock demonstrations. 

   For the children, there was the chance to practise tree climbing with a professional tree surgeon’s harness, Punch and Judy, donkey rides, trailer rides pulled by horses or tractors, swing boats, and of course many games and races put on by the Residents’ Association.  A big thank you must go out to the volunteers who helped on both the Corporation and the Association’s sides of the event.

   The combination of a more normal springtime, and a warm but not sweltering summer with plenty of intermittent periods of rain, has created a season of good vegetation growth.  Across the site, the orchid populations have been impressive.  Last year, under 20 bee orchids were noted on the Common, this year it was a couple of hundred! 

   In the quarry, within the areas where volunteers and keepers had spent time last winter clearing encroaching scrub, there was an explosion of the important kidney vetch plant, important because it is the food plant of the scarce small blue butterfly that breeds there. Volunteer botanists from the Surrey Wildlife Trust also discovered a previously unobserved small colony of the rare green-flowered helleborine whilst visiting the quarry one day in July.

   To read more about activities on the common, please visit the Corporation of London Website:
 www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/living_ environment/open_spaces/west_ wickham.htm

which has monthly updates, or contact the office on 020 8660 8533 for a copy of our latest newsletter.

Shaun Waddell, Corporation of London Keeper

 

THE CROYDON GARDEN WILDLIFE SURVEY

The Association of Croydon Conservation Societies (ACCS) initiated this survey of the wildlife of Croydon gardens as a result of Croydon’s Local Agenda 21.

   The various sections in the ACCS Croydon Garden Wildlife Survey are as follows: Mammals, Amphibians, Reptiles, Butterflies, Insects and Birds. The survey is divided into the four seasons of the year and we ask those taking part to note the maximum number of a particular species that they see at any one time, over each three-month period.

   Croydon was divided into eight areas one being the general Sanderstead area, which for our purposes includes Riddlesdown. The figures below in brackets are those for this particular area in 2003, other figures are averages for the whole of Croydon.

   Looking at the results section by section from 1997 to 2003 we see that, for mammals, the fox is the commonest visitor occurring in 96% (95%) of gardens in 2003. The hedgehog was seen in just 10% of gardens in 1997, rising to 21% in 1999, but falling back again to 4% (0%) in 2003.

   Amphibian numbers have remained reasonably stable with frogs being the most common, seen in 71% (75%) of gardens in 2003. So far, adders and grass snakes have not been recorded in Croydon gardens; however, slow worms were found in 11% (10%) of gardens and lizards have gone from 12% in 1997 to 4% (10%) in 2003.

   Butterflies have had mixed fortunes over the past five years; most dramatically Small Tortoishells have gone from 76% in 1997 to 29% in 2002, but made a big recovery to 60% (78%) in 2003. Butterflies also showing a rise in numbers include Painted Lady at its highest levels in 2003 together with Gatekeeper, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown and Holly Blue.

   Ten insects are listed on the survey; of these the 7 Spot ladybird was found in 84% of gardens in 1997 but went down to 46% (50%) in 2003. Stag beetles and grasshoppers have also fallen in numbers.

   The much-reported decline in the house sparrow population is reflected in our survey. In 1997 they were found in 92% of gardens but were down to 70% (80%) in 2003. Looking at it differently, 30% of Croydon gardens did not have a single Sparrow all year. Song thrushes have actually maintained their numbers despite rumours to the contrary; however mistle thrushes have declined from 42% to 29% (58%) over the past seven years.

   These figures show that the Sanderstead/Riddlesdown area is similar to the rest of Croydon, although it tends to have more birds and butterflies. However, not a single hedgehog was reported from the gardens taking part in this area of Croydon in 2003.

    If you would like a copy of the full 2003 survey, send a s.a.e. with a 75p stamp to  M. Jennings, 106, Langdale Rd., Thornton Heath, Surrey. CR7 7PQ. If you would like to take part in the 2005 survey starting in February, contact me on

020 8684 4000.        

Malcolm Jennings, (Chairman ACCS)

 

THE RRA WAR CABINET GETS DOWN TO WORK...
 FROM THE RRA COMMITTEE REPORT FOR 1939

...At the invitation of the Urban District Council, the Association has nominated a representative to sit on the local Food Production Committee; action was taken immediately following the launching of the ‘Dig for Victory’ campaign to ensure the provision of allotments on convenient sites...The lady members of the Association have formed themselves into a working party to provide comforts for the forces and, to date, have made over 300 garments. There is little doubt that, if the war proves to be of long duration, the Association will be faced with numerous problems, some, possibly, far removed from those which previously occupied its attention...

 

RIDDLESDOWN 1959
(This poem, by DST, was discovered in the
March 1959  Recorder. I hope  that, if DST is still with us, he or she will appreciate the re-run.   
Editor )

 ‘Oh, so you live in Riddlesdown’,
Say middle-aged friends.
We used to go for picnics there,
Where the road through the valley wends.
I don’t remember houses then,
But that’s some time ago.
There were elm trees and a pond  I think,
Where sheep and horses used to drink,
And a wooden barn or so.
But tell me, what’s it like today?
The name remains the same,
But can you walk to Hamsey Green
Along a hilltop lane?
The elm trees went a year ago,
And not without regrets;
They cut them down to make room for
Two blocks of maisonettes.
The houses creep on either side,
Some fields and woods remain;
But semis are more lucrative
Than a harvest load of grain.
The valley road is lit at night
From concrete structures overhead,
By a rather nasty orange light,
Which does some funny things to red.
But it’s very good to live here still,
While we can see the trees
Of Mitchley Wood from Mitchley Hill –
But no more building please.

RIDDLESDOWN 2004
(by JDW)

Have fifty years changed Riddlesdown,
Or are things much the same?
An Urban District, once, were we
Now we're a stark L.B. of C.
But heck, what's in a name? 

The lane still leads to Hamsey Green.
But now, to stay alive,
Be sure to dodge the merry band
Of joggers, mountain bikers and
The keeper's four-wheel drive. 

The railway takes us up to town,
(and sometimes brings us back).
We rather miss the age of steam
And brace ourselves for autumn's theme,
“There's leaves upon the track”. 

Dutch elm disease saw off more trees,
As did the hurricane.
They've been replaced by metal poles,
So mobile phoners, bless their souls,
Can say, "I'm on the train." 

We've kept our countryside intact
Infill's the latest curse.
So, is it good to live here still?
There's still a view from Mitchley Hill.
You know, we could do worse.

 

COMMUNITY PAGES

ARP/O50 – RETIREMENT IS FUN
We live in a world of faster and easier everything, and we can get out there and do anything too. Unlike the old days when retirement was for pottering about in the garden or reading a book by the fire, the present day pensioners are filling the cruise liners, working for charities, hiking, swimming and surfing the internet. They fill the pub restaurants on weekdays and keep seaside hotels busy with short break holidays in the winter. Retirement has become exciting.

   But some people are left on the sidelines. The widowed and the single frequently feel left out and unable to join the happy throng. The loss of a partner, or retirement has left them without a social life, or friends and contacts, and getting into a new circle is easier said than done. Loneliness can drag one down and can certainly lead to bad health.  

   The Croydon & Purley Friendship Centre of Association of Retired Persons  (ARP/050) meets at St Edmund’s Hall, Mitchley Avenue and welcomes men and women singles, and couples. We have a varied programme, including monthly talks, walking, pub lunches and outings. We are starting 10-pin bowling too. We don’t leave visitors on their own, so ring 01883 344292 or 020 8668 6916 for details, or view www.arp050.org.uk for the national scene.           John Rose, Chairman                                                                            

CANTILENA SINGERS
Do you enjoy singing? Cantilena Singers would welcome new singers (no audition necessary). This choir for female voices performs a varied and growing repertoire at both public and private concerts, including carols at Christmas. Rehearsals are 7.30 to 9.30pm, Wednesday evenings, in the Small Hall, Methodist Church, Limpsfield Road (opposite Sanderstead Court Avenue).

   Come along for a free taster session. Next term begins Wednesday, 29 September.  To find out more, ring Jill on 020 8763 8971 or 07957 627783.  

CIVIL SERVICE RETIREMENT FELLOWSHIP
Did you know that the Sanderstead and Selsdon Group hold a monthly meeting in Selsdon for the benefit of retired civil servants, or those about to retire?

   We are an active group who arrange an annual five-day holiday, have speakers or entertainers at our meetings, arrange outings, theatre visits and occasional lunches.  We meet on the third Wednesday of every month at 1.45pm for 2.15pm in St John’s Church Hall, Upper Selsdon Road. Car parking is available and the 412 bus route passes the door.

   You and your spouse or partner will be given a warm welcome at our meetings. Just turn up or telephone Ralph Perryman on 020 8657 3487 for further information 

CROYDON VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
The C.V.A.B. was formed in 1923 to provide services for the blind and partially-sighted people living in the borough. These now include lunch clubs, art, pottery, yoga, keep-fit, dancing and socials. Transport is provided for most activities.
   A local talking newspaper is produced each week and a monthly large print newsletter is also available.
   Counselling is available to help people to adjust to their sight loss and there is always someone on hand to offer information and advice.

   All members are contacted regularly by volunteers on our Telephone Care Line.

   For more information, please visit us for a warm welcome at 72/74 Wellesley Road, Croydon CR0 2AR anytime between 8am and 4pm Monday to Thursday, Fridays up to 1pm.  If you prefer, ring us on 020 8688 2486.

GIRLGUIDING UK
1st Riddlesdown /8th Sanderstead Brownie Unit. Sanderstead United Reform Church, Sanderstead Hill

The 1st Riddlesdown Brownie Unit, which previously met at St Edmunds Church, has recently merged with the 8th Sanderstead Brownie Unit and we now meet on Friday evenings from 5.30 to 7pm (term time). We have three leaders and 28 girls aged 7 to10 years. A group of 18 brownies, 3 leaders and 2 mums went to Walton Firs, Cobham, on Pack holiday in July. The weather was perfect for lots of messing about with water and lots of activities including the assault course. The next few months will see many district events celebrating both 30 years of Croydon Guiding and 90 years of Brownies. We have a few vacancies and if your daughter is interested in coming along then please contact either Assistant Guiders: Penny Hutson – 8657 9256 or Carole Thomas – 8668 3815.

THE ANNUAL POPPY APPEAL
We had a good result for the 2003 Appeal which raised £446 to help the Royal British Legion assist needy veterans and disabled ex-Service men and women

   However, we could raise more if we had more adult house-to-house collectors, particularly in and around Mitchley Avenue, Lower Barn Road, Hyde Road/Copthorne Rise, Coombe Wood Hill/Brancaster Lane and Riddlesdown Road.

   So whether or not you have any service connection, if you could spare an hour or two to help us collect in early November, please give me a ring on 020 8660 9948.

Norman Shephard

 PAUL ATTERBURY COMES TO PURLEY LIT
Join the Purley Lit Society now and be sure of a seat to hear Paul Atterbury of the Antiques Roadshow!

   The society’s October to March programme is sizzling with fascinating topics: coffee, jazz, Tibet, Africa, genetics, Kent, canals, antiques, Ightham Mote, and most are illustrated with colour slides. Even the AGM on 22 March will be enlivened once again by the controversial international affairs expert Guy Arnold.

   Christmas will be celebrated with a seasonal evening of festive music by The Wandle Ringers (once more excitingly known as the South Norwood Belles, until men came along).

   Please call Margaret Hall for full details – 020 8660 1764. Membership is just £20. Each talk is only £3 to non-members, so do come and try us out.

 PURLEY BURY TENNIS CLUB
The club, at 53A Purley Bury Avenue, Purley CR8 1JF, has five floodlit courts with an all-weather surface. Facilities include a practice wall, short tennis and a junior club room and coaching. You may join as a playing member, senior or junior, or simply as a social member. Club play sessions are: Saturday pm, Sunday am, Monday am, Wednesday am, Thursday evenings, Friday am. On Thursday mornings, there is a (mainly retired) Men’s Group; members/potential members should just turn up if interested.

   The Club has a well-appointed club house and bar with TV, pool and darts facilities. Social events take place during the year.

Tel: 020 8660 2303 (evenings only).

Email: purleybury_tennis@yahoo.co.uk
Web: www.PurleyBuryTennisClub@
fsnet.co.uk.
 

PURLEY RIDDLESDOWN AFTERNOON TWG
A dual celebration was enjoyed by members of Purley Riddlesdown Afternoon Townswomen's Guild at their May meeting. Their 14th birthday party was also an occasion for joining all Townswomen's Guilds through out the United Kingdom in celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the first guild at Haywards Heath in 1929. During the following months the guild enjoyed a great variety of interesting talks and outings. The craft section received a letter of thanks from the Mother Teresa Charity for the patchwork blankets and toys they had knitted and donated. The guild also has a social studies group which meets to discuss matters of current interest, and a lively Scrabble group. The guild meets on the first Tuesday of every month at St Edmund's, Mitchley Avenue, at 2pm. New members always receive a warm welcome. For further details contact Mary Ellis Tel: 020 8660 1175.

ST. EDMUND’S CARING GROUP
THANK YOU to all those who responded to our leaflet drop in February. We now have several new volunteers, and have also been contacted by people who may need our help in the future.
   The last six months have been very busy, but thanks to our Riddlesdown Volunteers, we have managed to meet each request.
   In June we enjoyed our annual outing, this year to Sussex. We had a picnic lunch prior to visiting Sheffield Park Gardens, where the rhododendrons were still looking magnificent. We then went on to the Bluebell Railway, where we had a delicious cream tea on our journey by steam train to Kingscote.

   At Horsted Keynes station, a film crew were filming a scene from a Victorian costume drama, and they all stopped to wave to us as we went by.

    Our thanks go to the staff at the Bluebell Railway, who were so helpful, going out of their way to give us a memorable afternoon.
   For further details about the help we can offer, or about volunteering, please contact Barbara on 8660 6747 or Penny on 8660 8239.

 SCALLYWAGS
Do you have children under five?  Are you free over lunchtime on Thursdays?  Come and join us at Scallywags, St Edmund’s Church, Mitchley Avenue, Riddlesdown. We are a very friendly group of mums/carers and children who meet from 12 to 2 pm every Thursday during term time for a self-service snack lunch. 

   We have a wide range of large and small play equipment and also enjoy craft activities, singing and ball-play. We charge members £2.50 per adult + 1 child per session, 75p for each extra child.  We look forward to welcoming you! 

   For more information, please phone Jenny Netto 020 8660 9804 or Michelle Buckley-Sheldon 020 8657 6217

VICTIM SUPPORT CROYDON
Victim Support is a charity which exists to help victims of all types of crime.  We are looking for volunteers to visit victims in their own homes and offer practical and emotional support.     

   Volunteers need to be understanding, good listeners and able to get on with people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds.  Anyone can apply.  No previous experience is necessary as training is given. Volunteer visitors work during the day, in the evenings or at weekends.

   As a volunteer, you can expect:

· training, support, supervision and regular meetings with other volunteers

· out-of-pocket expenses to cover telephone and travel; insurance cover.

   Our courses run on Saturdays for five consecutive weeks in the spring, summer and autumn.  Our next course starts on the 30 October.  If you are interested, please call us on 020 8681 7711.