the riddlesdown recorder july 16 1.pdf · virginia stone ggsm piano, singing and music theory...

R I D D L E S D O W N R E S I D E N T S ’ A S S O C I A T I O N

THE RIDDLESDOWN

RECORDER

Summer 2016 ISSUE 202

Date for your

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Contents:

IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERSAll Emergencies: (Fire, Police, Ambulance) 999

Police Non Emergency Number: 101

Purley Police SNT: 07920 233892

Sanderstead Police SNT: 020 8721 2470

NHS Non Emergency Number : 111

Section Heading Page

The RRA Committee Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

RRA Editor’s Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

The RRA Committee Reports

Chairman’s Report – Brian Longman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Planning Report – Phil Thomas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Environment Report – Phil Thomas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Transport and Membership – John Rapp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Your Contributions and Articles

Queen’s Birthday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Running on Riddlesdown. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Councillors’ Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Riddlesdown Collegiate Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

GP Practice Patient Participation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Community Pages

Featured Group – Girl Guiding Sanderstead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Community Listings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Advertiser Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Front Cover Photo:

Sunset on Riddlesdown Common – Rachel Tarrant, Local Resident

This is your local Community Magazine – for futureissues we welcome your contributions, either directlyabout Riddlesdown or which are of interest to localresidents – send these to [email protected]

Further information and past issues of this magazine canbe found on our website:

www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk

Printed by Cherrill Print, 297 Brighton Road, South Croydon CR2 6EQ Tel 020 8681 78263

[email protected]

The Riddlesdown Residents’ Associationcommittee members

Brian LongmanChairman and RiddlesdownCollegiate Liaison t: 8657 8374

John RappMembership, Road Stewards andPublic Transport Concernst: 8660 9531

Neil TarrantRecorder Editort: 8668 4061

Nick Tennant

Monica Pught: 8660 6008

Phil ThomasPlanning & Environmental;Website Editort: 8668 3815

Janice Kedwardst: 8668 2011

Diana ChittyFootpaths Liaisont: 8668 3337

Bill Whitmarsht: 8660 2178

Mavis Wildert: 8668 3579

You may write to the Riddlesdown Residents’ Association at any of the following addresses:66 Westfield Avenue, Sanderstead CR2 9JU or 37 Buttermere Gardens, Purley CR8 1EJ,

Please mark your correspondence with the committee member’s name, if applicable. Or you can e-mail any committeemember at [email protected] or at any of the e-mail addresses listed above. RRA Notice Boards

are situated by Riddlesdown Pharmacy in Lower Barn Rd, on the side wall of St Edmunds Church, by K&K Food & Winein Mitchley Ave. We also use the Boards on the Green by St Edmund’s Church and in the station waiting room.

Website: www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk Email [email protected]

Keith Powellt: 8660 5380

Jan Powellt: 8660 5380

Frankie WheelerFootpaths Liaison

t: 8660 3886

Vice-President: Mrs H.Kiernan

Linda BevinSecretary & Treasurert: 8763 4195

The Riddlesdown Recorder

4www.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk

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Welcome to the summer issue of theRecorder! It seems that we are still waitingfor summer to start this year, but hopefullythere will be some articles in this edition todistract you from the seemingly endless rain.I am happy to bring you all the usual news andreports prepared by members of thecommittee and our local representatives.There are also a number of featuresreporting on the various activities that havetaken place recently in Riddlesdown. GillPates tells us about the recent celebrations ofthe Queen’s 90th Birthday held at StEdmund’s Church, Linda Bevin describes her

experiences learning to love running.

We are always keen to hear from you,whether you have a report you would like towrite on a local activity, to tell us about a clubor organisation or simply to comment on thecontent you have read. As ever I would liketo thank the contributors to the magazine,Roger Cherrill for putting the magazinetogether and finally all the road stewards whowork so hard to deliver it.

If you would like to submit an article, or justdiscuss an idea for one please email the editorat [email protected].

Editor’s Notesby Neil Tarrant

[email protected]

St Edmund’s Church Riddlesdown’s Anglican Church at the Heart of the Community

Part of the Parish of Sanderstead

Sunday Services: 8am every Sunday; 10am first, second and third Sundays of each month; fourth Sunday at St Antony’s Hamsey Green; fifth Sunday as advertised.

All welcome - just come along Susan Atkinson-Jones (tel: 8657 5505)

Church hall for hire Very reasonable rates

Good for children’s parties Contact: Sanderstead Parish Offices:

[email protected] 0665

www.sanderstead-parish.org.uk

What Does The RRA Do?Recently, whilst speaking to a resident whohad just moved into the Riddlesdown area, Iwas asked a simple question: What does theRiddlesdown Residents’ Association (RRA)do?

I then spent the next 30 minutes explainingthe issues and campaigns the Association hadbeen involved with over the last decade.What was interesting was that I had beenasked the very same question a few weekspreviously whilst trying to recruit a new roadsteward. As many of you will be aware, theAssociation has an excellent and extremelyinformative website, Facebook page andRecorder magazine. However, for the manynew residents who have moved into the area,a brief résumé of the Association’s workwithin the local community might be useful.

The RRA was formed back in 1937 topromote the wellbeing of the residents in theRiddlesdown locality. In 1937 there weretwenty-one people on the committee, morethan double the number that we have today.In those early years the Association ran anumber of social activities and clubs as thepopulation of Riddlesdown grew anddeveloped. A gramophone club that includeda record library for the loan to club members,an autumn flower show with 39 separatecategories and a Dramatic Society whoproduced several performances each year. In1956 the RRA held its first dance at StEdmund’s hall with 180 residents inside onthe dance floor; many more had to be turnedaway at the door due to overcrowding.

The children’s Christmas party, which stillcontinues today, had a record number of 120children attending 1957. This was the firstchildren’s Christmas party to be held in thenew venue at St Edmund’s hall. Alsoextremely popular, was the RRA’s lawn tennisand badminton club.

On a more formal note, in 1937 the RRA kepta watching brief on the erection of the newshops in Riddlesdown. The builder of theestate gave the Association an assurance thatthey would do all within their power tosafeguard the amenities and look after theinterests of the residents in the matter of theshops. Even back in 1937, the importance oflocal shops was high on the Association’sagenda.

However, with house building in Riddlesdowncontinuing at a pace, developers’ attentionquickly turned to the green belt land. Sinceour formation in 1937, the Association has,on many occasions, needed to defend thegreen, open and pleasant aspect ofRiddlesdown.

At a public enquiry in 1974, the Associationsuccessfully opposed an appeal to theSecretary of State to build hundreds of newhouses on the green belt land ofRiddlesdown. The lesson was clear, the greenbelt cannot be taken for granted and if wevalue it, we must be prepared to fight for it,and we have ever since.

In 2006, large sections of the green belt inRiddlesdown were once again under threat,with speculators buying and selling plots ofland. The Association worked quickly with

Chairman’s Reportby Brian Longman



our local councillors and others to ensure wehad the maximum protection in place on thesections of the green belt land under threat.

Where possible, a planning Article 4 directionwas put in place by the Council, on the landunder threat. This takes away the entitlementto undertake development that wouldordinarily not require planning permission.This is particularly useful in safeguarding thevisual amenity of a green belt site. Treepreservation orders (TPOs) were also put inplace in Mitchley Wood, which is classified asancient woodland, meaning that thewoodland has existed continuously for morethan 400 years.

Now, rarely does a month go by withoutsome sort of challenge to the green belt inRiddlesdown. Trees are cut down, smallparcels of woodland and fields are put up forsale at public auctions and planningapplications are submitted. Now whilst theAssociation has not been able to protectevery tree and bush, I can say that so far, nogreen belt land has been lost to development.Following discussions with Council Officersand Councillors, subsequent TPOs have alsobeen put in place by the Council, to otherlocal woodlands which have been underthreat.

Also high on the Association’s agenda is thelocal health services and in particular PurleyHospital. The Association has been heavilyinvolved with both the hospital’s initialredevelopment and more recently with theproposed changes to the minor injury andurgent care facilities. On this important healthmatter, we have worked closely with otherlocal resident Associations and our local MP

to ensure the health needs of the localresidents were clearly understood.

More recently Biggin Hill airport proposed anew flight path over Sanderstead and Purleyand they have recently extended the openinghours at the airport. Following meetings withthe Biggin Hill management, our local andGLA councillors, our local MP and otherresidents’ Associations, we have submitted adetailed document of objection to the airportauthority about the proposed new flight path.This also included our concerns over thenumber of new flights and increase in aircraftnoise over Sanderstead and Purley. Transportin general (both trains and buses) and inparticular the poor service provided by the412 service has been a big issue during thelast three months. The 412 buses have beencancelled or turned around at All Saint’sChurch on route to Purley on a regular basis.We are still awaiting a resolution to thisproblem from Transport for London (Tfl).

Litter continues to be a real problem inRiddlesdown and as a result we have been inconstant dialogue with our local councillorsand council officers. I have to say without theefforts of Phil Thomas, our committeePlanning and Environmental member and ourlocal Councillor Yvette Hopley, somepavements and grass verges would havedisappeared under a mountain of rubbish!

Supporting our local shops has always beenhigh on the Association’s agenda and last yearwas no exception, with the Associationplaying an active role in support of both ourPharmacy and Post Office during a difficultperiod of change.

Chairman’s Report

[email protected]

A quick check of the last month saw theAssociation involved in a range of issuesincluding: street cleaning, highwaymaintenance, gully and drain cleaning toreduce flooding, especially close toRiddlesdown station, green waste collection,access to the Purley Oaks Recycling Centreand changes to the local mobile telephonenetwork.

The Association maintains for the use ofresidents an excellent website with up todate information on planning, crime,transport, scams and much more. Pleasehave a look atwww.riddlesdownresidents.org.uk.

This short report is only intended to be abrief snap shot of the work the RRAundertakes on behalf of the community. TheAssociation has nearly 90% of households inmembership, one of the highest in Croydon.But as I said before, in 1937 we had 21people on the committee. We now only have12 committee members, but even more

importantly we are still short of roadstewards, especially in Hyde Road, WestfieldAvenue and Copthorne Rise. The roadstewards are at the heart of the Associationand help to keep us in touch with themembership. A road steward delivers theRiddlesdown Recorder twice a year toaround 30 houses and once a year theycollect the £3 subscription from members.Please, can you help?

Riddlesdown is a pleasant place to live andthe Association today is still totally committedto our objectives as set out, back in 1937; topromote the wellbeing of the residents andthe community and help to makeRiddlesdown a more pleasant place to live.

Please ring or email me if you would like tobecome involved. My contact details are atthe front of this magazine.

Brian Longman

RRA chair


The Riddlesdown Recorder Chairman’s Report

Planning Notifications andDecisions & FacebookAs usual all planning applications anddecisions in our area are updated weekly onthe RRA website. Did you know the RRA alsohave a Facebook page, which is becomingvery popular? Why not give it a “like” andmaybe post some comments on there!

Mitchley Hill FieldI reported last time that the owner of theGreen Belt land in Mitchley Hill, beside theDunmail Drive access way, submitted aretrospective planning application for theretention of the security gates and anagricultural hardstand/turning area. Thisapplication had to be submitted because thePlanners had noted that the hardstand areawas much larger than had originally beengiven permission for, and the front gates werehigher. Croydon’s Planners refused theapplication in mid-December. We howeverlearnt on 11 May that the owner has decidedto appeal to the Planning Inspector. Theappeal will be decided on the basis of anexchange of written statements by the partiesand a site visit by the Planning Inspector.

New Telecoms Mast in MitchleyHillA telecoms planning prior approval requestwas lodged with Croydon’s PlanningDepartment on 11 May, to remove theexisting mast, cabinets and fencing in thewoodland near the bottom of Dunmail Drive,

and to erect a new pole mast and equipmentbox. The proposed pole mast will be 15metres high and on the grass verge inMitchley Hill, near to junction with MitchleyAve/Rectory Park. This new mast is requiredbecause the landowner of the woodland hasserved notice to quit on the telecomcompanies. The RRA do not know the exactreason for this but we guess it may havesomething to do with rent. The current 19.5metre high mast is used by O2, Vodafone andEE. The new mast would be used by O2 andVodafone only. We presume EE will rely ontheir existing mast further up Dunmail Driveclose to Riddlesdown Collegiate. Whilst it isnot an ideal location, it’s probably the bestsite for continued good transmission andreception for nearby residents.

As we received no objections from residents,the RRA and our MP Chris Philp submittedsome observations and we remained neutral.We asked that the new mast and cabinet ispainted dark green to match the colour onthe existing mast. We also made commentthat we hoped EE would not be submittingtheir own application in the near future toerect another mast on nearby highway landor Metropolitan Green Belt. It would surelymake sense for EE to also share this newmast as well, if they need to operationally,without the need for another mast, which isGovernment policy. We asked the Plannersto check if the Telecoms agent hadapproached EE in this respect. A final decisionis expected at the end of June.

Planning Mattersby Phil Thomas

[email protected]

75a Riddlesdown RdAn outline planning application was submittedon 13 April to demolish the “bungalow” onthis site and to erect flats. The existingbuilding appears to be single storey from thefront, but is in fact two storeys at the rear,because of the steep fall of the land. Theapplication is to demolish the existingdwelling and erect a part two-storey, partthree-storey building comprising one one-bed and four two-bed flats; the provision offive car parking spaces, and the formation ofvehicular and pedestrian access. Thisproperty is right on our boundary, abuttingthe Purley & Woodcote RA area. The RRAalong with about forty local residentsobjected to this application for flats in a streetthat is predominantly single dwellings andwould be out of character with the adjoiningstreet scene. We are concerned this could seta precedent. Concerns were also raisedabout highway safety, as this is a proposal forfive flats and vehicles and not for onedwelling. The site actually exits intoRiddlesdown Ave and sight lines for vehiclesexiting the site onto Riddlesdown Rd (whichwould happen) would not be very good. Asthe land falls steeply towards the rear, themodernistic building would, especially inwinter, be seen across the valley towardsPurley Bury Close. A decision is expectedfrom the Council before the end of June.

Former Good CompanionsPublic House, Hamsey GreenAlthough this site is outside of the RRA area,it is still in the Sanderstead Ward. Lidl, theowners of the site, submitted an applicationon 3 March, for the erection of a two-storeybuilding comprising a supermarket, togetherwith four two-bedroom apartments on thefirst floor; the formation of a vehicularaccesses and provision of 85 car parkingspaces and a service yard. This is now thesecond application submitted by Lidl. Thefirst being refused by Croydon Planners andalso on appeal, the decision for refusal wasupheld by the Planning Inspector.

In early June, Croydon’s Planning Officerswithout the need to go the PlanningCommittee, refused this latest application.The full grounds for refusal were: thedevelopment would be out of keeping withthe character of the surrounding area anddetrimental to the visual amenity of the streetscene by reason of poor design, prominentsiting and scale of the buildings and would notrespect the existing pattern of buildings, normaximise the opportunities for creating anattractive and interesting environment.Secondly, the development would adverselyaffect pedestrian and highway safety on theadjoining transport network by reason of thesiting of the access and egress points and theassociated traffic and would thereby conflictwith the objectives of the National PolicyPlanning Framework. It now remains to beseen whether Lidl appeal to the PlanningInspector again!


The Riddlesdown Recorder Planning Matters

Land r/o 36 /60 Honister Heights& fronting Dunmail DriveThe RRA have recently been advised by aresident in Sussex, about the activities ofWineham Investments who has recentlypurchased land at Pondtail Wood, in theSouth Downs National Park, West Sussex,just north of Brighton.

This is the same Company who weunderstand felled many trees on the GreenBelt land r/o 36-60 Honister Heights andopposite Riddlesdown Collegiate in DunmailDrive, in November 2012. At that time, thisland had no TPOs on it. Subsequent to thisaction by Wineham, the Council put a blanketTPO on this site and other woodland inRiddlesdown, primarily owned by Wineham.This site in Dunmail Drive was subsequentlysold by Wineham in August 2014. It appearsthat Wineham Investments (or anothercompany owned by the same individual) isnow felling trees again on ancient woodland

at Pondtail Wood. This time it appears thatthirteen acres of woodland has been felled,until various Agencies served enforcementnotices. Many tonnes of hardcore have alsobeen deposited in the site and Wineham havebeen told they must re-plant at least 600trees and care for them for 10 years.

Wineham still own some land inRiddlesdown. Should their contractors starttree-felling again in Riddlesdown, residentsare advised to report any activity to CroydonCouncil's Planning Department (TreeOfficers) immediately on 020 8726 6000. Webelieve the Company still owns somewoodland in Honister Heights (opposite36/60) and adjoining the Common, theunmade section of Dunmail Drive, somewoodland in Mitchley Ave and most of thefarmland in Rectory Park/Mitchley Hill, andMitchley Ave. Most of this woodland is nowcovered by blanket TPOs. These mapsshowing the TPOs are available to view onour website.

Planning Matters

[email protected]

Could you be a Road Steward?Road Stewards are an essential and much valued part of the RRA. It is a great

opportunity to become involved in your community and the commitment need not belarge. Stewards deliver the Recorder twice a year, collect subscriptions and provide a

point of contact between residents and the Committee. We are currently looking for Stewards in the following roads:

Copthorne Rise; Downs Court Road; Mitchley Avenue; Mitchley Hill; Tandridge Gardens.

If you can help, or would just like to find out more please contact John Rapp on:[email protected]

Phil

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Purley Hospital – Urgent CareCentre (UCC)/Minor InjuriesUnitAs I have reported in a number of previousissues, the eight Residents’ Associations (RAs)in the south of the Borough have hadcontinuous dialogue with the CroydonClinical Commissioning Group (CCCG)about Urgent Care at Purley Hospital. TheCCCG are responsible for the funding of allUrgent Care provision and GPs withinCroydon.

On 2 February last, it was decision day for theCCCG, about Urgent Healthcare inCroydon, from April 2017. Somerepresentatives of the eight Residents’Associations attended this public meeting inCroydon. There were no surprises about thedecision by the CCCG Governing Body, whodecided that Option 1, which was theirpreferred option, would be implementedfrom April 2017. This option is: one UrgentCare Centre open 365 days a year at thefront door of the Emergency Department(A&E) at Croydon University Hospital; GPout-of-hours service on the same site; threeGP hubs in the vicinity of current services(Purley, Parkway, Edridge Road), open from8am-8pm, 365 days a year, covering all ofCroydon.

From our representatives present at themeeting, they advised the CCCG GoverningBody took it in turns to congratulatethemselves on the good work they have done

and completely overlooked most of theconcerns the eight RAs have raised over thelast eighteen months. It would seem that theCCCG were keen to look after their interestsin the north of the Borough, and were onlytoo happy to offer promises of services forthe communities around Croydon UniversityHospital. However, the RAs have managed tokeep the three units in the town centre andthe south, (at Edridge Road, Purley andParkway; or in the near vicinity) open and allwith the opening hours of 8am to 8pm, whichwe do not think was the original intention ofthe CCCG.

The RAs do at least have a commitment to afacility in the Purley area, opening hours from8am to 8pm and bookable access to x-ray forsome emergency treatment. This is not quitewhat we wanted, but we suspect it isconsiderably more than we would have gothad we kept quiet. The restoration ofmorning opening hours is also anachievement. So we have achieved limitedsuccess.

Chris Philp MP also met with the CCCGmany times. Chris said: “I think that ourefforts over the last year or so have made adifference. The restoration of morningopening hours and very fact of a continuationof a service at Purley are the fruits of thislabour. If Dr Agnelo Fernandes's promiseabout emergency x-ray referrals holds good,that will be a big victory. My remainingconcerns are the name "GP Hub" which isunderwhelming; (e.g. "Injury and GP Unit"

Environmental issues

[email protected]

Environmental issuesby Phil Thomas

would be better). And secondly I am stillconcerned about the level of injury they willtreat - I am keen that (for example) veryserious cuts and ideally fractures get treatedthere. This detail has not yet been publishedand is very important.”

The next step in the process is for the CCCGto start working on a full draft specificationfor urgent care services. The CCCG haveinvited representatives from the eight RAs toattend some seminars and meetings prior tothe full specification being tendered.

Street CleaningI reported last time about street cleaning andthe litter-strewn state of many streets in ourarea from June 2015, when the Councilbrought in their new “village” refuse/recyclingand street cleaning system.

As a result of the poor state of our streets,Sanderstead Ward Councillor Yvette Hopleyand I met with Steve Iles, the Director ofStreets at Croydon Council, in January. Thepurpose of the meeting was to address someof the local issues in relation to streetcleansing, damaged grass verges, blockedgullies and flooding, particularly under therailway bridge in Lower Barn Rd, about whichthe RRA have been complaining to theCouncil for many years now.

We also showed Steve Iles the litter issue inCopthorne Rise and Mitchley Ave and alsodamage to grass verges in that vicinity. We didalso stress to Steve Iles that Riddlesdownsuffers with a huge influx of school children(2,000) as well as commuters (some fromoutside the area) and that the new six-weeklystreet cleaning (rather than the previous four-

weekly) is not enough for some of ourstreets! The streets we showed him werejust a small proportion of those affected inour area. All the streets on the south side ofMitchley Ave, close to the Collegiate are stillswept four-weekly, i.e. Honister Hts,Ingleboro Drive, Derwent Drive etc.However, Mitchley Ave, which is heavily usedby pedestrians, is now six-weekly!

Sanderstead Ward Councillors have alsoreceived a huge increase in complaints sincelast June about the condition of the streetsfrom litter and leaf fall. Steve Iles did stressthat a big problem Veolia have, is fromparked cars in some streets and the RRAaccepts this is an issue, particularly in the fourmain streets near to the Station, alsoHonister Heights and Copthorne Rise. Wedid ask him if Veolia would undertakeSaturday cleaning (when parking isn't as bad).

Subsequent to the meeting, the RRAsubmitted our proposed street cleaningschedule to the Council which includedstreets in our opinion that required four-weekly cleaning, instead of six-weekly,principally to try and stop gully gridsbecoming blocked and causing flooding invarious locations. This included virtually allthe streets in our area that fall directly intoLower Barn Rd where the worst floodingusually occurs. In addition we asked forweekly cleaning where there is highpedestrian traffic use, like Mitchley Ave,Lower Barn Rd, bottom end of CopthorneRise, Rectory Park and Downs Court Rd. Wewill post more on our website and Facebookwhen we get a response from Steve Iles.


The Riddlesdown Recorder Environmental issues

Flooding in Lower Barn Rd We did ask in August of last year whetheranyone had photos of the flooding in LowerBarn Rd by the Station. We have nowmanaged to obtain some photos which showthe extensive flooding on 24 August 2015.Most people who have already seen themcomment that this is the worst flooding inmemory at this location. The RRA have raisedwith the Council for many years now aboutthe fairly frequent flooding at this location andwe have passed these photos onto theCouncil.

In the RRA's recent correspondence to theCouncil, we have pointed out, as shown inthe photos, the grey Network Rail highvoltage electrical box, which is partly flooded.

The Police closed the road last August,because they were concerned members ofthe public would get electrocuted! We did tellNetwork Rail in 2011, that this may happen,when they located the box next to the road,at that time!

Interestingly at the Public Inquiry, which thePlanning Inspector held for the RiddleahCourt flats development in 2008, the Inquirywas told that flooding on this scale would nothappen! The original planning application wasrefused by the Planning Committee butoverturned by the Planning Inspector. TheRRA believe this flooding is now worsebecause the land levels within the new flatsdevelopment have been raised for the bicycleshed and the car park. There is now also asmall retaining wall at the back edge of thefootpath which acts like a dam. Previously,before this development was built, any highflood water that accrued at this point wasallowed to overflow onto the woodland. Thisis now not happening. The RRA believe theAuthorities and the developer should havetaken this into account!

The RRA have asked the Council what theyare going to do to stop any further deepflooding. It is a major inconvenience tocommuters using the station and to residentswishing to get to the shops, not to mentionthe safety of the public, with Network Rail’shigh voltage electrical box closeby. We keepinforming the Council that road gullies andsoakaways as far away as Mitchley Hill,Derwent Drive, and Ingleboro Drive need tobe regularly kept clear because this location isthe low point for a number of square miles, ifrainwater is not dispersed at higher levels.


[email protected]

The Council and Network Rail say they arelooking at the situation. The Council did carryout large scale gully and soakaway cleaning inMarch and from the recent heavy rains inearly June, it appears that no extensiveflooding occurred here, as a result of this.

The photographs below were taken on 24August 2015 and are kindly supplied byDarren Wittwer.

Purley Oaks Depot - TrafficQueuesAs many residents will be aware, over the lastfew months there have been extensivequeues at the Purley Oaks Household &Recycling Centre, also Factory Lane andFishers Farm in New Addington. The PurleyOaks HR Centre is the Centre that perhapsaffects Riddlesdown residents most, in gainingaccess in and out of Riddlesdown Rd, aroundCapella Court.

There seems to be a number of reasons as towhy this is happening. One reason could nowbe the cost brought in, in April by theCouncil, for garden green waste collection.Of course previously the free collection (well,we paid for it in our Council tax) was for amaximum of ten plastic bags. Even with thebiggest of the new wheelie bins, it does notcome anywhere close to the quantity that tenclear bags used to take. Maybe four bags ifyou are lucky. So this surplus garden wastehas to be disposed of somewhere, so PurleyOaks is the obvious place if it is notcomposted by residents. So maybe someresidents, who already have the new gardenwaste wheelie bin are maybe using thisCentre to dispose of surplus garden waste?This is of course in addition to those residentswho don’t have the new wheelie bins.

Secondly, there are two nearby HouseholdCentres run by Surrey County Council (SCC)in Warlingham and at Caterham on the Hill.Although Croydon residents should not usethem, it is probably more convenient forthose residents at the southern end of theBorough and who have previously used them,than Purley Oaks. However, from March until21 May, the Caterham on the Hill Centre was



closed for essential maintenance. So it ispossible that some Surrey CC residents wereusing Croydon’s centres at this time. Also theWarlingham Centre is closed from 23 Mayuntil the end of July and again Surrey residentsmay sneak over the boundary into Croydon!In addition SCC are now carrying out checksto ensure that only their residents use theirCentres and they are also charging for thedisposal of some materials! So why can’tCroydon Council do the same and bring inchecks that only Croydon residents are usingour Refuse and Recycling Centres? About 15or so years ago you had to display a stickeron your vehicle to prove you were fromCroydon. Surely they could re-introducethem or something similar? There are bigsigns outside Purley Oaks saying “Non-residents use pay machine to insert £4.” Haveyou ever seen anyone use this machine?

As far as traffic stacking on the Brighton Rd isconcerned, I first complained to the Councilabout the queuing system around CapellaCourt in 2012. I asked then if yellow boxjunctions could be installed as the 412 buswas being delayed and getting stuck in thetraffic jams. The 412 bus route terminatesoutside Purley Hospital but has to use theCapella Court “roundabout” to turn aroundand return back into Purley for its journey onto Croydon. The Council’s senior HighwaysOfficer said then, for safety reasons theycouldn't lay yellow box junctions! However,following the worse traffic jams since Aprildue to the increased use of the Centre, theCouncil have now done a U-turn and listenedand in mid-May it laid new yellow boxjunctions and new lane markings! This is as aresult of further complaints from the RRA (&

other RAs), Councillors and our MP. It will notstop the queues to the Centre but hopefullythe yellow box junctions may now keep thetraffic moving around Capella Court?!

We have also asked the Council if they willkeep the Purley Oaks Centre open for longerhours and not to keep closing it to movecontainers around! We note the other tworecycling centres in the Borough have longeropening hours, albeit Fishers Farm is notopen longer at weekends.

Purley Oaks is currently Monday to Sunday,8am to 3.30pm. Factory Lane is Monday toSaturday, 7.30am to 4.30pm and Sunday:8.30am to 4pm. Fisher Farm is Monday toFriday, 8am to 4pm; Saturday, 9am to 2pmand Sunday, 9am to 1pm. We have suggestedthat Purley Oaks should at least matchFactory Lane, which in total is open for 61.5hours a week, compared to Purley Oaks at52.5 hours. Other complaints we havereceived, are that at times the Purley OaksCentre is closed at 3 pm (instead of 3.30 pm)because containers are being moved aroundand therefore it does not re-open because ofthe site closure at 3.30 pm. The site isadvertised as closing at 3.30 pm and thisshould be the case.

The RRA have also noticed recently anincreased amount of fly tipping on the streetsof Riddlesdown! Of course this is anadditional cost to the Council to clear the fly-tip off the highway. At the time of writing,Councillor Stuart Collins (Labour CabinetMember for Clean Green Croydon) hasadvised the RRA that the Council are carryingout a review of all the Centres, starting firstwith Purley Oaks. Watch this space, as they say!

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Paint Disposal at Purley OaksHousehold & Recycling CentreAs a post note to the above, the RRA wereadvised in March, by a resident, that thePurley Oaks HR Centre no longer allowedsurplus paint to be disposed of into bin 4.

We made enquiries with Sanderstead WardCouncillor Yvette Hopley and she contactedCroydon Council officers. The response froman Officer was that “paint is now classed ashazardous waste and therefore Croydon areunable to accept it at any of their threehousehold reuse and recycling centres.” Paintbeing in liquid form appears to be theproblem for disposal as it causes spillage if thecontainer is damaged.

If you have any usable surplus paint, tryoffering it to friends, local community groupsor you can contact Community Re-Paint.http://www.communityrepaint.org.uk/

However if this is not practicable;

• For disposal - Water-based paints - You can dispose of “solid” water based paintwhich can be sent to landfill. To make paintsolid, you have to remove the lid from thecan and leave it off for a number of weeks(replace the lid) before disposing of it. Puttingsand or cat litter in it, makes it go hardquicker, or you can buy a special hardener.Recycling Centre staff will probably want tosee that the paint is hard before disposing ofit. Empty paint cans (plastic or metal) or driedwater-based paint can be disposed of at theCouncil’s recycling centres.

• Oil paints - In the case of oil paint this isa bit more difficult. Oil-based paint is now given a chemicals

advisory notice and needs to be collected bythe City of London (this service is subsidisedby our local authority). Further informationand details about this service are on this Cityof London Corporation linkhttp://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/services/envir o n m e n t - a n d - p l a n n i n g / w a s t e - a n d -r e c y c l i n g / h o u s e h o l d - w a s t e - a n d -recycling/Pages/Hazardous-Waste.aspx

The City of London Corporation provides acollection service for boxed chemical andpaint only. You are entitled to threecollections of 50L of containers per rollingyear. Chemicals and paint tins must be putinto cardboard boxes for collection. Forfurther details, either speak with a memberof staff at one of the Council’s recyclingcentres or contact Croydon Council direct.What the RRA finds baffling here, is why LocalAuthorities HR Centres can’t be thecollection point with special containers, andthe City of London Corporation collect fromthese Council sites. It must cost a fortune togo all around London picking up fromindividual households!



Political map The political map of Croydon is to beredrawn to address electoral inequality. TheCouncil have requested a review by the LocalGovernment Boundary Commission forEngland, to ensure each area has broadly thesame number of electors. Some of Croydon'stwenty four wards have a disproportionatelyhigh or low number of residents who areeligible to vote. Four are currently more than10% from borough average. Broad Greenhas 11.8% more electors than the averagewhile Coulsdon East (-13.1%), Sanderstead(-10.2%), Selsdon & Ballards (-12.8%) aresignificantly below average. Purley is (-1.6%).The electoral review will seek to correctthese imbalances. The RRA will be keeping aneye on this but it will be worth residentsresponding to the public consultationbetween July and September. The RRA area iscovered by two Wards: Purley &Sanderstead. The latter would appear to bethe one that may be affected by any changes!More updates will be on our website.

London Biggin Hill AirportIn mid-January, the eight RAs in the south ofthe Borough were made aware, by chance,of the proposal by London Biggin Hill Airport(LBHA) to change flights paths over thesouthern parts of the Borough of Croydon,for flights landing from the south, at BigginHill Airport. This was when the windprevented normal landings from the north.The RAs issued a press release and theCroydon Advertiser did run a story in mosteditions on Friday 22 January 2016.

At the moment most flights land at Biggin Hillfrom the north, which is for about 65% ofthe time (depending on the wind direction).This landing direction usually doesn’t affect usin Riddlesdown. However, when they landinto a north and or north easterly wind, theycome in from the south and pass overairspace just to the east of Riddlesdown.Again it doesn't affect us too much. However,London Biggin Hill Airport are proposing tochange this so that planes fly in over parts ofSelsdon, Purley and Coulsdon at 3,000 feetuntil the M23/M25 junction and then turn

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along the M25 corridor to then turn left to flyinto Biggin Hill from the south. This will beby GPS. They say this will be for about 35%of the time, depending on the wind. Aircraftusually have to land into the wind.

The red line on the map, is the proposedroute by GPS into Biggin Hill. Aircraft wouldcome in from the southern tip of NewAddington, then just south of Selsdon (overthe nature reserve), then over SandersteadHill near to the Limpsfield Rd roundabout,over the Purley Downs Golf Course, PurleyBury Close, across Brancaster Lane and thenturn left over Purley Cross and follow theBrighton Rd/rail valley down throughCoulsdon and the new Cane Hilldevelopment, to just south of the M23/M25junction and then turn left along the M25before turning left again into Biggin Hill.These planes would be at 3,000 feet over us.It is expected noise will be heard from theseaircraft for at least 1,000 metres either side ofthis flight path (if not more).

Riddlesdown does suffer with overflying ofaircraft; with the stacking of aircraft boundfor Heathrow immediately above the BigginHill beacon (at about 9-13,000 feet). ThisHeathrow-bound air traffic is usually at 7 to9,000 feet above us. It is proposed Biggin Hillarriving aircraft will be at 3,000 feet. This isconsiderably lower. You also have to take intoaccount the terrain as aircraft altitude is takenat sea level, this means with some parts of theBorough at 500 feet above sea level, planeswould be at 2,500 feet above those areas! Inaddition we do also get outbound flights fromHeathrow over us, which are usually belowthe inbound flights by about 1 to 2,000 feet.

This Flightradar24 is a good website to seethis and to track flights and the height.

Our Chairman Brian Longman, Chris PhilpMP, Cllrs Lynne Hale and Steve O’Connelland a representative from the Kenley GliderClub met with the Managing Director ofBiggin Hill in early February. The meetingonly really explained the facts and why BigginHill felt it was necessary to do this. Theyemphasised the final decision lay with theCivil Aviation Authority (CAA). The BigginHill consultation document closed on 17February 2016 and we submitted along withthe eight other RAs, our objections. Ourletter is available to view on our website.

In late April, LBHA responded to all thecomments raised. Although LBHA answeredvirtually all the points we raised, we felt theydid so in a patronising way and just re-hashedtheir original consultation document! So ineffect they didn’t answer many points butregurgitated their original document. Theydid also seem to refer solely to Coulsdon andmade no mention of Purley, Sanderstead, andSelsdon.

What appears to be happening now, is thathaving gone through the “consultation”process, they are discussing finer technicalpoints with NATS (National Air TrafficService) before submitting their report to theCAA, who will make the final decision as towhether to allow the chosen route forsouthern approach on Runway 03. Ifapproved, the proposals are likely to come inby late autumn.



1st Purley Cub Scouts Clean upour Area On Saturday 27 February, 22 cubs andleaders from the 1st Purley Cub Scouts(based in Purley Park Rd) carried out a litterpick covering pockets of private land andfootways between Purley Park Road,Brancaster Lane, Lower Barn Road, MitchleyAvenue, Buttermere Gardens, IngleboroDrive and Honister Heights. They collected38 bags of litter.

Tracey Bellamy, Croydon Council Clean andGreen Champion co-ordinator, thanked the1st Purley Cubs who were polite, wellbehaved and a credit to their pack. The RRAwould also like to add our thanks the 1stPurley Scout Group, as they cleaned a largeproportion of our area.

Are you interested in becoming a StreetChampion?

We are sure many of you agree that someparts of our area are badly littered. Most ofthis litter is on private land. But not all; someis on the highway. The Council have now cutback on street cleaning to most streets in theRiddlesdown area, to every 6 weeks, ratherthan previously every 4 weeks, as reportedabove.

As a result of this, we have been in contact

with Tracey Bellamy at Croydon Council,who is the Clean and Green Champion Co-ordinator. These Green Champions are anetwork of people who have volunteered toimprove the environment in their local area.Champions are local people who workalongside Croydon Council and its partnersto encourage residents and businesses torecycle more, manage their wasteresponsibly and reduce instances ofenvironmental crime.

We believe some litter in our area, originatesfrom the 2,000 school children who visit thearea, but they are not the only ones wholitter! Visitors to the shops in Mitchley Aveand Lower Barn Rd, together withcommuters to the Station, as well as some ofour own residents. Some of the litter is alsowindblown from the recycling boxes! Inorder to try and improve things, Tracey hascontacted Riddlesdown Collegiate who havean expressed an interest in working withresidents, to create "litter champions” whichis really encouraging.

As well as maybe litter picking some streets(which we know some residents alreadyundertake), we are particularly concernedabout the following areas, which seem to bebadly littered:

• Mitchley Ave – Footway, grass verges,farm and woodland frontages from oppositeshops in Mitchley Ave, going towards theMitchley Hill Junction.• Rectory Park – Footway, grass verges,farmland and frontage.• Mitchley Hill - Footway, grass verges,farmland and former grazing land frontages.• Footpath 24 - besides 67 Mitchley Hillgoing all the way up to Dunmail Drive.

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• Dunmail Drive – full length from besidethe Collegiate to Mitchley Hill.• Copthorne Rise (southern end near tothe shops).• Footpath 22 – Dunmail Drive (oppositeCollegiate) to Grisedale Gardens andcontinues onto to Mitchley Ave oppositethe shops.• Footpath 130 - Dunmail Drive (close toCollegiate) to Mitchley Ave beside theDoctors surgery.• Dunmail Drive – Public Bridleway besideCollegiate to Hamsey Green (section besidethe Collegiate only).• Lower Barn Rd - Green opposite theshops.This is the link for further information on thisscheme, to the Council’s websitehttps://www.croydon.gov.uk/environment/dontmess/green-champions

The RRA would like to know whether anyresidents and/or groups are interested inbecoming “Street Champions” to help keepour streets and green spaces locally, clean andtidy? Any cleaning of litter can be done byindividuals, or as a pre-arranged group. Allcleaning equipment/tools and bags aresupplied by the Council and they collect thebagged rubbish from agreed locations. Foranyone who is interested in becoming aChampion, perhaps you can contact me. Mycontact details are at the front of thismagazine.

We are aware of the strong communityRiddlesdown already has, but the StreetChampion Scheme will perhaps giveresidents the opportunity to make thechanges in the area. At the time of writing, Ihave had two residents who have expressedan interest.



MembershipSince my last article I have noticed that we alllike to know about our neighbours, and I haveexperienced many examples of peoplesharing local knowledge within their micro-communities. Aware of the growth of theconcept of personal data, I will not sharemore than outline details in the followingexamples. With my knowledge of herparents, I was able to confirm the identity ofthe young lady who had lost her house keys,and leave her with the knowledge that shecould seek shelter if needed. I have talkedabout Riddlesdown being a good place forchildren, it also seems to be good for carswith one resident having five, and anothergoing to Bolton to collect his new car.

By knowing each other we are more able tohelp each other. I recall the days when theCouncil would give us a dustcart for aSaturday collection supported by a team ofRiddlesdown Residents. It was often the casethat the twelve ton capacity was not enoughand the cart had to be emptied before thecollection could continue. On that basisabout 150 tons would be cleared each year. Iexpect Health and Safety, and CouncilFinances (they are now charging for GreenWaste Collection), would prevent it being re-introduced.

The new Green Waste bins do need to befilled, and I hope that some sharing can takeplace, so that bins are not collected almostempty when people are on holiday. I amhappy that our community will work togetherto provide that service – of every bin for

collection being at least 85% full to theCouncil.

Best wishes for your summers.

TransportSince I last wrote both buses and trains haveprovided services that the users would like toforget. Your Association has been in activecontact with all parties in order to obtainimprovement back to the levels needed.

I have heard that it is expected that twoachievements that will lead towards thecompletion of the London Bridge Works willbe made public later this year. Having seenthat users of mobile telephones can easilycommunicate, and access websites, awayfrom home I suggest that poor service isreported to Transport for London orSouithern websites as applicable.

I and a number of East Surrey TransportCommittee members are due to have a Meetthe Manager session at which train runningand state of the station will be discussed.

Transport and Membershipby John Rapp

[email protected]

transport and membership

The Queen’s 90th Birthday Teaor How Cake Filled “Choristers”Risked Incarceration!Gill Pates

There was a joyous event down at StEdmund’s Church Hall on Saturday 4th Junewhen around 65 residents gathered for teaand cakes to celebrate Her Majesty theQueen’s 90th Birthday.

It was organised by members of thecongregation of St Edmund’s but was a realcommunity effort from the Christian Aidcollectors of all denominations who deliveredup to 1500 invitations around theneighbourhood to the kind donations bycongregation members and residents ofcakes and, in some instances, cash to coversome of the costs.

The Church Hall was festooned with UnionJacks and the tables set in a huge U shape toallow the maximum amount of chat. The

doors to the Church Chancel were open andlight flooded the building. The scene was setfor another great Riddlesdown occasion.

Whilst the guests gathered we enjoyed asomewhat curious mix of music from theinfinite playlist of 90 years of the Queen’s life.The burst of evocative tunes ranged from theregal (Rule Britannia, Pomp andCircumstance, Walton’s Orb and SceptreCoronation March) to the not so regalincluding The BBC Dance Orchestra withJack Payne and Henry Hall (Red Sails in theSunset) and Big Band Sounds (Doing theContinental, We’ll Meet Again).

The hubbub grew as the hall filled and wechatted to friends, neighbours and peoplethat we met for the first time. “We’ve lived inRiddlesdown so long. How is it we’ve nevermet before?” Young, old and all points inbetween joined together to celebrate theQueen’s 90th in a style of which we think shewould approve.

Around the hall there were displayscelebrating The Queen’s life and, fittingly fora community event in the Hall-Church builtby the people of Riddlesdown for the peopleof Riddlesdown, the pop up exhibitionshowing how Riddlesdown and the Hall-Church developed popped up. For theyounger guests there was colouring to do or,as was preferred in some circles, vigorous flagwaving.

Guests were invited to take souvenir copiesof the book “The Servant Queen and the

Your Contributions & ArticlesThank you to all the RRA Committee for their contributions – we now have yourcontributions, information, articles, letters and photographs on the following pages.


The Riddlesdown Recorder Your Contributions & Articles

King She Serves”. This lovely full-colour 64-page tribute was created by The BibleSociety, HOPE and LICC for Her Majesty’s90th Birthday and has a foreword written bythe Queen. It looks at the Queen’sextraordinary life and uses her own words todraw out the central role her Christian faithhas played in it. (Copies are available whilststocks last from CPO on 01903 263354 orcpo.org.uk/thequeen)

We all sat down and tea and cake was served.The congregation of St Edmund’s and someof the guests had been baking – almost on anindustrial scale - and there was no shortageof home-made cakes and treats of everyvariety. One guest said to me that he’d justhad a slice of the best carrot cake that he hadever tasted and wanted to congratulate thebaker. I’m afraid I wasn’t sure who baked itbut I decided to try a piece to confirm hisfindings.

After tea we moved on to the moment in the“Order of Enjoyment” (as the cards on thetables called it) entitled “Riddlesdown sings”.Surprisingly no one ran for the doors at this

point so after our Vicar, Susan had said a fewwords, she led a full house in a rousing chorusof “Happy Birthday to You”.

There was no prior stipulation as to themode of address to be used in this birthdaytribute so in the full realisation that “Elizabeththe Second, by the Grace of God of theUnited Kingdom of Great Britain andNorthern Ireland, Defender of the Faith andHead of the Commonwealth” didn’t really fitin to the tune, there was a general melee ofnaming from the formal “Your Majesty”through to what some might construe as anapplication for detention in The Tower ofLondon: “Lizzie”.

Then all who were able to raise their cakefilled forms into a roughly standing positiondid so to sing the first verse of The NationalAnthem.

After this we said our goodbyes and an armyof people who hadn’t been asked but justthought it would be a nice thing to dovoluntarily set about washing up the tea cups,saucers and plates (proper crockery for aproper occasion), clearing the tables andchairs and setting out the Church for theSunday morning services.

On her way out, one of our long-standingresidents commented “That was lovely. Justlike it used to be”. I do know what shemeans. If the friendly, happy occasion, unitedendeavour and enjoyment of the Queen’s90th Birthday celebration reflects today’scommunity in Riddlesdown, then I would saythat we’re in a very good place. Literally.Happy Birthday Your Majesty.

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Your Contributions & Articles

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Highlight

The fun of the runLinda Bevin

So something extraordinary happened thismorning. I went for a run, before breakfast.Now that might not sound like a big thing tomost of you, but the thing is I HATERUNNING. I’ve always hated running. I’mnot built for it. I’m always the last, theslowest, the least capable. If I was anantelope the lions would have got me yearsago. I avoid even running for the bus if I canhelp it. My last attempt was some 10 yearsago when I foolishly volunteered for theinterdepartmental relay race. I’m fit, Ithought, I can do this. Until I started trainingand remembered how bad I am at running.Then I decided that my goal was just not tocome last. I didn’t – but only becausesomeone else ran the wrong way round thestaff car park and added an extra fewhundred yards to his course. Yes, I do yoga –I can touch my toes and stand on my head butit doesn’t help much when it comes tojogging. Or does it?

Let’s start with why I ran this morning.

I’ve been reading this book called “Born toRun” by Christopher McDougall. It’s thestory of a man’s search for an almost mythicaltribe called the Tarahumera who live deep inthe canyons somewhere in Mexico. Alongthe way the author discusses our attitude torunning. These days we run to get fit, getthin, to win a race or beat a personal target.We don’t (well I certainly don’t) run for fun.We used to when we were kids butsomewhere along the way, most of us lostthat. The author also writes a lot about our

anatomy and theories of how and why weevolved to run. I’ll skip a lot of it but here’sthe gist.

• Animals don’t sweat, they can only loseheat through their breathing.• We less hairy humans can lose heatthrough perspiration as well as by panting.• So we can run further (although notalways faster) than our animal prey becausewe don’t have to stop to cool down.• So, with a bit of help from those bigbrains of ours to track and predict what ourprey is going to do, we could simply runthem into exhaustion. Well no, it’s notsimple – but you get the idea.• Incidentally, he reckons this is why thebig, strong, hairy and intelligentNeanderthals became extinct – when theearth warmed up they lost out to us feeble,hairless runners. Anyway, I was convinced enough by this bookto give running another go but with adifferent approach. I decided to leave my egobehind. I would just go out and see whathappened and run totally in the present – nogoal, no race, no pressure on myself.

I should also mention that this book is prettyanti-running shoe. We are designed to runbarefoot – not on roads but on grass and sandand rocks and uneven surfaces. My feet arethe one bit of my body that has been totallytransformed since I started taking yogaseriously. The arches are higher, the toesmore spread, they are wider, stronger andmore flexible. But it is January, thetemperature is barely above freezing, andRIddlesdown common is one of the mostpopular in the borough for dog walkers – and

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they don’t all scoop their poop. So Icompromise with toe socks and a cheap thinsoled pair of trainers.

I warm up with a brisk walk uphill. We arelucky to have Riddlesdown common just acouple of minutes walk away. Then first onthe asphalt path I start to jog down to the carpark. Really slowly. No speed, no longstrides, just a very gentle jog. The air is freshand cold. The sun has just come up and islighting up the dew on the grass. I’m runningacross the top of the common – a chalk ridge,the first of the North Downs and I can seeacross the valley with mist rising from thetrees. It’s pretty, but I’m not having fun yet.So at the end of the path I turn round but thistime I step into the cold, wet, muddy grass.The surface is slippery and uneven, withhummocks and tussocks and nettles tonegotiate. But straight away I feel lighter andmy legs feel better.

I run back to the gate where I started anddecide that I can go a little further so I carryon, even zig-zagging up and down a littleslope to bring more variety into my stride, Igo into the trees where it’s muddy and hopand skip around the puddles. This is almoststarting to feel like fun. As the common startsto descend I decide it’s time to turn round toavoid having a long uphill climb on the wayback. And it’s probably best that I don’t gotoo crazy on my first run in 10 years. But I dorun all the way back to the house and haveenergy to spare. I might even have anotherrun tomorrow.

So in letting go of my ego and choosing tohave fun, maybe I have found the runnerinside me.

Councillor’s ReportCllr Yvette HopleyI have spent less than six months in the role ofShadow Cabinet Member for Transport andEnvironment and during that time residentswill have noted some significant policychanges by the administration many of whichhave had a significant impact on the south ofthe borough.Last time in the Recorder I wrote about theimpact of the cuts and quality of streetcleaning in the south and I thought you mayall find it interesting to hear about some ofthe other policy decisions I have beenchallenging over this relatively short period oftime.The introduction of the paid for green wastecollection service has led to a severe impacton the Purley Oaks Recycling Centre.Queues are forming in both directions of theBrighton Road and around Capella Court andtraffic is at a standstill for hours whilstresidents dutifully try to dispose of their grassclippings etc. Often the site has to be closedearly to take away the large containers whichare filling up very quickly and many residentsare turned away angry and disappointed onlyhoping that on following occasions they maybe able to gain access to the site. In somecases I have seen the waste left in PurleyDowns Road, such must be the frustrationthat they are unable to dispose of itresponsibly. The introduction of the yellowbox junctions and markings I hope will helpwith traffic flow but an urgent solution mustbe found so that residents can access the sitequickly and efficiently. Longer hours wouldcertainly help and a number of petitions are

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available to sign asking for the site to be openlonger.

Here is the link:https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/CutTheQueues or you can email:[email protected]

Parking charges have also gone upsignificantly in the last few months. A keydecision taken by the cabinet member a daybefore Christmas Eve hopes to raise another1 million pounds in revenue. The Labourmanifesto pledge to introduce one hour’sfree parking in district centres has also beentossed aside. I fought extremely hardalongside other councillors and residents totry to ensure this pledge was kept butunfortunately the contract was effectively“torn up” and surprisingly even after mychallenging through the council’s legaldepartment we were informed that it “wasn’tconsidered a key decision”. I am fearful thatother areas where we have free parking inSanderstead, Riddlesdown and HamseyGreen will also fall foul of policy to try to raisefurther income from parking. Businesses arebound to suffer as a result of this policy andresidents will go to areas across the borderwhich in the case of Sanderstead is onlyacross a road into Warlingham where parkingis free.

Another policy introduced is the total ban on“in and out” driveways. Whilst I am fullysupportive of ensuring where there isdifficulty with on-street parking, street treesbeing kept or flood risks we should take asensible approach to hard surfaces, for manyproperties in the south of the borough it isnot a problem and is indeed safer in terms of

exiting driveways on busy roads. However,this decision was taken without anyconsultation or approach to residents fordiscussion and there is now a blanket ban inthe borough!

In relation to blanket policy many of you willhave read about the new 20mph proposalsthat have been introduced in the North of theBorough - the intention being to roll this outthroughout the whole of Croydon. This wasintroduced in the North with only 1.5% ofthe public responding to the consultation infavour. A proposal has now been launched forthe north-east of the borough. The responsesare woefully low but the policy still seems tobe pushed through. Of course we supportresident concerns or requests for roads tohave 20mph zones and this works quite welloutside schools etc. but a blanket coverageof the borough makes no sense at all since theroads where there are severe problems ofspeeding and accidents and sadly somefatalities are not covered as this applies toresidential roads.

Did any of you read in the CroydonAdvertiser that the temporary restriction oncycling has been lifted in the centre ofCroydon’s shopping area? Croydon Vision(many of whom are blind) came to talk at aTraffic Management Meeting about some oftheir members being hurt and injured inincidents involving cyclists in the town centre.Whilst I of course support a safe zone forcycling and pedestrians alike I couldn’tsupport this policy and feel it wasirresponsible not to have properly thoughtthrough how our most vulnerable memberswould be able to shop safely and without fear.


Your Contributions & ArticlesThe Riddlesdown Recorder

The suggestion of a safe zone down one sideof the shopping centre for elderly, disabledand young families hadn’t been carefullythought through with many of the blindresidents who attended the meeting statingthat they wouldn’t be able to cross to theother side. So if you are in Croydon shoppingdo be careful and do be vigilant of cyclist as Ivery nearly had an accident myself whencoming out of Barclays bank!

Councillor Kathy Bee is now on the backbenches and Cllr Stuart King has taken overresponsibility for transport and environment.I have written to him expressing my concernsabout the portfolio and hope that he willconsider changing some of the policies thathave been implemented in this brief periodof time but I am not holding my breath! CllrSara Bashford has taken over my role and Ihave taken on the role of Shadow CabinetMember for Health and Adult Social Carefrom Cllr Margaret Mead. Both Cllr Dudleyand Margaret Mead intend to stand downfrom council duties in 2018 and haveundertaken sterling work over the last 30years. It is now time to have a rest and enjoygrandchildren and hopefully have time to puttheir feet up.

Riddlesdown CollegiateSoumick Dey Principal

I am delighted to write my first contributionto the Riddlesdown Recorder as Principal ofRiddlesdown Collegiate and I hope thatreaders will be interested to learn of thesome of the exciting events anddevelopments that have taken place at theCollegiate in recent months.

In February, the Collegiate presented itsannual musical production – this year it was“The Pirates of Penzance”. With over onehundred students involved in the cast,orchestra, backstage and production team,audiences were treated to four fantasticperformances, including a matinee for localprimary school pupils.

Over Easter, almost two hundred studentsparticipated in international visits, including aski trip to Sierra Nevada, an art trip to Berlin,the football tour to Barcelona, the Homestaytrip to Le Mans and an English Literature tripto New York.

Early in the summer term, artists fromDulwich Picture Gallery visited the Collegiateto work with students on exploring new

[email protected]


techniques and developing their creativity.The work they produced was displayed inThe @RC Gallery and it was great to seevisitors from the local community come andappreciate the talent on show.

Alongside all of these opportunities thatstudents have had to widen their culturalhorizons and develop their skills andconfidence, teachers have continued todeliver great lessons every day and studentshave continued to be engaged in theirlearning, always keen to make progress andto be challenged to think deeply. TheCollegiate’s approach of combining thehighest quality of teaching with the provisionof an exceptional programme of widerdevelopment through extra-curricularactivities is a key feature of our success andhelps to prepare our students for thechallenges of the future.

More recently and perhaps most excitingly,we welcomed a team of OFSTED inspectorsto Riddlesdown Collegiate last month. As apreviously good school at the time of our lastinspection almost five years ago, theinspectors initially returned for just a shortinspection and presumed that the Collegiatewould still be good. However, we were verypleased when they decided to convert theshort inspection into a full inspection becausethey quickly recognised the improvements inthe quality of our work and considered thatwe may now be better than good. We weredelighted then, when following another daywith a team of eight inspectors, theyconcluded that the overall effectiveness ofRiddlesdown Collegiate was nowOUTSTANDING! The OFSTED report,which is available on the Collegiate website,

says that “teaching is outstanding because itcaptivates pupils’ interest and challenges theirthinking” and also comments very positivelyon our students: “Pupils’ behaviour andattitudes to school are consistentlyoutstanding. They conduct themselvesimpeccably in classrooms and around thebuilding.” It goes on to say that “RiddlesdownCollegiate is led and managed extremelywell” and that, consequently, “Pupils makeexcellent progress”. With reference to oursixth form students, the report says that theirpersonal development is outstanding and that“they leave the school as thoughtful, matureand well-adjusted young people who areready to take up their place in society asresponsible citizens”. I am extremely proudof everyone at the Collegiate and grateful toall those in the wider community who havesupported us in achieving this recognition.Outstanding, however, does not meanperfect – there will always be areas of ourwork which we wish to develop and we willremain ambitious for our students and all thatthe Collegiate delivers to our community. Iam looking forward to the next stage of ourdevelopment and engaging with thecommunity further so that our studentsderive greater benefits from local links, whilstcontributing more to the local communityalso.



SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL POST OFFICE Easy Parking

102 Lower Barn Road Purley Tel: 020 8660 1400

O P E N I N G T I M E S Shop: Weekdays 6am - 8pm Sat. and Sun. 6am - 7pm Post Office: Weekdays (except Wed): 9am - 5.30pm Closed 1pm—2pm Wednesday 9am - 1pm Saturday 9am - 12.30pm Sunday Closed Last collections from postbox: Weekdays 5pm Saturdays and Bank Holidays - Midday

Newspapers and magazines (all can be delivered)

Stationery, cards, tobacco, confectionery

Groceries, fruit and vegetables Wines and spirits Fresh bread and rolls (Sats. only) Chilled drinks, meats and

dairy produce Frozen ice cream, ready meals Next day dry cleaning National Lottery

Come to us for your . . .

RIDDLESDOWN’S POST OFFICE

Newsagents, Confectioners and General Store

GP Practice - PatientParticipation Groups – YourGroup Needs You!Patient participation is a unique partnershipbetween patients, GPs and their practicewhich is essential to and results in high qualityand responsive care.

Patient Participation Groups (PPGs) work inpartnership with their practices to:

• help patients to take more responsibilityfor their health.

• contribute to the continuousimprovement of services and quality ofcare

• improve communication between thepractice and its patients

• provide practical support for thepractice and help implement change

Experience shows that successful practicesand effective PPGs go hand in hand; and themovement has grown rapidly sinceestablishment in 1972.

All patients of Practices are members of thePPG, can go to the regular meetings, areeligible to join the committee or be amember of the online virtual group, if unableto attend meetings.

PPGs are already the norm for most practicesand when CQC (Care Quality Commission)inspect the Practice, PPG’s views are sought.The practice must engage with Patients viathe PPG to obtain patient feedback and,where the practice and PPG agree, will acton suggestions for improvement which thepractice may not have considered, allowingresources to be used more efficiently.Practices will be required to confirm through

that they have fulfilled these requirements.

National Association for Patient Participation- NAPP

The aim of NAPP is to see a PatientParticipation Group in every GP practice,based on the mutual interests of the PrimaryCare Team and Patients of the practice.

NAPP aims to promote the role of PatientParticipation Groups as participants indecision making within the NHS, maximisingthe benefit of sharing common interests whilerecognising the individual nature of groups.

PPGs are about implementing real, positivechange in their communities. Patients havelong valued the relationship with their GP andgeneral practice. However, the dynamics ofthis relationship have changed over recentyears – patients today rightly want more sayin their own healthcare, are better informedand expect to be treated as whole people,not just as a condition or ailment. What ismore, they can develop mutually supportivenetworks for patients and the practice,outside of individual appointments byengaging with community groups.

PPGs have an increasingly important role toplay giving patients a say in the way servicesare delivered to best meet their needs, andthe needs of the local community, such as theredesign of Urgent Care in Croydon and AntiCoagulation.

How to Join a PPGTo get involved, the first step is to find out ifyour practice already has an established PPG.Below are some simple steps and tips to getyou started:



• Speak to the practice manager: Ifyou’re not sure whether your local GPsurgery has a PPG, either look out forinformation and posters about the group inthe surgery, or ask the reception staff or thepractice manager, who is likely to beinvolved in the group.• Sign up: All PPGs are different andrecruit members in different ways, but anygroup will be keen to hear from interestedindividuals. Your practice manager will beable to give you details of who to contact tosign up, and when the next meeting is takingplace.• Two’s company: If you’re nervous aboutgoing alone, why not encourage a friend togo with you?• Take action: Most groups meet on aregular basis at the surgery itself to givepatients, GPs and practice staff an

opportunity to meet, to exchange ideas andinformation, and then to take action.• Share your ideas: Be prepared to giveyour opinion about the way the practice isrun, and any thoughts you have on howthings could be improved – from thewelcome patients get when they arrive atthe practice, to the parking facilities or theappointments systems, the group and thepractice will be keen to hear your views.• Run events for fellow patients: somePPGs help with dementia cafes, hold healthfairs and talks, carry out surveys and joinHealthwatch, the patient champion.If you would like to know more, you cancontact me, Anne Milstead, Croydon PPGNetwork Coordinator [email protected]:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Purley Property CareQUALITY PAINTING, DECORATING

& MAINTENANCE WORK FOR YOUR HOUSE & GARDEN

Internal & External Painting & Decorating

General Repairs & MaintenanceGutters – UPVC/Cast Iron – Repaired,

Replaced & ClearedBathroom Renovations & Installations

Wall & Floor TilingFloor Sanding & Varnishing

General CarpentryFencing, Paving, Turfing

Small Jobs, Etc.Free Quotations References Available

Fully Insured

Phone: Steve Hulbert: 020 8645 9112

or 07961 807475

[email protected]


Featured Group

Girlguiding SandersteadThere are currently 4 active Brownie unitsfor girls aged 7 – 10 years within theSanderstead area. We meet on a weekly basisduring term time at various churches aroundthe area.Our girls take part in a wide variety activitiesincluding art & craft, outdoor fun, a variety ofsporting challenges, games nights &everyone’s favourite nights away with all theirBrownie friends. There is also wide range of badges they canearn either individually or as a unit. Theseinclude such things as, cookery, first aid,crime prevention, fire safety, cyclist, artist,book lover, toymaker, hostess & many more.Brownies is just one part worldwide family ofgirl guiding. Enrolling in Brownies gives girlsa world of fun, exciting & challengingopportunities. We currently have severalspaces available in a couple of our units.We are also looking for adult volunteers tohelp at our meetings. Volunteering is a fun &rewarding way to help the girls ofSanderstead develop & grow. Our adultvolunteers are a fun & friendly team whowould warmly welcome anyone wishing tohelp, you only need be able to spare 3 – 4hours a week.If you would like to join us as a Brownie oradult volunteer, please e-mail your contactdetails to [email protected]

Community Information: An A-Z of things to do locally,organisations to join and places to go.

Botley Hill FarmhouseLive EntertainmentLimpsfield Road, Warlingham, Surrey CR6 9QHTickets usually required. Tel: 01959 577154 & www.botleyhill-farmhouse.co.uk

Bourne SocietyTheir website includes details of localpublications, historical information,downloadable leaflets of walks around thearea and photographs of Riddlesdown.Member only meetings – membership £10 ayear. There is also a specific SandersteadLocal History Group.www.bournesociety.org.uk/bournesoc/ orTelephone - 01883 349287

City Commons EventsInformationCity of London website:www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/city-commons/Pages/City-Commons.aspxCity of London, Guildhall, PO Box 270,London, EC2P 2EJTelephone: 020 7606 3030, Email:[email protected] details of events and activities runby the City of London CorporationNote: advance booking can be required for

community pages

Community PagesShort pieces on local associations, events and activities. Submissions should be of around 150-200 words.Each edition we will also offer a ‘Featured Group’ section, in which an individual group can give a moredetailed account of its activities and aims. In this edition we are delighted to hear from the Purley LiterarySociety. If you would are interested in submitting an extended feature on your group please contact the editorat [email protected] or on 020 8668 4061 to discuss.



some events & activitiesDo check that events are definitely runningbefore turning upwww.cityoflondon.gov.uk/events/Pages/default.aspx

CNHSS – Croydon NaturalHistory and Scientific SocietyHeadquarters and Registered Office: 96ABrighton Road, South Croydon, CR2 6AD.Unless otherwise stated, indoor meetings areheld in the Small Hall of the East CroydonUnited ReformedChurch, Addiscombe Grove, almost oppositeEast Croydon Station, at 7.45pm.Facebook and Twitterwww.facebook.com/pages/Croydon-Natural-History-Scientific-Society/106522816087133?ref=hl &https://twitter.com/cnhssprogrammeThere is also a monthly e-newsletter sentblind copy, this includes all of the CNHSSevents. It also includes meetings of othersocieties, links to interesting websites, localcultural events, exhibitions open days andfestivals. To be added to the list please [email protected] Animal SamaritansLocal Riddlesdown registered charity –adopt, foster or sponsor a cat or dog locally

Tel: 020 8644 8829 or website:www.croydonanimalsamaritans.co.uk

Croydon Art SocietyHolds meetings & exhibitions – informationat http://www.croydonartsociety.org.uk/

Croydon Camera ClubMeets in Shirley most Wednesdays of theyear & has outings to photogenic locationsFurther Information via email:[email protected] website:www.croydoncameraclub.org.uk

Croydon Decorative and FineArts SocietyLectures take place on the 2nd Thursday ofeach month except August and Decemberat 10.45 a.m. in All Saints Church Hall,Onslow Gardens, Sanderstead CR2 9AB.Tea/coffee and biscuits from 10.00 a.m.Visitors welcome.Lectures in 2015 Other activities include Special InterestDays, Visits and Study Tours.Volunteering opportunities in HeritageConservation work and Church Recording.The society supports the arts in localschools.For Membership please phone MembershipSecretary on 020 8680 3049Fairfield HallsTheatre, Concerts & Cinema, etc.Park Lane, Croydon CR9 1DG,http://www.fairfield.co.uk/

FoFD - Friends of FarthingDownsRegular talks, walks, meetings & exhibitionsHold a Sunday Tea on Farthing Downs thelast Sunday of each month, May toSeptemberFor more information - [email protected] or telephone: 01737554449The Jolly FarmersLive Music & Entertainment several times aweek, usually free. 7 Purley Road, Purley CR82HA, Tel: 0208 660 2076 or websitewww.jollyfarmers-purley.co.uk

community pages

[email protected]

MARION’S GUIDED WALKSAutumn 2016

Marion’s walks are for all who love to get outinto fresh air, and want to know more abouttheir local countryside’s history and wildlife.Paths may be muddy so wear boots. Bringwaterproofs. Dogs allowed if on leads. Finishat the start point. Donations to theDownlands Trust are welcomed.

Fri 21 Oct 10.00 amAddington Hills’ Blooming Heath

Feast your eyes on purple and gold wherevolunteers have cleared encroaching scrubfrom heather and gorse. A two hour hillywalk starting from the large car park near thetop of Shirley Hills Road [near buses andGravel Hill Tram Stop].

Sun 23 Oct 10.00 amSheep Wool, Spindles, and Necklaces

Explore a spectacular chalk valley via sectionsof the Happy Valley & Farthing DownsNature Trail and the Downlands CountrysideWalk. A two hour hilly walk leaving at 10.00from Farthing Downs car park,[ one milesouth of Coulsdon South Station].

Sun 20 Nov 10.00 amWoodland Waste Not Want Not

Ultimate recycling in King’s Wood,Sanderstead. This gentle 2 hour walkexplores a fine example of local nativewoodland. Start from where Orchard Roadenters the woodland [off Limpsfield Rd,Sanderstead, Bus 403].

More details about Downlands Project

on 01737 737 700.

Purley Bury Tennis ClubFor information contact Tel: 020 8668 5250Email: [email protected]: www.purleyburytennisclub.net

Purley Literary SocietyMeetings October to March, 8:00pm,Purley United Reformed Church906 Brighton Road, Purley CR8 2LNVisitors fee per talk £5 or Season ticket (11talks) £22 or (6 talks) £12www.purley-literary-society.com

Purley and DistrictTownswomen’s Guild. Meet in the Lounge, United ReformedChurch, 906 Brighton Road, Purley CR82LN (next to the hospital). First Tuesdayevery month, 2 – 4pm. Hold regular talks,lunches, etc. Try before you buy! Firstmeeting free.

www.purley-guild.com [email protected]

Riddlesdown Lawn Tennis ClubFor information contact Richard - tel: 0208645 0075Email: [email protected]: www.riddlesdownltc.com

Riddlesdown ParkRunFree 5km run every Saturday at 9am, onRiddlesdown Common – must registerFurther information at website:www.parkrun.org.uk/riddlesdown/

Riddlesdown CollegiateIn particular hold a Summer Festival inCollegiate grounds in JulyFor more information see website:www.riddlesdown.org or tel: 020 8668 5136

community pages



The RSPB Croydon Local GroupMonthly Illustrated Wildlife Talks in SouthCroydonWhitgift Sports Club, Croham Manor Road -off Croham Road. South Croydon, CR2 7BGSecond Monday of each month, 2pm andagain at 8pm.Admission £4.00. Everyone is welcome, notjust RSPB members.Free refreshments. A selection of RSPBgoods, nuts & seeds are on sale.Parking limited on site but free in adjacentroads.T33, 64 & 409 buses stop nearby in Croham RoadMONDAY JUL. 13: – “Riverbank”. JennieHibbert gives a personal account of theseasonal changes one encounters on a riverover the course of a year. MONDAY APR. 11, 2016: “Wild Wonder”.Iain Green will remind us that there is somuch wild wonder to discover on ourdoorstep and will recount the experiencethat led him to form “Wild Wonder”.MONDAY MAY 9, 2016: “The Science andBeauty of Birds”. Oliver Smart guides usthrough some fascinating insights into thescience of birds, their adaptations, evolutionand physiology.MONDAY JUL. 11, 2016: “JapaneseAdventure”. Jenny Hibbert will take usthrough the Jigokudani Monkey Park, on toKishiro Shitsugen National Park, then toKussharo Lake and finally Rausu on theShiretoko Peninsula.MONDAY AUG. 8, 2016: General Meeting(afternoon) and AGM (evening), preceded bya talk from the Group’s EnvironmentCommittee.

MONDAY SEP. 12, 2016: “London’s Birds”.David Daryll-Lambert says it’s amazing whatyou see here these days - owls, peregrines,red kites etc. Tonight he will plot the changesin London’s bird population.MONDAY OCT. 10, 2016: “Wildlife of RyeHarbour Nature Reserve”. Ian RumleyDawson will talk about his local patch in EastSussex, an area well known to many whotake part in our Field Trips.For more information contact John Davis on020-8640 4578or see www.rspb.org.uk/groups/croydon

Sanderstead Horticultural SocietyMembership £6 per family contact Val Burley020 8651 5837. Five member lectures a year& Garden Outings to great gardens. Othermember benefits including horticulturaladvice & Knights discount. Annual FlowerShow in June 2pm onward, Wettern TreeGarden, Purley Oaks Road

Scallywags PlaygroupA friendly mother and child playgroup thatmeets every Thursday morning in StEdmund's Church Hall during term-timebetween 9.30 -11.30am. Come and meetother local parents and carers and let thechildren have lots of fun with our toys, craftactivities, playdough etc. Contact details:Veronica Moulder, Tel 07803 728868

St Edmund’s Church &Community Hall, RiddlesdownSt Edmund’s lunch group meets on thesecond and fourth Wednesdays of eachmonth to provide a good lunch andcompanionship to local people. A prayergroup meets every Monday at the home of aChurch member. See the RRA Chairman’s

community pages

[email protected]

report in this magazine for more informationregarding the St Edmund’s Caring Group,which is part of Croydon NeighbourhoodCare. St Edmund’s is a dual purpose building,used both as a church hall and a Riddlesdowncommunity resource. Its congregation aremainly from the Riddlesdown residentcommunity and are friendly and welcomingto all. Sunday surfaces are at 8am and 9.15amworship varies week by week. Rev’d SusanAtkinson-Jones is the Team Vicar ofEdmund’s. Further information from website:www.sanderstead-parish.org.uk/st-edmunds

Surrey RamblersWebsite www.surreyramblers.org.ukCroydon Ramblers - tel: Rosemary 0208660 6107, [email protected] Wildlife TrustMore Information Tel: 01483 795440Website: www.surreywildlifetrust.orgTuesday Night Badminton ClubTuesday night badminton takes placebetween 8-9.30pm in St.Edmund's churchhall during term time. We are a friendlymixed club with a mix of ability and wouldencourage new members to join. Noabsolute beginners please.

Contact details : Mrs Christine Whitmarsh on0208 660 2178 or just drop in one Tuesdayevening.Whyteleafe Comedy ClubShows start at 8pm; tickets are £7. Pre-showfood from 7pm for £6. Bookings &information: 07845 757610. Venue: FunctionRoom, Whyteleafe Tavern, 206 Godstone Rd,CR3 0EE, www.whyteleafetavern.com

Walk & Cycle SurreyFurther information at website:http://walkandcycle.co.uk/surrey/groups.php

Warlingham HorticulturalSocietyHold Regular flower shows & plant sales inWarlingham & outingshttp://home2.btconnect.com/bransby/hort/hort.htm or call Derek Butler on 01883623618

WEAWorkers Educational AssociationSanderstead & Selsdon BranchEducational courses in Sanderstead, Tel: 0208 651 4651 or [email protected]

Whyteleafe TavernLive Free Saturday Music & Entertainment &Monthly Comedy Club208 Godstone Road, Whyteleafe CR3 0EE,Tel: 01883 626270 orwww.whyteleafetavern.com

Yoga with VeronicaA mixed ability class suitable for all ages whichtakes place on Tuesday evenings in StEdmund's Church Hall during term-timebetween 6.15-7.30pm. Yoga will improveyour flexibility and strength and help yourelax and de-stress after your busy day.Contact: Veronica Moulder, Tel 07803 728868

community pages



Index to Advertisers

[email protected]

PageMary Bond – Solicitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Cannon Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Neil Coppen – Window Cleaners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Andrew Delgrosso – Painter and Decorator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Des Res Blinds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Gin Jewellers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41Paul Meakin Estate Agents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44The Post Office. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33Purley Property Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Riddlesdown Lawn Tennis Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Right at Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43St Edmund’s Church. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Virginia Stone – Music Teacher. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Tip Top Hair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Village Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Thank you to these Advertisers, without whose support this magazine couldnot have been produced

If you would like to place an Advert, please contact [email protected] or on 020 8668 4061

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SANDERSTEAD WARDLynne HaleTel: 8405 6721Email: [email protected] PollardTel: 8251 8500Email: [email protected] HopleyTel: 8657 0973 Email: [email protected]

PURLEY WARDDonald SpeakmanTel: 8405 6752Email: [email protected] QuadirTel: 8668 3672Email:[email protected] BrewTel: 020 8668 0814Email: [email protected]

Library Closing Days: Purley and Selsdon – Wednesdays and Sundays: Sanderstead – Mondays, Thursdays andSundays. Croydon Council’s telephone number for all enquiries: 020 8726 6000, website www.croydon.gov.uk

Address: London Borough of Croydon, Bernard Weatherill House, 8 Mint Walk, Croydon, CR0 1EA. RRA Committee Meetings: usually 3rd Wednesday in January, March, September, November. Contact a Committee

member for details. The AGM is usually in April or May, at St Edmunds Church Hall.

RIDDLESDOWN/LONDON TRAIN TIMES (SOUTHERN RAILWAY) Times below are from 15 May 2016 up to 10 December 2016. Residents are advised to check andconfirm times with Southern Railway or National Rail.To East Croydon (EC), & London Victoria, (London Bridge (LB)): Weekdays: 06.15(LB), 06.42(LB),07.02, 07.11(LB), 07.35, 07.46(LB), 08.04, 08.18(LB), 08.37, 08.46(LB), 09.06, 09.36 then 06 and 36 mins pasthour until 23.06 (Plus LB train at 18.46, EC only trains at 19.16, 19.46 & 20.16). Saturdays (To Victoria only): 07.06, 07.36, and then 36 and 06 mins past hour until 23.06. Sundays (To Victoria only) 08.49, 09.41, and then 11 and 41 mins past hour until 20.41, 21.41, 22.41, 23.38. To London Bridge - No direct services Saturdays & Sundays.From London Victoria to Riddlesdown: Weekdays: 05.47, 06.24, 07.32, 08.53, 09.23, 09.54 and then 23and 53 mins past hour until 23.23 & 23.47. Saturdays: 06.23, 06.53 and then 23 and 53 mins past hour until 23.24 & 23.47.Sundays: 07.47, 08.53, 09.23, 09.53, 10.23, 10.53 and then 23 & 53 mins past hour until 19.53, 20.53, 21.53,22.36. From London Bridge to Riddlesdown: Weekdays: 07.03, 07.18, 07.50, 08.24, 17.13, 17.44, 18.17 & 18.47. Saturdays & Sundays: No direct Services.From East Croydon to Riddlesdown: Weekdays: 06.06, 06.41, 07.17 (to Hurst Green), 07.34, 07.50, 08.09,08.41, 09.11, 09.41, 10.11, then 41 and 10 mins past hour until 16.40, 17.10, 17.30, 17.42, 17.58, 18.11, 18.31,18.43, 19.02, 19.11, then 41 mins and 10 mins past hour until 23.41, 00.16. Saturdays: 06.41, 07.10 then 41 & 10 mins past hour until 23.41 & 00.07. Sundays: 08.10, 09.10, 09.40, & then 10 & 40 mins past hour until 21.11, 22.10, 22.57.Enquiries: Southern Customer Services: Tel: 08451 272920 or www.southernrailway.com National RailEnquiries: 08457 484950 or www.nationalrail.co.ukLocal Bus Route and FrequencyBus 412 (Arriva)The 412 starts/ends at West Croydon Bus Station and travels along Wellesley Rd, Katharine Str, High Str, SouthEnd, Selsdon Rd, Upper Selsdon Rd, Addington Rd (stop for Selsdon), Rectory Park, Mitchley Ave, DownsCourt Rd, Godstone Rd, & ends/starts at Brighton Rd, at Purley Hospital.Frequency Weekdays & Saturdays: Early; 20 mins, Peak; 15 mins, Daytime; 15 mins, Evenings; 20 mins, LateEvenings; 30 mins. Frequency Sundays; 30 mins.Enquiries: Tfl London Buses: Tel; 0845 300 7000 or Tfl website: www.tfl.gov.ukLinks also available via the Transport section on the RRA website: www.riddlesdownresidents.org.ukTimetables are subject to change, so if in doubt, check with Tfl or the Operator(s). The RRA cannotaccept any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information.

Our MP (Croydon South - Conservative); Mr Chris Philp MP , The House of Commons, London SW1A 0AATel; 020 7219 8026 or visit his Friday mornings surgery; 36 Brighton Rd, Purley CR8 2LG (telephonefor appointment times).Email; [email protected] website; www.chrisphilp.comOUR COUNCILLORS: All letters to Councillors should be sent: c/o The Town Hall, KatharineStreet, Croydon CR0 1NX

GREATER LONDON ASSEMBLY MEMBER FOR CROYDON & SUTTON Steve O’Connell (Conservative) Tel: 020 7983 4353 Email: steve.o’[email protected] Website: www.steveoconnell.org

To find out how we can help care for you and your family, contact us

We are happy to provide care for you at home fromas little as one hour to 24 hours a day

www.rightathomeuk.com/croydon

CompanionshipMeal PreparationLight HousekeepingMedication RemindersPersonal CareTransportation & ErrandsSpecialist Dementia CarePost Operative SupportHoliday & Respite CoverManaged Live In 24 Hour Careas an alternative to a Care Home

QUALITY CARE IN YOUR HOME FROM HOURLY VISITS TO LIVE IN CARE

0208 656 6921GOODRATING

QUALITY CARE I

N YOUR HOME

Light HousekeepingeparationMeal Pr

Companionship

eas an alternative to a CarManaged Live In 24 Hour Holiday & Respite CoverPost Operative Support

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8 656 6921

or you at home from4 hours a dayor you at home from

, contayand your famil

GOODTINGAATR

act us

Jon Bailey 0800 44 88 146

www.baileyconstructionltd.co.uk

Mob: 07800 874740Email: [email protected]

Construction (London) Ltd.

For this summer only we are offering to our customers

at our Star Car Wash

Located on Bridge Road | Tel: 07914 359172

(Next to Chessington North Station)

OPENING HOURS

Monday to Sunday, 8am-7pm

includes Hand Wax & Polish, Mini Valet, Inside, Leather

Cleaned, Vacuum, Windows (in & out), Dashboard, Air

Freshener, Plastic, Bumpers, Wheels Polished & Tyre

Shine! (Weekends not included. 4x4s & MPVs extra £5.)

includes Hand Wash, Dry, Windows (in & out) & Tyre

Shine! (Available: Monday to Friday, 8am-12pm)

To book your Car with us for

1 hour telephone:

07914 359172

COME IN & ENJOY OUR 2

MONTHS SPECIAL OFFER

WITH THIS LEAFLET

* Valid from 5th July 2008

to 5th September 2008

DISCOUNT *

FRUIT & VEG, PLANTS & SHRUBS

www.stylessecretgarden.co.uk01932 267711 / 07885 319030

NOW SELLINGFRUIT & VEG

5 Ambleside Avenue, Walton on Thames, Surrey KT12 3LJ

Thank YouMark & Shell CrafterSaturday, 20th July 2013

Order of Service

The Marriage of

Gavin Fonseca

&

Rebecca Carrasco

Saturday 21st September 2013

at 1:30pm

St. Dominic’s Church

Violet Lane

Croydon

CR0 4HN

Wedding InvitationWX

LOYALTY CARD

196 Petts Wood Rd, Orpington, BR5 1LG Tel: 01689 830 190

5-7 Forestdale Centre, Junction of Selsdon Park Road &

Featherbed Lane, Addington, Croydon CR0 9AS Tel: 020 8651 1440

www.mcdermottsfishandchips.co.uk

Established

25 Years

Chris Forman

Wine Sales & Marketing

JC Dudley & Co Ltd

Cheyney House, Francis Yard

East Street, Chesham, Bucks.

HP5 1DG, UK

Telephone: + 44 (0) 1494 792839

Fax: + 44 (0) 1494 792875

Mobile: + 44 (0)7860 467646

Email: [email protected]

Innovation in Food Procurement

REVIVE YOUR DRIVEResin Bonded Gravel Driveways

01784 [email protected]/driveways

Before

Save the Date

Alan and Sarahare getting married on 9th June 2012

Invitations and details to follow.

ALLPLUMBING&HEATINGWork undertaken...New BoilersBoiler System UpgradeBoiler ServicingLandlord Checks

Gas Pipe ChecksLeaking PipesTanks-Cylinder-Taps-RadiatorsBath Rooms

Call: Brian Hartburn07957 584 225Craddocks Avenue, Ashtead, Surrey KT21 1PE

109921

Layout 1 4/11/11 15:1

Established 1976www.cherrillprint.co.uk

SMALL OR LARGE QUANTITIES

FAST TURNAROUND

leafletsbookletsnewslettersstationerybusiness cards

wedding stationeryorders of serviceinvitationsplus full commercial printing services

Whatever your printing requirements, contact us for FREE ADVICE OR A QUOTATION

[email protected] Brighton Road, South Croydon CR2 6EQ

www.paulmeakin.co.ukemail us: [email protected]

Paul MeakinEntrust your

home to us ...SALES & LETTINGS

Find out why we are the most recommended agent locally...

Go to...www.paulmeakin.co.ukand see our testimonials(based on post sales survey questionnaires)

Selsdon Sanderstead Croydon Lettings0208 651 1234 0208 657 5000 0208 657 8000 0208 657 5000

the riddlesdown recorder july 16 1.pdf · virginia stone ggsm piano, singing and music theory...

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