13 June 2011

NEXT TO GO?

Contents
Shirley Life Care Direct UK NOGs Column Peter Howards Column Charles Parks Column Andrew Pellings Column Fundraising Event for Demelza House Considering Alternatives: Homeopathy by Helen Campbell-MacDonald David Lean Cinema: Background and Campaign Trends: Antiques of the future Giovannas Column: Journeys from Shirley Shirley Community Centre The Crown, Shirley Andrew Dunsmore of Picture Partnership, Shirley Ephemera by Mike Jackson Fish Frames Shirley Library: July Activities Report from the 30th International Folk Dancing Festival Ashburton Playing Fields by Raj Chandarana Appendix: A Ramble and More bins to come... 5 7 9 10 12 13 15 16 18 25 28 31 34 36 39 40 43 44 46 49

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

Contacts
T: 07940 415532

E: shirleylife@rocketmail.com

W: www.shirleylife.com

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The front page picture was taken at Glenthorne Road allotments on the day of their 90th anniversary celebrations. There was a joyful atmosphere and the perfume of the beautiful roses permeated the air. Hyperlinks Shirley Life is pleased to introduce hyperlinks this month. In plain English: when you see a website in blue, click on it and you will be taken directly to the website. You can try it straight away by clicking on www.shirleywindmill.org.uk or www.shirleycca.com Shirley on the world map Shirley Life and Fish Frames, as announced in our last issue, presented an interesting display (see pages 40-41)that attracted quite a lot of attention. The interview with Juliette, a model for Cicely Mary Barkers religious paintings had to be postponed to next month because we are covering two important local issues: plans for Ashburton Playing Fields and the Campaign to save the iconic David Lean Cinema. Burglaries in Shirley The meeting with the Acting Superintendent Steve Lawrie took place. Mr. Lawrie sent unreserved and heart-felt apologies and said that he had made decisions that would ensure burglary victims receive a better response than the victim interviewed in our magazine had received on the night. Shirley Life will be pleased to publish the A/Superintendents promised press release when it is received. Burglaries are unfortunately still happening in Shirley in spite of the bombastic headlines in the national press that may mislead residents into thinking that the danger is over. We are, in fact, aware of four burglaries in our areas in the last month. It is important that we all take better care of our properties and review our security measures for improvements, if possible. Locking doors and windows is a good starting point. I found them good Dear friends of mine have just moved. They employed F. Smith & Son (Croydon) Ltd, www.fsmithandson.co.uk,whom I observed at work. I was so impressed with their professionalism, care and attention to detail that I asked for their card for future reference. Please note that I am not moving to Scotland. I needed help with setting up a website and I used www.peopleperhour.com, a great website that led me to Nadia Nadir (see her advert on page 32), a true jewel. She knew exactly what I wanted and delivered a sound product.
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Illiteracy in Croydon, Booktrail and Council blunders Croydon is number one and six in the list of the London areas experiencing a youth reading crisis (see above), yet we hear that Booktrail is prepared to put the running of the much loved reading scheme in the hands of untrained volunteers, who will go through an informal interview to get the job. There was no mention of CRB checks or proper vetting to ascertain the suitability of applicants. Councillor Bashford, answering my question regarding suitability, answered that her daughter, who is 18, would be great at the job. However, after my public challenge, a new version of a hurriedly put together poster (Word doc) has appeared. It states: The successful candidate will be subject to a CRB check (sic). Clearly, we are in the mess we are in because many Councillors are not competent enough to deal with matters outside their experience and they do not seem to know what they are doing. Young people represent the future and should receive help and training from professionals, not untrained volunteers. How many copies of the original poster (on the left) were printed? How much money and paper were wasted? It is our Council Tax being squandered! Apologies are in order. Andrew Pelling has joined the ET Shirley Life is pleased to welcome Andrew into the Editorial Team. People really enjoyed his first sketch and look forward to reading many more in the future. Editor
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We look forward to welcoming you to an Open Day on Friday 8th July 2011 between 2 and 5pm at The Shirley Community Centre SHRUBLANDS AVENUE SHIRLEY, SURREY CR0 8JA
We aim to create a place for Older Adults to meet with their peer group, listen to music, play bingo, reminisce and have tea, coffee and a biscuit or piece of cake. We will also invite professional speakers to come and give talks and advice on health issues, on how to lead a healthy lifestyle, on current affairs, on crafts and on music.

Call us on 8776 2562 or 07590 202547 for further details of our planned activities.
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NOGs Column
Another month has flown by but the coming of summer means the arrival of the skips and we have had another good month. I am becoming obsessed by them. I now cant drive by one without stopping to see what is in it. It makes me wonder what percentage of a typical skip is actually rubbish. It does amaze me the quality of stuff that people throw away. On one of my recent trips to the tip, the woman in the next car had three brand new hanging baskets complete with packets of plant feed that she was intending to throw away. Fortunately I was quick enough to grab them and they will be planted up next year. I can see a campaign looming, something needs to be done. But that is going to be a project that will have to wait a while. I always have a project or two on the go and, for the past year, I have been collecting all the cola bottles that I find in the gutters around Shirley. One of the big cola companies has a reward scheme where every bottle has a code and when you collect enough codes you can get a prize. A few years ago you could get digital cameras and laptops as rewards. So my project was to collect enough points for a laptop that I could then use as a raffle prize for one of my charities. It would have been a great story. Not only would I have been helping clean the streets but I would also get a prize that would have helped a local charity. I have now collected enough points to get the laptop but, unfortunately, they have now closed the scheme... Oh well, it worked in one way... - as the streets of Shirley are a bit cleaner. The next project on the books is the Shirley Supporting Charities Christmas Fair. This year it will be held on Saturday 19th November. We have a lot more new charities attending this year and hopefully it will be the best event so far. I will have more information as we get closer to the event. My other new project, the Out and About Club, is doing well. We have about 20 members and have managed to get a funding donation from East Croydon Rotary Club... Many thanks... this will allow us to run our summer programme. We have a trip down the Thames on a boat planned, as well as a day out to the
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coast. And we are planning a camping trip for the autumn. Our club helps both the members and their families as it gives the carers the morning off to relax or get some jobs done. I do have some other ventures and projects on the boil but they will have to remain secret for the time being. When the time comes to reveal them to the public, Shirley Life readers will be the first to hear.

Charles Park answers your questions

We are one of the largest practices regarding the amount of applications made within the London Borough of Croydon and also work in the surrounding boroughs. We offer a complete service with regard to Planning and Building Control, including structural calculations. Planning Applications/Appeals If you require to extend your property and live in a single family dwelling house, you may be able to do this within the permitted development regulations. If not, you or your agent would need to make a planning application. When the application is made, the Planning Authority will confirm that the application is valid or, if they require any additional information, they will inform you at this time and the application will then be validated on receipt of this information. Most of these applications will be decided within 8 weeks as it would be dealt with by a delegated officer. If the Planning application is rejected you will be notified and the council will give you the reason for the rejection. This is what happened in an application made by C&C Planning Partnership Limited at a property in Wickham Road.
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At this stage, C&C Ltd were instructed to appeal against the Councils decision. This is usually done by written representation i.e. both parties put their points of view down on paper, fill in the necessary forms, and forward the same to the Department of Environment in Bristol. An independent Planning Inspector from outside the area is then appointed to the case; he looks at all the relevant plans and documents and visits the site. Both the owner and a Council official are asked to attend, but not to put any further points forward with regards to the application. After taking all the points into consideration they make their decision. With reference to the aforementioned case in Wickham Road, the application was upheld and the works were allowed to go ahead. Please send your questions to Shirley Life or directly to me at the address below.

Charles Ashley Park

C&C
P L A N N I N G P A R T N E R S H I P LT D 8 Ash Road, Shirley, Croydon, Surrey, CR0 8HU

Peter Howard Column

Your rights: Faulty goods Hi Folks, Did you know that, under certain circumstances, your rights to take back faulty goods are extended to 6 years? Under EU Regulation 1999/44/EC, the Sale of Goods Act 1979 (as amended) allows consumers in the UK to seek redress for faulty goods for a period of 6 years. Under the sale and Supply of Goods to Consumers Regulations 2002, you have a right to ask for a replacement of defective goods. The burden of proof that the goods were faulty goes to the supplier if the fault is detected within the first 6 months
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of purchase. After this, the onus falls back on the purchaser. You, unfortunately, have to prove your case. The Law amending the Sale of Goods Act 1979, is the Sale and Supply of Goods to Consumers Regulations 2002, Statutory Instrument 3042/2002, which implemented EU Directive 1999/44/EC which amended the Sale of Goods Act 1999, The Supply of Goods & Services Act 1982, Supply of Goods (Implied Terms) Act 1973 and the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977. In other words, if you are right that, say, your washing machine should last longer than 2 years used about 3 times a week, but it stops working, in the first instance you need to write to the supplier of goods stating your reason for wanting your money back, replacement/repair of the faulty goods. Then, if that is not successful, you can go to the Small Claims Court. All paperwork can be done online. The main changes are: 1. The consumer has the right to have faulty goods that are not in conformity with the contract, repaired/replaced, or can require the seller to reduce the purchase price OR rescind the contract. 2. The burden of proof of defects and other non-conformity issues will be reversed in favour of the purchaser within the first 6 months. 3. Consumer Guarantees offered by a producer or seller will be contractually binding and must be written in plain language. Good luck.

London Assembly Sketch by Andrew Pelling

The atmosphere at the London Assembly is always calmer than the bear pit that is Croydon Councils chamber. No sketch from the Town Hall in Katharine Street this time as the Council has three months off between political business meetings at this time of year. Excluding the ceremonial Mayor making there was only one evening the Council met between April and October last year good pay, 6.6 million over 4 years, for that kind of less than punishing schedule.
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Just having 25 members means that at the London Assembly everyone knows each other on first named terms and they just cant really work up the angst to take chunks out of each other or at least so I thought until I saw this meeting as Croydon based politicians tussled. In reality the Assembly tends to be a fawning audience for the star of the show, the Mayor, whether its Boris or Ken. There are substantial politicians in the Assembly High Tory Brian Coleman whose vote just seems to go up and up the more he insults his constituents, former Sports Minister Richard Tracey, Nicky Gavron, renowned internationally for her planning expertise, Baroness Doocey and Valerie Shawcross, Croydons former Council Leader and candidate for Deputy Mayor in 2012 and many others, but the Assemblys very limited powers were designed to make it pretty toothless. Sitting silently and knowingly in the gallery former Mayor Livingstone could well be the dispatched Banquos ghost at the feast but the current Mayor seems less perturbed than a Macbeth, as his predecessor conscientiously follows the London politics he previously dominated all the way back to his County Hall days. Mayor Boris just dismissively swats away most of the Assembly Members questions with his Old Etonians hauteur, iterate irrelevances, history lectures and Latin quotes that most Assembly members cant follow anyway. The tousled blonde knows that Mayoral Question Time is just show time and boasts this time around of Boris Boot Camp to help 1,000 budding entrepreneurs paid for by the EU and RBS two flawed institutions the both of them. This Boot Camp must be some kind of London version of The Apprentice. If he loses the 2012 election Boris could easily replace the man with a similarly distressed coiffure, Donald Trump, on The Apprentice USA, especially bearing in mind that Mayor Boris was born a New Yorker. Londoners may be dying prematurely from the highest pollution levels of any major city in Europe but the Mayor just rather grandly dismisses the concern by saying the vast majority of the pollution comes in from Europe. Assembly members scoff helplessly in disbelief at the assertion. Someone though who resolutely refuses to be let the Mayor get away with his extravagant flights of fancy is John Biggs, a Labour representative from Londons East End. Sitting right up next to the Mayor
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in the chamber Biggs is, according to Conservative members, the equivalent of the Australian cricketer constantly sledging the batsman. Certainly with his small rimmed glasses hes the epitome of the Commissar you wouldnt want to cross and who would act without compunction and mercy come the Revolution. He catches out the Mayor on how little hes actually done for Outer London as Mayor Johnson prefers instead to talk at length about the Dane gelds level of activity in Dark Ages Middlesex. Also strong is Len Duvall who runs Londons Labour Party machine and who being fairly thick set really does look as though his father and grandfather served as gunners in the Royal Artillery. He comes very close to getting an apology out of Mayor Johnson for accidentally cutting the pensions of some staff. Local Croydon & Sutton representative Six Figures Steve OConnell gets in at last. His main claim to fame has been the Daily Mail describing him as the highest paid Councillor in the land on 118,000 a year. He has only one written question down for the meeting amongst the 459 questions posed but he does manage to urge the Mayor to copy Croydon Councils Asset Backed Vehicle which he claims will, through giving away Council land for free he says, allow municipal buildings to be built for absolute nil cost to the taxpayer. If Six Figure Steve truly has discovered that alchemy perhaps he could build luxury homes for free for all Shirley Lifes readers as well. A pitch for Outer London votes by Kens team finally gets on the Tories nerves and Boris joins Conservative Assembly members in encouraging Ken to visit even more Outer London Boroughs than he already has for the 2012 campaign as they say hes just a vote loser in person. Betraying a mixture of both Croydon and Liverpool accents Valerie Shawcross Kens Deputy Mayoral candidate chastises Six Figures Steve when it comes to Outer London credibility by saying shes a Croydon resident and a former Councillor in Croydon for the most southerly ward in Greater London. So maybe its got more feisty here at City Hall since the sketch writer left the glass covered Foster portals. Ill come again to report on the goings on by the Thames, especially as High Tory Brian Coleman was the Member with sufficient class to come to the gallery and shake the hand of his former Conservative colleague.
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aising Fundr t Even

Demelza

Hospice

on 15 11 May

th

Cream Tea at St Johns and Churchyard Trail

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CONSIDERING ALTERNATIVES
Homeopathy When invited to write a piece for Shirley Lifes Alternative Therapy section, I considered first of all who would be going to read it. You could be someone who knows a little about homeopathy and is open to learning more, someone who knows quite a bit and is interested to see if I have anything different to say, someone who knows practically nothing but is open-minded about the subject, or you might just think homeopathy is a load of bunkum ....in which case you will probably have skipped this page! Until such a day as homeopathy is freely available on the NHS, it will not be the first port of call for the majority; generally those who give homeopathy a try have been disappointed by conventional medicine. This page is therefore written for those who: have been told they just have to live with their condition and make use of drugs to alleviate their symptoms; had injuries many years ago from which they have never fully recovered; have an illness that is managed, but not cured, by conventional medication; wish to understand the meaning of their symptoms; feel unwell, despite undergoing tests where nothing abnormal is detected; are seeking a therapy that is holistic; do not have an illness but who are trying to maintain equilibrium in their lives. The last point is not an insignificant one. Being in balance is a central quality of health. If we have core stability then the knocks that assail us on a daily basis can all be accommodated. Like an inflated punch-bag with its ballast, we will spring back up. In the case of old injuries it is important to identify why the bodys selfhealing mechanism is compromised. Structure and nutrition are the most obvious problem areas while electrical and emotional aspects are often overlooked. Bear in mind that the free flow of our electromagnetic energy determines the healthy functioning of all the organs and cells of the body; if this is blocked then an injured part will not be able to repair itself. Such an energy block can be corrected via Energy Medicine (Homeopathy)
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or directly (by therapies such as Kinesiology). All aspects of the problem have to be addressed; e.g. the body can regenerate bone, cartilage, skin etc. but structural alignment is vital, as well as the building materials (nutrition). I had a client who suffered with Irritable Bowel Syndrome for some years. A combination of homeopathic treatment and kinesiology (to identify food intolerances) allowed her to resume a diet that included some wheat and dairy products, when these foods had previously caused major distress. After a year or so she returned to the clinic on account of a sudden relapse of her symptoms. It followed a dinner party where she had been very irritated by the other guests. She thought the lasagne and garlic bread had triggered wheat intolerance reactions, so I decided to test (with kinesiology) if wheat was stressing her system. Surprisingly, this was not the case. In this instance, the emotional indigestion played out on a physical level; the after-dinner effects of bloating, pain, nausea and loose bowels. A few doses of Nux Vomica (a remedy noted for its effectiveness when anger and digestive disturbance are linked) rectified this ladys complaints. It stands to illustrate however that what we suspect to be the problem may not be the whole truth. Ultimately, it always pays to test our assumptions. If you have a condition that is limiting the life you lead, you may have much to gain from trying an alternative approach. Helen Campbell-MacDonald, Homeopath Helen practices at The Chestnut Clinic, West Wickham; fully insured and registered with the Homeopathic Medical Association, she adheres to its strict Code of Ethics and Practice.

The Chestnut Clinic

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

20 Chestnut Avenue West Wickham BR4 9ES

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David Lean Cinema

When Adrian posted a note on the Forum regarding a campaign against the closure of the David Lean Cinema, I immediately googled the Croydon Council website as I had done regarding the tea dances at Stanley Halls last month. I had heard about the cinema but I had never been to it. It was not because I was not interested, more so because there are only 24 hours in a day. According to the screen shot on the left that I took on 31 May, the Cinema is open but, if you go to Screen shot 2011-05-31 at 20.19.37 www.croydonclocktower.org.uk, you read After 16 years of fiercely independent programming, the David Lean Cinema is closing its doors for the final time on Thursday April 21stand, if you click on more, this page appears:

I read on and found that Inside Croydon had reported on its closure on 02 April 2011 and that The Croydon Guardian had written on 12 April 2011: Croydons most famous cinema has been given a last minute reprieve from closure. The David Lean Cinema was due to close this month but after strong opposition from supporters it has been moved to Fairfield Halls. Councillor Sara Bashford, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture and Sport said: Following the consultation on arts and heritage, which
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showed once again how passionate the people of this borough are about their services, the cinema will not close. Instead, we will be transferring it to Fairfield Halls, where it will be more economical to run and maintain its reputation as one of Londons best known and well-loved arthouse cinemas. The 60-seat cinema staged a three week end to its16-year run which was backed by comedian Ronnie Corbett and Oscarwinning screenwriter Julian Fellows. David Lean was born in South Croydon in 1908 and is one of the most nominated directors in Oscar History with two wins for Bridge Over the River Kwai and Lawrence of Arabia.The influential directors cinema launched a series of films chosen by Corbett and Fellows to mark the end of the cinemas history in Croydon. Coun Bashford said: This administration means genuine, two-way consultation, where people get to tell us their views, we listen and, if its possible, we act accordingly. It wont be feasible in every case to deliver everything people want - but I hope this reassures people that we will do everything possible to protect those services they care about most.

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GN AI P AM C

pened in 1993, Croydon Clocktower was a visionary project which succeeded in incorporating the towns Central Library; the Museum of Croydon; a cinema; a theatre/performance space; a shop; a caf; a tourist information centre and more into a complex that was largely new, but also utilised parts of the old Town Hall. Strikingly modern architecture was harmoniously fused with Victorian elegance, resulting in an arts and cultural centre described by Time Out as The jewel in Croydon's crown. The 68 seat David Lean Cinema, named after the famous director born in Croydon, opened in early 1995. The Clocktowers website called it: an intimate, air-conditioned oasis where the most popular films aren't necessarily blockbusters and where a well-crafted script and skillful cinematography are valued as highly as a pretty face and the latest special effects. I saw Heavenly Creatures there in the first month and immediately liked its distinctive charm. Its a small cinema, but the screen appears quite substantial and the comfortable seats and soothing colours contribute to the relaxed ambiance. It was highly successful in building up a loyal audience and the afternoon screenings were frequently sold out. These mostly retired enthusiasts enjoyed films such as Tea With Mussolini, but were also willing to embrace subtitled films and the cinemas quirkier choices. The imaginative programming did not ignore the mainstream and it was also a pleasure to see, for example, the latest James Bond film in a quiet environment. I appreciated the sense that you were amongst a discerning audience that genuinely wanted to watch the film. The cinema became so highly respected that the BFI made it the most southern venue used during the London Film Festival.

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Regretfully, over the years the Clocktowers shop was closed; the tourist information centre moved out and the box office near the Katharine Street entrance shut. The cinemas Saturday late shows ended, followed by all Sunday and Tuesday evening screenings. This was disappointing but bearable in comparison to the Councils decision this year to close the cinema, end performances in the adjacent Braithwaite Hall and scale down the museum and exhibitions. Despite the resulting gloom, the cinema went out with a blaze of glory with a final April season celebrating 16 years of fiercely independent programming. This featured appearances by two guest curators: legendary Croydon comedian Ronnie Corbett and Oscar winning script writer, actor, director and novelist Lord Fellowes, who wrote Gosford Park, the most popular film ever screened at the David Lean, and the recent TV series Downton Abbey. On the penultimate night, Ronnie provided an entertaining introduction to Brief Encounter and also praised the cinema, saying: We must start a campaign so that this darling place isnt trashed. A growing sense of how deeply missed this outstanding cinema would be, inspired me to respond to his call and find other like-minded people. The result is a non-confrontational and non-political campaign that hopes the Council will participate in constructive dialogue to reconsider the cinemas future. We are delighted to have the support of Lord Fellowes, a Conservative peer who acknowledges a need for cuts but considers the David Lean a well-run operation which more or less pays for itself, a real bonus to the community. We feel it was closed with indecent haste - following a consultation exercise that was largely ignored - and without any attempt to consider possibilities that could have drawn upon the goodwill that the cinema generated. Although the Council announced that the cinema will be moved to the Fairfield Halls, a subsequent Croydon Advertiser report stated that a Council 1.5 million grant commits Fairfield to rebrand its cinema programme, thus implying that a few afternoon David Lean screenings in the Ashcroft Theatre would represent an acceptable alternative! Adrian Winchester The Campaigns first public meeting will take place upstairs at The Green Dragon, 58-60 High Street, Croydon, CR0 1NA on Wednesday 22 June from 7pm. Please attend if you would like to see the cinema re-opened. To join the Campaign, email: adrianw_8-16@tiscali.co.uk.
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Wickham Studio offers professional Hairdressing and Nail services in a relaxing and friendly atmosphere. We have a member of the team to suit any individual and welcome all clients from one to one hundred. As well as being passionate about hair and offering honest and professional advice to help you make the best of your locks, we offer BioSculpture gel manicures and mini, classic and luxury manicures.

Also on offer is Fake Bake spray tanning only 18.00 the best value for miles around. We are the only local salon to have the wonderful Flabelos exercise machine, the ultimate 10 minute workout. In 2009 Wickham Studio were awarded 4 Stars in the prestigious Good Salon Guide. Wickham Studio would like to offer Shirley Life readers a 20% discount on all hairdressing and nail services until end June 2011. Please quote Shirley Life when booking. Please call 020 8777 2714 to book an appointment.

We look forward to welcoming you to our salon.

804 WICKHAM ROAD BLUE BIRD PARADE SHIRLEY
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Sacha and Team

Four top summer hair tips.

1 Remember condition condition condition because the sun damages the hair as much as the skin. Use a treatment once a week to keep hair in tip top shape. 2 If you colour your hair, remember that the sun will lighten it. This will look great with a tan so when its time to re-colour why not ask your stylist to opt for a lighter shade or alternatively have a few sun kissed hi-lights added. 3 For that beautiful beach babe look on longer hair: separate the hair into small sections and plait whilst damp. Once the hair has dried, remove the plaits and loosely pin the hair up. Not only will this protect some of the hair from the harmful rays of the sun but will also add instant glamour. 4 Finally why not tie a bright headscarf reminiscent of the forties. A big bow at the front and youre away. Not only will this look fab and protect your hair but it will also go with this seasons must have, the 40s teadress.

Jil l La t te r
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The Goat
C&C
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History of Picquot Ware Burrage and Boyd, based in Northampton, was a company formed in 1932 in their own aluminium foundry to produce the main components in cast aluminium for their nonelectric vacuum cleaners. The success of this venture made the owners look for additional products that could be made with the technology they had, namely casting, machining and finishing in aluminium. After market research they decided to manufacture a range of high-class tableware, starting with a 3-pint kettle made from one casting and fitted with a wooden handle. After consulting metallurgists they found that by adding magnesium to the aluminium, a silver like look could be obtained after polishing. Designed in 1938, the K3 kettle was ready to be launched at the British Industries Fair in Birmingham in 1939. Unfortunately the outbreak of the war stopped these plans and the whole factory went over to ammunition production. In mid 1945 the Ministry of Production allowed development work to begin on non-warwork, in order to prepare for peace. Jigs and tools were made for the kettle and this was finally released at the BIF in 1946-47 under the trade name Newmaid. The kettle was well received by consumers and the factory was soon producing over 1000 per week. It was chosen for the Britain can make it exhibition in London in 1951, and later chosen to be exhibited by the Design Centre. It was at this time that for marketing reasons the name was changed to Picquotware. The success of the kettle led to the introduction of a six-cup teapot (T6 194748) followed by a hot water jug (J6 1949), cream jug (C6 1949), and sugar bowl (S6 1949). The R6 serving tray, also introduced in 1949, was originally made to display the four pieces in the shops but had to be put into production as the customers liked it and it sold well in the shops. 1952 saw the introduction of the T4 range consisting of the T4 teapot, the C4 cream jug and the S4 sugar bowl. Also in the 50s the method of production was changed leading to a slightly modified T6 teapot. In 1960 the TB range consisting of the TB teapot, the CB hot water jug, the CB cream jug and the
Older style with R6/1 tray with C6 milk jug and S6 sugar bowl 25

TRENDS: ANTIQUES OF THE FUTURE

SB sugar bowl was introduced. This eventually replaced the T6 range. In 1962 a 4 cup teapot (TC4) and a 4 cup hot water jug (JC4) were added to the range. 1970 saw a coffee percolator added to the range. Unfortunately this was a manufacturing nightmare and the line was discontinued after making only about 300 units. Also in the 70s a griddle was made for a very short period. Although many competitors were switching to plastic handles, Picquot Ware has always retained the distinctive sycamore wooden handle and hornbeam lid lifters. It was felt that no plastic could imitate the grain of real wood. During 1986, WPP Group plc became the parent company of Picquot Ware. In November 1987 a fire destroyed the Northhampton factory, but the tools and dies were saved. Production re-started at another WPP Group factory located at Burntwood in West Midlands. On 25th November 2004 Wire & Plastic Products Ltd, part of the WPP Group plc, closed the Burntwood factory and stopped manufacturing Picquot Ware. On14th December 2004 all the assets, tools and intellectual property rights were acquired by Picquot Ware Ltd. The business restarted at Bilston in March 2005. Paul decided that for travel purposes we should relocate to Scotland. The business was relocated in 10 days from the Midlands to Dalry, North Ayrshire in April 2008. This was done without serious disruption to customers. At the end of 2009, Robin decided to retire after representing Picquot Ware for 30 years. Paul Webster acquired the assets on 1st January 2010 and is now trading as Picquot Ware UK. Picquot Ware is made to last, but if at any time you would like it re-polished or new handles fitted Picquot offer a refurbishment service which is well worth doing, especially if you have an original set as it may sell at auction for more than the price of a current set. The better the condition the more your set may be worth.
Newer style with R6/1 tray

From the official website of Picquotware: www.picquot.co.uk with a few corrections.

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A friend received her Picquot Ware set as a wedding gift over 50 years ago whilst I bought my first set on Ebay some six years ago for 19.99 (see Picture in the previous page). Others followed because I gave sets away as presents. Its modernist style is timeless. The quality of the ware is exceptional. However, do not use detergents, soda or strong soaps. If the articles become discoloured, clean with Duraglit for Siverware or similar product to restore its original lustre. A new Picquot Presentation Set (with tray) can cost around 500.00 but if you have time and patience, you can get great deals on Ebay. I have just paid 59.98 for a great Presentation Set (below) that was never used. Unfortunalely, I lost (by 2.00) a 3 piece, vintage boxed and unused tea set that sold for 72.00.

Newer style with R6/2 tray with CB milk jug and SB sugar bowl with hinge lid for hygiene

I also bought two excellent pieces for my collection: C4 milk jug and S4 sugar bowl for 14.94. I had to buy, for 29.75, a wrongly labelled coffee set (the jug was designed for hot water not coffee) to get the older style C6 milk jug and S6 sugar bowl. I still need to find the third tray, R6 Original Tray. It is fun and it Marzia is so nice to hold pre-loved, properly made items!

S4 sugar bowl and C4 milk jug

S6 sugar bowl and C6 milk jug 27

Giovannas Column
EMAIL IT! LOVE IT? HATE IT?
: two day trips ng different this month I am proposing somethi tion for your y and a great destina not too far from Shirle d offers much all is picturesque an summer holiday. Cornw th me at your opinions wi to visitors. Share Giovanna grmice@grmice.com

U Way, Strood, Kent, ME2 2N lley Leisure Park Roman Medway Va , ride and operate www.diggerland.com ages where you can drive dumper is an adventure park for all Diggerland y experience a ride on a ction machinery. You ma 0 any kind of constru B 3XCs. The ticket is 17.0 B robot and a full size JC d to go on truck, a mini tractor, a JC pay and will NOT be allowe kids under 90cms do not per person and ere the younger kids may play areas and sandpits wh any ride. There are many spend their time. s. s and organise lovely partie They do host school group

k Explore Valley Leisure Par

ad, London SE21 7AD cture Gallery Gallery Ro Dulwich Pi rg.uk dulwichpicturegallery.o Gallery which is l: 020 8693 5254. www. Te to visit Dulwich Picture e summer you may like important During th ded in 1811, it houses t public art gallery. Foun n Dyck, Englands oldes works by Rembrant, Va th century pieces, including ere are free 17th and 18 rdays and Sundays th Gainsborough. On Satu Rubens and . the permanent collection d tours at 3pm to visit anish, Italian, guide gallery by Flemish, Sp er 70 paintings in the There are ov and British artists. Belgian, Dutch, French anent Collection only. abled, Admission Prices for Perm Free for unemployed, dis Senior citizens 4.00 ee for Art Fund Adults 5.00 ust be available) Fr (valid student card m iends of students r 18 Free entry for Fr entry for children unde members Free Dulwich Picture Gallery
28

re Gallery A visit to Dulwich Pictu

55 Telephone: 01326 2700 wes, Cornwall TR2 5DR Hotel Tresanton, St Ma e www.tresanton.com ever watched a programm I do not know if you have r is r. This year the inspecto called The Hotel Inspecto telerie. y who is an expert in ho Alex Polizzi, a young lad there for the first time I thought When I heard her name Polizzi, an een her and Olga was a connection betw out or designer. I then found traordinary talented interi ex nasty They both come from a dy that Olga is Alexs mother. Forte Forte, the creator of the of hoteliers: in fact Lord Rocco Forte cco Forte, the owner of the Forte s her grandfather and Ro hotel chain, wa designer for all the Rocco . Olga has been the interior Collection, is her uncle hotels. major destinations for UK As Cornwall is one of the ght be interested in this tourists I thought you mi Olga Polizzi (it is the only unique hotel owned by r unique style and classy one she owns). It has he setting for a holiday of feel and it is the perfect relaxation and peace. Explore the web site: I have seen most of in my working life and the Rocco Forte hotels Olga Polizzis unique always been amazed by style, so creative and elegant. I am tel will be as unique as pretty sure a visit to her ho . her style and creativity are dham, The head chef, Paul Wa g menu oversees a daily changin s, and using fish, crustacean well as organic vegetables, as Cornish excellent meat from a ner, he introduces a hint deference to the hotel's ow butcher. In eclectic cuisine. shout of Italian to an otherwise lish proprietress, doesn't santon, much like its sty The thing is, Tre
29

nish coast A nice break on the Cor

30

Shirley Community Centre (SCC)

What and When at the Centre

Shrublands Christian Fellowship Youth club Wardens Zumba Tenshin tsunami Ryu Legs, Bums and Tums South Eastern Road Club GKR Tenshin tsunami Ryu Sundays Mon. and Wednesdays Wed. and Thurdays Tuesdays Tuesdays Thursdays Thursdays Fridays Fridays 10.30 to 12noon 7 to 9pm 4.30 to 6pm 1.30 to 2.30pm 7 to 9pm 7 to 8pm 8 to 10pm 6 to 7.30pm 7.30 to 9.30pm

The main hall is complemented by a well equipped kitchen, there are two other rooms, and a separate room suited to smaller committee meetings. The Centre is available most mornings and the early part of each afternoon. It is also very popular for private parties at weekends. These premises are ideally placed in a residential area and are well served by two bus routes. There is some on-site parking, The Centre is currently used by a cycling club, a church, martial arts groups and dance and exercise groups. To hire the Centre, please contact 020 8777 4298 on Thursdays between 9.30 and 11.30am or email lettings4scca@hotmail.co.uk. There is also a new website, www.shirleycca.com, to keep you abreast of events . Midweek charges are 10 per hour (40 for the whole morning or afternoon, 50 for a whole evening) or 250 for private parties on a Saturday or 350 on a Sunday. The small Meeting Room cost is 5 per hour at any time. We look forward to welcoming you as a new user.
31

w w w. s h i r l e y e l e c t r i c a l . c o m

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A freelance website developer available to assist you within your budget. Businesses, Individuals, Students , Non-Profit From small to big projects, tailor-made as per your requirements.

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32

TEA DANCE
Saturday 25th June 2011
at the

Shirley Community Centre

Shrublands Avenue, Shirley CR0 8JA

2.30 to 5pm
Smart dress

Hat making session from 10am to 12noon Hat Parade - Best hat wins a Prize!
Finger sandwiches, cakes, scones and pastries with tea, coffee or soft drinks
Adult 3 Child under 16 1.50 Family (2 adults 2 children) 6
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The Crown
28 Wickham Road, Shirley, Surrey, CR0 8BA. Telephone: 020 8654 8235 From www.emberinns.co.uk/thecrownshirley/ Part of the Ember Pub & Dining collection, The Crown is a better quality of pub on your doorstep, where you can enjoy great food and drink served with an extra measure of style and cosiness - in our adult-only pub lounge or family-friendly dining area. Whether you just fancy a pint or want to unwind over a meal, we're a smart choice when drinking and eating out in Surrey, particularly around Shirley, Croydon, South Norwood or New Addington. Our seasonal pub-food menus and daily specials are a cut above the average fare. From modern British classics to lighter dishes with an inspired twist, there's something to satisfy everyone. As one of the best real ale pubs in Shirley, we're dedicated to offering a wide range of regularly changing, well-kept cask beers. You can try before you buy, and if you ask nicely we might even put your favourite brew on the bar. Our top-notch drinks list also includes award-winning wines that are pleasing on the palate yet surprisingly easy on the pocket.
34

Shirley Life Editorial Teams report

Party 1: Had a Shirley Life Team meal last Monday evening at the The Crown in Wickham Road, Shirley. Not been there before in its Ember Inn format and was pleasantly surprised at the excellent refurbishment that had been done a few years back. Very relaxing environment and attentive staff. The food I had was good and there was plenty of choice on the menu. A return trip is definitely in the offing soon! Party 2: Ill try everything once but must confess that I was a bit nervous about the venue. I should not have been because it is easy going, comfortable and, above all, the food was good. My veggie choice had flavour and the brownies were only second to my favourite ones at Bone Fish, Largo, Florida. Awesome! Upmarket? Not really, but definitely good value for money. The espresso was also good. Party 3: We were presented with a variety of menus. I chose a butternut squash moussaka. Im not a vegetarian and I was pleasantly surprised by this veggie choice. For dessert I ordered the lemon curd ice-cream which was a sort of lemon Eton Mess and quite delicious. As a surprise Smarties came with the coffee. All in all, the restuarant was quite pleasant and good value for money from this Ember Inn. Party 4: An enjoyable meal in enjoyable company. The staff were welcoming and our orders were delivered together which added to the relaxed atmosphere of the occasion. The food was good and plentiful and I have since returned several times. Party 5: Having visited and been disappointed first time around, I was wary of returning. Maybe I was a little unfair as they had just opened when I first went and the service was not right. But this time Ember have got it right. The food, the service and a very pleasant evening which just flew by. Party 6: I thought the food was going to be humdrum stuff but the food was delicious and at the right heat. The service was delightful and, of course, the company excellent. Party 7: I had already been there and had not been impressed. This particular evening I was very happy with the steak and salad that I had ordered. The steak was tender and done to perfection. I also liked the new refurbishment and the furnishings of the place. Ill certainly go again.
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Andrew Dunsmore of Picture Partnership, Shirley

Picture Partnership were commissioned to be the Official Photographers for Westminster Abbey to record the visit of President Barak Obama and the First Lady Michelle Obama. Two photographers were required and I and my colleague Ian covered the assignment. A selection of our work is shown in these pages. The offer to purchase your picture of the Royal Wedding from Picture Partnership at 15% discount when you quote 'ShirleyLife27' is still open for Shirley Life readers. You can order on-line or at the shop before the end of June 2011. Please note that we have just received a copy of our Proof Book containing over two hundred images, including many unpublished, of the preparation of the Abbey. It is available to view in the shop if anyone would like to pop in to take a look. www.picturepartnership.co.uk/events.

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37

THE GOAT
1-3 BROOM ROAD SHIRLEY CROYDON SURREY CR0 8NG

PUBLIC HOUSE

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

Recently refurbished, family-run pub offering a wide range of beers, ciders, real ales & wines. Bar snacks
Monday 18.30 - 21.30

Curry and a Drink 7

(from Chutneys Curry House, Shirley) Wednesday 19.00 - 22.00

Redtooth Poker League

Thursday 19.30 - 22.00

Cribbage League (players required)

Friday/Saturday

Regular Live Music / Karaoke (ask staff for details)

Sunday 19.00 - 21.00

Bingo
3D TV, SKYSPORTS, ESPN, DARTS, POOL TABLE

Currently looking for pool players to start a league, ask staff for details
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Ephemera
Heres an interesting recipe: 5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE aka The Dangerous Chocolate Cake
4 tablespoons flour 2 tablespoons cocoa 1 egg beaten 4 tablespoons of sugar 3 tablespoons milk 3 tablespoons oil 3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional) A small spash of vanilla extract 1 large mug (microwave proof)

Add the dry ingredients to the mug and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in milk and oil and mix well. Put the mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts (this time can vary depending on your microwave wattage). The cake will rise, but don't be alarmed. Allow to cool and tip on a plate. EAT! If you are feeling virtuous, divide for 2. I cooked it last night (without the choccie chips as I didn't have any) and there was enough for a portion for about 5 people. It tasted good. PS: The reason this cake is dangerous is because you are never more than 5 minutes away from a chocolate cake any time of day or night!

Do you have any information about: 1. Pinewood and the Bowers family (J Arthur Bowers compost) 2. The (Great) Shirley Bed Race. Beds of all shapes and sizes on a Sunday racing from The Swan in West Wickham to The Sandrock in Shirley: each pusher drinking either a pint or a half at each pub on the route. I think at the time there were 8 pubs. We watched near the Library and it was fun! Please contact me at shirleylife@rocketmail.com. Thank you.

Mike Jackson

39

Picture Framers & Art Gallery

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

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

Open Tuesdays to Saturdays 10 am to 5 pm

EX

E END T

40

Lynn of Fish Frames said: Our window display of Shirley mementos and memorabilia, highlighting the work of Cicely Mary Barker, certainly caused a lot of comment within our community. It was great to have people popping in and saying how nice it looked, or just to notice that there were people standing outside and drinking it all in. It evolved as the week went on, with the addition of a book from St John's Church called Growth of a Parish (3) and another piece of information about The Shirley Poppy pub being supplied by local historian, Ray Wheeler. We kept it in the window for another week to allow people to look at the extra bits and pieces. Someone even went and bought one of the books from Amazon for his wife for her birthday - and he popped in to say thank you! Shirley Life wishes to thank Lynn for hosting the display and for always responding with a smile to all requests from the community. Tea-towels and cards were sold on behalf of St. Georges in Waddon and the proceeds handed on to the Vicar, Reverend Patricia Vowles. Please contact Lynn or Shirley Life if you unearth any CMB treasure in your loft, garage etc. Thank you.
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42

27 January 2011

Now Online at www.shirleylife.com danger toddlers with their parents and carers on More in Friday 8, 15 and 22 July, and 1,very soon 10am than ever! Wiggle & Jiggle singing in print their parents and for active toddlers with carers on
Rhymetime singing for babies and Friday 1, 8, 15 and 22 July, 11am Storytime stories and crafts for children and their parents and carers on Thursday 7, 14 and 21 July, 2.15-2.45pm Rock and Rhyme - singing for babies and toddlers with their parents and carers on Saturday 2, 9,16 and 23 July, 10am Games Club - Do you like playing cards, dominoes, chess and other board games? Come and join us on Tuesday 5, 12, 19 and 26 July, 2.30-4.30pm Craft Workshops and Card making (3 charge to cover the cost of materials) on Tuesday 12 July , 2.30-4.30pm Stitch, Knit & Natter - Get together with other knitters for a cup of tea and a chat. Beginners welcome. Friday 1 and 22 July, 2.30-4.30pm. Stories and Craft Sessions - For 4-9

SED LO
ent

If you stay s il

year olds and their parents and carers. Saturday 16 July: Under the sea theme from 11-12noon and 2.45-3.45pm.
Police Surgery: Saturday 30 July, 2-3pm . Come and speak to Shirleys SNT.

SAVE OUR LIBRARIES

and make your voice heard !!!

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44

he MacLennan Scottish Group hosted its 30th International Folk Dance and Music Festival on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th May at Langley Park School for Boys in South Eden Park Road, Beckenham. They welcomed groups from Latvia, Lithuania, Cinque Port Morris Men, the Upland Junior Dancers and the Fiona Ray School of Highland Dancing who together with the MacLennan Scottish Group gave a wonderfully varied display. The powerful Epping Forest Pipe Band, a family orientated Highland Bagpipe Band, who perform and teach the art of The Great Highland Bagpipes & Drums opened and closed the Festival. (www.efbp.org) Saturday night Ceilidh was incredibly lively and everybody was encouraged to dance with the various performing groups and the Pipe Band. Sunday afternoon saw all the groups perform to the absolute delight of the audience. Presentations were made to all groups and everybody joined in singing Auld Lang Syne. Watch out for this annual event next year with different visiting groups.

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Ashburton Playing Fields

Crystal Palace Football Club currently train at a leased facility in Beckenham. The new owners of the club have teamed up with Crystal Palace Supporters Trust - a non-profit organisation established over a decade ago to provide for closer links between the football club and local community, to provide a new permanent training facility for the club, with the trust owning the facility and leasing it to the club. In looking for a suitable site to acquire, the trust, which is a mutual society with charitable aims, approached local authorities in South London to see if suitable space could be found to house a training ground. Three sites came up as being suitable, including Ashburton Playing Fields. A modern training facility needs a cordoned off piece of land which has about six football pitches worth of open space to train in, along with buildings to house a range of supporting activities, including showers, a gym, a physiotherapy / medical suite, a canteen, offices and classrooms. The training ground is where the full-time professional players and the senior academy boys (16 18 year olds) are based during the day. It is also where the younger academy boys come to train in the late afternoon, after school finishes. The ideal location needs to have good transport links to enable young academy players to commute from their school in the afternoon to the training ground. Ashburton Playing Fields have been suggested as a good site for various reasons. It is in close proximity to the main club stadium, and has good transport links. Currently, the site suffers from anti-social behaviour ranging from arson attacks on the existing changing rooms to reports of drug dealing at night. Houses that border the playing fields are exposed to risk of burglary.
46

If a training ground can be built at Ashburton, of course there will be a loss of public open space as a training facility will need to be enclosed. However, the enclosure would have to be properly landscaped. More importantly, a training ground would be positioned in such a way that all the current access points into the playing fields would remain, as can be seen by the initial artists impression. The training ground would be a significant investment costing in the region of 4 million, so clearly local residents and park users would benefit from increased security in the area. Other benefits would include organised football coaching for local children in the afternoons, and possibly summer schools when the footballers are on their break providing activities for the local community. Clearly there will be many questions residents and park users will have. What will the hours of use be? Will there be floodlighting? Will football fans be constantly turning up to watch training sessions? Will the place be hired out in the evenings? What will happen to football teams who currently use the fields? These and others will be answered in the coming months, as the trust moves forward with planning proposals. MORA have organised a public meeting in mid-June for CPS Trust to explain their proposals to local residents. However, this will not be the only opportunity for local people to find out more about the proposals. The trust will be arranging its own open events in the summer and the autumn, where local people will be able to find out about the proposals and, if the proposals go ahead, will have the opportunity to influence the scheme, as community involvement is at the heart of Crystal Palace Supporters Trusts ethos and values. To find out more about the trust, go to their website www.cpstrust.org.uk (the current website a new version will be launched in July). Raj Chandarana Vice-Chair, Crystal Palace Supporters Trust (and local resident in Addiscombe)
Monks Orchard Residents Association (MORA) has invited residents to a meeting at St.Georges Church Hall, Elstan Way, Shirley on Friday 17 June 2011 at 6.30pm to discuss the above plans. Please note that that there is only a 100 seating capacity: seats will be allocated on a first come first served basis only.
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48

lm of d by Walker Dune suggeste press.com insidecroydon.word and tested by 3 women of m www.shirleylife.co and bins

A RAMBLE

Inside Croydon has published a series of rambles that will take us through interesting countryside during the better weather. We chose an easy one to start with and tested the itinerary proposed. If you are interested in finding out details of more rambles, please go to http://insidecroydon.wordpress.com. You can, of course, subscribe to the posts: they are free and you will be able to make up your mind about the inaccuracies published in a paid for weekly paper. The first ramble started in Chipstead so we 3 women looked up how to get there. It is quite simple from Shirley and it takes about 20 to 25 minutes: travel to Fairfield Halls in Croydon and turn left onto Park Lane (A232). Then go through Purley Way, Purley Road and left onto Brighton Road (A23).
49

Drive as if you were going to Gatwick Airport and turn right onto Star Lane. The Google maps directions were not so very clear and we thought we had missed the turning. In fact, I was about to turn at the traffic lights into what turned out to be the BP Star Lane Service Station, 70 Brighton Road, Hooley, Coulsdon CR5 3EE, immediately after the parade of very interesting shops. Once on Star Lane, continue on to Hogscross Lane (there is a nice and bucolic church, St. Margarets) and turn right into High Street. No shops there but you will see the sign for Shabden Park Farm on your left. Weekend rambles: Chipstead and Mugswell (4 miles; easy) This walk begins at the small parking area by the entrance to Shabden Park Farm (grid ref TQ276563). If the parking area is full, as it often is at busy weekends when customers visit the farm shop that sells excellent quality organic meat and produce (check the opening hours), you may need to make use of the few small roadside lay-bys between the parking area and the White Hart pub. There is also a car park adjacent to Chipstead village hall. Note: The car park was thankfully empty when we arrived. The young men in the farm shop are exceptionally friendly and helpful. I left a Shirley Life card with them and said their picture would be on line the following week. The shop is spotless.

50

Walk down the farm lane and, after passing the farm, go through a gate and downhill on a rough, stony track through woods. When the track ends, ignore a footpath off to the right, and go through a wicket gate into a huge, grassy field with a beautiful view over a valley to woodland on the far side. Turn left where there is a footpath sign with a waymark for the Shabden and Upper Gatton Circular walk. After 350yds there is a corner with a wicket gate on the left. Turn right, downhill on a permissive path. Where the fence on the left ends go straight on uphill following a clear path and pass through a kissing gate into woods. Maintain the same direction ignoring a side path. At a post with several waymarks, go over a crossing track. The path bends to the right and slightly uphill to a stile. The route now follows a hedge on the left with a golf course on the right. At a concrete road where there is a three way signpost, turn
51

left along a tarmac drive between houses, pass to the right of a pond and bend to the right into a narrow lane between hedges for 350yds to reach a road (Outwood Lane). Turn left for 60yds and turn left again on a footpath by Warren Cottage. After going through a copse the path emerges at a golf course. The route is now straight ahead and crosses several fairways. There are marker posts before each fairway advising Look right or Look left. Knowing how wayward some of the club golfers can be off the tees, it is essential to follow the instruction and, if golfers are about to drive, wait until it is safe to cross. Note: Plenty of golf balls everywhere! At the end of the golf course, go through a copse, over a stile, down the left-hand side of a sloping field and over a stile into a lane with The Well House Inn opposite. This is at approximately the halfway point, where you can sit in the garden and sup a pint or two of real ale. Note: The pub is very Olde England. The walk continues on an uphill path to the right of the pub, through a kissing gate and on an enclosed field edge path which eventually leads out to a lane. Turn left on the lane which bends right and then left to a junction with
52

Green Lane (post box on the left). Go downhill on the lane ahead and, at the bottom of the hill, turn left on a signposted footpath through a kissing gate. Make for the top left-hand corner where a kissing gate leads into a wood then the path briefly follows a field edge with a barbed wire fence on the left before turning right downhill. A stile leads into an enclosed path by a house (Kingswood Kennels) and out into a lane. Turn left for 60yds and, at a footpath sign on the right, climb up a bank, cross a stile into a field, climb steeply up to a wooden railed fence, turn left and follow the fence clockwise to reach two stiles leading into a narrow enclosed path between houses. Turn left along a lane for 200yds and, at a junction, turn right. Note: Watch out for the cows (and one young bull) as they seem to be very inquisitive and also beware of the exit stile because it is falling apart. After 200yds turn left over a stile and follow a clear, grassy path half right uphill to a stile leading to a bendy woodland path. At a wide track, turn left. Ignore a permissive horse ride, bend right and then left. Note: Do not be misled by the sign that seems to suggest that you turn left into private property (the gentleman has beautiful vintage cars and is most obliging) but walk on for another minute and look for the stile. Once over it, the view is stunning.
53

At a crossing track turn right on the Shabden and Upper Gatton Circular Walk and retrace the outward route to Shabden Park Farm and the car park. Distance: 4 miles Time: 2 hours (excluding beer stops) Grade: Easy Terrain: Farmland, woods, two golf courses and a number of fairly easy ascents Stiles: 9 Nearest town: Coulsdon Refreshments: The Well House Inn, Mugswell and The White Hart, Chipstead (both offer real ale) Public toilets: None Maps: Explorer 46

Appraisal of the Ramble by Gio, Jill and Marzia

We made several mistakes as we started out but it was our first ramble, after all! We now know better. We had printed copies of the instructions and followed them. We found them clear enough and did not get lost. Experienced ramblers may, of course, not need any of our recommendations. No beer was sampled. We suggest that a backpack containing a sandwich and a drink be taken along as there are beautiful spots where one can stop and have a picnic. Long trousers and long sleeves would be helpful to protect oneself from nettles and thorny bushes. A walking stick could also be used to open up ones path and protect ones face. We recommend that the Grade be changed to Moderate as there are a few steep ascents. We also recommend that extreme care be taken in a wet environment as slipping on wet grass could cause serious injury. One should be aware that there is unavoidable close proximity with horses and cows. We had to go through a confined enclosure with two horses. Fortunately, Jill dealt with the horses, who were friendly. However, we were relieved to leave them behind.
54
Pictures by Marzia

e... More bins to com

I do not seem to receive the Your Croydon publication as my road (or perhaps my house) is often missed out so I subscribed to the Your Croydon E-bulletin. I receive it regularly and read it with due attention to detail. The other night a friend had sent me a page from The Croydon Guardian and I was a little puzzled at the reason why he had delved into his archives. I was not in touch with the bin news as too busy with the chameleonic library scene. Thank you, Your Croydon, for alerting me. I checked Croydon Councils website and learnt that Croydons decision makers are changing bin collections and that the first new collection will start on 3 October 2011. From 19 September to 30 September all households (excluding properties with five or more doorbells) will be receiving a kitchen caddy, biodegradable liners for the caddy, an outside food waste bin and a leaflet including the new collection calendar. Q 1: How much is this exercise going to cost? The decision makers continue: We are introducing a weekly food waste collection to every household
55

 with the aim of reducing the remaining contents of your landfill bins, after normal recycling, by 30%. This will cut the amount of waste we send to environmentally damaging landfill sites. Houses and small blocks of flats will be the first to get the new service, followed by larger blocks of flats before March next year. We will also be collecting one of your recycling boxes each week, meaning that we only have to collect landfill rubbish every other week. Q 2: We have 2 green and two blue boxes. Will the Council confiscate (and reuse) one of each? The system - already successfully used by many other councils in the UK - will allow us to increase Croydons recycling rate by around 14%. By composting the 12,000 tonnes of food waste we will collect it will also save taxpayers around 600,000 a year compared to the old system. We have planned this change carefully and you can rest assured that because your food waste will be taken away every week there is no risk of smelly or overloaded bins. Why are we making these changes? This approach has been taken by many other councils across the UK, and has worked well in reducing waste to landfill and increasing recycling rates. Research shows most people find systems like this easy to use and that they find taking food waste out of the landfill bin cuts down on nasty smells. Your recycled food will be turned into useful compost rather than buried in a landfill site where it would release methane, a gas which is 20 times more harmful to the environment than C02. Landfill tax is going up annually so in future years the savings we make will be even greater. Furthermore the change will help Croydon to increase its recycling rate from 32% to 46%. This will put us in the top five boroughs in London for recycling and help us to avoid other financial penalties that European regulations can impose on those who fail to meet ever-increasing waste targets. Q 3: Which are the other Councils implementing this ingenious scheme and how did the Council reach the figures quoted? Q 3b: Where can I find the results of the research showing that most people find system like this easy to use? How it works At the moment your landfill bin is collected every week and your two recycling boxes are emptied fortnightly. As of October you will get two new food waste bins - a small one for the kitchen and a larger one for outside. We will empty this every week, meaning that nothing smelly needs to go into your landfill bin.
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At the same time as these new collections begin we will start collecting your landfill rubbish every other week. So one week we will come to collect your food waste and one of your recycling boxes and the next we will collect your food waste, your landfill rubbish and the other recycling box. New schedules will be sent out in September. Q 4: It means a fortnightly wheelie collection, does it not? Q 4b: It also means that I will have one wheelie, 2 blue boxes, 2 green boxes and two new food waste bins, does it not? Wow, 7 containers. There is more information in the Councils FAQs on bin collections. 1. Trucks: The food waste and the recycling will be collected in a vehicle that has separate compartments. One side takes the food waste and the other side takes the recycling. The landfill waste will be collected in a normal refuse truck. 2. Caddy: The kitchen caddy can be kept on a worktop, under your sink or anywhere in your kitchen that makes it easy for you to use. Fill the lined caddy with any food waste (apart from liquids). When it is full, remove the liner and place it in your food waste bin outside ready for collection on your usual collection day. 3. Flats: The council has secured additional funding from the Mayor of London to roll out food waste collections to flats. It is anticipated that this service will be introduced between November 2011 and March 2012. There will be further publicity and information regarding this once dates are confirmed. 4. Too much waste: This should be a rare occurrence due to the food waste collections and the wide range of materials which can be recycled through the twin box system. Once residents have recycled everything they can there should be approximately just a third of their waste to dispose of in their landfill bin, so when a conscientious approach to recycling is adopted this should not be an issue. 5. Overfilling: Please do not overfill your landfill bin. Lids that are not closed can be damaged, cause spillages and create problems when they are emptied. 6. Large family: Residents will need to maximise their recycling efforts, particularly where they are in a larger family. Each property is allowed up to five recycling boxes of each colour. The outside food bin will usually be large enough to contain a family's weekly food waste but, if you do find you have excess waste, please contact us for advice. Please also contact us if you regularly find you have more food waste than will fit in your outside food waste bin. 7. Larger/second bin? No, the council only supplies one bin per household.
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8. Storing food scraps: You will be supplied with a small kitchen caddy which is great for scraping plates and popping out-of-date food items into, although if you do have large or smelly food items its probably best to put these directly into the outside food bin. The kitchen caddy has a locking lid, and we recommend that it is emptied into the larger outside food waste bin every few days to prevent problems. Storing the food in the small kitchen caddy will not be very different from putting your food waste into your normal kitchen bin. 9. Foxes: The bin has a lockable lid which will prevent any animals from getting to the contents of the food waste bin. 10. Flies: The outside food waste bin will be emptied every week. To avoid attracting unwanted pests, simply keep the bin handle in the locked position. 11. Cleaning of caddies and food waste bins: You are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of your kitchen caddy and the outside food waste bin. 12. Composting at home: This is an opt-out scheme and you are not forced to use it. We would like to encourage you to carry on composting at home. However we are able to collect all meat, fish and bones using the food waste bin, which are items you should not be putting into your compost bin 13. Extra food waste: The outside food bin will usually be large enough to contain a family's weekly food waste but please contact us if you regularly find you have more food waste than will fit in your outside food waste bin. 14. Not enough waste: We would still encourage you to take part as even if you generate only a small amount of food waste, it is better for it to be recycled than sent to landfill. 15. Pet litter/bedding: Sorry, but we cannot collect any pet litter, faeces or bedding. Please double bag these and put them in with your landfill refuse collection. 16. Missed food waste collection: Can I take it to my local Household Reuse and Recycling Centre for recycling? No. There are no facilities at the recycling centres to accept food waste. You will have to wait until the following week. 16. Nappies: Generally, councils promote the use of real nappies, which are reusable/washable as a solution to this. These are generally cheaper for you in the long-term as well. However we realise this is not practical for many parents, and would simply advise that you tie nappy sacks appropriately, and double-bag them if you have concerns.
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Q 5: A resident pointed out that there is no mention anywhere of sanitary towels or incontinence pads. Will the Council promote reusable/washable pads? Any comments? Yes, a few initial ones but I am sure that other residents will add to mine. 1. Fortnightly collection: What exactly will go into the bin? 2. Kitchen caddy: No sizes or colours are given. Furthermore, there is no room in my kitchen for food scraps whether they smell or not. E-coli and other bugs come to mind. 3. Biodegradable liners for the caddy: How many liners are we going to be given and how regularly? 4: Outside bin food: No sizes or colours are given. Is it a wheelie or is it a box. If it is a box, it will become heavy and spilling in the kitchen/dining room or hall whilst transporting it could be most unpleasant. Sticking it in the front of the house is of course possible, but where? It is more clutter. 5. Cleaning of caddies and food waste bins: If the contractors are as careless as they are when they empty the wheelies, it is going to be an extra unpleasant chore. 6. A new calendar: I might need to get a new calendar and stick blue and green labels so I do not put out the wrong box on the designated day. However, if the Council allows only one box, what am I going to do with surplus recycling? Petrol is expensive and I use the car less and less. Many residents do not own a car. We pay Council Tax and we want to receive some service for it. 7. Missed food waste collection: The Council says that we have to wait until the following week. Have they considered possible outbreaks of various diseases in the heat or what about when there is no collection during the snow because of ungritted roads? 8. Waste not: I agree that we waste too much and I try to buy only essential stuff. Our wheelie is always half full on collection day. However, in all this palaver, I have not heard a single word regarding supermarkets being asked to reduce packaging and being obliged to accept containers after use. Why? It is a common practice in many countries in Europe.
Marzia

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