Archive
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Park’s Big Day Out attracts more than 6,000 visitors
FAMILIES at a community festival enjoyed global performances from Bhangra to belly dancing. More than 6,000 people visited Gravesend's Big Day Out this weekend in the Riverside leisure park. On stage, headlining acts included chart-topping singer Estelle
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Train firm accused of money-grabbing
"MONEY-GRABBING" South Eastern Trains (SET) has been criticised over proposals to reduce ticket office opening hours as penalty fares are doubled. Last month SET informed Dartford Council ticket office staff might be cut back in quiet times and replaced
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Flying in to air fair to say goodbye
THIS year's Biggin Hill Air Fair will be bidding a fond farewell to two jets as they bow out of active service. The RAF Jaguar and Royal Navy Sea Harrier end their careers later this year but before then they will perform their penultimate display at
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Man admits benefit fraud
A BENEFIT cheat has been ordered to pay back more than £2,000 which he claimed fraudulently. Appearing at Dartford Magistrates' Court, Peter Baber pleaded guilty to three offences of benefit fraud. The court heard how Baber, aged 55, of Church Road,
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News in brief
ON THE RUN: Runners are being called to take part in the North Downs 30k Run, which takes in part of historic Cobham and Shorne Wood Park. The annual race raises funds for charities. Entry for the event on June 26 is £12. Call Bill Archer on 01732 823726
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Police hand out lessons to pupils
POLICE have gone back to school to teach youngsters about their job. Teams of officers from Greenwich are visiting schools across the borough to tell children about their Stop and Account policy. The policy, included in the Stephen Lawrence inquiry
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Open day offers advice on schools
PARENTS sending their children to secondary school can find out more about the choices available to them at an open day. Greenwich Council is holding a drop-in session, at the town hall in Wellington Street, Woolwich, between noon and 7pm on June 30.
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Your chance to learn all about college life
STUDENTS looking to get on the higher education ladder can find out how at an open day. The University of Greenwich will hold the event at the Maritime Greenwich Campus, Park Row, Greenwich. Visitors can speak to advisers to find out more about the
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News in brief
WILDTIME: Birdwatching and wildlife trails will be on offer at a day for nature lovers. The Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park, John Harrison Way, Greenwich, is hosting an open day from 11am to 5pm this Sunday. Call 020 8293 1904. ART TALK: The Eltham
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Commuters on track to save train services
PROPOSALS to axe train services have been derailed thanks to pressure from campaigners. Rail chiefs had decided to abolish services from Dartford to London Victoria via Eltham, and reduce peak time services to the capital. But now the Strategic Rail
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New centres will support older people
THREE new centres providing care for the elderly have been officially unveiled. The state-of-the-art Neighbourhood Resource Centres will provide residential, nursing and day-care facilities. They are at Meadows House, Tudway Road, Kidbrooke; Ashgreen
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Rowing team rescued on the Thames
A ROWING team was rescued when their boat capsized in high winds and strong river tides. The team of five women were out on the Thames at Greenwich on an early morning training session when they got into trouble. The team's safety boat then broke down
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Walk to help pregnant women
PARENTS took their children for a walk in the park to raise money for charity. The Greenwich and Lewisham branch of the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) hosted its annual Waddle and Toddle in Greenwich Park. Around 100 parents joined their children on
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Players Wanted
For players in Bromley borough, call 0906 739 0327 For Bexley, Dartford and Gravesham boroughs, 0906 739 0329 For Lewisham & Greenwich boroughs, 0906 739 0331 Calls are charged at £1 a minute but listings are free. These listings also appear on our
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You still want to be an F1 driver?
NO alcohol or fatty foods, just clean living and plenty of rest. This is not the lifestyle of an aspiring monk, but instead the routine of a Formula One wannabe. Chislehurst's Tiffany Chittenden, who currently lies fifth in the country's highest karting
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Bromley have courage of convictions
HAYES Lane will now be known as the Courage Stadium. The re-naming follows the new two-year sponsorship deal Bromley struck with brewery firm Scottish Courage. The move coincides with renovation work currently being carried out on the ground, funded
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Players Wanted
For players in Bromley borough, call 0906 739 0327 For Bexley, Dartford and Gravesham boroughs, 0906 739 0329 For Lewisham & Greenwich boroughs, 0906 739 0331 Calls are charged at £1 a minute but listings are free. These listings also appear on our
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Burley set to lead Lions
MILLWALL chairman Jeff Burnige was in talks with George Burley over the managerial position at the Den. At the time of going to press no official announcement had been made, but sources close to the club confirmed Burley was Burnige's number one choice
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Barrett aiming for lift-off
THAMESMEAD's Ryan Barrett is hoping his career will take off after Monday's fight at Heathrow's Thistle Hotel. Barrett, 22, is fighting Anthony Christopher, from Wales, in the lightweight division and is supremely confident of success. He said: "I don't
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VALLEY VIEW
TON UP: Scores of former Charlton players and fans of all ages gathered at The Valley last Thursday to celebrate the club's official 100th birthday. The highlight of the day was the unveiling of the nine-foot bronze statue of ex-goalkeeper Sam Bartram
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The Addicks close in on teenager
FOLLOWING the arrival of Darren Bent, Charlton have set their sights on securing the services of another under-21 international. Striker Craig Davies, 19, put in a string of impressive performances for Oxford this season scoring six goals in ten games
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PAPHITIS ON THE WARPATH
MILLWALL's former chairman Theo Paphitis has likened members of the FA to Comical Ali after the club was threatened with ground closure. Paphitis, who was replaced by Jeff Burnige at the end of last season, was furious with the governing body's decision
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Players Wanted
For players in Bromley borough, call 0906 739 0327 For Bexley, Dartford and Gravesham boroughs, 0906 739 0329 For Lewisham & Greenwich boroughs, 0906 739 0331 Calls are charged at £1 a minute but listings are free. These listings also appear on our
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Daish happy to wait
HAVING already signed three new players on full-time contracts, Fleet boss Liam Daish is looking to add more faces to his burgeoning squad. But Daish has also revealed he is prepared to be patient, saying: "There's a few players I've got my eye on but
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Sheri samples sweet taste of success
FROM an 11 pound baby boy to an 18 stone giant. At the weekend the British and Irish Lions fielded its heaviest ever front row one member of whom was Bromley's very own "Big Ted". Sale Sharks' Andrew Sheridan all 6ft 5in of him was paired with fellow
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TONY THE MAN FOR THE JOB
DARTFORD caretaker boss Tony Burman has been handed the role on a full-time basis following an unsuccessful quest to find a new manager. Burman, who took charge of first team affairs when Tommy Sampson resigned in January following a string of poor results
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Pennock wheels and deals at Wings
THE revolving door at Park View Road has seen six players join and five players leave Welling United. Manager Adrian Pennock has brought in keeper Jamie Turner, strikers Matt Carruthers, Danny Kedwell and James Pinnock, defender Lee Gledhill and midfielder
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CRICKET CORNER
JONES IN THE CLEAR: Kent wicketkeeper Geraint Jones has been cleared of any wrongdoing over the dismissal of Nafees Iqbal in the second innings of England's second test against Bangladesh at Durham. Jones claimed a disputed catch, which prompted the batsman
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THE KIWIS ARE COMING TO TOWN
ON THE day Charlton celebrated its past the club was also looking forward to the future. At the end of the month the Addicks will find out if their stadium expansion plans have been approved by Greenwich Council, and they are also hoping the link-up
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Conway consolidates second place in F3 Championship
FIRE and rain could not deter Mike Conway in his quest to become the first rookie since Antonio Pizzonia to win the British Formula 3 Championship. In the first race at Scotland's Knockhill circuit the 21-year-old from Sevenoaks scored a creditable third
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Further plans for sports complex
RESIDENTS say they have been let down by the Government because a major development could be pushed through following an appeal. Fortis Leisure has submitted a second application to Bromley Council to build a sports complex on Elmers End Road, next to
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130-mile birthday bike ride
CYCLISTS and a wheelchair-bound woman took on 130 miles to raise cash so a charity can celebrate its 130th birthday. Reverend Peter Clark, of the St Paul's United Reformed Church, Gravesend, his wife Sue and volunteer Guy Morfett cycled 10 circuits of
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Groovy toddlers party on
TOTS have been moving and grooving at a party in the park. Youngsters and their parents joined in the fun at Woodlands Park, Wrotham Road, Gravesend. The event was one of the many festivities organised as part of national Sure Start month. Community
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Wild website will get you out and about
ANIMAL lovers can find out more about the wildlife on their doorstep at the click of a mouse. A new service launched by the London Wildlife Trust is offering residents free information on the green spaces and wildlife sites closest to them. Wildweb
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Help with our VJ Day celebrations
NEWS Shopper is appealing for people with memories of VJ Day to come forward. August 15 is the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and to mark this momentous occasion, we plan a special edition. We are looking for people who served in
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CIS receives recognition
A SERVICE which provides information about resources available to children has received Government recognition. Bexley Council's Children's Information Service (CIS) has been given the three-year Matrix Accreditation a Government standard. The CIS
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Cemetery Warning
BEREAVED families visiting graves in the Brook Street cemetery in Erith have been warned to keep their valuables safe and out of sight. Karen James, 41, and her mother Ann Higham were in the graveyard last Thursday to tend the grave of Mrs Highman's
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Helicopter drops in
A PRIMARY school has been celebrating its birthday in style. Gravel Hill Primary School, Watling Street, Bexleyheath, is 50 years old this year and last week it invited a helicopter to the celebrations. The crew took an aerial photograph of the children
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Vulnerable children to take part in art
ARTISTS are working with young people to encourage community participation in a public art project. The Erith Art Strategy is employing artists Gary Drostle and Onya McCausland to work with schools and young people who are part of the Thamesmead youth
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Engine pulls in crowds
PEOPLE flocked to see a piece of industrial history which is part of an award-winning restoration project. More than 800 visitors took advantage of an open day at the Crossness beam engine house, now the Crossness Engines Industrial Museum, in Abbey
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Appeal for witnesses to stabbing
A MAN needed emergency surgery after being stabbed in the street by an unknown attacker. The 22-year-old was stabbed in the back and legs as he left a house in Cheviot Close, Bexleyheath, at 12.30am He was rushed to hospital for life-saving surgery
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Golfers planning to tee off even earlier
A NEW golf clubhouse has applied for planning permission to extend its hours before the plans are even off the drawing board. Sidcup Golf Club in Burnt Oak Lane, Sidcup, is being forced to move its clubhouse to make way for the new Sidcup sports centre
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Glass half empty in alcohol battle
A 700 PER CENT rise in alcohol-related admissions to a hospital has been described as "only the tip of the iceberg". From April 2000 to April 2001,Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup, treated only six people for drink-related illness. New figures show for
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Conservative club takes fundraising in its stride
CONSERVATIVE club members raised £2,600 for children with leukaemia at Great Ormond Street Hospital. West Beckenham Conservative Club's fun day on May 30 saw dozens take part in a sponsored walk and other activities. Entertainments manager Charline
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Fete-goers get a treat
Residents turned out in style to a school's seasonal fete to raise much-needed funds. Lessness Heath Primary School, Erith Road, Belvedere, was the scene for hours of summer madness on June 11. For a donation of just 30p, punters enjoyed a boot sale
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Licence to serve late
MORE applications have been made to Bexley Council by premises hoping to extend their licensing hours. The Royal Oak in Bexley Road, Northumberland Heath, wants to stay open until 11.30pm on Sunday to Thursday and until 12.30am on Friday and Saturday
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Watery day
A RIVER will be at the centre of a day for all the family. Crayford Rotary Club has teamed up with the town forum to stage an afternoon of fun activities and a chance to learn about the River Cray. The free event at Waterside, on Saturday, from noon
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Tee time for charity
GOLF was available for youngsters to try at a charity day. The event, which involved golf classes and clinics, raffles and a beat the goalie contest, was organised by staff at World of Golf on the A20 Sidcup bypass. The day raised £800 for Macmillan
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Tangled up for a good cause
WATER could soon be flowing in an African village if one woman's charity efforts are successful. Wendy Blair, 40, needs volunteers to sell children's toys to help raise £4,000. The money will be used to sink a borehole and bring water to a remote village
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Parents can stop teen pregnancies
IGNORANCE and opportunity are two of the reasons behind teenage pregnancy, claims one community leader. Roy Hillman is chairman of the community forum in Slade Green, an area with one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in Bexley. The forum has been
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School chess team takes pride in league success
TEENAGE chess champions swept the board at a recent competition. All of St Olave's Grammar School's chess teams had reason to celebrate the end of the school year after winning their divisions in the Kent Schools Chess League. Team members also finished
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A crashing good time
THE day started with a bang for two youngsters on Sunday. Eleese Darsey, 11, and her sister Lucy, eight, pressed the plunger to demolish two 140ft brick chimneys which were part of the former Cohen's Foundry site in Purland Road, Thamesmead. The site
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Time to move on for chief
HOSPITAL chief Helen Moffatt is to leave Queen Mary's, Sidcup, after five years at the top. The chief executive of Bexley's acute hospital (pictured) will leave in the autumn to take up a similar post with the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
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News in brief
CUB VISIT: The 7th Orpington Cub Scout group toured the accident and emergency unit at the Princess Royal University Hospital, Farnborough, on Monday to see medics in action and learn how to prevent accidents. The Child Accident Prevention Trust's awareness
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Scrutiny of TfL’s plans under way
THE public inquiry into plans for the Thames Gateway Bridge has opened, with Transport for London's (TfL) plans under scrutiny. TfL claims the bridge is necessary to regenerate the area east of London because of the economic effects of the decline in
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Crooks reminded to smile for town’s cameras
POLICE are warning criminals they are being watched after six gang members were convicted for attacking two students. The 16-year-old Orpington College students were set upon by up to 20 thugs in the Walnuts shopping centre in September last year. One
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No entry to public inquiry
OPPONENTS of the Thames Gateway Bridge claim they were manhandled by security staff and refused entry to a public inquiry into the scheme. Terry Grant, chairman of St Michael's Residents' Association, Welling, says he was "manhandled" by staff from Charlton
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Chemists open on Sunday, June 19
BIGGIN HILL Safeway, Main Road. 11am to 1pm. BROMLEY Boots, The Glades. 11am to 5pm. HAYES, KESTON AND WEST WICKHAM Safeway, 143-165 High Street, West Wickham. 10am to 2pm. ORPINGTON Sainsbury's, Locks Bottom, Farnborough. 10am
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Top turnout boosts school’s balance
HUNDREDS of people turned out to support a school's summer fete. The fine weather on Saturday helped visitors enjoy the parent and teacher association's event at Biggin Hill Infant and Junior School, Old Tye Avenue. Around £4,000 was raised which will
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News in Brief
TAKE CARE: Carers can find out more about looking after themselves at an information day. The event, featuring a talk from Lewisham Mayor Steve Bullock, takes place at Lewisham Town Hall, on Friday, from 10am to 3pm. WALK ON: Take part in the Green
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Residents fear return of anti-social groups
A GRANDMOTHER says anti-social louts will descend on her town after police decided to stop dispersing them. The 67-year-old, who is too scared to be named, works in Hextable where north Kent police have enforced a dispersal operation since February.
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Operation Engraver is spot on
RESIDENTS and businesses are being urged to prevent thefts by marking their most valuable items with security details. North Kent police have been carrying out Operation Engraver since April, where businesses and residents have been provided with kits
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Community work for teen who hit woman in face
A TEENAGER who punched his ex-girlfriend in the face breaking her nose has been given 70 hours community service. Gorkan Arslan, aged 18, was convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm at the Old Bailey. Judge James Wadsworth QC told Arslan
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New plans keep service on track
PROPOSALS to axe train services have been derailed thanks to pressure from campaigners. Rail chiefs had decided to abolish services from Dartford to London Victoria via Eltham, and reduce peak time services to the capital. But now the Strategic Rail
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Shops to benefit from new scheme’s splash of colour
A TOWN centre is saying it with flowers by launching a scheme to bring a splash of colour to shops. Gravesend's tourist information centre, Towncentric, launched the Splash of Colour flower power project at a ceremony on June 10. More than 160 businesses
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Crunch time gets closer for gipsies
TRAVELLERS and residents are expected to descend on council offices next week for the start of a public inquiry into gipsy occupation of green-belt land. A Government-appointed inspector will spend two days hearing from council lawyers, planners and
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Figures show increase in councillors’ allowances
NEWLY-released figures reveal what allowances councillors are being paid to represent us. Lewisham Mayor Steve Bullock will receive a total of £71,543, including travel allowances and other expenses an increase of 2.75 per cent from last year. Deputy
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News in brief
CARE DRIVE: Staff at The Princess Royal University Hospital, Farnborough, are aiming to raise awareness of heart disease prevention with an information event on Friday. The cardiac team will be giving out leaflets on healthy eating and stopping smoking
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Team wipes floor with competition
THE politicians have cleaned-up in a graffiti-busting competition. Councillors, managers from the environment department and professional removers formed three teams to see who could remove the most graffiti in one day. The councillors won by cleaning
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News in brief
FULL STEAM AHEAD: Fathers can get an extra treat with a Father's Day steam train ride hosted by the Gravesend Model Marine Engineering Society. Trains depart on Sunday from Cascades Leisure Centre, Thong Lane, Gravesend, from 2pm to 5pm. Rides cost 30p
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Legends take off
THIS year's Biggin Hill Air Fair will be bidding a fond farewell to two jets as they bow out of active service. The RAF Jaguar and Royal Navy Sea Harrier end their careers later this year but will perform their penultimate display at Biggin Hill. The
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Schools discussion
A SERIES of public meetings are to be held on proposed changes to a borough's special school provision. Bromley Council wants to hear from people about the plans, setting a deadline of July 22 for responses. Children and young people portfolio holder
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Pupils bring army of support
A SCHOOL'S summer fun day saw young and old alike making the most of the sun. Children and their families turned out in force to help boost Saturday's event at The Highway School, The Highway, Orpington, which was raising money for interactive equipment
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Bridge torn down for bus network
A BRIDGE has been demolished in preparation for a new transport system and a brand new crossing. For 25 years a footbridge has linked Station Approach, Dartford, and the town centre but work began late on Friday night to tear it down. Its demolition
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Tots’ toy library aiming to make learning fun
A NEW toy library for children under four years old has been officially opened. Former EastEnders star Sophie Lawrence opened Downham Toy Library at Downham Way Family Church, in a ceremony attended by 73 families. Children enjoyed face painting and
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School retains Arts Council award
A SCHOOL is celebrating retaining an award for commitment to the arts for the second year running. Hextable School, Egerton Avenue, Hextable, is one of 1,161 schools across the England to have achieved an Arts Council Artsmark. The award recognises
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Edward leaps with joy after ballet success
A DANCER has pirouetted his way to one of the most coveted positions in the ballet world. Edward Watson, 29, who grew up in Longfield, has been named as one of only two British principal dancers at the Royal Ballet. Mr Watson started ballet at the tender
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Couples told to fight ‘Nazism’
A COMPANY offering gay people the perfect civil partnership ceremony has launched a campaign to unseat "homophobic" councillors. Bosses at Bromley-based Modern Commitments, Elmfield Road, slammed leading councillors who last week backed a ban on same-sex
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Landlord stumps up money to play Kylie
A PUBLICAN has been fined for playing Kylie Minogue's song Slow and other music without a licence. Lucille Raymond, the landlord of The Dolphin pub, Sydenham Road, Sydenham, was fined £1,452. At a June 9 hearing, the High Court heard an inspector who
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News in Brief
HELP OUT: Volunteers are needed to help with a new Blind Club for visually impaired people of all ages, their families and friends. The club will open soon in Hextable and facilities will include computer training and arts and crafts activities for children
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New website offers wild information
ANIMAL lovers can find out more about the wildlife on their doorstep at the click of a mouse. A new service launched by London Widlife Trust is offering residents free information on the green spaces and wildlife sites closest to them. Wildweb gives
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Dog walkers face ban
DOG walkers who leave their pet's mess in a children's park face being banned from the area in a proposed clampdown. Swanley Town Council has received complaints from mothers who claim their children are constantly treading in dog's mess left around
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Mystery man sweeps gran off her feet
A DISABLED grandmother wants to thank a "smartly dressed stranger" who gave her yellow roses out of the blue. Josephine Paffett of Haven Close, Swanley, and granddaughter Leigh Pace, 21, were in the Aldi store on St Mary's Road on June 8 when the stranger
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PCs innocent in late-night fracas
OFF-DUTY police officers accused of injuring civilians during a drunken street brawl have walked free from court. Police Constables Liam Herzberg, 37, and Stephen Lloyd, 36, allegedly clashed with four members of the public as both groups left Jasmine's
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Fair fundraiser proves popular
RESIDENTS got together to raise money for a Guide and Scout group. Most of Joydens Wood seemed to come out for the country fair on June 11 at the headquarters of the town's Scout and Guide group on Eden Road. Visitors paid £1 for a programme, which
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Axe work of art to highlight heritage
VISITORS to a heritage park will be in for a surprise when a striking new design is revealed at a ceremony. A sculptured replica of a 400,000-year-old hand axe will be unveiled at Swanscombe Heritage Park on June 29. The original axe was found in the
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Pupils engage in technical tactics
ROBOTS battled it out in a series of challenges and races in a schoolboy version of Robot Wars. Children and parents have spent three weeks building robots to take part in a version of the BBC TV show at Langley Park School for Boys, Beckenham, on Saturday
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Mark VJ Day anniversary by sharing your memories
NEWS Shopper is appealing for people with memories of VJ Day to come forward. August 15 is the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and to mark this momentous occasion, we are planning a special edition. We are looking for people who
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Hearing is delayed for alleged assault
FIVE teenagers who appeared in court charged with sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl, have had their hearing postponed. The gang, who were refused bail at an earlier hearing, allegedly assaulted their victim with a torque wrench in Beckenham on
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When towering trees take over
New laws giving councils strict powers to tackle high hedges have come into force. SAMANTHA PAYNE spoke to a couple who say their lives have been made a misery by the curse of suburbia ... GREAT-GRANDMOTHER Joan Young has turned to the council in the
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Pupils’ reunion 50 years in the making
A FORMER school pupil is hoping to trace his old classmates from half a century ago. Terry Moody, 62, was a pupil at Horn Park Primary School in Alnwick Road, Lee, in 1955. He moved to Surrey when he married in 1967 and is eager to find his old friends
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MP stops pervert exposing himself
AN MP and former SAS soldier made a citizen's arrest after a flasher exposed himself to young children. Gravesham MP Adam Holloway was walking down Parrock Street towards King Street when he saw a man standing outside Kings Diner Cafe. Mr Holloway,
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Winners have the wind in their sails
A SAILING club is celebrating after scooping a haul of trophies at a national competition. Matthew Betts, 19, and Harri and Charlotte Davies, 16 and 21, of Gravesend Sailing Club won prizes at the national 14-foot Dayboat Championships. Richard, 52,
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Trio aims high in war of the words
STUDENTS argued and pitted their wits against each other in a borough-wide debating competition. Cator Park School, Beckenham, beat six other Bromley schools to become champions of the Borough Debating Final. The event in the Educational Development
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No Discipline
HAVING just read the story about a five-year-old boy being set-upon by a gang of children up north, I felt compelled to write. Is it me or does anybody else reckon we have a very real and burgeoning underclass in this country. I am not taking the snobbish
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Market firm faces axe after injury
A TEACHER left bruised after walking into a market stall says she is overjoyed to hear the operator could be axed. Elaine Everest, 51, suffered a black eye and bruised arm after walking into a metal bar on a stall at Swanley Market. The creative writing
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Too Cold
GLOBAL warming is a con. Here we are at the beginning of June and not so much as a day in the 80s. I love the sun and I really want Britain to have the type of climate we had in medieval times like the Mediterranean is now. I know the green brigade
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Nothing’s lost on translation
Unlike D Johnson's letter Mind Your Language (News Shopper, May 25), Greenwich Council is pleased residents can benefit from council literature being translated into different languages. We in Greenwich are proud of our diverse community and part of
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War veterans dance up a storm
A CHARITY put on a good old-fashioned knees-up for 300 pensioners to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. The Inn on the Lake Hotel, Shorne, Gravesend, was awash with red, white and blue as members of Age Concern enjoyed
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Councillors rally behind rail plans
OVER the past few months News Shopper has covered the Council's campaign for a Crossrail station at Woolwich. The need for a station at Woolwich is clear and has all-party support. It is vital we clear up any misconceptions about the council's campaign
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Hospital’s rating set to fall again
HOSPITAL bosses remain confident they can continue to provide excellent service despite facing another drop in the national star rating system. Lewisham Hospital staff are bracing themselves for a possible zero-rated performance when results are published
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Website offers wildlife details
ANIMAL lovers can find out more about the wildlife on their doorstep at the click of a mouse. A new service is offering residents free information on the green spaces and wildlife sites closest to them. Wildweb gives details of 140 sites of importance
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Family search under way
I AM researching my family tree and believe some of my ancestors may still be in the Woolwich/Plumstead area. I am looking for descendants of Walter Herbert Goldsmith who was born in Southwark in 1869 and lived in Timbercroft Lane, Plumstead, until 1938
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Back turned on community
I AM writing with reference to the Cops and Robbers story in the Daily Mirror on June 6. I think Alan Hillsden has turned his back on the Abbey Wood community who, with the help from Joy Cunningham OBE, Keith Skinner and myself, aim to make it a better
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Recycling lesson is load of old rubbish
STUDENTS have learned the benefits of recycling old rubbish and furniture as part of an environmental awareness campaign. Eight pupils aged between 11 and 15 from Howbury Centre Referral Unit, Slade Green Road, Erith, attended an open day at Green-Works
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Retail decision spells change
TOMORROW Lewisham Council will take a decision which could affect the south of the town and adjoining parts of Bromley for years to come. The long-awaited plans for British Gas' out-of-town retail park are now becoming clear. A massive DIY store and
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Pride Awards to honour staff
RESIDENTS are being asked to nominate council staff who have had a positive impact on their lives. The annual Pride Awards acknowledges outstanding contributions made by Lewisham Council's 9,000 staff. The awards give workers who have made a difference
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Worries drinking den will open once again
RESIDENTS are worried a drinking den will re-open after a series of raids to curb the club's illegal activities. The club, below a legitimate business on New Cross Road, has been a target of Lewisham Council's Environmental Enforcement Team and the police
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Big gigs covered – scrap Dome plans
THIS city doesn't need another major music venue if the plans for the Millennium Dome go ahead the queue outside the London Arena will be able to hear the bands playing the Dome and vice versa. Only the river separates them. What this city does have
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Five groups in lottery cash boost
FIVE community groups are celebrating after receiving a lottery cash boost. Grants worth nearly £700,000 have been given to four organisations in Lewisham and one in Greenwich. The two boroughs have now scooped nearly £6m from the Big Lottery Fund in
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Mother’s worry at demand for cash
A MOTHER-of-four is "worried sick" at the thought of having to pay an £806 parking fine she has been fighting for two years. In May 2003, News Shopper reported residents of Thicket Road, Anerley, received parking tickets and had their cars towed away
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News in Brief
BE A HERO: Raglan Primary School, Raglan Road, Bromley, is holding its summer fete on June 25, between 1pm and 4pm. This year's theme is heroes and heroines and there will be a fancy dress parade. Entrance for adults is 60p and children get in for 20p
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Drug user sentenced for manslaughter
A DRUG user has been jailed for 10 years after stabbing his neighbour following a row about their favourite drugs. Christopher Cooley, aged 37, stabbed 22-year-old Benjamin Methven twice in the heart after the row about their differing habits in November
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Teaching pupils to be good sports
STUDENT mentors have been teaching youngsters how to play cricket. Eight Orpington College students studying the BTEC Sports Leadership Programme have been working with pupils from Poverest Primary School throughout the school year. The final event
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Young florists stealing the show
A HORTICULURAL society's smallest show of the year attracted a record number of junior entrants. Hayes Horticultural Society's rose show saw a dozen youngsters, aged from two to 12, challenge the 17 adult exhibitors with some colourful competition, especially
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Where was our support group?
A HEALTH watchdog accused of failing patients say their axed support organisation is to blame. The Bromley Primary Care Trust Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) forum was criticised for behaving "like a secret society" last week. But forum chairman
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News in brief
MAKING PROGRESS: Greenwich Council has been praised in an independent report for the way it responds to breaches of trading standards and anti-social behaviour. The report, by the Office of Surveillance Commissioners, said the council's levels of surveillance
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Thinking deeply
TROPICAL monkey frogs, seahorses and four-eyed fish will get a new £1.5m home when a library is transformed into an aquarium. The basement library at the 102-year-old Horniman Museum will make way for an aquarium housing 250 different species of animals
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War party spills into the streets
SCHOOLCHIDREN enjoyed an afternoon paying tribute to Second World War heroes. More than 550 children from primary schools across Woolwich attended a street party at the Firepower Royal Artillery Museum, Woolwich. The fun involved street entertainers
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Robber admits raids on shops
A MAN has pleaded guilty to raiding a series of betting shops. Malcolm Parker, aged 46, pleaded guilty to eight offences of robbery and seven charges of possessing a firearm at Kingston Crown Court on June 6. Mr Parker, of Bell Field, Pixton Way, New
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Sentenced for student attack
A GANG of six who attacked two students leaving one facing life-saving surgery have been sentenced. The four men and two youths, from Woolwich, Charlton, Lee and Deptford, set upon the 16-year-old Orpington College students in the Walnuts shopping centre
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Find out who shares your town in new wild website
ANIMAL lovers can now use a new website to find out more about the wildlife on their doorstep. A new service is offering residents free information on the green spaces closest to them. Wildweb gives details of 140 sites of importance in London and surrounding
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Pupil places fail to meet demand
HUNDREDS of children were still without a secondary school place less than four months before the start of term. New figures reveal 229 pupils in Lewisham did not have a school to go to next year, as of May 20, with only 126 places left in the borough
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Car wash to raise cash
TEENAGERS washed cars to raise money for a charity helping people in Kenya. The youngsters from Hayes Lane Baptist Church Youth Clubs raised £450 cleaning vehicles in Hayes Lane, Bromley. The money will go towards sending eight people from the Mission
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Demolition plan angers residents
IRATE residents say a council's social housing plans are "destroying their community". Work is in progress to demolish five tower blocks on the Pepys Estate, Deptford, to make way for new flats. The old blocks were council property but the new flats
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Celebrating VJ Day the News Shopper way
NEWS Shopper is appealing for people with memories of VJ Day to come forward. August 15 is the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and to mark this occasion, we are planning a special edition. We are looking for people who were serving
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Cancer survivor’s hunt for brother
A DISABLED man living in fear of his cancer returning wants to trace the brother he did not know about for 30 years. Francis Hodge, 55, is now recovering from colon cancer but faces checks every six months to make sure it has not returned. The brush
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News in brief
DRUM UP INTEREST: The Horniman Museum, London Road, Forest Hill, is holding a series of 10-week courses teaching the art of African dance and drumming. The courses are open to both adults and children. For more information, call 020 8314 5328. ART
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Flats clean but street still mean
RESIDENTS besieged by a gang of 15 hoodies say life has improved since News Shopper got involved. Although the gang still roams outside flats at Alamein Gardens, Stone, Jenny Turrell says life inside is getting better. The 38-year-old hairdresser is
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TO THE POINT
DRIVING ME MAD: Following the widespread media coverage on the MRSA superbug affecting many hospitals, I would like to highlight another serious affliction which has gone almost unnoticed by the press for too long. It is estimated more than half the population
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Mark VJ Day anniversary by sharing your memories
NEWS Shopper is appealing for people with memories of VJ Day to come forward. August 15 is the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and to mark this momentous occasion, we are planning a special edition. We are looking for people who
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Ward staff are always friendly
With all the bad press regarding the National Health Service, I feel I must write and speak up and support the system, particularly the orthopaedic department. I would like to mention Mr Walczak and Mr Fallaha at the Princess Royal University Hospital
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Could team do with diet guru?
Charlton Athletic soar like a lark at the start of every football season and then plummet to earth like a pheasant at the end of each season. This is such a regular occurrence the Addicks are ridiculed by football commentators for their annual flash-in-the-pan
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Schools trying to get healthy
I am writing in reply to Ann Garrett's letter, Promote Health In Our Schools (News Shopper, June 1). At Parish Church of England Primary School we have an annual Healthy School Week. In the mornings the children learn about healthy living and eating
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United in song for festival
HUNDREDS of schoolchildren will be taking to the stage to perform a choral extravaganza. More than 600 children from 17 schools are joining the Thameside Schools Music Association to put on its annual choral festival at the Woodville Halls, Gravesend
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Grand fete at festival
A GRAND fete is to be the centrepiece of this year's Mottingham Festival. The community festival, which was first held in 1973 and takes place every two years, runs from today until June 29. Highlights include a children's art competition, flower shows
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Calm down dear, it’s fiction
In reply to J Reeves' letter What Were You Thinking To Print Rubbish? (News Shopper, June 1), it seems he, or indeed she, could not make up their mind who to turn their wrath upon first. Myself, for having written it, or the editor of the paper for having
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Standard is slipping
It seems the management of Bromley Hospitals NHS Trust was wrong in not ensuring the cleaning of ward lavatories was the responsibility of the cleaning contractors. It is surprising the NHS has not devised a standard contract which could be applied nationwide
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Council says lido will be open all summer
A POPULAR outdoor swimming pool which closed last year has reopened in time for the summer. In April, News Shopper revealed plans to open Charlton Lido to the public after it was closed due to financial problems. Now council chiefs have confirmed the
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First-rate hospital report
I write to thank you for the marvellous support News Shopper gave me on June 1 in my efforts to end the ISS cleaning nonsense going on at the Princess Royal University Hospital. What is particularly impressive is the professional, concise summarising
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Which company is telling the truth?
I have lived in my house for more than 30 years and have always been with British Gas. When I was given the option to pay for my electricity and phone calls through them too, I accepted. I have always been very happy with this arrangement and the services
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Guide dog charity nets ferry bounty
PASSSENGERS boarding a ferry on the Thames dug deep to raise more than £800 for the blind at a three-day fundraising event. Guide Dogs for the Blind took over both sides of the Thames at the site of the Woolwich Ferry and collected money from people
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Water short but no bans planned
THERE are no plans for a hose pipe ban despite England being its driest since 1975. Thames Water, serving Dartford, and Southern Water, serving Gravesend, are not ruling out water restrictions in the coming months. Thames Water has suffered its fourth
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Pair’s reputation grows after garden award win
A PAIR of gardeners have designed one of the leading exhibits at a world-famous flower show. Ellen Fenton, 41, and Neil Black, 37, designed the Moat and Castle garden, which was on display at the Chelsea Flower Show. The Irish-themed garden was based
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Trio kicks butt in competition
THREE prize draw winners were given £50 worth of shopping vouchers after giving up smoking. The Stop Smoking Team from Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley Primary Care Trust (PCT) presented the winners at a ceremony held at Bluewater. The lucky trio were
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Chemists open on Sunday, June 19
BLACKHEATH, CHARLTON & GREENWICH Sainsbury's, Horn Link Lane, Greenwich. 11am to 5pm. Charlton Pharmacy, 229 Charlton Road, Charlton. 6pm to 7pm. ELTHAM, KIDBROOKE, MOTTINGHAM & NEW ELTHAM Boots, 96-104 Eltham High Street. Eltham. 10am to
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Chemists open on Sunday, June 19
SWANLEY Village Pharmacy, 15 Main Road, Hextable. 11am to noon. GRAVESEND & NORTHFLEET Williams Chemist, 120 Vale Road, Northfleet. 11am to noon and 6pm to 7pm. DARTFORD & GREENHITHE Asda, Station Road, Greenhithe. 10am to 4pm. Boots
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Brother takes pride in biker funeral
THE brother of a biker who was laid to rest in a white coffin, spoke of his pride after a motorcycle cavalcade formed the funeral procession. Jeff Waterton 49, of Saxon Walk, Foots Cray, spoke after more than 100 people attended his brother David's funeral
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News in brief
GIVE BLOOD: The National Blood Service is holding two donation sessions today in the Walnut and Poplar suites of the Woodlands Centre, Hilda May Avenue, Swanley, from 2pm to 4.30pm and from 5.30pm to 8pm. For more details, call 0845 7711 711. FLORAL
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£100m project gets go-ahead
A £100m building project to regenerate the oldest part of Thamesmead is to go ahead. The nine-year scheme to rebuild and modernise the Tavy Bridge area was given planning permission by Bexley Council, despite reservations. Although councillors described
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Fun day aiming to be a knockout
A HOSPITAL is asking organisations to take part in a fun day to raise money for seriously ill children. Darent Valley Hospital will be holding a family event on July 2, at Acacia Halls, Dartford, to boost its Lollipop appeal. The appeal, which will
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Air fair will bid fond farewell to pair of jets
THIS year's Biggin Hill Air Fair will be bidding a fond farewell to two jets as they bow out of active service. The RAF Jaguar and Royal Navy Sea Harrier end their careers later this year. But before then they will perform their penultimate display
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Cash through pedal power
A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD schoolboy got on his bike for charity and raised more than £150 by cycling 32 miles. Anthony King, of Kemsley Close, Northfleet, took part in this year's Thames Bridge Bike Ride in aid of the Stroke Association. He rode his mountain
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Veterans share their war memories
SECOND World War survivors were given a reminder of life in the 1940s at a thank you event. People were asked to contribute their personal memories of the war to become a VIP guest at the event held in a giant marquee at Hall Place, Bourne Road, Bexley
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Blog 14 by Wendy
At last it seems summer is truly here. I've probably said that too soon and now it will rain for the next five days! I have been really busy, and today I have had a whole day off, which is rare at the moment. I've been juggling my student midwifery duties
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Water Torture
THE media tells us to cut down on water because we will probably have a drought this summer. Travelling on the motorway you can see farmers watering their fields. The water board has increased bills but if we cannot use the water we should get a rebate
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Flowerbed logo acts as recycling reminder
A NEW ornamental flowerbed has been planted to remind people to recycle. The bed, in the gardens of Hall Place, Bourne Road, Bexley, has been planted in compost from Bexley's own recycled green waste. Pilea and silver dust plants have been used to create
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Range of displays help festival pack a punch
IT WAS fun all the way at the 14th annual Erith Riverside Festival. Thousands of people flocked to the Riverside Gardens, off Erith High Street, to enjoy stalls and sideshows from groups and charities and a host of other entertainments. The KTB Academy
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Diet Demon
CHARLTON Athletic soar like a lark at the start of every football season and plummet to earth at the end. This is such a regular occurrence the Addicks are ridiculed by football commentators. Why do Charlton lack stamina? Could the reason be poor diet
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Council to help with tall tales
HOMEOWNERS no longer need to suffer the misery caused by high hedges. New powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 mean neighbours who cannot resolve disputes can now ask their council to intervene. Since the legislation came into force on June
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Missing politics
IT HAS been a month now since the General Election but has anybody seen or heard from the two candidates since? Mr Pond has not been heard of since the night he lost his job, his columns in the paper disappeared. But Mr Holloway, who spent a great deal
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Chance for carers to relax with week full of entertaining events
PEOPLE who spend their time caring for others are getting a little pampering this week. To celebrate Carers' Week, a host of activities are taking place to enable carers to relax, have fun and pick up useful information about services to make their lives
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News in brief
RASH DECISION: A nappy picnic and nappy stalls are part of Real Nappy Week in Bexley next week, encouraging parents and carers to use realnappies instead of disposables. There will be nappy stalls in the shopping mall in Bexleyheath next Monday from 9.30am
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Volunteers needed to help carers
A SMALL team of volunteers is being recruited by a support group to help with a welfare benefits project. Carers Support (Bexley) is looking for people who can spare three or four hours a week to visit carers in their homes and help them fill in benefit
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Trust the force
I AM writing in response to the letter from Mr Kevin Trueman (You Cannot Tell Me Crime Isn't Rising, News Shopper, June 1). Police performance for the past year has shown control of serious crime and significant reductions in crimes such as burglaries
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Safety scheme has bright idea
NEW street lamps are to be installed in Welling as part of a safety scheme. The light will be clearer than from ordinary street lamps and will improve visibility. The lamps will be fitted over three months in parts of Bellegrove Road and the whole of
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Supermarket will clean up its act
SAINSBURY'S has promised to act after being accused of bringing rats to a residential area. People living near the firm's store in Blackfen Road, Blackfen, complained to Bexley Council nearly a year ago about the company's practice of dumping out-of-date
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Join nature reserve group to reed about improvements
REED beds are the latest addition to a riverfront nature reserve on Erith Marshes. Owned and managed by Thames Water, Crossness Nature Reserve, off Norman Road, Belvedere, has been playing host to volunteers who were helping warden Karen Sutton to plant
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ID card supporters should think again
PEOPLE who believe identity cards are just a means of carrying around a few personal details should think again. Behind the card, a massive computer system is proposed which will carry extensive information on every citizen. A whole range of officials
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Top marks for school places
BEXLEY is at the top of the class when it comes to finding places for children in its primary schools. This year 96 per cent of children have been given a place at one of the three schools chosen by their parents. Every year more than 2,500 children
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Learn online at libraries
ONLINE learning was just one of the topics covered during adult learners' week in Bexley. People interested in changing their careers, improving their skills or taking up a new hobby were able to take advantage of free or subsidised taster sessions.
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Chemists open on Sunday, June 19
NORTH BEXLEY, BARNEHURST, ERITH & THAMESMEAD Stelling Road, Chemist, 40 Stelling Road, Erith. 6pm to 7pm. Safeway, 2 Twin Tumps Way, Thamesmead. 10am to 4pm. 7 Day Chemist, 175a Bellegrove Road, Welling. 9am to 11pm. NCC Chemist, CWS Store, 71
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Women check out Help a Heart Week
THE British Heart Foundation (BHF) used last week's Help a Heart Week by calling on women to get a check-up. More than 2,000 women a week die in Britain from heart-related illnesses. Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup, held events to promote a healthy lifestyle
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Poor diet could explain slumps
CHARLTON Athletic soar like a lark at the start of every football season and plummet to earth like a pheasant at the end of each season. This is such a regular occurrence, the Addicks are ridiculed by football commentators for their annual flash-in-the-pan
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We must try to stop the bridge
THE Green Party has consistently warned the proposed Thames Gateway Bridge would simply lead to more traffic and more pollution. Academic research commissioned by the Greens on behalf of objectors shows both sides of the Thames will be hit by massive
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Meadows must be preserved
I AM in complete agreement with Christine Hird regarding the stable block in Footscray Meadows. The plans are not displayed in a prominent position but I would urge those interested in preserving the meadows to view the plans. They can be seen at Sidcup
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Embarrassed for sport centre’s staff
I HAVE just returned from the official opening of the new Erith Sports Centre. With two top athletes and the mayor attending and around 30 to 40 other VIP guests, you would have thought someone would have told the community there was to be free use of
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Think about animal testing
REGARDING the letter Sickened By Animal Research Hypocrisy (News Shopper, May 11). I have heard all these arguments before in a letter from the Home Office: the strict rules governing research, the difficulty of obtaining permission for experiments and
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Punishment is not enough
A VIETNAMESE illegal immigrant (Youth Grew 270 Cannabis Plants, News Shopper, June 1) arrived here in November last year. By December he was arrested for growing cannabis in one property and tending another batch in another property, illegally running
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Our students have no choice of venue
REGARDING your story Adult Winners at Bexley College (News Shopper, May 25). After reading the article about Karamsing Hamdard's success as an adult learner, I felt extremely insulted by his remarks. I quote "he felt safe studying at his Gurdwara rather
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To the point
BACKING THE BRIDGE: I am tired of all the adverse publicity on the proposed Thames Gateway Bridge. It promises to provide pedestrian pavements, cycle lanes and most important of all lanes for public transport. Statistics show London has the lowest car
