Archive
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Plough, High Road, Wilmington
Drink 3/5 Decor 4/5 Food 3/5 Price 4/5 Atmosphere 4/5 Staff 4/5 BELIEVE it or not, I have a group of Quakers to thank for my latest pleasurable jaunt into deepest Kent. Having read about Hextable's ongoing fight to have its own parish council, I decided
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Aladdin and the Christmas lights
BRIAN Conley arrives at Dartford's Orchard Theatre in December to star as Aladdin in this year's pantomime. But before this, you can see Brian when he comes to the town centre this Saturday to switch on Dartford's Christmas lights. Festivities start
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Comedy news
A WEEKLY comedy club is bringing laughs to Friday nights in Bromley. Club organiser Mike Fox says a cross section of people of all ages are becoming regulars at the stand-up nights held at the Bromley United Services Club. The cabaret-style evenings
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Children's theatre
YOUNGSTERS can enter a magical watery world with Spirallina the mermaid, while learning about disability and difference. The Mermaid and the Mirror, for children aged three to seven, is part of the Xposure05 festival which showcases disability arts
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Super ska stars hitting the streets
BUSKING stars The Dualers were back on the streets to launch their latest single. Brothers Si Cristone and Tyber O'Neil have built up a big following busking all over south London and Kent in the past nine years. Last year, News Shopper spoke to the
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Live music from a golden age
ROCKIN' On Heaven's Door brings together some of the 20th Century's most enduring musical icons. The show features musicians paying tribute to Eddie Cochran, Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison and the King, represented by Richard Atkins' version of Elvis in Vegas
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Concert news
ASUCCESSFUL youth band is bringing favourite film scores to life this Sunday but its bandleader warns this may be the last concert unless more youngsters get involved. Musicmasters are led by top saxophonist Alan Holmes (pictured). The 20-piece band
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Fairies with attitude
COMIC opera Iolanthe was first performed in 1882. But Gilbert and Sullivan's satire about reforming the House of Lords is still a topical subject today. Iolanthe is a romantic comedy revolving around a battle of wits and wills between the Kingdom of
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Concert news
A SUCCESSFUL youth band is bringing favourite film scores to life this Sunday but its bandleader warns this may be the last concert unless more youngsters get involved. Musicmasters are led by top saxophonist Alan Holmes (pictured). The 20-piece band
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Bleak time for UK’s hauliers
A HAULAGE firm boss says the industry is in crisis and is predicting a major recession if the cost of diesel continues to climb. Andy Tooth, the director of LV Transport Ltd, says he feels the battle against fuel prices is a "lost cause". Diesel prices
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Enjoying a taste of other cultures
THE end of Diwali and Ramadan brought a community together at a celebration of diversity. Community leaders, Orbit Housing residents and staff ate a variety of food and enjoyed traditional music at the association's offices in West Street, Erith. Orbit
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Heat is on at church
ONE cold church is hoping to turn the heat up on its congregation by raising funds for a new heating system. Christ Church, Victoria Road, Erith, is a Grade II Listed building and contains magnificent wall frescoes. It is launching its fundraising
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Have say on park
PEOPLE interested in helping with the upkeep of a park will have the chance to express their views. Footscray Meadow, North Cray Road, Sidcup, is set to get a friends' group to work with the Bexley Council on projects ranging from wildlife surveys to
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Living life beyond the Boyzone
Boyband superstar Stephen Gately has swapped the stadium for the theatre. After recent West End roles he is about to appear in his first pantomime. He chats to GEMMA WHEATLEY .... IT HAS certainly been a stormy few years for former Boyzone heart-throb
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Learning how to save a life
CHILDREN learned more about keeping safe at a day-long workshop. The Junior Citizen event at Beckenham Place Park, Catford, taught youngsters aged 10 and 11 more about issues such as fire safety and coping with bullying. Groups including the police,
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Helping fight against cancer
CANCER fundraisers are celebrating after raising £500,000. The West Wickham Cancer Research UK committee has reached the milestone after 42 years of events and activities in the area. These include house-to-house collections, street collections, fairs
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Learning new paint skills
A COMMUNITY area damaged by fire last year has been turned into a bit of a jungle. A mural in a corridor at the lifelong learning unit at the Howbury Centre, Slade Green Road, Slade Green, was destroyed by the blaze. But thanks to the hard work of
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News in brief
HELP NEEDED: Bexley's library service is looking for volunteers to deliver books and talking books to housebound readers unable to get to a library. Volunteers need to be able to offer one morning a month and full training is given. For further information
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Save the world
I HAVE lived and worked in Lewisham all my life and in recent years have found it impossible to ignore how our summers are getting longer and our winters milder. Evidence is all around us every day climate change is happening now. On December 7 our
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To the point
NO MORE ORDERS: Who are they to tell us to ban Christmas? Who are they that come into our country, claim all and then run us down? Who are they to dictate what we can and cannot do? Wake up Britain. It is about time you thought of your own people instead
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Do not destroy historic wharf
IT IS good news the Greenwich Society and others are weighing in to challenge the proposal to demolish Borthwick Wharf on Deptford's waterfront and replace it with a tower block. The impact on the view from Greenwich Park is important but it's not the
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It’s time to get rid of trick or treating
HOW prophetic Tim Fox's views were in his recent star letter Too Many Children Left To Roam About (News Shopper, October 26). I hate the way Hallowe'en has been hijacked by the American import of trick or treating. Why should I have to tolerate a procession
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Chemists open on Sunday, November 20
NORTH BEXLEY, BARNEHURST, ERITH & THAMESMEAD Safeway, 2 Twin Tumps Way, Thamesmead. 10am to 4pm. 7 Day Chemist, 175a Bellegrove Road, Welling. 9am to 11pm. NCC Chemist, CWS Store, 71-79 High Street, Welling. 10am to 4pm. Roadnight Pharmacy, 88 Station
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Chemists open on Sunday, November 20
BLACKHEATH, CHARLTON & GREENWICH Sainsbury's, Horn Link Lane, Greenwich. 11am to 5pm. Boots, 196-198 Trafalgar Road, Greenwich. 6pm to 7pm. ELTHAM, KIDBROOKE, MOTTINGHAM & NEW ELTHAM Boots, 96-104 Eltham High Street, Eltham. 10am to 4pm. Dickinson's
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Chemists open on Sunday, November 20
BIGGIN HILL Morrisons, Main Road. 11am to 1pm. BROMLEY Boots, The Glades. 11am to 5pm. WEST WICKHAM Morrisons, High Street, West Wickham. 10am to 2pm. ORPINGTON Sainsbury's, Locksbottom, Farnborough. 10am to 4pm. PENGE Boots, 5 Colman House, Penge
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Beckenham the best
Sevenoaks 10 v 27 Becks Rugby Union London Two South BECKENHAM pulled in their best away result of the season beating third placed Sevenoaks. The visitor's first converted try came on 10 minutes through Leigh Woodock and the boot of Pat Wright. Sevenoaks
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Defensive woes see Bromley fall
Boreham Wood 4 v 1 Bromley FA Trophy 2nd Round Qualifying BROMLEY limped out of the FA Trophy after being comprehensively outclassed for an hour in Hertfordshire. From the beginning The Wood, who are top of Southern League Eastern Division, tore Bromley
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Eric set for a roaring fight with the flames
ST PAUL'S Cray driver Eric Falce is taking to the Brands Hatch circuit this weekend in the British Automobile Racing Club Southern Saloon Track Race Car Series. It is the last round of the championship and unfortunately Eric, 66, has no chance of winning
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Selhurst Shouts
TEAM NEWS: Jon Macken, Danny Butterfield and Mikele Leigertwood are all expected to return to the first-team frame for the trip to the Withdean, though Aki Riihilahti and Andy Johnson perhaps still have some work to do to make the trip. Despite playing
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Westcombe pushed to the limit by feisty Cinderford
Westcombe Park 37 v 24 Cinderford Rugby Union National League Division Three WESTCOMBE Park returned to winning ways against Cinderford from Gloucestershire's Forest of Dean, writes Mike Attewell. Cinderford had suffered a poor start to the season
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He’s young, talented and the captain of Charlton
By Terry Cordwell WHEN Gary Neville limped off during a Manchester United Champions League qualifier at the end of August, Charlton's Luke Young probably would not have thought too much of it. The ultra-consistent Addicks right-back had recently become
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Get ready for Exiles
THE Kent Exiles American Football team kick-off their preperations for the 2006 season on Sunday with the first of two player evaluation days. The event will be held at the Exiles training ground at Orpington Rugby Club, from 11am to 2pm. Registrations
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Players Wanted
Hayden Youth under-12s needs good players for B Division team. Lorraine 01322 556507. Burnt Ash (Bexley) H.C., club of the year 2005, welcomes senior/junior players and umpires. 020 8858 6057 or burntashhockeyclub.com Players wanted for under-13s
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Club struggle at their own Waterloo
Waterloo 27 v 14 Blackheath Rugby Union National League Two BLACKHEATH welcomed back player/coach Harvey Biljon and prop Steve Pope after long-term injuries but the south Londoners still fell to their sixth consecutive league defeat. Their hosts Waterloo
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New Den News Special
AT A special meeting between members of the Millwall board and supporters' representatives Theo Paphitis was candid about the situation regarding the top seat. He made it clear the search for a new chairman was ongoing and the person being sought needed
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Richard revels in centre work
A MAN with a muscle-wasting disease is set to receive a medal in recognition of his voluntary work at a youth centre. Richard Gough, 23, has been a member of the Sidcup Youth Centre team for two years and was nominated for the award by staff. The award
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Ladies hit Fulham for six in clinical show of football
Fulham 0 v 6 Charlton Women's Premiership CHARLTON Ladies returned to the top of the league with a convincing win over London rivals Fulham. It took the Addicks just 30 seconds to dispel the memory of the hard-fought victory against Fulham earlier
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Beckenham new boys prove a point to Rose
S Green 1 v 1 Beckenham Kent League Cup THE Kent League Cup got under way instyle with a game which fizzed and buzzed right from the kick off all the way through to its dramatic finale. It was appropriate Green's last gasp hero was Glen McTaggart
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Shop front wrecked by raiders
POLICE are appealing for information after an attempted burglary at a kebab shop. Valley Grill Kebabs, Valley Drive, Gravesend, was ram-raided at 3.54am. The owner of the shop, who had been asleep in the flat above, was woken by a loud bang and looked
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Good, bad and ugly for Burnt Ash hockey men
Burnt Ash 1 v 3 Sutton V South Hockey League HIGH-FLYING Sutton Valence visited Ash at Hurstmere School and grabbed the points late in the game. Valence opened the scoring from a short corner early in the game which produced plenty of end-to-end action
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Feeling the rhythm of self-defence
YOUNGSTERS learned more about South American culture as they practised an ancient martial art. Ten young people aged 13 to 19 years old were given a crash course in capoeira, at the Southlake Youth Centre, Seac- ourt Road, Thamesmead. Capoeira is
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Long wait is over for crash victim
A SINGLE mum who suffered head injuries when she was run over has been given the all clear nearly eight months after the accident. Rachel King, 33, made the headlines in June when she was told she could be waiting more than 18 months for a brain scan
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Slippery slope to funding and 2012 Olympic glory
SIDCUP skier Aaron Tipping has been handed sponsorship on the back of London's successful Olympic bid. The 15-year-old, who is a member of the British Youth Ski Team, will be part of a new government funded Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS)
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Players Wanted
Crayford Arrows under-16s need a goalkeeper. Steve 01322 409701. Girls under-14s team requires Goalkeeper. Must be in Year 8 or 9. Stuart 020 8859 6106. OLY under-16s Bexley A Division side based at Metro Gas, Eltham, requires good quality players.
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News in brief
FOOTBALL WORK: Seven Charlton Athletic players have signed up to be ambassadors for the club's community work. The seven Luke Young, Darren Bent, Jonathan Fortune, Chris Powell, Bryan Hughes, Matt Holland and Darren Ambrose - will represent the Addicks
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Patient flees from secure psychiatric unit
POLICE are appealing for information on the whereabouts of a man who fled from a psychiatric unit. Bruce Wacha was last seen at private hospital, Cygnet Wing, in Blackheath Hill, Greenwich, on October 24. The 30-year-old, who was being detained at the
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Warning goes out to retailers of toy guns
PARENTS are being warned to be on their guard if they buy a toy gun for their child at Christmas. An investigation has found that nearly one in three shops in the Greenwich borough are selling toy guns which fail to meet the national safety standard
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Welling fall on trip to the seaside
Weymouth 2 v 1 Welling Nationwide Conference South WELLING United were narrowly beaten by Weymouth ahead of their host's sell out FA Cup replay against Nottingham Forest. Weymouth will be ready for the League One side having extended their unbeaten
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Remembrance message sent
HUNDREDS of young and old people joined forces to pay tribute to the nation's war heroes. Events took place in Lewisham and Greenwich at the weekend to mark Remembrance Sunday. The National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, provided the starting point for
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Cray’s Main man cleans up Staines in cup thriller
Cray Wanderers 4 v 3 Staines FA Trophy 2nd Round Qualifying CRAY Wanderers pulled off one of the giant killing acts of the FA Trophy by beating Staines Town of the Ryman Premier Division. At kick-off 30 league places separated the sides but at the
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Ex BNP member lands legal bill
THE leader of Lewisham's Liberal Democrats has spoken of his relief after he was cleared of libelling a British National Party (BNP) candidate. Councillor Mark Morris was sued by rival Tess Culnane, after she claimed his party published a malicious election
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News in brief
FORMER MEMBERS: Seeking all old friends of Lily Deaves, who went to the branch of the World Young Women's Christian Association, in Downham Way, Downham, in 1939. They will be senior citizens now but it would be nice to meet up once more. For more information
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Cash goes to communities
RESIDENTS are set to get their say on where they would like to see money spent in their area. The Locality Fund is a £5,000 community chest made available to each residential ward, under a pilot scheme introduced by Lewisham Council. The money can be
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Order in for £4m piazza
COUNCIL bosses have secured £4m of Government funding to pay for the transformation of a train station. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has agreed to contribute the money towards the redevelopment of Deptford station, which will include shops
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Players Wanted
Dartford FC under-17s requires players. Eric 01322 273602. Ryfield FC under-11s requires good quality players. Tony 07952 425883. Erith & Belvedere under-8s requires Goalkeeper. Telephone 07790 365910.
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Pile of rubble gives visitors mean time
ANGRY residents claim an unsightly pile of rubbish is turning a popular tourist area into a "grubby building site". Millions of tourists visit the centre of Greenwich every year to look round the Royal Observatory and see the Cutty Sark. But visitors
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Youngsters believe they are healthy
A NEWLY-published survey reveals most children in Lewisham and Greenwich think they are healthy places to live in. Around 88 per cent of 10 to 14-year-olds in the boroughs claim their health is good, as do 84 per cent of 14 to 19-year-olds. Elsewhere
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Exercise helps students peak
INTREPID students confronted their demons by climbing one of Britain's highest mountains. The 18 pupils from Blackheath High School, Vanbrugh Park, Blackheath, conquered the 1,085m-high Mount Snowdon, in north Wales. The students took part in the climb
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News in brief
CASH ATTACK: A 20-year-old man has been robbed at a cash point in Perry Street, Northfleet. Three teenagers approached the victim, who cancelled his transaction and ran towards Pelham road. He was punched and his cash card was taken, although he refused
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Connected to pile of bones
POLICE are appealing for information on the whereabouts of an Irishman in connection with the discovery of bones in woodland. Kent Police's major crime department has confirmed the bones found on October 19 in Horton Wood, near Fawkham, belonged to a
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Dog owners could land in fine mess
A COUNCIL has launched a fresh appeal asking residents to do the dirty and report dog owners who they see failing to pick up their pet's mess. Gravesham Council says it will exert a zero-tolerance policy on dog owners who persistently allow their animals
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'Dartford is buzzing, it is the dawn of a new era'
Monday, November 14, 2005, will long be remembered as the glorious day Dartford FC took their first concrete step back home. Sports editor TIM ASHTON reports... SHOUT it loud and shout it clear, Dartford FC are coming home. The talking has finished,
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MP gives reason for terror vote
GRAVESHAM MP Adam Holloway has defended his decision not to back the Terrorism Bill in last week's Commons vote. The Tory MP has received a number of "extremely angry" emails from constituents who were dismayed he voted for 28 days' detention without
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Darts march on in FA Trophy
Margate 0 v 1 Dartford FA Trophy 2nd Round Qualifying AS IF Monday was not exciting enough for Darts fans, the players also secured one of the results of FA Trophy weekend. Margate of Ryman Division One fell to a wonderful piece of individual skill
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Change in booze law leaves future foggy
PUB and bar bosses are divided over fears new licensing laws will delay violence. Government proposals to combat binge drinking by introducing continental-style 24-hour licensing laws seem to have fallen short. Most bars and pubs have applied for just
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Gravesend black belts
SINCE becoming the first club of its kind in Kent to be accepted in the Professional Unification of Martial Arts (PUMA), Gravesend Taekwon-Do has gone from strength to strength. Four students have become first-degree black belts while a fifth has been
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Safety puts golfers off
GOLFERS have been told to pack away their clubs after a course was closed on grounds of health and safety. The course was closed on advice from contractors Jackson Construction which is working on the neighbouring Princes Park Stadium, Dartford. The
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Thieves hit tackle shop
POLICE are appealing for information after burglars made off with £50,000 of fishing equipment. The thieves broke into the sports hall at Cascades Leisure Centre, Thong Lane, Gravesend, by smashing through a wall with equipment they took with them.
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VALLEY VIEW
TWO Charlton away fixtures next year have been rearranged so they can be shown on Sky television. The Addicks will now take on defending league champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge at 1.30pm on Sunday, January 22, rather than the previous day, and Charlton's
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Paul puts back into funding trip
A FORMER News Shopper paperboy is doing a sponsored run to raise cash for volunteer work in South America. Paul Nash will run 10km backwards on November 27 to raise funds for a conservation expedition to Ecuador in January. The 21-year-old resident
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Injury time winner leaves Daish with guts ripped out
Aldershot 3 v 2 Fleet Nationwide Conference IT IS probably safe to say Tim Sills will not be on Gravesend boss Lian Daish's Christmas card list this year after rocking his side with an injury-time winner just like he did last year, writes Jon Couch
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Callaghan steps up for Commonwealth title
ONE of north Kent's premier boxers is preparing to do battle for the Commonwealth featherweight title. Marc Callaghan, 27, faces Jackson Asiku on November 18 at the Goresbrook Leisure Centre, Dagenham. Marc, from Days Lane, Blackfen, trains at Soul
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Group angered by learning bill
A PARENT teacher group fears new proposals for a national curriculum in pre-schools could lead to league tables for under-fives. Spokesman for the Kent-based National Confederation of Parent Teacher Associations, Margaret Morrissey, says the Childcare
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‘Future bleak’ for country’s hauliers
A HAULAGE firm boss says the industry is in crisis and is predicting a major recession if the cost of diesel continues to climb. Andy Tooth, the director of LV Transport Ltd, Norfolk Road, Gravesend, says he feels the battle against fuel prices is a
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Try keeping yourself fit the country way
RESIDENTS are being encouraged to ditch the gym and join a free outdoor fitness and activity regime. The North West Kent Green Gym is a new scheme with a difference. Starting in January, residents can take part in open air countryside conservation
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Three involved in pub brawl
THREE drinkers have been punished for their part in a 15-man pub brawl. Jonathon Ford, aged 22, Daniel Dunn, aged 25, and Danny Long, aged 22, got involved in a fight at the Guy Earl of Warwick, Welling High Street. The Old Bailey heard how the fight
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Port authority wins award
THE authority which manages a 95-mile-long tidal portion of the Thames has won an environmental award. The Port of London Authority (PLA), the body which manages and maintains services for ships using the Port of London, has been awarded the EcoPorts
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Electrician took his own life
AN ELECTRICAN jumped 200ft to his death after becoming depressed over a failed bid to sail to the Canary Islands. Gravesend Coroner's Court heard how witnesses watched in horror as Jason Sims stopped his car on the QEII Bridge before getting out and
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Parking campaign is ‘punishing traders’
TRADERS have hit back at campaigners who are lobbying the council to increase parking. Dave Brown and Eileen Harding have launched the Can't Park, Won't Shop campaign following reductions to car parking in Gravesend town centre. The pair designed car
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News in Brief
PUB REGULARS: Have you been propping up the bar of your favourite boozer for decades? News Shopper wants to hear your tales of change, famous visitors and what you like about your favourite local. Call Alison White on 01689 885715 or email alisonw@london.newsquest.co.uk
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Music workshops in funding boost
A MUSIC company has bagged more than £4,000 of Lottery funding to work on a new schools' project. Shiva Nova, an eclectic musical company, is set to put on six weeks of workshops with schools across Gravesham. It follows a grant of £4,340 from the
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Pennies from heaven
A MINISTER who cycled 977 miles in aid of charity is asking sponsors to send in their cash. Gravesend Methodist Church's Reverend Andrew Lindley set off from Land's End to John O'Groats on August 8. The grandfather-of-two hoped it would take no more
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Accidental death verdict at inquest
A MOTORCYCLIST died on Christmas Eve after he crashed into a roundabout at 60mph, an inquest has heard. Gravesend Coroner's Court was told how Ian Armstrong, 38, was thrown from his Yamaha motorbike by the impact of the collision. He landed on the
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News in brief
PURSE THIEF: A resident who visited a neighbour returned five minutes later to discover her purse missing. A man with a dog was seen to enter the house, in Pilots Place, Gravesend, through the back door on October 21. He is described as white, aged around
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Committed suicide hanging from tree
A PENSIONER removed his wedding ring before hanging himself from a tree, an inquest has heard. Gravesend Coroner's Court was told how Dennis Crothall, 76, was found hanging from a tree in woodland at Ifield Road, Shorne, by two passing youths. Mr Crothall
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Carnival needs to keep on running
A CHAIRMAN is warning a 39-year-old tradition will be lost forever if a community does not give its support. Northfleet Carnival began entertaining revellers in 1966 but chairman Dave Taylor fears it will go under if new committee members are not found
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Pub wins opening hours extension
A PUB has been granted extended opening hours, despite complaints from the police and environmental health. The Chequers pub, in Darenth Road South, Darenth, will remain open from 11am to 11pm with an additional 20 minutes' drinking up time from Monday
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Volunteers given training aid
FIRST aid volunteers hoping to join ambulance crews put their training into action at a practice day. The British Red Cross, Pelham Road, Gravesend, held the event for volunteers. Around a dozen trainees took part in the exercise, which saw them reacting
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Congregation digs deep for earthquake victims
THE Sikh community has donated £5,000 to help victims of the Pakistan earthquake. The money was raised by members from Nanak Darbar Grudwara Gravesend's Sikh temple. Members began collecting donations from the 500-strong congregation shortly after
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Community work to be celebrated at service
A COUNSELLING centre is set to celebrate three years of helping the community with a thanksgiving service. The Oasis Counselling Centre, East Hill, Dartford, has provided free advice for more than 500 residents in Dartford, Gravesend and Swanley since
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Colourful time at Rainbow event
YOUNGSTERS from Rainbow groups across the borough assembled for their annual get-together. More than 60 children from Gravesend's seven Rainbow clubs enjoyed a day of singing, games and crafts at Dallen Hall, Hive Road, Northfleet. The event, Rainbow
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News in Brief
PHONE ATTACK: A 28-year-old man was left with injuries to his arms and face after six teenagers tried to steal his mobile phone. One of them punched the victim in Heath Street, Dartford, at 10pm. The gang then chased him to Highfield Road. Anyone with
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Eyesight treatment for diabetics
DIABETICS at risk of going blind can now have a free test which can detect retinal bleeding early enough to allow treatment. Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley Primary Care Trust (PCT) is providing annual retinal screening for patients at risk of a complication
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Rail fans gather for track day
RAILWAY enthusiasts and their families enjoyed a day of steaming fun at a train exhibition. The sports hall at North West Kent College, Lower Higham Road, Gravesend, was packed with 1,000 rail fans eager to see their favourite locomotive. The train
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Work under way at new wildlife area
WORK has begun on a new wildlife and pond area for schoolchildren and residents. The team behind the project at Sweyne Junior School, Keary Road, Swanscombe, is being led by Land Securities, the company which is behind the multi-million pound Eastern
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CHEMISTS OPEN ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20
GRAVESEND & NORTHFLEET Darnley Pharmacy, 17 Pelham Road, Gravesend. 11am to noon. Nicholson & Keep, 1 The Parade, Valley Drive, Gravesend. 6pm to 7pm. SWANLEY Swanley Pharmacy, 47 Swanley Centre. 11am to noon. DARTFORD & GREENHITHE Asda, Station Road
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News in brief
ROAD TINKER: Changes in road layouts and traffic signals will allow motorists to turn right from Upper Wickham Lane, Welling, into Bellegrove Road. People are being asked to take extra care until everyone gets used to the new traffic movements. The changes
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Crooks face a team anti-crime operation
A NEW joint operation has been launched to curb the rising rate of burglaries in Bexley. Last year Bexley had the lowest rate of burglaries for five years but now numbers are creeping up again and now average at more than five a week. Operation Eris
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News in Brief
FUN DAY OUT: Make friends, play bingo or just come and have some lunch at the Northfleet Day Centre. Northfleet Age Concern, Coldharbour Road, Northfleet, welcomes residents aged 50 or over on weekdays from 9am to 4pm. Lunch and transport to and from
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Pupils’ playtime gets grant boost
CHILDREN can now spend playtime climbing and jumping after their school was awarded a £5,000 grant. The cash was used by staff at Darenth Primary School to improve the play area for its 93 pupils. A climbing frame with poles, chains and steps is now
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Families team up for learning fun
FAMILIES have proved learning as a group can be lots of fun. They were taking part in Bexley's Family Learning Week and enjoying a host of free activities on offer at venues across the borough. More than 600 adults and children learned how to make fans
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Children get into character during school’s book week
CHILDREN have discovered the joy of reading after a week of fun to celebrate words. To mark book week at Sutton-at Hone Primary School, teachers lined up a range of activities to inspire their 250 pupils, aged between four and 11 years old. Youngsters
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Money finally gets to hospital
GREAT Ormond Street has at last got a £500 donation it was promised in the memory of a dead schoolgirl. The children's hospital should have received the cash last year, after donations were collected from shopkeepers in Northumberland Heath in memory
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Not calm
WILL someone please explain the rationale for the speed-calming roadworks along Baldwyns Park Road, Joydens Wood to commence on November 7? No-one can possibly speed along this road anyway because of all the parked cars. MRS D GOULD Joydens Wood
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Charity marks 40 years of support
A CHARITY which supports and campaigns for old people is celebrating 40 years in the borough today. Age Concern Bromley celebrated the event with a poetry recital, music and a large cake. Initially the charity was set up to make life easier for people
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Interesting point
HAVING just received a windfall from Bexley Council of 11 years' overpaid council tax, due to a mistake in grading by them, I would like to know although minimal, am I and the others involved within our rights to claim interest? After all, the excess
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Flying ticket
AFTER reading about the air ambulance landing in Welling (Grounded In High Street, News Shopper, November 2), it makes you realise what a hazardous job the pilot has. Not only was he being observed by the camera which monitors the bus lane but also
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Government inspectors praise ‘friendly’ school
THE first school in the borough to be inspected under the new Ofsted system has been praised. Cator Park School, Beckenham, was described as "welcoming, friendly, open and honest", in the report by the Government's education watchdog. The Lennard Road
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Children keep safe at event
CHILDREN learned more about keeping safe during a day-long workshop. The Junior Citizen event, at Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham Hill, taught youngsters aged 10 and 11 more about issues such as fire safety and coping with bullying. Groups including
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News in Brief
GIVE BLOOD: The National Blood Service comes to Orpington Halls, High Street, Orpington, tomorrow from 1.45pm to 4.30pm and 5.30pm to 8pm. There are also sessions at the Crooked Billet, Southborough Lane, Bromley, on Friday from 1.40pm to 4.30pm and 5.30pm
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Who are they?
WHO are they to tell us to ban Christmas? Who are they to come into our country, claim all and everything, then run us down? Who are they to dictate what we can and cannot do? Who are they to tell us what hymns we can and cannot sing? Who are they
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Public told to throw away threatening letter
A THREATENING letter warning people they will be abused if they do not send money should be binned, according to trading standards officers. The letter from someone calling themselves Morgan T talks about a premonition of bad luck after December 11.
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Minicab scheme hailed a success
A PIONEERING scheme to improve the safety of revellers has been hailed a "blinding" success. A marshalled taxi rank has operated in Market Square, Bromley, on Friday and Saturday nights for the past three months. It is now being extended to cover the
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Park pain
I RAISED at a recent meeting of Bexley Council the serious problems caused by large numbers of youth congregating in Penhill Park until the early hours of the morning. They have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to a changing rooms building
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Young swimmers go to great lengths
YOUNG swimmers made a splash to raise money to help a mother buy cancer-fighting drugs. Members of Orpington-based Ojays Swimming Club were inspired by the News Shopper story of Senay Pasifull, 34, who needs £40,000 to buy the drug herceptin and stop
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Lighting up hospice grounds
THOUSANDS of tree lights will be illuminated to remember loved ones at Christmas. St Christopher's Hospice, Lawrie Park Road, Sydenham, is inviting people to dedicate a light to someone. Lights on the remembrance tree in the hospice grounds can be
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News in Brief
TRADE FAIRLY: A fair trade event will take place on Saturday, in Christ Church, Charterhouse Road, Orpington. The fair will run from 11am to 3pm. Call the Orpington Trade Justice Group on 01689 854410 for more information. FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Bromley
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Fireworks are like ‘bombs’
I NOTICED in News Shopper, Councillor Sylvia Malt urges people to be careful with fireworks when celebrating Guy Fawkes night and states "fireworks can be fun". She also mentions some are extremely dangerous explosives which can cause serious injury
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Simple matter of planning language
ON OCTOBER 25 News Shopper published a letter from Alan Bannister (Church Move Is Hypocritical). In his letter Mr Bannister stated: "Bexley Council has decreed this as permitted development' and dispensed with the need for any planning application."
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Councillor is not to thank
I WAS incredulous to see the picture of Councillor Joel Briant holding a gardening fork featured in News Shopper (Gardeners Flock To Get Hold Of Allotment Plots, October 19). The reason for my disbelief is Cllr Briant was clearly attempting to claim
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Potting shed lands man in trouble
A MAN in his fifties has been cautioned for growing cannabis plants in a garden shed. He was arrested following a police raid in Ravensbury Road, St Paul's Cray. Ten mature plants and equipment for growing them, including lamps and foil, were found
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Hospital good except the food
THE letter from Janet Burns (Hospital Staff Gave Me Five-star Care, News Shopper, October 26) prompted me to write regarding Queen Mary's Hospital. My grandson was admitted recently and you could not fault the care and prompt attention he received.
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Fiery fun better late than never
A BELATED bonfire night went with a bang as fireworks lit up the sky over a school. Thousands of people watched the display at Crofton Infant School, Town Court Lane, Orpington, last Friday. The crowd was entertained by music from an old-time music
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Inconsiderates need a rocket
HAS all respect and consideration for our neighbours totally been abandoned? I was kept awake last night until 11pm by my neighbours setting fireworks off. Although this isn't really late, I go to bed at 10pm as I have to get up for work at 6am. I
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PC wins award for ‘outstanding’ work
A POLICEMAN has received a prestigious award for providing "outstanding" support to grieving families. PC Ian Edwards, who is based at the collision investigation unit, Catford, has worked as a family liaison officer for the past 16 years. During this
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Revised housing plans approved
A GOVERNMENT commission has given the go-ahead to the revised Royal Arsenal development. The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) says the new proposals represent a "bold and decisive move". Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott
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Wrong people took clothes
I JUST wanted to warn people about charity leaflets asking for old clothes. I put some clothes in a bag with Great Ormond Street on it by my front door with my other recycling products. I came home one day to find it had gone. I did not put it at the
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Community helps transform school
A 113-YEAR-OLD school which looked doomed 18 months ago has transformed its fortunes thanks to the "outstanding efforts" of the community. Dorset Road Infant School, Mottingham, was set to close before it was given a reprieve by the Office of the Schools
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Home work set to start next year
WORK to improve more than 8,000 homes in Lewisham is set to begin in just over a year. A timetable has been set for the homes to be transferred to new ownership under the Decent Homes programme. Decent Homes is a national target set by the Government
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‘Lady’ elbowed my daughter in head
I WOULD like to say thank you to the woman who insisted on elbowing my daughter in the head to stop her seeing Father Christmas arrive in the Broadway, Bexleyheath, on November 6. We were four adults standing in the rain with my five-year-old daughter
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Task force finds 1,000 cannabis plants during raid
OFFICERS have closed down a cannabis factory in Catford. Lewisham's Crime Task Force searched the premises at Ardgowan Road on Monday at 11.30am. The police discovered around 1,000 cannabis plants and hydroponics equipment. A man has been arrested
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Manifesto aims for grey power
PENSIONERS are hoping grey power will force decision- makers to give elderly people a better deal. The Lewisham Pensioners' Forum has published its first-ever Pensioners' Manifesto, which sets out a list of proposals designed to improve the lives of
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Second Royal flush
BOSSES at a visitor centre have proved they are no loo-sers by winning a national award for the their outstanding toilets. The Greenwich Heritage Centre, Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, has scooped the national Loo of the Year award for the second year running
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Kids travel the world
SCHOOLCHILDREN dressed up to learn more about different cultures from around the world. Classes at De Lucy School, Cookhill Road, Abbey Wood, were each assigned their own country as part of the school's International Week. Pupils dressed up in the
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Mayor criticised over school plan
MISTAKES have led to the mayor being accused of "incompetence". Mayor of Lewisham Steve Bullock has acknowledged blunders were made while planning a new school at Ladywell. He told a meeting of Lewisham Council's overview and scrutiny committee last
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Alcohol will be on sale from 9am at trio of pubs
PUBS in the borough will be open for longer once new licensing laws come into effect next week. Three Wetherspoon's pubs are among those extending their opening hours. The Wrong Un, The Broadway, Bexleyheath, is to open from 9am until midnight seven
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Pioneering surgery aims to give Anna new lease of life
A FIVE-YEAR-OLD girl whose life has been blighted by a rare disease has returned home from Berlin after undergoing extensive cosmetic surgery. Anna Hogben was born with a rare condition called PHACE, which saw a life-threatening blood-filled tumour
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News in Brief
RIDE SAFELY: Bexley Community Safety Partnership would like to remind people the pedestrianised area of the Broadway in Bexleyheath is not to be used by people riding bikes of any kind. The council's road safety team will be running cyclist training courses
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News in Brief
LISTEN UP: The restored library at Danson Mansion, Danson Park, Welling, will be the venue for a concert on December 8 from 7.30pm. St Paulinus Choir, Crayford, will be singing and the evening will include a recital on the Danson organ. Tickets must
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Archive secured thanks to grant
STAFF are celebrating after securing a grant to help safeguard a collection of archives. Bexley's Local Studies and Archive Centre received a grant of £1,100 from the Archives, Libraries and Museums, London a charity which supports and promotes the
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Victim attacked by teenage girl
A TEENAGER violated another schoolgirl with a spanner when she discovered the victim had slept with her boyfriend, a court heard. The 17-year-old girl launched a "violent and sexual" attack when the victim, aged 14, confessed during a drunken house
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Building on success of school’s pupils
STUDENTS are enjoying lessons in a new state-of-the-art maths and science building. The Golden Jubilee building, at Bexley Grammar School, Welling, has 10 new classrooms, including 32 computers and two science laboratories. The £1.3m building, named
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Making a rash decision
MUMS who want to do their bit to recycle more are being urged to ditch disposable nappies. Nappachino is a free coffee morning event which encourages parents, and their babies, to use environmentally-friendly reusable nappies. An estimated eight million
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Having a blast with big rocket
NEIGHBOURS of one school could have been forgiven a second look when they spotted a giant rocket ready for take-off on the playing field. But they were not seeing things. The largest rocket ever launched from the UK mainland was sitting on the field
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News in Brief
BLOOD SESSION: People can donate blood at clinics being held in the borough. The first is today at the Royal Oak pub, Bexley Road, Erith, from 1.40pm to 4.30pm, and 5.30pm to 8pm. The second is on November 22, at St Lawrence's Community Centre, Hamilton
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Five-star dancers in award success
A QUINTET of toe-tappers has danced its way to success in a national competition. Five girls who attend the A1 Dance School, Castlecombe Road, Mottingham, triumphed at the South Coast Masters competition, held in Bognor Regis, Sussex. Georgina Kenny
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TO THE POINT
HARD WORK: Your front-page picture (I Saw Ram Raid Gang, News Shopper, November 2) shows the devastation caused to Hextable Post Office in the early hours of October 31 by a ram-raider. Due to the hard work of our postmaster Alan, his wife Margaret and
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Evening treat
ANOTHER Hallowe'en has been and gone. It is always a slightly nervous time, particularly for older people, when trick or treaters appear on your doorstep. But this year we would like to thank parents and children for a jolly evening, with lots of "thank
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Foxes to blame for cat attacks
I AM the owner of two cats and have witnessed foxes attacking them in broad daylight on three occasions. My vet has confirmed the bite marks on my cats are those of a fox. A domestic dog gets fed regularly and does not have to hunt for food. The fox
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Pensioners deserve cheaper transport
NEARLY 10 years ago you published an article under the title Fight For Fare Deal. It outlined my campaign to get cheaper or free travel for Dartford pensioners. I was seeking the same concessions as those enjoyed by pensioners in neighbouring Sevenoaks
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TO THE POINT
BY THE BOOK: Regarding His Love For Us Is Unconditional (News Shopper, October 12). While I said in my original letter God does not approve of same-sex relationships, I was referring to the context of homosexual relationships. So while the relationship
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Large scale of fishing problem
EARLIER this year, France was fined £13.75m for "20 years of flouting EU fishing rules". This is a derisory sum for the damage caused. When I visit the Carrefour supermarket at Calais, I am appalled to see Dover sole openly on sale at the fish counter
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Mast campaign hijacked by BNP
THE British National Party recently leafleted Mead Way and the surrounding streets, claiming to support the anti-phone mast campaign. As a resident of Mead Way I am disgusted at the way the BNP have hijacked the campaign against the phone mast. This
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Setting the park record straight
THE Crystal Palace Task Group would like to set the record straight regarding the Crystal Palace dialogue. Claims the process has been conducted "behind closed doors" are misleading in the extreme. Only a handful of issues were treated confidentially
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Plans putting me off my food
LET us not kid ourselves about Tesco's plan to expand the Elmer's End branch. It was almost definite the expansion was going to happen. So Tesco has cleverly given our stupid council officials an olive branch by offering to build a bus terminal, which
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Tree disposal cut right down to size
AS IT now appears this Government is of the opinion burning wood fuel is more environmentally-friendly than burning fossil fuels, is it not time to stop and consider the practice of disposing of wood cut down by tree surgeons? I have just spent four
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Cycle lanes are waste of space
REGARDING Mr Ashford's letter (We Could Make Society Better, News Shopper, November 2). He asks "what is the point of having these (cycle) lanes in the first place?" I would say none whatsoever. In all the years we have had them I have only seen them
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Hallowe’en horror of trick or treaters
I SPEND all year pleading with my children. Don't talk to strangers. Don't take sweets from strangers or anyone you know as a bribe. Don't knock on people's doors, because you don't know who is behind them And yet once a year we encourage them to do
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Beths hosts Year Fives
The project to help Year Five children get a taste of secondary school life has started up again at Beths Grammar School in Bexley. The Curriculum Project invites 30 pupils from selected schools in the area to Beths, where they will gain an insight
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Funds to learn Spanish
Greenwich Community College has presented one of its students with an award for her outstanding achievement in Spanish A Level. Jenny Hurst, 33, from Lewisham, was thrilled to pick up an award for achieving a grade A, despite taking the AS and A2 courses
