Archive
-
Date
Towers slump
Kinder London Towers' basketball club went down to its sixth consecutive Euroleague defeat when they lost 94-72 to their counterparts at Bologna last Thursday night. John White and Terrell Myers joint top-scored with 16 points but Towers are still pointless
-
Date
Prison for fraudster
A BLACKHEATH man has been sentenced to 15 months for committing a "systematic housing benefit fraud" Shola Owolabi, aged 28, of Holborne Road, Blackheath, pleaded guilty to 12 counts of obtaining more than £20,000 in housing benefit between July 1995
-
Date
It's unlucky Bromley
Bromley failed to get the results they deserved in a National League double header at the weekend. On Saturday, they suffered a 3-2 defeat by Hounslow and then followed up on Sunday with a 3-3 draw against East Grinstead. Howes and skipper Rick Coope
-
Date
'Absurd' parking survey
POLITICAL correctness taken to the absurd, is how some people are describing the latest survey from Bexley Council. The questionnaire is being handed out to people parked in council-owned car parks. The survey asks questions like how long and how often
-
Date
Fuelled by cold weather
READING my daily paper, I was struck by the oft-repeated advertisement informing savers of another cut in interest rates, the fifth in about 18 months. During this period,the gross rate has fallen considerably. One of our major banks/building societies
-
Date
Girls make new squads
THE new cricket season is six months away, but news comes of two young female players who have been selected to take part in a new competition. Teenagers Lydia Greenway and Natalie Lane have been chosen as two of the top 48 players in the country who
-
Date
Teaching help
IT seems almost a daily occurrence to read stories about the difficulties and problems that affect education in this region and the country in general. Having worked many years within education myself, it was a pleasant and welcome surprise to learn of
-
Date
Five-star show by Becks' swimmers
IN the final round of the North Kent Junior League held on Saturday evening at Tonbridge Wells, Beckenham Swimming Club was in a league of its own. Members won 12 of the 15 relay races and were placed first or second in 21 of the 31 individual races.
-
Date
We need a litter help
'A LITTER bin, a litter bin, my kingdom for a litter bin.' To replace the one set on fire one night by our resident gang of vandals and never replaced by the local council. May I, through your paper, please ask the council to give us back our litter bin
-
Date
Combe in highest position
Westcombe Park defeated Barking for the first time in five games when the sides met in the National League 3 at Goddington Dene on Saturday. Ben Thomas went over for an early uncoverted try, but Derek Coates soon added a penalty before Hayden O'Neill
-
Date
Skinner after England vest
Athletes from Blackheath Harriers, Bromley produced a string of fine individual and team performances at the Reebok International Cross Challenge at Margate, which incorporated the Senior and Junior trial races for the European Championships in Thun,
-
Date
Get the best ale in town here!
A BEXLEYHEATH pub has been chosen as the Campaign for Real Ale's best London pub for the second year in a row. The Robin Hood and Little John pub, in Lion Road, is already Bexley Camra's favourite pub for real ales usually seven or eight on offer. Camra's
-
Date
That's my girl
A new production of a popular musical will open next week. Me and My Girl is being staged by the Ravensbourne Light Operatic Society at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley, from November 27. The show is set in the 1930s and tells the story of Lambeth barrow
-
Date
Poetry with meaning
Poetry-lovers are in for a treat in Bromley when the Ripley Poetry Club holds its next guest reading. Peter Abbs, this month's guest, is a rare writer a philosophical poet with a genuine lyric gift. His thought-provoking poems are equally arresting for
-
Date
Suntrap say goodbye to acoustic club
Bromley Acoustic Music Club will cease to exist on December 2. Continued poor audience attendance means the club, after six years of bringing high quality of acoustic music to Bromley, will hold it's last ever concert. The night will be one of the best
-
Date
Man arrested on suspicion of murder
A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 38-year-old woman was found dead at a house in Stokenchurch. Police were called to the house in Chalk Farm Road at 8.30pm on Monday. A man in his 50s is being questioned by police at High Wycombe
-
Date
Five go in search of laughs
Five of the funniest men in the history of comedy have joined forces for a night of side-splitting humour this week. Frank Carson, Duncan Norvelle, Jimmy Cricket, Norman Collier and Paul Adams have more than 100 years of joke-telling experience between
-
Date
Holmes alone
After two years of "bees and early bedtimes" in his Sussex retreat, Sherlock Holmes returns to London to attend the funeral of his old friend Dr Watson. And so begins the absorbing one man play, Sherlock Holmes The Last Act, starring Roger Llewellyn.
-
Date
DIY man finds chilling article in kitchen wall
A DIY granddad got the shock of his life when he found a newspaper cutting from September 11, 1974, in his son's kitchen wall. Frank Parradine, 62, of Oakway, Eltham, was left shaken when he found the cutting, noticed the date and then saw the headline
-
Date
VALLEY VIEW
NO VOICE: Charlton's fanzine Voice of The Valley published its 104th and final issue on Monday night, after nearly 14 years of existence. The Voice played a key role in the successful campaign for a return to the ground and became one of the best-known
-
Date
Go West!
West Side Story changed the face of musical theatre forever, a theatrical masterpiece as passionate, as gripping and as powerful today as when it first took Broadway by storm. And now it is coming to Wimbledon Theatre following an 18 month sell out run
-
Date
Jordan is playing it very cool
Palace chairman Simon Jordan has told caretaker manager Steve Kember he is in no rush to find a replacement for Steve Bruce after his resignation. Since Bruce walked out on the club Kember, along with first-team coach Terry Bullivant, have guided Palace
-
Date
Bhens' super trio
GURU Nanak Sunday climbed back into the top three in the North Kent Sunday Premier League when they thumped South Darenth 5-1, despite going a goal one down. But after that, the Gurus never looked back as Jaswinder Bhens netted a hat-superb trick, and
-
Date
Broncos are still looking for new base
London Broncos' search for a new ground for next season's Superleague goes on but club officials have ruled out Fulhan's Craven Cottage as a possible option. Broncos spokesman Nic Cart-wright said: "Although matters are still progressing well, not a lot
-
Date
Husnu's Lady Luck runs out in round four
Mehmet Husnu, first featured in the News Shopper three weeks ago, went out in the fourth round of the Benson & Hedges Snooker Champion-ship, held in Mansfield. But it was a tournament that Husnu will not forget in a hurry. He had a bye in the first
-
Date
It's grappling time
FORMER WCW supremo Vince Russo will bring together wrestling's top stars for big-fight extravaganza, which heralds the return to the ring for Bret "The Hitman" Hart. The WWA All-Stars show, featuring 20 of the top names in world wrestling, is at the London
-
Date
Jordan is playing it very cool
Palace chairman Simon Jordan has told caretaker manager Steve Kember he is in no rush to find a replacement for Steve Bruce after his resignation. Since Bruce walked out on the club Kember, along with first-team coach Terry Bullivant, have guided Palace
-
Date
Epsom and Ewell
Epsom and Ewell - a great place to live, to work and to visit! So boasts the borough's website www.epsom.townpage.co.uk and who's going to argue with that? Whatever your purpose - this site is certainly worth a pit stop before you head off over the London
-
Date
Batty follies
PLANS are afoot to spend £220,000 renovating seven Victorian follies which are home to three species of protected bats. The conservation work at Ingress Abbey means bars will be placed across the follies to stop the animals being disturbed by people.
-
Date
Batty follies
PLANS are afoot to spend £220,000 renovating seven Victorian follies which are home to three species of protected bats. The conservation work at Ingress Abbey means bars will be placed across the follies to stop the animals being disturbed by people.
-
Date
Outrage as medicine ruling condemns millions to death
Fury over generic drugs allowed to treat the killer disease Anthrax but denied to third world countries has prompted residents in Wandsworth to protest and Putney MP Tony Colman to back calls for action. Amita Aria, 34, of Upper Richmond Road, Putney
-
Date
Darts bash poorly Crawley
A fine all round performance enabled Dartfordians to easily beat lowly Crawley at Bourne Road last Saturday. There were some outstanding contributions, particularly from scrum-half Howard Evans, fly-half Bradley Jones and prop Neil Hubble and Darts were
-
Date
Roberts is top on her age group
THE Kent Cross Country League was held as part of the Reebok International Cross Country Challenge at Hartsdown Park, in Margate, last weekend. In a field made up from teams from all over Europe, the highest placing for Dartford Harriers AC came from
-
Date
A tot a day is Bessie's way
A CENTENARIAN from Forest Hill scotched health-nuts with her recipe for an extra-long life. One hundred-year-old Bessie Whitfield, who swears by her daily intake of whisky, sported a diamante tiara made by her family for the special day. And the great-great
-
Date
Peninsula is key to development
GREENWICH Peninsula is being seen as the key to the future of the community in a new draft development framework. Residents, businesses and landowners have until the end of the year to comment on the Greenwich Peninsula Development Framework. Released
-
Date
Over and out for the Wings - 10-man United go down valiantly at Reading
Welling United boss Tony Reynolds praised his team's battling performance when they lost to Nationwide Division Two side Reading by a single goal in the FA Cup first round on Saturday at the Madejski Stadium. The Wings were forced to play the entire second
-
Date
In Brief
LIGHTING UP: The Orpington Christmas lights will be illuminated at 6.30pm on November 29, by Bromley Mayor John Holbrook. After, there will be fireworks above the Walnuts shopping centre. From 5pm the centre will also host a Christmas market with rides
-
Date
Jazz band leads funeral
A TWELVE-piece New Orleans jazz band led families and friends to lay a locally-renowned musician to rest last week. Steve Morgans of West Park, Mottingham, died suddenly from a stroke and brain haemorrhage, aged 37, in the early hours of November 3. He
-
Date
Ambulance crews fight back
London: Alarming attacks on London ambulance crews have led the service to step up its campaign against people who assault its staff. Every day there is at least one attack on a London Ambulance Service member and LAS has welcomed a four-month prison
-
Date
Health funding wrangle
Health bosses must not take money from Wandsworth to make up for overspending in neighbouring boroughs, the council has warned. Instead it claims the health authority should improve local management so everybody gets a fair share of the pot. The council
-
Date
Firemen cut car roof off to save boy
A CAR roof was cut away by firemen to rescue an eight-year-old crash victim. A Volvo, containing a mother and her two sons, aged eight and 14, was stationary when a Ford Fiesta crashed into its rear on the junction of Bromley Hill and Glenbow Road, in
-
Date
Club trounced
Blackheath's second visit to the Forest of Dene in a few short weeks was not as profitable as the last against Cinderford, this time a strong Lydney side held the upper-hand and rightly deserved the points, winning 22-12. From the outset, Blackheath's
-
Date
Street wardens to keep law and order
STREET wardens may soon be patrolling two of the borough's town centres to clear up litter, graffiti and prevent anti-social behaviour. Bromley Community Safety Partnership, an umbrella group made up of representatives from Bromley Council, the police
-
Date
In Brief
WELCARE FAIR: Greenwich WelCare, which runs a parents and children centre, is holding a Christmas fair on Saturday November 24. The aim of the fair is to raise much-needed funds. The event will take place from to 4.30pm at St Michael's Hall, Blackheath
-
Date
Threat to rare marsh
A MULTI-national company could destroy an important area of Dartford Fresh Marshes by building 42,500 square metres of office space on it. The marsh is one of the last remaining unprotected wetlands in England and is a Site of Nature Conservation Interest
-
Date
Crime is up, less police on streets
STREET crime surged in Bromley last month as officers continued to be deployed to central London following the US terrorist attacks. Robberies have soared across the borough since the September 11 attacks in New York and Washington. Scotland Yard recorded
-
Date
House fire kills deaf pensioner
A DEAF Chislehurst widow died in her bed because she could not hear her smoke alarm when fire swept through her home. Doris Leatherdale, 98, who lived alone in Green Lane, died in an electrical fire on August 15. Southwark Coroners Court heard that retired
-
Date
Congestion tax could push out key workers
Wandsworth could be left short of firefighters if key workers are not exempt from the capital's plans for congestion charges, according to council leader Councillor Edward Lister. Wandsworth Council said key workers travelling to central London could
-
Date
Safety audit highlights danger of bridge crash
Kingston: Urgent work is needed on Kingston's bridges to stop vehicles plummeting onto railway lines below, a safety audit has shown. In light of the Selby rail disaster earlier this year, which left at least 10 people dead and 70 injured, all the bridges
-
Date
Did you witness attacks?
POLICE are appealing for witnesses to two vicious street robberies in Anerley just four days apart. Officers are investigating the possibility the violent incidents, which both took place in Maberley Road, may be linked. In the first incident, on November
-
Date
Lining up for lights
The Shirley Business Association is gearing up for its seventh annual Shirley Christmas Lights Street Party this Friday (November 23). The evening's festivities will kick off at 6.15pm with entertainment from the T.S. Endeavour Band followed by a performance
-
Date
Last respects paid to backpacker
MOURNERS packed Hither Green Cemetery for the funeral of Jeremy Parks, killed in Colombia. The 28-year-old graphic designer from Bromley was laid to rest after a humanist service attended by dozens of fellow backpackers. Jeremy was caught in cross-fire
-
Date
Currencies to change
HOLIDAYMAKERS are being advised to dig out their drachmas, pesetas and francs as these currencies will soon be taken out of circulation. From January 1, next year, 12 countries including Greece, Spain, France, Portugal and the Republic of Ireland will
-
Date
Bid to stop car dealing on roadside
PRIVATE dealers selling cars from the roadside are being clamped down on in a bid to clean up Bromley's streets. In one day, three cars were taken from Croydon Road, Anerley, and two cars were removed from Anerley Hill. Four of the vehicles have since
-
Date
Waste of time
Your readers should be aware of the infantile nature of the Labour-Liberal administration currently 'governing' Barnet. At the recent Council Policy Conference meeting, the Conservative Group tabled a totally non-political motion expressing the desire
-
Date
Unobtrusive eruv
I read with interest your letter from Mr N Burgess, (Intrusive Eruv', Times Letters, November 15). He states that this eruv, if erected in our borough will inflame and support anti-Semitism, but it appears that he seems to know nothing about the eruv
-
Date
'How much tolerance are eruv supporters showing?'
I would like to take Micah Levy up on his comments ('Religious bigotry', Times Letters, November 15). "Every road has telegraph poles and no-one objects". Correction not every road has telegraph poles and I've been objecting about the one opposite my
-
Date
Tree to honour deputy head
A TREE has been planted in celebration of the life of Sedgehill Secondary School teacher Pat Stack. Headteacher Ilir Phillips led the ceremony at the school in Sedgehill Road, Bellingham, with a moving tribute to her former deputy. She spoke of the way
-
Date
Yobs attack teenager
YOUTHS armed with a knife left an Orpington boy bruised and with a broken nose. The 14-year-old was walking on Tugmutton Common to Starts Hill Road when he realised he was being followed. A youth, aged about 16, asked him for the time, then produced a
-
Date
Ramblers right to roam in dispute
RAMBLERS and landowners could be locking horns on plans to open up the countryside. As the Government takes the first steps on the path to providing a new framework for access to open land, ramblers look forward to "a complete right to roam". But farmers
-
Date
Broncos are still looking for new base
London Broncos' search for a new ground for next season's Superleague goes on but club officials have ruled out Fulhan's Craven Cottage as a possible option. Broncos spokesman Nic Cart-wright said: "Although matters are still progressing well, not a lot
-
Date
There's a big cover up at the Valley!
IT was only a couple of years ago that Charlton Athletic were considering moving to the Dome now the Dome has come to The Valley! Last Thursday the Addicks unveiled its latest state-of-the-art pitch protection technology (pictured above), in the shape
-
Date
Four stars for both teams!
Charlton and West Ham drew 4-4 in the match of the season against West Ham at The Valley on Monday night. The Hammers shocked the Addicks when Paul Kitson, who had a loan spell at The Valley when they won the Division title, scored his first Premiership
-
Date
Crusade to get children to read
Author Anne Fine is determined to use her new job as children's laureate to get kids reading. She talks to MATTHEW NIXSON about Harry Potter, Enid Blyton and selling five million books. Anne Fine's early writing career, she admits, bears more than a passing
-
Date
Moral police
Your correspondent Mr Guinan wanted to ask me 'a few questions' (Illegal traders', Times Letters, November 15). I suppose it is incumbent upon me to answer them. He asks if "these people" are claiming benefits. How would I know? What is more relevant
-
Date
Unobtrusive eruv
I read with interest your letter from Mr N Burgess, (Intrusive Eruv', Times Letters, November 15). He states that this eruv, if erected in our borough will inflame and support anti-Semitism, but it appears that he seems to know nothing about the eruv
-
Date
Treehouse is here to stay
Youngsters Rahul and Vishal Mehta were celebrating this week after their pirate ship treehouse was saved from the chop. Council officers ruled the treehouse, in the back garden of a home in Goodwyn Avenue, Mill Hill, did not breach planning regulations
-
Date
Crusade to get children to read
Author Anne Fine is determined to use her new job as children's laureate to get kids reading. She talks to MATTHEW NIXSON about Harry Potter, Enid Blyton and selling five million books. Anne Fine's early writing career, she admits, bears more than a passing
-
Date
Waste of time
Your readers should be aware of the infantile nature of the Labour-Liberal administration currently 'governing' Barnet. At the recent Council Policy Conference meeting, the Conservative Group tabled a totally non-political motion expressing the desire
-
Date
Unobtrusive eruv
I read with interest your letter from Mr N Burgess, (Intrusive Eruv', Times Letters, November 15). He states that this eruv, if erected in our borough will inflame and support anti-Semitism, but it appears that he seems to know nothing about the eruv
-
Date
Jim Davidson turns on lights
HUNDREDS of people turned up to see celebrity comic and TV gameshow host Jim Davidson turn on Dartford's Christmas lights. But the stunning display was not the only thing entertaining the crowd. Tribute bands covering Kylie Minogue, Ricky Martin, SClub7
-
Date
Jim Davidson turns on lights
HUNDREDS of people turned up to see celebrity comic and TV gameshow host Jim Davidson turn on Dartford's Christmas lights. But the stunning display was not the only thing entertaining the crowd. Tribute bands covering Kylie Minogue, Ricky Martin, SClub7
-
Date
'How much tolerance are eruv supporters showing?'
I would like to take Micah Levy up on his comments ('Religious bigotry', Times Letters, November 15). "Every road has telegraph poles and no-one objects". Correction not every road has telegraph poles and I've been objecting about the one opposite my
-
Date
Church appeals for building funds
CHRIST Church is launching an appeal for a new two-storey extension costing £412,000. The project has been in the pipeline for four years and is designed to make the Dartford church more accessible to the community. The 12m high extension on the north
-
Date
Thug guilty of violent murder
A THUG who stabbed a New Cross doorman to death committed nearly 1,000 violent crimes by his early 20s, the Old Bailey heard. Duane Daniels, 27, of no fixed address, stabbed father-of-three George Napier, 36, in the heart, on November 10, last year. It
-
Date
Great rehearsal
ONE of the world's leading violinists visited Eltham College to take part in a rehearsal with The Orchestra of St John (OSJ). Tasmin Little has performed as a soloist with the New York Philharmonic, Royal Philharmonic, London Philharmonic and Berlin Symphony
-
Date
Children in Need meets Redbridge
IT'S been that time of year again, when around the country normally shy and retiring people dress up, act silly and make right exhibitions of themselves. No, everyone has not just gone mad, it was all in aid of BBC Children in Need. Redbridge has been
-
Date
Old times
PUPILS at Whitehill Junior School had a Dickens of a time dressing up as Victorians for the day. After learning about the era last term, staff and children from Year 5 decided to try out Victorian school life. The children wore authentic costumes and
-
Date
Old times
PUPILS at Whitehill Junior School had a Dickens of a time dressing up as Victorians for the day. After learning about the era last term, staff and children from Year 5 decided to try out Victorian school life. The children wore authentic costumes and
-
Date
Church is vandalised
FLOWER pots have been thrown through church windows in Meopham in the latest attack on religious buildings. St Paul's Roman Catholic Church in Huntingfield Road was targeted by vandals only two weeks after Cobham and Luddesdown Churches were damaged by
-
Date
ONLINE BILL PAYMENTS
Pay your household bills online with Gravesham Council's BillPay service. The service, in association with Girobank, allows residents to pay bills including council tax and rent with a debit card from the comfort of their own home. To pay your bills in
-
Date
Squatters light fire in bath tub
SQUATTERS in Northfleet caused a fire in their home by lighting cushions in a bath to keep themselves warm. Firefighters were called to the squat in Lansdowne Square at around 6.10pm last Wednesday to find the place filled with smoke. One squatter was
-
Date
Marquee is planned as party venue
A MARQUEE with its own gazebo is going to be built at Acacia Hall in Dartford. It was given the go-ahead by Dartford Council last week despite being refused planning permission earlier this year over car parking issues. It will be able to hold up to 250
-
Date
DIY man finds chilling article in kitchen wall
A DIY granddad got the shock of his life when he found a newspaper cutting from September 11, 1974, in his son's kitchen wall. Frank Parradine, 62, of Oakway, Eltham, was left shaken when he found the cutting, noticed the date and then saw the headline
-
Date
£3m school revamp moves a step closer
PROPOSALS for a major expansion to a Gravesend special school moved closer to receiving the green light last week. Kent County Council (KCC) school organisation board has already approved the £3m scheme to build an extra 15-class block at Ifield Special
-
Date
Keep kids off drugs
PARENTS in Gravesham are being given a helping hand in identifying drug use by their children. Handy information cards are being distributed to 20 primary schools in the borough warning parents of the dangers of drugs and what to look out for. The scheme
-
Date
Dogs used in search for Louise
GERMAN police used sniffer dogs to search the house where missing student nurse Louise Kerton had been staying with her fiance. After questioning, Peter Simon allowed a search of the house in Strassfeld, the village where Miss Kerton had stayed with Mr
-
Date
Benefit fraud in prison
A FRAUDSTER who claimed tens of thousands of pounds of benefits while working has been jailed for four months. Rita Onojeghou, of Bledlow Close, admitted conning more than £37,000 out of the benefits system, by signing on while working for Camden Council
-
Date
'Callous' killers of careworker are jailed for life
Killers who throttled a mother-of-nine and dumped her body in the Thames were jailed for life at the Old Bailey, last Friday. The body of 53-year-old Catherine Mukisa, who worked in the Pear Tree Care Centre, in Sydenham, was found washed-up opposite
-
Date
A tot a day is Bessie's way
A CENTENARIAN from Forest Hill scotched health-nuts with her recipe for an extra-long life. One hundred-year-old Bessie Whitfield, who swears by her daily intake of whisky, sported a diamante tiara made by her family for the special day. And the great-great
-
Date
In Brief
TOWN BLOOMS: There's a splash of colour in Erith's town centre, thanks to the town forum's chairman Maisie Jamieson. She convinced Bexley Council to brighten up the town centre with hanging flower baskets. The displays have been paid for by the Bexley
-
Date
Langley Park Sports Club reopens
New leaseholders of the Langley Park Sports Club are appealing for old members to return after the club closed down in August. Based in Hawksbrook Lane, Beckenham, it was shut down after the previous leaseholders could not resolve a disagreement with
-
Date
Beat bullies with mouse mats
PUPILS in Lewisham and Greenwich have been taking part in a £250,000 London-wide campaign targeting racial and cultural bullying. Thomas Tallis Secondary School, Kidbrooke Park Road, is already using the material distributed last week in its art classes
-
Date
Treatment for police
THE health of six police officers was endangered when they arrested a man on suspicion of drugs possession. Martin McClaren was being held in a cell at Deptford Police Station, Amersham Vale, when officers tried to search him and a struggle broke out.
-
Date
Great rehearsal
ONE of the world's leading violinists visited Eltham College to take part in a rehearsal with The Orchestra of St John (OSJ). Tasmin Little has performed as a soloist with the New York Philharmonic, Royal Philharmonic, London Philharmonic and Berlin Symphony
-
Date
In Brief
WELCARE FAIR: Greenwich WelCare, which runs a parents and children centre, is holding a Christmas fair on Saturday November 24. The aim of the fair is to raise much-needed funds. The event will take place from to 4.30pm at St Michael's Hall, Blackheath
-
Date
New football competition
LOVERS of the beautiful game will be out in force this Wednesday for the kick off of The Mayor's School Cup. The new football competition, organised by Millwall Community Scheme and Lewisham Council, is set to attract players from secondary schools throughout
-
Date
Robert pips gallant Tom
Bromley Athletics Club entertained some fit young schools' athletes at Westcombe Park Rugby Club on Saturday for a cross-country event. The three most successful boys' primary schools wereGreen Street Green, Keston and Alexander, in Penge. St Aidin's
-
Date
Safety software wins top award
EVACUATION software designed at Greenwich University has won a top computer industry award. Exodus, created by the Fire Safety Engineering Group, has topped this year's British Computer Society IT Awards. Designed to help building, aircraft and ship designers
-
Date
Surgeon not to blame for pensioner's death
AN ELDERLY woman died following a bungled pacemaker operation at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, an inquest heard. Southwark Coroner's Court heard how Doris Merridan, 84, of Alabama Street, Plumstead, died when her lung was accidentally punctured during the
-
Date
Robert is walking all way to the top
Good athletes are by definition versatile; after all, athleticism is the basis of all sport. And there is no better example than Bromley Athletic Club's Robert Bain, who began this year as a champion runner after winning the Bromley area under-15 trials
-
Date
Astonished at the health authority
I COULD hardly believe your report on a new mobile IT unit for Redbridge and Waltham Forest Health Authority, funded by the Government. In the same week you report the financial struggle the Haven House volunteers face in establishing a children's hospice
-
Date
Neighbours horrified by bakery silo plans
FURIOUS neighbours of an international bakery have banded together to try and stop its expansion plans. People living near the British Bakeries site, in Belmont Road, Northumberland Heath, are horrified by plans to build five new, higher silos and extend
-
Date
Public school boys running
REGARDING Bancroft's pupils running past 'wall of flames' ( Gas Leak Turns Road into Flaming Hell, Guardian, November 8). In my day public schoolboys would have run through the flames. TERESA GREEN, Whitehall Road, Woodford Green.
-
Date
Bundled into a car
A TEENAGER was attacked, bundled into a car and then robbed. The 18-year-old was walking in High Road, Ilford, near the Ilford Swimming Pool on Friday, October 26, at around 10.30pm. He suffered bruising and put into the car against his will. The victim
-
Date
Where can we dip?
DOES anyone know what is happening or not happening with regards to the new pool in Loughton? It was supposed to open in the summer, but evidently is still not operational. The whole thing was totally unnecessary, as all the attractive 1960s pool needed
-
Date
Broncos are still looking for new base
London Broncos' search for a new ground for next season's Superleague goes on but club officials have ruled out Fulhan's Craven Cottage as a possible option. Broncos spokesman Nic Cart-wright said: "Although matters are still progressing well, not a lot
-
Date
Traffic chaos
CAN anyone explain what appears to me to be inexplicable. I refer to the traffic management scheme that took so long in Leytonstone High Road, between Gainsborough Road and Church Lane. I can understand the wish to make the High Road one-way only over
-
Date
In Brief
ST JOHN OPEN: On Saturday, December 1, there will be an open day at St John Ambulance Divisional Headquarters, 84A Crayford Way, Crayford, from 10am to 3pm. Would-be Badgers, Cadets, and adult members are invited to go along to find out exactly what St
-
Date
No chance for truants this year
SCHOOL pupils in Swanley will be taking a risk this Christmas if they play truant. Kent County Council (KCC) welfare officers have teamed up with Kent police for their Truancy Watch campaign. If pupils choose shopping over Shakespeare they will be stopped
-
Date
Get the best ale in town here!
A BEXLEYHEATH pub has been chosen as the Campaign for Real Ale's best London pub for the second year in a row. The Robin Hood and Little John pub, in Lion Road, is already Bexley Camra's favourite pub for real ales usually seven or eight on offer. Camra's
-
Date
Get the best ale in town here!
A BEXLEYHEATH pub has been chosen as the Campaign for Real Ale's best London pub for the second year in a row. The Robin Hood and Little John pub, in Lion Road, is already Bexley Camra's favourite pub for real ales usually seven or eight on offer. Camra's
-
Date
Festival of plays
The International Playwriting Festival, organised by the Warehouse Theatre, Croydon, will celebrate 16 years of successfully discovering and promoting the work of new talent this weekend. The festival is a showcase of writers' work from around the globe
-
Date
OAP guilty of abusing sisters 20 years ago
A PENSIONER is facing jail after being convicted of 11 charges of indecency against two young girls. Joseph Tolfree, aged 74, of Riverside Road, Sidcup, had pleaded not guilty at Maidstone Crown Court, to all the charges some of which dated back 20 years
-
Date
Shirley's party
The seventh annual Shirley Christmas Lights Street Party is set to take place on November 23. The festivities kick off at 6.15pm with live music and choral singing then at 7.15pm the Christmas Lights will be switched on by a mystery guest. Shops will
-
Date
Premium Bond
The story behind the creation of James Bond is being explored in a new show written by a well-known actor. Mark Burgess best known for his character, Gordon Collins, in Brookside has written and is performing in one of the most compelling one-man shows
-
Date
A taste of French cuisine
HUNDREDS of people sampled a slice of French cuisine during a special event in Lewisham. The high street was transformed into an authentic French market on November 18. More than 30 traders from Le Harve, in Normandy, joined Lewisham's market to make
-
Date
Swimming captains leading by example
BromleY Swimming Club raced to a great victory in second round of Speedo League galas held at West Wickham, writes Gordon Law. The 17-point win over Southend-on-Sea was led by fine wins by both Bromley club captains, Marc Brockwell, in the open breaststroke
-
Date
Go West!
West Side Story changed the face of musical theatre forever, a theatrical masterpiece as passionate, as gripping and as powerful today as when it first took Broadway by storm. And now it is coming to Wimbledon Theatre following an 18 month sell out run
-
Date
Bromley victory in league at last
THERE was a huge sigh of relief, as well as jubilation, at Hayes Lane at around quarter-to-five on Saturday evening when the whistle went at the end of Bromley's 18th Ryman League Division One match of the season. The 1-0 win over Uxbridge was Bromley's
-
Date
Fleet stoke up pressure
THE super Fleet made it 14 wins from 15 matches in all competitions prior to Saturday's FA Cup tie at Huddersfield with a resouding 4-1 midweek Ryman Premier League victory at Basingstoke. Unfortunately, it was not enough to take Andy Ford's men top of
-
Date
Searle going home
London Knights defender Doug Searle has announced he is leaving the London Arena-based club After thinking hard about the current situation, Searle has decided to return to north America to be with his young family at a crucial time in their lives. Head
-
Date
Kember keeps feet on ground
Crystal Palace got back to winning ways since the departure of Steve Bruce and moved up to third place after thrashing Crewe 4-1 at Selhurst Park. Caretaker boss Steve Kember said morale among the players was unaffected by the Bruce affair. He said: "
-
Date
Batty follies
PLANS are afoot to spend £220,000 renovating seven Victorian follies which are home to three species of protected bats. The conservation work at Ingress Abbey means bars will be placed across the follies to stop the animals being disturbed by people.
-
Date
United left in shadows
Welling United manager Tony Reynolds put out the reserve team for the club's Dr Martens first-round cup-tie at Tonbridge Angels last week. But the shadow squad came within seconds of earning a replay against a team languishing fifth- bottom in a division
-
Date
Accidental verdict in OAP death
A NINETY-year-old woman was tragically run over by an articulated lorry days after returning from a week's holiday in Spain. The driver had no knowledge he had knocked down partially-sighted Audrey Williams as she tried to weave through traffic with her
-
Date
Glen's a saver!
Erith and Belvedere missed out on a chance of moving up to third place after wasting a number of clear-cut chances in the second half in a 1-1 draw with Banbury on Saturday. It follows the Dr Martens League Cup exit, losing 2-1 at home to Folkestone Invicta
-
Date
Kember keeps feet on ground
Crystal Palace got back to winning ways since the departure of Steve Bruce and moved up to third place after thrashing Crewe 4-1 at Selhurst Park. Caretaker boss Steve Kember said morale among the players was unaffected by the Bruce affair. He said: "
-
Date
Judo pulls in the foreign legions
Visitors from Greece, the Republic of Czechoslovakia and Uzbekistan came to Dartford Judokwai Club for an internatonal tournament last week. Also competing were a number of south of English-based judoists from as far away as Bournemouth. The event was
-
Date
Huge reward is offered to catch killers of policeman
Clapham: Detectives tracing the killers of a Sutton policeman gunned down eight years ago have announced a reward of a staggering £100,000 for information to lead to an arrest. The fresh appeal follows the re-opening of the investigation into the murder
-
Date
Knight breaks Fleet hearts - Last minute goal robs Andy Ford's men of replay
Gravesend manager Andy Ford described his side's cup exit as a "sickener" after going out in the last minute at Huddersfield. Fleet cruelly lost the game 2-1 at the McAlpine Stadium thanks to a last-gasp goal from Leon Knight. Gravesend took a surprise
-
Date
Building to start on police station
FOUNDATIONS are about to be laid for a new police station on the site of the old Army & Navy store in Lewisham High Street. Due to be completed in August 2003, the first stage of construction will start on November 26. It will house 600 staff and
-
Date
In Brief
FLOWER LESSON: A Christmas flower demonstration will be given by Joan Axon. Organised by the Chislehurst Floral Group, the demonstration will be at 8pm on November 26 at the Pop-in-Parlour, in the High Street, Chislehurst. Call 020 8289 8483. SKETCH CLUB
-
Date
Council workers could strike if Tories cut jobs
STAFF at Bromley Council could resort to strike action after a leading councillor refused to rule out job cuts. The Conservative administration has pledged to make cuts in an attempt to reduce council tax increases leaving employee morale "at an all time
-
Date
Girls ready to take on pop idols
TWO Bromley borough beauties are set to do vocal battle this Saturday when they go head-to-head on ITV's Pop Idol show. Crofton's Davina Perera and Penge teen-sensation Tania Foster will be take on eight other hopefuls including the infamous Darius, who
-
Date
VALLEY VIEW
NO VOICE: Charlton's fanzine Voice of The Valley published its 104th and final issue on Monday night, after nearly 14 years of existence. The Voice played a key role in the successful campaign for a return to the ground and became one of the best-known
-
Date
Beat bullies with mouse mats
PUPILS in Lewisham and Greenwich have been taking part in a £250,000 London-wide campaign targeting racial and cultural bullying. Thomas Tallis Secondary School, Kidbrooke Park Road, is already using the material distributed last week in its art classes
-
Date
Prison for fraudster
A BLACKHEATH man has been sentenced to 15 months for committing a "systematic housing benefit fraud" Shola Owolabi, aged 28, of Holborne Road, Blackheath, pleaded guilty to 12 counts of obtaining more than £20,000 in housing benefit between July 1995
-
Date
Treatment for police
THE health of six police officers was endangered when they arrested a man on suspicion of drugs possession. Martin McClaren was being held in a cell at Deptford Police Station, Amersham Vale, when officers tried to search him and a struggle broke out.
-
Date
Claridge comes to Lions' rescue
MILWALL moved into the top six for the first time since the opening day of the season, with a hard-earned point away at Grimsby on Saturday. The Lions fell behind early in the second half, when Millwall keeper Tony Warner could only parry Michael Boulding's
-
Date
Surgeon not to blame for pensioner's death
AN ELDERLY woman died following a bungled pacemaker operation at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, an inquest heard. Southwark Coroner's Court heard how Doris Merridan, 84, of Alabama Street, Plumstead, died when her lung was accidentally punctured during the
-
Date
Pupils help kids with a poetry book
A COLLECTION of celebrity poems compiled by Bromley pupils includes one selected by Jeffrey Archer a week before he was imprisoned for perjury. The 14 year olds at Malory Secondary School, in Launcelot Road, asked celebrities to contribute poems for their
-
Date
Art group exhibits for charity
A BIGGIN Hill art group is brushing up on its talent to raise money for local charities. The Nelson Art Group and its artist friends are creating an outdoor art exhibition at St Marks Church Hall, Church Road, Biggin Hill, on Saturday, December 1, from
-
Date
Volunteers provide vital medical support in Oman
Surbiton: Five army volunteers from Surbiton have just returned from Oman where they provided medical support during the British forces biggest military operation since the Gulf War. The 256-Field Hospital volunteers of the Territorial Army (TA) Centre
-
Date
Four stars for both teams!
Charlton and West Ham drew 4-4 in the match of the season against West Ham at The Valley on Monday night. The Hammers shocked the Addicks when Paul Kitson, who had a loan spell at The Valley when they won the Division title, scored his first Premiership
-
Date
Keeping the streets clear
Transport for London Street Management is asking Croydon's shopkeepers and other businesses to support a new campaign to clear unauthorised obstructions from the footway to ensure a safe path for those with sight or mobility difficulties, who are frail
-
Date
Speed boost to social services
EastEnder Lucy Speed visited Croydon to give the council's social services staff a welcome boost at a special recognition awards ceremony held on Thursday, November 14. Miss Speed, who plays character Natalie Ward, Barry's long-suffering wife, took time
-
Date
A taste of French cuisine
HUNDREDS of people sampled a slice of French cuisine during a special event in Lewisham. The high street was transformed into an authentic French market on November 18. More than 30 traders from Le Harve, in Normandy, joined Lewisham's market to make
-
Date
Short-circuit led to fire on train
A fire which started on a carriage in Eltham has led to alterations being made to all Connex Networker trains. The fire was caused when a device to stop trains slipping on leaves on the line stopped the electricity in the train from earthing. The 750
-
Date
In Brief
PLAY BALL: Crystal Palace National Sports Centre is inviting young basketball enthusiasts to training sessions run by London Basketball Club coaches. Taking place every Monday, boys and girls aged eight to 12 can attend from 4.30 to 6pm, and those aged
-
Date
Crackdown on crime against environment
POLICE have welcomed a new Bromley Council scheme aimed at catching anti-social "enviro-criminals". Informers who help catch fly-tippers, graffiti artists and people who abandon cars will now be in line for a reward of up to £500. Last year 97 arrests
-
Date
Moral police
Your correspondent Mr Guinan wanted to ask me 'a few questions' (Illegal traders', Times Letters, November 15). I suppose it is incumbent upon me to answer them. He asks if "these people" are claiming benefits. How would I know? What is more relevant
-
Date
In Brief
TOY COLLECTION: Staff at Travelcare in Orpington High Street have launched a collection of gifts and toys to fill a Santa's Suitcase to donate to Hayes Children's Ward at Farnborough Hospital. Anyone wishing to donate can take gifts to the shop, preferably
-
Date
Answer phones
BROMLEY and Orpington Samaritans is looking to recruit new volunteers to man the office and phone lines. The listening charity's offices, in Station Road, Orpington, are open from 7am to 10pm daily and lines are staffed 24 hours a day. Visits to schools
-
Date
Searle going home
London Knights defender Doug Searle has announced he is leaving the London Arena-based club After thinking hard about the current situation, Searle has decided to return to north America to be with his young family at a crucial time in their lives. Head
-
Date
Carter's upset by apparent local 'apathy'
Christina Carter, four-times Greenwich cross-country champion, will be the borough's only representative in Europe's largest youth competition, the London Heathrow Youth Games at Parliament Hill Fields on Saturday. The 14-year-old from Eltham, who has
-
Date
VALLEY VIEW
NO VOICE: Charlton's fanzine Voice of The Valley published its 104th and final issue on Monday night, after nearly 14 years of existence. The Voice played a key role in the successful campaign for a return to the ground and became one of the best-known
-
Date
Treehouse is here to stay
Youngsters Rahul and Vishal Mehta were celebrating this week after their pirate ship treehouse was saved from the chop. Council officers ruled the treehouse, in the back garden of a home in Goodwyn Avenue, Mill Hill, did not breach planning regulations
-
Date
Waste of time
Your readers should be aware of the infantile nature of the Labour-Liberal administration currently 'governing' Barnet. At the recent Council Policy Conference meeting, the Conservative Group tabled a totally non-political motion expressing the desire
-
Date
'How much tolerance are eruv supporters showing?'
I would like to take Micah Levy up on his comments ('Religious bigotry', Times Letters, November 15). "Every road has telegraph poles and no-one objects". Correction not every road has telegraph poles and I've been objecting about the one opposite my
-
Date
Singing for Lea
A Colindale-based police officer has recorded a CD of songs in memory of his nine-year-old daughter who died of a brain haemorrage. Lea Caetano a student at Dollis Junior School in Pursley Road, Mill Hill died suddenly of arteriovenous malformation in
-
Date
Moral police
Your correspondent Mr Guinan wanted to ask me 'a few questions' (Illegal traders', Times Letters, November 15). I suppose it is incumbent upon me to answer them. He asks if "these people" are claiming benefits. How would I know? What is more relevant
-
Date
Treehouse is here to stay
Youngsters Rahul and Vishal Mehta were celebrating this week after their pirate ship treehouse was saved from the chop. Council officers ruled the treehouse, in the back garden of a home in Goodwyn Avenue, Mill Hill, did not breach planning regulations
-
Date
Church appeals for building funds
CHRIST Church is launching an appeal for a new two-storey extension costing £412,000. The project has been in the pipeline for four years and is designed to make the Dartford church more accessible to the community. The 12m high extension on the north
-
Date
Crusade to get children to read
Author Anne Fine is determined to use her new job as children's laureate to get kids reading. She talks to MATTHEW NIXSON about Harry Potter, Enid Blyton and selling five million books. Anne Fine's early writing career, she admits, bears more than a passing
-
Date
Threat to rare marsh
A MULTI-national company could destroy an important area of Dartford Fresh Marshes by building 42,500 square metres of office space on it. The marsh is one of the last remaining unprotected wetlands in England and is a Site of Nature Conservation Interest
-
Date
'Callous' killers of careworker are jailed for life
Killers who throttled a mother-of-nine and dumped her body in the Thames were jailed for life at the Old Bailey, last Friday. The body of 53-year-old Catherine Mukisa, who worked in the Pear Tree Care Centre, in Sydenham, was found washed-up opposite
-
Date
in Brief
CONTROL DEBT: Lewisham Council has joined forces with the Office of Fair Trading to promote its Keep Debt Under Control campaign. With UK consumer debt, including mortgages, reaching more than £700bn for the first time, the OFT is encouraging people to
-
Date
New football competition
LOVERS of the beautiful game will be out in force this Wednesday for the kick off of The Mayor's School Cup. The new football competition, organised by Millwall Community Scheme and Lewisham Council, is set to attract players from secondary schools throughout
-
Date
Ignoring flood residents
THAMES Water, one of the three agencies charged with preventing a repeat of last year's floods, pulled out of Friday's public meeting. Three days before Redbridge Council, the Environment Agency and Thames Water were due to face the public the utility
-
Date
Teenager
A TEENAGE girl from Northfleet has admitted handling more than £1,000 worth of stolen goods. A court heard how 19-year-old Terri French bought 28 DVDs, six videos, a DVD rack and two Sony speakers for £30. When police raided her Wallis Park home in July
-
Date
A brave shave
SALES managers and agents are in for a hair-raising experience by letting their concern for children go to their heads. For the men, who are sure to raise an eyebrow or two, are planning to go bald for a very good cause. The men, all managers and agents
-
Date
Freight train is derailed
A DERAILED freight train in Gravesend caused travel disruption on the Charing Cross to Gillingham service at the weekend. The train derailed last Saturday just after 1am, closing the railway line at Gravesend until Monday and disrupting hundreds of weekend
-
Date
In Brief
ADDICTS' HELP: A free service offering confidential advice and support has been opened for residents of Bexley and Greenwich. Reports suggest twice as many Londoners are dependent on alcohol as on drugs, and the initiative, recently unveiled by Bexley
-
Date
Hamper for getting fit
PEOPLE lacking the motivation to get fit in the run up to Christmas now have the incentive to sweat it out at the gym. Streamlines Fitness Gym at White Oak Leisure Centre, Swanley, is offering a Christmas hamper to the person who works out the most between
-
Date
Man left wounded in possible gang attack
A DARTFORD man has been shot and injured in what police believe could be an attempted gangland slaying. But officers hunting the two men seen escaping the scene admit they will have a difficult job tracking them down. The incident occured early on Sunday
-
Date
Thug guilty of violent murder
A THUG who stabbed a New Cross doorman to death committed nearly 1,000 violent crimes by his early 20s, the Old Bailey heard. Duane Daniels, 27, of no fixed address, stabbed father-of-three George Napier, 36, in the heart, on November 10, last year. It
-
Date
in Brief
CONTROL DEBT: Lewisham Council has joined forces with the Office of Fair Trading to promote its Keep Debt Under Control campaign. With UK consumer debt, including mortgages, reaching more than £700bn for the first time, the OFT is encouraging people to
-
Date
Accidental verdict in OAP death
A NINETY-year-old woman was tragically run over by an articulated lorry days after returning from a week's holiday in Spain. The driver had no knowledge he had knocked down partially-sighted Audrey Williams as she tried to weave through traffic with her
-
Date
Peninsula is key to development
GREENWICH Peninsula is being seen as the key to the future of the community in a new draft development framework. Residents, businesses and landowners have until the end of the year to comment on the Greenwich Peninsula Development Framework. Released
-
Date
Building to start on police station
FOUNDATIONS are about to be laid for a new police station on the site of the old Army & Navy store in Lewisham High Street. Due to be completed in August 2003, the first stage of construction will start on November 26. It will house 600 staff and
