Archive
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Burnt Ash hockey round up
Mid Sussex 2 Burnt Ash 3 South Hockey League BURNT Ash won their second league game of the season but ironically it was probably their worst team performance of the year. Burnt Ash started with a new formation and it seemed to be working because
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Ladies Rugby Union thriller
Aylesford Ladies 6 v 5 Beckenham Ladies ON A fresh, bright sunshine Sunday afternoon Beckenham Ladies took on the league leaders Aylesford, writes Alan Davies. A fair but hard-fought battle ensued with the teams giving no quarter as the ball went
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Sikhs celebrate birth of founder in style
IT WAS a day of tradition and celebration as Bexley's Sikhs marked the birthday of their religion's founder. Guru Nanak was born in 1469 and every year Sikhs around the world celebrate his birthday with food, religious ceremonies and processions. The
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Trust is the secret to being happy
A HAPPY marriage is all about trust, according to a couple who celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary on Saturday. Former cleaner Rose Stevens, 82, and her former railway worker husband Fred, 80, of Haven Close, Sidcup, will celebrate 60 years
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Christmas cheer for hospice
A BARREL organ welcomed people to a Christmas fair raising money for people with a life-threatening illness. There were 20 stalls offering a range of Christmas goods at the Lions Hospice Christmas Fayre at Woodville Halls, Gravesend. Visitors could
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Assault robbed me of family
For more than four decades Kathleen Shone has been haunted by the events of a January day when her brother-in-law sexually assaulted her. Last week, she finally saw justice done ... A GRANDMOTHER says she can finally get on with her life, after the man
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Mead meekly bow out of FA Vase
FA Vase 2nd Round Thamesmead Town 0 Brook House 4 THIS was a match where once Ryman Division Two side Brook House had taken the lead, Mead were hardly given a look in. But Mead did start brightly and could have scored after only seven minutes when
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Orpington thrash Cray in cup pummelling
Orpington 6 v 1 Cray Valley Inter-Regional Challenge Cup, 2nd Round Orpington demolished their Premier Division opponents Cray Valley to sweep into the third round of the Inter-Regional Challenge Cup. Holders Orpington had already beaten Cray in
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Players Wanted
Lewisham - For players in Bromley borough call 0906 739 0327 - For Bexley, Dartford and Gravesham boroughs, call 0906 739 0329 - For Lewisham & Greenwich boroughs, 0906 739 0331 - Calls are charged at £1 a minute but listings are free. - These
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Seventh Club hell
Blackheath 18 v 29 Wharfedale Rugby Union Nat League Two BLACKHEATH slumped to their seventh straight league defeat at home to Wharfedale, writes Jack Kay. Blackheath, known as Club, are still third from bottom in the table. The hosts started well
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Enjoy festive fun in town
CHRISTMAS will be coming to Erith's town centre this Saturday. To celebrate the new shopping centre's first Christmas, Erith Town Forum has laid on an afternoon of entertainment with acrobatics, street theatre with drama and music, an urban hip-hop dance
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Appeal for Christmas parcels for our troops
VETERAN charity worker Ennis Smith has begun organising another Christmas parcel collection for British troops serving overseas. Parcels can be packed with small gifts such as games, videos, stationery, socks, tights, toiletries, sweets, books and other
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Curbishley: ‘I must make sure we get things right’
Charlton Athletic 1 v 3 Man Utd Barlcays Premiership ALAN Curbishley says his side face a big week of football and he wants to make sure they get it right to stop a worrying sequence of poor results, writes Tim Ashton. He had just witnessed his team's
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Gang members jailed for supermarket raids
FOUR men who took part in raids on supermarkets have been jailed. Leon Duffy, aged 22; Ryan Herrick, aged 23; Raymond Beaver, aged 27, and Michael Shortt, aged 25, were part of a gang which committed 53 robberies at 30 stores throughout the south east
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Police inquiry into Nigerian’s death
THE Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is to probe the circumstances surrounding the death of a man being pursued by officers. The man, believed to be Nigerian, died when he fell through the roof of the Asda store in Bexleyheath Broadway
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TfL accused of total ignorance
BEXLEYHEATH'S MP has accused Transport for London (TfL) of "mind boggling" ignorance of Bexley in its plans to build a new bridge across the Thames. David Evennett was giving evidence at the public inquiry into plans for a £425m bridge at Thamesmead
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Lions almost turn form book on its head
Sheffield Utd 2 v 2 Millwall Coca-Cola Championship MILLWALL turned in the performance of the afternoon as they almost beat table topping Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. Blades substitute Danny Webber grabbed a precious equaliser to keep them at
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In court accused of car ringing
SIX people from Bexley were among 14 who appeared in court on Monday accused of being part of a stolen car ring. The 14 were arrested following an investigation by New Scotland Yard's stolen vehicle unit into alleged fraud and theft of a large number
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Ladies get cup glory
Dartford 5 v 2 Teynham Kent Cup HJF DARTFORD Ladies returned to winning ways with a comfortable 5-2 victory against Teynham Gunners, writes Brian Page. Dartford, ravaged by injuries and with no regular goalkeeper or substitutes available, had only
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Four accused of stabbing murder
A TEENAGER died in agony after being stabbed 12 times by a gang of youths, a court heard. Distressed relatives of 19-year-old David Wheaton, from Welling, had to leave the court at the Old Bailey as CCTV footage of his dying moments were played to the
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Time to sort out pigeon poo problem at bridge
AN ANGRY mum is concerned about bird poo rather than bird flu after her daughter injured herself slipping on pigeon droppings. Joanne Hall claims transport bosses have ignored her pleas to clean a poo-strewn railway bridge in Burnt Ash Hill, Lee, for
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Daish: ‘We have a happy dressing room today’
Fleet 2 v 0 Altrincham Nationwide Conference LIAM Daish was feeling a lot happier on Saturday night after his team ended a dismal run of six defeats with a comfortable victory over Altrincham. Goals either side of half time from Andy Drury and Charlie
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Warning over buying toy guns as presents
PARENTS are being warned to be on their guard if they buy a toy gun for their child this Christmas. An investigation has found 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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News in brief
CHRISTMAS FAIR: Festive shoppers can get their hands on crafts, plants and seasonal food at a Christmas fair. The event takes place this Saturday, from noon to 4pm, at Sydenham Green Health Centre, Holmshaw Close, Sydenham. All proceeds will go to Sydenham
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Council is a beacon for others
A COUNCIL has been nominated for a national award as praise for "valuing" its citizens. Greenwich Council has been shortlisted in the valuing people category in the annual Beacon awards. The judging panel praised the council's efforts to make facilities
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Darts prepare for AFC Wimbledon in style
Gt Wakering Rovers 0 v 1 Dartford Southern Division One East DARTFORD prepared for their FA Trophy clash with AFC Wimbledon with a valuable three points at Great Wakering Rovers. On the back of mass celebrations when constructors finally moved into
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Bet they have a great time
A DISABLED support charity has received a boost for its Christmas party following a donation of £500 from a betting shop. The Parents' Consortium offers support to disabled children and their families. It operates from its child and family resource
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We shouldn’t have to inform parents
A TEENAGE pregnancy group says it is important teenagers seeking abortions have the choice not to tell their parents. The Kent Teenage Pregnancy Partnership has come out in strong support of Department of Health guidelines which allow girls under 16
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Stars Stadhart and Moore secure vital Wings victory
Welling United 2 v 1 Lewes Nationwide Conference South WELLING United moved to within one point of the Nationwide Conference South summit with a splendid win over fellow promotion hunters Lewes, writes Tim Ashton. Goals from Che Stadhart and Daniel
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Wands rammed by late double in league
Ramsgate 2 v 0 Cray Ryman Division One CRAY Wanderers' recent good form ended in a poor match thanks to goals in the 83rd and 90th minutes. In a poor first half temperatures were only raised when Ramsgate's Shaun Welford hit the crossbar and the
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Valley View
ADDICKS plc chairman Richard Murray last week suggested Charlton could add to their squad in January. Speaking after the club unveiled annual results showing an operating profit of £4.7m, and a net profit of £1.3m, covering the year ended June 30, 2005
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Players Wanted
Bexley, Dartford and Gravesham - For players in Bromley borough call 0906 739 0327 - For Bexley, Dartford and Gravesham boroughs, call 0906 739 0329 - For Lewisham & Greenwich boroughs, 0906 739 0331 - Calls are charged at £1 a minute but listings
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Christmas appeal to help needy children and elderly
A CHARITY Christmas appeal has been launched to bring some seasonal cheer to needy children and pensioners. The Pass the Parcel appeal is a joint effort between the Salvation Army, ITV1's This Morning programme and retailer Superdrug. The appeal has
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Christmas gift for cancer teen Alex
LEUKAEMIA sufferer Alex Wardrope has been handed the ultimate early Christmas present the bone marrow match which will keep him alive. Nineteen-year-old Alex will have a life-saving transplant early next month after a donor was found with the required
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VCD Vase history
Colliers Wood 2 v 3 VCD Athletic FA Vase Second Round VCD Athletic made history at the weekend by reaching the third round of the FA Vase. They did it the hard way with a close finish at Colliers Wood of the Combined Counties League. VCD boss Martin
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Conway is top Brit in Macau Grand Prix
BRITISH Formula 3 ace Mike Conway showed his world class credentials by being the top British racing driver in Sunday's blue-riband Macau Grand Prix event in China. Conway, 22, was hoping for a top six finish in the classic event against the world's
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McAnuff does just enough to avenge Brighton defeat
Brighton 2 v 3 Palace Coca-Cola Championship CRYSTAL Palace avenged last month's defeat against arch-rivals Brighton thanks to a last-gasp decider in a five goal thriller on the south coast, writes Tim Ashton. A brace from Dougie Freedman which
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New boy Awuah nets the Bromley winner
Bromley 1 v 0 Billericay Ryman Premier BROMLEY moved up to ninth in the Ryman Premier Division thanks to a league debutant. Awuah Jones, a recent signing from Southern Division One East outfit Aveley, scored the winner in the seventh minute when
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Magical story of lad with the lamp
THE story of Aladdin comes from a collection of tales called One Thousand And One Nights, or Arabian Nights. Although most modern Aladdin pantomimes are set in China, the story actually originated in the Middle East. Aladdin was first shown on stage in
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Selhurst Shout
YOUNG GUNS: Palace's under-18 side have been drawn at home to either Colchester United or Barking and East Ham United in the third round of the FA Youth Cup. The match will take place on or before Saturday December 17. Full details of the date and venue
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Entertainment news
A VARIETY show of music and comedy is raising money for the children's hospice Demelza House. The show, called Step Up To The Mic ... is staged by Skimp Productions, at Eltham's Holy Trinity Church. The church may not be as regular worshippers might
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Modern opera for the 21st Century
THIS week sees the world premiere of a new opera. Cry of Innocence reflects on the racist murder of 19-year-old Stephen Lawrence in 1993. The opera is written by composer Tunde Jegede. He has worked with pop and jazz musicians as well as major orchestras
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Christmas theatre
BE WARNED, Christmas is coming to town, New York style. Broadway's Spirit of Christmas is an all-singing, all-dancing family spectacular. The glitzy show features a large cast performing popular songs such as White Christmas and Have Yourself A Merry
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The Sovereign of the Seas, Queensway, Petts Wood
Drink 4/5 Decor 3/5 Food 2/5 Price 5/5 Atmosphere 1/5 Staff 1/5 THE unmistakeable stench of vomit, faint at first, then stronger as you reach the bar yes, there's no doubting it, I'm back in the Sovereign of the Seas. Maybe it's the maritime name that
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Music news
THE festive season gets off to a rocking start when the band Columbus help launch Eltham's Christmas lights switch-on with a live gig in the High Street tomorrow. Columbus were founded by Eltham musician Mike Staples. Earlier this year News Shopper
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Theatre news
CLASSIC American comedy is coming to Bexleyheath. The Edward Alderton Theatre is staging one of Neil Simon's lesser-known plays, the Gingerbread Lady. Simon is one of America's most prolific and successful playwrights, with 30 of his plays being staged
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Dog walker finds body
DANSON Park was closed to the public on Monday morning after a body was found hanging from a tree. A dog walker discovered the body of a man near the lake at the park in Danson Road, Welling. Police were called and the man, aged 22, and believed to
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Sharp response to fresh knife appeal
POLICE say they are pleased after a knife amnesty saw more than 25 weapons handed in. The two-week scheme, which ended on November 20, was part of Operation Blunt, which aims to reduce the number of knives on London's streets. The amnesty got off to
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Future bleak for air cadets
A GROUP of former air cadets who have been meeting up annually for the past 30 years may have held their last reunion. Ex-members of the 74th Squadron Air Training Corps, based in Crayford, fear the MoD may have put an end to their get-togethers by closing
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Suspect goes on most wanted list
POLICE wanting to speak to a man in connection with the murder of his Belvedere housemate have put him on a "most wanted" website. Detectives hunting Sukhdip Singh Cchina, 23, have already offered a £10,000 reward for information leading to the prosecution
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News in brief
SOCIAL GROUP: Bridging the Gap South East is holding a meeting tomorrow at 7.30pm in the Maxim Room, St Martin's Church, Erith Road, Barnehurst. It is a social outlet for adults who have autistic spectrum disorder or challenging behaviour. They are welcome
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Music and movement
VIBRANT culture from Bexley's Afro-Caribbean population is on show this weekend. The showcase, organised by Bexley Afro-Caribbean Community Association will include ethnic food, a fashion show and music and dance as well as guest speakers. The event
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Playground work wins applause
WORK to upgrade playgrounds in Bexley has been applauded at a national level. Five playgrounds in the £3m refurbishment scheme have received Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) awards. Bexley leads the way this year on new play areas
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Christmas delights come to Greenwich
THIS year Greenwich is celebrating the festive season by creating an idyllic retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the high street, with the launch of Greenwich: London's Christmas Village. The festivities commence with the unveiling of the Christmas
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Fan-tastic
THE Fan Museum in Greenwich is staging a new exhibition which combines a selection of its historic fans with exquisite photographs of turn-of-the-century celebrities. The pictures come from an extraordinary archive of 3,500 glass negatives held at the
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Chance to enjoy birthday with Queen
RESIDENTS are being invited to have lunch with the Queen to celebrate her 80th birthday. The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will host a reception at Buckingham Palace for those who will also be 80 on April 21 next year. Invitations will be distributed
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How does your garden grow?
TWO youngsters have discovered a hidden talent for gardening. Philip Clarke, five, and Tia Leoni Inwood, seven, entered the annual Young Gardener of the Year contest run by the Hawley Garden Centre, Hawley Road, Dartford. Earlier this year more than
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Chance to see chapel
PEOPLE who have relatives of friends buried in Bexleyheath Cemetery will be able to use the chapel there this Christmas. The chapel in Banks Lane, behind Christ Church in Bexleyheath Broadway, will be open between 11am and 2pm daily from December 19
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Hopes zone will get people on their bikes
A RESTRICTED speed zone is being created to encourage people to walk or cycle to Crayford station and the nearby town centre. Traffic in the Heath Road area will be restricted to travelling at 20mph or less. However, after a speed survey and consultation
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School IT room provides suite success for pupils
A PRIMARY school keen on technology now has its own state-of-the-art computer suite. With new computers and software, the pupils at Dulverton Primary School, Sidcup, have already started a number of projects. All the children, from the nursery classes
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Learning about bird reserve
ENTHUSIASTS learnt about the history of a bird reserve which originated from clay diggings as part of the cement industry. Around 150 people enjoyed the Cliffe's Industrial Heritage tour at the Cliffe Pools RSPB reserve. They heard about the hidden
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Out to help her husband recover from operation
A 60-YEAR-OLD woman has stepped into the gym for the first time to support her husband after his major heart operation. Pasquale Amato, 62, was prescribed rehabilitation exercise following a quadruple heart bypass. His wife Catherine offered to support
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Youth club targeted by raiders for second time
BURGLARS stole equipment worth £1,700 in the second raid on a refurbished youth club in the past five weeks. Miracles Youth Centre, Windsor Road, Gravesend, was still recovering from the first break-in when burglars struck. They took a plasma-screen
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Council scheme enjoys tree-mendous success
APPLICATIONS for a scheme offering the chance to plant a tree for free have doubled compared to last year. Nearly 70 trees will be delivered to homes across Gravesham compared to 31 during the previous year. The Gravesham Council Impact scheme allows
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Cooking up a treat at culinary course
A EUROPEAN cookery day for adults has kick-started a series of culinary courses planned for the new year. Students put on their aprons at Gravesend Adult Education Centre to whip up dishes ranging from a flour-free chocolate cake to Italian chicken and
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News in brief
CAR THEFTS: Police are appealing for information following the theft of two Ford Granada cars. One car was taken from Springhead Road, Northfleet, between 8am and 12.50pm on November 17. The other, stolen from St Gregory's Crescent, Gravesend, between
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News in Brief
FASHION FUNDRAISER: The Orpington Friends of Cancer Research UK raised £4,000 through a number of events, including a fashion show. They presented a cheque to Cancer Research UK representative Lucy Kelly, at a ceremony in Broke Hill Golf Club, Sevenoaks
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Early Christmas for Alex as match found
LEUKAEMIA sufferer Alex Wardrope has been handed the ultimate early Christmas present the bone marrow match which will keep him alive. Nineteen-year-old Alex will have a life-saving transplant early next month, after a donor was found with the required
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Take tea with Queen at 80
RESIDENTS are being invited to have lunch with the Queen to celebrate her 80th birthday. The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will host a reception at Buckingham Palace for those who will also be 80 on April 21, next year. Invitations will be distributed
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Baby unit approved
PLANNING bosses have given the go-ahead for a new baby care centre. The Little Sunflowers Day Nursery, Shirley Crescent, Beckenham, currently provides full nursery care for 24 children aged between two and five. Now the nursery has successfully applied
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To the point
TIME TO ACT: Who are they to tell us to ban Christmas? Who are they that come into our country, claim everything and 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
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End of the road for tumbledown parade
A BATTLE to rid a community of "a blot on the landscape" has ended in success. Sidcup's Royal Park Residents' Association was set up nearly two years ago with the aim of ridding the neighbourhood of a derelict parade of shops. Now Pocket Living, the
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Pensioners on a winner
RETIRING employees of Bexley Council should have no worries about their pensions. The council has just won the award for best pension fund performer in UK equities, for the third year running. The fund is worth £360m and is managed by two professional
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Polish metal worker died after stairs fall
A POLISH man fell down stairs and died after a heavy drinking session. Twenty-eight-year-old Grzegorz Zyla, of Hartslock Drive, Thamesmead, drank more than four times the equivalent of the drink-driving limit. Investigating officer Detective Sergeant
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Do not order us to change Christmas
I DO not think there are too many people here who are unaware that the Christmas season is upon us. This has become the silly season when it comes to political correctness over the past few years. As a predominantly Christian country which has historically
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There for carers who need a friend
Caring for a sick relative is no easy task especially when you are only a child yourself. Some youngsters are forced to cope alone but thanks to 121 Youth Befriending, help is at hand. Reporter LOUISE TWEDDELL met two young carers to see how they juggle
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Bin is rubbish
I AGREE with recent letters regarding our new recycling bins. Week one, bin out my mistake, lid on. Came home and lid in road further along from house, bin upside down on pavement. Week two, bin out no lid, bin full of water from rain. This week,
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Dental staff set tongues wagging
STAFF from a dental surgery have raised nearly £300 for Children in Need by wearing pyjamas for a week. Dressed in their night gear, the 10 workers at Adams House Dental and Chiropody Practice, West Way, Petts Wood, collected donations from patients
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Only villagers should decide
A RECENT statement on the subject of a separate parish for Hextable states "the district council will ask for the views of residents of Swanley, Swanley Village and Hextable". It is astonishing the residents of Swanley will have an apparently equal say
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‘Fairytale’ love for blind couple
A BLIND couple have fallen in love in a "fairytale" story, more than 50 years after leaving the school they both attended. Casanova Norman Stokes, 68, wooed 73-year-old Gladys Knightley, of Ashford, Kent, at a school reunion in Eastbourne, in May. The
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Refugee’s inspirational life earns her learning award
A WOMAN who lost her entire family and fled from her native country has been rewarded for grasping learning opportunities and helping others. Jacqueline Djasrabe (pictured) from Bromley, was the overall winner at the Bromley Community Learning Awards
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Chemists open on Sunday, November 27
GRAVESEND & NORTHFLEET Echo Pharmacy, Oakfield Health Centre (Off Windsor Road), Gravesend. 11am to noon. R S Bains, 2 Livingstone Road, Valley Drive, Gravesend. 6pm to 7pm. SWANLEY Boots, 32 Swanley Centre. 11am to noon. DARTFORD & GREENHITHE Asda
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A healthy interest
TIME is running out for healthcare users to have their say on facilities they rely on. Oxleas NHS Trust is running a public consultation to invite comments on its plans to become a foundation trust. Foundation trusts are run locally by managers, medical
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Chemists open on Sunday, November 27
NORTH BEXLEY, BARNEHURST, THAMESMEAD & ERITH Station Road, Pharmacy, Station Road, Crayford. 6pm to 7pm. Safeway, 2 Twin Tumps Way, Thamesmead. 10am to 4pm. 7 Day Chemist, 175a Bellegrove Road, Welling. 9am to 11pm. NCC Chemist, CWS Store, 71-79 High
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Woman run over by angry motorist
POLICE are appealing for information after a 24-year-old woman was hit by a car on a petrol station forecourt. The victim was working at the Asda petrol station in Station Road, Greenhithe, when there was a problem with the pumps. A man driving a purple
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Blog 1 by Eeyore
Elaine Stones writes: "New bus routes planned - TFL are proposing to re-route two buses in East Greenwich, the 108 and the 422 ... " In fact, these proposals were sent to some local residents and residents' groups as well as to the council for comment
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Chemists open on Sunday, November 27
BIGGIN HILL Morrisons, Main Road. 11am to 1pm. BROMLEY Boots, The Glades. 11am to 5pm. WEST WICKHAM Morrisons, 143-165 High Street, West Wickham. 10am to 2pm. ORPINGTON Sainsbury's, Locksbottom, Farnborough. 10am to 4pm. PENGE Boots, 5 Colman House
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News in brief
CUT ABOVE: You can learn how to coppice trees this Sunday with members of the Lesnes Abbey Conservation Volunteers. The technique will also help people to deal with overgrown trees in their gardens. The group will meet at the information centre in the
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Blow out your candles at Buckingham Palace
RESIDENTS are being invited to have lunch with the Queen to celebrate her 80th birthday. The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh are hosting a reception at Buckingham Palace for those who will also be turning 80 on April 21 next year. Invitations will
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Chemists open on Sunday, November 27
BLACKHEATH, CHARLTON & GREENWICH Sainsbury's, Horn Link Lane, Greenwich. 11am to 5pm. Charlton Pharmacy, 229 Charlton Road, Charlton. 6pm to 7pm. ELTHAM, KIDBROOKE, MOTTINGHAM & NEW ELTHAM Boots, 96-104 Eltham High Street, Eltham. 10am to 4pm. Dickinson's
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Planning to appeal decision
A FAR-RIGHT candidate who lost her libel case against two leading Liberal Democrats is to appeal the decision. British National Party (BNP) supporter Tess Culnane sued Lewisham Lib Dem leader Mark Morris and his election agent Vijay Naidu, after she
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Kids win prizes for mighty veg
TWO youngsters have discovered a hidden talent for gardening after taking part in a growing competition. Philip Clarke, five, and Tia Leoni Inwood, seven, both entered the annual Young Gardener of the Year contest run by the Hawley Garden Centre, Hawley
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Gift for patient Alex
LEUKAEMIA sufferer Alex Wardrope has been handed the ultimate early Christmas present the bone marrow match which will keep him alive. Nineteen-year-old Alex will have a life-saving transplant early next month, after a donor was found with the required
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Lighting the way to remember loved ones
THERE is still time to help a charity by sponsoring a light and remembering a loved one this Christmas The Dartford-based Ellenor Hospice at Home allows people to dedicate a tree light in memory of a family member or friend. The lights will be lit
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Calling time on crime
BARS and pubs which fail to stamp out disorder will face tough action under a £2.5m government scheme. The scheme, introduced to combat trouble arising from changes to licensing laws, will see an increase in police presence. Kent police officers will
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Museum’s hidden treasures go on display
ROYAL memorabilia, war souvenirs, toys and games are just some of the unseen artefacts going on display when a museum reopens. Dartford Borough Museum will reopen on Saturday with What's in Store an exhibition of objects never seen by the public. The
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Ceremony recognises contribution to safety
COMMUNITY workers and police have been honoured for their dedicated efforts to promote community safety. The achievements of a north Kent Commandant and three police community support officers (PCSOs) were celebrated at the first Safer Kent Awards presentation
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Bungling robber threw bottle at shop worker
A SHOP assistant was injured by a would-be robber. The 20-year-od was working in Threshers Wine Shop, The Oval, Sidcup, when a man and a woman came into the store. The woman stood watch while the man threatened the employee with a screwdriver and demanding
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News in Brief
IN DEBT?: Are you a spend-a-holic? Are your credit cards at their limit? Are the bailiffs at your door? If you have serious debts then News Shopper wants to hear from you. Call reporter Louise Tweddell on 01689 885721 or email ltweddell@london.newsquest.co.uk
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Is car parking too great a Burden?
Gravesend's parking crisis escalated this week with calls for the council leader to step down. ALISON WHITE reports ... CAMPAIGNERS are calling on Councillor John Burden to pay the price for the parking problems. Since October 14, when Lord Street
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Have jelly and ice cream at palace
RESIDENTS are being invited to have lunch with the Queen to celebrate her 80th birthday. The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh will host a reception at Buckingham Palace for those who will also be celebrating their 80th birthday on April 21 next year. Invitations
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News in Brief
HISTORICAL FAIR: Gravesend Library will hold a local history fair on December 3. Residents are invited to come along to speak to historians and buy Christmas presents. The fair will take place in the library, in Windmill Street, Gravesend, and will run
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River side cleans up
VOLUNTEERS mucked in and did their bit for the environment by helping to clean up a river. Around 40 residents, young and old, braved the cold weather and donned their wellies to clean up the River Ravensbourne. The volunteers fished out piles of rubbish
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Calls for centre to halt traffic misery
AN ANGRY neighbour of Bluewater has called for the complex to give residents a break this Christmas by shutting up shop on Boxing Day. Councillor Gwen Tripp thinks it is unacceptable the centre opens on December 26 causing congestion misery for surrounding
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Two escape from wedged car ordeal
A DRIVER and his passenger had a lucky escape after their car was crushed between two lorries in the Dartford Tunnel. Fire crews were called out at 9.38am after a Vauxhall car became sandwiched between two articulated lorries as it travelled through
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Youth council backs lowering voting age
CALLS to lower the voting age to 16 are being backed by a group of young people but branded "cynical vote-grabbing" by one councillor. Last week, Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy accused the Government of "neglecting young people" and called for
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A&E team scoops magazine award
MEDICS at a hospital emergency department have received national recognition for their hard work. The A&E team at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Stadium Road, Woolwich, was nominated for Emergency Team of the Year in the annual Hospital Doctor awards. The
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More room for crafts and trades
STUDENTS learning arts and trades will benefit from a new £1m teaching complex early next year. The building near North West Kent College's Lower Higham Road entrance will house carpentry and joinery workshops, as well as painting and decorating courses
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Floor work swapped for walls
AN ARTIST exhibited his vibrant craft pieces at the weekend. Michael Connell, who is a floor screeder by day, brightened up St Lawrence Hall, Bromley Road, on Saturday. More than 20 people turned up to see his 4ft to 8ft works made from materials ranging
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‘Devastated’ by school fire
A SCHOOL devastated by an arson attack will be out of use for months. The 40 pupils at the West Kent Hospital School will return to school next week in their temporary home of Longfield youth club, behind Axton Chase School. The school, which teaches
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Police search for missing teenage girls
POLICE are appealing for information about two missing teenage girls. Samantha Devenny, known as Sammy, of Sweyne Road, Swancombe, went missing from her home on November 4. The 13-year-old was wearing jeans with a patch on the back, a beige v-neck top
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Tenants to vote on sale proposal for their homes
COUNCIL tenants are preparing to vote on whether their homes will be sold to a housing association. Gravesham Council stands to make £27m if it sells 6,469 properties but the final decision lies with the tenants. In preparation for the vote in March
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News in brief
CLASSIC NOTES: Dartford Choral Society is holding a concert featuring Johannes Brahms' Requiem and Arvo Part's The Beatitudes. The event takes place this Saturday at 7.30pm at the Stone House Hospital Chapel, Cotton Lane, Stone. Tickets cost £7 and £5
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Four charged over robbery in post office
FOUR men have been charged following an armed robbery at a post office. Vincent Joseph, aged 18, Shannon Palmer, aged 20, Emmanuel Briggs, aged 19, and Kyle Dixon, aged 19, were arrested after a robbery at the Post Office, Lewis Grove, Lewisham. The
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Paying tribute to campaigner
A COMMUNITY stalwart who worked tirelessly to promote peace has died. Dorothy Shipp, 93, (pictured) founded the Lewisham branch of the United Nations Association (UNA) in 1946 and worked with the council to promote UN-led initiatives. In the 1980s she
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Our screen
WE WANT Catford Cinema back, it was built for us and everyone I know used it. The theatre in Rushey Green just isn't the same. MR AND MRS PALMER Braidwood Road Catford
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Bears brush up with fame for fundraiser
TEDDY bears were given the East End seal of approval at a charity auction for Children in Need. The bears were signed by stars of EastEnders to raise cash for the BBC appeal which helps underprivileged children. Bears bearing the signatures of cast
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News in Brief
GOING FOR GOLD: Trainee hacks are giving News Shopper journalists a run for their money. Smiths, the student union magazine at Goldsmiths University, New Cross, won the student publication design of the year prize at this year's Guardian newspaper Student
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Clear support
THORNHILL Tenants' & Homeowners' Association supports the leaseholders of Ravens Way (New Windows Led To "Years Of Hell", News Shopper, November 9) who had defective windows fitted, while other people had been charged for work never carried out. E W
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Tricky trio lie to get into home
POLICE are appealing for information after bogus callers targeted an 88-year-old woman. The pensioner was visited at her home, in Derwent Close, Dartford, by three men who claimed they were clearing rubbish. The men entered her property between 11.55am
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Lacklustre landlords on course for £20,000 fine
LANDLORDS are being advised to attend a meeting about new housing laws to safeguard them against fines of up to £20,000. A health and safety ratings system will come into effect under the Housing Act 2004 to enable the council to keep a close eye on
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Council must brace itself against storm in teacup
A POLITICAL storm is brewing over the council's use of tea bags. Opposition councillors have criticised Lewisham Council for using non-Fairtrade tea bags two-and-a-half years after it agreed to switch to Fairtrade products. The council says visitors
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Pupils benefit from footballers’ message
TWO Premiership football stars gave tips to children on beating the bullies. Charlton Athletic players Herman Hreidarsson and Urik Gislason met children at an anti-bullying event yesterday. The pair gave the youngsters advice on coping with bullying
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Girl dragged into car and robbed
A TEENAGE girl was robbed after being dragged into a car as she walked home. The 16-year-old was walking along Milton Road, Gravesend, at 12.30am when a car stopped alongside her. It is thought a passenger pulled her into it and grabbed several items
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Claims bulbs will only mask litter
COUNCIL chiefs are being accused of getting their priorities wrong by planting 150,000 bulbs as part of a £5,000 beautification scheme. The scheme has been launched in a letter to residents from Greenwich Council leader Councillor Chris Roberts. He
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Flagging concern
I AM puzzled. I thought the rainbow flag was used by the Co-operative Movement. For many years I have seen it flying over the very long-established and successful Co-op department store in my home town in the East Midlands. Now, according to your article
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Arrests in shot PC case
FIVE people were arrested in connection with the killing of Bradford PC Sharon Beshenivsky, following dramatic early-morning raids. Armed police ambushed two people in a silver off-road vehicle. A Somali man and a white woman were in the vehicle in
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Making magical music with maths
A GROUP of schoolchildren have ditched the times tables and found a more unusual way to learn maths. Pupils from Lucas Vale Primary School, Thorneville Street, Deptford, performed a musical based on the subject of mathematics. Children performed routines
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Adib's Indian Takeaway, Croydon Road, Elmers End, Beckenham
Exceptional food of great subtlety and varied flavours. The takeaway after the re-furb looks very good. Service was knowledgeable. It was for my birthday, and we had all of my family and friends around. It was the first time I had tried the place, on
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Church funds boosted with seasonal cheer
CHRISTMAS cheer was in the air as families and friends attended an annual church fair. Members of St Nicholas Church, Church Street, Southfleet, hosted the fair to raise money for the general upkeep of the building. Visitors feasted on jacket potatoes
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Silly Christians
THE people who spoke against Lewisham Council flying the rainbow flag outside the town hall appear to have completely missed the point (Proud To Fly The Gay Flag, News Shopper, November 9). The council is doing this in recognition of the massive step
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Driver cut from smashed car
A MOTORIST had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car after smashing into a parked Highways Agency truck. Firefighters from Gravesend and Swanscombe took an hour to release the man from his black Lexus car after the smash on the London-bound A2
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Memories of wartime come alive
YOUNG people got the opportunity to sample what life was like during the Second World War. Age Concern Greenwich organised an information day at its charity shop in Sherard Road, Eltham. Twelve youngsters listened to memories of people who lived through
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Fight for pond life
A CONSERVATION partnership is asking the public for help in restoring a pond which used to be central to village life. The Cliffe Community and Conservation Partnership is asking for ideas and help to ensure the restoration of Allen's Pond in Cliffe
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Nursing staff were top notch
THESE days one hears so many disparaging things of the NHS, including its day-to-day running of its hospitals. It's often hard to see where the truth lies, as, being a country-wide organisation, it varies from area to area. However, it has recently
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Play your part to uphold pub laws
RESIDENTS are being encouraged to shop pubs which flout the new licensing laws. Council and police chiefs in Greenwich have launched a joint licensing operation, encouraging people to act as their "eyes and ears". A key part of the operation is a 24
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News in Brief
CLEANING UP: Town manager Julie Sutch organised the first clean up day in Sydenham town centre today, between 11am to 3pm. It took place in Cobbs Corner, Silverdale, Sydenham Road, Mayow Road, Girton Road Car Park and Somefield alleyway. SAVE THE NHS
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Changing times lead to furry friends’ aid
GREEN campaigners will dress as polar bears to raise awareness about climate change. Members of Greenwich and Lewisham Friends of Earth will be meeting at Catford Broadway on Saturday to talk to residents about the Climate Change Bill. And Deptford
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Nice to see they’re proud of the people
AS A member of the Lewisham Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Panel and a gay businessman I was delighted to see your front page article regarding the flying of the rainbow flag to celebrate the introduction of civil partnerships and of International
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Park party shears shrubs
A COUNTRY park got a helping hand from volunteers in controlling overgrown rhododendrons. Forty people joined three park rangers in clearing the shrub from Brewers Wood in Shorne Wood Country Park. The group used pruning saws, secateurs and loppers
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Grand reward for hi-tech learners
A SCHOOL has been handed a cash boost as a reward for bringing learning into the 21st Century. Thomas Tallis School, Kidbrooke Park Road, Blackheath, encourages its pupils to revise and study online in their spare time. All pupils use SAM learning,
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Scarred victim calling for justice after bottle attack
A DANCE teacher who was smashed in the face with a bottle is calling for witnesses to help find her attacker. Julie Francis was on her way home when she was assaulted in Craigerne Road, Charlton. She now wants justice for the physical injuries she suffered
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Healthy residents stroll the path to prizes
KEEP-FIT enthusiasts have spent the past year walking their way to rewards as part of a healthy-living scheme. The four residents were the first to complete the Swanley Health Walk Scheme by finishing more than 40 half-hour walks in 13 months. Sevenoaks
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Rubbish crime
BEXLEY Council officers allege Dartford Council threatened to prosecute the Longlands Road allotment group for dumping rubbish on a Dartford allotment site. All allotment sites are locked. I have a vision of this disabled group of four, trekking over
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Carers welcome a helping hand
A new service which will help support people who look after ill relatives is being launched in Lewisham. Reporter SAMANTHA PAYNE speaks to carer Christine Rich who explains how the service will make a difference to her life ... MANY of us do not know
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Fraudster told to pay back cash
A PENSIONER has pleaded guilty to illegally claiming nearly £11,000 in benefits. William Barrell admitted eight charges of submitting false documents to claim £8,270 in housing benefit and £2,549 in council tax benefit. Maidstone Crown Court heard how
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Crazy cars
I LIVE in Murchison Avenue near Hurst Junior School. I find parents are abusive and rude and ignore the yellow lines telling them where not to park. I have seen children nearly run over and the parents scream at the drivers who are only trying to get
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Concert raises money and spirits
RESIDENTS of residential homes across the borough enjoyed an evening of Victorian music while raising money for charity. More than 170 people were entertained by amateur dramatic company The Entire Company at St George's CofE School, Meadow Road, Gravesend
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Driving me mad
WELL done to Bexley Council for introducing the new regulation regarding parking across driveways. I live within yards from a school and have done for the past 60 years. Up to about ten years ago using my driveway was no problem but since then I have
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Join our fight to save park
So the London Development Agency (LDA) has finally come clean about its outrageous plans for Crystal Palace Park and it wants to give developers yet another chance to grab chunks of it. A Crystal Palace campaign fought a multiplex scheme under a trees
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TO THE POINT
TESTING TIMES: Regarding the immigration test (News Shopper, November 9). Father Christmas derives from the legend of a monk named St Nicholas, who was born around 280AD in Patara, Turkey. The traditional Father Christmas that we know today comes from
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Nature calls
WHOEVER has the misfortune to be a neighbour of Bill Leman has my complete sympathy. What with the foxes, the hundreds of birds, the hedgehogs, not forgetting the frogs and the fast-breeding dormouse, it must be like living next to a menagerie. It's
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Blame bumps for congestion
REGARDING Track Span Plan To Clear Clogged Roads (News Shopper, November 9). The idea to cross the railway line at Petts Wood with a road bridge joining Frankswood Avenue and Petts Wood Road is hardly innovative. In Peter Waymark's A History of Petts
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Footballers net kit and caboodle
A GIRLS' football club is celebrating after being given a complete set of training kit and equipment. The eight teams of Gravesham Girls and Ladies Football Club received the sports equipment as part of a £30m grassroots sports programme called Barclays
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Bodged repair is danger to motorists
I write in response to Jill Roeder's letter Residents Driven Mad By Noisy Road (News Shopper, November 9). While I appreciate this must be annoying for the residents nearby, the bodge repair is in fact a danger to road users. To avoid the hump one has
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Rising tax funds war
Several months ago on Channel 4 News, the then London Minister, Nick Raynsford, stated after the General Election, council tax would not rise dramatically. We now hear maybe council tax will rise by £100 plus. This is at least four times the rate of
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Lunge your way to London 2012
YOUNGSTERS hoping to grab a spot in the limelight at the 2012 Olympics should consider taking up fencing. Swanley's White Oak Leisure Centre in Hilda May Avenue has started offering fencing training for children aged between eight and 13. The centre
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Chemists open on Sunday, November 27
GRAVESEND & NORTHFLEET Echo Pharmacy, Oakfield Health Centre (Off Windsor Road), Gravesend. 11am to noon. R S Bains, 2 Livingstone Road, Valley Drive, Gravesend. 6pm to 7pm. SWANLEY Boots, 32 Swanley Centre. 11am to noon. DARTFORD & GREENHITHE Asda
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Players Wanted
Bromley - For players in Bromley borough call 0906 739 0327 - For Bexley, Dartford and Gravesham boroughs, call 0906 739 0329 - For Lewisham & Greenwich boroughs, 0906 739 0331 - Calls are charged at £1 a minute but listings are free. - These listings
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Campaigners aiming for peace
Members of Bromley and Beckenham Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) attended a White Poppy Ceremony at Bromley War Memorial, Martins Hill on Remembrance Sunday to pay their respects to the victims of all wars. They were joined by representatives from
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Becks up to fourth
Beckenham 29 v 3 Sidcup Rugby Union London Two South BECKENHAM moved to fourth place with a convincing five try win against Sidcup. Sidcup scored first when Richard Pilgrim kicked a penalty but it only served to spur Beckenham into action. Their
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Fine mess with no way of appealing
The civil rights movement is very vociferous in defending the rights of terrorists, illegal immigrants and prisoners but will do nothing about fixed penalty notices which cannot be appealed against and, if not paid, can escalate astronomically all without
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Advice to library user who drove
On a visit to Bostall Library I saw another visitor parking two wheels of her car on the pavement. I warned her the traffic wardens were quite hot in the area. All I got in return for my trouble was a dirty look which said "mind your own business".
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Fireworks drive me up the wall
ONCE again the British public has true to yearly form, shown why fireworks should be banned from sale in shops. Only properly-organised displays on November 5 should be allowed. The constant bangs from repeaters over and over again, then a pause, then
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Bus driver read them riot act
RETURNING from Sidcup on a 492 bus I saw a return of common sense, sadly a minority virtue these days. It involved a horde of barbarians in school uniform. Not content with annoying other bus travellers with their shouting and screaming, they banged
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Nightmare for pedestrians
I WOULD like to comment on parking illegally in Sidcup, further to the lady who wrote about the traffic situation in Longlands Road. I live in Blackfen Road, one of the busiest roads in the borough all traffic using and exiting the A2 comes through
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Had enough of park yobs
I AM writing in the hope you will print this letter to let parents see the problems we are living with and the dangers their children are in. Do the parents of today not care or worry what their children are doing out, after dark? As a resident of the
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Politician’s support changes with wind
DAVID Evennett was one of a few MPs to support Mrs Thatcher when she was being dumped by the Conservative Party. Mr Evennett supported policies which saw patients on trolleys left in hospital corridors, unemployment increase and negative equity soar.
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Cash needed to cut congestion
BOROUGH bosses have asked the Government for £500,000, to stop its Olympic dream turning into a congestion nightmare. Greenwich Council has applied for the money from the Department of Transport's innovation fund, for traffic-calming schemes in the town
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Children’s chance to discipline parents
CHILDREN are turning the tables on their naughty parents who do not recycle enough. A survey published by action group Recycle for London has revealed eight out of 10 young people in Lewisham feel their elders should be recycling more regularly. Now
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No prison sentence for driver
A DRIVER who knocked down and killed a father as he crossed the road has escaped jail. An Audi car being driven by Harvinder Singh hit 45-year-old Anrouth Singh, in Ha Ha Road, Woolwich, on March 8 this year. Father-of-one Anrouth Singh, of Elmley Street
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Supermarket gang jailed after raids
FOUR men who took part in raids on supermarkets have been jailed. Leon Duffy, aged 22; Ryan Herrick, aged 23; Raymond Beaver, aged 27, and Michael Shortt, aged 25, were part of a gang which committed 53 robberies at 30 stores throughout the south east
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Forget foxes, what about real issues?
FOR the past few months I have read about nothing but foxes, with fors and againsts. We all know it is not nice to get up in the morning and find a present left by a fox in the middle of the lawn. It is also not nice to do a full wash and put it out
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Crash, bang, wallop! But it’s ok Ma, that’s not me
The days of Take on Tim are dead, long live seeing a great chance for fun and grabbing it. But sports editor TIM ASHTON had his hands full with this one ... BEING told you are going to be driven around Brands Hatch by a racing driver of many years
