Archive
-
Date
Blackheath Ladies maul Quins
Blackheath 25 v 0 Harlequins A CENTURY ago the touring All Blacks team played Blackheath at the Rectory Field and the game was played in "dull and dreary conditions", writes James Dennison. The weather 100 years later has not improved much but
-
Date
Dartford under-11s in penalty heartache
Dartford and District 1 v 1 Orpington and District (Orpington won 3-2 on penalties after extra time) Kent Cup 2nd Round DARTFORD and District under-11s suffered their first competitive defeat of the season after losing 3-2 on penalties against
-
Date
News in brief
HELP TO QUIT: Smokers are being given the chance to get together at a weekly support group, in a scheme to help them kick the habit. The Lewisham Community Development Partnership is running a free stop smoking programme for residents. The meetings take
-
Date
Crack houses closed
THREE men have been arrested during a series of police raids. Ryan Robinson, of Hassop Walk, Mottingham, and a 17-year-old man, from Downham, were charged with burglary after raids in Penge and Beckenham. A third man, Sharn Anderson, of Maltham Road
-
Date
Green team cleans
HELPERS braved the freezing weather to do their bit for the environment. Residents donned wellies and got their hands dirty to help clean up the River Quaggy, at Sutcliffe Park, Kidbrooke, on Sunday. The volunteers fished out old traffic cones, clothes
-
Date
Council ‘hid’ its housing report
AN OPPOSITION leader has criticised Lewisham Council for "hiding" an independent report which criticised its housing repair services. The Audit Commission findings criticise Lewisham's maintenance standards and says the council will struggle to achieve
-
Date
Car parks enjoy awards success
PARK Mark safer car park awards have been made to a dozen of Bexley's public car parks. The awards, made by the British Parking Association and the Association of Chief Police Officers, mean the car parks have met their requirements in deterring criminal
-
Date
Fleet extend ground lease
GRAVESEND and Northfleet have extended their lease on Stonebridge Road for a further 20 years. Chairman Brian Kilcullen said: "The new lease, which takes us up to 2025, gives the club the security it needs. "We are very grateful to our landlords, Land
-
Date
Club raises more charity cash
MEMBERS of a ladies' club have come up trumps again for their favourite charity. Sidcup Ladies' Luncheon Club has been donating cash to Cancer Research UK since it first started holding meetings 40 years ago. To date, it has contributed £300,000 to
-
Date
Salvage firm fined £3,000
A MOTOR salvage firm boss has been fined £3,000 for failing to register his business with Dartford Council. Simon Cole, aged 35, owner of SIP Salvage, Station Road, Northfleet, was visited several times between August and October last year by police,
-
Date
Council accounts for its annual spending
RESIDENTS can now find out how their council is spending their taxes. Sevenoaks District Council's latest statement of accounts lays down where the council spends its annual £16.1m budget and where the money comes from. This year, council tax will contribute
-
Date
Cab drivers miss out on city rates
A PAIR of cabbies have lost their bid to persuade the council to increase their tariffs to London rates. Dartford cab drivers Steve Jones and Mitch Peeke submitted a report to the council in May, suggesting the tariff be changed to the London structure
-
Date
Eco scheme pushes luck
RESIDENTS are still being encouraged to sign up to Lewisham's new recycling lottery. The Green Box Lottery gives all Lewisham residents who have a green recycling box the chance to win £500 as a reward for their commitment to recycling. So far more
-
Date
Club reach last 16
Beckenham 19 v 0 L'don Nigerians Powergen Intermediate Cup 4th Round BECKENHAM Rugby Club progressed to the final 16 of the Intermediate Cup for the first time in their history with a comfortable win over London Nigerians. Tries from hooker Eddie
-
Date
BNP backer battles £100,000 decision
A FAR-RIGHT candidate who lost her libel case against two leading Liberal Democrats is to appeal against the decision. British National Party (BNP) supporter Tess Culnane sued Lewisham Lib Dem leader Mark Morris and his election agent Vijay Naidu, alleging
-
Date
Dowie not happy man
Luton Town 2 v 0 Palace Coca-Cola Championship PALACE boss Iain Dowie gave a frank appraisal after Luton Town did the double over his side for the first time since 1973. He said: "It was our worst performance this year. Luton were better than us
-
Date
Luke helps aunt with run raiser
A SCHOOLBOY has raised £400 for Breast Cancer Research to support his aunt, who is battling the disease. Luke Boswell ran 50 laps around a basketball court as part of an assault course held at Charlton Manor School, Indus Road, Charlton. The Thomas
-
Date
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
-
Date
Mother warns of costly loan plans
A SINGLE mum is warning hard-up families not to get "ripped-off" by doorstep lenders this Christmas. Jackie Murray, 34, claims she was "conned" into taking out a £500 cash loan just before Christmas, in 2003. The mother-of-two, who already had a £9,000
-
Date
Becks march on in the Kent Senior Trophy
Becks 3 v 2 Crockenhill Kent Senior Trophy Second Round BECKS are through to the next round of the cup despite playing most of the tie with only 10 men. They started well when Carlton Price lashed the ball home from a corner. But a minute later
-
Date
Comedy: Upfront Comedy Club
COMEDY fans can tickle their funnybones at a night devoted to off-the-wall humour. The Upfront Comedy Club is celebrating its 10th year at the Croydon Clocktower by hosting The Good, The Bad and The Funny. Brummie comedian John Simmit will headline the
-
Date
News in brief
HEALTH TIPS: An international gymnast passed on some healthy living tips to pupils. James McGranahan, who competed in the last Commonwealth Games, met children at Colfe's Prep School, Greenwich. GROUP MEETING: The Blackheath and Greenwich branch of
-
Date
Galleon rocks boat in provocative play
Introducing Portugal's foremost 20th-century playwright to the London stage was never going to pass without notice. But the Galleon Playhouse in Greenwich has tackled the cutting-edge play head-on in an effort to bring wider acclaim to a European writer
-
Date
Theatre news
ST MARY'S (Welling) Players will be performing The Old Woman Who Lives in a Shoe. In true pantomime style, hero Corydon will have to rescue Princess Marigold from the clutches of the wicked Calumnia and the mysterious giant. Helping and hindering him
-
Date
Area to get facelift with government cash
MAJOR work to transform a residential area into a safer and greener place has started. Around £3m of government cashwill be spent in the Woolwich Common area. The first phase of work, which started last week, will see a chunk of the money spent on improving
-
Date
Bromley take extra time to get two over Dover
Dover Athletic 0 v 2 Bromley Westview Cup Round Four BROMLEY needed extra time to progress in the Westview League Cup, this time with a good 2-0 win on the Kent coast against Ryman Division One side Dover Athletic. The hosts looked full value for
-
Date
Pupils go green
BUDDING environmentalists have been rewarded for their efforts to cut waste. Pupils at St Joseph's Primary School, Commerell Street, Greenwich, have won Greenwich Council's first ever Eco-warrior award. For the past year the school has run a weekly
-
Date
Korn — Twisted Transistor
Rachel Kurzfield reviews Twisted Transistor - 3/5 IF I am being honest, when contemplating US nu-metallers Korn, I normally think of adolescent boys in sweatshirts and that irritating backwards R. Perhaps this is because I held a grudge against them
-
Date
Art news
A WIDE range of paintings are on sale at a 60-year-old art group's annual end-of-year exhibition. The Dartford Art Group exhibition and sale is on at the Mick Jagger Centre, Shepherds Lane, Dartford, until December 23. Artists in the group are aged
-
Date
Ross Clarke is set for Millennium glory
MOTOCROSS star Ross Clarke is heading to the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff for an international event which he hopes will cap a memorable season. The 13-year-old from Petts Wood has so far this season won racing winter and summer competitions in Essex
-
Date
Planning delay enrages forum
CAMPAIGNERS forced into a second wasted journey inside a month have described the council as a "shambles". Twelve members of the Creekside Forum have twice gone to Greenwich Town Hall, hoping to have their say on the proposed Borthwick Wharf development
-
Date
Selhurst Shout
DOWIE STAYS PUT: LAST week the club received a formal approach from Portsmouth with a view to obtaining permission to speak to Iain Dowie regarding their managerial vacancy, which was subsequently rejected. Chairman Simon Jordan said: "Iain Dowie has
-
Date
Modern-day twist to Christmas classic
THE ARCHANGEL Gabriel appeared to Mary as a postman on a bicycle no the Bible hasn't been rewritten, it's the Hayes Players' alternative to the traditional Nativity. The Players have developed a version of biblical tales, which they say are "full of
-
Date
The Lord Holmesdale, Bromley
Drink 4/5 Decor 2/5 Food 1/5 Price 4/5 Atmosphere 3/5 Staff 4/5 The Lord Holmesdale probably isn't a pub you'd go out of your way to visit, unless of course you're a local. But, passing as I was one Friday lunchtime, and spotting a chalkboard ad
-
Date
Christmas theatre
UGLY sisters, glass slippers and a tale of true love will be brought to life in a performance of the classic fairy tale Cinderella. The Orpington Repertory Club will stage the pantomime at the Crofton Halls, York Rise, Orpington. Performances begin
-
Date
The new champ
NINE-YEAR-OLD James Fuller is the new high-kicking UKTA Double British Tae Kwon-Do champion. The youngster, from Marion Crescent, St Mary Cray, won two gold medals in Sheffield while representing his club Meopham Tae Kwon-Do in the sparring 125cm-high
-
Date
The first frock ‘n’ roll star
There cannot be a more perfect example of an enduring pantomime dame than the amazing Danny La Rue OBE. With a back catalogue of vast experience, Danny will be once again be on stage as the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella. Danny is without doubt one of
-
Date
Rally good Bromley driver takes championship crown
RACING Green Motorsport team from Bromley is celebrating a successful year in the driving seat. Frontman Rodney Green, 24, had never raced a car until he entered the sport in 2003 but now he has been crowned the British Rallycross Champion among several
-
Date
Curbishley: I have no complaints
Aston Villa 1 v 0 Charlton Athletic Barclays Premiership ADDICKS boss Alan Curbishley was left disappointed after witnessing his team slump to their fourth consecutive league defeat. A second half strike from Northern Ireland international Steve
-
Date
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
-
Date
New Den News
VETERAN midfielder Don Hutchison has signed for Coventry after the 34-year-old left Millwall for first-team football. Coventry manager Micky Adams said: "With the amount of injuries we have at the moment it was evident we needed cover in midfield. Don
-
Date
‘I am the right man, in the right place, at the right time’ Millwall’s new chairman Peter de Savary
Millwall 0 v 1 Leeds United Coca-Cola Championship As a keen sailor Peter de Savary is used to choppy waters but some would say stabilising Millwall could prove to be a challenge greater than the high seas. GLENN EBREY was at the New Den ... THE
-
Date
Fleet success on and off pitch
Crawley Town 1 v 2 Fleet Nationwide Conference AFTER an evenly matched opening quarter the Fleet took the lead in the 24th minute, writes Rachel Willett. Loan signing Omari Coleman was brought down on the edge of the area after a rash challenge by
-
Date
Michelle rows into bronze spot
MICHELLE Houghton wowed a crowd of more than 7,000 by winning a bronze medal at the 2005 British Indoor Rowing Championship. The 40-year-old from Eynsford raced in the women's 40-44 heavyweight category at the event held at the National Indoor Arena
-
Date
District cricket trials looking at new stars
BUDDING Freddie Flintoffs or Kevin Pietersens have the chance to impress at the trials for the Gravesham and Dartford district cricket squads. Players should be recommended by their teachers or cricket clubs as the standard in the squads is very high
-
Date
Dons so nearly undone by McClements and company
Dartford 0 v 0 AFC Wimbledon FA Trophy 3rd Round Qualifying DARTS boss Tony Burman described this FA Trophy clash as his team's own cup final and it certainly had the passion of a winner takes all clash. However there was no separating the sides
-
Date
Kent League Cup round up
Maidstone Utd 0 v 2 VCD Athletic Kent League Cup Group C Slade Green 0 v 2 Thamesmead Kent League Cup Group D SLADE Green's chances of qualifying for the first knock-out stages of the Kent League Cup became remote as they lost for the second time
-
Date
Prizes for sailing elite
ERITH Yacht Club held a prize-giving evening aboard the club's ship Folgefonn to mark sailors achievements on the water. Trophies were presented by the club's Commodore to the winning crews from races which have taken place throughout the year, including
-
Date
Super skiing success and not a snowflake in sight
WINTER may be fast approaching but one skiiing club has already stacked its skis on a successful season on the slopes. Bromley Race Club based in Sidcup and attracting members from across south London and Kent boasts one of the stongest racing teams
-
Date
Mum’s the word on home recycling
MUMS are more clued up on recycling than dads, according to a new survey. Figures collected from 11 to 18-year-olds in Bexley by Recycle for London show 72 per cent of mums recycle rubbish while only 22 per cent of dads get involved. But 73 per cent
-
Date
Police hunt for family
POLICE investigating the discovery of human bones in a woodland have released a picture of a man who has been missing for 10 years. Kent police's major crime department is searching for the family of Patrick Folen in a bid to further its inquiries.
-
Date
Tonic to ease traffic congestion
PROPOSALS to try to resolve the traffic congestion problems in one town centre are up for comment. A one-way system was introduced in 1996 in Crayford town centre but increasing volumes of traffic means the roads are still clogged with vehicles. Now
-
Date
Monster drops in on pupils
THERE was an extra pupil for registration when a class of Year 3 children arrived at one Bexley primary school. He was big and bright pink he was the Mall Monster from Bexleyheath's Broadway shopping centre. Nathan Attard, seven, a pupil at Mayplace
-
Date
Celebrating the nuts and bolts of learning
A SIDCUP school's future as a specialist engineering college was the theme of its awards evening. Guests from the world of engineering took pride of place at Cleeve Park School, Bexley Lane, Sidcup, for the event. President of Young Engineers and presenter
-
Date
News in brief
SANTA CRUISE: Father Christmas will be aboard the Cutty Sark, Greenwich, on December 11 and December 17. The ship's galley will also be working to show how the crew would have cooked their meals while at sea. Tickets cost £7. Visitors can also join the
-
Date
Squatter accused of murder and arson
A 28-YEAR-OLD man accused of murdering and then torching the body of his flatmate is facing a re-trial. Michael Rogers-Wilson is accused of beating Brett Youngs to death with a baseball bat at the property where they were squatting, in Northbrook Road
-
Date
Cash helps pupils improve bit by bit
SECONDARY school pupils now have £750,000 of new computers and IT gear to help with their studies. St Thomas More RC School, Footscray Road, Eltham, has invested in 150 computers and equipment for its five new IT suites. The computers, scanners, cameras
-
Date
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
-
Date
State of the art, maths, science and English
IT WAS an afternoon of celebrations as a primary school celebrated its new premises. Upland Primary School, Church Road, Bexleyheath, now enjoys a state-of-the-art sustainable building after putting behind it the problems of combining of the former junior
-
Date
Quick jab
I WAS recently at the doctor's surgery for my annual flu jab. I was staggered when I read a notice saying in the previous month 58 patients had failed to keep their appointments. This costs the NHS £1,740. I understand this is commonplace in the UK
-
Date
Advice to help elderly
OLDER people from ethnic minorities can benefit from a new advice service. Age Concern Lewi-sham launches its new initiative today, aimed exclusively at the borough's black and ethnic minority community. Three drop-in advice centres have already been
-
Date
Welling looking to another good cup run
Basingstoke 0 v 2 Welling United FA Trophy Third Round Qualifying WELLING United marched on in the FA Trophy thanks to goals from Steve Perkins and Jamie Day. Having drawn at Basingstoke in the league days before, this time Welling triumphed with
-
Date
Back-to-back wins for Ash
Burnt Ash 3 v 1 Folkestone South Hockey League BURNT Ash hockey club won their second consecutive league game with a superb win over much-fancied Folkestone. In the opening 10 minutes both sides struggled to keep possession but soon Burnt Ash started
-
Date
Problem with parking blamed for closures
TRADERS think a traffic warden is so bad for business he is partly to blame for shops closing for good. Longfield High Street has seen two stores close within a week of each other leading to fears other premises could follow suit. News Shopper has
-
Date
Many thanks
I WOULD just like to express my gratitude at receiving excellent care during my short stay in surgicals four and six, from November 11 to November 13 at Princess Royal University Hospital, Farnborough. I found all staff I encountered (nursing/theatre
-
Date
News in brief
PENSIONER ROBBED: An 84-year-old woman was robbed of her handbag by a white male at 4pm on November 15 in St Aiden's Way, Gravesend. In a second, unlinked robbery, a 36-year-old woman was knocked over on a footbridge in Eden Place, Gravesend, by two men
-
Date
Olympic hopeful feared police would end dream
AN INTERNATIONAL sprinter who was mistaken for an armed robber feared heavy-handed police tactics would end his Olympic dream. Great Britain 100m runner James Ellington was dragged from his car and tied up by armed police in Bellingham because they thought
-
Date
Valley View
FANS who turn up early for tonight's (Wednesday) Carling Cup match against Blackburn Rovers (8pm kick-off) will have the chance to meet assistant manager Keith Peacock in the superstore from 5pm for around an hour. Tickets for the fourth round cup match
-
Date
Arctic conditions bring out bears
MEMBERS of an environmental group dressed as polar bears to campaign against climate change. Greenwich and Lewisham Friends of the Earth went out on the streets of Catford to tell the public about the dangers posed to the polar ice caps. They also told
-
Date
Enjoy birthday at the palace
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 split between
-
Date
Theatre rage
PLEASE warn your readers to check carefully when they book tickets for the Churchill Theatre, Bromley, to make sure they are not booking for an evening performance with large numbers of schoolchildren attending. Five friends and I had our evening totally
-
Date
Charity gets VIP treatment at celebration
A CHARITY which supports victims of sexual abuse, rape and sex crimes has celebrated its 15th anniversary. Family Matters, Wrotham Road, Gravesend, released 500 balloons into the sky to mark the occasion. The charity, which has helped around 5,000 victims
-
Date
Centre rewarded for helping others
A CENTRE for first aid volunteers won the most awards at a charity's county-wide ceremony. Volunteers based at the Gravesend Red Cross Centre, Pelham Road, Gravesend, won seven awards at the Red Cross Volunteer Awards for Kent. The group took home awards
-
Date
Leave town
I MUST disagree with Mr Marinetti (Mast Campaign Hijacked By BNP, News Shopper, November 16). I think this is a very emotive subject and should clearly be a political issue, having also campaigned against masts in my own street. As for Bromley being
-
Date
Trying to find Paddy’s friends
POLICE investigating the discovery of human bones in a woodland have released a picture of a man who has been missing for 10 years. Kent police's major crime department is searching for the family of Patrick Folen in a bid to further its inquiries.
-
Date
Worse to come from the USA
TALKING of American imports like trick or treating, can we also include a couple of other cults on their doorstep? Hoodies, guns, graffiti, crack cocaine, knives, murders on street corners, ram raids, human rights and of course coming up crystal meth
-
Date
High praise for loyal lab worker’s years of service
A HOSPITAL lab assistant has received Prime Ministerial praise for her 45 years of loyal service. Alma Harding began her career training at Sydenham Children's Hospital in April 1960 and is still going strong nearly half a century later. Now Tony Blair
-
Date
Two better than one?
HUNDREDS of residents have had their say on the future of a 120-year-old swimming baths. The public consultation on the redevelopment of Forest Hill Pools, Dartmouth Road, Forest Hill, ended last Friday. Lewisham Council says it received more than
-
Date
Time you tried to ride a bike
IN RESPONSE to Mr Hughesdon's letter (Cycle Lanes Are Waste Of Space, News Shopper, November 16). As someone who regularly cycles to work from Petts Wood to Kensington, my journey takes me right across the Bromley Borough through Bickley, Bromley, Beckenham
-
Date
Enjoy old-style festive fun
ENTERTAINERS will turn back the clock for an evening of festive fun in Victorian fancy dress. Chimney sweeps, barrel organists, hot chestnut sellers and an escapologist will take part in the fifth Swanley Christmas festival on Friday. Oliver, Fagin
-
Date
Rags to riches does no harm
PLEASE, give me strength. How easy it is to influence people with a well-timed rant over non charity collections of clothes (Watch Out, News Shopper, November 9). If you had been in the rag houses outside of Prague watching a civilised society buying
-
Date
News in Brief
BABY TALK: Are you a new father or about to become one? What do you think about Government plans to give new dads up to six months of unpaid leave? Would you look after the baby while your partner is at work or should babies be cared for by their mothers
-
Date
Taking chance to enjoy bazaar time at church
A CHURCH threw open its doors and ushered in the Christmas season with its annual festive bazaar. Gravesend Methodist Church, in Milton Road, laid on a spread of hot lunches and stalls to raise funds to help pay for its running costs. Bric-a-brac, cakes
-
Date
Violence disrupts fans’ fun at match
A FOOTBALL spectator was taken to hospital and another arrested as violence marred Dartford FC's match against AFC Wimbledon. The injured man was taken to Darent Valley Hospital with cuts to his head after a disturbance in the Dartford supporters' end
-
Date
Hotel now owned by trust after £382m sale
A LUXURY hotel has been sold as part of a deal worth nearly £400m. The Hilton Hotel, Masthead Close, Dartford, is one of 15 hotels sold by the UK Hilton Group to Managed Hotels Unit Trust in a deal worth £382.4m. The hotels will all continue to be Hilton
-
Date
Footballer resuscitated on pitch
A 25-YEAR-OLD who suffered a full cardiac arrest while warming up for a football match is in a critical but stable condition. Andy Rolfe, who plays for Vigo football club, was getting ready for a match when he collapsed. Paramedics attempted to resuscitate
-
Date
Wanderers bow out in FA Trophy replay
Kingstonian 3 v 1 Cray Wanderers FA Trophy Third Round Qualifying Replay DESPITE taking a first-half lead through Leigh Bremner Cray fell to Kingstonian thanks to two goals in two minutes. Goals from Bashiru Alimi and Jon Coke on 45 and 46 minutes
-
Date
Who cares if you are gay?
GROW up Prima Marinetti, and get the chip of your shoulder (Mast Campaign Hijacked By BNP, News Shopper, November 16). If living in Bromley is such an awful hardship for you then do the obvious thing and leave. Why you have to declare you are a homosexual
-
Date
MP demanding another month
KENT'S court service is under pressure to extend the consultations over its proposal to close Gravesend County Court. The town's MP Adam Holloway has now written to the chief executive of Her Majesty's Court Service, (HMCS) Sir Ron De Witt urging him
-
Date
Need to keep good day centres open
I AGREE with what Mrs Thomas said in her letter (Closures Don't Help Vulnerable People, News Shopper, November 2). The two day centres referred to used to be centres of excellence. Valuing People did not state all day centres should be closed but day
-
Date
Christmas presents set in stone
A CHURCH has an unusual gift suggestion for anyone who is stuck for ideas this Christmas. Between £50 and £100 will buy a replacement stone for the 14th-century tower at St Nicholas Church, Church Street, Southfleet. The present includes a photo
-
Date
All Dave Brown has to do is slow down
RETURNING from a two-week holiday, I was astonished to see your front page article of October 19 about Dave Brown's anti-speed camera campaign. It is quite obvious from his comments he is unable to adhere to speed limits and when he speeds it is not
-
Date
Beckham sent off to open academy
ENGLAND captain David Beckham delighted fans when he turned up in Greenwich. The Real Madrid star attended the opening of the David Beckham Academy near the Millennium Dome. The academy will provide football training for boys and girls of all abilities
-
Date
To the point
DON'T BELIEVE IT: Leaflets handed out with the new black recycling boxes were emblazoned with the slogan "if only all councils recycled like Dartford". Sceptics who suspect this may be misleading piece of self-congratulation need only do a simple internet
-
Date
News in Brief
CALLING ALL COLLECTORS: If you have a collection Bromley Museum would like to borrow it for a new exhibition. It will run from February to May next year, at the museum in The Priory, Church Hill, Orpington. Call Adrian Green, on 01689 873826 or email
-
Date
Fears plans threaten future of kids’ farm
THE manager of a children's farm says his business could be damaged by the council's bid to draw international tourists. Paul Gubby manages The Christmas Tree Farm, a children's farm in Cudham Road, Downe. It lies in the area which Bromley Council has
-
Date
Right royal feast for lucky OAPs
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
-
Date
Warning to dump waste responsibly
A CRACKDOWN on flytipping has resulted in a hefty fine for a man whose old car parts blocked a bridleway. Darren Chambers, of Lullingstone Crescent, St Mary Cray, had arranged for an unlicensed contractor to pick the items up for scrap. They were later
-
Date
Brilliant support
I WOULD like to thank everyone who attended the Remembrance Day service held in Central Park on November 13 and contributed to making it such a moving ceremony. I was grateful many Dartford residents were at the war memorial to pay their respects. It
-
Date
Time to change parking rules
IN THE Grove, Gravesend, only residents can park in the parking bays up until 8am. Anyone not a resident parked in the parking bays is likely to get a parking ticket. The funny thing is, there are no residents in the bottom part of The Grove. This
-
Date
Switched-on event lights up town
THOUSANDS of residents got into the festive spirit as the borough lit up to mark the countdown to Christmas. Children and their parents joined Father Christmas and his elves to see the lights being switched on in Greenwich town centre. The crowds were
-
Date
Hunting vandals who smashed window and urinated in street
POLICE want the public to shop the yobs who lobbed part of a bin through a glass panel and urinated in the street. The two vandals were caught on CCTV camera in Station Approach, Hayes, after getting off the 119 bus travelling from Croydon to Bromley
-
Date
Watkins’ luck takes cup tie into replay showdown
Cray Wanderers 1 v 1 Kingstonian FA Trophy Third Round Qualifying CRAY and Ks had to do it all again on Monday after the Wands failed to take their chances at Hayes Lane, writes Jerry Dowlen. Gary Abbott got his head to two early corner-kicks from
-
Date
Beggar must be given Asbo now
AN AGGRESSIVE beggar who has pestered passers-by for four years should be hit with an Asbo, a commuter claims. The man, who is in his 30s, targets rush-hour travellers and shoppers in Woolwich town centre, threatening them with violence if they do not
-
Date
‘Critical’ condition after attack
AN INVESTIGATION is under way after a man was left fighting for his life following an attack outside a pub. The man, who is in his 50s, was assaulted outside the Electric Orange, Plumstead High Street, Plumstead, in the early hours of Saturday morning
-
Date
Demanding better deal for borough
THE council leader has written to the Government asking for a better deal for the people of Bromley. Councillor Stephen Carr is campaigning for a fairer share of government funding and a review of the system. Next month, the Office of the Deputy Prime
-
Date
Council lines up fines for improper rubbish disposal
RESIDENTS who do not dispose of large pieces of rubbish legally could face fines of up to £5,000. Under the Waste (Household Waste) Duty of Care Regulations 2005, anyone hired to take away rubbish must hold a valid Waste Carriers' Licence, issued by
-
Date
Shop fined after booze operation
A SHOP was fined £200 after selling alcohol to an underage drinker. Abbey Wood Village Store pleaded guilty to selling alcohol to a 16-year-old girl at Woolwich Magistrates' Court last week. The store in Wilton Road sold a bottle of lime Bacardi Breezer
-
Date
Chemists open on Sunday, December 4
NORTH BEXLEY, BARNEHURST, ERITH & THAMESMEAD Erith Pharmacy, 249 Bexley Road, Northumberland Heath. 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,
-
Date
Messaging motorists
SIGNS have been put up next to speed camera sites to hammer home a safety message to motorists. Red and white posters have been put up near speed cameras across Kent showing the reduction in casualties at the site since the device was installed. One
-
Date
Courses giving you head start
CHANGING a fuse or tiling a bathroom can all be made easier thanks to a series of practical free courses. DIY, health and safety and cookery are just a few of the topics available to residents in Dartford and Gravesend. The courses are funded by Dartford-based
-
Date
Hospital’s service of remembrance
BEREAVED families who have lost children or babies can remember them at a service. Lewisham Hospital is holding its annual service to remember the young who died at the hospital and the old Sydenham Children's Hospital. The event is non-religious and
-
Date
Hedgerow helpers keep school grounds tidy
PUPILS gave their school a new lease of life by planting a hedgerow. Kings Farm Primary School, Cedar Avenue, Gravesend, has been helped by environmental charity Groundworks in sprucing up its grounds. The schoolchildren lent a hand to plant 700 whips
-
Date
Mayor wants better services for elderly
PENSIONERS are being urged to take part in a survey to ensure they get a better deal. London Mayor Ken Livingstone wants over 65s to give him their views for the first-ever draft strategy for older people. The strategy, which will be published in February
-
Date
Chemists open on Sunday, December 4
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
-
Date
TO THE POINT
BIKE BOTHER: I would like to congratulate our councils for making our pavements cycle friendly by introducing slopping kerbs and raised crossovers at most junctions. Now pedestrians risk being knocked down on or off pavements by cyclists. It must only
-
Date
Chemists open on Sunday, December 4
BLACKHEATH, CHARLTON & GREENWICH Sainsbury's, Horn Link Lane, Greenwich. 11am to 5pm. Metex Pharmacy, 158 Trafalgar Road, Greenwich. 6pm to 7pm. ELTHAM, KIDBROOKE, MOTTINGHAM & NEW ELTHAM Boots, 96-104 Eltham High Street, Eltham. 10am to 4pm. Dickinson's
-
Date
No flowers in sight
I was disappointed while shopping in Catford and Lewisham to see how few people, both old and young, were wearing a poppy. This flower doesn't glorify war but is a symbol of thanks to all who defended freedom and democracy. Some can say it was nothing
-
Date
Council palaver will cost Mayor dearly
Could someone from Lewisham Council explain planning procedures to the population which expects considered decisions, and pays for them too? A vicar from Deptford wants to know how the councillors reached their decision no answer on that one, yet ..
-
Date
Company hoping for lucky seven
THE Big Yellow Self Storage Company hopes to persuade planning chiefs to approve its plans for a warehouse at the seventh attempt. Since 2001 the multinational company has had six applications rejected to build a trademark yellow-bricked warehouse,
-
Date
HelpCentre will aid community
In response to L Williams' letter (We Don't Want This Cult' In Our Cinema, November 2), I would like to clarify a number of points about UCKG, its intentions for the ABC cinema in Bromley Road and the benefits we aim to bring. First, we are a mainstream
-
Date
Pupils learn how to tackle bullies
YOUNGSTERS have discovered how to deal with playground bullies after a week of workshops, role play and art. The pupils from Oakfield Junior School, Oakfield Lane, Dartford, took part in five days of activities as part of National Anti-Bullying Week.
-
Date
News in brief
MEANING BUSINESS: Free advice is being offered to residents planning or already running their own businesses. The advice is on offer at Swanley Library, North West Kent Council for Voluntary Service, in Dartford, and the New Ash Green Village Association
-
Date
Charity’s bright idea for candle-lighting events
A CHARITY has organised a trio of candle-lighting ceremonies to help relatives remember loved ones this Christmas. Dartford-based Ellenor Centre, which supports terminally-ill children and adults, is organising its seventh Lights of Love event. The
-
Date
Chemists open on Sunday, December 4
GRAVESEND & NORTHFLEET Williams Chemists, 120 Vale Road, Northfleet. 11am to noon and 6pm to 7pm. SWANLEY Village Pharmacy, 15 Main Road, Hextable. 11am to noon. DARTFORD & GREENHITHE Asda, Station Road, Greenhithe. 10am to 4pm. Boots, South Mall,
-
Date
Lighting up town centre
RESIDENTS in Erith will be able to find out tonight how art will transform their town centre. Erith Town Forum will be hearing details from artist Onya McCausland about the art which will decorate the three entrance gates to the new Riverside shopping
-
Date
Borough prepared for cold winter weather
WITH forecasters predicting the coldest winter for years, the man charged with keeping Bexley's roads clear says he is prepared. A mixture of science, computer programmes and good old-fashioned salt should make sure all of the borough's main roads and
-
Date
Advice to wrap up warm
KEEP well, keep warm, keep safe this is the message to Bexley's elderly this winter. Bexley Council has joined forces with Bexley Care Trust and Age Concern Bexley to give advice and help to older people to prepare for this year's anticipated cold weather
-
Date
Buses driving me up the wall
I WOULD like to take the opportunity to let Metrobus (Orpington) know its 320 bus service is not satisfactory. Pulling up briefly behind two other buses, out of sight of the queue waiting at Bromley South and then accelerating away too quickly to notice
-
Date
News in brief
MOSAIC MAGIC: The mosaic created for Bexley's Tudor mansion at a Big Draw event in Hall Place, Bourne Road, Bexley, is now on display in the house. Entry is free. Call first on 01322 526574 to make sure the room is not being used for a function. IT'S
-
Date
Hospital centre won’t be left short-changed
AS THE frost gets thicker and the snow threatens, spare a thought for Kevin Tracey. While everyone else is pulling on thermal underwear and woolly tights, Mr Tracey, 43, from Halcot Avenue, Bexleyheath, will be in his shorts. Mr Tracey, a cable runner
-
Date
Lighting up Christmas festivities
SIDCUP will become the first town centre in the area to stage a laser light show. The light show will be part of the town's Christmas spectacular on December 7. Father Christmas will be in the town centre from 10am until 6pm, thanks to Bexley Rotary
-
Date
Housing project turned down by councillors after aiming too high
PLANS to build flats on a former petrol station site once destined to become a drive-thru McDonald's restaurant have failed. Bexley councillors have turned down a project by Hyder Homes and London and Quadrant Housing Trust to build a three-storey block
-
Date
News in brief
ROADWORKS: The junction of Thames Road and Crayford Way, Crayford, has closed for three weeks as part of the £12m project to turn Thames Road into a dual carriageway. The traffic lights will be switched off and traffic diverted along Maiden Lane, across
-
Date
Housing scheme doesn’t develop
BUSINESSES and residents joined forces to oppose a huge residential development on a former factory site. Developer Wagemans Maastricht wanted to build 450 homes on the 15.5-acre site, off Maiden Lane, Crayford, which was formerly occupied by the Samas
-
Date
7/7 victim is wrong to call MPs traitors
FURTHER to your article voicing Ms Gittens' opinions on Parliament's vote against the Government's plans to allow police to detain potential terrorist suspects for 90 days (MPs Are Out Of Touch, News Shopper, November 16). She is obviously still upset
-
Date
Sporting success at athletics festival
A PROJECT to promote indoor athletics for schoolchildren with disabilities has been hailed a success. The disability athletics festival, involving almost 50 pupils from special schools in Bexley, Bromley and Lewisham, was held at Erith Leisure Centre
-
Date
New toys only for sick children
CHILDREN will no longer be able to pass on their old toys to sick children to play with. This year, Holy Trinity Church, Hurst Road, Sidcup, has told children they can only bring new toys to its annual toy service, because of the fear of passing on infections
-
Date
News in brief
GOLD AWARDS: University students and former Townley Grammar School, Bexleyheath, pupils Laura Metcalfe of Harland Avenue, Sidcup, and Sarah Stewart of Cyril Road, Bexleyheath, have been presented with their gold Duke of Edinburgh awards by Prince Philip
-
Date
Show of support
THE theatre and Bexley's first citizen have combined their efforts to raise cash for charity. Students at Rose Bruford drama and theatre college, Burnt Oak Lane, Sidcup, offered half the cash from a performance of the English comedy The Way of the World
-
Date
School threatens footpath appeal
A SCHOOL, backed by a group of residents, is threatening to appeal against a council decision over an access footpath. St Columba's RC Boys' School, Halcot Avenue, Bexleyheath, had asked Bexley Council to remove one of the conditions insisting on the
-
Date
New hotline to help public report suspicious traders
A HOTLINE has been set up by trading standards for people to report suspicious door-to-door traders. Bexley Council is warning residents to always check the identification of people who call or appear at the front door claiming to work for or on behalf
-
Date
News in brief
NO CHARGES: No charges have been made against shooting victim Francis Byrne, aged 48, and his son, also called Francis, in connection with an incident in Thamesmead in September. Mr Byrne and his son, both of Bexley Village High Street, had been bailed
-
Date
Do you recognise these teenagers?
BEXLEY Police are appealing for the public's help in identifying three youths they want to speak to about two separate robberies. They have released a CCTV picture of two boys suspected of assaulting and robbing a minicab driver in Abbey Wood. It is
-
Date
Fitness instructors get on their bikes for good cause
IT WAS time for fitness instructors to have a taste of their own medicine. Employees at Bexley's leisure centres took to the streets, exercise bikes and a football pitch to raise cash for Children in Need. About 30 employees, boosted by some of the
-
Date
Taking the chick
REGARDING the letter describing compassion in world farming's concerns with the torture of ducks and geese in the production of foie gras (What The Foie Are You Doing?, News Shopper, November 9). Almost all the 20 million ducks killed every year in Britain
-
Date
Money-making kerb crackdown
REGARDING the so-called kerb crackdown being put forward by Bexley Council. I don't understand the reasoning behind the council's scheme, other than to give them a further income at the residents' expense. Are they not raising enough cash with the council
-
Date
Confusion over Christmas time
THE writer of the letter Who Are They? (News Shopper, Novemmber 16) assumes those who tell us to ban Christmas and tell us what hymns we can or cannot sing, are immigrants. This is not so. Those who have the power to call Christmas a winter season, for
-
Date
Unfairly treated over council tax
I AM a pensioner who is being treated unfairly over council tax. I live in a row of terrace houses of identical size and design except I am on the end. My house is in band G, which costs nearly £2,000 a year. My next door neighbour who was a band F
-
Date
Pavement cycling is safer
READING Cyclist Smashes Into Toddler On Pavement (News Shopper, November 16) finally stirred me to write about my cycling experiences. I cycle a five-minute journey each day to college along Station Road, Sidcup, into Burnt Oak Lane. Most of the time
-
Date
Fundraiser was fantastic event
THANKS to all of you who attended the disco on November 12 at Kirkham Street Working Man's Club. A total of £2,068 was raised, which is absolutely fantastic. I know the Greenwich and Bexley Hospice will be so pleased. I would also like to thank Charlton
-
Date
Younger patients need food choice
IN REPLY to the letter from Mrs Last (Hospital Good Except The Food, News Shopper, November 16) regarding my letter of October 26 about five-star treatment at Queen Mary's Hospital. I know Mrs Last and was very sorry to read her little grandson had been
-
Date
Anti-social firework displays must stop
IN REPLY to the letters by Mrs Brazier and Mr Leman, fireworks are no longer about children when it comes to garden fireworks and the days of oohs and ahhs of delight at the spectacular fizzing bang-free cascades have long gone. Sadly now, its all about
-
Date
To the point
COVER UP: Am I the only parent who is fed up with shops putting out lad mags on full view to everyone, including children? These magazines have nude women all over the front covers, yet most shops refuse to cover them up. A supermarket in Blackfen is
