Archive
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BEXLEY: Former prisoner on the run
POLICE are hunting a man who is on the run after being recalled to prison. Nick Carlton, now 24, who lives in Bridge Road, Slade Green, was released on licence from Highpoint Prison in Suffolk, on February 5 this year, after serving five years of an
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NORTHUMBERLAND HEATH: Man charged with baby murder
A MAN from Northumberland Heath has been charged with the murder of a three-month-old baby boy. The man, aged 40, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was also charged with grievous bodily harm to the boy and the baby's twin sister.
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WELLING: Top tennis tournament comes to Danson
BEXLEY is to play host to a national tennis tournament. Danson Park’s grass courts will be the venue for this year's AEGON Summer County Cup. Group seven of the doubles-only event will be played from Monday to Friday next week (20 to 24). Eight
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It is possible to form a new group
AS A newly elected MEP, I believe we should begin our new term by delivering on our election promises. The Conservative Party has already delivered a key commitment. Before the European elections, David Cameron said he would create a new grouping in
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Thanks for your support
THE Alzheimer's Society would like to say a huge thank you to Sainsbury's (Crayford) and the generosity of their customers, who helped to raise £634 for the Bexley branch. This money will help us to continue the vital work of supporting people with dementia
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Make your voices heard
LOCAL people keep saying how appalled they are with the state of Bromley Road – all those boarded up pubs and empty buildings make the area look run down. That’s why local Lib Dem councillors in Downham and Whitefoot have been fighting for special planning
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PCT wrong on GP plan
AGAINST the wishes of University Hospital Lewisham and the Federation of Lewisham GPs, the Primary Care Trust has decided to press ahead with the new GP-led walk-in centre at the Waldron site in New Cross, instead of opening one at the hospital itself
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Show was the worst ever
I FIND it hard to credit that the the Bexley Show was reported as a great event. It was in fact the worst show ever. They have steadily been getting worse and this year consisted mainly of funfair and tacky charity shops. The craft fair was non existent
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WILMINGTON: Free hearing aid maintenance sessions
A CHARITY for deaf people is holding a free hearing aid maintenance session. Hi Kent, which works with the deaf and hard-of-hearing throughout the county, is running the clinic at St Michael’s Church, Church Hill, Wilmington, from 10am to 11.30am
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Riders ought to take more care
I JUST wanted to tell about a car journey I recently made in Sidcup. There have been some high profile ads on TV about car users being more alert and looking out for motor cycles, and I think they are a good thing, but I encountered four motorcyclists
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BROMLEY: Council maintenance contracts up for grabs
SMALLER companies will be able to have the chance to bid for maintenance contracts when the existing single contract expires in autumn. This opportunity has become available because Bromley Council is breaking down the single contract into
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Well done to charity runners
I AM writing to thank our runners for taking part in this years British 10k London run and to all your readers for supporting them. The event was a great success with thousands of pounds raised for World Cancer Research Funds (WCRF) research and education
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UPDATE - PRATTS BOTTOM: Three people trapped following crash
THREE people had to be freed from their cars after a head-on collision near Pratts Bottom. According to police, the crash happened at 2.57pm today (July 15) on the A21 near Rushmore Hill. A grey BMW and a turquoise Rover coupe collided
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Charity shop needs volunteers
I WOULD like to make readers aware The Children’s Trust is opening the first of its "new look" charity shops at 264 High Street, Orpington, on Wednesday, July 15. There will be a wide range of good quality clothing and items to appeal to shoppers
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Gills game final chance for Wings hopefuls
WELLING boss Andy Ford will make his final decision on which trialists will represent the club this season after Saturday’s friendly with Gillingham. The Wings have already ended their interest in several so far and although there are still
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Game news: iPhone / iPod social gaming battle begins
The battle to be the iPhone / iPod Touch platform's equivalent of Xbox Live is well and truly hotting up. It was recently reported how the OpenFeint social networking gateway has clocked up more than one million gamers using its leaderboards
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Should we worried about swine-flu?
When I collected my son from nursery yesterday I was given a letter which said one of the members of staff had a case of “probable swine-flu”. My initial reaction was shrill and hysterical and probably typical of a lot of parents. A thought flashed
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REVIEW: Frozen River *****
Writer/director Courtney Hunt has created a gripping and moving story so convincing it could be mistaken for a documentary. The tale of a single mother trying to take care of her children seems commonplace in today’s society, but it is rare to see
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DAN DARES: Reporter facing the chop in latest challenge
DAREDEVIL News Shopper reporter Dan Keel will be back in action next week when he takes on his ninth challenge. This month he will be paid a visit by the vice-president of the Magic Circle, Jack Delvin, who will put Dan in a guillotine and
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BLACKHEATH: Sir Edward Downes' Dignitas suicide sparks euthanasia debate
THE assisted suicide of a conductor and his wife at a Swiss clinic has sparked renewed debate about the issue. Sir Edward Downes and his wife Joan, from Blackheath, died at a Dignitas assisted-suicide clinic in Zurich, Switzerland, on July
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Not a good move
WITH reference to your story about putting readers' letters and sport exclusively on the website, I do not think it is a good idea. Too many outlets, government departments and businesses assume everyone has a PC. This is not the case. It is also more
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We should leave the EU
WITH the British death toll in Afghanistan increasing almost daily, it is time this administration looked at its priorities. On the one hand, rightly or wrongly, we are involved in a war costing an estimated £10 million a day in which our young men are
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EDITOR'S BLOG: Camping adventures at Lounge on the Farm festival
BEFORE the weekend just gone, my experience of camping was minimal. At Glastonbury many years ago, I slept in a battered old tent that I’d nicked from my uncle. It didn’t have a groundsheet. But, after 15 pints of Brainblast Old Peculiar, "Somerset’s
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Go meat-free
THE practice of designating one day a week as Meat-Free is becoming a global phenomenon. And no wonder when the environmental, human health and animal welfare benefits are so substantial. Given that climate change is one of the biggest challenges we
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Riverside is our jewel in the crown
I AM writing in regard to Gravesend's Big Day Out. After a rewarding day helping out at a stall in the Gordon Gardens, I along with many others stood looking across the Thames as the sun set in the west, in awe at the amazing colours the setting sun
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Views are flippant
I REPLY to Tim Masters letter Design Matters on July 1. I too may be "uninformed" (his comments about Prince Charles and Peers Carter), but find his comment that "whether homes are made from brick, glass or candyfloss is irrelevant" both flippant and
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Truth emerging about hospital changes
SLOWLY but surely “the cat is being let out of the bag” and the truth about Queen Mary’s Hospital is emerging from the web of lies, cover-ups and half truths woven over the past couple of years. Two recent News Shopper reports have given a clear view
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Not the right place for court
AFTER reading the new magistrates' court is going to be sited where the libary currently is in Bexleyheath, I was interested in knowing if anyone else thought this will be too near the shopping centre. I used to work in a magistrates' court and I know
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NORTH KENT: Charity walks on Sunday
A VARIETY of walks are on offer on Sunday (July 19) to help a hospice raise money. From one mile to eight miles, walkers can enjoy the landscape of Cobham Park as part of Ellenor Lions Hospice’s sixth annual walk. The walks are all within
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Follow example of Paris
WE ALL know pensioners and other vulnerable people can be particulary at risk each winter, but summer heatwaves can also prove lethal. The high levels of air pollution in London mean people with respiratory problems are at risk because of the hot weather
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A stag-beetle in my garden
The stag-beetle (Lucanus cervus) is sadly a rare sight these days, even in this area, where it has traditionally been native. The species is listed as a globally threatened under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and is one of the priority
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A true star
ONE OF the greatest performances ever seen in Dartford (in my opinion)was put on at The Orchard Theatre recently. Music for Heroes was a charity concert staged by The Royal Artillery Band and The Belvedere Concert Band and in total there were around
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Another tax on the motorist
CAN anybody explain the logic of the parking charges which have now been forced on any motorist who dares to use the shopping facilities in Chatterton Road? This will do nothing to help these local businesses attract passing trade in these difficult times
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Weeds have been a problem
I write in response to a letter published on June 24. Weed growth and its control has proved to be a real problem this year. We are doing our best to deal with this issue and can only apologise to residents for this happening. I could blame the EU
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The Hospice lottery that launched on May 8 is about to start
Greenwich and Bexley Cottage Hospice in Abbey Wood, London is giving people the chance of winning its weekly jackpot of £1000 as well as 40 other great cash prizes. The first draw will take place on Friday July 31, 2009. Anyone over
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Council had to act
I WRITE as a newly0-elected county councillor for Northfleet and Gravesend West, also the Gravesham Councillor for Painters Ash and chairman of planning for Gravesham. As was covered extensively in the local media, after nearly five years Gravesham Council
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A great show
AS A a stallholder at this year's Biggin Hill Festival can I say how delighted I was at the success of the venture. The atmosphere was wonderful. A huge crowd of really friendly people (with no trouble). The displays in the arenas were exceptional.
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Orpington Video and Film Makers
WHEN Orpington Video and Film Makers put on a show of their films, one of the most popular items is a newsreel of events which have taken place in the area throughout the year to which a number of members contribute. These newsreels have become a valuable
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HEXTABLE ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION
Hexara's AGM recently took place and once again it was far from a boring meeting. Our chairman, Terry Chapman, made sure there was plenty of light-hearted banter and made a point of thanking all the committee members for their hard work in making our
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BLACKHEATH: Tunisian man stabbed in mistaken identity murder
A 21-YEAR-OLD Somalian has been found guilty of stabbing a man to death in a case of mistaken identity. Hamouda Bessaad, a Tunisian who worked as a waiter in Blackheath, was attacked in Old Kent Road, Southwark, on June 30 last year.
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Mott handed chance to impress
DARTFORD assistant boss Paul Sawyer says trialist goalkeeper Sam Mott will have more chances to impress at Princes Park after Andrew Young picked up an injury in last night’s 4-2 defeat against Gillingham. The former Ebbsfleet stopper had
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PENGE: Youngsters enjoy open air concert
YOUNGSTERS have had fun watching performances at an open air concert. The concert, called ‘Street Scene 2’, was held at Penge Recreation Ground, off the high street in Penge, on July 12. It was organised by community group, Penge Festival, as a way
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BROMLEY: Free university courses for youngsters
UNIVERSITY is the place to be this summer with hundreds of free course places available across Bromley. The courses for residents aged from eight to 25-years-old cover a variety of subjects including music, DJ-ing, street dance, construction, DIY,
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KIDBROOKE: Teen's report on youths' use of media causes stir in financial world
A TEENAGER has caused a stir in the financial world with his insights into youngsters' use of the media. Matthew Robson, aged 15, who attends Kidbrooke School, spent two weeks at the finance company, Morgan Stanley, in Canary Wharf on a work
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GROVE PARK: Archbishop Desmond Tutu opens peace garden
ARCHBISHOP Desmond Tutu has opened a peace garden dedicated to his life and work. After receiving a £10,000 grant from the National Lottery, the Grove Park Community Group created the garden in Chinbrook Meadows Park, Chinbrook Road.
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MP HOLIDAYS: How will they be spending their 83-day summer recess?
MPs have just begun their 83-day summer recess. In a month-long feature, News Shopper reporter DAN KEEL talks to the area's representatives about their holiday plans during a break from Parliament which lasts until October 12. John Horam
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Mead open season at home to Vase semi-finalists
THAMESMEAD Town expect a big crowd for the opening day of the season on August 15 when they entertain last season's FA Vase semi-finalists Lowestoft Town. The Mead then travel to across the Thames to face Romford the following Tuesday.
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NEWS SHOPPER: Pet pics and videos wanted
DOES your furry friend have a fantastic ability? Or has your pet saved someone’s life? If so, News Shopper wants to hear from you. Whether it is head butting a window to get your attention or jumping into a river to pull someone to safety, we want
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BECKENHAM: Anti-crime efforts pay off for New Beckenham station
A TRAIN station has been given an award for being a safe place for passengers and staff. The Secure Stations Scheme award was given to the New Beckenham station’s staff by Beckenham MP Jacqui Lait to acknowledge the efforts to deter crime
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REVIEW: Burma VJ: Reporting From A Closed Country ****
Good documentaries shed light on a subject previously unknown to an audience, capturing their imaginations along the way. Burma VJ does exactly that and more, compelling viewers to not only care and take an interest in the story of these individuals
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DISCUSS: Childcare is postcode lottery
PARENTS still face a "postcode lottery" in finding affordable and appropriate holiday childcare, according to a survey. What are your experiences of finding affordable childcare? With the long summer holidays looming, the Daycare Trust said there were
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Drivers tee up ahead of championships
LEADING drivers from the FIA world touring car and Formula Two championships swapped their 125mph race cars for an 18mph golf buggy last week ahead of their visit to Brands Hatch this weekend. Chevrolet WTCC driver Rob Huff and Formula Two pilots Henry
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SIDCUP: Dirty Dancing at Plastic Red cabaret night
DIRTY Dancing is the theme for the cabaret night at Plastic Red in Sidcup on July 18. The price for the evening, at the bar/restaurant in Station Road, is £24 and that includes a three-course dinner. For reservations, call 020 8300 0855.
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BEXLEY: Creative writing group publishes work thanks to Jeffrey Archer
A GROUP of creative writers whose average age is 70 have just had their first book published — thanks to Jeffrey Archer. The seven Bexley men, aged between 55 and 78, first met at a Workers’ Education Association creative writing course. Robert
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WELLING: Danson Park to host top tennis tournament
BEXLEY is to play host to a national tennis tournament. Danson Park’s grass courts will be the venue for this year’s AEGON Summer County Cup. Group seven of the doubles-only event will be played from Monday to Friday next week. Eight counties from
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SLADE GREEN: Wild West party at Howbury Tumblers
TODDLERS celebrated the arrival of new toys for their outdoor play area with a Wild West party. Howbury Tumblers, a mother-and-toddler group, is based at the Howbury Centre in Slade Green Road, Slade Green. A registered charity, the Tumblers runs drop-in
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ERITH & NORTHUMBERLAND HEATH: Rewards on offer at shops
A REWARD card aimed at encouraging townspeople to use their local independent shops is being launched in the Erith area. Already more than 40 shops, pubs and businesses in Erith and Northumberland Heath have signed up to the Wedge Card. The card was
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THAMESMEAD: Violence forces early end to festival
VIOLENCE erupted at the Thamesmead Festival on Saturday, forcing the organisers to shut the festivities down and close the event. News Shopper understands trouble broke out among a number of youths towards the end of the day-long free festival,
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BEXLEYHEATH: Drayman pub closed down after all-night drug party
A TOWN centre bar has been closed down using emergency powers — for the second time in four months. The Drayman, Crook Log, Bexleyheath, was shut down last Friday at the request of Bexley police after they claimed CCTV footage showed drug taking
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ORPINGTON: Polish author holds workshop
YOUNGSTERS have enjoyed learning about Poland at a book workshop. Polish author Anna Mycek-Wodecki held the workshop at St Philomena’s Primary School, in Chelsfield Road, Orpington, as part of the ‘Reading Round the World’ programme. The programme
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CHARLTON: Council slammed for closing Lido during summer holidays
A COUNCIL has been slammed for closing an outdoor swimming pool at the beginning of the school holidays. Charlton Lido, in Hornfair Park, Shooters Hill Road, has been closed for 18 months to allow a major refurbishment of the pool to begin. But
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WEST WICKHAM: Bromley Korfball Club host free coaching days
A KORFBALL club has organised a series of free coaching days offering a chance to taste the unusual sport. Bromley Korfball Club will use Oak Lodge Primary School in West Wickham to host the events, where visitors can learn the basics of korfball
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LEWISHAM: Teens receive 18th birthday cards from council
TEENAGERS who turn 18 years of age have started receiving birthday cards from the council. Lewisham Council started sending out personalised cards to young people on the electoral register on July 13 to remind them they are eligible to vote
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FARNBOROUGH: Biomass boiler unveiled at country park
A CARBON neutral boiler has been unveiled at a country park’s environmental education centre. The biomass boiler has been set up in the Bromley Environment Education Centre in Farnborough and will provide heat and hot water by burning wood
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BROMLEY: Online petition urges greater access to Bromley South train station
AN online petition is calling for greater access to platforms at a busy railway station. The new Access All Areas campaign group wants Bromley South station to be fully accessible by 2012. At the moment, the only way to get down to the
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Totally out of touch......
“The Met is not a local constabulary but a Home Office private militia. It works to performance targets fixed by the Home Secretary, largely determined by the requirements of his or her public image”...... So writes Simon Jenkins in the Evening Standard
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LEWISHAM: Councillor Pete Pattisson to fight for Parliamentary seat
A LIB DEM councillor has announced he will fight for a seat in Parliament. Councillor Pete Pattisson will run for the Lewisham East seat at the next general election and has pledged to change the constituency for the better. The former teacher at
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SWANLEY: Pre-school parties to celebrate 10th anniversary
THERE was fun and games when a pre-school held a party to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Sunbeams held the party at its base in St Marys Church, St Marys Road, Swanley, and past and present pupils came along to join in the festivities.
