AUTUMN 2023
THE HADRA NEWS
Hartley & District Residents’ Association
www.hadra.org
Protecting and Advancing the Common Interests of the Area
REPORT FROM THE CHAIR
Another year has gone by, and we still have many issues with which to deal. Planning, Health, and Transport are what we see as the main issues in our area. Planning has started to improve with the change of administration but even with a lot of applications now being turned down as unsuitable, we still have many planning issues.
The Purley Pool situation is something that is still causing us concern. The present administration and the developer, Polanska, are proposing to build later life accommodation in three blocks, one of which will house the new pool and leisure centre. The blocks will be of varying height and the pool block will be 12 storeys and front onto the High Street.
The present allocation for the Leisure Centre has 45 parking spaces which we would like to see increased. From the developer’s graphics we can see improvements at ground level, However, this will add another tall building to the existing skyscrapers which is still to include the Purley Baptist church which will be 17 storeys. There is no progress on the development of the Coulsdon Medical Centre but there is strong support for this to be progressed as soon as possible from both the NHS and the residents’ perspective.
The One-Day Travelcard has been saved, Transport for London announced on Tuesday 24th October. TfL has struck a deal with train firms to retain the ticket, which is used more than 14 million times a year by people visiting the capital. However the cost of the one-day Travelcard, which offers train
HADRA SUBSCRIPTIONS
passengers unlimited travel on the Tube and London bus network, will increase by a one-off levy of about three per cent next March, and in addition to the annual fares rise, to help cover its costs. It has come to light during the past year that the situation regarding Subscriptions is not always clear. The annual subscriptions were put up last year to £5, the first rise in many years. On sending out a reminder, it became clear that residents were unsure when to pay. Our year starts 1st April. All payments made between 1st April 2023 and 31st March 2024 will be for the 2023 year. If you need to change direct debits or standing orders, please do as it will make life a lot easier for our Membership Secretary and Treasurer.
I would like to say thank our committee members: Secretary Elaine Clark, Treasurer & Vice Chairman Lee Cooper, Planning Officer Colin Etheridge, Editor Vicky Burley, Membership Secretary Jackie Fowler, Health Officer Rita Lewis and our other committee members Diane Hearne and Josephine Hullay. Just a thank you to them all for the time and effort they put into the Residents Association. This is all done on a voluntary basis.
If any of our residents could find some time to join the committee or would like to attend a meeting to see how we work, please let us know. Our treasurer is resigning at the next AGM, if anyone can fill this position it would be a great help. We are also short of a Transport and Environment Representative, so if you are free and might find this interesting, please let us know. It may mean coming onto committee for a period before the takeover. John Clarke Chairman
Residents are reminded that the easiest way to pay the £5 subscription* is to set up an annual standing order. Please note the bank details below: Account name: HADRA
Sort Code: 23 05 80 (Metro Bank)
*202 3 SU DUE BCRIP NOW TION S !*
Account number: 41022558
Please quote your postcode and flat/house number in the reference. You can of course use the same details to make a one-off payment. Alternatively, cash and cheques made payable to HADRA can be delivered to our Treasurer at 54b Haydn Avenue; please remember to include your name and address.
If you have any queries about your subscription, please email treasurer@hadra.org. We are also grateful for any additional donations and appreciate the support of all residents who make financial contributions to help fund our activities. If residents need to contact the association, they can do so via email at action@hadra.org
COMMITTEE REPORTS MEMBERSHIP REPORT
As reported in the Spring edition of the newsletter, the HADRA membership continues to recover following the pandemic and is moving in the right direction. However, for those who have not yet paid the subscription I would encourage you to take action now as we need your support to be able to act on your behalf. We offer various different ways to pay the subscription. Our preference is to receive payment by a faster payment or standing order to Account name: HADRA | Sort Code: 23 05 80 (Metro Bank) | Account number: 41022558 quoting your postcode and flat/house number in the reference otherwise we do not know who has paid.
However, if you prefer cash, or cheques made payable to HADRA, we have enclosed a slip to fill in and a preaddressed envelope to send with your payment. You will need a stamp though!
RECRUITMENT DRIVE
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank our community of residents who continue to deliver the newsletters to your door, rain or shine, Spring or Autumn and whether the nights are getting lighter or as now, getting darker. We’ve had a few new recruits who have helped fill some of the gaps but never fear we still have vacancies if you would like to get involved. We’d welcome additional coverage on Coulsdon Road, Old Lodge Lane, Cearn Way, Hillars Heath Road, Hartley Farm, Burcott Road and Stoats Nest Village. If you fancy getting out and about in your local area to get some fresh air we’d love to hear from you.
Jackie Fowler HADRA Membership Secretary
TREASURER’S REPORT
HADRA’s finances remain in a healthy position, despite membership income being down this year.
Income from membership subscriptions amounted to £562 and membership donations of £118, totalling membership income of £680.
With the appointment of a new Treasurer this year, the committee decided to move our deposit account from NS&I to Skipton Building Society where we will achieve more favourable interest rates.
Our current account remains with Metro Bank and our Treasurer is therefore taking a keen interest in the happenings at Metro Bank in the news recently, however there does not currently appear to be cause for concern as the bank undergoes its re-financing operation.
We would remind our readers that HADRA can only operate if it has the funds to do so and therefore we would encourage the payment of any outstanding subscription amounts as soon as possible. Further details on how to pay can be found on our website at hadra.org/faq-items/subscriptions. If you have any queries concerning your subscription payment, please contact our Treasurer through the email address treasurer@hadra.org.
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Lee Cooper HADRA Treasurer
COMMITTEE REPORTS PLANNING REPORT
Croydon Planning Department
The planning department had meetings with residents’ associations in July 2023. We were updated on planning enforcement procedures; however this is reliant on recruiting more staff before improvements will be achieved. The review of the Croydon local plan is progressing; a briefing session was held on 17th October 2023 to explain the parts of the Local Plan being reviewed in accordance with the Mayor’s business plan which includes the removal of the Kenley intensification area. Planning Applications
The Planning Inspector has dismissed the appeals to demolish Hartley Court and Ravenswood (which are next to the railway bridges at the bottom of Hartley Down) to build 16 flats, and to demolish the house at 220 Brighton Road to build 9 flats. However the planning inspector allowed the appeal for the non-determination of a planning application to construct two pairs of semidetached houses in the back gardens of nos. 5 and 7 Hartley Old Road despite the planning department issuing a report confirming they would have refused the planning application.
REPORT ON OLD COULSDON VILLAGE FAIR
On Saturday 1 July 2023, HADRA representatives had the pleasure of attending the Old Coulsdon Village Fair. We were represented by Committee Member Diane Hearne and her family, together with Treasurer Lee Cooper and long-term friend of HADRA, Ray Tang. Although primarily sunny throughout the day, there were intermittent showers, most notably at the moment we successfully erected our pergola in the morning and we feel that such inclement weather may have had a negative effect on the number of visitors to the fair. We certainly didn’t feel our stall was as well visited as in previous years. We took a total of £41.40 in cash which was comprised of £15 in membership dues and £26.40 in tombola receipts, which has since been donated to our chosen charity, CLOCfg, the Christmas Lights for Old Coulsdon group. Lee Cooper
Purley Swimming Pool
The council has confirmed that the existing Purley Pool is beyond repair. A developer, Polaska, is in discussions with the council to demolish the existing swimming pool, car park and derelict supermarket and redevelop the site with a new 25 metre, six lane swimming pool, a training pool and gym. The scheme includes 240 flats for later life residential accommodation within three tower blocks (one being 12 storeys high), 45 car parking spaces for public use and 25 spaces for residents. A public consultation was held at the end of June, followed by a pre-application submission being discussed at Croydon Council planning committee meeting on 3rd August 2023. HADRA has joined other residents’ associations to raise concerns over a considerable loss of town centre car parking and the height of the 12 storey residential block. A further meeting was held on 6th September 2023 with the developer, which was attended by the Mayor, council officers and resident associations. At this meeting the developer suggested some improvements to the scheme, confirmed that the swimming pool would be built and operational before commencing the residential accommodation and promised to write and respond to the written concerns of the residents’ associations. Further consultations on revised proposals are expected in the middle of November 2023. Colin Etheridge HADRA Planning Representative
TREASURER POSITION
If any of our residents feel they could find some time to come onto committee or would like to attend a meeting to see how we work, please let us know. Our treasurer is resigning at the next AGM, if anyone can fulfil this position it would be a great help. We are also short of a Transport and Environment Representative, so if you are free and might find this interesting, please let us know. 3 | HADRA NEWSLETTER AUTUMN 2023
KEEP UP TO DATE
The HADRA website, at www.hadra.org has lots of information including Police, Planning, Local History, Health and Frequently Asked Questions.
Residents are also invited to join our Facebook group, WhatsApp group and sign up for our monthly eBlast. The eBlast contains details of local events and any urgent issues in the area. You’ll find links to each of these on the homepage of the website. If you have any problems with the website, please email action@hadra.org for support.
COULSDON COLLEGE
OPEN EVENT Join us at one of our open day events! Explore our course options and get ready for a new start.
THU 16 NOV 2023 WED 20 MAR 2024 WED 26 JUN 2024
| 5-7PM | 5-7PM | 5-7PM
TO FIND OUT MORE OR TO REGISTER PLEASE VISIT: COULSDON.AC.UK/EVENTS
SCAN THE Q R CODE TO REGISTER YOUR PLACE
BTECs || A A LEVELS LEVELS || T BTECs T LEVELS LEVELS 4 | HADRA NEWSLETTER AUTUMN 2023
FROM THE OFFICE OF OUR MP Remembering the life of Elianne Andam
The whole of our Borough remains in mourning over the shocking murder of 15-year-old Elianne Andam as she made her way to school on 27 September. Elianne was a student at the Old Palace of John Whitgift School, where she was studying for her GCSEs and planning a career as a lawyer – until her life was cruelly cut short.
I was humbled to join Elianne’s family, friends and other members of our community at the candlelit vigil held in Elianne’s memory the week after her death. Hundreds of residents also attended the vigil to pay their respects and it is very clear that our town is united in grief and a determination that things must change. We will use every means available to take all knives off the streets of Croydon and elsewhere to protect our young people and communities. Croydon Council progress
Confident that Croydon Council is now on a sustainable pathway of continuous improvement, the Government-appointed Improvement and Assurance Panel for our Borough has now set out a plan to leave Croydon by July 2025.
The Improvement and Assurance Panel was originally appointed in 2021 to deal with the governance failures that results in our Borough being declared bankrupt, and I have worked closely with them since to help bring Croydon back to stability. I congratulate Mayor Jason Perry and his administration for reaching this milestone, which is a testament to the progress that has been made in governance, culture and decision-making since the elections in May last year. Of course, there is more to be done –
COULSDON COLLEGE OPEN DAY 16 NOVEMBER 5PM-7PM
After a bumper enrolment this summer, Coulsdon College is opening its doors to next year’s prospective students at its second open day of the Autumn on Thursday 16th November from 5-7pm. Year 11s and 10s are invited to visit the campus along with their parents or guardians to view the wonderful facilities and talk to tutors about the range of courses and subjects on offer for those leaving school in the next two years.
Principal Martin Silverwood will be on hand to provide an overview of the offer at Coulsdon and to answer any questions parents and students may have about the College or any aspect of their study options. Martin commented: “We are extremely pleased with the number of students who chose to study with us this year and really look forward to welcoming new students and their parents to the campus. For me, Coulsdon is a very special college, it’s big enough to provide a wide choice of subjects and levels alongside the opportunity to grow as an individual, but small enough for each student to be known by name and to receive the personalised support they need to succeed.” The campus is located in the heart of Coulsdon and is surrounded by sports fields - providing a real sense of space and calm. The College has a thriving enrichment programme so students can participate in everything from sports clubs to the Duke of Edinburgh Award. To find out more and register for the event, please visit www.coulsdon.ac.uk. 5 | HADRA NEWSLETTER AUTUMN 2023
particularly in finance and housing – but I look forward to seeing more progress in the near future. New investment in local tennis courts
It is fantastic news that Croydon Council has announced a new partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association that will see council-owned tennis courts at Coulsdon Memorial Ground, Park Hill Recreation Ground, Purley Beeches, and Rickman Hill Recreation Ground refurbished.
Most of the costs will be met by funding from the government and LTA Tennis Foundation as part of the LTA’s Park Tennis Project. As a result, I am pleased that free tennis sessions will be available each week for people of all ages and playing levels - widening access to high-quality sporting facilities for local people. Improvements at Grange Park
I am delighted that a new 632m long pathway on the perimeter of Grange Park, Old Coulsdon has now opened. The path will provide easier access for prams and wheelchair users, and the addition of six new benches is a much-welcomed improvement. Well done to the Friends of Grange Park, who raised the majority of the funding needed for the project, for its unwavering commitment to our community. Chris Philp Member of Parliament for Croydon South
LOCAL INFORMATION & NEWS GRAND OPENING - GRANGE PARK PERIMETER PATH
After 6 (long) years of planning and fundraising and 6 weeks’ work by the Council’s contractors, Saturday 7th October finally saw the Grand Opening of a new 632-metre perimeter path in Old Coulsdon’s Grange Park. Quite a crowd turned out in the glorious, unseasonably warm sunshine to mark this special occasion for the local community. Taking up a mere 2.25% of the total area of the park, the path is a godsend for many park users who had previously struggled with the uneven and often waterlogged ground, particularly those with mobility issues who can now stroll at their own pace with rest stops if required at six strategically placed memorial benches. Mothers with buggies and children wanting a smooth surface for cycling and scooting are happy too, not to mention those of our four-legged friends who did not enjoy mud or very long grass.
A commemorative poem by Sandra Longley was read out by Rev Newman before a blessing and dedication. Today, the 7th of October, is a very special day.
As we come to celebrate, I would just like to say A very big THANK YOU to those involved. It wasn’t easy to achieve,
But at long last we now have a path in the park. I know, it’s hard to believe. The path looks amazing, the seats all around
And now the park can be used if there’s soggy ground. So whether you’re a man, a woman, a girl or a boy,
Please use this path in the park – it’s for all to enjoy! Lucia Briault
There were speeches from (clockwise) David Caddick (Old Coulsdon Centre for the Retired), Jason Perry (Executive Mayor of Croydon), Ray Haxton (Friends of Grange Park), and Rev Malcolm Newman (Old Coulsdon Congregational Church).
Young Harley, seen here cutting the ribbon, is one of many local children who can now get more enjoyment from the park.
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LOCAL INFORMATION AND NEWS DONATE YOUR OLD TECH
DIGITAL EXCLUSION – FREE HELP FROM CLEAR COMMUNITY WEB
Do you struggle with computers, tablets and mobile phones? Are you frustrated with a world that effectively excludes you if you’re unfamiliar with the internet, apps, online forms, QR codes and the like? Your bank, your GP, the Council… organisations are increasingly forcing you to access their services digitally. Don’t let technology be a barrier in your everyday life – FREE help is available!
Clear Community Web can improve your awareness, build your confidence and help you develop digital skills. They hold regular sessions at local venues, offering free dropin support in a safe and friendly environment. Typical things CCW can help you with include: •installing apps
•creating or accessing email accounts •recovering accounts
•re-setting passwords •transferring files •filling in forms
•help with accessibility settings •running updates
•checking for viruses
Digital drop-in sessions take place on Tuesdays from 10am to 12 noon at the Purley Cross Centre (Purley Baptist Church, Banstead Road, next to Purley Library).
CCW also run monthly Mobile Phone Boot Camps – a fun way to practice using a smart phone and build confidence through practical activities. These take place from 2pm to 4pm on specific Wednesdays at the Purley Cross Centre. For the next couple of months, the dates are 22nd November and 20th December. In partnership with Millennium Community Solutions, CCW also hold disability and technology advice drop-ins, offering friendly support for disabled residents, carers and neurodiverse adults. These sessions are held every Tuesday morning at the OurSpace Community Hub in central Croydon.
For more information, call 07523 646277, email info@ clearcommunityweb.co.uk or visit clearcommunityweb. co.uk. But if you haven’t mastered how to do that yet, just pop by the Purley Cross Centre on Tuesday morning! (Pictures taken from clearcommunityweb.co.uk)
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Clear Community Web can take your old tech, wiping all data for your peace of mind. Donated items can occasionally be fixed or refurbished and redistributed to those in need, but if they can’t be reused then CCW work with various partners to ensure ethical recycling or disposal. For more information and to arrange a drop-off (in Purley), email caspar@clearcommunityweb.co.uk.
COULSDON YULETIDE CELEBRATIONS
On Saturday 2nd December, Coulsdon town centre will be filled with festive cheer once more as the community comes together to kick off the holiday season in style. Explore the market stalls where local artisans and vendors will showcase their wares. Find that perfect gift for your loved ones… or yourself! Indulge your taste buds with a mouthwatering array of festive food and drink. From savoury to sweet, there’ll be culinary delights to satisfy every craving. Bring your little ones to meet Santa in his magical grotto. Capture the joy and wonder on their faces as they share their wishes with the man in red. Tickets are on sale already, so book early to avoid disappointment. Enjoy live performances that will fill the air with holiday cheer. From carollers to dance troupes, our main stage will keep your toes tapping and your heart singing. For thrill-seekers, the funfair will be in full swing, offering rides for all ages with plenty of lights and laughter. Embrace the excitement and enchantment of the holiday season at this heartwarming community celebration from 11am to 7pm. For more information and to book tickets for the grotto, visit https://coulsdonpartnership.org/pages/events/ coulsdon-yuletide-magic-2023
TRANSPORT NEWS BUSES
Locally, the 404 changed operator at the end of September from RAPT to Abellio from their Beddington garage. The route 434 contract with London General/Metrobus has been extended for two years.
The main change to buses is the introduction of the Superloop express buses around London. https://content. tfl.gov.uk/superloop-map.pdf As a result in Croydon the X68 has become the SP6 and the X26 has become the SP7 with an increased frequency. A new route introduced between Croydon to Bromley will become SL5. There will be no change to the 119.
Bus route 405 is 100 years old in January 2024! It started life as the S5 between West Croydon and Handcross via Coulsdon along with the sister route the S9, which ran from West Croydon to Uckfield via Old Coulsdon by East Surrey Buses in 1921. Due to the problem of pirate buses and lack of regulation, in 1924 the new London Traffic Act put the Met Police in charge of introducing a new system for bus numbers. The system was named the Bassom Scheme after Chief Constable of the Met Police AE Bassom. All routes had to have an individual number and be allocated to areas with East Surrey buses all numbered in the 400s. The S5 becoming the 405 and the S9 becoming the 409.
TRAINS
Unfortunately, the rail strikes are still ongoing please check on National Rail Enquires for dates: www.nationalrail.co.uk
Booking Office Closures: At the beginning of July the Government announced that the Rail Delivery Group
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would be consulting on the closure of all station booking offices via London Travelwatch as today only 12% of passengers buy tickets at Booking Offices. Well, 12% is still a lot of passengers! All local booking offices would close and only East Croydon would have some form of travel office. After much protest the consultation was extended to 1st September 2023. Over 680,000 people objected. We wait to see what happens next. Withdrawal of the One Day Paper Travelcard: As a result of the agreed settlement for future funding of TfL between the Government and the Mayor of London, it is proposed to withdraw the One Day paper Travelcard, the only integrated paper ticket for all forms of transport in London of which some 12million were sold last year. This would mean that if you do not have an Oyster card or are unable to pay by bank card, you will have to obtain single tickets for each leg of your journey and you will be charged peak fares. This will also be a problem for children who do not have an Oyster zip card. TfL accepts the need for an integrated ticket that is in keeping with the cap on Oyster and bank cards at the Travelcard price.
The London Mayor has offered to have discussions with The Rail Delivery Group and the DfT to discuss ways of keeping the One Day Paper Travelcard. As DfT are now responsible for fares on National Rail, East Surrey Transport Committee is asking you to lobby our MP Chris Philp chris.philp.mp@parliament.uk to get him to emphasis to DfT why the One Day Paper Travelcard is important. *UPDATE: Travelcard saved! See Chair’s report on p1. * Charlie King
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USEFUL NUMBERS HADRA COMMITTEE MEMBERS
LIST OF WARD COUNCILLORS
Chairman – John Clarke Email: chair@hadra.org Phone: 020 8660 0845
Kenley
Vice Chair & Treasurer – Lee Cooper Email: vicechair@hadra.org Phone: 07506 608582
Secretary – Elaine Clark Email: secretary@hadra.org Phone: 020 8660 9927
Ola Kolade Mobile: 07707 277218 Gayle Gander Mobile: 07716 092482
Old Coulsdon
Margaret Bird 020 8604 7035 Mobile: 07710 184942 Nikhil Sherine Thampi Mobile: 07716 092479
Purley & Woodcote
Coulsdon Town
Planning Representative – Colin Etheridge Email: planning@hadra.org Phone: 020 8668 3707
Samir Dwesar Mobile: 07716 092471 Holly Ramsey Mobile: tbc
Mario Creatura Phone: 020 3624 3142
Health Representative & Minutes Secretary – Rita Lewis Phone: 020 8668 5520
Visit www.croydon.gov.uk for a full list of councillors.
Membership Secretary – Jackie Fowler Email: membership@hadra.org Phone: 020 8241 4267
Transport & Environmental Representative – Vacant
Newsletter Editor – Vicky Burley Email: editor@hadra.org Phone: 020 8406 0843 Committee Members – Diane Hearne Phone: 020 8668 1778 – Josephine Hullay Phone: 020 8660 0845
The HADRA Committee would like to thank neighbours who give up their time in their work as road stewards. Please see adjacent list for names and vacancies. If you are interested in filling one of the vacancies, do please get in touch with the Membership Secretary.
INCREASE IN MEMBERSHIP FEE
As reported in the last edition, the 2022 Annual General Meeting, it was agreed to increase the annual membership fee to £5.00 from 1 April 2023.
The committee would like to draw residents’ attention to the change and remind those paying by standing order that it is time to amend their payments as soon as possible. The last time that the subscription was increased was in April 2006 and whilst reluctant to make this change it was felt necessary to help meet the rising costs associated with running the residents’ association.
Simon Brew Mobile: 07803 618096
Ian Parker Mobile: 07783 152343
Luke Shortland Mobile: 07716 092467
Please refer to political parties’ websites for information on their prospective candidates for your ward.
ROAD STEWARDS
If you are interested in helping out the HADRA Committee by becoming a steward for your road, please get in touch with a member of the HADRA committee (contact details on page 10). ASMAR CLOSE - Vacant
BENCOMBE ROAD - Susan Bentley
BRIGHTON ROAD - Maureen Lee (odds) BURCOTT ROAD - Vacant
BYRON AVENUE - John Peachey | Laura Briggs CEARN WAY - Vacant
COULSDON COURT ROAD - Kim Clerkin COULSDON ROAD - Vacant
HARTLEY DOWN - Andrew Dunlop | Helen Ali HARTLEY FARM - Vacant
HARTLEY HILL - John Wills
HARTLEY OLD ROAD - Jenny Strong | Helen Moon HARTLEY WAY - John Wills
HAYDN AVENUE - Susan Quaintance | Rebecca Simpson HIGHER DRIVE - Sue Wright HILLARS HEATH - Vacant
OLD LODGE LANE - Sharon Smith | Valerie Woodley PETERSFIELD CRESCENT - Vacant
STOATS NEST ROAD - Linda Lawrence STOATS NEST VILLAGE - Vacant
ROAD STEWARD LIAISON OFFICER - Vacant
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The Road Steward Liaison Officer position is to organise the distribution of our biannual newsletter to our Road Stewards. If you are interested please contact our Chairman.
POLICE & CRIME
Please find below some useful contacts: Emergency Tel: 999 Non Urgent Tel: 101
Old Coulsdon SNT Email: OldCoulsdon.SNT@met.police.uk Kenley SNT Email: Kenley.SNT@met.police.uk Coulsdon Town SNT Email: CoulsdonTown.SNT@met.police.uk Purley & Woodcote SNT Email: PurleyandWoodcote.SNT@met.police.uk London Borough of Croydon Tel: 020 8726 6000 Council Trading Standards / Citizens Advice Consumer Service Tel: 0808 223 1133 Email: trading.standards@croydon.gov.uk
Council Antisocial Behaviour Tel: 020 8726 6000 | Email: ASBTeam@croydon.gov.uk
REPORTING CRIME
We see many reports of crime on social media such as Facebook and Nextdoor but the Police don’t monitor these sites so please make sure you also report crimes. This can be done either online or by telephone call to 101.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report anything at crimestoppers-uk.org. 101 is for a non-emergency situation; if a crime is taking place or somebody is in immediate danger, call 999.
REEDHAM CHILDREN’S TRUST CHRISTMAS TOY DRIVE 2023 Bringing a smile to children in need of a little happiness this Christmas
Reedham Children’s Trust will be running their annual Christmas Toy and Food Voucher appeal to support those most vulnerable in our community.
The children and families who the charity works with often face multiple challenges from financial poverty, bereavement, homelessness to difficult home circumstances.
Countless reports have shown that the cost-of-living crisis will impact the poorest households the most, many will have to choose between food and heating; others won’t have either. Sadly, this means there is often no money left for presents at all.
Please would you consider donating this Christmas, to make sure each child we can support has at least one Christmas present to open?
To help, please visit www.reedhamchildrenstrust.org.uk/ christmas2023. 11 | HADRA NEWSLETTER AUTUMN 2023
LOCAL HISTORY
WINDMILLS ON COULSDON COMMON
By 1890, a pair of windmills had stood on Coulsdon Common for over a century. The picture below shows one of these, known as the ‘new’ mill. It was latterly owned by Edmund Byron, the Lord of the Manor of Coulsdon. The windmill was in full working order until about 1893 and was maintained in fairly good condition until about 1912. During the first world war, it was sadly neglected and after Edmund Byron’s death, the Coulsdon Court estate was sold. The remains of the mill were finally demolished in 1924. Windmill Cottage (pictured), now a
BOOM TOWN OF THE 60s
Considering Croydon was classed as the ‘Boom Town of the Sixties’ it is very sad the way things seem to have fallen into such disrepair more recently. Many have mentioned how the huge amount of money spent on Fairfield Halls appears to have changed virtually nothing since it was opened in 1962.
See below an extract from ‘Croydon the story of a hundred years’ published by the Croydon Natural History and Scientific Society Ltd in 1973 at the grand price of 60p. Fairfield Halls by night – 1969
Opened in 1962, the Fairfield Halls is Croydon’s principal entertainment centre. It stands on the old ‘fair field’ and continues the tradition of many centuries of pleasure on this site. A typical month’s programme includes plays, concerts (classical and popular music), film shows, wrestling, boxing, art and photographic exhibitions, lectures and dances.
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Grade 11 listed building off Stites Hill Road was the former home of the Miller and stood adjacent to the windmill. Windmill Farm Kennels is now on the site. Croydon had a number of windmills in the Victorian period and the last surviving is Shirley Windmill which is maintained by the ‘Friends of Shirley Windmill’. Information obtained from the Victorian Croydon Illustrated
ZUMBA IN PURLEY & KENLEY
Are you looking to get fit and have fun whilst doing it? Local residents, Michelle and Vicky have recently launched ZumbaCR8 and are offering three weekly classes in Purley and Kenley.
If you’ve not tried Zumba before but love moving your body to great music, why not join a class for FREE? All new dancers get a free class pass, and existing dancers get a free pass when they introduce a friend. Weekly classes are as follows:Monday, 6:45pm at Purley United Reformed Church Tuesday, 6:30pm at Kenley Memorial Hall
Wednesday, 9am at Kenley Memorial Hall
Book online at bookwhen.com/ZumbaCR8.