Archive

  • Service to remember

    Schoolchildren will be remembering those who lost their lives as Croydon marks Holocaust Memorial Day. A service of remembrance will be held at the council chamber in the Town Hall from 1pm tomorrow (Thursday) which will include Jewish songs, poems and

  • Trusty steed retired after 75 years and 50,000 miles

    Having clocked up more than 50,000 miles during 75 years in the saddle, William Wagstaff has decided to hang up his bicycle clips for good. The 95-year-old, who lived in Shirley, has donated his prized possession to London's Transport Museum after riding

  • Holocaust memorial day: Hannah’s story of hope and survival

    At just six years of age Hannah Lewis watched as Nazi soldiers rounded up a group of Jews, including her mother, in the Polish village where they lived. Lining them up in front of a well the soldiers opened fire. Then they turned and herded the remaining

  • GCSE assault coursework

    Haling Manor School's 140 final-year pupils were put through their paces by the army last Wednesday in preparation for their GCSEs. The year 11 students at the school in Kendra Hall Road, South Croydon, experienced training exercises similar to those

  • Laptop school is top

    A Thornton Heath school has been praised for its use of information technology. Winterbourne Junior Girls School in Winterbourne Road was awarded the Naacemark by professional body Naace, which formerly stood for the National Association of Advisors

  • Night of triumph for Independents

    Some of the town's best-loved independent stores went head-to-head with high street chains in the 2004 Retail and Entertainment Awards. The results of this year's awards were announced at High Street nightspot Tiger Tiger last Wednesday, and saw independent

  • Some more time, gentlemen?

    Croydon's night time economy is booming. There are currently 34 venues with public entertainment licences in the town centre, many with opening hours stretching until 2am. And under the 2003 Licensing Act some could apply to stay open even later. The

  • New bars not music to my ears

    With reference to the small item A complex verdict is in' (Croydon Guardian, January 12) I wonder how many of the 83 per cent of people who wanted Fairfield Halls improved are regular concert-goers and are aware that most musicians who play there say

  • A Dance that calls for quieter music

    Music is a very personal thing and any music, piped or otherwise, that is not your choice is annoying. Loud music is a cause of deafness. In fact one of the questions put by the hearing consultant is "have you been subject to loud noises?" Unfortunately

  • A cunning plan for a show

    He's too young for this. Tony Robinson is about to take a show based on his life on the road. Or maybe I'm too old. I remember Tony as the narrator of a BBC Children's TV show called Tales from Fat Tulip's Garden when I was a teen. But that was just.

  • Escaping the temptation to throw things while shopping

    Like Ronald Howard and Margaret Thompson (Croydon Guardian, January 12) I too am heartily sick of having my hearing assaulted with so-called music in shops and restaurants. It would be bad enough if it was music of my choosing but it isn't even that.

  • The competition that counts for budding musical talent

    Some of Croydon's hottest unsigned musical talents are preparing for the climax of music competition Testing 1,2,3. The competition will feature 18 short-listed acts who will battle it out in three categories singer/songwriter, urban artists and bands

  • Tax anxiety

    I'm delighted to hear from Councillor Tony Newman (Croydon Guardian, January 12) that Croydon Council runs a balanced budget, and by implication cannot be in debt. Also, that his stated intention is "that Croydon should continue improving services while

  • Tracing a war heroine

    An appeal has been launched to find a World War Two heroine who received the George Medal in recognition of her devotion to duty. Telephonist Wendy Hollyer received the medal, the second highest gallantry award to be given to a civilian, for remaining

  • Toddlers toy with new drop-in centre

    Fifteen-month-old Hollie and six-month-old Georgina tried out the toys when they became the first youngsters to attend Coulsdon Nursery School's new drop-in centre. The nursery school, which has 55 children aged between three and four on its roll, is

  • Dance show

    For Lord of the Dance fans next year Fairfield will make their Christmas wish true when Michael Flatley's brings his stunning show to the Concert Hall from December 19 to December 28 (no performance on December 25). Since retiring from dancing in 2001

  • Elvis tribute

    Elvis Presley is once again top of the charts. The legend of the King of Rock lives on in many tribute acts, and backed by his band and singers Steve Ballard returns to the Ashcroft Theatre, Fairfield, on Saturday, January 29, at 7.45pm, to present Elvis

  • Ponies and zoo off limits

    I, too, remember Kennards as a child. I remember the ponies, which, incidentally, I was never allowed to ride on as my mother thought it was totally upsetting to see the poor little ponies giving rides all day. Plus she also hurried me past the zoo,

  • Holding back their true colours

    Did any of your readers face a fruitless search trying to purchase books of savers (for use on buses) towards the end of December? I usually buy two or three books together and never had a problem with the availability before. After trying about 10

  • Soul-sucking ‘black holes’

    Anyone with a passing interest in astronomy will have heard of black holes in space, those terrifying objects which suck in everything in their vicinity. Fortunately, they are at such a distance that they pose no threat to us here on earth. However,

  • You’d be mad to miss Nutty Boys tribute act

    Go One Step Beyond and enter the unique world of Complete Madness when they perform the songs of Suggs and his band in this energetic fun-packed tribute to Madness at Fairfield's Ashcroft Theatre on Tuesday, February 1, at 7.45pm. Right from the opening

  • Appeal from Down Under

    I'm looking for Janice Wood formerly Race/Pye born around 1941 who attended Woodside Primary School between 1948-50 with my sister Pam and myself Valerie (Bunty') Bryan. In 1963 she lived in Ashburton Road, Croydon. My family emigrated to Western Australia

  • Laugh it up

    Time to brighten up the end of the month with top stand-up comedy at Up The Creek Too Comedy Cabaret Club in Brighton Road, Croydon. On Friday, January 28, and Saturday, January 29, Mike Gunn, Jason Woods and Ian Stone are on stage both nights. Matthew

  • A big noise in front line politics

    How enviable is Mrs J Peakins' option to walk out of shops which transmit loud piped music. She can get away from it. (Croydon Guardian, January 19). Pity people who live in densely populated housing and are forced to listen to stereo noise whenever

  • ‘Improved’ tip is filthy dirty

    We are constantly being urged to recycle, so what does Croydon Council do? It shuts the tip at Purley Oaks for approximately six weeks in the name of improvements to service'. Just long enough for us diligent recyclers to rediscover how easy and tidy

  • Fatale finale extended

    The award-winning Warehouse Theatre in Dingwall Road has just extended its current production's run. The future of the theatre has been troubled over the past few years, but following a well received last season, culminating in Femme Fatale, a runaway

  • Comedy at Clocktower

    Croydon Clocktower presents the first 2005 Up Front Comedy Club night on Thursday, February 3, at 8pm. A headline set includes New Yorker Kareem Green, Special P and Paul McKenzie. The Clocktower presents Up Front Comedy on the first Thursday of each

  • Rumble in the jungle

    Parrots, monkeys, elephants, a wacky witch doctor and a rather large pirate all feature in what must be one of the last pantomimes of the season, Jack and Jill in the Jungle. This late season show is performed by the Junior WODS (Woodmansterne Operatic

  • A song of togetherness

    Pupils at Chipstead Valley Primary School have recorded a song to raise money to help the survivors of the tsunami in south-east Asia. Music teacher Jonathan Vinter wrote the song Bring the World Together after watching events unfold on television over

  • Fab four and West End wonders at Wimbledon

    The best music of The Beatles and the West End stage is coming live to the New Wimbledon Theatre this February in two one-night specials. On Thursday, February 3, The Cavern Beatles recreate the Fab Four's biggest ever concert which took place at the

  • Society’s runners

    The Multiple Sclerosis Society is looking for runners with confirmed places in this year's London Marathon to raise money for the charity. Runners who have yet to nominate a charity have been asked to choose the society. Call Karen Thatcher on 020 8651

  • Your generosity

    Croydon Neighbourhood Care Association (CNCA) has paid tribute to the generosity of people living in the borough. Volunteers and staff from the CNCA were able to distribute more than 140 bags, filled with items such as mince pies, toiletries, socks and

  • Exhibitions/talks

    FAIRFIELD: Sunlounge, Croydon. The Cantium Group of Artists Beauty of Britain, January 31-February 12. CROYDON CLOCKTOWER: Katharine Street, Croydon. The Jewel in the Lotus: Hidden Buddhist Symbols In The Heart of Croydon, until March 2005. 8253 1030

  • Put forward cause worth championing

    There is still time for local organisations to apply to be considered as this year's Croydon Champions charity. The chosen charity will not only benefit financially through sponsorship and donations collected during the year but it will also be able

  • Mugging victim dies

    A 76-year-old woman has died six weeks after she was viciously robbed of her handbag just yards from her Croydon home. Gwendoline Nitta sustained serious head injuries after being knocked to the ground when a man snatched her bag containing £90 and a

  • Miscellaneous

    NORBURY POP-IN: Pollards Hill North, Norbury. Chat, coffee and cake, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week,10.30am to 2.30pm. 8684 1503. CLASSICAL ARABIC BELLY DANCING: Parklangley Club, Wickham Way, Beckenham. Learn the Arabic art form of belly

  • Hello Ola

    Croydon Clocktower presents Ola Onabule and his band in concert on Saturday, February 5, at 8pm. Ola's recent album, In Emergency, Brake Silence, has been receiving great play on Radio 2. He has built himself a fine reputation in Britain having opened

  • Acitvities

    CROYDON OUTDOOR PURSUITS AND SPECIAL EVENTS CLUB: Meets St Andrew's Church Hall, Lower Coombe Street, Croydon. Tuesday, 8.30pm to 10.30pm. 8688 5051. OLD PORTLIANS CYCLING CLUB: Weekend cycle rides. Meet at bottom of Corkscrew Hill, West Wickham. 10am

  • Music

    FAIRFIELD CONCERT HALL: Park Lane, Croydon. The New Queen's Hall Orchestra, January 29. Lunchtime concert: Peter Jablonski, piano, February 1. 8688 9291. THE CARTOON: 179/183 London Road, Croydon. Cry Wolf, January 28. 2-Tonic, January 29. The Papa George

  • Comedy

    UP THE CREEK TOO COMEDY CABARET CLUB: 3 Brighton Road, Croydon. Mathew Osborn MC, Mike Gunn, Jason Woods, Ian Stone, January 28. Windsor MC, Mike Gunn, Jason Woods, Ian Stone, January 29. 8680 5363. WAREHOUSE THEATRE: Dingwall Road, Croydon. 8680 4060

  • Theatre

    ASHCROFT THEATRE: The Fairfield, Park Lane, Croydon. Magic: The Celebration Tour, January 28. Elvis: That's The Way It Was, January 29. Complete Madness: Madness Tribute, February 1. 8688 9291. WAREHOUSE THEATRE: Dingwall Road, Croydon. Femme Fatale,

  • Brave Michael is on road to recovery

    Seven-year-old Michael Gannon is on the road to recovery after a six-hour operation. Michael, of Kempton Walk, Shirley, has a chiari malformation a blockage at the base of the brain stem and top of the spinal cord. The condition causes the Orchard

  • Food shops set up litter patrols

    Four food shops in Thornton Heath have signed up to a voluntary code of conduct to keep the streets clean. Wimpy, McDonald's and two Tesco Express stores in the area will be carrying out litter patrols up to 100 metres from the entrances to their shops

  • Counting blessings

    A primary headteacher has said she was blessed to have a teaching staff committed to solving the school's troubles. Broadmead Junior School's headteacher, Sue Hine, told the Guardian she was delighted a recent Ofsted inspection showed the school in Sydenham

  • Cam ahead

    Could Fairfield Halls be a venue fit for a future queen? All could be revealed on Saturday when the New Queen's Hall Orchestra perform in the concert hall. Prince Charles's partner, Camilla Parker Bowles, has recently been appointed patron of the orchestra

  • Happy to be... a veterinarian

    Growing up in Enugu, south-east Nigeria, gave 36-year-old Obi Amazu plenty of opportunity to develop an interest in animals. "There were lots of dogs running around all the time and there was no one to look after them, so I started to care for them.

  • Paper shortage

    The Selhurst Park changing rooms caused a right stink on Saturday when it was discovered that there were no toilet rolls for the Palace and Tottenham players. A source has told the Guardian that Palace staff had to go to Tesco to buy some rolls for both

  • The true hair to the chav throne?

    Egyptian beauty Queen Nefertiti could have made herself at home in the borough as it seems the ancient queen sported a Croydon facelift' hair tied back so tightly it pulls the skin taut. Ancient Plastic Surgery, to be screened on Channel 4 this Saturday

  • Hindu priest found guilty of rape

    A Hindu priest at a Thornton Heath temple has been found guilty of twice raping a female worshipper. Ramanathan Somanathan abused his position as a respected priest at the Sivaskanthagiri Arulmigu Murugan Temple in Thornton Road, twice raping a 29-year-old

  • Rugby: Steady PJF stay second

    Gravesend 10 Purley John Fisher 15 PJF weathered a resolute host in Gravesend on Saturday and remain in second place in London 3SE. The home side were more resolute from the start and managed to turn this into an early 7-0 lead, but PJF fought back

  • Rugby: Ollie Beales rescues Old Boys from Fire

    Old Walcountians 18 London Fire Brigade 12 Old Walcountians returned to winning ways with a hard-fought victory. The Old Boys went in at half-time ahead thanks to two Ollie Beales penalties and a try. With nine minutes of the second-half left

  • Ryman League Football: Tooting win in injury time

    Anyone who left last Saturday's league match between Croydon Athletic and Tooting and Mitcham early will be kicking themselves. Tooting won 4-2 but what a seesaw for both sets of fans. Tooting took the lead through John Hastings and that's how the

  • Schools Football: Godalming given the runaround by U11s

    Godalming Schools' U11s 2 Croydon Schools' U11s 7 Croydon Schools' U11s secured an emphatic 7-2 victory over Godalming Schools at Hindhead on Saturday in a Surrey Schools' Sydney Black league encounter, writes David Lomas. Alex Wynter (Davidson

  • Hockey: Add give UCL a scare

    UCL Academicals 1st 5 Addiscombe 1 Addiscombe gave table-toppers UCL Academicals a scare by taking an early lead on Saturday, but the home side's class shone through as they romped home. After a spell of early pressure, Addiscombe went in front

  • Rugby: Last-ditch penalty beats Exiles

    Streatham-Croydon 22 London Exiles 20 Streatham-Croydon fly-half Will Manns slotted a last minute penalty to snatch victory at the death. The hosts began with their best period of rugby this season, with second rows Simon Hampton and Andy Brown catching

  • Derby games are sold out

    - Tickets for Palace's trip to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, March 19, are now completely sold out. Supporters are also reminded that Palace's game with Arsenal at Highbury on Monday, February 14, is also now completely sold out. If you do not have a

  • Legend Dougie is our talisman

    Dougie Freedman. Palace legend. But the great man is not resting on his laurels as his virtuoso performance against Spurs on Saturday demonstrated, writes Neil McSteen. After we grabbed a point up at White Hart Lane in December, ending the game with

  • Mikele: It’s my goal

    Mikele Leigertwood said he's "going to have words with the announcer" after his first goal for Palace was wrongly credited to Tom Soares over the stadium tannoy. But the former Wimbledon man is ready to forgive as he was still beaming after his strike

  • Palace: Hands off Wayne!

    Crystal Palace 3 Leigertwood 66, Granville 70, Johnson pen 77 Tottenham Hotspur 0 Crystal Palace won the battle between Wayne Routledge's present and potential employers last Saturday as the Eagles grabbed three vital points in the fight to avoid

  • Crystal Palace transfer talk

    Iain Dowie this week admitted that speculation surrounding West Brom striker Rob Hulse "was news to me" as his frustration continues in the transfer window. The former Crewe frontman has been heavily linked with a move to Selhurst Park but Dowie was

  • Dowie praises Sorondo’s display

    Crystal Palace boss Iain Dowie has heaped praise on Uruguayan centre-back Gonzalo Sorondo after another accomplished display against Spurs. Sorondo missed three games over the new year period due to a hamstring injury. But his return to the side has

  • Ventola: Play me with AJ

    Nicola Ventola revealed this week he is desperate for a return to first team action because he thinks Andrew Johnson and him "can score lots of goals together at Palace". The 26-year-old Italian international has been sidelined for four months with