Archive

  • Addicks lose on travels yet again

    They were an immense force on the road last season, but Charlton fans will be hoping their team can continue to collect points at The Valley this term after they conceded another four goals away from home on Saturday in a one-sided contest at the City

  • BEXLEY: Best in the borough

    The wait is over for thousands of students as the GCSE results roll in. Chief reporter LINDA PIPER reports on how things went in Bexley schools ... SCHOOL pupils across Bexley are celebrating record GCSE results with some students gaining the top A*

  • Do you know train thugs?

    POLICE have turned to News Shopper readers in an attempt to capture three teenagers who beat a fellow train passenger. The attackers surrounded the 21-year-old male on a train between Dartford and Abbey Wood and took his mobile phone, credit cards and

  • Catch bus vandals

    NEWS Shopper's hugely successful Shop A Yob campaign is on the trail of another handful of youngsters who have been vandalising the buses. We are asking News Shopper readers for your help in identifying these teenagers who make travelling on public transport

  • Spot their leader

    This week we are asking you again whether you can guess who's the boss from this line-up. Pictured are Bromley Council waste services but only one of them is top dog, head honcho or the big cheese. We'll reveal who the boss is next week. Don't call or

  • Is it me or are policemen getting younger?

    NORTH Kent police's youngest recruit got a taste of life as a policeman. Nine-year-old Jack Thatcher was sped to force headquarters in a police car and given a spin on the training skid pan after writing to New Ash Green beat officers PCs Neil Loudon

  • News in Brief

    CHAT TO MAYOR: Lewisham Mayor Steve Bullock will visit residents, community groups, schools and businesses over the coming months to hear people's views. He will visit Brockley on September 7. This will be followed by a discussion at St Andrew's Centre

  • Woman defeated over sub-letting

    A THREE-YEAR legal battle to evict a council tenant has ended with her being defeated in the High Court. Kehinde Gurburz, aged 44, of Blagdon Road, Lewisham, had been illegally sub-letting a four-bedroom council house at 40 Czar Street, Deptford. Officers

  • Family of soldiers urged to come forward

    A COUNCIL is urging the relatives of two men killed in the Second World War to come forward so the men can be properly commemorated. Gravesham Council and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission need permission to replace the soldiers' current headstones

  • Appeal over robberies

    POLICE are linking two robberies which took place in the same road. In the first incident, at 10pm on August 17, a 28-year-old woman was walking along Brookehowse Road, near the Randlesdown Road junction, in Catford, when a man snatched her handbag.

  • Firm fined for illegal dumping

    A HAULAGE and waste company has been prosecuted for tipping waste on an illegal dumping site. Paul Foster of Roll On Off Services claims one of his drivers heard the site on Joyce Green Lane, Dartford, allowed waste to be dumped for free. But the Environment

  • Kiddie captain steers to safety

    Four-year-old Rebecca Coulson showed skills beyond her years during a Transatlantic sailing trip with her father. Rebecca, who turned five in August, took the yacht's wheel as dad Kevin, 46, repaired damaged sails. Mr Coulson, of Bromley Road, Catford

  • Development of jetty proposed

    A DERELICT jetty could be transformed into a new riverside housing complex and marina if objections can be overcome. An outline planning application has been made again to develop the old Imperial Paper Mills jetty, Gravesend, after a similar application

  • Pilot and passenger killed in cliff crash

    A FLYING instructor and his passenger were killed when their microlight crashed into a cliff. Terry Stewart, 50, of St Justin Close, Orpington, was killed when his Pegasus Quik G-Styx came down at Warden Point on the Isle of Sheppey. The two-seater

  • Whodunnit?

    YOUNGSTERS were transported back to the time of Charles II and had to turn detective to try and solve a murder mystery. The murder history trail at Hall Place, Bourne Road, Bexley, was just one of the summer activities organised by Anne-Marie Gill, education

  • He’s our hero, who is yours?

    NEWS Shopper is looking for young people who do good in their communities. As part of our Local Hero campaign, we are keen to recognise youngsters under the age of 18. They could help their neighbours with shopping, do charity work or anything else

  • Coroner’s accident verdict after pensioner’s fall

    A CORONER refused to criticise a hospital after it gave the all-clear to a man who later had a brain haemorrhage after a fall. Frederick Stocker, aged 70, a retired firefighter died a day after falling at his home in Hurst Road, Bexley. Mr Stocker suffered

  • Dad’s Army is on the march

    Dad's Army legends Captain Mainwaring, Corporal Pike and Private Godfrey are coming to the 2004 Biggin Hill International Air Fair. Reporter TIM ASHTON discovered just how it can be done ... Jimmy Perry and David Croft created the classic BBC comedy

  • What’s this? Fun lessons?

    WATER sports and space science were just two of the topics which captured youngsters' imaginations this summer. Six specialist summer schools were organised for up to 300 pupils, using the facilities of some of Bexley's specialist schools. Water sports

  • Patients soon to be a picture of health

    A MURAL by an American artist has been unveiled at a new hospital. Sam Mindrum-Logan was commissioned by Chislehurst Rotary Club to create a piece for the Princess Royal University Hospital. The artist spent a month on the 8ft by 4ft mural, which includes

  • Act now to calm death-trap bend

    A GROUP of neighbours whose front walls have been smashed by speeding traffic are calling for action. Up to 20 walls belonging to people living on a sharp bend in Halfway Street, Sidcup, have been demolished in recent years by vehicles which have lost

  • Help us clean up our buses

    NEWS Shopper's Shop A Yob campaign is on the trail of more youngsters who have been vandalising Bexley's buses. We are asking readers to identify these teenagers who make travelling on public transport so unpleasant. Luckily, CCTV cameras onboard London

  • CHEMISTS OPEN ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

    BLACKHEATH, CHARLTON & GREENWICH Sainsbury's Pharmacy, Horn Link Lane, Greenwich. 11am to 5pm. Metex Pharmacy, 158 Trafalgar Road, Greenwich. 6pm to 7pm. ELTHAM, KIDBROOKE, MJOTTINGHAM & NEW ELTHAM Boots, 96-104 Eltham High Street, Eltham. 10am to 4pm

  • Park road gets the go-ahead

    CONTROVERSIAL town regeneration plans, which include the building of a road through Central Park, have been given the go-ahead despite protests. The £94 million plan which includes around 500 homes, a Tesco hypermarket in Lowfield Street, pedestrianisation

  • News in Brief

    RESIDENTS FUNDRAISER: The Tewkesbury Lodge Estate Residents' Association raised £253 for St Christopher's Hospice. Member Jacquie McLaren, who recently filmed TV series Gardens Through the Season for the BBC, donated a free garden design as the lead prize

  • CHEMISTS OPEN ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

    BELVEDERE, NORTH BEXLEYHEATH & THAMESMEAD Safeway Pharmacy, 2 Twin Tumps Way, Thamesmead. 10am to 4pm. Spadeground Chemist, 11 Picardy Street, Belvedere. 6pm to 7pm. BEXLEYHEATH, BLACKFEN, WEELING & SIDCUP 7 Day Chemist, 175a Bellegrove Road, Welling

  • School prepares to open doors

    After the controversy and legal argument, the borough's new secondary school opens for business next week. RICHARD SIMCOX spoke to the headteacher about her vision for Bishop Justus Church of England School ... IN TWO days' time more than 200 children

  • Corpse undiscovered for two months

    A PENSIONER lay dead for two months before his body was discovered, a coroner's court heard. Brian Locke, aged 69, of Dornberg Close, Blackheath, was found on March 10 this year. His body was discovered by a housing official from Greenwich Council

  • CHEMISTS OPEN ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

    BIGGIN HILL Safeway, Main Road. 11am to 1pm. BROMLEY Boots, The Glades. 11am to 5pm. HAYES, KESTON & WEST WICKHAM Safeway Stores, 143-165 High Street, West Wickham. 10am to 4pm. ORPINGTON Sainsbury's, Locksbottom, Farnborough. 10am to 4pm. Lloyds

  • Groups meet to discuss TV show

    THE FALLOUT from a documentary which branded Woolwich a "godforsaken corner of the capital" continued at a heated public meeting. Called in response to Darcus Howe's documentary on the rise of inter-ethnic racism, Who You Callin' a Nigger, representatives

  • Teenage pair sought by police

    A PAIR who committed a violent robbery on a night bus are being sought by police. The robbery happened on the N47 bus on August 16 as it travelled along Deptford Church Street at 4am. The two 18-year-old suspects sat behind a 19-year-old and demanded

  • Men sought over death

    POLICE have released the names of two men they want to speak to about the killing of a labourer. Kamaljit Kalon, 31, of Sidcup, was stabbed in Gordon Promenade, Gravesend, on July 10, last year. Police are trying to trace Jinder Kooner, 29, last known

  • Lights given permission

    A SPORTS club is celebrating after plans to floodlight its football ground were given support by councillors. The decision means the VCD Athletic Club in Old Road, Crayford, can bring its first team home again for Kent league matches. Peter Bellingham

  • Police seek witnesses

    POLICE are appealing for witnesses to an accident which killed a motorcyclist. Martin Radwell, 47, of Park Grove, Bexley, sustained serious injuries after his red Aprilia RSV 1000 motorbike crashed into the central barrier on the A2 between Kidbrooke

  • Park is fete first-timer

    fun for all the family is in store at a parish fete with a difference. The St Michael and All Angels fete is being held at Blackheath Park the first time it has hosted such an event. There will be plenty to see and do for all ages, with craft stalls

  • Controversial plans revealed for store

    FLATPACK furniture giant Ikea has unveiled details of what its proposed Sidcup store would look like. The seven-storey building, with its distinctive blue and yellow livery, would tower over the present street scene in Edgington Way. The plans came

  • To the Point

    WHERE DOES ONE GO?: With all the new housing being built in and around Woolwich one thing has been overlooked. Where are all the coffee shops, wine bars and restaurants to cater for the type of lifestyle the new owners are going to want? I live in Plumstead

  • Galloping into action

    VOLUNTEERS are working hard to transform a riding centre for the disabled. All week they have been painting and decorating the New Lodge Riding Centre, in Mottingham Lane. The volunteers, including staff from HSBC in Canary Wharf, also carried out vital

  • Compassion ... from a wheelclamper?

    My friend and I were shopping in Aldi recently. While there, her car was clamped, despite her having a disabled sticker in the window. My friend suffers from panic attacks, chronic asthma and has other health problems. When we came out she was very

  • Kids urged to use their cycle helmets

    TWO Olympic cyclists are urging youngsters to use their heads and wear a helmet. Nicole Cooke and Jamie Staff, part of this year's British team, have teamed up with the Government's THINK! road safety campaign. Department of Transport statistics reveal

  • Stop moaning, please

    I often read News Shopper and find it very useful for keeping informed on news and details on council decisions. However, I do find some letters to the Editor disturbing. For example, Mr Tecter appears to be incredibly miserable about other people,

  • BROMLEY: Increase in top grades

    The 2004 GCSE results have shown improvement once again but the increase in top grades from last year has been the biggest since 1999. TIM ASHTON reports on the Bromley schools leading the way ... Pupils at the Ravensbourne School, Hayes Lane, Bromley

  • Army deserve send-off

    May we take this opportunity to comment on the possible closure of Woolwich Barracks (News Shopper, August 11). If we can speak on behalf of many cast members of the first Music of the Night Musical Extravaganza, held at the front parade, Royal Artillery

  • Work to begin on banks

    NEW embankments are to be created in preparation for theforthcoming widening of Thames Road, Crayford, into a dual carriageway. The work, which will begin on Friday, will build up the low-lying areas of Crayford Marshes, between the River Cray and the

  • Community fun comes free

    AN ESTIMATED 2,000 people enjoyed fun in the sun at a free seven-hour community celebration. The event, organised by Trust Thamesmead, in Southmere Park, Thamesmead, showed the best the town could offer with community stalls, sideshows and inflatables

  • Council jargon in plain English

    In response to the letter from J Whybrow I thought it would be useful to clarify what community development is. It is a professional practice which involves working with both individuals and groups to effect chance in their area. Projects include working

  • Licensing laws are there to be obeyed by all

    I am writing in response to the inaccurate claims made by Mr Roberts, owner of the Paradise Bar (News Shopper, August 5). The licensing committee made its decision after hearing all the facts at a public meeting. It was made on overwhelming evidence

  • Trains hit as lorry collides with arch

    RAIL services were disrupted after a lorry hit a railway arch. The vehicle dislodged masonry from the bridge over Surrey Canal Road, Deptford. Trains running to and from London Bridge, Charing Cross and Cannon Street were suspended from 10.30am to midday

  • News in Brief

    COMMUNITY GRANTS: Community groups in New Cross Gate can apply for grants of between £500 and £5,000. Projects responding to the needs of minorities such as pensioners, disabled people, single parents and asylum seekers are particularly welcome. Call

  • Try putting others first just for once

    I write regarding Trinity Hospital Gardens (News Shopper, August 11). Shame on "furious" Robert Lehman for holding the view rehousing 40 elderly Greenwich Trinity Hospital residents would be "catastrophic". What argument could support the view it is

  • Town shown as arson hot spot

    ARSON attacks in Greenwich are the second highest in London. Figures released by the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority show the borough had 3,269 fires last year, of which 2,619 were started deliberately. Acting borough commander John Brown

  • Pet blessings being offered

    WORSHIPPERS are invited to bring their furry friends closer to God at a special church service. St Giles' Church, Church Road, Farnborough, will hold its annual pet blessing service this Sunday. Residents of all ages are welcome at the service, which

  • Residents may be compensated

    A COUNCIL watchdog says the authority should compensate residents who complained about a planning application. The Local Government Ombudsman found Bromley Council acted with maladministration for not realising sooner there was a potential problem over

  • Time limit on solar offer

    FAMILIES have until the end of the month to go solar. Bromley Council is offering another 20 grants of £500 to install solar panelling. This comes after a recent national survey found nine out of 10 home-buyers would be prepared to pay extra for an

  • Violent robbers must be stopped

    THE knife-point robbery of a teenager at a railway station has led to an appeal for witnesses from British Transport Police. The 19-year-old victim was approached from behind at Swanscombe rail station by two youths, both white who spoke with Afro-Caribbean

  • GBH case jury reach no verdict

    AN ERITH man could face a possible retrial after being accused of breaking a man's jaw in three places with a single punch. After four hours, the jury in the trial of John Horton, aged 20, of Collingdale Avenue, Erith, at Blackfriars Crown Court, found

  • Pictures fetch fortune

    A SET of mid-19th century photographs of Crystal Palace fetched almost three times the expected amount at auction. The 47 photos were bought by English Heritage for £13,500. Bidding was only expected to reach £5,000. The portfolio of shots, taken by

  • £120m project details revealed

    PLANS to transform one of the oldest parts of Thamesmead with a £120 million redevelopment have been unveiled. The Tavy Bridge area of the new town, built in the 1960s, with its futuristic mid-air walkways, tower blocks and a health centre on stilts

  • Poetry please

    A PRIMARY school pupil has beaten 67,000 children in a young writers' competition. Latisha Oozageer, 11,of Hengist Road, Northumberland Heath, is one of the lucky winners to get her 250 word poem, The Thick White Blanket, published by Forward Press.

  • Dad’s charity Channel hop

    A CIVIL servant is pedalling from Greenwich to Paris in aid of charity. Dafydd Gough, of Ernest Grove, Beckenham, is covering 280 miles over four days for the Royal British Legion. The Legion provides welfare, counselling, re-training and education

  • More young heroes needed

    NEWS Shopper is looking for young people who do good in their communities. As part of our Local Hero campaign, we are keen to recognise youngsters under the age of 18. They could do charity work or anything else which aids society. News Shopper will

  • Charity celebrates new sets of wheels

    A COMMUNITY group helped to spread a little happiness, by donating two wheelchairs to the Red Cross. Dartford Inner Wheel raised more than £600 to buy the chairs, which will go to the medical loans section of Dartford Red Cross. The wheelchairs were

  • News in Brief

    FLOWER SHOW: A festival is to celebrate the beauty of the most colourful flowers. The Bexleyheath and Barnehurst Floral Society is hosting World's Harvest. The festival is at Geddes Place United Reformed Church, Geddes Place, Bexleyheath, from 2pm to

  • Tories want mast review

    TORIES are proposing changes in the way permission is granted for mobile phone masts. If they win the next election, they say they will insist all phone mast proposals must get full planning permission, health concerns would have to be taken into account

  • Holiday fun

    A HOST of youngsters flocked to Erith recreation ground, in Avenue Road, for a TriForum day of fun. The event was one of a series organised by the community forums of Slade Green, Erith and Belvedere, aimed at giving youngsters some free fun during the

  • News in Brief

    RESIDENTS FUNDRAISER: The Tewkesbury Lodge Estate Residents' Association raised £253 for St Christopher's Hospice. Member Jacquie McLaren, who recently filmed TV series Gardens Through the Season for the BBC, donated a free garden design as the lead prize

  • Kids’ chance to clown around

    THE spills and thrills of the big top came to Lewisham town centre with the arrival of the Splats circus skills workshop. Schoolchildren were given the chance to learn juggling, clown skills and other fun and games associated with the circus. With a

  • Ancient celebration will wow crowds

    A BOMB disposal team will be pulling in the crowds at a 600-year-old village fair. There has been an annual village event in Farnborough for the last six centuries, always with interesting attractions. This year the charity fair will include classic

  • Scooter scam firm gets fined

    A FIRM which conned a pensioner by selling him a second-hand scooter has been fined £3,000 and ordered to pay £700 in costs. Mobility Network Limited was found guilty of two offences under the Trade Descriptions Act at Greenwich Magistrates' Court on

  • Son retracts allegation of cover-up over dad’s death

    A SON who claimed there had been a cover-up over his father's death in a care home has retracted his allegations. Henry Ovenell, 81, had been living at the Marlborough Court care home in Copperfield Road, Thamesmead, until he was taken unconscious

  • Roadworks hit traders

    TRADERS say "chaotic" roadworks, due for completion six months ago, are eating into their profits. Works to introduce road humps and other traffic-calming measures around Sydenham Road, between Kirkdale and Silverdale, were begun by Lewisham Council

  • Care rules are responsible for man’s fall down stairs

    A PENSIONER with dementia fell to his death because of rules designed to preserve his freedom. Charles Clack, 84, fell down the stairs at St Mary's care home, Vicarage Road, Bexley Village, in February. An inquest at Croydon Coroner's Court heard Mr

  • Enjoying a taste of summer salsa

    A LATIN American band helped museum visitors chill with a Sunday afternoon concert. Grupo Lema Columbian took to the bandstand in the gardens of the Horniman Museum, London Road, Forest Hill. The band performed a fusion of Salsa, merengue, combias and

  • Do you know next hero?

    NEWS Shopper is looking for young people who do good in the community. As part of our Local Hero campaign, we are keen to recognise youngsters under the age of 18. They could do charity work or anything else which aids society. News Shopper will award

  • Top quality at glorious show

    DAHLIAS were the star of the afternoon at a horticultural show which dates back to 1937. Falconwood and District Horticultural Society's 67th show attracted exhibitors from as far away as Frinton-on-Sea in Essex. The hot, dry July brought problems for

  • News in Brief

    SEEKING PERMISSION: Plans to develop Borthwick Wharf and Payne's Wharf in New Cross have been submitted to Lewisham Council. All of Borthwick Wharf and part of Payne's Wharf could be demolished to make way for commercial and residential buildings. The

  • Banned for racist chanting

    A MILLWALL supporter has been banned from football matches for three years after chanting racist abuse. Electrician Kenneth Holmes, aged 28, was charged at the Millwall versus Leicester City game at The Lions Den, Zampa Road, Lewisham, on August 14.

  • Hat’s the way to ride!

    OLYMPIC cycling stars are urging young cyclists to wear helmets while riding their bikes. Nicole Cooke and Jamie Staff, who have both taken part in Athens, have joined forces with the Department of Transport as part of its THINK! campaign to make cycling

  • Gas explosion could have been prevented

    A CARPENTER who worked on his boat in a 24-year "labour of love" died after a gas explosion on board, an inquest heard. Tony Wood, 65, of Aldeburgh Street, Greenwich, suffered 50 per cent burns and a fractured skull on April 17 this year, dying eight

  • Budding stars get chance to shine

    FAMILIES and friends watched youngsters perform their own versions of blockbuster musicals. The seven to 14 year-olds spent a week learning about theatre and taking part in acting, singing and dancing workshops. They also learned about the technical

  • A weighty issue

    Online clairvoyant Graham Dare advises a reader on her weight loss plans ... Will I ever lose any weight? - Angela Williamson. Graham says ... I feel you need to lose weight for two reasons - health and happiness. I sense you should just cut out certain

  • The future’s safer for station users

    A SAFETY campaigner has won her battle to get security cameras installed at a station. Receptionist Debbie Bennett, 45, decided to take action after her friend was attacked outside Hither Green station last year. And now, thanks to her efforts, four

  • Free-for-all fun day

    NORTHUMBERLAND Heath was a hive of activity when the TriForum fun day for youngsters hit the area. Crowds of children turned up to the free event in the area's recreation ground in Sussex Road, for a day of arts, crafts, games and activities. The

  • To the point

    DISGRACEUL ABUSE: Today I saw an awful example of abuse, which I would never believe could happen in Orpington. A traffic warden who approached a man asked him to move his car. The man leapt from the vehicle, threatening and waving his fist in the warden's

  • A2 bike death inquest opens

    AN INQUEST into the death of motorcyclist Martin Radwell, 47, of Park Grove, Bexley, was opened at Southwark Coroner's Court on August 24. Mr Radwell came off his red Aprilla RSV 1000 motorbike after apparently colliding with the central crash barrier

  • Charity nets competition online prize

    HOME-START, the charity which works with young families, has won a computer and cash to enable it to go online. The charity, which helps people overcome the stresses and strains of family life, was one of hundreds in London which entered the BT Community

  • TO THE POINT

    NOISY NIGHTMARE: I read with interest the letter from Tony Thompson of Dartford (News Shopper, August 11). If he lived where I do, perhaps he'd be complaining like the rest of us. From about 6am onwards all you can hear is lorries. What used to be a nice

  • Council must show sympathy

    I CAN appreciate Donna Dawson's feelings after receiving a parking fine in the Sainsbury's car park, when her consultant was late for an appointment at the Princess Royal University Hospital, Farnborough (News Shopper, July 21). We all appreciate the

  • Thanking those who helped me

    May I, through your letters page, express my thanks to all the good people who came to my assistance when I ended up flat on my face on the pedestrian crossing between Barclays and Natwest banks, Orpington High Street, on August 7. Thanks to the young

  • Silly rules ruin a superb initiative

    This week's News Shopper included a letter from someone turned away from taking garden refuse to the Salt Depot in Shire Lane because they had arrived in a van rather than a car. I live close to the depot and since the collection scheme started, regularly

  • New store would be very welcome

    I fully support the views expressed by Mrs Brook, of Orpington, regarding the proposed new Tesco store. We have a lot of new houses being built in the area, attracting young families and commuters. We also have a significant number of elderly folk who

  • Law dodgers

    I AM sick to death of reading articles about speed cameras because I get reminded of their highly discriminative nature. As with all law-enforcement cameras, they see the number plate, they don't see the driving licence, MOT certificate or, often, who

  • We are not problem

    I WOULD like to comment on Mr Thompson's ludicrous letter (News Shopper, August 11), suggesting Braeburn Park residents are creating a problem and not FM Conway. If he had watched the news or stepped out of his house anytime in the last ten years, he

  • Industrial action will damage deal

    YOUR readers will be aware firefighters in Kent are being balloted for industrial action. The reason why the ballot is taking place is because of something called stand-down time. The key issue is the work firefighters can reasonably be expected to

  • Conway debate continues

    I AM writing to complain about the inclusion of the letter from Tony Thompson (News Shopper, August 11). The letter contains so many inaccuracies it really ought to have been thrown out immediately. Whilst I do not dispute that FM Conway provides jobs

  • Demolish pool and go to the park instead

    DARTFORD gets the thumbs down again for families in the borough, as this week my daughter and myself tried to take my grandchildren to the swimming pool. We have two six year olds who can swim, a four year old and a toddler. We wanted just to go into

  • Stop moaning about state of Gravesend

    I WRITE in response to the letter headlined Visit To Town Didn't Change My Opinion (News Shopper, August 11). If ever the saying "don't tar everyone with the same brush" was more worthy a statement, it's in response to the continued griping about the

  • Cameras only catch law-abiding drivers

    IAm getting sick to death of reading articles relating to speed cameras, bus lane cameras, traffic light cameras and congestion zone cameras. Not because I condone the actions these cameras are supposed to police but because I am regularly reminded

  • Residents put their art into exhibition

    TALENTED artists and crafts people are displaying their efforts in a church exhibition. St Martin's Church, Erith Road, Barnehurst, is hosting the event to celebrate the 1,400th anniversary of Rochester diocese. Parishioners, arts clubs, friends of

  • Help me unearth house’s history

    I enclose a copy of a photograph of the major part of St Paul's Cray Hill, built around the 1450s, and in its time, was one of the most important houses in Kent. It was set at the top of Chapmans Lane, which begins at The Bull public house in St Paul's

  • Could graffiti lead to security threat?

    IRECENTLY made a complaint to South Eastern Trains (SET) about the appaling level of multi-coloured tagging graffiti that is to be found plastered along every railway wall, signal box and adjacent property for a continuous 30 mile stretch from Gravesend

  • Hospital care was superb

    From time to time I read in this paper, and others, letters complaining about the care and attention received at the Princess Royal University Hospital, Farnborough. The poor standard of cleanliness and food seem the main complaint. I have recently

  • Council will regret Tesco

    You kindly published my letter on the proposed new Tesco store in Orpington. I expressed my concern as to why Bromley Council obtained tenders from organisations such as Tesco and not from those who might provide something residents of Orpington really

  • Supermarket proposal could kill businesses

    I am writing in response to the letter from Mrs Brook (News Shopper, August 18). First, let me say I agree Green Street Green Waitrose is an excellent store and there would be fewer objections if this is what Tesco proposed. Unfortunately, it most certainly

  • Hospital is let down by parking charges

    Sunday evening was spent following our son to the Princess Royal University Hospital in an ambulance and then staying with him for several hours. We had wonderful attention from everyone, starting with the rapid response vehicle, which arrived at our

  • To the Point

    CAMERAS HELP SCUM: I'm getting sick to death of reading articles which relate to speed cameras, bus lane cameras, traffic light cameras and congestion zone cameras. Not because I condone the actions they police but because I get regularly reminded of

  • Letter’s points were wide of mark

    I am writing to complain about the inclusion of Tony Thompson's letter, Bye Braeburn (News Shopper, August 18). The letter contains so many inaccuracies it really ought to have been thrown out. While I do not dispute FM Conway provides jobs for local

  • We’re always at the ready

    I was concerned to read the story headliinedFire? Sorry, We're Closed (News Shopper, August 11) and I am disappointed an inappropriate and inaccurate headline was published which may have alarmed your readers. The fire brigade is mobilised by 999 emergency

  • Modern music is a load of rubbish

    I Am a young musician not yet 16 but even I am amazed by some of the musical preferences of young people nowadays. I write lots of songs and they are what I call mature, slightly old-fashioned songs. That's because, if I made modern music, I would

  • Drivers should act within the law

    Rarely has a letter afforded me more amusement than Mr Robinson's Driven Mad by Ticket (News Shopper, August 11). Too many letters in your paper complain about parking enforcement regimes, yet reveal the complainant considers themselves to be beyond

  • It’s not our fault

    I would like to comment on Mr Thompson's ludicrous letter, suggesting Braeburn Park residents are creating a problem and not FM Conway (News Shopper, August 18). If he had watched the news or stepped out of his house anytime in the last 10 years, he

  • State of graveyard shows no respect

    Iwas very interested to read the article Grave Error in Wildlife Haven (News Shopper, August 18) about St Paulinus churchyard. My father passed away nine years ago and is buried in the churchyard at St Paulinus. My mother and I used to visit the churchyard

  • Draw is not enough

    Blackheath missed out on promotion from the Shepherd Neame Kent League Division One when they could only draw with rival hopefuls The Mote at The Rectory Field on Saturday. The home side went into the match knowing that only a victory they started

  • Club all set for the kick off

    THE rugby union season is here and Blackheath, newly promoted champions of National League Three South, open their campaign in Division Two, ironically against Waterloo, the champion of National League 3 North. Blackheath's management, fans and players

  • Chas leads the team out again after 54 years

    CHAS STEVENS rolled back the years on Saturday when, as mascot, he led Beckenham Town Football Club out on to the Eden Park Avenue pitch for the first time in 54 years. Prior to that, the last time he performed the duty was in 1950 as an eight-year-old

  • Bromley’s Kia title challenge is ripped apart

    Bromley prospects of winning the coveted Kia National League Division One Tennis Championship have been dealt a severe blow with the news that two of the team have been refused permission to fly back from America to take part. Robert Searle and Nick

  • Lions beat Reading

    Millwall 1 Reading 0 28th Aug 04 by Joe Broadfoot Any fears that Millwall would become sidetracked by the excitement of the UEFA Cup draw were dispelled by a gritty 1-0 home victory over Reading last Saturday. With two Canadians in Millwall's