CROWDS in their thousands turned out for a Christmas extravanganza. Jugglers, clowns and unicyclists were among those who helped transform Bromley's streets into a carnival of colour. Others entertaining the masses at the Bromley Family Festival were
A CAMPAIGN has been launched to stamp out anti-social behaviour blighting a community. Rachel Reeves, Labour's parliamentary spokesperson for Bromley and Chislehurst, met with shopkeepers and residents around Kimmeridge Road, Mottingham on Saturday.
BRITISH Telecom has been hit in the pocket as a council drive to protect motorists from shoddy road repairs moves up a gear. The company was fined and ordered to pay costs totalling £41,400 at Bromley Magistrates' Court for 49 offences under the New
HELP BIRDS: Bexley's birdlovers are holding their annual Christmas fair on Saturday. The RSPB event will be held at Freemantle Hall in Bexley Village High Street. All sorts of gifts will be on sale, from bird feeding supplies to art and jewellery. The
PEOPLE are being warned not to hand over cash to boys claiming to be doing a sponsored walk for charity. Several people have contacted the police and News Shopper after two teenage boys knocked on their doors claiming to be pupils from the Bexley Business
YOUNGSTERS and their parents enjoyed an evening of spooky seasonal fun at a community pumpkin party. Organised by Slade Green's people's panel, part of the area's Community Safety Action Zone, it was the panel's first community event. More than 60 children
CHILDREN playing in a park were subjected to an attempted knifepoint robbery by two other youngsters. Now police are appealing for help in tracing the two would-be armed robbers. Five youngsters, aged 11 to 13, were playing in Danson Park, Welling,
CIVIL servants in Bexley staged a one-day strike last Friday in a protest against job cuts. Members of the Public and Commercial Services Union may lose their jobs when the job centres at Bexleyheath, Erith and Sidcup close over the next 18 months.
A DAD served with an anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) for terrorising his neighbourhood has been jailed for breaching it. Wayne Cousins, now aged 22, of Frobisher Road, Erith, admitted causing criminal damage to a car and breaching his Asbo at Bexley
SCHOOLCHILDREN across Greenwich and Bexley will be taking part in tree planting ceremonies being held across both boroughs. The planting events are being held to mark the 10th anniversary of Greenwich and Bexley Cottage Hospice. They will all begin
XPOSURE, the London Disability and Deaf arts festival, is to pay a visit to the borough. The Albany in Deptford is hosting a line-up of performances from disabled and deaf artists on Saturday. From 1pm to 10pm a number of renowned disability arts groups
A MAN who followed a schoolgirl home and committed a sex act in her garden has appeared in court . Mark Hatchard, aged 40, of Burnt Ash Hill, Grove Park, admitted one count of gross indecency after the incident in January this year. The 15-year-old
ON THE ROOF: London Mayor Ken Livingstone and Lord Rogers, his chief adviser on architecture, are calling for greater use of roof spaces. Their statement entitled Living Roofs, promoting green roofs, roof terraces and roof gardens across London, aims
A WARDEN of a sheltered housing block who stole £200,000 from elderly residents is due to be sentenced next month. Sarah Johnston, aged 58, who has pleaded guilty to five offences of theft and 10 offences of obtaining property by deception, appeared
AN ALCOHOL-FREE zone in Woolwich will be expanded to tackle street drinkers. Councillors are expected to approve the proposals for a ban on anti-social public drinking at a Woolwich and Thamesmead area planning and environment committee meeting at the
THOUSANDS of fireworks fans flocked to Blackheath for its famous display. The largest free display of its kind in England was attended by tens of thousands of people. People from far and wide watched a 20-minute display paid for by Lewisham and Greenwich
YULETIDE festivities are coming to Greenwich with a series of events through November and December. Starting with the switching on of the town's Christmas lights on November 26, Greenwich will see a host of festive activities. From December 2 the first-ever
GREENWICH Council's tenants show increasing satisfaction with services, according to a poll. Results from 4,504 tenants questioned by the National Housing Federation between January and March show 71 per cent are satisfied with the overall service provided
SHORTLISTED: Greenwich Council has been shortlisted for the UK Housing Awards in the category for Good Practice in Promoting Diversity. The council's housing service for older people was chosen for a variety of reasons, including its work to encourage
THE Mayor of London has confirmed Phase 2 of the East London Line extension is an essential part of his transport project. Ken Livingstone gave the news to Labour MPs including Joan Ruddock, who represents Lewisham, Deptford, during a recent meeting.
A WAR memorial will be having a facelift thanks to a council grant. Dartford Council will give £2,320 to the Central Park War Memorial, Market Street, to restore the bronze plaques commemorating the fallen of the Second World War. The grant will also
A NEW bid to vaccinate children against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) has been launched. Figures announced in September showed Lewisham had the third lowest take-up of the MMR jab in London. Now the borough's primary care trust (PCT) is planning
BURGLARS taking advantage of the upcoming festive season should find it harder to get away with it now a police operation has been launched. Police stop checks and high-profile patrols in problem areas are being carried out until December 27 as part
A FORMER England defender turned up for a kick-about to celebrate Make a Difference Day. Kenny Samson, who played for Arsenal in the 80s, presented trophies and awards to pupils taking part in the Swanley inter-school football competition held at pitches
A NURSE who set up a project to help mums with learning difficulties, has won a top award. Lorraine Regan, who works for Oxleas NHS Trust, has been crowned learning disability nurse of the year at the annual Nursing Standard nurse awards. Part of the
AS primary schoolchildren abandoned their buildings for the half-term holiday, bank workers moved in. A team from Barclays Bank set to work with paintbrushes to spruce up Hurst Primary School, Dorchester Avenue, Bexley. The bank actively encourages
THE Conservative Party chairman visited the borough to meet with residents and speak about the party's new policies. Liam Fox MP visited the Bexleyheath and Crayford Conservative Association, Church Road, Bexleyheath, to meet with members and promote
ANGRY pensioners are trying to enlist the support of the Queen in their fight against a London levy to pay for Britain's Olympic bid. Bexley Pensioners' Forum has been campaigning against the proposal, since London Mayor Ken Livingstone first announced
A NEW toddler group is providing fun for children, as well as relief for their worn out parents. The Tiny Tots group runs every Thursday morning, at St Lawrence Church Hall, Hamilton Road, Sidcup. Under-fives can learn, play with toys and join in with
A MAN posing as a council contractor has been asking people to pay for repairs to the pavements outside their homes. Bexley Council has issued a warning to people after the man was reported operating in the Sidcup area. The man tells residents he needs
BEXLEY youngsters are celebrating after they were declared one of the most successful fundraising groups in a nationwide event. Their Splashathon, held in Splashworld, raised £1,000 for Tommy's, a charity which researches the causes of premature and
A MUM-OF-THREE may have to re-mortgage her home to pay her father's £25,000 medical bill after he suffered a heart attack while on holiday. John Georgiou, 64, of Ash Row, Petts Wood, fell ill in Cyprus in April, weeks after being given the all clear
YOUNGSTERS are being asked to help decide how police officers should work in the community. Sergeant Andy Mitchell is looking for young people to work with the youth community panel which advises Bromley police. The panel allow youths to respond to
AN 83-YEAR-OLD woman lost control of her car and ploughed straight into a petrol station shop. Fortunately, neither the driver nor anyone in the shop at the Shell garage, Queensway, Petts Wood, was hurt in the incident which happened at about 5pm on
KING OF BURIALS: A Saxon king's burial ground unearthed recently will be the subject of the next meeting of Bromley and West Kent Archaeological Group. Liz Barham will discuss the find from 7.45pm on November 19, at the United Reformed Church, Widmore
A COLLEGE is celebrating treble success in a borough-wide education awards scheme. Orpington College students won three out of seven community learning awards, including picking up an award for the overall winner which went to Sharon Brady, 35, of Horsel
A CHURCH is donating almost £1,000 to the borough's new secondary school. Cash raised at St Augustine's Church's summer flower festival will be handed over to the Bishop Justus CofE School and the cheque will be presented to headteacher Kathy Griffiths
AN MP has inspected "sub- standard" works at the centre of a dispute between residents and Broomleigh Housing Association. Jacqui Lait, MP for Beckenham, spent a morning examining works carried out at Queen Adelaide Court, Queen Adelaide Road, Penge
HUNDREDS of less fortunate kids are expected to benefit from a Christmas charity toy campaign. The Glades shopping centre's Gifts from the Heart campaign, which has been running for the last 22 years, brought in more than 2,400 gifts last year alone
A HEROIC dog who saved the lives of soldiers in North Africa in 1943, will be honoured as part of a national memorial. Bob the cross-bred collie, from Bromley earned the Dicken medal, known as the animal VC, for leading a night patrol behind enemy lines
OLD Dunstonians made it ten wins from ten games this season, when they progressed to the fourth round of the Powergen Junior Vase by beating Hastings & Bexhill 53-17. The Old Boys opened the scoring after 12 minutes with a trademark move, which resulted
Westcombe Park went out of the Powergen Cup at the fourth round stage on Saturday, but the 45-16 loss did not truly reflect the effort that Westcombe Park put in to the game on their first ever visit to Cross Green to play Otley. A large contingent of
Bromley showed their talent for playing cup rugby, when they beat Horsham 29-7 on Saturday in the Powergen Junior Vase. The visitors came to Barnet Wood Road enjoying a long unbeaten run, but the home side had done their homework . After sustained Bromley
Bromley earned an FA Trophy third round tie at Cheshunt on November 27 after a thrilling 4-3 away win at Maidenhead United on Saturday. However, they started the match disastrously and went behind after just 15 seconds when Craig O'Connor blasted the
Cray Wanderers threw away a two-goal lead and allowed ten-man Folkestone Invicta to snatch a 2-2 draw in an incident-packed and ill-tempered FA Trophy second round tie at Hayes Lane on Saturday. A scrappy first half was enlivened by goalkeepers Steve
THE Arthritis Care Golden Putter golf tournament is to run for an eighth consecutive year in order to raise essential funds for those with arthritis. Sponsored by Stannah Stairlifts and fronted by keen golfer, Terry Wogan, it is hoped that golf club
THIS Sunday, a martial arts seminar will be taking place in the Priory Lesiure Centre, in Tintagel Road, Orpington. Hosting the event will be Stuart Rider, the London and District's representative for the Self-Defence Federation (UK), and 8th Dan Dave
Once again. the hopefuls and the why did I let myself in for this' gathered in the Ponds Forge Pool, in Sheffield, for the three-day ASA Masters Swimming Championships. Among them were seven members of Orpington Ojays SC. There were great results for
A YOUNG diver is hoping to double pike his way to glory at the English Schools Diving Championships. Balgowan School pupil Andrew Gray, who is nine and from Beckenham, will perform a total of six dives in the junior section of the National finals being
YOUNGSTERS were given a lesson in African culture and traditions at a mask-making and story-telling workshop. As part of its Book Week, Year 2 pupils from Hawes Down Infant School, The Mead, West Wickham, were treated to a masterclass in making African
BUSINESSES and would-be entrepreneurs are being urged to get involved in a week-long celebration of enterprise. Bromley Education Business Partnership has joined up with organisations across the country for national enterprise week. Starting on October
TODDLERS and their teachers are celebrating after receiving a seal of approval from the mayor. St Peter's pre-school, Malmains Way, Beckenham, was presented with a quality assurance award by mayor Councillor Anne Manning. Before the presentation, youngsters
VOLUNTEERS really made a difference by gearing up for the task of clearing up the nearby cemetery. More than 30 Brownies along with members of the Swanley Environment group joined forces to clear litter, cut back overgrown vegetation and spruce up St
MEMBERS of a South African dance and drama group shared their experiences of growing up in their changing country during a visit marking Black History month. The group, Ithemba which means hope performed to two dozen 16 to 18-year-olds at Dartford
Greenwich narrowly lost a highly entertaining match against Croydon on Saturday, going down 10-5. Croydon opened the scoring with a successful penalty kick, the only score of a lively first half. After the break, Croydon managed to score in the corner
Askeans put up a brave fight before going down by a couple of late tries to Eastbourne in the third round of the Powergen Vase. The London Four leaders scored first but Askeans hit back with a driving maul, which quickly tied in several Eastbourne defenders
ONLY four gymnastic clubs in the whole of London and only one in the south-east of the capital Charisma can claim to have the charter mark Gym Mark. To attain this award, clubs had to fulfil a number of demanding criteria concerning: child protection
A CONSTRUCTION company has behaved with no respect for the law, according to a councillor. Councillor John Shepheard told Bexley Council's planning committee of the smell, noise, dust and health concerns residents of Crayford's Braeburn Park face. He
Millwall's 2-0 home victory over Sunderland in the Coca-Cola Championship on Bonfire Night had many a journalist looking for a firework analogy to describe the Lions' gutsy display. Indeed, five yellow cards suggested that there was just a hint of fireworks
A TEENAGER was headbutted and attacked by robbers who wanted to steal his mobile phone. The 18-year-old was standing outside Tesco Express Garage in Dartford Road, Dartford, when he was punched and kicked for his £100 Nokia phone. The victim was waiting
POLICE are appealing for information after bogus callers visited two elderly women living in the same street. The first man knocked at a 84-year-old's door in Elm Drive, Dartford, pretending to be from a water company. She let him in after he told her
IN light of recent successes both on and off the pitch, the Lions' management duo of Dennis Wise (inset) and Ray Wilkins have both been offered one year contract extensions on their current deals at The New Den. The pair, who made history when they became
A YOUNGSTER punched above his weight to win his second British title this year. Coopers Technology School pupil Stephen Looker, 13, from Eltham, won the Muay Thai British Junior title in the under-53kg category, having won the under-50kg title eight
NEWS Shopper is right behind the pantomime at Greenwich Theatre. We are sponsoring the Christmas panto of Cinderella, featuring members of the London Bubble Theatre Company, which promotes capital-based actors. The sponsorship deal is part of the paper's
A CRACKDOWN on anti-social behaviour, drug dealing and untaxed cars brought cheers from an estate's residents. The operation on the Glyndon Estate, off Glyndon Road, Plumstead, which will be jointly run by Greenwich police and Greenwich Council, was
THREE teenagers accused of desecrating 47 Muslim graves will face a retrial. The schoolboys, aged 17, 15 and 14, allegedly took a claw hammer to the headstones at Charlton Cemetery, Cemetery Lane, breaking them in two and smashing commemorative enamelled
For players in Bromley borough call 0906 200 2268 For Bexley, Dartford & Gravesham boroughs, 0906 200 2267 For Lewisham & Greenwich boroughs, 0906 200 2269 Calls are charged at £1 a minute but listings are free. These listings also appear on our website
BLACK parents are demanding a fairer say, after parent governor elections were tainted by allegations of vote-rigging and racism. The parents have attacked chiefs at Hawksmoor School, in Bentham Road, Thamesmead, for ignoring the views of the black community
CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a self-storage warehouse in a residential area are to be discussed at a public inquiry. Starting on November 30, the Planning Inspectorate will hear evidence from Lewisham Council and the Big Yellow Storage Company, which
Blackheath maintained their 100 per cent record and top-of-the-table position with an excellent victory over second place Ashford on Saturday. Starting with all guns blazing, Blackheath were two goals up inside the first ten minutes with strikes from
RESIDENTS' patience is being tested after being told they must send in their objections for a new phone mast again because their previous letters do not count. Objections were sent to Gravesham Council after residents in Riverview Park heard mobile phone
SPECIAL Constables were recognised for long service at an awards ceremony. Among the long service medal winners were Special Constable Roy Tomlin, based in Deptford for nine years, Sub-Divisional Officer Stephen Cooper, based in Lewisham for nine years
HEART patients will benefit from shorter waiting times, thanks to a centre devoted to cardiac services. The Department of Health has approved plans to build a new heart centre, at Darent Valley Hospital, Dartford. Planning is already well under way
FIRE station cooks are to lose their jobs as part of a cost saving exercise. Although a bid to make all 97 of London's cooks redundant was defeated, the current batch of well-loved members of staff will be the last, thanks to plans which will not see
LABOUR has chosen a 22-year-old Oxbridge graduate to fight the seat of Sevenoaks at the next General Election. Tim Stanley, who has just completed a history degree at Trinity College, Cambridge, was chosen at a meeting of the Labour party in Swanley.
Season ticket holders and members may now buy tickets for Palace's Premiership game against Manchester United at Old Trafford on December 18. There are a maximum of two tickets available per person, priced at £30 for adults and £15 for concessions and
CIVIL servants held a one-day strike in protest over Government plans to axe 100,000 jobs. Members of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) working at Lewisham Jobcentre, Holbeach Road, Catford, walked out on Friday. They were part of a nationwide-strike
QUESTION TIME: Residents of Eltham and Shooters Hill can put their questions to councillors at the next Time to Listen meeting at Eaglesfield School, Red Lion Lane, Woolwich, at 7pm on November 30. Call 020 8921 5146. CULTURE LECTURE: Professor John
SCHOOLCHILDREN took a step back in time to mark the opening of their new playground. Pupils from All Saints CE Primary School, Blackheath Vale, Blackheath, celebrated the launch of the £20,000 development with a medieval-themed day. Youngsters dressed
A DECISION on proposals to erect a three-storey block of flats in the gardens of a town centre's oldest surviving building has been deferred. Greenwich Council's Greenwich area planning and environment committee was expected to approve the application
Arsenal have not lost a London derby in the league since 2001, and few teams would have come as close to breaking that record as Crystal Palace did on Saturday night. An opening half that was almost devoid of any incident was followed by fireworks in
TORY councillors are labelling changes to the schools admissions policy a "bureaucrat's dream" as they take choice away from parents. The new system means Greenwich parents receive a form and pick six secondary schools anywhere in London in order of
THREATENED Ladywell Leisure Centre has featured on a BBC programme criticising the closure of swimming pools in the UK. CBBC's kids health programme Short Change used the Lewisham High Street pool as an example of how pool closures are hitting children's
FOUR men have appeared before magistrates accused of holding a man hostage for two days. Avtar Singh, aged 27, Gurwinder Jutty, aged 20, Asim Rana, aged 23 and Sukhjinder Pooney, aged 19, were arrested on October 29, after a series of dawn raids at addresses
BONFIRE Night was celebrated with a range of fireworks displays. Gravesham Council presented a free event on Friday night, in the Riverside Leisure Area, Gordon Promenade, Gravesend. Rockets were set off from a barge on the Thames. More than 10,000
VIEWS on a licensing policy document for pubs, clubs and off-licences are being sought. Under changes to the Licensing Act, Greenwich Council will become responsible for administering a new system of personal licences, enabling the holder to sell and
A REMEMBRANCE Day parade has been cancelled after the death of the woman described as its "driving force". Jean Luffman had organised the parade by the Swanley, Crockenhill and Hextable Branch of the Royal British Legion for the past 24 years. But in
MARCH 31, 1965, was a momentous day for south east London and north Kent: News Shopper was born. Now to celebrate reaching middle age, we want readers to get involved in our 40th anniversary celebrations. We have a number of great initiatives planned
THE Horniman Museum was one of several organisations to mark the National Lottery's 10th anniversary with a feast of activities. Live music, face painting and storytelling were just some of the highlights of a jamboree held at the museum, in London Road
ELTHAM'S MP is backing the call for a crackdown on dangerous drivers. Clive Efford, who is a member of the House of Commons' transport select committee, has welcomed a series of suggestions from a new report published by the committee. Among the report's
TWO notorious brothers have been locked-up for breaching their anti-social behaviour orders (Asbos). Christopher Turner, aged 20, and 18-year-old Philip, both formerly of Christianfields Avenue, Gravesend, were jailed for four months for breaching their
CAMPAIGNERS are upping the pressure on cafes and restaurants to stock Fair Trade products. Orpington Trade Justice Group is working towards winning Fair Trade status for the borough. Bromley is one of 17 boroughs which could help London become a Fair
SUPPORT for the Fairtrade movement is growing thanks to a promotional day at Lewisham library. Hosted by Lewisham Mayor Steve Bullock the event for school children and residents featured the Taste for Life photo exhibition which shows the conditions
A NEWLY-restored park is under lock and key after residents stepped forward to make it more secure. People who live near the playground, Albert Road, Wilmington, were appalled Dartford Council could not afford to secure it from being trashed and abused
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after an attempted robbery was foiled by a security driver's quick thinking. A gang of five men boxed in a Securicor van using a Land Rover and a dark coloured Mercedes car, police said. They pounced as the van was
A HISTORIC fireboat needs £50,000 worth of repairs after sinking in the River Thames. The Massey Shaw which fought blazes during The Blitz of the Second World War and was one of the crafts used to rescued troops from the beaches of Dunkirk became
A THEATRE company celebrating its centenary is appealing for more members to help secure its future. Capital Theatre Company, is currently based at Mycenae House, Mycenae Road, Blackheath, but is searching for a permanent home. Based in London city,
COUNCIL chiefs could close an alleyway which residents say is attracting anti social behaviour. The move comes after homeowners petitioned for action over the passageway which runs from Southborough Lane along the rear of properties to Blenheim Road,
HEALTH chiefs have denied they are cutting beds for new mums in the borough's main hospital. Describing plans for the Princess Royal University Hospital's post-natal ward as part of wider improvements, Bromley Hospitals NHS Trust says all resources
POLICE are warning car owners to be on their guard after a spate of burglaries targeting high-performance vehicles. In October, 25 top-end cars and high-performance motorcycles were stolen in burglaries across the borough, mainly around Hayes and Langley
A DISABLED man has hit out at the yobs who left him stranded by wrecking his specially-adapted car. The culprits used a brick to smash up the Motability Peugeot 206 belonging to Tony Reed, 59, in a night-time attack, causing hundreds of pounds worth
Dartford & District under-11s, coached by Dave Whitaker and Kerry Page, kicked off their new Kent Primary League campaign with a devastating 8-0 home victory against their counterparts from Maidstone. Jay Porter rattled the crossbar in the first minute
A MAN has been charged in connection with three cannabis factories raided by police. Officers found 6,500 plants worth more than £1m in units on a trading estate in Malham Road, Forest Hill, on October 11. Richard Lehy, aged 39, of Lychet Road, Bromley
A NEW mental health unit was opened by Erith and Thamesmead MP John Austin. Barefoot Lodge, on the former Goldie Leigh site, Lodge Hill, Abbey Wood, was transferred from older facilities at Memorial Hospital three months ago. Mr Austin toured the purpose-built
A CAMPAIGN to prevent a major Tesco superstore development looked to be on the verge of failure last night. The Orpington Car Park Action Group, made up of residents and businesses, has battled for months against the company's proposed 24-hour complex
PRIMARY school pupils are celebrating a good report by education watchdogs. Ofsted inspectors have praised Hayes Primary School, George Lane, for "good teaching and a keenness to learn". The report was based on an inspection at the end of the summer
REMEMBRANCE services are being held throughout Greenwich in honour of those who fought for our freedom. A wreath-laying ceremony on November 13 will begin at the Memorial at Maze Hill and continue on to St Johns Church, Earl Rise, Plumstead, and the
THE MAYOR is to look at ways he can help develop waste ground into public space. London Mayor Ken Livingstone has instructed his biodiversity team to see how the Brockley Cross Action Group's project to turn land at Brockley station into a common can
For players in Bromley borough call 0906 200 2268 For Bexley, Dartford & Gravesham boroughs, 0906 200 2267 For Lewisham & Greenwich boroughs, 0906 200 2269 Calls are charged at £1 a minute but listings are free. These listings also appear on our website
RESIDENTS and businesses are being given the chance to say what they think about the council's direction. Meetings based around the Building a Better Bromley vision statement, published earlier this year, will be held between 7.30pm and 9.30pm at the
DEAF and hearing youngsters joined forces as part of a nationwide Big Sing event. Pupils from Coopers Lane Primary School, Pragnell Road, Grove Park, took part in the event joining 2,000 schools and groups on November 5. Specially composed by Alec Roth
A CHARITY is looking for a volunteer to help provide an invaluable service. Alzheimer's and Dementia Support Services is looking for a minibus driver who can take clients to and from the charity's busy daycare centre, in Deneholm Road, Northfleet. Volunteers
TWO sisters have been locked up for attacking a teenage girl and a woman on a bus. Charlene, aged 19, and Elisha Ince, aged 20, of Bargrove Close, Penge, punched the 15-year-old girl and a fellow passenger who came to her assistance, Croydon Crown Court
A PET shop owner has branded thieves as "evil" after they stole three young puppies and two black kittens. Joanne, who asked for her surname not to be printed for security reasons, discovered the thefts when she returned to Woolwich Pets, Plumstead Road
LIVE music, cartoons and a fire-eater were all part of the build-up to one of the biggest public fireworks displays in the south east. Danson Park, Welling, was packed as the crowds turned out on a damp night for the annual Welling Round Table fundraising
PEOPLE opposed to plans for a new bridge across the Thames at Thamesmead took their message onto the streets at the weekend. The Action Group Against the Bridge was demonstrating outside Bostall Library where Labour councillor Manny Blake was holding
A POLICE officer accused of punching a suspect in a fit of temper and then persuading a colleague to lie for him is facing a retrial. PC Alex Collins, aged 29, was on trial at the Old Bailey, accused of common assault, perverting the course of justice
CHILDREN in Slade Green have been left without their play equipment after vandals trashed their playground. Swings and other equipment in the playground off Howbury Lane were hacked down with bolt cutters and the perimeter fencing destroyed. Now community
THIS Sunday, a martial arts seminar will be taking place in the Priory Lesiure Centre, in Tintagel Road, Orpington. Hosting the event will be Stuart Rider, the London and District's representative for the Self-Defence Federation (UK), and 8th Dan Dave
A JOBLESS, homeless man has been accused of being part of a gang which stole money from The Office star Ricky Gervais. Kenneth Speight, aged 39, from Erith, faced three charges of conspiracy to defraud when he appeared at Southwark Crown Court. The
ONCE again. the hopefuls and the why did I let myself in for this' gathered in the Ponds Forge Pool, in Sheffield, for the three-day ASA Masters Swimming Championships. Among them were seven members of Orpington Ojays SC. There were great results for
A CAMPAIGN has been launched aimed at encouraging people to start up their own businesses. Run by Bexley Council's Economic Development Unit, there will be mini-exhibitions and business advice events at the Job Centre Plus in Bexleyheath Broadway, on
A SCHEME aimed at providing better healthcare for children has been launched. Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup, is taking part in the Patient Accelerating Change programme, aimed at improving the quality and range of healthcare within the NHS by listening
Gravesend produced a great display at Aylesford Bulls on Saturday, winning 22-21 to ensure they remained within touching distance of the league leaders. After a disappointing defeat at Purley the previous week, Gravesend were forced to make several changes
JUST to prove it is not all about swimming at Dartford SC, Georgina and Grace Ladley, Chelsey Eyers and Ellie Thomas proudly show off their medals for completing the junior run at last week's Wilmington 10km event. Excellent conditions and plenty of
ONE of the world's top experts on dyslexia is lecturing in Bexley. Professor Uta Frith, from University College London will be delivering the Marjorie Lishman memorial lecture at the Holiday Inn, Southwold Road, Bexley, tonight. The annual lecture,
A NEWS Shopper delivery boy born with meningitis has climbed the highest peak in Africa. The parents of Thomas Godley, 15, of Lansdowne Avenue, Orpington, feared they might lose their son after he was born with the life-threatening infection listeria
THE borough's first specialist stroke nurse has started work two years after the launch of a charity appeal to fund her position. Helen Matheson's appointment to the stroke rehabilitation unit at Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup, ends the charity appeal
HEALTH officials have launched a London-wide campaign to improve take-up of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) jab. Senior doctors at Bromley Primary Care Trust (PCT) have joined colleagues across the capital in a bid to immunise thousands of primary
ROAD safety officials have launched a campaign to urge drivers and passengers to belt up. Bromley Council has joined up with south east London colleagues and the Met Police after research showed more than a third of vehicle occupants fail to wear seatbelts
ELEVEN members of the Bexley Karate Organisation went to Gravesend in search of gold. The event was the annual Kamazen Open karate tournament, which featured no fewer than 15 different categories. In his first ever competitive fixture, nine-year-old
NO RELIGION: I was interested in your debate on religion, Do People Need To Be Religious (News Shopper, October 27). The problem with religion is hinted at by Rupert Smythe when he refers to violence by some religious groups. Religion has always caused
No-one would know from your report on the traffic-calming measures in Blackheath Village, just how high feelings are running locally (Village Is Open For Christmas, October 20). Those of us who gathered to protest could not begin to imagine how anyone
RESIDENTS will be given the chance to speak their minds on issues of anti-social behaviour and rail safety. Boards, consisting of the borough's county councillors, will speak with Dartford residents in the Temple Hill Community Centre, Temple Hill, on
ANGRY shopkeepers are demanding action against firework yobs who are driving away their customers. Traders in High Street, Orpington, claim students from Orpington College are letting off fireworks in the street, discouraging visitors and making staff
A JUDO club which recently celebrated its past is now looking to the future. The Northbrook Club, which has two centres in Lee and Bromley, was ten years old at the end of last month, and to celebrate co-owner Gary Currier organised an international
I am writing regarding the opinion piece Is It Time To End Bonfire Night? (News Shopper, October 6) I am 21 and live in an area of Downham every year we have fireworks going off at all hours of the night and day. The noise does not bother me, however
TWO police officers accused of taking part in a street brawl could face a retrial. PCs Liam Herzberg, aged 37, and Steven Lloyd, aged 36, allegedly clashed with four members of the public in Bromley High Street in the early hours of September 27, 2002
AN ART and craft display at a daycare centre showed how active its elderly visitors are. Cinnamon Court Day Centre, Edward Street, Deptford, held the creative crafts exhibition on October 3 and October 4. The display included artwork, sewing, glass
We have a Labour Government which wants us all to get fit. They think it so important they have made swimming part of the national curriculum, like maths and English. Our Labour mayor promised there would always be a swimming pool in the centre of Lewisham
A HOSPICE charity is offering relatives and friends the chance to remember their loved ones. Harris HospisCare's annual Light up a Life service will be held later this month. At the end of the service a tree of light will be illuminated, representing
I would like to make readers aware of an organisation set up especially for ex-RAF and WRAF personnel who served between 1939 and 1964 when conscription came to an end. The association was formed in 2000 by a small group of ex-RAF men who believed the
SERVICES of remembrance will be held across the borough this weekend. Organised by Royal British Legion branches, the ceremonies on Sunday will commemorate the war dead. A service at 10.50am will be held at Beckenham war memorial, High Street, after
The Save Ladywell Pool Campaign and the New School Campaign have condemned the mayor for not putting any effort into finding an alternative site to the Ladywell Leisure Centre for a new school in the north of the borough. The council's planning and education
THE Elms' new winter mens' five-a-side leagues are due to start on November 29 at the Priory Leisure Centre, in Tintagel Road, Orpington. Matches will be played for ten weeks on subsequent Mondays from 8pm to 10pm. To register your team, call 020 8954
YOUNGSTERS are preparing to take part in a campaign encouraging children to walk to school. The Walk on Wednesday (WOW) scheme aims to get children trekking in from home once a week for a month. Parents with pupils at Southborough, St James' and Oak
VISITORS got a chance to look round the former home of the father of evolution. English Heritage opened up Down House for free on Saturday and Sunday as part of celebrations to mark the National Lottery's 10th birthday. One of seven properties participating
VCD Athletic went out of the Go Travel Kent League Cup at the first hurdle when the lost 1-0 at Maidstone United on Saturday. The only goal of the game came after just five minutes, when a long throw from Lacy saw Sinden flick the ball on to Barton to
BAN IS THE ANSWER: In response to Jenny Orford's letter (News Shopper, October 20). Yes, people did enjoy Bonfire Night in the not too distant past and it was generally a happy and trouble-free occasion but it cannot be described as that now. Any excuse
AEI Gravesend Ladies had a disastrous time on Sunday when they lost 7-1 at home to their counterparts from Woking. An AEI spokeswoman said: "It's hard to admit but we need to hold our hands up as a team and say where were we in the first half?' "We
I have read a lot about the fireworks dispute for a couple of weeks now and wish to have my say. I am a 30-year-old male, who has lived in London for ten years. When I was young Guy Fawkes night was a big thing for us kids. I lived in Norfolk at the
BRITAIN'S first ever Football League substitute will be signing copies of his autobiography at a bookstore Keith Peacock picked up the title when he came on for Charlton Athletic's Mike Rose in their game against Bolton Wanderers on 21 August 1965.
I think Rachel Bradman has got it all wrong by saying church services offer nothing for 21st century folk (News Shopper, October 27). Rachel is only looking at the Church of England, Roman Catholic or even Muslim establishments. She has not considered
Erith and Belvedere took advantage of other sides' forays in the FA Trophy to climb three places in the Southern League Division One East. Their 1-0 away win against Leighton Town saw Deres leapfrog near-neighbours Dartford and Sittingbourne into 16th
The thrust of my letter is directed at Rachel Bradman. God is not hidden but lives daily by example in that the universe is an imponderable reality or, as I prefer to call it, God's mathematical joke. Likewise with DNA, its discovery will not stop
Welling United survived a late scare at the weekend when, despite conceding a 90th minute goal, they booked their place in the second round of the FA Trophy. Having seen off Molesey 2-1 on a difficult playing surface last Saturday, thanks largely to
It is the custom for each mayor to write a letter in November urging our borough residents to support the Royal British Legion's (RBL) annual poppy appeal. Many members of the RBL will be in our town centre selling poppies and giving their time to this
Why, Dartford Council, are you making our park dangerous for us? I am nine years old and live in Dartford. You are always moaning and groaning that so many accidents are occurring yet you are making it worse. If the road does get built more accidents
A CRACKDOWN on railway robbers is under way to coincide with the clocks going back. Traditionally winter is the worst time of year for robberies and British Transport Police (BTP) has launched a blitz to send a message to criminals they are tackling
A miserable afternoon for Dartford was capped by striker Tostao Kwashi's late dismissal for two reckless challenges. By then Darts were already 4-1 down against Redbridge, who rubbed salt into Dartford wounds when they added a fifth goal in stoppage
EVER since the Government began its huge school building and renovation programme, I have been pressing for sprinkler systems to be fitted in new school buildings. The Local Government Association, the Fire Brigades' Union and chief fire officers across
PARENTS are urged to sign their toddlers up for dance sessions. There are still places available on the new StArt Moving dance programmes in Orpington and Beckenham. The scheme encourages children aged 18 months to four years to get active through moving
VOLUNTEERS got down to some hard graft for a garden makeover. Twenty employees from Barclays Bank transformed the garden at the Leonard Cheshire Care Home, Thicket Road, Penge, into a planter's paradise. The bankers took up the challenge to mark National
WITH a growing list of injuries which includes Steve McKimm, Chris Moore and Justin Skinner, Fleet manager Andy Ford had been tempted to recall Lee Shearer from his loan spell at Dover, but he has since discovered there is no clause in the contract to
I agree with Mrs L Cohen's letter Parents must Pay (News Shopper, October 20) regarding how parents of deaf children must pay simply to communicate with their children. When my brother was born, 25 years ago (at a time when deaf awareness was even worse
THE countdown to Christmas is underway. Father Christmas and his reindeer arrived in Bexleyheath on Sunday, accompanied by elves, fairies, stilt walkers and even a Scottish pipe band. Crowds filled the Broadway as the Christmas parade made its way to
October's winner: Robyn Robinson, six. THE sixth monthly winner of News Shopper's Local Hero campaign is six-year-old Robyn Robinson. Robyn, who attends Holy Trinity Lamorbey Primary School, has won the praise and thanks of the parents of her best friend
Fleet's winter blues continued as they were cut down to size by high-flying Carlisle in their Conference match at Stonebridge Road on Saturday. Manager Andy Ford, who has been frustrated in his recent attempts to sign reinforcements, paid tribute to
PUPILS and staff arrived in fancy dress to celebrate book week. More than 400 pupils from Hook Lane Primary School, Faraday Road, Welling, swapped their uniforms for a day to dress as pirates and castaways. A special assembly was held for the children
FIVE pupils at a Bexley secondary school have been arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm. The boys, all pupils of St Columba's RC Boys' School in Halcot Avenue, Bexleyheath, are alleged to have been involved in an outbreak of violence at
COUNCILLORS have snubbed approaches from China's third largest city to become sister cities, because of the nation's appalling human rights record. Officials from the city of Yuzhong, in Chongqing province, in south west China, have twice visited Bexley
On the way to the shops in St Johns Road, Petts Wood on November 1 I tripped and fell injuring my face. A very kind passing motorist, who was on his way to Bromley, stopped to help me. This gentleman, then went out of his way to take me to my doctor's
AN EXHIBITION of young boxers attracted interest from 250 fans and helped raise £1,000. The Bexleyheath-based Danson Youth Boxing Club was the venue for the fight night, which brought together youngsters from clubs across Kent and London. A total of
I write to make readers aware of an organisation set up for ex-RAF and WRAF personnel who served between 1939 and 1964 when conscription came to an end. The association was formed in 2000 by a small group of ex-RAF men who believed the contribution and
FOR the second year, Bexley Council's pensions fund has been judged the best performer in country. The fund, worth £300m, scooped the award for the best performance for UK equities over the past three years. The pension scheme is run by two fund managers
I advise your reader from Chislehurst who had her bike stolen not to hold her breath. In May my husband's motor scooter was stolen from the front drive. It was reported and we were advised to sign up on the spot for a policeman to stay with it if it
Two months ago an American woman on her travels around England stepped into our quaint old pub in Downs Village and had the locals completely under her spell with her beauty and charm. She told us she was on a scholarship from the US Government at Cambridge
If you have an en-block garage, that is one of a group which is out of site of your property, always close your garage door when you have removed your car. A few years ago, my dog sensed a disturbance in our group of garages which are some distance away
Steve Strange has reached the halfway point in his bid to set a new Guinness Book of Records' approved cycle ride around the world. Strange, from Orpington, is now in India on his 18,000-mile epic, but has been forced into hurriedly navigating a revised
THE decision to send members of the Black Watch to an American-control zone in Iraq, has been challenged by an MP. Old Bexley and Sidcup MP Derek Conway quizzed Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon about the controversial deployment in the House of Commons.
It is a mistake to confuse spirituality with religion. The institutional dogmas of the religions do not speak to many now and we need a new symbolic container for our spirituality. In essence, all the major religions say the same thing: The kingdom of
I am one of the very rare breed of people who prefer not to own or watch a TV. However, after a seven-year barrage of threatening letters and payment demands from TV Licensing, on a monthly basis, in both my own name and that of the present occupier,
NO MEANS NO: I liked the idea of printing a page to place in the door or window against Hallowe'en callers (News Shopper, October 27). However, my neighbour and I said no Hallowe'en callers and spent the night hearing eggs being thrown against the windows
I write with regard to Is it Time to End Bonfire Night? (He Says, She Says, October 6). I am 21 and live in an area of Downham. Every year we have fireworks going off at all hours of the night and day. Personally, the noise does not bother me. However
Kent Cricket Board have appointment Ken Slater as development officer for Bromley. Slater, currently chairman of HSBC Cricket Club and a team manager for one the junior Bromley district sides, is very much looking forward to taking on the role. He
This year is the 83rd anniversary of the Royal British Legion which was formed to help and care for ex-servicemen and their dependents. During this time the Poppy Appeal has helped fund the legion's work to deliver a caring service for the benefit of
Reigning Formula Renault UK champion Mike Conway has finalised his deal to race in next year's British Formula 3 Champ-ionship with Fortec Motorsport. The 21-year old from Sevenoaks, who is also backed by his father's Dartford-based company, won eight
A COUNCIL-backed home improvement scheme is taking its message on the buses. Houseproud is aimed at older and disabled residents, who want to improve or adapt their homes. The scheme, backed by Bexley Council and non-profit organisation the Home Improvement
For the past two years I have been walking my child to school along Farnborough Hill past the Metro bus garage. During those two years I have been writing and phoning the council and police asking them to do something about the persistent parking of
I am researching my family history and have traced my great grandfather to Sydenham. His name was George Hampshire and was born in Sydenham in 1839. His parents were William Hampshire and Eliza Hopkins. He married my great grandmother in 1863 (St George's
MARCH 31, 1965 was a momentous day for south east London and north Kent: News Shopper was born. Now to celebrate reaching middle age, we want readers to get involved in our 40th anniversary birthday celebrations. We have a number of great initiatives
PEOPLE fighting to save part of Erith Marshes from development are pressing London Mayor Ken Livingstone to act. London Assembly Green Party leader Darren Johnson says the Mayor is wrong to claim he can no longer intervene in the row over plans to build
PUPILS and community figures were united in tune at a Big Sing event. Students from St George's Primary School, Tylney Road, Bickley, joined more than 2,000 groups across the UK taking part in the event, organised by education charity ContinYou. On
THE painstaking restoration of one of Bexley's best historical buildings has been recognised with a top award. More than 300 conservation experts gathered at Christies of London, to see Danson Mansion scoop the top award for the rescue of a country house
BBHC's men's first team took on a strong Tunbridge Wells on Saturday and immediately exerted early pressure, and were unlucky not to get an early goal. However, four short corners later, Dave Cole did put them ahead with a swift shot to the back of
PARENTS are being invited to sit back and be pampered in a bid to raise money for school funds. Friends of Biggin Hill Infant School is holding a purchasing and pampering evening to raise cash for IT equipment. The registered charity, which raises money
For players in Bromley borough call 0906 200 2268 For Bexley, Dartford & Gravesham boroughs, 0906 200 2267 For Lewisham & Greenwich boroughs, 0906 200 2269 Calls are charged at £1 a minute but listings are free. These listings also appear on our website
I WRITE regarding He Says, She Says (News Shopper, October 27). "Stuffy church service, stolid hymns and airy phrases" can only be the inaccurate comments of one who has not been to church recently. Rachel Bradman wants to pop herself along to Bromley
BNP HOUNDED?: I arrived at the Holiday Inn, Bexleyheath, to attend a meeting of a legitimate political party. Approaching the car park I was struck by the presence of an ambulance, a police minibus, several police cars and policemen in riot gear. I assumed
FINN-ISHED DEAL: The next Sami Hyypia was last week captured by Charlton as the academy signed up Finnish U16 international Jani Tanska, after striking a four-year collaboration with Finnish Cup winners MyPa. The talented defender, one of the most promising
It is a mistake to confuse spirituality with religion; the institutional dogmas of the religions do not speak to many now and we need a new symbolic container for our spirituality. In essence all the major religions say the same thing: the kingdom of
ADDICKS boss Alan Curbishley must have thought all his dreams had come true as he watched winger Jerome Thomas score to put Charlton Athletic 3-0 ahead against Spurs on Saturday. Without an away win all season, and with just one victory on their travels
With Remembrance Day shortly upon us it is right we turn our attention to remembering those people who paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect our rights and values. There can be nothing more powerful than to give up your life so others might enjoy freedom
I WRITE in response to Rachel Bradman (He Says She Says, News Shopper October 27). She has got it all wrong by saying church services offer nothing for 21st-century folk. Religion is indeed one thing and a relationship with the maker of the universe
As the new parliamentary session beckons, readers should be aware of the most significant policy likely to be introduced by the Labour government. Since Winston Churchill's post-war administration declared Britain was a free country, no citizen has had
A BOXING club has opened its doors to the public to encourage more youngsters to take up the sport. Gravesend's Round One Boxing club, founded by former champion kick-boxer OJ Larmond, aims to encourage local youngsters to swap street corners for sparring
I WRITE regarding Jenny Orford's letter Ban Bans (News Shopper, October 20). You really have got the wrong end of the stick. People who dislike fireworks do not want to ban firework night altogether, we don't mind organised safe displays, they are worthwhile
Your article What Should Replace Splashworld Pool? (News Shopper, October 27) has prompted me to write a letter to Bexley Council, expressing my views on what should be developed on the site. I am keen to know what other readers think. I disagree strongly
November 14 marks the anniversary of a day Charlton fans will want to forget. On that date 45 years ago the Addicks went down to their heaviest ever league defeat, losing in the old Second Division 11-1 to Aston Villa, who eventually went on to claim
BELVEDERE, NORTH BEXLEYHEATH & THAMESMEAD Safeway Pharmacy, 2 Twin Tumps Way, Thamesmead. 10am to 4pm. Lloyds Pharmacy, 7 Nuxley Road, Belvedere. 6pm to 7pm. BEXLEYHEATH, BLACKFEN, WELLING & SIDCUP 7 Day Chemist, 175a Bellegrove Road, Welling. 9am to
SWIMMERS tend to specialise in one event, but Caroline Bovey is bucking that trend. The 11-year old Chislehurst and Sidcup School pupil, who competes for the Eltham Stingrays Club, won all four one-length races in which she was entered at the Future
I WRITE regardng Fathers Just Want Chance To Be Dads (News Shopper, October 20). Let's hope all these fathers are as devoted to looking after their children financially as well as taking their access rights so seriously. I am a mother who is divorced
I WRITE regarding a quote from Melissa Kite: "For the umpteenth time, the fox is ripped apart after it is dead, OK?" This comment really insults the intelligence of the public. This is what they want people to believe but she forgets anti-hunt protestors
I know I've had letters printed before, in fact, I've got strong opinions on various things such as yob behaviour, state of the roads and anti-social noise. But I'm not a whinger honest. I'm just one of those people raised in the late 60s who was taught
there can be no doubt the people responsible for making decisions in our council are incapable of forward planning. The residents of Barnehurst made it perfectly clear they did not want their library closed but the council decided otherwise. Now, to
A KNIGHT of the realm was the guest of honour at the opening of a £1.5m state-of-the-art football facility. Long Lane FC, who play their football at the newly revamped complex in Dursley Road, Kidbrooke, welcomed Sir Trevor Brooking to their ranks last
A READER says he would like to shoot me with his Enfield rifle because I choose to feed the wildlife in and around my garden (News Shopper, October 27). He would also like to rid our gardens of pests such as foxes and birds, as they attract the neighbourhood
Do you see me ever having children by my current younger partner? I am 35 and have had trouble conceiving. I would so much love to be a mum. - Lynne Bradley, Dartford. Graham says ... I don't feel there is any pshysical problem. I think you may have
I've been with my fiance for 10 years and have been living with him for seven of those years. We have been engaged for nearly three years. Do you see me marrying him and having his children? - Andrea Jackson, Harold Wood. Graham says ... I see marriage
My partner swears that he saw a child walk from our hall into our kitchen. He said that although the child had shoulder length blonde hair he knew that it was a boy. He didn't see the face, only the back. I believe him because he looked terrified. Can
