THE council is warning parents to make sure they follow the law when travelling with children. From next Monday children must use the appropriate restraint in cars until they are 135cm tall or 12-years-old. Parents could be given a £30 fixed penalty
DRIVERS in the county are to be the first to benefit from the latest emergency roadside telephones. The Highways Agency is replacing over 6,500 orange emergency telephones over the course of the next three years, with Kent being the first to benefit.
A FUN-PACKED annual day of activities also celebrated the 50th anniversary of the first north Kent RSPB reserve. More than 3,500 people enjoyed wildlife activities, guided walks and pony rides at RSPB Northward Hill's fourth Wildlife and Country Fair
Here is nine-year-old Alex Moore's winning Young Author Competition entry Whapper Flapper was a two-year-old penguin and he played with penguin friends called Little Dude and Flip Fisher. They lived in the coldest part of the whole wide world. Their
THE winner of the Young Author writing competition has beaten more than 300 other entrants to have his story published. In total, 330 entries from people aged seven to 16 were received in the News Shopper-sponsored competition. Young writers were given
Tommy is a lovely black and white six-year-old boy. He came into Cats Protection's care after his owners were evicted from their home. He is instantly friendly to whoever he is with. Whenever someone goes into his pen he's up and over to them and busy
It's often said the kitchen is the room most likely to persuade you to buy a property - or put you off. If you're thinking of selling, it pays to ensure your kitchen is up to scratch. Kitchens matter, and even if you're not selling, an attractive and
A rise in interest rates has left landlords asking whether now is a good time to invest. Director of Drewery's Property Services PAUL LONG examines the opportunities in the current climate. After the recent interest rate rise, the question most property
ONE OF Britain's youngest landlords is about to sign the paperwork for his first property. Luke Clarke from Gunthorpe, near Nottingham, was 17 years old when he started the process of buying a one-bedroom flat in Eastfield worth £90,000. Luke spent
Your questions are answered by Andrew Reeves from Homes Abroad Group. How do I find a solicitor to help me buy a property abroad? Recommendation is a good means of locating a reputable lawyer, at home or abroad - if friends have purchased overseas,
Increasing numbers of Brits are choosing to commute to their jobs in the UK from their permanent homes abroad, extending the UK commuter belt into Europe according to experts. A recent poll commissioned by the Property Investor Show revealed that 80
ATTEND free seminars hosted by experts including Kevin McCloud, at the Grand Designs Live exhibition at Birmingham's NEC, October 6 to 8. Topics to be discussed include: sustainable design and materials, financing self-builds, eco-friendly building and
Quentin Blake and a team of architects, artists, designers, cartoonists and illustrators will lead visitors in exploring and drawing around the extraordinary architecture and spaces at Somerset House and King's College, London. Join them drawing inside
The average upfront cost of remortgaging is estimated to be £1,100, which means Britons regularly remortgaging could be paying nearly £14,000 too much, according to Abbey. New research shows almost half (48 per cent) of all homeowners have switched lenders
Visit the Georgian headquarters of Britain's oldest heritage charity, The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB), during London Open House Weekend. London's biggest architectural festival gives everyone the opportunity to visit more
A Highly critical report claims a worrying percentage of the workforce cannot write, add up and lack basic social skills. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) report, commissioned by the Government, found one in three employers were forced to
Helping people improve their prospects and find employment is a career in itself. Matt French speaks with a dedicated professional about his role. QUALIFICATIONS: I'm currently completing a NVQ Level 3 in Advice and Guidance through City and Guilds.
NAME: John Bonner AGE: 36 COURSE: Stand Up Comedy WHERE? The Comedy School, Camden Town PERIOD: Seven weeks ENTRY ONTO THE COURSE: No qualifications or previous experience are needed. REASONS FOR CHOOSING THE COURSE: I just wanted to see if I could
A group of eight young people aged 13 to 17 passed their GCSE's with high grades at the Adult Education College Bexley, Brampton Road. The group attended the courses after their parents contacted the college to explain the home-educated children needed
The National Literacy Trust is pleased to announce the appointment of Jonathan Douglas as director. He will succeed Neil McClelland, who has been director of the Trust since it was founded in 1993. Jonathan will take up the post in January next year
All schoolchildren should be taught basic first aid as a compulsory part of their education, according to the British Red Cross. The organisation has published a report naming eight medical essentials which every child should know, including how to deal
English Heritage is launching a new Education Volunteering Programme across selected heritage sites and is looking for people who are aged 18 and over to assist their site educators with workshops, tours and other activities associated with learning and
Children at Ashgrove School, Widmore Rd, Bromley, enjoyed the first day back at school with new playground equipment donated by school leavers last term. Parents of children in their last year at Ashgrove clubbed together to buy the catepillar and wendy-house
Arguably the greatest boxer of all time, Muhammad Ali, is backing an international campaign against school bullies. The legendary three-times heavyweight world champion launched a trans-Atlantic conference for children, held simultaneously in the US,
For the first time this year parents and carers have the chance to apply for secondary school via council websites. Anyone making an application will receive a unique secure logon and a receipt so the sender knows it arrived at the right place. Parents
The south London branch of Lupus UK hopes to raise awareness of the condition in the run-up to Lupus Awareness Month next month. Lupus is a critical auto-immune condition which is often overlooked because sufferers do not look obviously unwell. It causes
THERE are 1.3 million obese adults and 260,000 children in the south east at risk of losing their sight, according to a new report. Last week the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB), supported by Boots Opticians, released a report which found
VOLUNTEERS WANTED: Lupus UK is asking its members to join its Adopt a Hospital campaign for Lupus Awareness Month next month. Those who take up the challenge will be responsible for ordering and restocking lupus information and leaflets in their local
THE search is still on to find the yobs and vandals who deface London's buses. BusTag, a partnership between Transport for London, the London bus companies and the Met Police, is appealing again to News Shopper readers to help identify them. Criminal
When these two teenagers got off a 177 bus on its way from Thamesmead to Peckham, on June 19, it had been scrawled with graffiti. They got on in Basildon Road, Abbey Wood, at 4.38pm and got off again at Plumstead Corner at 4.40pm. Do you recognise them
The windows of a 122 bus were graffitied while it was going between Crystal Palace and Plumstead bus garage in Thamesmead, on May 20. These two youths were on the bus at the time. They got on in Sydenham Hill, Forest Hill, at 9.50pm and got off again
This teenager was travelling on a 122 bus route which runs between Plumstead bus garage in Thamesmead and Crystal Palace, on April 8, when the window of the driver's cab was damaged. He was on the bus for 10 minutes getting on and off in Kirkdale Road
Do you recognise this youth? He may be responsible for graffiti found on a 177 bus which runs between Thamesmead and Peckham, on April 17. He travelled on the bus that day, getting on at Eynsham Drive in Abbey Wood at 3.16pm and got off at Plumstead
A 380 bus travelling from Belmarsh in Thamesmead to Lewisham, on April 14, was graffitied. These two youths were on the bus at the time. They got on in Samuel Street, Charlton, at 10.38pm and got off again in Eastcombe Avenue, Charlton, at 10.48pm.
FRESH from the Edinburgh Fringe, theatre company Unpacked presents No Obvious Trauma. Combining dance, drama and puppetry in a breathtaking, energetic and experimental take on mental illness, the show is part love story, part detective story.
TRAFFIC is being diverted away from the M25 at J5 (clockwise) following a HGV fire. Highways Agency bosses are checking the carriageway to see if it has melted and needs replacing. Drivers are being advised to avoid the stretch between J5 at Sevenoaks
YOUNGSTERS have been receiving medals for learning to sail. Around 100 young people and their families were at the sail fun day at Southmere Lake, Thamesmead, to celebrate completing their Royal Yachting Association course. Trust Thamesmead chairman
FORMER pupils have sent flowers and cards to help a former headteacher celebrate her 105th birthday. Olive Kielty retired as the headteacher at a convent school more than 40 years ago but the women, who are now in their 80s, still keep in touch. The
Steve Brookstein talks to GEMMA WHEATLEY Newlywed Steve Brookstein has just returned from his honeymoon in Rome when we speak, after marrying his long-term girlfriend two weeks ago. Yet I still do not escape the trademark flirtation which made him
REDUNDANCIES are being planned at Darent Valley Hospital in a bid to make up a £1m deficit. The hospital in Darenth Wood Road, Dartford, is aiming to cut 45 posts - two per cent of the workforce. It is consulting with staff until October 8 and will
CHILDREN from 10 primary schools have attended a two-week summer school. The scheme, run by Bromley Council, helped prepare the youngsters for secondary school. Schools which took part included St Paul's Cray in Buttermere Road and Orpington and Hillside
A 44-YEAR-OLD man has pleaded guilty to assaulting a PCSO. Richard Lowery admitted the incident, which took place in Beckenham High Street on September 4. PCSOs Luke Ivison and Lauren Revell from the Copers Cope Safer Neighbourhood Team were on mountain
IWONDER if any other people have had the experience my son and daughter had recently on a visit to Thorpe Park? Like many children in the area, they looked forward to a school trip, paying half of the cost themselves. When they arrived they found the
Plumstead police station urgently needs to take heed of Mayor Steve Bullock's initiative on anti- social behaviour. Bannockburn Road is 200m from the police station, so why is Bannockburn Road allowed to be plagued by anti-social behaviour every day
I just wanted to say how impressed I was by the efficient and friendly way in which a group of community wardens in Lewisham responded to my request for help. A neighbour was in a spot of bother and I wasn't sure how best to help so I asked a warden
LOVE them or hate them, safer neighbourhood teams are now in place across London with a team based within each electoral ward. The teams are financed via funding from central Government and also the Met Police Authority precept levied on the council
THE leader of a council's Tory group has hit out after the town hall's full meeting for members was cancelled. Councillor Spencer Drury is angry Greenwich Council's mayor Harry Singh has postponed the meeting due to take place on September 20. It has
A NEW POLITICAL party is campaigning to scrap directly-elected mayors. The One London Party, launched 12 months ago to promote issues important to Londoners, wants local governments to dump the system which began in England in 2000. It gives mayors
MEMBERS of the public are being given the rare chance to tour historic buildings as part of an architectural festival. On September 17, people will be eligible for free tours around four buildings at the University of Greenwich's Maritime campus. Queen
CHURCH members enjoyed a barbecue in the sunshine. Almost 200 families and friends attended the St Joseph's RC Church social event, which was held for parishioners to get to know each other better. A bouncy castle, face painting, coconut shy and many
BLACKHEATH and Bromley Athletic Club (B&B) are the National Junior League Champions. The club put out a strong team of talented athletes to challenge the likes of rivals Enfield and Haringey and Shaftsbury Barnet Harriers and they excelled to
JUNIORS from Blackheath and Bromley were selected recently to compete for the south of England in the Inter-Territorial meeting at Abingdon against the North, Midlands, Wales and Northern Ireland. The club provided all four winners in the hammer courtesy
BLACKHEATH and Bromley have been holding a series of timed handicap races throughout the summer, with runners competing for the Roy Parris shield. Roy was a club member for many years but sadly died after an heroic fight against cancer. This year
BLACKHEATH and Bromley's (B&B) junior women travel to Moscow tonight to represent Great Britain in the A-final of the European Junior Champion Clubs Cup. They will meet the champion teams of Russia, Serbia, the Czech Republic, Italy, Turkey and Estonia
A UFO mystery has been solved by a guest at a wedding reception. A couple from Longwalk, Istead Rise, were left dumbfounded after they encountered strange lights in the night sky. The pair, who insisted they were not nutters, claim they saw six red
TWO more men have been released on police bail following the death of a 30-stone Charlton fan. Duncan Frame - known locally as "Big Duncan" - was rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich, after being found unconscious when a charity night at his
OPEN HOUSE: Greenwich Magistrates' Court is opening its doors to the public, between 9am to 1pm, September 16, as part of Open House London. The capital's biggest architectural festival gives access to more than 600 buildings across London. For information
A COUNCIL has applied for an extension to bring homes up to a decent standard because of the Olympics. Acting on advice from the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), Lewisham Council has applied for an extension to the 2010 deadline
IREFER to the recent letters regarding traffic wardens and also PCSOs (Doing Their Job and Why Are PCSOs Out Patrolling Streets, News Shopper, August 23). Firstly, the mother of "one of these morons'" is apparently misinformed. Traffic wardens are
I was reading that the Thames Whale, which passed Gravesend earlier this year, had arthritis in its neck. It was such a moving few days as people battled to save it. It would be nice if its remains were displayed at a local museum. NAME AND ADDRESS
The victory by campaigners to a playing field from being turned into a car park is good (Victory In Battle To Stop Car Park, News Shopper, August 30), particularly when we hear obesity among children is increasing. Is it the right message to send out
IT IS just over 10 weeks before Dartford FC comes back to Dartford for the first time in 14 years. Dartford Council has been amazing with the help it has given the club, and after having a sneak peak at the ground during the Dartford Show it is unbelievable
TICKETS for Charlton's home clash against Portsmouth on Saturday (12.45pm) remain on general sale. Prices: £20 adults, £10 over-60s and under-21s, and £5 under-18s. Fans can also buy seats for the home clash against Arsenal on September 30 (3pm
EXPERTS were called to examine the body of a dead whale found floating in the Thames near Greenhithe. A female minke whale was recovered from the river by the Port of London Authority (PLA) after the creature was spotted floating near the shore. The
QUEEN Mary's Hospital, Sidcup, has again made it into News Shopper (Bereavement Unit Pioneer Loses Job, August 30). The story informed readers about maternity bereavement officer Ann Talbott being made redundant. We met Ann earlier this year after
I AM writing in response to a letter from Sharon Osborn about the Belvedere Incinerator (For Recycling But Not Incinerator, Letters, August 2). Ms Osborn claims to have lived in Bexley for her whole life. If it is true then she clearly has not been listening
I WAS surprised when I received a phone call in August last year from Marian Khamo, asking for my help to clear her name as she had been unfairly dismissed by Bexley Association of Disabled People. From evidence provided and from what I know of her on
I READ Linda Piper's article (Bereavement Unit Pioneer Loses Job, News Shopper, August 30) with interest and increasing dismay. It is clear Queen Mary's Hospital's chief executive appears to be more concerned about money than the wellbeing of patients
AS A lifelong Labour party supporter, I have become dillusioned with our current long-serving and badly-led Government. Against all reasoned argument it took us into a war against the Iraqi regime, ill prepared for the consequences and which now seems
How pleasantly surprising to learn that, after 20 years, Crayford is to get its secondary school back (Pupils Will Return To Old School, News Shopper, July 26). Perhaps by 2026 AD our wise councillors will also reopen Barnehurst Library. AB Jones,
Greenwich I 35 v 5 Kings College Greenwich II 10 v 17 Askeans Pre-season friendlies Reports from Stuart Frost GREENWICH RFC showed their strength in-depth with two fine squad performances. The first XV thumped Kings College 35-5 running in
As a regular contributor, Don Ramkin should be careful what he says (Face Filling, News Shopper, Letters, August 2). The women he is referring to may work in the benefits or job seekers' office. They may find him a job. They have his name and they know
Shooters Hill 7 v 54 Gillingham Anchorians Pre-season friendly Report by Chris Peters WITH their full squad still to assemble after the break, Shoots faced an uphill task against their opponents from Kent League One. Shoots held their own in
I live in Cheviot Close, Barnehurst. This address is in a cul-de-sac which is only 13ft wide. Goods vehicles, delivery vans and council dust carts have to drive on the opposite side pavements to get up the road. Is this not breaking the law? On August
Motor vehicles are the main cause of death, injury and inconvenience to those of us who do not drive, so it is right all aspects of driving should be properly regulated and enforced. Unfortunately, the attitude to many offences encourages some drivers
Brockleians 0 v 22 Erith Pre-season friendly ERITH started the new season with a friendly at Kent League One side Brockleians. Brocks started the game strongly with their backs asking a strong Erith side some significant questions. A loose pass
Emergency talks are under way between police, Bexley Council and the borough's community safety partnership about the eruption of violence by young people in some of the borough's streets. LINDA PIPER reports. ONE Belvedere resident says trouble has
FIFTEEN-YEAR-OLD Taylor Monk rounded off a great season by adding the Blackheath & Greenwich Men's singles Championship to the county fours title after a thrilling 21-19 victory over Kevin Bodman, 18. After 30 ends the result was decided when Monk,
ORPINGTON U3A will hold its next monthly meeting in the Crofton Halls, Orpington, at 2.30pm on September 18. The speaker will be Barbara Stevens, who has lived in Downe village for 43 years. Her talk is entitled The Darwins And Others In Downe. It
WE ARE are a small chess club which meets on Fridays at the GEA Hall, Woodhurst Avenue, Petts Wood, from 7.30pm to 10.15pm We are looking for players of any age and ability to join us. Visitors are welcome to try out the club free of charge one evening
ON September 19 the association will hold its quiz evening and a chance to win tickets to visit cruiser HMS Belfast. The quiz evening has proved to be very popular in the past. Anyone who would like to support the association and the Wrens Benevolent
MEMBERS enjoyed a perfect afternoon for the WI garden party. The temperature was just right at 25C, with a blue sky prevailing and drifts of white cumuli and strata. Members could linger for a while in the garden room, surveying the bring-and-buy objects
In support of Glennys Jones' campaign to raise awareness of Asperger's Syndrome, (Son Should Not Be Dead, August 23) we would add it is not only "the authorities" who do not understand this. Doctors can rarely be relied on to know anything about AS -
A SCHOOL is celebrating an Ofsted report which referred to it as "outstanding". Princes Plain Primary School, Church Lane, Bromley, came up trumps following this year's inspection. Of the overall effectiveness of the school, the report states: "The
M Reeves' letter rehashes many cliches (It's Right To Pardon Executed Soldiers, August 30). Most serious modern historians, such as Richard Holmes and Huw Strachan, would not describe the First World War generals such as Haig as donkeys or butchers.
At last, could this be the year of jubilation and forgiveness? After reading about 1,250 dangerous criminals who live among us and 53 lifers being freed after six years in jail, would it not be nice to go back 90 years and forgive the soldiers who were
I live in Petts Wood and I thought I'd done a good deed by helping a stranger by giving him £5 to get a taxi, as he was in dire need. When I told a friend who lives in Bickley, she had also given a stranger in need £5 for a taxi. We'd been conned as
I am writing to you to express my amazement at an incident which occurred on Keston Common on August 27. I was asked by the landlady of The Greyhound if I would be willing to bring some horses to give pony rides at the charity family fun day at the pub
I applied to have a vehicle crossover installed, for which one's first step is to complete an application form, together with a diagram, and send £25 to Bromley Council's street services section. If you can show they meet the requisite rules on minimum
A MAN on a mission has kept his promise and returned to West Africa with medical supplies and toys. Touched by the lives of orphaned youngsters after visiting an SOS Children's Village in Mali, Bertrand Sargisson appealed to News Shopper readers for
With regard to rubbish collection, what is wrong with the old-fashioned dustbin with a secured lid which can be left out the night before? The dustman can put his hand in and retrieve the black bag quite easily - I have been doing this for years. S
I have just read the article about the hornbill seen in a garden in Orpington (News Shopper, August 30) and think this is the same bird featured in another newspaper. It was stolen from a house in Thames Valley last month and has been seen in Hampshire
I read Ways To Stop Junk Deliveries (News Shopper, August 16). I registered with the mail preference service mpsonline.org.uk and successfully stopped junk mail addressed to me. I have started to put the Royal Mail direct advertising' back in the post
Castle Colts 1 v 2 HJF Dartford Ladies SECWFL Division 1 East Reports by Brian Page HJF DARTFORD Ladies came away from Castle Colts with all three points on their first outing of the campaign, narrowly winning 2-1 in a superb team performance.
I have concerns over new traffic-calming plans for Bickley. Although calming was agreed for Southborough Road in 2002, little was done. By reducing rat-running' traffic on other roads and cutting the speed limit on most of Blackbrook Lane to 20mph,
I have been suffering from neighbours' bonfire smoke for years. I suffer from chemical allergies. There is no medical treatment available for this condition. I cannot use my garden when the smoke is bad. Unfortunately, this happens mostly on summer
VCD ATHLETIC are without five first team players as they prepare for this weekend's FA Cup first round qualifier. For the trip to Bashley, Martin Ford is without Danny Edwards and Chris Whitehouse to injury. Danny Hunt is on holiday while Lee Coburn
A LEWISHAM man has appeared in court on terror charges. Atilla Ahmet, of Lewisham, faced eight charges, including encouraging the murder of people not of the Muslim faith, and publishing a statement encouraging the public to commit acts of terrorism.
WHITSTABLE Town are the new leaders of the Kent Football League Premier Division after their 1-0 win at former leaders Faversham Town. Sam Prett's 21st minute goal was enough to separate the sides at Salters Lane in front of a bumper 394 crowd.
A MOTORIST has lost her faith in the legal system after a driver who crashed into her escaped prosecution because of a "clerical error". Louise Lovely was waiting to turn right on Anerley Hill at the junction with Anerley Park, Anerley, when another
POLICE are hunting two men after an attempted robbery at a bank on Tuesday. A white man and his black accomplice tried to snatch a cash bag from a Securicor guard at Barclays Bank, High Street, Penge, at about 11.30am. The guard managed to stop them
VALUE ANTIQUES: Residents are invited to two free antique valuation days at The Glades shopping centre, Bromley. Adam Schoon, from the Antiques Roadshow will be on hand on September 23 and September 24 to value up to three items per person. MEET UP:
A PUB manager has been acquitted of anally raping a mother-of-four. A jury at Croydon Crown Court acquitted Anthony Maher of the charge after hearing the woman had not objected to the activity between them. The 44-year-old woman said she was a customer
RESIDENTS learned to cultivate their own little patches of heaven at a recycling event. Beekeeping and composting were just some of the skills families and friends learned at the free event in Dorset Road Allotments, Elmers End. As well as workshops
HEARING people can learn to sign by taking part in a free course. The course is being run at Orpington College for those who need to communicate with deaf people on a daily basis. It will lead to a British sign language level one qualification. Orpington
AN OPPOSITION party leader is pushing the council to recruit more planning staff. Councillor David McBride says he is worried there are not enough staff members to cope with the number of planning applications received. The Liberal Democrat leader believes
Beckenham Town 1 v 2 VCD Athletic Kent Football League Premier Division VCD'S battling victory at Beckenham was marred by Danny Edwards' broken leg. The fullback had opened the scoring at Eden Park Avenue before being strecthered off. An x-ray
IN A bid to crack down on truanting children, seven parents have been prosecuted by Bexley Council for not ensuring their children attend school. They all appeared before Bexley magistrates where they received large fines for failing to pay fixed penalty
A GIRL has been left too scared to go to bed after being attacked in her bed by a fox. Ten-year-old Chelsea Dean refuses to use sleep in her room in Downham Way, Downham, and has been on antibiotics and painkillers since the attack. Her mother thinks
AN AMATEUR collector has pleaded guilty to the theft of a 147-year-old book worth £100,000. The inscribed first edition of Victorian botanist Charles Darwin's Origin of the Species was taken from Down House, Luxted Road, Downe, in February 2004. Amir
