Re: 'Mother attacks truancy policy', News Shopper, April 26: I read this article with absolute dismay. A child skips 40 days in seven months - the article presents an aggrieved picture of mother and son and then goes on to blame the school. Whilst the
A NEW police chief has vowed "it is business as usual" as preparations get under way for a change of control between two forces. Gillian Ellis' appointment as the chief inspector for Sevenoaks is the first stage of policing boundary changes which will
A RUNNER took a pit stop during the London Marathon to pick up a wife. Paul Musk agreed to meet girlfriend Karen Kelly at the 22-mile mark by the Tower of London. She was expecting a quick wave as he ran past but instead he stopped running and proposed
REUNION: Beckenham Grammar School for Girls is organising a reunion to celebrate its 60th birthday. It is interested in contacting people born in 1946 who attended the school between 1957 and 1964. The event will take place at the old school premises,
A FLOOR fitter's former girlfriend has spoken of her relief after he was found guilty of assaulting her. Mark Treasure, aged 27, of Sevenoaks Road, Orpington, forced his way into Eva Sumner's house, grabbed her by the neck, threw her across the room
MOBILE phone owners are being urged by police to make a note of their phone's IMEI number. The 15-digit number is unique to each phone. It remains even if the SIM card is changed and can be used to help identify it if the phone is stolen or lost. People
CHURCH parishioners are enjoying looking at a new stained-glass window commissioned by a churchgoer who never saw the completed work. Joseph Pereira died suddenly on his 77th birthday at the end of March, 10 days after the window was installed but before
MOBILE phone owners are being urged by police to make a note of their phone's IMEI number. The 15-digit number is unique to each phone and remains even if the SIM card is changed. It can help to identify the phone if it is stolen or lost. People who
TALKING RUBBISH: If Laura Jane Filotrani (News Shopper, April 12) thinks by accepting a fee, the six young drugs trial volunteers were "asking for" gangrene in their hands and feet and a possible lifetime of damaged immunity from an underinsured company
WE HAVE an eight-month-old kitten which disappeared on Easter Sunday. Although we knocked on doors and put up flyers to try to find her we never heard anything. We also have four rabbits which tend to dig a lot and the cat tends to follow suit so we
I WAS dismayed to hear the full council at Sevenoaks on April 11 reversed the recommendation of the electoral arrangements committee not to recommend a separate parish for Hextable. As a result of party political manoeuvrings before the meeting of the
BEXLEY AREA Safeway, 2 Twin Tumps Way, Thamesmead. 10am to 4pm. 7 Day Chemist, 175a Bellegrove Road, Welling. 9am to 11pm. NCC Chemist, CWS Store, 71-79 High Street, Welling. 10am to 4pm. Roadnight Pharmacy, 88 Station Road, Sidcup. 11am to 1pm. Boots
BIGGIN HILL Waitrose, Main Road. 10am to 1pm. BROMLEY Boots, The Glades. 11am to 5pm. ORPINGTON Sainsbury's, Locksbottom, Farnborough. 10am to 4pm. PENGE Boots, 5 Colman House, Penge. Noon to 5pm. NHS DIRECT HELPLINE 0845 4647. Open 24 hours for
Coming home from work last Thursday, about 1.30pm, I had an accident under the bridge near St Mary Cray Station when I went into the back of the car in front of me. I was a little bit shaken up when a young boy about 15 or 16 appeared and was asking
Fleetdown United 2 v 2 Orpington (aet) Orpington win 4-3 on penalties West Kent Challenge Shield Final ORPINGTON lifted the West Kent Challenge Shield for the first time despite having to play 40 minutes with only nine players against Fleetdown United
SWANLEY'S premier driver had the worst possible start to his VW Cup season after a heavy smash ruled him out of both round one races. Cup rookie Tony Gilham had turned heads in the pit lane with impressive qualifying and testing drives, at one point
OUR season couldn't have finished any harder having to make trips north to two play-off contenders in Morecambe and Halifax. In both corresponding fixtures at home we gathered maximum points but alas we came home empty handed. The Morecambe trip was
WITH the London Marathon a distant memory it is easy to forget the charitable causes and personal stories of those who took part. However, a Slade Green driving instructor is keeping the fundraising and sport link alive by embarking on a mammoth challenge
DARREN Bent was rewarded for a sensational season by being named as the club's player of the year by the supporters' club. The Addicks top scorer beat reliable left-back Chris Powell into second place. The young player of the year, as chosen by the
CO-EDITOR of fanzine No One Likes Us Nick Hart tells it how it is: FREEFALLING parachuting is said to be one of the most beautiful sensations in the world. Having had the kind of season we've just had though, I'm not so sure many Millwall fans would
THE 24th Greenwich Hockey Festival takes place in July and teams across News Shopper land are invited to join in the fun. Held at the Coldharbour Leisure Centre, Chapel Farm Road, New Eltham, on July 1 and July 2, the festival includes men's, women's
AFTER five matches in the Eastern Skater Hockey Association (ESHA) junior league, London Street Warriors are two points off the top spot. Having thumped Havering Liberators 13-1, Warriors climbed to third in the six-team table. They are now hoping
With national and county league positions decided, promotion and relegation settled, it is time for the cup finals. TIM ASHTON looks forward to a great day of rugby. THIS weekend four of the region's top rugby union clubs go into battle for two major
From south east London to the slopes of France, Aaron Tipping is gearing up for a life of skiing fame. TIM ASHTON takes a look at the teenage sensation. THE hills around south east London may be concrete but a Sidcup teenager has taken a giant leap
Players Wanted - Lewisham Borough - For players in Bromley borough call 0906 739 0327 - For Bexley, Dartford and Gravesham boroughs, call 0906 739 0329 - For Lewisham & Greenwich boroughs, 0906 739 0331 - Calls are charged at £1 a minute but listings
Players Wanted - Bexley, Dartford and Gravesham Boroughs - For players in Bromley borough call 0906 739 0327 - For Bexley, Dartford and Gravesham boroughs, call 0906 739 0329 - For Lewisham & Greenwich boroughs, 0906 739 0331 - Calls are charged
Players Wanted - Bromley Borough - For players in Bromley borough call 0906 739 0327 - For Bexley, Dartford and Gravesham boroughs, call 0906 739 0329 - For Lewisham & Greenwich boroughs, 0906 739 0331 - Calls are charged at £1 a minute but listings
What a shame Linda Gordon has to spend the last months of her life arguing for drugs to help her. Should the NHS fund this drug for her? It's us the taxpayer who is funding these drugs and we would all say help yourself Linda - what else do you need?
Bromley 3 v 2 Gravesend & Northfleet (aet) John Ullman Kent Senior Cup Final For more pictures, click on Non-League Pictures BROMLEY are champions of Kent after winning a thrilling Kent Senior Cup final against Nationwide Conference big boys Gravesend
OLD Elthamian Granby Cricket Club have secured the services of top Australian cricketer and coach Ken Vowles. Ken said: "It is an exciting opportunity for me to develop Old Elthamian Granby into one of the prominent cricket clubs in Kent." The club
Crewe Alexandra 4 v 2 Millwall Coca-Cola Championship MILLWALL finally bid farewell to Championship football going down at fellow-relegation side Crewe and finished the season one spot off bottom place. Ben May had opened the scoring for Millwall
IT'S time to put on your stilettos and pour yourselves a large Lambrini. Next week the Orchard Theatre is staging the musical comedy Girls Night. The show stars Only Fools and Horses' Gwyneth Strong and former EastEnder Lucy Speed. The show follows five
THE Edward Alderton Theatre is looking for performers to cast in its forthcoming productions of Brimstone and Treacle and Steel Magnolias. The Bexleyheath-based company is holding auditions this Sunday, May 7. The Brimstone and Treacle auditions take
JAMES Gunn cut his film-making teeth writing unashamedly trashy fare for micro-budget, gore-friendly Troma Films. He was responsible for such classics as Tromeo and Juliet, where the Bard's tale of star-crossed lovers was spiced up with plenty of lesbianism
Maidstone Unite 4 v 0 VCD Athletic Kent League Cup Final WITHOUT the services of five first teams players and with the boss serving a one-week touchline ban it was always going to be a tough game for the Vickers against the League Champions. VCD
With those cold winter nights still months away, the Orchard Theatre chose an unusual location to launch this year's pantomime in the Dubai sunshine. The desert kingdom is home to the show's star and director, Dick Whittington himself, Jim Davidson
Blackheath 38 v 21 Orrell Rugby Union National League Division Two BLACKHEATH finished the season as they started it, with a comfortable win over Orrell, writes Jack Kay. It means the Lancastrians have now been relegated two years in succession
The redevelopment of Elmfield Road in Bromley has created a situation where the two streams of traffic can't properly pass each other, and drivers have to rush into any gap that presents itself. Combine this with the fact that the pedestrian crossing
Cray Wanderers 2 v 1 Banstead Athletic Ryman League Division One For more pictures, click on Non-League Pictures IAN Jenkins' men needed a second half come back to claim all three points in this end of season kick-about. Gary Abbott's penalty
A DARK but comic play, set in a spooky Dartmoor mansion, opens tonight at Croydon's Warehouse Theatre. This atmospheric one-man show, The House Of No Return, blends live action with film and animation. An American tourist loses his wife while holidaying
Gary Heath, from Warren Road Primary School, Warren Road, Orpington, received four nominations. One of those singing his praises was 10-year-old Molly Elms, of Warren Road, Orpington, who has all her lessons with Mr Heath and has been taught by him since
Laura Russen, of Crofton Junior School, Petts Wood, was nominated by Anna Maleham. The mother-of-two says her son, Harry, eight, has developed a love of reading since being taught by her. Miss Russen, 25, who is in her second year of teaching at the
A mother-of-two has nominated her son Teague's teacher Rachel Hall of Hawes Down Junior School. Chantelle Pitrik, of Links Road, West Wickham, said: "She's just really brilliant and has brought the best out in my son." Miss Hall, 29, from Sidcup, who
Rylla Cleary, of Holly Crescent, Beckenham, nominated Dawn Whiles because of the way she has dealt with her son, James, who has autistic spectrum disorder. The mother-of-two said James's confidence had improved since he has been taught by Mrs Whiles.
Bruce Robertson, from Raglan Primary School, Raglan Road, Bromley, had two nominations. One of those came from five-year-old Zara Kermally who said he was her favourite teacher and he was "kind." The 39-year-old Shortlands resident, who has spent 11
Were you born in 1946 and did you attend Beckenham Grammar School for Girls between 1957 and 1964? Or do you know someone who did? We are organizing a reunion to celebrate our 60th birthdays. It is to be held at the old school, now Cator Park School,
ARTIST Paul Malone takes his inspiration from the explorations of the Mars Lander spacecraft as well as lunar, Martian and solar system landscapes.Using 3D techniques, Paul creates ghostly alien images from photos of rock formations and landscapes
MUCH has been made of Shakespeare's sonnets and the identity of the mysterious WH, to whom some were dedicated. Melmoth theatre company tackles this subject head-on with a hilarious and bawdy take on the love story between William Shakespeare and WH
Dartford 2 v 1 Thanet Kent Primary League DARTFORD under-11s secured at least the runners-up position in the Kent Primary League courtesy of a nerve-jangling 2-1 victory against Thanet, writes Brian Page. They now require all three points from
Drink 4/5 Decor 4/5 Food n/a Price 5/5 Atmosphere 4/5 Staff 4/5 ENORMOUS waves rise up in the air, building in strength until they crash against the jagged rocks. In a world where stormy oceans are in control, pubs called the Ship Inn are traditionally
GRAVESNEND and Northfleet are looking for a new chairman after Brian Kilcullen stood down although he will still be involved with the club. He resigned at the weekend after six years at the helm. Kilcullen told BBC Radio Kent: "As a director and
Anniversary Remembrance PAUL WALSH 13/3/69 - 27/4/98. No words can heal the heartache. Or stop the silent tear. Or take away the memories. Of a son we loved so dear. Sadly missed by his loving family and friends.
In Loving Memory of QUEENIE PHYLLIS GRIDLEY Passed away 6/5/03. Another year has passed without a Person I was very fond of A beautiful nature, a heart of gold. No dearer person this world could hold. All My Love. Angela.
TO OUR SPECIAL GRANDAD RON HILLS. MISSING YOU MORE EACH DAY WE WILL NOT FORGET YOU NOT NOW, NOT EVER, ALWAYS IN OUR DREAMS. GOODNIGHT GRANDAD FROM YOUR EVER LOVING GRANDCHILDREN MEGAN AND EMILY. XXXXX
TO OUR DAD RON HILLS 2 YEARS HAVE PASSED AND WE MISS YOU MORE AND MORE EVERY DAY. FOREVER IN OUR THOUGHTS AND ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS. LOVE AND MISS YOU ALWAYS DONNA, NICKI AND GRAHAM. XXXXXXXX
MARIE POLHILL Four years have passed since June 1st 2002. When God called you home. To be with our loved one's. Who have gone before. Caring for you till I'm with you in our fathers house. Loving and missing you till then. Adrian
BUDDY WITHERS 22/10/41 - 3/5/04. You are not just a memory or part of the past. But ours to remember, as long as life lasts. Love as always, Marie, Lee, Paul, Zoe, Crea. XXX
Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice Registered Charity 1017406 Share the Care' is supported this week by Mrs O'Mara to acknowledge the birthday of Alick Weller on 3rd May Mrs Mavis Leegood on 8th May to remember the anniversary of her husband Denis passing
ANTONY NORTH 7th May 1965 - 13th October 2000. Remembering you Bruv on 7th May, the day that would of been your 41st birthday. Another year on, another year older, And I still miss you reassuring arm around my shoulder. Love always Steve, Joyce, Zoe &
In Loving Memory of MICHAEL BALLARD 21.1.38 - 3.5.05 Always on my mind. Love, Margaret.
In Loving Memory of FRANK DANIELL 8-9-1918 - 24-4-2003. As time goes by without you Frank, and days turn into years. They hold so many memories and lots of silent tears. Miss you so much. From your loving wife Jean and son Ron XXXX
ANTONY NORTH Remembering you on your birthday 7th May. No longer in our life to share. But in our hearts you're always there. Our secret tears still flow. What it meant to lose you son. No one will ever know. Love & miss you so much Mum, Dad Boys & Family
In Loving Memory QUEENIE PHYLLIS GRIDLEY Although the world keeps turning. The sun comes up each day. Life has never been the same. Since you were called away. You were such a special person. So gentle good and kind. And have left such sweetest memories
VALERIE ELAINE SCOTT Died 4/5/05 In Loving Memory. Our thoughts are often with you. We often speak your name. But we know you are safe in God's keeping. Until we meet again. Love Monique & family.
RON HILLS In Loving Memory of my dear Husband. Remembering you with love and forever in my thoughts. Love Jill XXX.
ALAN Curbishley will leave Charlton Athletic at the end of the season ending 15 years at The Valley. Chairman Richard Murray made the announcement before the team's 2-0 defeat against Blackburn Rovers. Curbishley maintains the decision is nothing
A COMBINATION of youth and experience brought Bexley Atheltic Club to within four points of victory at the season's opening Southern Men's League match. The team were looking for an overall win to launch their promotion campaign following last year's
BLACKHEATH and Greenwich (B&G) Bowls Club opened their account in the Private Clubs Bowls league with a win over Forest Hill. Playing at home, B&G put in a strong performance winning all four rinks, taking a 7-0 points victory. The foundation for
A list of polling stations in the borough of Lewisham: Portakabin on Service Road, opposite Lloyd Villas, corner of Breakspears Road, London, SE4 1UT. Myatt Garden Primary School, Rokeby Road, London, SE4 1DF. Portakabin on hard verge between, Pear
Barton Rovers 0 v 2 Dartford Southern League Division One East DARTFORD missed out on the Southern League play-offs by one point after Wivenhoe United got the draw they needed to secure sixth spot. Tony Burman's men needed to win at Barton and
Wealdstone 1 v 2 Bromley Ryman League Premier Division THE second George Wakeling era at Bromley came to an end in the shabby surroundings of Wealdstone's rented home at Northwood FC, writes Patrick Harris. Happily it finished with a hard-earned
Patricia Hewitt says "we are all responsible for our own health". What has Labour actually done to empower individuals to do this? This is based on my own experience of having a large (about 3kg mass and other things) removed from my abdomen recently
CHILDREN can continue to enjoy playing at a toy library thanks to a charity donation. Charlton Toy Library, Charlton Road, Charlton, has been handed £1,871 by the Help a London Child charity. The money will enable the library to buy more toys and
A SHOP which wanted to sell alcohol for 17 hours a day has had its application refused. Greenwich Council's licensing sub-committee has turned down a bid from The Happy Shopper, Grangehill Road, Eltham, to sell alcohol from 6.30am to 11.30pm. The decision
PARENTS and children have been benefiting from a new community room at a school. The new £50,000 centre at Plumcroft Primary School, Plum Lane, Plumstead, is being used to host a breakfast club and offers a service to train parents in first aid. It
A PRIVATE investigator's family has asked police to re-examine a report about failed investigations into his death. Daniel Morgan was found with an axe embedded in his head in the Golden Lion pub car park, Sydenham Road, Sydenham, on March 10, 1987.
BUILDING closer ties with the regular Army has prompted restructuring in the UK's reserve force. Some parts of the Territorial Army are expanding, while others are taking on different roles and new skills. As part of the changes Bexleyheath is to
POLICE have admitted the borough has "a real problem" with gangs of young people arming themselves and beating and robbing people. Operations chief Superintendent Martin Bagg has denied allegations the police are "in denial" about the existence of gangs
FOURTEEN more Catford bus yobs are being sought as part of News Shopper's Shop A Yob campaign. If you think you know any of the bus vandals pictured, you could help police track the yobs down and make arrests. The incidents happened on the following
A RARE chance to learn from experts how to draw the human body is being offered to budding artists by Bexley Arts Council. It is hosting a class for beginners at Welling School, Elsa Road, Welling, on May 13 from 10am to 4pm. The day costs £18 and artists
CAR owners into the latest gadgets are being warned satellite navigation equipment has become a must-have for car thieves. Between December 22 last year and March 16, Bexley police dealt with 57 cases where sat-nav systems had either been taken from
BEXLEY's first ever beer festival could be just the first of many, judging by the comments of festival goers. The event, held at Sidcup Sports Club, Sydney Road, Sidcup, featured 60 different real ales and ciders and was organised by Bexley Campaign
HEALTH workers' union Unison is consulting lawyers to see if it has grounds to apply for an injunction to halt the consultation process into job losses at Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup. It has now been revealed 527 staff have received letters warning
IT WAS a double celebration for a group of motorbike enthusiasts from Crayford. Their club, Crayford Old Biker Boys, known as COBBS, celebrated its 10th birthday and combined it with a St George's Day party at the Crayford Arms in Crayford High Street
RESIDENTS have threatened to take their case to the Local Government Ombudsman after a pub was granted permission to extend its opening hours. They are furious the Hogshead pub, Sidcup High Street, has been allowed to change its planning permission so
A LANDOWNER has agreed to meet campaigning residents to discuss the future of a disused sports ground. The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) wants a meeting with campaigners fighting to save the GAA sports ground in Avery Hill Road, New Eltham. The
THE world's only civilian aerobatic jet aircraft team makes its UK debut at the News Shopper-sponsored Biggin Hill International Air Fair. Flying in six L-39C Albatros trainer planes, the Breitling Jet Team will perform a series of manoeuvres during
THE world's only civilian aerobatic jet aircraft team makes its UK debut at the News Shopper-sponsored Biggin Hill International Air Fair. Flying in six L-39C Albatros trainer planes, the Breitling Jet Team will perform a 17-minute display at the fair
TODDLERS received their very own treasure chest with books as part of a national drive to encourage reading. Gravesend Library, Windmill Street, Gravesend, gave children from Bronte Nursery the keepsake box as part of the Bookstart national scheme to
TOMORROW'S election will be made all the more interesting for the large number of independent and special interest groups which are standing. The anti-phone mast Orange Squash Party is fielding just one candidate in Lesnes Abbey Ward while in Thamesmead
ROUND-the-clock drinking has been hailed as a significant factor which led to an almost 10 per cent rise in crime across Kent. Kent Police say since the introduction of 24-hour drinking, violence in licensed premises rose by more than a fifth. An increase
AN INDIE rock band from Mick Jagger's home town are hoping to emulate his success after being signed to a record label. Dartford band Heymaker signed a recording deal with On the Run Productions last month after sending them a demo track. The group
WORK is under way on new classrooms at a school to replace a demolished mobile unit. Riverview Infant School, Cimba Wood, Gravesend, is having two new classrooms and a hall built. The building replaces a large mobile building, with two classrooms, which
A SCHOOL has raised nearly £6,000 towards repairing its playing field. Clare House Primary School, Oakwood Avenue, Beckenham, held a Promises Auction in aid of the pitch, which tends to get waterlogged in the winter and dry and cracked in the summer.
THE last-minute frantic door-knocking is almost over as 195 hopefuls do their final canvassing for tomorrow's borough elections. With polling stations open from 7am until 10pm there should be every opportunity for people to go out and cast their vote
ANTI-RACISTS joined activists in London to stop the far-right British National Party from winning any votes on May 4. For the past eight years the Lewisham Anti-Racist Action Group (LARAG) has successfully driven the BNP out of Lewisham with no candidates
A SUPPORT group for residents with Alzheimer's disease and dementia has been recognised after 12 years of work. Alzheimer's and Dementia Support Services (ADSS), which works with people affected by Alzheimer's and dementia in the Dartford, Gravesham
POLICE are urging young people not to endanger road users by playing pranks on motorists. A motorcyclist was injured when he slowed down to avoid a fishing line tied across Crete Hall Road, Gravesend, at around 2.45pm. He suffered a broken collarbone
HOUSING association London and Quadrant (L&Q) Housing Trust is warning its tenants about a bogus worker attempting to trick people out of cash. In an incident last month a man, claiming to be a contractor for L&Q, called at a house in Tyrrell Avenue
A CONFIDENT Green Party is hoping for major breakthroughs in the elections. Four years ago Darren Johnson was elected as Lewisham's first Green councillor, when he triumphed in the Brockley ward. This time the party is putting up 48 candidates in the
THE Chief Constable of Kent Police wished Gravesend's Sikh community a happy Vaisakhi by visiting places of worship. Michael Fuller visited the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara, Clarence Place, and spoke on Khalsa Radio, the temple's radio station which broadcasts
A POLICE investigation is under way after the ground floor of a pub was gutted by a fire. Around 20 firefighters were needed to help put out the blaze at The Forresters pub, Upper Wickham Lane, Plumstead. The fire, which took hold in the early hours
KEEN readers who are housebound could benefit from the home library service operated by Bexley's libraries. The service is available to people with restricted mobility who cannot get to a library and carers who stay at home because of their caring
GET GROWING: Gardening fans are gearing up for this year's London in Bloom competition. The capital-wide contest allows boroughs to compete with each other to make their streets and open spaces greener. This year's contest was launched on April 21, with
ANTI-ID card protesters have revealed election candidates' views on the controversial Government proposal. The Lewisham NO2ID pressure group wrote to all prospective councillors in Lewisham, asking them if they support the introduction of compulsory
BLUEWATER suffered a bank robbery after a man with a gun threatened staff. The robber targeted the Woolwich Bank on the upper mall of the centre at 3.20pm on Thursday and took out what police believe to be a handgun. He demanded staff hand over money
THE Government has pledged to give £2.62m to Greenwich Council to improve road and public transport links in Woolwich. The money comes after the council made a successful bid to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's (ODPM) Community Infrastructure
A BRIGHTER future could be in store for an "irreplaceable" 18th-century monument subjected to "years of neglect". Severndroog Castle, Shooters Hill, has become a dilapidated target for vandals since it was boarded up 17 years ago. But now the Severndroog
MOBILE phone owners are again being urged by police to make a safe note of their phone's IMEI number. The 15-digit number is unique to each phone and remains even if the SIM card is changed and can help to identify the phone if it is lost or stolen.
LIBERAL Democrat mayoral candidate Chris Maines says Lewisham's poor recycling rates are due to problems getting recycling boxes. Residents are waiting up to four months for a recycling bin for paper, plastic and glass. Mr Maines blames the lack of
A TEENAGER has admitted being the getaway driver for an early-morning burglary. Michael Hannon, aged 18, pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods, burglary dwelling and theft, attempted theft and using a motor vehicle without third-party insurance at
A FORMER police officer is promising to shed new light on the death of Jean Charles De Menezes. Former-Scotland Yard detective Peter Bleksley has spent the past six months researching the case of the Brazilian who was mistakenly shot dead by police last
CASUAL and social players of badminton can look forward to an event aimed at them. Erith Leisure Centre, Avenue Road, Erith, is hosting a badminton bonanza on May 21 aimed at attracting new people into the sport. The event will suit those who only play
A COUNCILLOR has disputed claims of a party rift following the news he is standing down as leader. Councillor John Muckle stood down as shadow leader of Dartford Council at a Labour party meeting last week. The retirement sparked Conservative leader
PEN and paper could soon be a thing of the past for students at an innovative college. From September all pupils at the Crossways Academy, Sprules Road, Brockley, will have the chance to use their own hand-held computer. The computers, which cost around
AN ELDERLY couple have been left devastated after their family pet was stolen. Sparky the cockatoo, who is named after the song Sparky and the Magic Piano, went missing from his aviary in Corbylands Road, Sidcup. Sparky is a 45-year-old Australian
A MULTI-MILLION-pound health centre equipped with facilities "fit for the 21st Century" is set to open in two years. Building work has started on the Waldron Primary Care Centre, Stanley Street, New Cross, which is expected to open in May 2008. The
COUNCILLORS fear they may be powerless to stop the illegal opening of a new high street cafe. Bexley Council's planning committee agreed to issue an enforcement notice against the owners of a Cafe Nero in Sidcup High Street. Alterations have been done
PEOPLE who can keep children calm are being asked to volunteer at a centre in Thamesmead. Family Support Volunteers offer parents reassurance when they leave their children at the centre and work closely with them, offering parenting advice and encouragement
FASCINATING facts about the building and the history of the old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, will be revealed in an illustrated talk by Alan Payne. It took artist Sir James Thornhill 19 years to complete the elaborate paintings on the ceiling and
LOOKING after an elderly friend or relative full-time can be a stressful and tiring job. But Age Concern Bexley is offering services to enable carers to take a break. It has a night centre where elderly people are cared for one or two nights a week.
LEWISHAM'S Mayoral candidates have been hot on the campaign trail this week in the final showdown before polling day. The six contenders have been leafleting, attending hustings and hitting the streets in a bid to canvass support in what could be a
MIDWIVES from Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup, will be out and about showing off the skills they bring to mums and babies in the area. They will join representatives from Bexley's Real Nappy Service, an advisor on giving up smoking and a Sure Start midwife
THE world's only civilian aerobatic jet aircraft team makes its UK debut at the News Shopper-sponsored Biggin Hill International Air Fair. Flying in six L-39C Albatros trainer planes, the Breitling Jet Team will perform a series of manoeuvres during
A QUAD biker has made a bargain with youngsters they can become part of his pit crew in return for staying out of trouble. Sean Murray, 39, has teamed up with four youngsters from the Tree Estate Youth Club, Cedar Road, Dartford, in a bid to give them
In light of my criticism of the many councils not taking recycling seriously I must defend Greenwich Council after the numerous calls I received about what a great service it is providing. If you need another bin and you are a Greenwich resident, all
FINED: Fleet Autos Limited, High Street, Northfleet, has been fined £750 and ordered to pay costs of £500. Director Leonard Ripley was also fined £250 and £250 in costs after admitting using the public highway outside the premises to display cars for
MOST people cannot resist a smile as they walk past a terraced house in a back street in the centre of Bexleyheath. And many children cannot believe fairies live just five minutes' walk from the busy Bexleyheath Broadway. But Maria Tume's bright pink
Do we really have to hear about another affair in the political arena? Why can't these men keep their tools in the box? Poor Pauline Prescott, having to suffer the humilation of hearing about her husband's diary secretary nuzzling his neck. And poor
A MOTHER-OF-THREE who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) has set up a drop-in centre for sufferers and their families. Annette Garland, of St George's Road, Gravesend, was diagnosed with MS five years ago and found there was no support system
A BURST pipe which left homes, schools and businesses without water is still to be repaired. The trouble began when a burst main between the junctions of Hawley Road and Oakfield Lane, Dartford, was discovered at 2am on April 26. Thames Water had to
Imagine this. You're outside Cannon Street station about to catch a bus. The only bus ticket machine available is out of order. It won't take your £1 with which you are legitimately trying to purchase a ticket. You have to catch the bus so you board
PARWOOD Leisure, which manages Bexley's sport's centres, is hosting a charity swim at the Lamorbey Swimming Centre in Sidcup. Swim a Mile for Life takes place at the Station Road pool between May 14 and May 28. People are being challenged to swim a
A GRANDMOTHER-OF-FIVE who beat breast cancer is set to shave her head for charity. Janet Gunner, of Joyce Green Walk, Temple Hill, Dartford, needs to raise £1,500 to take part in this year's Breakthrough Breast Cancer walk. The 66-year-old will take
What do GPs really do? They sit in an office, type data into a computer, take your blood pressure and then either say there is nothing wrong but do come back for a blood test, or they refer a patient to a specialist. They are no longer the anchor in
IF YOU feel a spring in your step now the warmer weather is here, why not take a walk and raise cash for a charity. Greenwich and Bexley Cottage Hospice holds its annual sponsored walk on Bank Holiday Monday, with routes ranging in length from three
A WAITING room for child witnesses has opened at Bromley Magistrates' Court. The room includes a digital television, a games console, toys, books and games, to make waiting around at court as easy for children as possible. It has been funded by HM Court
CHILDREN needing transplants will be helped by a carnival. The Orpington Carnival committee has chosen to donate money raised at this year's event to the Orpington-based children's charity Children's Transplant Foundation. The charity gives money
A FAMILY is facing a tense wait as British police prepare to fly to the Bahamas to review their son's death. Paul and Andrea Gallagher, of Repton Road, Orpington, have welcomed the news two senior Metropolitan Police detectives are to review their son
I, LIKE many other people, thought free travel for young people was just for going to school, not anytime. We concern ourselves with the fact children should have exercise, such as walking, but now with free travel anytime, they don't walk anywhere,
EXPERTS will be on hand to unravel the mysteries behind unearthed treasures as part of the Gravesham Heritage festival. Gravesend Museum, Windmill Street, Gravesend, is hosting a finds day on May 12 from 10.30am to 2.30pm. Treasures could be anything
GRAVESEND & NORTHFLEET Williams Chemists, 120 Vale Road, Nothfleet. Noon to 1pm. SWANLEY Village Pharmacy, 15 Main Road. Hextable. 11am to noon. DARTFORD & GREENHITHE Asda, Station Road, Greenhithe. 10am to 4pm. Boots, South Mall, Bluewater Park. 11am
WHEN Bromley Council's "rubbish police" (Recycle Your Rubbish Or Face Fine of £1,000, News Shopper, April 19) demand to know why I have not left out any bottles or tins in their recycling boxes, how am I to convince them I only use about one tin every
BLACKHEATH, CHARLTON & GREENWICH Sainsbury's, Horn Link Lane, Greenwich. 11am to 5pm. ELTHAM, KIDBROOKE, MOTTINGHAM & NEW ELTHAM Boots, 96-104 Eltham High Street, Eltham. 10am to 4pm. Dickinson's Chemist, 130 Westmount Road, Eltham. 10am to 9pm. Sainsbury's
THANK you for your front page showing readers how the new Tesco store in Orpington will appear on completion (Anger Over Store Plan, News Shopper, April 19). Instead of the grotesque concrete mass of the present car park there, it seems what we are to
FITNESS fanatics got themselves in a spin at a 24-hour cycling fundraiser to help Alzheimer's sufferers. The sponsored spinning session at Next Generation Club, Darenth Road, Dartford, raised more than £2,500 after the 80 riders battled throughout the
FANS of organ music have a treat in store when guest organist Gerard Brooks plays at an "organ extravaganza" in Bexleyheath. Mr Brooks has played in West End musicals and made 10 solo organ recordings. Organised by the Bexley District Organists and
A DANCER is hoping to shimmy her way to a £50,000 jackpot in a television dance-off. Stephannie Croxson is starring in the second series of the BBC television talent contest Strictly Dance Fever. The 21-year-old hopeful, of Whinchat Road, Thamesmead
BEXLEY's reserve soldiers put up a good showing as they competed against 22 other Territorial Army (TA) teams for this year's Courage trophy. The annual competition is designed to test the military skills of reservists from TA units across Greater London
Looking through the TV guide for Christian- related programmes over Easter, I was saddened to see only one. This was an alternative type of Easter message shown on Good Friday. In past years there have been reflections each evening leading up to Good
SHOT IN THE FOOT?: If Laura Jane Filotrani (Shooting From The Lip, April 12) thinks by accepting a fee, the six drugs trial volunteers were asking for gangrenous hands and feet and a possible life-time of damaged immunity from an underinsured company
IF LAURA-JANE Filotrani thinks by accepting a fee, the six young drug trial volunteers were "asking for" gangrenous hands and feet and a possible life-time of damaged immunity from an underinsured company which had never made a drug before, then she
I think Laura-Jane Filotrani's article on the new pill (Shooting From The Lip, April 5) does not take into account the following: 1. The "Christian fanatics" she refers to are actually people who look at the world not just from the point of view of what
As chairman of the Arts Council Of Bexley and also as a governor of Bexley's Adult Education College, a large number of people have complained to me about the number of adult education classes which have been cut. In addition people are not happy with
A FORMER postman has been recognised by the National Blood Service for giving 101 donations in the past 60 years. John Budd and 102 other blood donors were rewarded for saving up to 29,000 lives at a ceremony in Covent Garden on April 12. The 70-year-old
LAURA-JANE Filotrani is being very unfair to Norman Kember and to Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) who have had a presence in Iraq since before the US/UK invasion three years ago (Shooting From The Lip, News Shopper, April 5). The figure of £1m it cost
Fly the flag for Queen Mary's Hospital. In the A&E department I was seen by a sympathetic and professional lady called Caroline Crouch who took my particulars. A staff nurse called Sandra showed me to Ruxley Ward and we were discussing the bad press
FINAL preparations are being made ahead of Thursday's elections with candidates giving a mixed reaction on how it will go. One hundred and seventy four people are standing in Greenwich's 17 wards. There are 51 candidates each from Labour and the Tories
Regarding the letter Drivers Must Think Before They Park (News Shopper, April 19) where Sue Nagle complains about cars parking along Somerset Avenue. May I point out not everyone is fortunate enough to own a driveway which parks up to four cars. Nor
LIKE many people, my family evaded the evils of fascism in Europe in the 1930s and I regret the closure of the Bromley Refugee Network as it addresses needs and protects the human rights. Sadly, the voice of ignorance speaks again (Shut Down, News Shopper
I AM writing to help other families who may be conned out of more money by Parkwood Leisure. I was staying with my parents during Easter and thought I would go to Erith swimming pool with my two girls, a friend and her two children and my mum decided
A CIVILIAN investigator and former police officer has been jailed for supplying confidential information to a private investigator. Robert Mackenzie, aged 51, of Gipsy Road, Welling, had pleaded not guilty to two charges of criminal misconduct. Mackenzie
REGARDING the letters responding to the front-page article Kids Told: Shop Mum (News Shopper, March 29). I feel for the resident of Ingleby Way for the way his road is used as a dropping off point for Red Hill parents and for the council's failure to
REGARDING the article Recycle Your Rubbish Or Face Fine of £1,000 (News Shopper, April 19). I am a Bromley resident and I have always recycled, but my neighbour has not. It is easy for the council to say people who don't recycle will be fined, but when
WHY does anyone even try to help travellers? Where I work a snacks wagon comes round at lunchtime. One day the driver parked and while he was serving someone children (travellers) stole from his van. So the next day instead of parking outside the building
THE son of a woman brutally murdered 15 years ago hopes a fresh police probe will finally bring her killer to justice. Sean Shackleton, 24, was nine when the battered body of his mother Cheryl was discovered in Telegraph Hill Park, Brockley, but the
ALAN Skinner can be assured collections from post boxes do take place regularly, including last collection times (Right Royal Pain In The Letter Box, News Shopper, April 12). Royal Mail is able to ensure this happens because it uses technology called
A MAN has been jailed for 11 years for stealing £189,600 worth of jewellery, including a necklace and bracelet worn by Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes. Lewis Brown, aged 24, of New Cross Road, Deptford, was sentenced at Kingston Crown Court
POLICE believe they have identified five yobs who committed criminal damage on buses thanks to News Shopper's Shop A Yob campaign. The youths were caught on CCTV spraying graffiti and causing damage to bus seats. Images of the identified five published
GIVE them an inch and they will take a yard whoever coined this phrase perhaps had supermarket giant Tesco in mind (Anger Over Store Plan, News Shopper, April 19). Not satisfied with pushing its existing and greedy plans through a weak and timid council
A NEWS Shopper appeal for information has led to four youths being arrested following an attack on a teenager. News Shopper published CCTV pictures of yobs believed to be responsible for assaulting a 17-year-old outside Hayes train station. Now police
GET GROWING: Gardening fans are gearing up for this year's London in Bloom competition. The capital-wide contest allows boroughs to compete with each other to make their streets and open spaces greener. This year's contest was launched on April 21, with
AN INTREPID widower who lost his wife to cancer is to trek 3,000 miles across the United States in her memory. Phil Goddard, 47, is preparing for a six-month expedition which will see him walk from New York to San Francisco in honour of his late wife
HUNDREDS of people visited Myatt Garden School to receive advice on living a healthier lifestyle. The fair at the school in Rokeby Road, Brockley, was aimed at parents, carers and other members of the community who took part in activities such as t'ai
A SCHOOL has won national praise for its work in bringing children into the computer age. Stillness Infants School, Brockley Rise, Brockley, has been awarded the Government's Information and Communication Technology (ICT) mark. The award reflects the
IF LAURA-JANE Filotrani (Drug Trialists Were Aware Of Risks, News Shopper, April 12) thinks by accepting a fee, the six young drug trial volunteers were "asking for" gangrenous hands and feet and a possible lifetime of damaged immunity from an underinsured
IN 1939, children and teachers of the Athelney Street School, Bellingham, were evacuated to the village of Crockenhill, near Swanley. Crockenhill County Primary School is celebrating its 100th anniversary in the next school year and as a teacher there
WHY has there been no response to the article MP Votes Against Education Changes (News Shopper, March 22) in which Eltham MP Clive Efford gives his personal view as to why he voted against the Government's education Bill? The Bill was seen by the vast
ON THE BUSES: Perhaps Asbo penalties should be extended to include buses. Being an adult passenger on Eltham buses after school is a nightmare. The behaviour of teenage children of both sexes is appalling, with filthy language, shouting and noisy horseplay
