POLICE are investigating after two cars were gutted in a blaze outside a doctors' surgery. Firefighters from Thames-side fire station were called to reports of two burning vehicles outside the surgery in Grange Road, Gravesend. The Ford Escort, which
GRAVESHAM Council says its council tax rise is the second lowest in Kent. The council has set a rise of 4.8 per cent for its share of the council tax. This means the council's average Band D property council tax rate is £146.88. A property in this
A 46-YEAR-OLD man who was chasing a group of taunting teenagers died when he stepped out in front of a bus. Witnesses say the three youths turned on Dennis Sudlow when he tried to defend a man they were abusing. Mr Sudlow retreated into a pharmacy in
THERE is still time to have your say about developments planned for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games. Three planning applications, including proposals for sport, leisure and entertainment venues, are on display in Woolwich. The plans, issued
LABOUR councillors were forced to defend themselves against an onslaught of criticism as Bexley's lowest council tax rise for 13 years was confirmed by the council. Tory council leader Councillor Ian Clement introduced the budget for next year at last
Memories of Bexley's most spectacular UFO sighting have been turned into a book by one of the people who witnessed it. LINDA PIPER reports. IT WAS July 17, 1955 when Margaret Fry spotted the object as she was making her way to her GP's surgery in King
A CONCERNED chairman of an ex-servicemen's club fears closure could be on the cards if a vital takeover deal is not secured. Royal British Legion Chislehurst chairman Doug Parslow says three-quarters of the club's 450 members need to agree to a new company
A SHOCKED dog walker came face-to-face with a flasher after her pet "attacked" him. The woman was taking her three dogs for a walk in Spring Park, West Wickham, when she was confronted by 6ft 5in Soloman Odam. One of the three Yorkshire terriers was
CHARLTON have signed Denmark under-20 international Martin Christensen from Herfolge Boldklub on a pre-contract basis. The Addicks have paid an initial £250,000 for the highly-rated 19-year-old right-winger, who has signed a four-year contract.
DELAYS were caused after a car overturned on the M2 just past Gravesend. The incident affected the middle and outside lanes of the M2 southbound, between junctions one and two at around 3pm. Delays were reported in the area. There is also heavy traffic
CORINNE McPARTLAND reviews Sound of the Suburbs, hosted by Earwax Radio at Infernos, Bellegrove Road, Welling. A load of indie kids crammed into a bar is not my idea of a cultured night out - but this is what I'd been expecting and braced myself as
THIS is what a transformation of Northfleet's embankment area might look like if proposals go ahead. Northfleet is set to receive 1,800 homes and a new school after cement works shut in 2008. A planning application will be submitted for the new plans
WORSHIPPERS will celebrate the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade by holding a car wash. Hosted by members of Southborough Lane Baptist Church, Petts Wood, the event will be held on March 24, marking Freedom Day on March 25. Freedom Day celebrates
AFTER waiting four-and-a-half years, a former Government scientist has been cleared of killing a colleague when a secret test explosion went wrong. The prosecution offered no evidence against Maurice Marshall, who used to head the MoD Science Technology
This adorable family has been with the Celia Hammond Animal Trust for three months. Mum Angelica and her kittens were being made to live outside by their uncaring owners. They then moved away, leaving the cats to fend for themselves. Anjelica had two
PLANNERS have rejected an application to build a 100-bed hotel at Biggin Hill airport for the second time in a year. The application from Biggin Hill Airport Ltd outlines plans to build the hotel on a 1,520sq m site on the south west corner of the airfield
I thought that, for a change, rather than write about annoying people on my train, I would write about something I enjoyed. I have a rather strange obsession with the musical We Will Rock You. Owing to my possession of a flyer entitling me to tickets
CERIDWEN KNOWLES Late of Kingsman Street, Woolwich. Passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday 2nd March 2007 Aged 92 years. Always in our thoughts until we meet again. From Roz, Jill & Ray, Alex & Jacqui & all the Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren
JEAN MARGARET WARD Passed away peacefully on 2nd March 2007 Aged 83. Private cremation followed by Thanksgiving Service at West Wickham Methodist Church, Hawes Lane at 3:45pm on Thursday 15 March. All enquiries to J & R Killick Ltd, Funeral Directors,
In memory of WIN KING Sadly passed away in hospital on 4th March, aged 79 years. Loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Will be sadly missed. Funeral Service will be Wednesday 14th March 2007, Beckenham Crematorium at 12noon. Family flowers
NOBBY GRAVES Sadly passed away on 25th February aged 72. Dearly loved and greatly missed by his family and friends. Funeral service to be held at 1.30pm on Thursday 15 March at Eltham Crematorium. Friends welcome. Floral tributes welcome but if desired
CIS KENYON Sadly passed away 27th February 2007. Will be deeply missed by Son Alan, Mary. Grandchildren Stephanie, David, Joe, Milo. Great Grandchildren Eliza, Amie, Mookey, Joe, Tommy, Jentie-Rose, Stephanie and Callum. X X X X
KATHLEEN MACKENZIE Beloved mother of Lachlan and Lennox. Formally of Derry Downs, St Mary Cray, died unexpectedly but peacefully at Queen Mary's Hospital on 28th February 2007, aged 84. Funeral Service at Beckenham Crematorium on Monday 12th March at
IRIS WEBB (Rick) After a long illness passed away peacefully at home on 02nd March 2007, aged 76. Reunited with loving husband Steve, but sadly missed by all their Children family & friends.
CIS KENYON of Cedar Court, formally Cheviot Close. Died peacefully 27/02/07 aged 83. Much loved Mum, Nan and Great-Nan. Service to be held at St Pauls Church, North Heath 15th March 2007 at 11am. Burial at Brook Street Cemetary. All family and friends
In Loving Memory of FREDERICK EDWARD CHURCH Who passed away 12/3/06. Gone but not Forgotten. From loving Wife Joy & Children Janice,Christine, Kevin & Susan
In Loving Memory ALAN GEORGE ROBERTS 18/4/1944 - 4/3/2005. Sweet are the memories silently kept, Of the one we loved and will never forget. Miss you and love you always. Sandie, Michael, Tracy and Family
GARY KENT Taken 7.3.06. To my Daddy in Heaven above, I want to send you all my love, I still miss you each and every day, Just like I did one year ago today. Love you Always Lolly Thinking of you Gal, Pete, Lisa, Jodie and Whiff
GARY KENT Taken 7/3/06 Its been a year since you passed away It only seems like yesterday. All we can do is hope & pray we will be together again one day. Also In Loving Memory of Mum and Ben XXX Always Loving You Desiree, Colin & Family XXX
BEN GARY TITCOMBE Each day we think about you, Your there in every thought, Every moment shared was special, Though your time with us was short. The saddest part of your leaving, Is not the tears we cry, But the emptiness inside our hearts, That can never
PETER TUNE 26/2/1942 - 16/4/2006 How long does it take to miss someone, An hour a week or a day, We began to miss you Pete, The moment you slipped away. Love Pauline, Mum, Children, Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.
JOSPEH PETER COOPER 01/04/89- 11/03/05 Sad are the hearts that love you Silent the tears that fall living our lives without you is the hardest part of all Love from Mum, Luke, Beth & Nan.
IVY MAY SHAW Passed away peacefully at Sundridge Court Nursing Home on 26th February 2007. Aged 86 years. Reunited with Husband Jim and beloved Son Sham. "You will never be more than a breath away loved and remembered everyday". Sadly missed by her 2
Remembering the best Granny in the world GAGA Happy Birthday 6th March. Rebecca, Timothy, John, Joseph, Andrew, Tommy, Charlie, Amy, Rachel, Seany, and Luther xxxxxxxxxxx
JEAN GLADDING GAGA 6/03/1933 - 7/03/2004 Happy Birthday Mum. We love and miss you lots. Mark, Simon, Deborah, Tracey and Lisa xxxxx
A YOUTH has been banned from driving for six months after appearing before magistrates charged with motoring offences. The 17-year-old, who cannot be named, was also ordered to pay £25 costs and received a nine month referral order to attend Lewisham
In Loving Memory of SIMON GROOMBRIDGE Who was tragically taken from us on the 22nd February 2007, aged 28. A memorial service will be held at St John the Baptist in Sutton-at-Hone on Thursday 15th March at 3pm. All that knew him are welcome to attend.
By Steve Fish TRIATHLON is the world's fastest growing sport and last year, England's Tim Don was crowned world men's champion in Lausanne. Closer to home, White Oak Triathlon Club attracts members from Dartford, Swanley and the surrounding areas
SPECIALIST ambulance teams specially trained to respond to chemical, biological and radioactive incidents were launched today. The Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) project will see emergency teams dispatched to major incidents as they occur. The
News Shopper has joined forces with Charlton Athletic Football Club to encourage youngsters to eat healthily and get plenty of exercise. With more and more alarming statistics about rising obesity in the under-10s being published, News Shopper and Charlton
RESIDENTS are being warned not to buy items such as laptops and camcorders from street vendors following a rash of deception scams. The warning comes after several people reported being decieved into handing money over for what later turned out to be
THERE were happier times for mugging victim Margaret Bristow when Bexley's mayor came to check on her progress. The 81-year-old's arm was broken when she was robbed of her handbag at a Thamesmead bus stop on February 1. When mayor Councillor Brian Beckwith
PARENTS of children enjoying a new play area challenged a man who was taking photographs. The man, who was in the playground in Danson Park, Welling, last Friday, was accompanied by two women. He claimed to be from a church group in Meopham who were
CHARITY REPORT: Community charity Trust Thamesmead has issued its annual report and says it is now making a real difference to the town. Copies are avalable from the trust at 19A Joyce Dawson Way, Thamesmead, or by calling 020 8320 4470. It is also available
PLANS to redevelop the B&Q site in Sidcup are among a trio of schemes causing concerns for townspeople. The three proposals were raised at the recent meeting of Sidcup Town Partnership, held in the New Generation Church in Birkbeck Road, and provoked
PRINCES Park has won a top award for being the best non-league stadium of 2006. Dartford FC's home since November 11 was picked for the prestigious award by Groundtastic magazine. The publication is seen as the Bible for football grounds and its prizes
A MOTHER fears her autistic child will have to be hit by a car before he is allowed on the school bus. Caroline Austin makes a 40-minute walk to and from Poverest Primary School with son Kieran, seven, and 10-week-old baby Paige every school day. Kieran
WOOL'S WORTH: Woodlands Ladies Group is appealing for unwanted wool. The group, which meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 10am at Emmanuel Church Hall, The Grove, West Wickham, will use the wool to make baby jackets and bonnets for premature
POLICE are asking a witness who provided details of a vehicle involved in a robbery to come forward and help with their investigation. The robbery at the Tollgate BP Service Station, on the coastbound carriageway of the A2 at Gravesend, took place on
SEWER upgrade works are expected to be mostly completed this month. Thames Water has been working in Petts Wood since last July replacing pipes and storage tanks to stop flooding in the area. The £8.2m project has led to 1.8km of pipe replacement and
PENCILS, pasta and pennies helped pupils celebrate a special day at school. Classes at Pickhurst Infants marked their 100th day at the school by learning more about the number 100. A 100 gallery' was set up where the pictures made of the everyday items
LAST year, the guild celebrated its 59th birthday with a hot supper. This year for the diamond anniversary, members will have a celebratory lunch. At the Christmas meeting, members were entertained by the Beckenham Ladies Choir. They presented a delightful
STEPHEN Gilbert gave a talk about vikings. Their expeditions abroad from the 8th to the late 11th Centuries are known for plundering and looting. But vikings were also traders and farmers. They also produced fine atrefacts and wood carvings. Mr Gilbert
MANY people remember granny tatting with cotton and shuttle but don't think about having a go themselves. But tatting is alive and well in Green Street Green. Invicta Ring of Tatters celebrated 10 years of tatting on February 15. There was a celebratory
FEBRUARY was a busy month for the Bromley & Orpington Group. There were reports on the human rights situation in Belarus and the group signed a letter to the President in support of a young human rights worker who had been imprisoned without trial for
SIXTY-EIGHT members attended the February meeting in the education centre at Princess Royal University Hospital. Mrs Jane Tompkins, manager of the Patient Advice and Liaison Service working for Bromley Primary Care Trust, was the guest speaker. The
THE institute celebrated its 23rd birthday in February and was joined by members and guests from other groups in the Kent gate district. There was an exquisite cake made by Barbara Croft, which was enjoyed by all. Members were entertained by The Beckenham
SIMON Walton is challenging a Welsh Football Association misconduct charge following his controversial sending off against Leeds United earlier this month. The midfielder collected a second caution for an alleged dive, when Walton was actually fouled
PROBLEM parking outside a primary school has attracted an artistic response. St Paulinus CofE School, Iron Mill Lane, Crayford, has been struggling with inconsiderate parents who park badly, dangerously and sometimes illegally. There are also problems
TICKETS are on general sale for Charlton's next home match against Newcastle United, now switched to Sunday, March 18 (1.30pm). Seats are priced £30 adults, £20 over-60s and under-21s, and £15 under-18s, and are available from the commercial centre
A PROJECT which uses motorbikes to get young people back into mainstream life has been saved from closure. The Archway Project takes young people aged between 11 and 18 who are excluded from school, are young offenders or on the fringes of crime. It
Report by Nick Park KENT Athletic Club's British international Jermaine Mays glided to an emphatic win in the Greenwich Park 10k, with a time of 32mins 2secs. The Ladywell-based athlete, who matched the park's scenery by sporting a green t-shirt
RAILWAY stations across the News Shopper region have secured shares of funding towards improved facilities and disabled access. The money, which is provided by the Department for Transport's Access for All Small Schemes, will be spend on access ramps
A PRISONER due to be sentenced for his part in a gun smuggling operation has been found hanged in his cell. Anthony Magee was found in Belmarsh Prison on February 3 at around 6am. Magee, of Kentish Town, had pleaded guilty to possessing prohibited
On this day in... 1702 - William III, King of England, drew his last breath. He died when his horse stumbled on a molehill and fell. Supporters of the rival ruling family, the Jacobites, were known to raise their glasses to the mole. 1925 - the
