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Busy and popular noodle house. A lively and informal atmosphere where the furniture comprises long tables and wooden benches, and the placemats are made of paper. Both chopsticks and forks are provided. As you enter you will be shown to your seats by

Pizza restaurantUK Delivery Operator Of The Year 2004 And 2005223 Bromley Road, Catford, Lewisham,London SE6 2PG Tel: 020 8462 2244 website

The Eden Palace restaurant is a family run business and has been established since 1998. At Eden Palace, food is taken very seriously, and the staff is proud of its reputation for excellent service and its unique quality dishes. A new, extensive menu

Delivering authentic food in an equally authentic environment, Tapas Modern European Brasserie is the perfect setting for any celebration. All good parties require a good host, and the vibrant atmosphere at Tapas is second-to-none, thanks largely to

The Ruby Indian Restaurant prides itself on welcoming customers and providing them with real traditional Indian cuisine. The owner has been a restaurateur for 21 years, and has plenty of experience in providing a truly remarkable friendly and hassle-free

Country house hotel style dining in the heart of Bromley. When it comes to dining in style the Bromley Court Hotel's elegant air-conditioned Garden Restaurant and Conservatory offers a relaxed and enjoyable experience. Following a major redecoration

For 18 years, Good Friends Chinese restaurant, Sidcup, has prided itself on providing high-quality Chinese, Peking and Cantonese food. A strong reputation of friendly service and good value continues. Welcoming staff will do all they can to ensure your

PUBSPY’S competition to find the best hostelry in the area is hotting up. Three of your favourite locals are leading the way in the contest, but there is still plenty of time to vote and nominate new pubs. The top three (in no particular order) are:

As the World Wide Web becomes a more community-minded place, the number of local information sites is booming. Carol Schoultz of Bromley got in touch with WebWatch to talk about hers, which aims to take some of the stress out of motherhood, writes CHRIS

BROMLEY Council has appointed a new legal eagle after former borough secretary Walter Million’s retirement. Timothy Leader, 41, is currently chief legal officer at Gloucestershire County Council and takes up his new post in August. As a planning law

Wilmington’s Marie Atkinson took the freestyle events by storm at the British Masters Swimming Championships held in the new Welsh national 50-metre pool, in Swansea. Despite a gruelling two-and-a-half-day schedule, she won five or her six events, winning

Whitedarts Junior Swimming team has been celebrating after winning Division Two of the Essex Speedo league. The squad, which comprised of nine, 10, 11 and 12-year-old boy and girls, took place over three galas in March, April and June, won them all with

Bexley lost their first match of the Kent Premier League season on Saturday against lowly-placed Lordswood, but the mood in the Bexley camp was one to put that defeat behind them when they travelled to take on Wycoimbe House in the second round of the

Eaglesfield Equestrian Centre’s first senior BSJA-affiliated show for more than ten years proved a great success. Two of the winners were home-based riders. Kathryn McBryde, who is from Gravesend, and her palomino mare Cwrtycadno Mel clinched the Newcomers

IT took one of the most famous showjumping families in the world to deny Hayley Windsor her deserved moment of glory in the Pony of the Year Show, held at the Towerlands Equestrian Centre, in Braintree, Essex. Hayley, who is 13 and lives in Bexleyheath

TEAM Darenth Cycling Club is holding its next road-racing event in Central Park, Dartford, this Friday. Winning boys and girls in the under-eights, 10s, 12s, 14s and 16s will receive a medal, while having their name put on the Champions Roll of Honour

Marvels Lane Boxing Club staged an unusual open-air show last week, with resounding success. John Chapman, who helps run the club which held the show in Balder Rise, Grove Park, said: “We organised a couple of open-air shows in the past but, unfortunately

Little Gaijins, a division of the Gaijin Ryu Freestyle School of Martial Arts, has moved from its location at The Spa, Beckenham, to St Bartholomew’s Church Hall, in Sydenham. From now Saturday morning classes will be held from 9.30-10am in the hall

Hayes Hurricanes were brought down to earth when they were beaten by their counterparts from Wakefield in the third round of the National Knockout Cup. Premier Division side Wakefield won the toss and put Hayes into bat, and on an unpredictable wicket

THERE was a thrilling conclusion to the Orpington District Primary Schools’ Cup, when Southborough met their counterparts from Highway in the final played at Orpington Rovers’ ground. After keeping it very tight during a goal-less half, both teams came

DAVE Cox is one of our top endurance racing drivers and has enjoyed huge success in recent seasons, particularly on the major European circuits like Nürburgring and Spa. But when he suffered a very serious accident, ironically when not driving, the Gravesend

Next Monday is the start of Wimbledon but Tim Henman won’t be winning it... and even those hordes of screaming teenage girl fans roaming around SW19 must surely realise that by now? But it has little to do with Henman’s playing ability – although he

The Americans were at war again during the weekend but this time it was all done in the name of fun. As part of its 35th anniversary celebrations, Southern Skirmish Association (SOSKAN) staged a re-enactment of the American Civil War, when the Yankees

THOUSANDS of people gathered under the sun to enjoy a medieval-themed MS Fun Day designed to raise funds for, and awareness about, Multiple Sclerosis. The day included a troop of re-enactment knights, morris men the Kent Korkers and Pork Scratchins and

TRANSPORT cops arrested 18 people during a five-day blitz on crime on buses. Uniformed and plain-clothes officers from the Met’s Transport Operational Command Unit patrolled the 185 and 36 buses on their journeys through Lewisham. They were brought

THE public was barred from an Old Bailey court as the jury was shown a “sordid” home video of a 15-year-old girl being put through a 90-minute sex ordeal. The schoolgirl had sex with three men while a fourth filmed the scenes on a camcorder, the jury

LEWISHAM’S former police chief has been honoured in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for his partnership work with the community. Chief Superintendent Mike Humphrey, who served as the borough’s commander between 1996 and 2002, has been appointed an

THAMESMEAD, ABBEY WOOD & BELVEDERE Safeway Stores, 2 Twin Tumps Way, Thamesmead. 11.30am to 12.30pm. GREENWICH, BLACKHEATH, CHARLTON & WOOLWICH Duncans Chemist, 193 Greenwich High Road, Greenwich. 11.30am to 12.30pm. NEW ELTHAM & FALCONWOOD Jacques

BEXLEY’s racial-equality council is running out of cash and may be forced to sack its manager. Ironically, the cash crisis at Bexley Council for Racial Equality (BCRE) has been created by the council’s parent body, which has refused to pay the 20 per

TWO brothers have flown into Britain to see an exhibition which features their father’s wartime exploits. Alphonse Stibale was one of the US servicemen who worked at Hall Place, in Bourne Road, Bexley, during the Second World War. He was one of a number

PLANS to redevelop a hospital site and destroy a Second World War underground hospital are facing fierce opposition from neighbours. Bexley Primary Care Trust (PCT) wants to create a new children’s development centre at Erith Hospital, in Hind Crescent

ANTI-GREYHOUND racing protesters demonstrated outside Crayford Greyhound Stadium in support of Greyhound Awareness Week. Members of Kent Anti-Greyhound-Racing distributed leaflets exposing the dark side of the greyhound racing industry. They asked people

TONY Blair’s radical cabinet reshuffle and constitutional overhaul has been attacked by a Tory front-bencher who accused him of causing “chaos and confusion”. Beckenham MP Jacqui Lait, who is also shadow Scottish Secretary, has accused the Prime Minister

FLYTIPPERS fled when the lorry they were using to dump rubbish in a field toppled over. The 20-tonne vehicle was found blocking the entrance to the field on Saltbox Hill, Biggin Hill. Dumped garden waste and rubble were found next to the lorry and council

A YEAR-LONG campaign to bring down the 8ft-high fence around Crystal Palace Park top site could be at an end. Bromley Council leaders caused outrage last July by agreeing in secret to erect the hoarding at a cost of £25,000. Dismissing other options

CARNIVAL: Entries are still needed for this year’s Bromley Carnival. Organiser Bromley Lions Club is encouraging youngsters to get involved and says businesses can work with schools to help design floats and make costumes for the August event. Call Peter

FIREFIGHTERS in the borough have blasted their national union leaders for recommending a deal which could put lives at risk. Bromley delegates at the Fire Brigades’ Union’s (FBU) recalled conference voted with their London colleagues to reject a two-year

YOUNGSTERS can compete in a mini-Olympics event to raise funds for charity this Saturday. The event, which takes place at a community fun day at Westcourt School, in Gravesend, between 2pm and 5pm, features a range of games and sporting activities.

KENT’S position at the forefront of language teaching has been confirmed through national recognition. The county council is one of just a handful of Local Education Authorities to be given language pathfinder status, in recognition of innovative modern

CHILDREN who see their estranged parents under supervision will not be able to meet up with them during the summer holidays because centres providing the service have closed for four months. Dartford’s Council for Voluntary Services (CVS) has run four

POWER station workers used to play in toxic asbestos dust before they knew it was deadly, an inquest heard. In a statement written shortly before his death from a lung tumour in January, Leonard English, aged 86, of New Road, Abbey Wood, described how

THE artistic talents of pupils have gained them a golden accolade from the Arts Council. Gordon Primary School, The Craigton Road, Eltham, is the first school in the borough to receive an Artsmark Gold award. The school was rewarded for dedication in

A MOTORIST was banned from driving for three years after he was found behind the wheel while nearly twice the legal limit. David Williams, aged 42, of Thanet House, Gravesend, pleaded guilty to drink-driving, but said he only drank one pint half an hour

www.newsshopper.co.uk has been overhauled, and we are pretty pleased with the results. The site has an improved look and you should find there is an improved download speed, meaning you can access the information you want more quickly and easily. There

Many people who have splashed out on the latest camera-equipped mobile phones are finding themselves left high and dry as friends and family are slow to take up the new technology. But there is a new website where you can make the most of your posh new

HOW great would it be to walk down a street which you have named? That is the chance on offer to anyone under the age of 18 who lives or goes to school in Welling. The town currently has three roads, all named Station Approach, which is confusing, to

DETECTIVES investigating a weapons and drugs haul have released pictures of the guns in a bid to trace thieves. Officers found dozens of weapons, including a sawn-off shotgun and three shotguns, in a lorry on a travellers’ site on the Orpington and Sidcup

PEOPLE in a busy road are calling for extra measures to slow down speeding drivers. The residents of Penhill Road, Bexley, which has already seen some traffic-calming measures, want something more done — and speed cameras may be the answer. The call

DEDICATED lollipop men and women have been thanked for their hard work in helping youngsters to cross the road safely. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of school crossing patrols, all staff were invited to Lewisham Town Hall for lunch and presented

LEWISHAM East’s MP has been promoted by the Prime Minister in his ministerial reshuffle. Tony Blair has appointed Bridget Prentice to the Government whip’s office — a post she held once before between 1997 and 1998. Mrs Prentice says she is delighted

THE Green Party’s Mayoral candidate says he will axe Ken Livingstone’s roadbuilding schemes if he is elected. Brockley ward councillor Darren Johnson, who is also leader of the Green Party group at the London Assembly, was selected as the party’s candidate

FIREFIGHTERS are calling for their union chief’s resignation following an end to their long-running dispute with agreement on a 16 per cent pay rise. The deal, which will be tied to the modernisation of the fire service, will see firefighters receive

MOTORISTS were stuck in jams of up to three hours after a smash involving two cars and a bus. A 17-year-old woman was airlifted to hospital and another two people were injured, including the driver of one of the cars who fled the scene. The man was

THE countdown to the Dartford Festival began with an official launch full of music and festival fever. Shoppers were treated to a party atmosphere at One Bell Corner, in High Street, courtesy of young band Fernandez Brothers last Thursday. The festival

one of the town’s parks is under threat of closure because of anti-social behaviour. Dartford Council is proposing closing Mayfair Road playground and improving the playing field in nearby Savoy Road, off Willow Walk, instead. The future of Dartford

PLAY will remain the order of the day for youngsters who feared their school climbing frame was going to be knocked down. Neighbours of West Hill Primary School, Dartford Road, Dartford, complained the wooden frame with a scramble net and fireman’s pole

INSPECTORS have passed a Gravesend primary school with flying colours in a report. After a recent visit to Bronte School, an independent school for three to 11 year olds, they declared it provides a “sound standard of education and care for its pupils

KNOW YOUR AREA: Free information packs about Sydenham and Forest Hill town centres are now available. The packs, funded by Lewisham Council and Crystal Palace Partnership Single Regeneration Budget, include maps, business directories, sites of interest

A SECONDARY school which gained high ratings in league tables has added to its achievements with a glowing Ofsted report. The report described Prendergast Secondary School, in Adelaide Avenue, Lewisham, as “very good with some outstanding features”.

A FORMER magistrate has been warned he faces jail after trying to pull off passport scams. Leyton Grant, aged 65, of Davenport Road, Catford, appeared at Southwark Crown Court, last Thursday. He was arrested on May 8, last year, following a joint investigation

A TOP clarinettist who feared “a slow death from cancer” hanged himself with a belt. Musician and bookseller Louis Leff, aged 73, of Vanbrugh Terrace, Blackheath, was found hanged at his home on February 11, an inquest at Southwark Coroner’s Court heard

OWN A HOUSE?: During the past financial year, Greenwich Council has brought 53 empty homes back into use. This year, it has set itself a target of 70 properties. Anyone who knows of an empty property in the borough or who is the owner of one should call

MP Chris Pond will be one of the visitors at Shears Green School’s Fete next Saturday. There will be more than 65 stalls, including a tombola, a bouncy castle, a penalty shoot out, a netball challenge and sand art. Displays by the junior school’s gymnasts

STUDENT Mark Coleman won a national training prize after scoring the best mark in the country in his exams. Mark, 22, of Dorset Crescent, is in the final year of a City and Guilds refrigeration and air conditioning course at North West Kent College’

A MEOPHAM stunner has been selected to play Cinderella in this year’s panto at Gravesend. Laura Hamilton, 21,was chosen from among 24 entrants to take the lead role at the Woodville Halls this Christmas. She said: “I was so shocked. I really didn’t

FURIOUS residents are horrified at the relaxed attitude a housing authority has after admitting there might be asbestos in their homes. West Kent Housing Association distributed letters to its tenants in Conifer Way, Swanley, warning of asbestos in their

FROM jungle adventure to recycling venture, TV star Toyah Wilcox is promoting a new kerbside recycling scheme. The actress who took part in the trials and tribulations of I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here was promoting a green message in Eltham Park

YOUNGSTERS from one housing estate are about to celebrate the opening of a new drop-in centre. The centre was the brainchild of local residents, worried about youngsters hang- ing around the streets and getting sucked into petty crime. Old Farm Residents

THE Green Party’s mayoral candidate says he will axe Ken Livingstone’s roadbuilding schemes if he is elected. Darren Johnson, who is also leader of the Green Party group at the London Assembly, was selected as the party’s candidate for Mayor of London

AN EVENT with activities to keep the whole family occupied is coming soon. The first Millennium Village Summer Fair will include a bouncy castle, storytellers, henna painting, a steel band, treasure hunt and much more. A photography competition for

TWO schoolchildren have won a competition to name a machine which is being used to dig under the Thames to help create a high-speed Channel Tunnel rail link. Rhys Martin and Jacob Waghorn, from St Joseph’s Primary School, in Northfleet, each won £25

A train driver who has accused Connex of firing him for blowing the whistle on safety practices believes the trains and tracks in north Kent are a death trap. Jim Kelly, of Ames Road, Swans- combe, was sacked by the company in February 2002 after serving

NEW powers to hit back at dog owners who allow pets to foul Gravesham streets are expected to be implemented soon. Gravesham Borough Council receives more than 200 complaints from residents about dog dirt each year, and following a trial hopes to hit

STAFF from a Gravesend hair salon have celebrated a successful fundraising effort. After staging a special hair show in aid of their favourite charity, the girls and guys from JM Hairdressing, Dover Road, Northfleet, raised £550 for Cancer Research UK

THE mother of a girl who went missing for four weeks has spoken of her elation at her daughter’s return. Jean Galbraith, of Boucher Drive, Gravesend admitted she had feared the worst when 15-year-old Jacqueline went missing on May 19. The teenager left

Transport Secretary Alistair Darling is about to end years of speculation when he finally announces his decision on whether to endorse the long-delayed Crossrail project. Senior Reporter ADRIAN KWINTNER spoke to some of the scheme’s key supporters …

YOUNGSTERS put their best feet forward to take part in a sponsored toddle for Barnardo’s. More than 30 children from Totstime and Nightingale Pre-school walked across Charlton and Maryon Wilson parks as part of an under-fives’ event attracting thousands

FIREFIGHTERS are calling for their union chief’s resignation following an end to their long-running dispute with agreement on a 16 per cent pay rise. The deal, which will be tied to the modernisation of the fire service, will see firefighters receive

PUPILS showed off their best painting skills when they completed self-portraits as part of a school arts week. Youngsters from Mottingham Primary School, in Ravensworth Road, were treated to a storyteller, steel band and coaching from a professional

ACTIVISTS collected objections to proposals to transfer specialist beds out of a hospital and delivered them to health chiefs. The Community Care Protection Group (CCPG) is opposed to the removal of 40 intermediate care beds, for patients recovering

ART fans can view creations being developed as artists open their studios to the public. The South-East Open Studios scheme will include 40 artists in the Dartford area welcoming the public to watch them create in their studios. Artists include Patricia

THE director of a parcel and freight business, which failed with debts of £470,000, was banned from running another company for five years. Simon Andrews, 38, of Longlands Road, Sidcup, is the former director of Acclaim (Northfleet) Ltd, in Swanscombe

A COUPLE who built an extension to their home without planning permission were forced to pay more than £400 at Dartford Magistrates’ Court. Hassan Karamanli and wife, Havva, of Burnham Road, Dartford, built an extension which was different to the one

HOUSEHOLDERS with burglar alarms are being urged to enter their names into a new keyholder database. The Met Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens is writing to every home and business in the capital about the scheme. People who live in properties with

SHARK APPEAL: A national appeal has been launched for a shark costume. The Earthwatch charity wants to borrow the costume to raise money for its conservation project for the British basking shark. The suit will be worn on the sponsored Great Scottish

DETECTIVES investigating a weapons and drugs haul have released pictures of the guns in a bid to trace thieves. Officers found dozens of weapons, including a sawn-off shotgun and three shotguns, in a lorry on a travellers’ site on the Orpington and Sidcup

NEWS Shopper journalists will turn litter-pickers in a bid to help Bromley’s clean and green image. After reporting on a political spat between Labour members of the London Assembly and Bromley Council Tories, we invited the politicians to a clear-up

TODDLERS look set to relocate after news their community hall will be knocked down. Ashen Drive toddlers’ club, which has run for 22 years at the community hall, in Ashen Drive, Dartford, has been looking for alternative quarters since being told its

AN AMATEUR singer has been crowned the south east’s most talented entertainer aged over 60. Frank Peters, 67, of The Avenue, Gravesend, scooped top prize in the area final of the YOURS Silver Stars Talent Contest. Mr Peters was one of 11 budding silver

GRAVESHAM MP Chris Pond has been promoted to the rank of minister following the recent Government reshuffle. Following a stint as parliamentary private secretary, a ministerial aide to the Paymaster General, Mr Pond has joined the Government as a junior

DOZENS of heavy goods vehicles were destroyed in a blaze at a scrap metal yard. Around 100 tonnes of scrap metal melted in the fire, on Longfield Road, Gravesend. Firefighters from Gravesend, Dartford and Larkfield were called to the yard just after

NORTH Kent firefighters have slammed union leader Andy Gilchrist’s “disappointing” pay deal with the Government which, they say, could put Dartford and Gravesham lives at risk. The settlement, which amounts to a 16 per cent increase to £25,000 in the

A TERRIFIED woman has told of the moment a burglar burst into her home, pointed a gun in her face and threatened to kill her. The 61-year-old, who is too scared to be identified, was handcuffed, gagged and blindfolded after two men barged into her home

A TEENAGE girl faces life suffering progressive dementia after her mother was given negligent advice by a fertility clinic, the High Court has heard. Lynda Loft, 49, of Cleveland Road, Welling, decided to have a child through sperm donation as her husband

CAMPAIGNERS fighting the decision to allow expansion at Bethlem Royal Hospital could be heading for disappointment. Residents are pressing council officers to appeal the government inspector’s ruling which paves the way for the medium-secure Denis Hill

LESLEY JOSEPH, best known as superbitch Dorien from Birds of a Feather, is challenging herself with tough roles. She tells reporter Will Scott why she was so afraid of taking on a Alan Bennett play ONE of television’s favourite neighbours-from-hell

YOUNGSTERS have been learning all about the Jewish way of life as part of a borough-wide competition. Organised by the Bromley Reform Synagogue, primary school pupils were invited to submit work on Judaism. Entries included work on Jewish practices,

BROMLEY Council has been given £2.5m to improve the way information is shared between local authorities. The move puts the borough at the heart of an “electronic government” project which council officers say will benefit local organisations. A Standards

DETECTIVES who raided a 19-year-old man’s home found an indoor cannabis farm and £3,000. Jamie Miller, of Castlecombe Road, Mottingham, was growing 29 plants in his bedroom, Croydon Crown Court heard. The keen footballer, who was working as a gardener

SUNSHINY DAYS: Discounts of £500 are still up for grabs to householders installing solar panels through a new initiative by Bromley Council’s energy efficiency team. There are just 20 discounts on offer so call 020 83134914. NETWORKING: An event is

A pensioner has been awarded the prestigious medal of the Order of Mercy for his years of voluntary work. Former waterboard worker Owen Proctor, 86, of Alverstone Gardens, New Eltham, is a member of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association

THE widow of a traveller who committed suicide in prison has herself been jailed for assisting him in his crime spree. Sarah Gavin went on the run last March after her husband, Patrick, killed himself in a south London prison. But she was caught almost

TRANSPORT for London (TfL) is asking residents for their views on the new £425m bridge proposed in the Thames Gateway. Roadshows will visit the Greenwich Multicultural Festival on Plumstead Common on June 22 and the Danson Park Festival in Bexley, on

THAMESMEAD, ABBEY WOOD & BELVEDERE Safeway Stores, 2 Twin Tumps Way, Thamesmead. 11.30am to 12.30pm. GREENWICH, BLACKHEATH, CHARLTON & WOOLWICH Village Pharmacy, 9 The Village, Charlton. 11.30am to 12.30pm. NEW ELTHAM & FALCONWOOD R W Stevens, 379 Footscray

SINCE the launch of my I-Spy competition a few weeks ago, I’ve heard a few whispers that having a quiz sponsored by a brewer on this page may call in to question PubSpy’s impartiality. Well let me put this ludicrous (and hurtful) rumour to bed. The only

KEN’S NOT OUR MAN: During last year’s spate of strikes on the railways, did you wonder why the Mayor of London was so unwilling to stick up for commuters in Greenwich? If so, perhaps you might be interested to know Aslef, the train drivers’ union, has

AN UNUSUAL bus hijacking which ended when the driver pulled into a police station will be screened on television. Armed response cops and a police helicopter gave chase when 53-year-old hijacker, unemployed Martin Cass forced the driver of a 320 bus

THIS man was captured on camera as he threatened staff at an off-licence with a knife. The man, aged between 25 and 35, walked into the Drinks Cabin off-licence in Halfway Street, Sidcup, just after 9pm on May 22. As he approached the tills he produced

THREE bogus callers ran off with a pensioner’s handbag containing £1,000 after saying they were from the water board. The men claimed they needed to turn the water supply off in her home in Balmoral Road, Sutton-at-Hone, but the woman became suspicious

THOUSANDS of people flocked to the Erith riverfront earlier this month to enjoy the fun at the town’s 12th Riverside Festival. The free event included an arts and crafts show, a children’s tea party, wacky races, a dog show, circus skills run by the

A 19TH-CENTURY bridge is undergoing renovation to bring it into line with European strength requirements. Shortlands Bridge, which carries Beckenham Lane over the River Ravensbourne in Bromley, will be partly dismantled for the works starting in July

EDDI Reader and Fairground Attraction hit number one with Perfect. Now she’s staging another perfect show in Croydon, writes Will Scott EDDI Reader returns to the singing arena with her vibrant blend of mezzo soprano vocals combined with emotionally

THREE teenagers appeared in court charged with violent disorder after allegedly chasing and beating a young man. Dartford Magistrates’ Court heard how the man suffered a broken rib, cuts and bruises to his head, arms, back and legs after being beaten

THE last day of term at a Bexley secondary school will see three cyclists set off on a 400-mile charity cycle ride. They hope to raise £1,000 each for the children’s charity the Children’s Society. The trip to Lands End and back was the brainchild of

WATER chiefs have warned those enjoying the summer against cooling off with a dip in the Thames. The Port of London Authority (PLA) advised anyone thinking about swimming in the river outside accepted bathing resorts could be risking their life. PLA

Our chief reporter has been getting his hands on some of the best games for consoles and PCs. Check out his monthly Legaia 2: Duel Saga Playstation 2 Age 11+ 4/5 GAMERS tackling Duel Saga start on the back foot with a massive challenge ahead: to

THIS man was captured on camera as he threatened staff at an off-licence with a knife. The man, aged between 25 and 35, walked into the Drinks Cabin off-licence in Halfway Street, Sidcup, just after 9pm on May 22. As he approached the tills he produced

A NEW charity shop helping to fight heart disease, the UK’s biggest killer, needs donations and volunteers. The British Heart Foundation outlet in Winslade Way, Catford, will offer quality second-hand clothes, books and bric-a-brac. Area manager Frances

FREE taster courses are being offered to whet people’s appetites for learning. Learning and Skills Council’s Bite Size initiative is a Government-funded campaign aimed at people aged 16 and above who have not had any formal education for a long period

CHILDREN had their faces painted and played on bouncy castles in a fun day to promote play. The two to five-year-olds, from Lee Ash Pre-School, at Good Shepherd Church, in Handen Road, Lee, took part in the event, which was part of a Play Week promoted

A SECONDARY school is celebrating its third national Sportsmark award from Sport England in recognition of its commitment to sports. Plumstead Manor School, in Old Mill Road, Plumstead, has a vast out-of-hours programme including athletics coaching from

HMP BELMARSH in Thamesmead has become one of the first prisons in the country to set up a learning scheme for prison officers. The institution, on Western Way, has joined hands with Lewisham College to provide on-site tuition in computer science and

GIRLS’ school students have raised money in memory of a teacher who died in a car crash. Year 9 pupils from Bullers Wood School, Chislehurst, have so far raised more than £2,000 for Amnesty International, a group close to their teacher, Kathy Webber’

Congratulations on your campaign against litter. Our area needs all the help it can get. The Lib Dem Focus Team in Penge and Cator has also been busy getting rubbish cleared away, getting rid of abandoned cars, reporting untidy sites. You name it, we

I have been living in Erith for 10 years. I run a small business and employ local people and I have brought up my three children here. Erith does not have much to offer at present but I make the most of what is here. I too was looking forward to the

I have lived in West Wickham for 13 years and have constantly been bothered by smoke from bonfires. Will people please consider the elderly, who live in one-room apartments and who cannot escape to another room to get away from the smoke? I know several

FIREFIGHTERS honoured a former colleague by carrying his coffin on a restored 1960s’ fire engine. The Merryweather engine, complete with turntable ladder, led the cortege at John Hitchings’s funeral. Family members were joined by colleagues from Beckenham

RE: OAPs are forgotten citizens (Letters, May 28). I received a letter from Councillor Chris Ball which might explain why pensioners are forgotten. To quote him: “Many pensioners are affluent and can accommodate the council tax rise and many pensioners

In a news report, I heard a bomber pilot remark the problem with dropping bombs from 30,000ft was he could not see the result of his actions. “I’d like to see the whole thing,” he said, casually, as if he were shooting ducks on a pond. With this in mind

THIS is about the boys from St Columbas being “thugs” (Letters, May 28). Well I would just like to say to the “concerned parent” you have no idea what you are talking about. You say your son goes to school in the borough and the streets surrounding that

TEDDY THIEVES: On May 26, between 8am and 1.30pm, some scumbags took a family of four stone teddies from my front porch. They were quite distinctive in that they had all the markings of bears. One of the babies was lying on its side and the other on its

I refer to Mr L Salter’s letter regarding Cycle Speedway in Orpington in 1948 (News Shopper, May 28). The Orpington Eagles did have a track at the Dinkey Cafe, in Ruxley Corner, Footscray. The first track was at the site of the multi-storey car park

On the morning of May 23, a supposedly protected mature oak tree, which provided a habitat for parakeets, jays, woodpeckers and other wildlife, was in the process of being felled. I phoned Bromley Council but it transpired a meeting had taken place on

THOUSANDS of youngsters have grown petunias as part of a nationwide competition. The area finals of the Petunia Easy Wave National Schools Competition were held at the Ruxley Manor Nursery in Sidcup. The overall winner was Lucy Penniall from Pelham

I wonder if any Bexley councillors ever read your letters page? Or are their eyes so blinkered by self-congratulation they cannot focus on the real issues? Week after week people take the trouble to write about the problems affecting their surrounding

1815: Napoleon was defeated at Waterloo. 1973: Marsha Hunt filed an affiliation order alleging Mick Jagger was the father of her two-year-old daughter. 1975: Britain pumped ashore the first North Sea oil. 1997: A graduate sold his soul on the

Nine Scouts were remembered last month at a special ceremony during Nunhead Cemetery’s annual open day. Among those who attended was 88-year-old Len Filmer, who laid flowers in the Anglican Chapel ruins where a replica plaque marks the youngsters’ death

The Victorian cemetery at Nunhead lies semi-ruined but still has Gothic splendour. LIZ DURNO reports ... There is a tranquil, 52-acre woodland — the same size as Hyde Park — nestled in the south-east of London? It is a cemetery but that does not detract

RECENTLY, the Government announced £64m worth of grants for hospices and carers. The money came from its New Opportunities Fund, which makes grants from Lottery cash and it was trumpeted as including “the largest ever single investment in palliative

THE aim of our campaign is simple — to persuade the Government to meet some of the core funding for children’s hospices from NHS funds, as it does for adult hospices. There are currently 25 children’s hospices in the UK, with more on the way. But while

ASSOCIATION OF MEN OF KENT AND KENTISH MEN Pictures of people making mealy bread, sewing, whitewashing a home, singing and playing music greeted members of Bromley and Beckenham branch of the Association of Men of Kent and Kentish Men at their May meeting

HAYES (KENT) EVENING TOWNSWOMEN’S GUILD In June we travelled from the Falklands to South Georgia and Antarctica by way of an illustrated talk from our enthusiastic speaker Sue Hemming. The many islands visited en route to mainland Antarctica enabled

CHIPSTEAD SAILING CLUB As part of Chipstead’s special events to celebrate its 50th Anniversary, the recent marathon relay proved to be an excellent new addition to the racing programme. There was quite a buzz of excitement amongst the 74 members taking

ST PAULINUS’ CRAYFORD MOTHERS’ UNION On Thursday, June 5, members of St Paulinus celebrated the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Mothers’ Union in Crayford. They were joined at a service of praise and thanksgiving by members from other branches

THE NORTH KENT FEDERATION OF TOWNSWOMEN’S GUILDS The North Kent Federation of Townswomen’s Guilds held a Summer Luncheon on Friday, June 6 at the Danson Park Boat House Function Rooms, Welling. It was an excellent lunch enjoyed by all, and was followed

MIKE Whatford really was on a wing and a prayer when he decided to reach for the skies for charity. Surveyor Mike, of Calford-Seadon in Orpington, was given the ride of his life by the Utterly Butterly wingwalking team. For five minutes he was flown

THE National Trust says the Government should focus on promoting tourism within the UK rather than expanding British airports. In its new report, Blue Skies, the organisation says Government proposals for new runways and an airport at Cliffe may damage

YOUNGSTERS have sealed their supremacy on the rugby pitch by chalking up three wins in three district championships and claiming the triple crown. The eight and nine-year-old boys and girls at Hextable Junior School, in Rowhill Road, secured the school

JOYRIDERS smashed their stolen car into a Baptist pastor’s parked Toyota and ran off before residents could get much more than a glimpse of them. The Rev David Parsons, who leads the Baptist Church in Highfield Road, Dartford, will have to take up a

PUPILS are planning their next tactical moves as they practise in preparation for the finals of a nationwide chess championship. Mark Onafeko, eight, and Jamie Humphries, 10, from Wingfield Primary School, in Moorehead Way, Kidbrooke, beat thousands

A SCHEME which helps people with mental health problems reached the final of a competition organised by the Government’s London Modernisation Awards. South London and Maudsley NHS Trust (Slam) was commended for its project which allows sufferers to

THE lack of affordable homes is the main housing concern among residents in Sevenoaks District, according to a survey. The majority of respondents said more affordable homes were needed for key workers, including teachers, doctors, nurses and police

THE wife of a hotel doorman told an inquest she believed her husband died from working with asbestos. Terrence Easter, of Hawthorns, in Hartley, died aged 64 on April 9. His wife, Joyce Easter, told Westminster Coroner’s Court last Friday an asbestos

A TEENAGER beaten unconscious more than a week ago has made little improvement in hospital after suffering serious head and facial injuries. Doctors fear the 18-year-old man, who was attacked by three men in King Edward Avenue, Dartford, may not fully

SUPPORT to keep a popular nursery open is gathering momentum, with parents collecting signatures and an MP stepping in to save it. A petition to keep the nursery open has 300 signatures from parents, who view the Toy Box nursery at Ashen Drive Community

THE historic Cutty Sark played host to the launch of a charity sail through five seas. Three yachts from Greenwich Yacht Club set off on the tide from Greenwich Pier on Sunday, aiming to sail to Cardiff and back in three weeks. The Orolong, skippered

DINERS and staff fled a fish and chip shop blaze. Firefighters battled the fire which started when a deep fat fryer caught alight at Salisbury’s, Salisbury Road, Bromley, at 10pm last Thursday. Two fire crews brought the blaze under control after an

AIRPORT bosses have been rapped for allowing a London-bound aeroplane to land at Biggin Hill early in the morning. Flight staff gave the aircraft permission to land on March 21 at 6.50am, 40 minutes before the terms of its lease allows. Airport director

AUNT Sally would be spoilt for choice at a farm workshop where youngsters have created scarecrows which put Wurzel Gummidge to shame. Children and their parents spent a day at Manor Farm, Southfleet, stuffing and clothing their own scarecrows, which

A PARK open day was be a double celebration, marking the 125th anniversary of its official opening. Crowds flocked to Mayow Park, in Lower Sydenham, for the fun-filled annual event, last Saturday. Events and activities at the park, which opened on June

YOUNGSTERS in danger of exclusion from schools were awarded for their creative artwork during the Inclusive Creativity Exhibition which showcased work by 16 disaffected students. The scheme, which began in October 2002, aims to keep the children in school

A BELLY-DANCING pensioner has taken her first steps to stardom after winning a talent contest. Yolanta Gryn is well on the way after picking up the top prize at the Bromley heat of the Silver Stars competition. The 62-year-old, of Demsole Close, Beckenham

RAIL passengers face four per cent rises on season tickets despite falling performance and reliability on the network. Transport Secretary Alistair Darling is expected to announce the increases next month after concluding a plan from the Strategic Rail

NEW BROOM: The Churchill Theatre’s first-ever chief executive — Derek Nicholls, who takes over at the Bromley theatre after nine years at the Grand Opera House, Belfast — wants to strengthen links with the community and to produce more productions in

A LARGE-SCALE housing development should be designated strictly car free, campaigners say. Backing residents who oppose the 212-home plans for the Aquila site, Councillor Ingrid Buckley asked planning colleagues to take a “radical” step. Saying she

FOUR teenagers appeared in court after allegedly going on a night-time burglary spree in a stolen car. The four were picked up by police when they crashed the maroon Ford Fiesta they were using. Officers spotted the car driving along Leaves Green Road

CARNIVAL-GOERS from Germany will see how the borough throws a party. Members of the carnival association in Bromley’s twinned town of Neuwied will attend the bank holiday Monday event. Members of Bromley Lions Club, which is organising the festivities

A PENSIONER has branded Bromley Council “ridiculous” after binmen failed to take his rubbish — even though it was left just a few feet inside his gate. Ben Benton, 81, of Morston Gardens, Mottingham, said: “I could not believe it. “I know the council

A MAN wept as he spoke of the horror car smash which left him disabled and wheelchair bound. Engineer Edward Franklin, 56, from Orpington, was giving evidence at an inquest into the death of Anthony Esomitoje, 22, from Deptford, who died in the crash

LONDON Mayor Ken Livingstone will look into the possibility of linking Biggin Hill and the new hospital by bus. During questioning from LibDem London Assembly members, he admitted it is needed but says it might not be cost effective because of the limited

A Bromley pavement was awash with money as two men fought over a bag containing £600 in cash. Ansu Jabatie, aged 22, who escaped with £300 after the bag broke, was jailed for two-and-a-half years after pleading guilty to robbery. Croydon Crown Court

A YOUNG nursing assistant at Bethlem Royal Hospital was groped by a colleague at work. Samir Zerroug approached the woman, who cannot be named, in the office at the hospital in Monks Orchard Road, Beckenham. When she stood up to leave, Zerroug, aged

MEMBERS of a drugs network which schemed to smuggle £6m of “high quality” cannabis have been jailed. John Tibbs, of Chelsfield, and David Spencer, of Green Street Green, admitted their part in the international plot which was brought down by officers

Ignoring the problems faced by his Bexleyheath & Crayford constituent Sarah Rossetter, Labour MP Nigel Beard argued the child tax credit had been a stunning success and the national statistics proved it (News Shopper, May 21). However, Mr Beard’s constituents

RE: Council is working hard for schools (News Shopper, May 21). Who is Councillor Trevor Perrin trying to kid? Government underfunding is not the whole story. Bexley Council has a long and ignoble tradition of spending as little as possible on education

On behalf of the West Kent Branch of the Democracy Movement, I wish to draw the attention of your readers to the following: We are not a political party and we seek only to inform the public on a most important issue which affects us all. Our campaign

TRANSPORT ON TRACK: I often read TfL is working towards a better transport system for London. Many years ago I drew up an idea and sent it to government departments and local newspapers. The idea was to use existing rail track from Dartford, Kent and

On Thursday, May 15, my nine-year-old son Martin lost his wallet. We were parked on level two of the Priory car park, in Dartford, and he placed it on the bonnet of the car as he went to look over the wall. Unfortunately I had not noticed this and

RE: SUREWAY parking inspectors (Letters, May 21). Your correspondent would have had no problems had she been part of a local minicab firm, whose staff are allowed to park on the pavement, on double-yellow lines, and even half on the pavement and double

I strongly agree with the proposal to restrict the sale and the use of fireworks (News Shopper, May 21) but I feel it could be even more restricted. Last November, we had the experience of people driving a medium-sized van and throwing the very large

MEMBERS of a drugs network which schemed to smuggle £6m of “high quality” canna-bis have been jailed. John Tibbs, of Chelsfield, and David Spencer, of Green Street Green, admitted their part in the international plot which was brought down by officers

THE organisers of this year’s Bexley Spectacular are encouraging people to buy tickets as soon as possible or risk missing out. The event, which is supported by News Shopper and takes place on the weekend of July 26 and 27, will see chart-toppers Liberty

AN ELDERLY man admitted to Queen Mary’s Hospital for routine knee surgery was left with an agonising bedsore the size of a grapefruit on his backside. Bed-ridden Kenneth Knight, 71, of Iron Mill Lane, Crayford, was admitted to the hospital in Chislehurst

HOSPICE DONATION: A race night organised by a Beckenham bookies raised £1,000 for the Demelza House Children’s Hospice. More than 80 people attended the evening, held at the Foxgrove Club, Westgate Road, Beckenham. The event was set up and hosted by College

SEIZED stereos from noisy neighbours have been donated to a children’s charity. As part of Noise Reduction Day, environmental health officers promised to clamp down on people playing loud music. Council investigators and police recently seized equipment

A VIOLENT gang which carried out a spree of robberies has been caged. The masked crew used pickaxes, crowbars and hammers to frighten shop staff before fleeing with cash. Two members of the group robbed Elmers Pharmacy, Upper Elmers End Road, Elmers

A BOGUS caller who said he was from the council stole £130 cash from a pensioner’s handbag. The 84-year-old woman let the man into her flat in Meadowside after asking if he was the man she was expecting from Dartford Council to help her complete a form

GLORIOUS sunshine was just the icing on the cake during an afternoon of fun for youngsters and their parents. Families with children up to 13 years old took full advantage of the free entertainment laid on at the Youth and Community Centre, in St Mary

OFFER ADVICE: Leaving home is a crucial time in anyone’s life but young people who have been in care often have to do this without emotional and financial family support. Mentors offering advice can make a real difference. If you think you could be a

A FORMER Eltham schoolboy is causing a sensation in Germany with a series of unusual performance art projects. Dan Belasco Rogers, 36, has attracted a dedicated following in Berlin and plays to sell-out shows across Europe. His latest project sees him

A SPRING fair and Dickensian dress parade raised nearly £2,000 for charity. Organiser Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Services (ADSS) provides support to sufferers of dementia and their carers in Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley. Along with the usual

TICKETS are on sale for the 74th Kent County Show, which takes place next month. The annual event, at Detling, Maidstone, features a marching band, falconry, a motorcycle display team, steam engines and vintage vehicles. Top breeds of cattle, sheep

CROISSANTS might not be served up for breakfast but Darent Valley Hopital staff are set to take on some of the ways their French counterparts carry out their jobs across the Channel. A two-year programme will see Darent Valley and Lille Hospital staff

YOUNGSTERS with something to say about their neighbourhood are being invited to attend a seminar. The Greenwich Young People seminar, which aims to engage youngsters in making decisions about their communities, will be held on Saturday. Organised by

THREE young performers have won the chance of a lifetime to star in a professional musical. Daniel Louard, 18, of Malpas Road, Brockley, Tracey Duodu, 17, of Fairlorn Court, Charlton, and Jade Walker, 17, of Darenth Park Avenue, Dartford, competed against

PERMITS offering cheaper public transport can be renewed at council offices in Swanley, Sevenoaks and Edenbridge from this week. Residents can only apply for one of the permits, which allow budget travel on buses and trains. The Kent Countywide half-fare

A COURT has heard how strong feelings among firefighters over their strike turned to violence. Firefighter Barry Saddler, who worked at Erith fire station, snapped when he could no longer stand the pressure on him over his anti-strike views, and attacked

TRADERS are pleading for CCTV cameras following an arson attack which gutted a derelict shop and caused more than £30,000 worth of damage to a butchers. Police believe the blaze, at the back of shops along Randlesdown Road, in Bellingham, at about 9.45pm

A CAMPAIGN to build a lasting tribute to a comic genius who feared ‘heaven with Jeffrey Archer’ has been launched. A statue of one of the borough’s most famous residents Spike Milligan could adorn Lewisham High Street if supporters are successful. Brockley

BARONESS Cathy Ashton has launched a new nursery in Lewisham. The Sure Start Minister was due to open the Wheelhouse Neighbourhood Nursery on the Pepys Estate, Deptford, on June 10. The Wheelhouse is the first of 30 nurseries opening on housing estates

PEOPLE who provide unpaid care for loved ones can get support at a special event. The Carers’ Information Day, which will give carers a chance to find out about services, is to be held at the Civic Suite, Catford Road, Catford, from 11.30am to 3pm on

AS THE investigation into a fatal accident in Slade Green continues, police are appealing for the occupants of a car seen nearby to come forward. Gemma Rolfe, 12, of Cornwallis Close, Erith, was killed when the Suzuki Vitara, in which she was a front-seat

A BEXLEY man has joined the South East London Strategic Health Authority as a non-executive director. David Blake, regional communications director for Barclays Bank and formerly head of communications at The Woolwich is a former deputy chairman of Queen

CRIME levels in north Kent look to be improving faster than the rest of the county according to annual figures from the Kent Police Authority (KPA). Statistics released by the authority prior to a meeting to discuss police performance show for some targets

AIDS/HIV The Positive Place, Deptford 020 8694 9988. ALCOHOL ABUSE Alcoholics Anonymous 0345 697555. Al-Anon 020 7403 0888 (for family and friends of alcoholics). Council on Alcohol and Drugs. 020 8316 5958 (24-hr answerphone). ANIMALS Cats Protection

YOUNGSTERS could benefit from a purpose-built skate park if plans for a riverside venue go ahead. Teenagers in Woolwich have taken part in initial consultation for the proposed £66,000 park in Royal Arsenal Gardens. Skaters took up the opprtunity

WITH just three weeks to go until the start of a major public inquiry into plans for a giant incinerator in Belvedere, opponents are rallying their forces. Among those lining up to give evidence opposing Riverside Resource Recovery Limited’s (RRRL)

KIND Bromley residents are being targeted by tricksters posing as collectors for Great Ormond Street Hospital. Leaflets have been distributed asking residents to fill specially provided bags with unwanted clothes, shoes and bric-a-brac for collection

PARTY IN THE GARDEN: A garden party will be held at St Giles’ rectory, in Farnborough Hill on Saturday, June 21. There will be stalls, tombola, martial arts displays and dancers. Gates open at 1.30pm. SUMMER PARADE: Orpington and District Royal British

VOLUNTEERS who operate advice centres have received thanks from The Princess Royal. Princess Anne, who is patron of Citizens’ Advice, sent her thanks to workers at Eltham and Woolwich Citizens’ Advice Bureaux (CAB) as part of national Volunteers’ Week

CAFÉ owners could face prosecution for illegal fruit machines which allow youngsters to win high cash jackpots. Greenwich Council trading standards officers and police swooped on premises across the borough which had fruit machines offering cash prizes

MORE than 60,000 people celebrated 100 years of flight at this year’s Biggin Hill International Air Fair. The weekend’s events, sponsored by News Shopper, saw a packed programme of flying displays including the Red Arrows and a replica of the Wright

BROWNIES of all ages celebrated at an anniversary party. Members of the 2nd Bromley Brownies held the event to mark the 60th birthday of their group. A service was held at St Augustine’s Church, Southborough Lane, Petts Wood, and was followed by a special

THE public will get the chance to see where creativity comes together when an artist opens the doors of his studio this June. As part of the south east Open Studios event, Beckenham-based Colin Michael will join more than 200 artists when he opens his

HEAVYWEIGHTS are being sought to lift Bromley’s chances of success in a London-wide athletics event. Male and female weightlifters, aged 11 to 17, are needed to represent the borough in the London Heathrow Youth Games. More than 20,000 youngsters are

A 19th-CENTURY bridge is undergoing renovation to bring it into line with European strength requirements. Shortlands Bridge, which carries Beckenham Lane over the River Ravensbourne in Bromley, will be partly dismantled for the works starting in July

A CHILDREN’S charity has benefited from the energetic efforts of school pupils and teachers. Linda Trew, of the Children’s Society, visited Pickhurst Junior School to pick up a cheque for more than £4,000. Headteacher Hilary Richardson and his deputy

CHOIR CONCERT: Crayford Manor House Choir holds its summer concert at the Manor House, in Mayplace Road East, Crayford, this Saturday, at 7.30pm. Tickets including after-concert refreshments cost £2 on the door. The choir is looking for new voices from

THIEVES gave organisers of the Darent Valley Hospital Knockout challenge a slap in the face by stealing one of the used portable toilets hired specially for the day. The theft means fundraisers will have to fork out more than £800 from the money raised

A NEW pelican crossing to help children across a busy main road, should be working by the end of next week — thanks to News Shopper and a flood of parents’ complaints. Bexley Council had said the traffic light-controlled crossing in Perry Street, Crayford

THIS year’s Dartford Half-Marathon will take place on Sunday, July 20, which will be the 27th staging of the event, making it the longest continuously run road-race in Kent. It forms part of the Kent Grand Prix series of road races – Dartford Harrier

James Smith jets out to Japan tomorrow, bound for Hyogo where he will be playing in the World Junior Team Championships. Smith, from Bromley, is one of four youngsters in the England under-18 party and the first Kent-based player to have ever been chosen

Hayes Hurricanes England under-19 player Natalie Lane quite literally broke the hearts of Hertfordshire girl cricketers in an ECB National group game played at Great Chart Cricket Club. Natalie, by scoring 175 out of a massive Kent total of 336-3 made

Tomorrow night could prove to be a landmark day in the history of Gravesend and Northfleet Football Club, when people keen to see the club thrive are meeting at the Stonebridge Road ground. A spokesman for the proposed Supporters’ Trust said: “This

WHEN car enthusiast Daniel Campion saw the opportunity to become a top-of-the-range rally driver for the price of a set of tyres, it was something he could not turn down. Campion, who is 27, saw an advert in a motorsport newspaper offering readers the

A NEW service enabling youngsters to get advice from their peers has been launched. Young people from the Central Eltham Youth Project will form the first point of contact for information ranging from careers to bullying. The one-stop shop, which opened

I can award no medals for the Olympic bid. The Green Party supports sport for all but the 2012 bid will not bring this about. Ticket prices will be astronomical, £180 each, and Lottery and London Development Authority money will be diverted from other

AS SOMEONE who lived at the top of Blackheath Hill from birth in 1949 until my marriage in 1971, may I say the tea hut has been a stopping point for as long as I can remember. The heath and Greenwich Park were my playground and my school was Greenwich

NEWS Shopper’s campaign against crime and vandalism is to be applauded but I wonder if other readers find the slang term “yob” as offensive as I do. As a reputable newspaper, I feel you have a duty to respect the English language, your readers and even

AS ONE who remembers 1940, and hence the huge debt we all owe The Few, may I ask that when writing about them you at least take the trouble to get your facts right (Takeoff, the Biggin Hill special, May 28). Our Spitfires and Hurricanes fought out the

IATTENDED a public meeting at Lochaber Hall on May 28 to discuss with local residents and traders the implications of the council’s proposed controlled-parking zone (CPZ) in this area. The hall was packed with more than 130 residents in attendance but

START YOUR OWN: A one-day course on how to develop your business and make it profitable will be held today. Another business awareness workshop for people thinking about starting their own company will be held on Friday. Both are organised by the Enterprise

DROP-IN consultation sessions for carers are just one of the events to mark National Carers’ Week. The week began with a strawberry tea dance on Monday at the Hurst community centre in Hurst Road, Bexley, for carers and the people they care for. Today