Archive
-
Date
Food for thought
My first two columns may have given you the impression that I’m a grumpy old man. Well, technically I am. But that shouldn’t be the only thing you know about me. Moaning aside, one of my other passions is food. You wouldn’t know it by looking at my svelte
-
Date
Danny is last big name swoop
Harlequins RL chief executive Nic Cartwright is expecting one more new arrival in Twickenham before the players return to pre-season training in three weeks time. The Stoop outfit welcomed Wigan Warriors stand-off Danny Orr last week after a month-long
-
Date
Richards: No need to panic – yet
NEC Harlequins director of coaching Dean Richards has refused to hit the panic button despite his side failing to record a single win in five Premiership encounters. The Stoop chief blamed a poor display from his front five for the West Country mauling
-
Date
Fighting display not enough for Park
Rosslyn Park head coach Chris Kibble will be aiming for his first win when his side travel to Bridgwater & Albion in National Division Three South on Saturday. Last season Park upset the form book with a resounding victory in Somerset that had the ground
-
Date
Signs good for Casuals
Another long trip to deepest Kent brought a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Sittingbourne for Corinthian Casuals but they will not be in the Ryman Division One South drop zone for long if they keep playing like this, writes Nick Overend. They could have taken
-
Date
Champion Tom signs off in style
New Malden's Tom Onslow-Cole signed off his title-winning ELF Renault Clio Cup campaign with a lights-to-flag victory in the final round at Silverstone on Sunday, writes Simon Murphy. It was the 19-year-old's 10th win of the series, and saw him finish
-
Date
Leigh thump 10-men Boro
Hounslow Borough, without an Hellenic League win for a month, crashed 5-1 at title-chasing North Leigh on Saturday after being reduced to 10 men with just five minutes gone. Midfielder Gary Taylor was sent off for elbowing an opponent in an aerial challenge
-
Date
Sponsor for Oxford
A former Croydon school student who left sixth form with top A-level grades in the summer has been awarded a scholarship to study at one of Britain's top universities. Ian Horn, 18, was one of 27 students from Trinity School in Shirley Park, Croydon,
-
Date
Reach out to Africa
Darren and Sarai Campbell have been working with national charity Hearts to Africa since 2002 and have made several trips to the continent, all of which were paid for out of their own pockets. The couple, who married at the end of September after 10
-
Date
Gareth gets the call to arms
Leatherhead-based fencer Gareth Thomas has been selected for the Great Britain U20 squad - even though he still competes in the U17 age group. Thomas, who competes at London Thames Fencing Club and Shene Sports & Fitness Centre, has been called up comes
-
Date
Stevens hat-trick keeps Tanners cup dream alive
Leatherhead stand on the brink of reaching the first round of the FA Cup for the first time in 26 years thanks to a hat-trick from skipper Dave Stevens. The in-form striker netted either side of half-time to send Southern Premier side Mangotsfield United
-
Date
Dragons’ identities revealed
The identity of the judges for Croydon's answer to hit TV show the Dragon's Den has been revealed. Croydon Commitment, an organisation dedicated to community development, chose five people to pick the winners of their own competition. Croydon's charities
-
Date
Chamber steps into a new era
Croydon's Chamber of Commerce has been bidding fond farewells after vacating the premises it has occupied for nearly 25 years. The business support group has moved from Commerce House, Wandle Road, Croydon, to a unit at the Capital Business Centre, in
-
Date
Council’s refuse proposal is a hazard to our health
The council's proposal to scrap half its refuse collections will be a serious hazard to health. It is bad enough having recycling collected only every other week, but ordinary refuse includes things which rot or attract vermin. Expecting residents to
-
Date
Help me climb family tree
I wonder if any of your readers can help me? I have been trying to trace my grandfather's family. Charles Pretty was one of four brothers born in Kingston at the end of the 19th century. I believe they were all still living in Kingston in the early
-
Date
Trains are on wrong track
Are trains on the right track? The short answer is no. South West Trains has just had its franchise renewed and is said within the railway industry to be highly profitable. No one really wants "seats out and standing room in", except probably South
-
Date
Why people don’t go to the gym: lack of time and those infuriating 12-month contracts
I found your article entitled "Health clubs make people run from gym" difficult to understand. It claims too many health clubs in Merton are causing individuals to run from the gyms. I do not think it's the number of clubs, I think it is the lack of
-
Date
Carry on cabbies: A very big thank you for help and understanding
I'm writing to you to ask if you can publish a message of thanks for me in your newspaper. I am a 61-year-old widow who has trouble getting out and about. My son helps me where he can but otherwise I need the use of taxis as I am a bit unstable on my
-
Date
Councillor explains how voting works
In response to the letter which appeared in the Wimbledon Guardian (Councillors turn a deaf ear to what residents want, October 5) I would like to explain the stance I take when voting, which is the result of much reflection and discussion with members
-
Date
Get on yer bikes
Here's an idea for the councillors trying to lose weight: why don't they get on their bikes? After all, they will be making good use of their travelling time while helping to reduce congestion and pollution. And who knows, they may even become more
-
Date
Appeal goes out for stolen purse
On Saturday, October 7, my elderly neighbour had her purse stolen in Wimbledon, possibly at the British Heart Foundation shop on the bridge. While we understand that she will not get her money and credit cards back, we would like people to look for the
-
Date
Bus route protest
I read in the Wimbledon Guardian on October 12 that the 470 bus route faces changes. Well, I'm not at all pleased about that. It is a perfectly good and regular bus service and now it is to change. As a regular user of the 470 to Colliers Wood Sainsbury's
-
Date
Planning blight for the Wandle
I am writing with reference to Mr and Mrs Graham's letter published in the Wimbledon Guardian (Community will say no to homes, August 24.) The members of Haydons Bridge Residents' Association (HBRA) sympathise with the problems they are facing at Cliveden
-
Date
Peace of my mind
Regarding the letter "All I'm saying is, give peace event a chance" (October 5). Last month Tony Blair told the Labour Party conference that we need a new generation of nuclear weapons. Last week North Korea conducted an underground nuclear explosion
-
Date
Look to Catholics for how to run faith school
Carole Stewart's previous letter "Faith schools are fine but don't charge us" (September 21), in which she floated the old canard that faith schools were a charge on the public purse, demanded a response such as mine. I thought all would have agreed
-
Date
Ghost town needs a railway to come alive
I had to write in response to your invitation to say what we felt about the proposal to have a railway station at Eastfields. For Mitcham as a town, this can only be a good thing. Mitcham, as we all know, is in decline. I know there is a possibility
-
Date
Council should refuse late licenses or Tooting faces anti-social consequences
I notice that yet more shops in Tooting are hoping to stay open to all hours of the night selling alcohol. I very much hope that Wandsworth Council refuses their applications. I see no need in offering further encouragement to the gangs of marauding
-
Date
Council must investigate killer speeding
I am completely in support of the campaign to reduce speeds on the Dalebury road. The sad death of the little girl who was hit by a car has highlighted a serious safety concern and it is right that something should be done about it. But I think also
-
Date
Wild animals: we humans should know better
In response to the letter from Mrs Buckley in the Guardian dated October 12: I would like to ask her if there is any living animal that she would like to see living? I have seen the average human urinate, vomit on the streets and throw rubbish. Those
-
Date
Foxes are a useful
Having lived in the borough for 26 years, I have not once encountered a "problem" with foxes. With a large, wild-ish back garden and a fairly "open door" policy, I am well-qualified to comment. I feel privileged to spot these beautiful and shy creatures
-
Date
London Scottish 14 Ealing 8
London Scottish moved clear at the top of the table after a momentous 14-8 home win over Ealing on Saturday left them the only side still unbeaten in the London League Division One. Now, having become the first team to defeat Ealing this season, Scottish
-
Date
Old Albanians 19 Richmond 48
Richmond prepared for this Saturday's local derby with Barnes at the Athletic Ground (3pm)by winning 48-19 at Old Albanians last Saturday. They fell 7-0 behind when Albanians winger Vercoe touched down in the corner and fly-half Greig converted, but
-
Date
Ralph will McTell you a story in this box-set tribute
Recently the BBC Club in Portland Place provided the distinguished setting for the official launch of The Journey - Recordings 1965 to 2006, the long-awaited four-CD box set tracing the career of one of Britain's most respected songwriters and performers
-
Date
The Yes-men return
The prospect of an acoustic evening with classic rockers Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman posed two vital questions. First, given Rick's love of stacked electronic keyboards, exactly how acoustic would it be? Thankfully there was not a synthesiser in sight
-
Date
The old master of Blues still the ultimate original
Unlike many of his 60s contemporaries, who are content to trade solely on the glory days of the past, John Mayall has continued to tread new ground, consistently recording new material and touring relentlessly to bring the music he loves to a new generation
-
Date
Golden memories
Have you had it long, madam? is a unique stage show about the BBC's highly successful and long-running series, the Antiques Roadshow, presented by two of its most popular experts - Hilary Kay and Paul Atterbury. Hilary and Paul take theatre audiences
-
Date
Science reach
An outreach team from London's Science Museum visited a Croydon junior school last week to perform three workshops. The Royal Russell pupils were taught about forces with help from mechanisms pulling heavy items. The science of the world's biggest bubbles
-
Date
Twickenham 14 Letchworth 20
Twickenham will need to raise their game at Chingford this Saturday if they are to gain their first win of the season. Their forwards were out-muscled last Saturday when they lost 20-14 at home to Letchworth. A penalty by Phil Astbury put Twickenham
-
Date
Football: Misfiring Trams regret wasted opportunities
Croydon FC 0 Hythe Town 0 Croydon FC played out a goalless, yet entertaining, draw against Hythe Town on Saturday, writes Simon Hawkins. The Trams took the game to their visitors and dominated the majority of the first half - but the goals just would
-
Date
Dance afterwards
The annual general meeting of Croydon Mencap will be followed by a disco. The meeting is taking place on Monday, October 30, at St Mary's Church Hall, 70 Wellesley Road, Croydon, and starts at 6.30pm. Any member wishing to submit a resolution for debate
-
Date
Football: An up-Hill struggle for out of sorts Rams
Burgess Hill 2 Croydon Athletic 0 Burgess Hill's picturesque Leylands Park was the scene of the Rams latest set back, writes Rob Cavallini. The Rams made a positive start and James Gibson's deflected flicked shot glanced off the Burgess Hill post
-
Date
Rugby: Warls scare Cob
Warlingham 16 Cobham 23 Warlingham came within five minutes of landing a shock win over table-topping Cobham at Hamsey Green on Saturday. Tries by wingers Ben Wiseman in the 30th minute and Rory Child midway through the second half had provided the
-
Date
Future police
Residents confused about safer neighbourhood policing teams can find out more at a meet-and-greet in Addiscombe later this month. The public meeting will be held at the Phillip Game Centre, 38 Morland Avenue, on October 25 from 7pm, and is a chance for
-
Date
Rugby: PJF remain on top
Old Elthamians 17 Purley John Fisher 22 PJF showed their mettle this weekend in this gratifying victory at hosts Old Elthamians and continue to share top spot in London South East Three. The visitors were 17-10 in arrears at half-time despite a sprightly
-
Date
Schools football: Cup dreams over for unlucky schools’ sides
Two Croydon Schools borough sides made first round cup exits on Saturday after closely-contested ties against Thurrock, writes David Lomas. The U14s began their competitive programme, travelling to Corringham to take on Thurrock in the Sun Shield. They
-
Date
Hockey: Last-gasp Anderson sinks Reigate
Croydon Ladies 6 Reigate 5 Croydon Ladies saw off ex-Premiership side Reigate on Saturday in a nail-biting encounter. Alex Sugden opened the scoring for Croydon, only for Reigate to level matters 15 minutes later. Within minutes Croydon took the
-
Date
Chopra was the main difference
The promotion favourites may have come to town and added another three points to there ever-increasing lead at the top of table but at least Peter Taylor can take some consolation that his side are not far behind. In terms of ability and strength in-depth
-
Date
Barnes 19 Shelford 21
Barnes were beaten 41-19 at home by Shelford in a topsy-turvy match on Saturday. A depleted home side were 17-points down with just 15 minutes on the clock following well worked tries by Steve Smith and match winning NZ fly-half Quintyn Austin, who converted
-
Date
Cardiff spoil Eagles’ party
Crystal Palace 1 Green 40 Cardiff City 2 Chopra 2, Scimeca 84 The scene was set for a Selhurst Park party on Saturday, but table-toppers Cardiff gatecrashed proceedings and stole the cake. After the ground's freehold was secured by Eagles' chairman
-
Date
Symons backs goalshy strikeforce
Crystal Palace first team coach Kit Symons believes it is only a matter of time before the club's missfiring frontmen start scoring again. New signing Shefki Kuqi, James Scowcroft (pictured below), Dougie Freedman and Clinton Morrison have managed only
-
Date
London Welsh 24 Exeter Chiefs 30
London Welsh need to show far more consistency when they visit Rotherham on Saturday and Cambridge University on Tuesday following a season of ups and downs, writes Vicky Cheevers. This was reflected in last Saturday's 30-24 home defeat by Exeter Chiefs
-
Date
Facing fraud
This week is national identity fraud prevention week - a national drive by the Met police, Crimestoppers and the Identity and Passport Service to highlight the dangers of identity fraud. A website has been set up as part of the campaign. It gives simple
-
Date
Butcher fails to measure up in weight of meat
A Croydon butcher found guilty of selling short measures and providing false details to trading standards officers has been prosecuted by Croydon Magistrates. Hewa Hassan Margaye, who runs Halal Meat Centre in London Road, was found guilty of failing
-
Date
Smoking breaks face council ban
Smokers at the council's Taberner House are to have cigarette breaks withdrawn and instead offered nicotine replacement therapy to help them quit. The moves are to be introduced by Croydon Council as part of next year's ban on smoking in public places
-
Date
Teenage crime spree
Two teenagers were charged with criminal damage, burglary and attempted theft last week. The two 15-year-olds, who cannot be named, have been charged with damaging a house in Foxley Lane, Purley, a burglary at the Sunrise residential care home, in Purley
-
Date
Up before beak for pet store robbery
A 20-year-old man will reappear at Croydon Magistrates' Court on October 30 charged with the burglary of a pet shop on Saturday. After being called to an incident of criminal damage at Woolworths in Selsdon Christopher Willmott, of no fixed abode, was
-
Date
Metal gear stolen
A 17-year-old and 15-year-old have been charged with burglary after copper piping was stolen. On October 9 at 3.20am police were called to an address in Sanderstead Hill, South Croydon. Three men were seen entering the premises and leaving with copper
-
Date
Ashley is shaping up as favourite for X Factor
A 20-year-old Croydon singer who is singing in the live studio round of ITV's The X Factor has survived another week in the show. Ashley McKenzie has progressed to the next round of the talent show after he impressed viewers with his version of Easy
-
Date
Stalker avoids prison for hounding Jordan
A former television presenter who bombarded Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan with vulgar and threatening phone messages has been spared jail, but warned she faces five years behind bars if she contacts the millionaire businessman again. Tara Stout
