Now Online at www.shirleylife.comand very soonin print

SAVE OURLIBRARIESand make yourvoice heard!!!

27 January 2011

If you stay silent

CLOSED

see page 18

2

ContentsShirley Life 4Care Direct UK 6Living hope Project 8NOG’s Column 11Peter Howard’s Column 12Trends 14A useful gadget 16Shirley Library 18Jane Pledger School of Dancing 21Neighbourhood Partnership Consultation Meetings 23Giovanna’s Column: Journeys from Shirley 24Shirley Community Centre 27Putting Photography in the frame 30Health corner: Pharmacies 31A Local Partnership 32Loudfest at Fairfield Halls 33

Editorial TeamTom Dunsmore, Jill Latter, Marzia Nicodemi-Ehikioya (Editor),Teresa Patti, Russell Elliott and Peter Hacker (Financial consultant),Rob Dil (Graphic Design Consultant).

ContactsTelephone: 07940 415532Email: shirleylife@rocketmail.comWebsite: www.shirleylife.com

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Welcome to Shirley Life. Shirley has now itsown brand new magazine where residentsfrom Monks Orchard, Shrublands andSpring Park can find out what is happeningin their ward. It is a magazine that also aimsto entertain and bring new trends toresidents’ notice.The founder members of Shirley Life wereTom Dunsmore, Russell Elliott, MarziaNicodemi-Ehikioya and Teresa Patti. Wethen welcomed Jill Latter, a fourth generationShirley resident. Peter Hacker is our financialconsultant.The aim of Shirley Life - a non-profit

publication - is to inform Shirley residentsabout local events and to promote Shirley

businesses. It can be accessed on www.shirleylife.com, a website which willbe up-dated daily when necessary. In the website, the Notice Board will keepyou abreast of the latest events and happenings in and around Shirley. It is notpossible to do this with a printed publication.We have no affiliation to any political party and we will not discriminate on

any grounds. Discussion and exchange of views are welcomed. Disagreementsand controversy can be expected and are healthy in any community, but we doask residents to be tolerant of other people’s points of view even if they differfrom theirs. One can always agree to differ.There is also a Gallery where residents can submit their pictures in jpg format

to be published and a Forum where residents can post and exchange ideas.The monthly magazine will appear online from January 2011 and we intend

to produce a printed version of the magazine in the coming months when thefunds are available. Distribution will be through designated shops, surgeriesand pharmacies in Shirley. The publication will be free.All advertisers who submit their artwork according to agreed specifications will

be entitled to three months of free advertising on line. When Shirley Life isproduced in print, we will be offering special introductory packages to ouradvertisers. Please contact us for more details. Acceptance of adverts will beat Shirley Life’s discretion.We wish to thank in advance all the advertisers, contributors and those who

have helped to launch this new venture to fill residents' needs in Shirley.Shirley Life will be happy to help local Residents’ Associations through

entries in the website Notice board.

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Care Direct UK Ltd provides practical support to you at home. We offerour services to self-funders and individuals with direct payments.We supply care/support workers to Care Homes and live-in carers.

Practical tasks that we provide include:• Cleaning and vacuuming/dusting, Laundry and ironing• Organising Wardrobes and Cupboards• Help with general shopping & paying bills• Gardening and taking rubbish out• Collecting prescriptions• Thorough clean or one-off blitz cleans of your house• Help with meal preparation.

PERSONAL CARE SERVICES.

We pride ourselves on our high quality personal care services.Services available to you are:

• Help and support with bathing/washing, dressing/grooming• Assistance with feeding• Help with continence management• A palliative Care Service• Dementia Care• Care of the physically & mentally disabled• Care of physically & mentally frail adults• Care of adults with learning disabilities• Care of adults who misuse substances & alcohol• Provide convalescence care services & care of people dischargedfrom hospital.

• Prompting & assistance with medication

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Job OpportunitiesCare Direct UK Ltd is a staffing and recruitment Care agency providingexcellent care services and support to residents across Croydon andneighbouring Boroughs.

Positions: Part Time or Weekend Work.

Salary: Competitive Rates.

Qualifications: Free NVQ2 if you are not yet qualified.

Induction: An effective introduction to your clients and other keypersonnel..

Training and Development: Comprehensive training courses

What Do You Need To Have To Join Us?

• A Valid Passport/Visa/Right to work in the UK.• Four Passport size photos.• Three Proofs of address. • A CRB Disclosure will also be required.• Commitment, energy, patience, humour and motivation.

If you are interested and want further details, please contact Care Direct UK

By Telephone on 020 8665 4266

or Mobile on 07590 202 547

Alternatively, visit us at Care Direct UK Ltd102-116 Windmill Road, Croydon, CR0 2XQ.

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IntroductionLiving Hope Project is a not-for-profit, community based organisation,designed to provide outreach and practical services to male and femaleclients in our community between the ages of 18 and 64 years and older,who are mainly from Black and Ethnic Minority groups. It is to enhance the lives of people who have become socially excludedand isolated. We provide advice, support and advocacy for our clientsand their carers.

We wish to help vulnerable people who have a history of:• homelessness, alcohol/drug dependency with associated mentalhealth disorders

• consequent and recurrent loss of tenancies and/or hostel places• a low responsiveness to rehabilitation programmes• Ex- offenders and people whose situation is exacerbated by theirethnic background.

Living Hope also has a new project that supports people from EthnicMinority groups living with a neurological disorder due to sustainingmajorinjury or damage to the brain, central nervous system and peripheralnervous system. It could range from strokes to multiple sclerosis, motorneurone disease, Parkinson’s or epilepsy. The range is not exhaustive.

Our AimsThe aim of Living Hope Project is to offer stability and support to andassist in the social inclusion of men and women from Black and EthnicMinorities with a history of neurological, mental health disorders, learningand physical disabilities, alcohol and drug dependency, homelessnessand also to ex-offenders within the age group of 18 to 65 years andolder. We aim to establish a One Stop Centre, which will provide servicesthat are focused on promoting the development of a high level of self-worth and self-esteem in these individuals. We aim to achieve this byproviding high quality practical and emotional support and outreach. Wewill encourage clients to view the Living Hope Project as a communityfacility that they can drop in to visit at any time, which will benefit theminclusively while, at the same time, respect their individuality and

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encourage them to achieve their hopes and aspirations and improveupon their situation in society and their wellbeing.Staff and clients are encouraged to form professional but caringrelationships based on mutual trust and respect. While we wouldencourage service users to pro-actively explore new avenues and regainpast, or achieve new life skills and opportunities, we would also workwith those who do not want, or find it difficult, to become motivatedtowards making a positive change to their lifestyle. However, we wouldencourage and promote the self-esteem, independence and account -ability of each individual, as well as assisting them to cope with andminimise any challenging or anti-social behaviour that they may exhibit.

Our ServicesLiving Hope Project aims to provide motivational, emotional support,befriending and empowering clients to talk about issues that affect themand therefore help them to find positive solutions and improvements totheir situation in life.

We will encourage their integration into their community, thus:• Broaden their social circle via social inclusion and pathways toeducation, training / back to work programmes

• Maintain links with local organisations for job placements • Help with filling forms and CVs, assistance with Welfare Benefits andHousing issues

• Acting as advocates and links to other community services andprofessionals

• Provide outing and Day trips for stimulation and respite breaks forcarers.

• Assist with self assessment and personalisation budget planning.

We will promote awareness of stigmatisation and social exclusion withinour local community, attend and host community events.Living Hope Project aims to have a Drop-in centre where most of theabove mentioned services will be providedOur aspiration is to ensure that our services promote the core values ofcare - privacy, dignity, independence, choice, rights, fulfilment andinclusion. In order to achieve this, we will • Recruit, select and retain competent staff who are diligent anddedicated workers.

• Provide training and management support for staff and volunteers. • Plan our work according to the needs of service users.

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• Work proactively in partnership withother professionals and organisations ,

• Set and maintain high standards forourselves.

The Staff TeamThe Project will have a paid staffcompliment of six. This comprises anOperations Director, Managing Director,one full time Admin Officer, one full-timesupport worker and a part-time supportworker and a cleaner. The Project will also have five voluntary positions, which comprises theChair, Treasurer, one user board member and two full time volunteersupport workers.

We believe that Living Hope Project has the right management team tocarry out this project, given our respective professional backgrounds,insight and experience in the difficulties and needs of 18-65 year olds(and older) people with mental health or related issues.

Living Hope Project would be managed by two Directors with socialwork background, having over 15 years experience of working withvulnerable adults and who have a great deal of insight into the problems,difficulties and needs.

Living Hope Project is needed to help enhance the quality of life ofpeople of colour with mental health problems and learning disabilitiesand their carers. It is also needed based on the outcome of a feasibilitystudy carried out by the directors of the organisation, which highlightedlimited community resources for this client group, in the London Boroughof Croydon and other London Boroughs.

Living Hope Project aims to recruit experienced and skilled staff to assistin the delivery of our aims and objectives. We will provide in-house andexternal training to staff and volunteers, whilst the directors will continueto enhance and develop their knowledge and skills through continuousattendance of professional conferences and workshops.

Please contact Nkoyo Edeke on 020 8665 4266 for further details.

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NOG’s ColumnAbout MeHi, I am partial to a bit of IT and love tobe involved in a new venture, so I am veryhappy to be writing this new onlinecolumn.Some of you may know me already,

but why am I known as NOG? Well bysome strange chance, wherever I haveworked there has been someone elsethere called Neal or Neil or Ian. In oneoffice three out of the seven people whoworked there were called Neil.OK, what has Ian got to do with being

called Neal? I don’t know but for somereason people like to call me Ian! It’s a bit like Trigger in ‘Only fools andhorses’ calling Rodney ‘Dave’. So since I was about 16, I have been knownas NOG. I have been writing a green column for a local magazine for a number of

years and was Croydon Council’s Green householder of the year.

The Community Column This new column is going to be focusing on our Community, Communitywith a Green edge, with Community information, appeals, events andactivities. And, as it is hosted online, you will have the opportunity to getinvolved with the debate or just be able to comment in the Forum sectionof the website.I like publishing on the internet because it is instant. With printed articles

you have to start thinking about your Christmas in September and have itwritten and submitted at the end of October, so that it can be printed andpublished at the end of November.Now we have the option of having a community event one day with the

article being published the next. We can also update event advertising asthe day progresses.I also like the fact that people all over the world have access to it and you

can’t get more green than a virtual page. You could say ‘No trees wereharmed in the making of this page.’

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Local EventsI have been organising community events for a number of years and it

always surprises me that no matter how much advertising you do, after theevent people will always say ‘oh I wish I had known about it ‘cos I wouldhave come.’ Shirley has some great annual events, like the St. Mildred’sHarvest Show and the Glenthorne Allotments Show both of which are goodold fashioned events where people display home made cakes, jams, craftsand vegetables... after the judging the products are auctioned off for Charityso you can get a nice Victoria Sponge for tea and help the community at thesame time.

I hope you enjoy the column and come back soon.

Peter Howard’s ColumnAdult Protection LegislationMany of you will know of, or haveread about, abuse of the elderly. Itcan come in many forms, directassault and physical abuse, neglectand neglect by those charged withthe task of looking after frail elderly incare homes, in hospitals or by carersetc. This is different from forgettingto do something that wouldadversely affect an elderly person. Itmay be that services are cut, leavingthe carer unable to carry out aneeded task. There are fraudsters, who

deliberately prey on the elderly.Some of these aforementioned matters may caused the death of an elderlyperson but, because of the inadequate laws, sometimes there is little thatcan be done.The establishment, many of those in entertainment, the pressor others whose voices would help in our campaign are running, inconjunction with Unison retired Members, a campaign to get the lawchanged to make elder abuse in all its forms a specific criminal offence. Itis said by the Crown Prosecution Service et al that there is a ‘Memorandum

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of Understanding’, whereby Courts are required to impose a higher tariff ofpunishment in cases relating to abuse against the elderly, but how manydo follow it up? However, if this was sufficient, then WHY was it deemed necessary to

have specific laws on Child, Race or Homophobic abuse? Whilst I acceptthat judges, clerks of court know about the ‘Memorandum’, how manypolice officers on the street, who are often the first to come into contactwith such offences, know of this? I know from personal experience of an elderly neighbour that police and

local authorities are not as proactive on elder abuse as they would be onother crimes. I’ve mentioned where they know they are legally obliged totake action. This used to be the case in spousal abuse. Please may I ask youto write to your MP and ask that Elder abuse be made a specific Offence?Thank you, we must all one day get old! I realise that legislation will not

stop elderly abuse but, if people know that when they commit an act ofabuse against the elderly through neglect, fraud, theft or assault, there is ahigher punishment because it is a specific offence, they might take anothercourse of action!

Croydon Council Police Consultative Group (CCPCG)The group and others like it was set up after the Scarman enquiry after theBrixton riots, under the Police and Criminal evidence Act 1984. In Croydon,we have a large group which is attended by members of various localbodies, some Councillors and Senior Metropolitan and British TransportPolice Officers. Some members of the Group are more active than someothers who never say a word. Members of the public may attend and askrelevant questions. The Group is funded through the MPA (MetropolitanPolice Authority) and has a Secretary, Chair and Executive Committee. Ithas a constitution and all groups wishing to join must have a constitution.Questions asked are often about police Officers’ attitude towards

members of the public. Also about response times, low level crime/nuisancein an area. Although I am somewhat critical of this Committee because Isee it as ineffective, sometimes, it is better than having no voice.As an retired senior police officer, I sometimes feel that Police get bogged

down in political matters and are too politically correct. Participating to theCCPCG is your chance to get things altered or, if not altered, at leastbrought to the attention of senior officers. As I often say, a ship is only asgood as its captain. I would like to see a change in the Group so that it becomes more pro-active.

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Trends Absinthe or The Green Fairy

Afew months ago I was shopping in ‘Esselunga’in Italy. It is a supermarket and I was looking for

‘Amaro Averna’ (digestive liqueur). I was somewhatstartled to see a bottle of absynthe. I had heard of itin my childhood as of a forbidden drink that drove

people mad and I had never seen it anywhere. I then read about it on the internet.Before Christmas, I went to Calais with a group of Shirley ladies and I foundabsinthe in Carrefour. As we went by coach, there was no restriction on carryingliquids and I bought a bottle. There was an intriguing spoon too. I tried it neat: itblew me away as it was far too strong. I read the instructions: traditionally,absinthe is prepared by placing a sugar cube on top of a specially designedslotted spoon and then placing the spoon on the glass which has been filledwith a shot of absinthe. Ice-cold water is thenpoured or dripped over the sugar cube so thatthe water is slowly and evenly displaced intothe absinthe, typically 1 part absinthe and 3 to5 parts water. During this process, componentsnot soluble in water (mainly those from anise,fennel, and star anise) come out of solution andcloud the drink. The resulting milkyopalescence is called the louche (opaque orshady in French). Releasing these componentsallows herbal aromas and flavours to ‘blossom" or ‘bloom’ and brings outsubtleties originally over-powered by the anise.Absinthe is an anise-flavoured spirit derived from herbs, including the flowersand leaves of the herb Artemisia absinthium, commonly referred to as ‘grandewormwood’, together with green anise and sweet fennel. It traditionally has anatural green colour but can also be colourless. It is commonly referred to inhistorical literature as la fée verte (the Green Fairy). Although it is sometimesmistakenly called a liqueur, absinthe is not bottled with added sugar and istherefore classified as a spirit. Absinthe is unusual among spirits in that it isbottled at a very high proof but is normally diluted with water when consumed.Although many bars served absinthe in standard glasses, a number of glasses

15

were specifically made forabsinthe. These had a dose line,bulge, or bubble in the lowerportion denoting how muchabsinthe should be poured in.One ‘dose’ of absinthe is around1 fluid ounce (30 ml), and mostglasses used this as the standard,with some drinkers using asmuch as 1½ fluid ounces (45 ml).It originated in the canton ofNeuchâtel in Switzerland. Itachieved great popularity as an alcoholic drink in late 19th and early 20th centuryFrance, particularly among Parisian artists and writers. Owing in part to itsassociation with bohemian culture, consumption of absinthe was opposed by socialconservatives and prohibitionists. Charles Baudelaire, Paul Verlaine, ArthurRimbaud, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Amedeo Modigliani, Vincent van Gogh, andOscar Wilde were all known drinkers of absinthe.Absinthe has been portrayed as a dangerously addictive psychoactive drug.Thechemical thujone, present in small quantities, was blamed for its alleged harmfuleffects. By 1915, absinthe had been banned in the United States and in mostEuropean countries. Although absinthe was vilified, there is no evidence to showthat it is any more dangerous than ordinary spirits. Its psychoactive properties,apart from those of alcohol, have been much exaggerated. A revival of absinthe

began in the 1990s, when countries in the EuropeanUnion began to re-authorize its manufacture and sale.Nearly 200 brands of absinthe are now being produced ina dozen countries, most notably in France, Switzerland,Spain, and the Czech Republic. Absynthe reminds me of pastis Pernod or Sambucabut the ritual of the spoon and sugar makes it far moreenticing. It could be a pleasant summer drink, withplenty of ice. Isn’t nice to think of summer when wecan sit outside and enjoy a warm breeze? Marzia

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A useful Gadget

The Instahanger

I have for many years wrestled with the problem of where to hang just-ironed shirts before transporting them upstairs - on door knobs? over theback of dining-room chairs? Recently a friend told me about Instahanger,a foldaway hanging rail, which she had bought on eBay and the problemwas solved: I bought my own Instahanger and installed it in my utilityroom where it comfortably holds up to 10 shirts at a time. My friend hasopted for the Quikcloset version - two Instahangers and a telescopichanging rail - which can be folded away when not in use or easilyinstalled to hold guests' coats etc. At £11.99, I have found this gadgetto be one of the best-value buys I've ever made.

Teresa Patti

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The future of Shirley LibraryOn 2nd February 2011 there will be a publicconsultation at 7pm at Shirley Parish Hall,Wickham Road, Shirley, not as a result ofpleas of children, families and elderly people tothe Council but as an obligatory consultationfollowing a Report to Cabinet on 13th

December 2010, Agenda Item 8.If you are concerned for yourself, for yourchildren, for others, BE THERE!!!

FINANCIAL SUMMARY:The Council is considering differentways to make efficiencies. This paperproposes consultation on options forreducing the library building networkbudget in light of the ComprehensiveSpending Review. If a decision weremade to change the current service itcould result in a reduction in spendingof £98k- 664k. In addition it isestimated that there will be savings inthe cyclical and responsivemaintenance budgets of between £5kand £64k.The Leader of the Council hasdelegated to the Cabinet the power tomake the decisions set out in therecommendations below.

1. RECOMMENDATIONS1.1 Agree that officers commence a full public consultation on options for

the future provision of the library service as detailed in paragraphs3.8-3.31, and 4, of the report.

1.2 Note that the outcome of those consultations will be reported to afuture meeting of Cabinet for a final decision.

1.3 Following final decision by cabinet formal consultations regardingpotential redundancies take place with the trade unions.

The following text is an excerpt regarding Shirley Library:

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3.18 Option 3: Closure of Shirley LibraryThe closure of Shirley Library would result in Central and AshburtonLibrary becoming the Hubs for the Shirley area, with Ashburton inparticular, offering local services to Shirley users. Ashburton has astrong programme of children activities and events that couldaccommodate Shirley users effectively, and delivers a number ofreading groups targeted at families, adults and young people.

3.19 Shirley Library is an old complex building that requires significant work.The number of visits projected for 2010/11 is 66,579. The library hasseen a slight increase in visits between 2006 and 2009 of 0.9%;however, the area in which it is situated has the lowest potential for newhomes and a forecast of a population decrease within 1 mile to 2021.The profile of library members shows a wide mix of people, includingsuccessful high earners, senior white collar workers nearing retirementand people living in social housing with higher unemployment.

3.20 Equalities impact of Option 3: Shirley Library is situated in an areaprojected to see an increase in the proportion of residents who areaged over 60. Closure of the library would present these older peoplewith barriers to accessing services. There will be a relatively low impacton the 23% of the population who are from minority ethnic groups.Deprivation is existent in two Lower Super Output Areas (LSOA) in thesouth-east of the ward. One of these areas fall within the 20% mostdeprived nationally and another falls in the 20% most deprived onincome deprivation, which is one the more significant forms ofdeprivation.

3.21 This option provides a direct saving of £99k and would result in 4potentially redundant posts. In addition it is estimated that there will besavings in the cyclical and responsive maintenance budgets of £8k.

It is possible that the incumbent administration believed that Croydonresidents would acquiesce in the closures of libraries. Fortunately they didnot. Croydon Council launched a consultation asking residents to‘recommend’ which one from the list of six (Norbury, Sanderstead, Shirley,Bradmore Green, Broad Green and South Norwood) they think should closeor choose an option to do ‘nothing’. It is a ‘dog-eat-dog’ battle as manyresidents in one area may know absolutely nothing about another area. Idoubt that people have the time, the energy and the money to go aroundthe borough and research libraries!How convenient would the Central and Ashburton Libraries be forShirley residents? Not at all. Even for shopping many residents prefer

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Bromley! Shirley residents cannot find Ashburton Library an easy toreach hub as, once they reach Shirley Library from their abode: • There are 1.3 miles by car (petrol is becoming more and more expensiveand there is no parking around the Ashburton library);

• It takes officially (taken from the Transport for London website) 23 minutesto walk (and one must be pretty fit);

• It takes a bus ride to Trinity School and 18 minutes walk from there.Libraries are not just there for books; residents use them to communicatewith the world through computers, read papers and find jobs. With theincreasing number of redundancies that we see around us, it is likely thatlibraries will be used even more. Other library uses include group eventsand activities for all ages from toddlers to seniors. There are children whodo not have a quiet room to read in at home. There are people who do nothave internet services at home.Libraries across the borough have to be preserved at all costs.

The MP for Croydon Central wrote in a letter to the Advertiser publishedon 21st January 2011 about traffic consultation: ‘I am confident thatcommon sense will prevail’. He might well apply the same words to thethreatened closure of libraries as he called a pre-arranged photo shoot infront of Shirley Library on Saturday 22nd January 2011. What a shame thatwider publicity was not given to the event and only selected groups wereinformed about it.Would it not be better if common sense prevailed from inception? How much

do all the surveys and analysis of the same plus public meetings cost us? Andhow reliable are they? Is the date and source available for inspection? It is also interesting to note that Councillor Sara Bashford (and the other

two ward Councillors) wrote for a nearby local Residents’ Associationmagazine: ‘There are proposals to reduce the branch library network fromits current 13 to a lesser number. With the introduction of on-line books andthe Internet the use of Branch libraries had steadily been declining over theyears. As a result the costs of borrowing a book has risen and in oneincidence it would almost be cheaper to give the visitor to the library a booktoken to go and purchase a paperback than it would be for that resident toborrow from the branch library’.

SAVE OUR LIBRARIES and make your voice heard

on 2nd February 2011!!!

Jane Pledger School of Dancing

Mrs. Pledger,s Saturday classes have movedto Emmanuel Church, The Grove, WestWickham. Please phone her on 8656 8529 or 84063974 for further details.

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Have your say and attend one of the meetings in February. Do you know what devolved empowerment is?

What do you think of localism? It is our community: if our voice is not heard, we have no right

to complain! Let’s speak up now or forever hold our peace!

Giovanna’s ColumnSince I relocated to the UK I have re-organised mybusiness life. I chose to be known in the travel businessworld with the name of GR MICE & Travel TradeConsultancy. MICE in ‘our world’ stands for Meetings,Incentives, Conferences, Events and is what I havedealt with most of my business life. I enjoy sharing my travelling experiences and was very

pleased to be asked by Shirley Life to contribute to themagazine. I would like to call my column Journeys from Shirley and tosuggest venues and places to visit. I do hope you will like my suggestions.Please let me know your opinions and give me your feedback. Everyone enjoystravelling, but I am aware that sometimes there is not enough time to find outabout new places. I will be suggesting some unique ‘get-aways’ at home andabroad so that, depending on your time and funds, you may find useful tips toenjoy a restaurant in London or a unique brasserie in Paris and so on..........

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In London A Lebanese Restaurant in So

ho, Kaslik Meze Bar & Restaurant , 58 Greek Street ,

London , W1D 3DY , phone 7851 1585. If you are looking fo

r something more than

just food, go and have some fun enjoying a belly dance

r show in a traditional

Lebanese ambiance. I found the food fresh and healthy and

spent a lovely evening

to remember. www.kasliksoho.com

In ShirleyChutney’s Shirley, Indian

Restaurant & Takeaway, 244 Wickham Road,

Shirley, London CR0 8BJ , phone 8556 3757 for a

lovely Indian meal to

enjoy with your friends in a quiet and tranquil ambiance

. Delicious food, ideal

for a night out not too far from home.

LOVE IT? HATE IT? EMAIL IT!

Share your opinions with me at grmice@grmice.com.

I am waiting to hear from you.

25

AbroadTripoli, capital of Lybia, is one

of the most beautiful cities along the Mediterranean

Sea. The seaside promenade in the modern part is impr

essive. Tripoli has one of

the best old cities in the Arabic world, where the me

rchants are almost not

interested in selling souvenirs to foreigners. If it were

possible, the Libyans here are even friendlier than

Libyans in general and they are not interested in your

money. This has to do with Libya’s economy being far

much better than their neighbouring countries. One

of the few museums not to miss is the Jamahirya

Museum. I was in Lybia a few years ago and was

impressed with the country, it has so much to offer to

its visitors in terms of history, culture and exquisite

food. People were so friendly and once, when we

were visiting the ruins in Leptis Magna, I

complimented some women on their beautiful

dresses and they surrounded me, dressing me with

one of their fabrics and putting some gold necklaces

on me. Everyone in my group was laughing and the local p

eople all started dancing

around us; it was unexpected and fun for everybody.

There are many international hotel chains where you cou

ld stay such as Corithia

Bab Africa Hotel (5 star), JW Marriott Tripoli and Sheraton

Tripoli opening in 2011

(which shows that tourism in this country is going to increa

se), Al Mahary Radisson

Blu, (5 star) or the more traditional and locally owned hot

els such as Libya Tripoli

(3 stars) and Zumit Hotels (3 stars).

Near ShirleyI do not know if everyone is

aware that a new restaurant has opened in Valley

Park, its name is Cosmo, price range p.p. is £13.99 to

be paid in advance

before you are seated. Book on line or phone 86 800

800. It is actually the

biggest restaurant in the UK. A friend of mine has be

en there and spent a

lovely evening. Before suggesting it to you all, I have rea

d some reviews: most

of them are good. I do personally think it will be worth g

iving it a try and book

a table as I will soon do. Cosmos is a franchise resta

urant chain and the

branch in Valley Park is the biggest, having 800 seats a

nd serving 9 different

types of Asian food from Malaysia, Mongolia, Viet

nam, China, Japan,

Singapore, India, Korea, and Thailand. With live cookin

g demonstrations and

a huge variety of food and dessert selection you will cer

tainly enjoy a unique

experience with your friends. www.cosmo-restaurants.co.uk

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Shirley Community Centre (SCC)Thanks to Croydon Council, the ShirleyCommunity Centre has been fully refurbished andwe now have premises we are proud to offer tolocal groups. Our main hall is complemented byan up-to-date kitchen, with two other roomsadjacent, and a separate room suited to smallercommittee meetings.Currently used by a cycling club, a church,

martial arts groups and dance and exercisegroups, these premises are ideally placed on the‘join’ between two differing housing areas. Wellserved by two bus routes, and with some on-siteparking, the Centre is available most morningsand the early part of each afternoon. It is also verypopular for private parties at weekends.To hire the Centre, please contact us on

020 8777 4298 (Thursdays between 9.30 and 11.30am) or email us at:lettings4scca@hotmail.co.uk.Our midweek charges are £10 per hour (£40 for the whole morning or

afternoon, £50 for a whole evening) or for private parties £250 on a Saturday or£350 on a Sunday. The small Meeting Room costs is £5 per hour at any time.We look forward to welcoming you as a new user

Andy Bebington, Hon. Treasurer

What and When at the CentreShrublands Christian Fellowship Sundays 10.30 till 12

Streetz Mon to Fridays 3.45 – 5.45pm

Youth club Mon and Wednesdays 7 – 9pm

Wardens Wed and Thurdays 4.30 – 6pm

Zumba Tuesdays 1.30 – 2.30pm

Tenshin tsunami Ryu Tuesdays 7 – 9pm

Legs, Bums and Tums Thursdays 7 – 8pm

South Eastern Road Club Thursdays 8 – 10pm

Fit ‘n’ Funky Thursdays 2 – 3pm

GKR Fridays 6 – 7.30pm

Tenshin tsunami Ryu Fridays 7.30 – 9.30pm

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INTO

CONTACT YOUR LICENSED ZUMBA INSTRUCTOR:

Angelinaat Shirley Community CentreShrublands Avenue, Shirley

Tuesdays 1.30pm - 2.30pm£4 FIRST WEEK FREE

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Shirley Individual Creative Clothing (SIC)Gala at the SCC on 22nd January 2011

Sponsored by Grass roots Grants and after ten weeks of hard work, the Root SIC Gala was a tremendous success.

The children designed the clothes they wanted to wear and their mothershelped them to cut and sew. Some chose to wear traditional clothes from theirparents’ country of origin and some did not as they felt that they were bornand bred in England. IKEA supplied an enormous amount of fabric for makingthe clothes.Bev, Gavin, Lisa, Monique and Jill helped throughout the entire project. Caren

took care of refreshments and kept everybody going. The Shrublands Trust applied for the grant through CVA (Croydon Voluntary

Action) and the event was held at the Shirley Community Centre. A lovely buffet was prepared by Simon and Martin with funding from Awards

for All. There was a superb spread laid out for the many guests.Anisha designed the powerful logo. All the local Community pulled together

and that made a big difference.

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SIC Fashion Show

Putting photography in the frameIn a series of articles, Andrew Dunsmoreof Picture Partnership, Shirley will beexploring the importance of getting yourmessage across using carefully plannedphotography and tell you how you canmaximise the impact of your images.We all know that a picture can say 1,000words, yet businesses often spend adisproportionate amount of time drafting

their websites, corporate brochures and press releases and neglect to giveproper thought to the photograph they use.Used effectively, a well planned photograph can really help to get your

business noticed. Picture Partnership says: ‘Photography has the power toshock, motivate, sell, communicate, all without saying a word.’

According to Andrew: ‘On many occasions, I have seen businesses use aphotograph just because it is of their MD or because it contains an image of thecompany’s product. Such photos are increasingly taken in-house using a digitalcamera and don’t really reflect the professional image of the business or thequality of the product. It’s worth remembering that good products with badimages are less likely to sell than bad products with good images’.

Lasting memoryPhotography can be used for so much more than company brochures and PRpurposes. For example, taking photographs of guests at corporate hospitalityevents, such as golf days, is agreat example of how aphotograph can add value to abusiness. Especially when allguests are given their individualphotos as a reminder of the day,usually in a frame embossed withthe host company’s logo.Guests will talk about the golf

day for a few days or a few weeksafterwards. However, the photo -graph of themselves at the eventon their desk will give them a lasting memory. It is a personal gift and it is usuallydisplayed in the office with pride!

Next month: Top tips for using photography effectively

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Health corner: PharmaciesGreenchemPharmacist: Mr Mayur Patel, MRPharmS15 Broom Road, Shirley CR0 8NG. Tel: 8777 7220Monday to Friday 9am to 1pm and 2 to 7pmWednesday 9am to 1pm - Saturday 9am to 4pm

GreenchemPharmacist: Wai Yee Lau, MRPharmS20 Bywood Avenue, Shirley CR0 7RA. Tel: 8654 8576Monday to Friday 9am to 1pm and 2 to 6.30pmWednesday 9am to 1pm - Saturday 9am to 5pm

McCoig PharmacyPharmacist: Julie Scott, MRPharmS143 Wickham Road, Shirley CR0 8TE. Tel: 8654 1762Monday to Friday 9am to 6.30pmSaturday 9am to 1pm

Mona PharmacyPharmacist: Mrs Doshi, MRPharmS246 Wickham Road, CR0 8BJ. Tel: 8654 4826Monday to Friday 9am to 6.30pmSaturday 9am to 1pm

Shirley Pharmacy175 Shirley Road, Shirley CR0 8SS. Tel: 8654 1065Monday to Friday 9am to 7pmSaturday 9am to 5.30pm

Late or Sunday opening (always ring before travelling)

Lloyds Pharmacy, 108 High Street, West Wickham BR4 0LT, Tel: 8916 9610Sunday 10am to 4pm

Croydon Pharmacy, 44 South End, Croydon CR0 1DP, Tel: 8688 5544Monday to Saturday 7am to 10pm and Sunday 9am to 8pm

Boots the Chemist, Daniell Way, Valley Plaza Retail Park, Croydon CR0 4YJ,Tel: 8686 1114. Monday to Saturday 9am to midnight. Sunday 11am to 5pm.Please note: only the pharmacy booth is open till midnight.

Westbury Chemists, 86 Streatham High Road, Streatham SW16 1BS. Tel: 8769 1919. 9am to midnight, 7 days a week.

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A local Partnership

As part of Beckmead School’s focus on attendance, Beckmeadhas now been holding an Attendance Cup competition for alltutor groups in the School.

The Attendance Cup is sponsored by McDonald’s Shirley and has beenfacilitated by the management of this branch of McDonald’s.

The competition aims to raise awareness among young people of theimportance of going to school on a regular basis. The Students areasked to encourage and monitor each others attendance on a half termbasis. The winning Tutor group is then taken to McDonald’s for breakfastwith the manager of the store.

Robbie Devlin, Headteacher at Beckmead School, Shirley, said: ‘Whilstschool attendance rates are good in the Croydon, there are somechildren with less than average attendance. Croydon Education WelfareService is keen to do as much as it can to ensure that all children in theborough have the opportunity to obtain a level of education that willbenefit them well into their adult life; it is hoped that such initiatives as theAttendance Cup will help some children to achieve this outcome.’

The attendance rate of pupils in Beckmead School has improved dueto initiatives taken by the school and the commitment of parents andpupils in our school.

Sean Campbell, Assistant Headteacher

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LOUDFEST – FAIRFIELD HALLS

Friday 8th April 2011Following a very successful event in February 2005, Fairfield Halls have agreedto host a fundraising concert on behalf of the Mayor of Croydon’s charitableappeal. The event, called Loudfest, will feature various inspirational andunsigned acts, all of whom have agreed to give their time and talents for free.Fairfield Halls have, once again, been extremely generous and have allowedtheir facilities to be used for a fraction of what it would normally cost. Therewill, however, still be some expenses and we are seeking sponsorship to offsetthese, so that all profit can be donated to the charities concerned. In return foryour generosity (which should be tax deductible!), you can expect very positivepublicity both on the night and in the media, as well as the knowledge that youhave made a real difference to two very worthy causes.

TThhee MMaayyoorr ooff CCrrooyyddoonn’’ss CChhaarriittiieessEach year the Mayors use their term in office to raise funds for charitablecauses. In 2010/11, Croydon’s Mayor Avril Slipper will be supporting both awell-established local organisation and a fairly new national establishment.

CCrrooyyddoonn OOppppoorrttuunniittyy PPrree--SScchhooooll GGrroouupp ((CCOOPPGG))This invaluable group offers sessional day care for any child with a special needfrom 3 months old, as well as catering for mainstream children from the age of2. The children are looked after by a team of highly qualified and experiencedstaff. Since it was launched in 1975, COPG places almost as much emphasison parental support as it does on childcare provision. It is currently the onlysessional day care organisation that takes pre-school children with specialneeds from such a young age. This provision is deeply appreciated by localfamilies with a special needs child. The charity is registered with OFSTED andreceived an ‘outstanding’ report on its last inspection in 2009.www.croydonopportunitygroup.org

HHeellpp FFoorr HHeerrooeessLaunched only in 2007, Help for Heroes is a new charity that aims to provideadditional support to servicemen and women injured in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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The initial focus is to raise funds that help provide the rehabilitation facilities soimportant in enabling the injured to rebuild their lives. Supporting the charityoffers an opportunity for people to demonstrate in practical ways theirappreciation of and support for members of the armed forces at a time whenthere is, sadly, an increasing need to support casualties from currentoperations. www.helpforheroes.com

Some of the Artists AppearingTThhee LLoouuddnneessssMost rock bands seek fame and fortune, but one Croydon band has a differentagenda The Loudness were formed in 2004 by a father, his 15 year old son andtheir friends to raise money for a one-off charity gig for COPG. The gig went so welland raised more money than they expected, that they decided to repeat theventure. 7 years later, they are still going, having raised in excess of £25,000 alongthe way for various good causes. In 2008, they were awarded the Croydon’sChampion award for Services to the Arts by the Croydon Guardian, beating off stiffopposition from X Factor and Fame Academy finalists. This will be the Loudness’farewell gig as the ‘son’ in question is now based in Leeds and plays withBlackwater, a name for the future.www.myspacemusic.com/theloudnessrock

BBllaacckk WWaatteerrBlack Water is a 4 piece band based in Leeds, West Yorkshire, with allmembers sharing a love of rock and blues music. Driven by their all-consumingpassion for all colours of the rock and roll spectrum, the boys’ individual blendof Groove Rock riffs, Thin Lizzy-esque twin guitar solos, and full-tilt stagepresence make them a force to be reckoned with. With a Battle of the Bandswin under their belt, a debut EP out now, a debut album in the pipeline, and

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upcoming support slots for some of Britain’s finest rock acts, Black Water ismoving from strength to strength, and taking it on with a drink in each hand.www.myspacemusic.com/blackwaterbandleeds

DDyyllaann CCoobbbbDylan is an inspirational teenager who last year was seen filling Croydon withthe sound of music by busking in the street to fund his place at an exclusivemusic school. Dylan hopes to become a professional musician like his hero,guitarist Mark Knopfler from Dire Straits. In order to raise the cash, thedetermined youngster got himself a licence from Croydon and busked outsidethe Whitgift Centre in his spare time. But playing the guitar like a pro is notwhere Dylan’s talents end. The gifted busker is also a gifted academic. At justeight years old, Dylan achieved two GCSEs in maths and IT. Having sufferedbadly at the hands of bullies as a child, Dylan was home tutored until gettingthe opportunity to appear on ITV’s philanthropic show Fortune: Million PoundGiveaway. After explaining his story, Dylan impressed the board, including ex-Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan, who handed over £38,000 for him toattend Campbell Harris, a private college in Kensington, where he managed toachieve four A levels and another three GCSEs. Dylan’s determination paid offand he is now studying at Kilburn’s Institute of Contemporary Music.

TThhee UUnnrreeaaddyyFormed in the ashes of This Years Photo and Shock Syndrome, The Unreadyare a wonderfully tight and slick-sounding alternative rock band. Big crunchingriffs, bigger melodies and pounding beats, the kind of band the live circuit wasmade for. www.theunready.com

If you think that you might be able to contribute towards sponsorship orwould like further information, or simply to buy tickets, please contactAngelene Rackett on 07810 793609 or email theloudness@btinternet.com

Tickets @ £8. Family tickets @ £20 (family of 4)