SL October 11

8/3/2019 SL October 11

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24 October 2011


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ContentsShirley Life 5

Andrew Pellings Column 11

Charles Parks Column 12

A speech that never wasby Cllr Wayne Lawlor 14Considering Alternatives: A case of good Host by Helen Campbell-McDonald18

Historic church soon to re-open from Inside Croydon 20

How to grow prize winning hostas as told by J Keefe to Tom Dunsmore22

Giovannas Column 28

Shirley Community Centre 34

About Andrew Dunsmore of Picture Partnership, Shirley 40

Shirley Library: November Activities 42A room without a book is like a body without a soul by Marzia 43

Croydon - Confusion Central from That Woman 44

CCAT: Stiletto Walk 42

Pictures from Wickham Studio, Shirley 43

Front Cover: Autumn at The Warren

Editorial TeamTom Dunsmore, Mike Jackson, Jill Latter, Marzia Nicodemi-Ehikioya(Editor), Andrew Pelling, Russell Elliott (Advertising Consultant), PeterHacker (Financial Consultant), and Robert Dil (Graphic Design Consultant).

ContactsT: 07940 415532 E: [email protected] W: www.shirleylife.com


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You are warmly invited

to attend

Friday Peer Group Sessions

every Fridaybetween 2 and 5pm at

The Shirley Community Centre

SHRUBLANDS AVENUESHIRLEY, SURREY

CR0 8JA

We aim to create a welcoming place for Older Adults

to meet with their peer group, and make friends,

socialise, play games

(Bingo sessions and other games),

listen to music, sing along and reminisce.

We also plan to offer health advice and information,

exercise classes, andC

omT

ea(relaxed computer basic training) sessions.

Free tea, coffee and snacks

Call us on 8776 2562 or

07590 202547

for further details.


7/517

Rolling outThe Council is saying sorry for the incredible mess created around the new

deliveries of buckets (food bins) and non collections of refuse. Please read page

8. Where is the much heralded flawless rolling out? I had written to the Council

that I had no need for the bucket because we do not waste food, ever. That is

the way I was brought up and see no reason to change my way of life. We

recycle absolutely everything possible and never buy plastic bags, biodegradableor not. I am tired of being labelled negative because I ask questions. I ask

questions politely but I got no answer at the Full Council Meeting on 17 October.Please read the above document and judge for yourselves.

The food waste service is not compulsory and Croydon Council offered tocollect my unwanted caddie and bin. I would never waste public money forsuch an exercise so I delivered it myself at the Full Council meeting andentrusted the items into the hands of the CouncilSolicitor who was more gracious than the very angryCouncillor Phil Thomas (pictured on the right) who never

answers any questions put to him. Consultation withresidents and careful planning of the rolling out would have helped avoiding allthe aggravation. Three thousand or more households are not a small numberof people. It seems that individual letters of apologies will be sent.


8/51

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From Croydon

Council ebullettin

From

Croydon

Council

website


10/5110

Hostas

The illustrations on page 26 are a selection of

miniatures that may not be so familiar to even

experienced gardeners and would also be suitable for

rockery areas. John Keefe told Tom that all disposable

hostas are down in Suffolk now. If readers express aninterest in acquisition, they would also have to know

that the hostas would be available for collection only

as postage would be prohibitive. Individually designed

hosta beds are also available! Please write to

[email protected] for the attention of Tom

Dunsmore for further details.

It is the 4th Fair!Shirley Supporting Charities hope you will

join us at our 4thAnnual Community Fair

on Saturday 19 November 2011 at Shirley

Parish Hall, Wickham Road between

11am and 4pm. Free entry.

Shirley Supporting Charities has been

helping small groups in our community forfive years and as far away as Belarus.

Our Community Fair helps over 20 local

groups such as the Womens Institute, the

Croydon Branch of the National Autistic

Society, Demelza House and also the

Chernobyl Childrens Project UK.

Forum and other mattersShirley Life has a Forum but residents do not seem keen to engage in

debates and prefer to write emails to the Editor. I am happy to receive any

information regarding our community but a bit sad that the Forum is not used.

Regarding the complaint ofShirley Life not going to print as planned I will say

that I do understand that many have no internet access at home but I decided

not to charge for advertising and to remain a totally free magazine, in more

ways than one! Please use the free computers at our Shirley Library and joinour almost five thousand readers online. We seem to grow each month and

are very proud of it. Come and talk to us at the SSC Fair on 19 November.

Shirley Supporting Charities

4th Annual

Community Fair

Saturday 19th November 2011

11am to 4pm

Shirley Parish Hall,Wickham Road

FREE ENTRY

Local Community & Charity Group Stalls Alternative Therapy Hall

Sponsored by Supporting local Charities including:

Shirley Parish HallFor Bookings Call

Michael Warne 0208 777 8508

Editor


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Council Meeting and GLA Sketchesby Andrew Pelling

The Friends of Millers Pond have a duck as

their symbol. Perhaps then it was good thatCroydons 70 Councillors benefitted from an

extended description of the attractions of

feeding Millers Ponds ducks with frozen peas

at the last Council meeting. The Councillor in

touch with best feeding habits may well be a

budding replacement for David Attenborough

but in reality it was a different kind of duckingthat Cllr. Bashford was involved in.

Cllr. Bashford was talking at length about how to

feed our local feathered friends so as to duck out

of having a debate about the proposed running of our local libraries remotely in

the US or from Putney (Wandsworth Council). By the time wed learnt of the

relatively beneficial effect of frozen peas on the fish in our local pond there was not

enough time left to discuss our local libraries. The debate had been talked out.You cant really see why our ruling Conservatives would have any problem

defending a proposal to privatise our local libraries. The shilly-shallying just gave

an impression that there was something to hide. May be they just did not want

to admit that Wandsworth Council might be better at running our libraries than

they are or that so much money has been spent on the new Town Hall or

wasted in 35 million of uncollected Council Tax that they just cant afford to run

the service themselves these days.So many Councillors from the ruling group spoke at length about nothing in

particular that the highlight of the evening was the Advertisers long standing

local government journalist Ian Austin dropping his note book from 30 feet

above the chamber in the press gallery, almost hitting the Mayor on the head.

Once the debate had been talked out the ruling Conservatives then used their

majority to ban further questions from the Opposition.

Things only really livened up when the ruling group tried to bully the Mayor withincessant interruptions to stop another separate debate on policing. Going red

in the face Cllr. Fisher, the Council Leader, blurted out to the Labour Opposition

We run this Council; you dont.11


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With such childish outbursts and pranks its no wonder people say they just

think politicians are a waste of time.

Time keeping is certainly something that Cllr. Fisher believes that is not the role

of Councillors in doing their work for their salaries up to 56,000 a year when

in a written answer he stated there is no requirement for Councillors to log or

keep a record of the number of hours spent on Council business.

Speaking to the answer Fisher added that the fact that he had left home at 8

am that day and spent the whole day on Council business should be

appreciated. It was unclear as to whether working the whole day for a whole

days salary was an exceptional activity.

Seems like nice work if you can get it.

And being polite to members of the public was not on show when Cllr. Thomasaccused any member of the public asking questions about the new recycling

scheme as being merely out to undermine the work of the Council.

If we were in Soviet Russia, Cllr. Thomas is the kind of local politburo member whod

send you to the gulag pronto if you dared to question his good works for the Party.

So was there much concrete news from the Council meeting?

Cllr. Fisher said that money from the Mayor of London to help with the riots hadnot yet arrived. (The next day a member of the Reeves family reported to the

national inquiry into the riots that a government minister had told him that

Croydon Council had not applied for the funds and that was the hold up in

securing monies.)

Cllr. Jason Perry, who speaks on planning, conceded that the governments

new planning rules risk there being a lot of green belt and backland

development. Perry also reported that there were five bids to buy Cane Hill.

Councillor Dudley Mead, in response to a question from Labour Councillor Paul

Smith, reported that the newly appointed roads contractor for Croydon, who was

to do all road repair and snow clearance, replacing 16 other contractors, would

be looked at again by the Council after many senior resignations and financial

woes at one of the two parent companies of the contractor Enterprise Mouchel.

What had exercised the Conservatives in the police debate was a reference tothe local MP being supportive of the police cuts which Conservative Councillors

felt unfair as the MP is not a member of the council and therefore not able to

defend himself in person.


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What did seem especially peculiar was the London Assembly Member,Metropolitan Police Authority Member, Croydon Council Cabinet Member,Councillor for Kenley and until very recently the chair of the Finance

Committee of the Metropolitan Police Authority Cllr Steve OConnell GLAMstating that he was just about to launch a campaign and petition for extra

police officers. This petition was ridiculed by Councillor Louisa Woodley,OConnells Labour opponent in next years London Elections, as it was Cllr.

OConnell GLAM himself who had introduced the cuts to police numbers asthe chair of the Metropolitan Police Authoritys Finance Committee. Credibilityseems to be of little value these days to politicians desperately seeking votes.

To give Cllr OConnell GLAM his due he only gently chastised his

opponents for referring to his 129,000 of annual salaries. OConnell was

dubbed the highest paid Councillor in the country by the Daily Mail. Sincestanding down from the chair of the Metropolitan Police Authoritys

Finance Committee in the Summer his pay plus pension contribution from

City Hall for 2011-12 has fallen to just 115,527, though thats still very

good pay for local government work and much more than backbench MPs

get paid. OConnell does hope though to add a Parliamentary salary and

pension to this sum having become the Conservative Parliamentary

spokesman for Sutton where he hopes to unseat the Liberal DemocratMPs there. As an MP his total salaries and pensions would then come to

150,000 from the public purse.

Across in the London Assembly this month Cllr. OConnell GLAM was showing

the same purposeful amnesia about his role in putting forward a budget to cut

police numbers when pushing the Mayor for extra police on the tram to New

Addington. Mayor Boris really condescends to OConnell when answering his

questions; Johnson must treat the nanny better than he does OConnell. Thismonths Assembly Mayoral Question Time was no exception.

Johnson nonchalantly said he did not know whether crime really was going up on

the branch lines to New Addington. Hed look at the figures but he thought crime

was falling on the system as a whole. This somehow got transposed in the local

press to be reported as the Mayor being likely to give extra police to the tram.

Thats the problem you have when local newspapers have to rely on the politicians

themselves to report back on what happens up at the London Assembly.

Its unfortunate for OConnell that Shirley residents have their own Shirley Life

correspondent at the London Assembly meetings.


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A Speech that never was by Cllr Wayne LawlorMr Mayor

This is about the future of our library service in Croydon. Our motion is simple:it is about Putting Croydon First. I know there are many Tory Councillors herewho passionately disagree with Cllr Fishers decision to sell our libraries and layoff many talented and outstanding library staff.My colleagues have made the case this evening in favour of our motion. We areopposed to the privatisation of our treasured library service.I have listened to Conservative Councillors rather predictably blaming the LabourGovernment and the previous Labour Administration. People are getting sick ofhearing the same, tired excuses. You have been in administration in Croydon for5 long years and in government for over a year.Get a grip and take responsibility for your actions! The people of Croydondeserve better!We, on this side of the Chamber stand shoulder to shoulder with the people ofCroydon in our opposition to these politically motivated ideological plans by thisConservative Council based on dogma.The fact that this council is unable to manage important statutory services is asad indictment.Councillor Fishers treatment of the Upper Norwood Joint Library is a testament

to his contempt for local democracy. The UNJL is the model of efficiency thatshould be used at other libraries. Instead, this administration is holding it toransom. The key to our library service lies in the accounting books of UNJL. Ichallenge you again to take up Tim Coates offer of an Independent public inquiryinto our library service.The Conservative paper on libraries could be described, to use an expression Ithink they will be familiar with, as being the longest suicide note in Croydonspolitical history.

Dont forget, it was a Labour Council that built 4 libraries across Croydon, inAshburton, Selsdon, Broad Green and New Addington. We stand proudly by ourrecord, compared to the appalling mess being left by the Party opposite.Our libraries may now be run from Putney, the United States or even that wellknown provider of library services, John Laing.Is this really localism? I am pleased to announce that Cllr Mansell and I will, in atrue localist approach, be consulting with users of every library in Croydon over thecoming months.

In conclusion, I ask fellow Councillors this evening: do you want to beremembered for the destruction or renewal of the library service? Support for thedestruction or renewal of the library service?Support this motion; support our libraries and Put Croydon First.

14


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Extract from Part 4.A - Council Procedure rules3.51Any Councillor may submit in writing (including in electronic form) one

Motion for Debate to the Council Solicitor, Director of Democratic and

Legal Services.The wording of the motion and the name of the Councillor

seconding it shall be contained on the notice submitted to the Council

Solicitor, Director of Democratic and Legal Services. Such notices shall be

received by the Council Solicitor, Director of Democratic and Legal

Services no later than noon of the third clear working day prior to the day

of the Council meeting. The subject of such a motion shall not be a current

planning or licensing application.

3.54A maximum of 2 Motions shall be debated at a Council Meeting.

3.58 If two Motions for Debate are presented to the Council for debate the

time available for debate shall be divided equally between them subject to

each motion and any amendment proposed to it having no more than 18minutes for debate. If the amount of time available prior to 10.00 p.m. to

debate two Motions for Debate is less than 36 minutes, the Chair shall

confirm that the Motions have fallen. In the event that only one Motion for

Debate is presented to the Council for debate, if the time available prior

to 10.00 p.m. to debate the Motion is less than 18 minutes, the Chair shall

confirm that the Motion has fallen

2 motions for debate

were received on 17October. The Majority

Conservative Group

voted down a Labour

proposal to move on to

debate the motions

after filibusting by the

Conservatives in an

open attempt to avoidthe debate on the two

motions. The vote was

lost 35 Tories to 33

Labour. It is still unclear

what will happen with

the outsourcing of one

of our most precious

assets. We are gratefulto Councillor Lawlor for letting us have the speech that never was. You can

read Cllr Maggie Mansells other speech that never was in Inside Croydon at

http://insidecroydon.com
http://insidecroydon.com/http://insidecroydon.com/http://insidecroydon.com/


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CONSIDERING ALTERNATIVESCase of a good Host

In my work as a homeopath I usually have to play the detective in order to get

to the root of a presenting complaint. This involves taking into consideration all

aspects of a persons life, and often hidden factors come to light that offer cluesas to how a chronic condition has developed.

Mr. S. aged 52 came to see me for a range of symptoms which as a whole were

ruining his quality of life. In recent years he had often suffered from strep throat

and earache. Most days he had a muzzy feeling in his head, with congestion

in his sinuses, which tended to be worse after breakfast; sometimes he had

dizzy spells and slight nausea. He had stiffness and reduced motion at his

elbows and general body stiffness. He had pain in his left heel when getting up

in the morning, which eased during the day. Acid indigestion had been aproblem for many years; he was taking prescribed medication (Omeprazole) to

inhibit the release of gastric acid into the stomach. He had a hunger that was

not satisfied by eating; his abdomen often felt bloated, and was aggravated by

fatty food. His bowel habits were very irregular. He loved sweet food but had

to be careful as chocolate could trigger a migraine for him. His sleep was poor

and his overall energy low. Despite this he had a demanding job and pushed

himself to achieve performance targets in his work place.

From his symptoms it was clear that he would benefit from a kidney cleanseand treatment to support his liver. While investigating possible environmental

sensitivities, a test for parasites revealed a problem with intestinal flukes.

Unbeknown to Mr. S, he had been home to generations of flatworms or flukes.

Being as flat as a leaf, this parasite can sandwich itself in between body tissues,

and live for many years in the intestine, causing either no pain or perhaps just

symptoms of irritable bowel or colitis.

However the situation is more serious when a body becomes polluted withsolvents such as hexane, pentane, xylene, carbon tetrachloride, isopropyl

alcohol/propanol, benzene etc. (if these names are unfamiliar to you, start

examining ingredient lists on toiletries, cosmetics etc.) A solvent is a substance

that can dissolve grease. Given that our bodies consist partly of grease i.e. the

fats and oils that provide the protective covering for every living cell, including

all our nerves, the brain and spinal cord, it is rather crucial that we avoid

introducing substances that can dissolve them! Most people are aware that

breathing petrol fumes is not conducive to good health, but dont think there isany harm in using petroleum based skin cream; but whether it is called

petrolatum, liquid paraffin or baby oil, it is still a solvent, and once absorbed

through the skin it will travel to the thymus gland where white blood cells eat


19/5119

it. The trouble is that once the white cells have done so, they are unable to deal

with other toxins; mercury from tooth fillings, dyes from food and many other

toxic chemicals begin to pile up. When yet more solvent arrives, the immune

system eventually cannot cope.

In Mr. Ss case it was as if the front and back doors of his house had been

opened, letting in all and sundry. Solvents in his system had possibly allowedfluke eggs to hatch prematurely and enter the blood stream; due to inadequate

immune defences they could then proliferate in different organs of the body.

Fortunately there are both ancient herbal medicines and modern homeopathic

remedies that in combination will destroy parasites and restore immune

function. I was able to give this hospitable gentleman a course of treatment

that would bring his whole system back into balance.

The hardest part for Mr. S. was learning to avoid foods, drinks and body-care

products containing harmful solvents; but as his health improved he gained the

motivation to keep to his new habits. As acid indigestion was no longer a

problem, he was able to stop using Omeprazole. His stomach acid was then

released in normal amounts i.e. sufficient to kill bacteria and parasites in the

stomach, so ending a cycle of unhealthy re-infestation. With the ongoing

prescription of homeopathic remedies, Mr.Ss liver health improved dramatically

and with it came a mental alertness that gave him a renewed zest for life. Of

course, he was no longer such a good host!

If you have a health problem that has not been resolved by conventional

medicine, trying an alternative therapy could help to put your house in order.

Helen Campbell-MacDonald, Homeopath

Helen practices at The Chestnut Clinic, West Wickham; fully insured and registered with the

Homeopathic Medical Association, she adheres to its strict Code of Ethics and Practice.

The Chestnut ClinicSpecialising in the Identification &

Treatment of Allergic Disorders

Home Visit Service

Tel: 020 8462 5800 Email: [email protected]

Website: www.chestnuthomeopathy.co.uk

20 Chestnut Avenue West Wickham BR4 9ES
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Shirley Life is looking forward to St Andrews re-opening. We visited the church the day

it closed for restoration and could not take a picture of the baptismal roll. We thank

Inside Croydon for keeping a close scrutiny on everything that happens in Croydon.

A free email subscription is all that is needed to keep in touch: http://insidecroydon.com
http://insidecroydon.com/http://insidecroydon.com/


22/51

HOW TO GROW PRIZE WINNING HOSTAS

Revelations about friends and acquaintances never cease to amaze me

in the nicest possible sense, of course. Unfortunately, I am often only madeaware of these at funerals, when the eulogy touches on the deceasedsmany and varied interests, skills and expertise of which I had not theslightest prior knowledge and I then regret not having known of these earlierand had the opportunity to discuss, debate, share and learn together.

Happily on this occasion, a mutual friend made reference to the

absorbing interest that John Keefe has in hostas. An absorbing interest

indeed; I discovered that John had been exhibiting hostas at ChelseaFlower Show and Hampton Court since 1986, had won Gold Medals for

both displays and plant quality and had had them photographed and

recorded for international publications. A truly remarkable achievement.

But sadly, with the inexorable passage of time Johns small nursery is no

more, and his larger exhibition specimens are being disposed of a

priceless lifetimes experience with every plant for fortunate purchasers.

Whilst trying to absorb Johns outstanding achievements with hostas I

discovered that he has other fascinating interests too, which I am

gradually finding out about, but more of that, perhaps, another time.

I asked John if he would pass on some of his expertise on hostas to ShirleyLife readers; he was delighted to do so and this is what he told me: -

WHY GROW HOSTAS?Because Hostas can enhance many garden beds and borders, provide

focal points and lift an otherwise weak garden feature. They also furnishdepth in shady areas and demonstrate strength throughout the growing

season until the first frost arrives.

They range in size from about 3m by 2m high, which in good conditions

will take 5-7 years to reach maturity, to miniatures where a mature plant

with 6-10 crowns, would comfortably lie in the palm of your hand.

Hostas are related to the lilies and are often placed as part of theHostacaea family related to the Funkias. They are highly decorative

plants, having really striking foliage and, if happy, produce many spikes

22

as told by John Keefe to Tom Dunsmore


23/5123

Miniature

Hosta Collection

June 2011 byJohn Keefe


24/51

24

of tall white, mauve or violet flowers, some of which are scented. They

are often placed close to (but not in!) a water feature where their deeper

roots can reach a reliable source of moisture in dry periods an

advantage when one is away on holiday. This, however, only really works

for established plants and a good level of care will be required in the first

two growing years, or even longer, if we continue to have exceptionallydry summers, or the moisture is removed from the soil by adjacent

established shrubs and trees.

Hostas are grown for the great variety of leaf forms which include

spreading or upright shapes, heart-shaped, lancelot, smooth, rumpled

or contrasting variegated or margined leaves. In many varieties the leaf-

form will change with maturity; and a contrasting grouping of plants from

youth to maturity can be created.

Careful preparation of the ground is essential for best results and an area

that is otherwise neglected can be prepared by digging in household

vegetable waste over 2/3 years prior to planting. Once so prepared,

especially on limey soils and hard-water areas, ericaceous compost is

dug in with the addition of leaf mould (last Autumn's leaf sweepings are

good especially if from oak, beech, apple, etc., but not maples, and kept

bagged up and on the moist side for the frost to break down the leafstructure.) Additions of sharp grit and some Growmore type fertilizer

should be dug in. In late spring a mixture consisting of 40% ericaceous

compost, 30% well-rotted leaf mould, 20% of some good garden soil or

budget bought-in compost, providing this is neutral or of low lime

content, together with about 10% bag volume of sharp grit should be

added.

I feed 2/3 times a week from May-August with liquid fertilizer such asTomorite, providing it contains not only nitrogen and phosphorus but

also some iron (Fe); if not then I add iron sulphate in liquid form about

once a month during the same period.

Some areas suffer badly from vine weevil infection and this is apparent

if notches or sharp bitten areas appear on the leaf edges. In such cases

anti-vine weevil precautions are required, either by applying a liquid

dressing, as recommended, or ideally by adding to the planting compostat the first signs and subsequently as the individual product labelling

recommends, and always when re-potting takes place.


25/51

25

When possible, and in dry and hot weather, I water the plants twice a

day but not in sunshine especially when they are kept in pots. Some

varieties are happy to be grown in pots, providing that they are moved

on up to larger volume pots every 2/3 years, and the soil renewed. This

is best carried out in the spring when the plant is in leaf-spike (i.e. the leaf

form is not unfurled but the plant has emerged above ground-level).Especially applicable to those plants kept in pots is the need to divide

the plant again when in spike, by cutting a portion, say 1/3 max., from

the lifted plant rather like slicing off a portion of a cake, but making sure

that the whole plant is not divided up as this very often results in the loss

of the mature leaf form, thus setting the plant back to a juvenile format.

Miniatures are best divided in August.

Once plants have died back, they should remain happy throughout thewinter, providing the winter drainage in the garden is adequate to avoid

any possibility of waterlogging, although a top-dressing with sharp grit

is useful. Ideally, a settled and largely dry winter with several nights of

frost are the best dormant conditions for hostas, ensuring that the plant

is completely at rest, a condition that they do not achieve in mild wet

winters and which makes the following years growth less vigorous.

With varieties kept in pots, I store mine facing north against a low walland only protect them when weather conditions indicate a sharp frost.

The bank vole, and sometimes mice, can nest in the pots base and in

bad winters, they use the hosta roots as a larder. You may not be aware

of such pests in your garden but these will certainly be present especially

if any neighbours have dogs. In one April-September period I set traps

and destroyed 29 mice, 3 rats and 5 bank voles, not having realised I

had a problem in the first place.A fairly new branch of hosta growing is to keep miniature varieties (1"-

4" or so) in shallow bowls or old stoneware sinks with good drainage, i.e.

plenty of grit, where 3 to 5 different varieties may be grown in each

container. These I keep in the cold greenhouse throughout the winter,

watering sparingly unless freezing conditions exist.

One major problem that many gardeners suffer from is slugs and snails.

This is not a problem for American gardeners as they have eradicatedsuch pests long ago! In such cases you have to mean business and

pellet or otherwise treat the surfaces early, starting in February; regularly


26/5126

The Goat1-3 BROOM ROAD

SHIRLEY CROYDON

Recently refurbishedfamily-run pub offering

a wide range of beers,ciders, real ales

& wines

C&CP L A N N I N G P A R T N E R S H I P L T D

8 Ash Road, Shirley, Croydon,Surrey, CR0 8HU

MO B: 07796 777700TEL: 020 8777 9999 (OFFICE)TEL: 020 8777 7000 (OFFICE)

EMAIL: [email protected]

PL ANS F ORLOFTS, EXTENSIONS, HOUSES,& STRUCTURAL CALCULATIONS

FOR COUNCIL APPROVALS

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distributing a few pellets daily at the end of the watering process is ideal.

Leaving handfuls of pellets about once the pests have taken hold is

useless, as by then the pests eggs are already laid in the soil and the

next generation is on its way!

At the beginning of the winter period and in any dry spells it is an

advantage to place broken paving fragments or tiles against a north or

east-facing wall where mature snails will settle for the winter. Their

removal will then be a Christmas present for your hostas during the mid-

winter holiday! It is difficult to recommend varieties of hostas for the

beginner to grow, but my advice is to start with 6 to 12 of the cheaper

and more vigorous growing varieties making sure that they are acquired

from a specialist nursery and not a garden centre. Such specialists are

listed in the yearly publication, the RHS Plantfinder which is available inany reference library.

My recommendations are as follows: -

Abby (P)

August Morning

Bella (P)

Big BoyBlue Wedgewood*

Great Expectations (P)

Cherry Berry

Christmas Tree*

Crusader*

Frances Williams (P)*

Formal AttireFrancee (P)

Fragrant Bouquet*

Gold Standard (P)*

(P) Suitable for potting * Superb and special

A happy hosta is a happy home!

Tom Dunsmore is indebted to John Keefe for providing this distillation

of his experience and freely sharing it with Shirley Life readers.

Goldbrook Grebe

Wide Brim (P)*

June*

Jade Cascade (P)Krossa Regal (P)*

Leola Fraim (P)

Sagae*

Fire and Ice*

Pauls Glory (P)*

Sea Dream

Slick WillieStiletto

Sum and Substance (P)


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GIOVANNAS COLUMN

DubaiA vibrant city always on the move

I have just come back from Dubai, because

I have added Al Ola Tours LLC to myportfolio. I was invited on a site inspectionfor few days so that they could show methe services that they can provide to theirclients either for leisure or business trips. Ithas been a unique chance for me to seewith my own eyes what the city has to offerin terms of accommodation, restaurants,meeting rooms and conference centres.

Dubais tourist sector is growing by almost 14 per cent annually and luxury

hotel companies are continuing to develop in the region. This year Dubai has

seen record numbers of travellers passing through its airport, in fact Dubai

International has had the busiest six months on is 50 year history during

the first half of 2011 handling 24.6 million passengers, an increase of 8.9 per

cent on 2010: this is also due to the fact that 19 new routes have been

added and frequencies have been increased. A new Green Line of the Metroopened in September, this will link Old Dubai up to port Rashid, right up to

Abu Dhabi border.

There are incredible and supersized shopping malls each one more

grandiose that the other, one of which duplicates the Taj Mahal and another

Beijings Forbidden city. The worlds tallest skyscraper is in Dubai: Burj Kalifa

is 2,717 feet tall, twice the height of the Empire State Building. Burj Kalifa is

home to Giorgio Amanis first Hotel, occupying the underground levelthrough floor 8 and floors 38 and 39.

Dubai is an astonishing city boasting modern architecture and amazing

buildings like nowhere else in the entire world. Not only it has the tallest

building in the world but also the worlds largest theme park, called

Dubailand.

The Palm, a man-made island visible from the moon, hosts the largest mall

in the world. Everything is so unique and gigantic.

A major island building project called The World is being built off the coast

of Dubai. It's a collection of 300 small private islands of different sizes for

P

icturebyPicturePartnership,

Shirley

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individual development. The islands together form a large map of the world

so one could buy the island called Spain, Mongolia, or Somalia and have the

island in the appropriate location with respect to the other islands.

The Dubai Ruler Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum said in an

interview: Money is like water if you lock it up , it becomes stagnant and

smelly , if you let it flow it stays fresh!This seems to be the philosophy ofthis vibrant city. There is always something going on and do not be surprised

if the second time you go there you find a complete different city which does

not look like the one you remembered.

Despite the fact that I have been 20 years in the travel industry and have

been lucky enough to travel the world and visit many 5 star hotels, nothing

can be compared to the variety and luxury that Dubai offers to its visitors.

Here are some of the most amazing hotels I have had the chance to visitaccompanied by Al Ola Tours LLC:

Deira 4* hotelsDubai is a destination that could meet the demands of many clients. On thefirst day we visited some of the 4 star hotels located in Deira, which was apleasure for me as I realised how much in terms of hospitality the city has tooffer. In this economic climate, the four star hotels will be the most requested

by our clients either for business or leisure trips, that is why with such a wideoffer it is crucial. Our clientele will be able to pick up the right one for them.

Here are my observations about the hotels visited:

Al Jawhara

I had the pleasure to stay in this hotel during my visit to Dubai: it is a very

traditional hotel full of charm and very characteristic, so representative of

its own city. The rooms are spacious and bright, the restaurant offers a wide

range of local and international dishes. The staff is very professional andefficient.

Ramada

This is a hotel that looks tired and in need of a total refurbishment. From the

moment you step into the lobby area you realise that this hotel is not on line

with its competitors in the same area. The smell throughout is terrible and

the roof area is very dusty and looks abandoned. I feel that there would be

many complaint if rooms were booked in this hotel.Coral Deira

This is a very good 4 star hotel that provides good facilities to its clients. The


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hotel has comfortable rooms as well as spacious and welcoming meeting

and banquet rooms. Coral Deira is set in a superb location in the

commercial hub of Dubai. I am sure clients would appreciate the roof-top

with its pool area for kids and adults and, of course, a Jacuzzi.

Copthorne Hotel

This is my favourite among the four star hotels: it is cosy and very well lookafter. The hotel offers amazing views over the city; the style is contemporary

with very bright colours.

It is a busy hotel with an amazing roof-top and it is the kind of hotel anyone

would enjoy either if on a leisure or business trip.

Dusit Princess

I love the simplicity and the style of this unique four star hotel. As soon as

you walk trough the lobby you realize that the hotel belongs to a Thai chain;its style is minimal and inviting. This hotel has everything you would expect

from a four star hotel; set in an excellent location, it offers a variety of

restaurants, a fully equipped gym, a fantastic roof-top with pool and, of

course, meeting facilities. It was a pleasure to taste the delicious food served

at The Chill Restaurant, which was quite an experience. This hotel would

appeal to the UK and Italian market.

Dubai 5 * star hotelsHyatt Regency Dubai:

As the Director of Sales explained over our visit to the hotel, this was one

of the first built in the area. The lobby has been recently refurbished, has its

own Galleria with designer shops and offers a wide choice of restaurants. I

loved the international atmosphere: this is a great example of five star hotel

and I am sure the service is equally top level. The hotel has all the amenities

and more than a five star hotel would require. Al Dawaar Restaurant, Dubais

unique revolving restaurant, offers incredible views of the Arabian Gulf and

the rest of the city.

The Monarch

This hotel represents the finest experience of Arabian hospitality. The

Monarch represents our vision of Dubai; its style is unique and luxurious.

This hotel is a reflexion of our image of Dubai. Set in a strategic location,

close to Dubais International Financial Centre and Dubais World Trade

Centre, this hotel offers panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai.The conference facilities are as excellent as the rest of the hotel and very well

thought of. It is also home to some of the finest restaurants offering a very


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refined cuisine. This hotel is a pleasure to visit and it will be my pleasure to

propose it to our clients. Mandara Spa is one of the best Health Centre I

have visited in my life.

Shangri-la Hotel

One of my favourite, this impressive five star hotel is located in the heart of

the financial district of the city. The elegant lobby area is unique in its style;very light and grand, it gives you a sense of space. The rooms are furbished

in an Arabian contemporary style; the hotel also benefits of a Horizon Club

that give each guest the possibility to have a private and fast check in and

a personal concierge. As per all the other 5 star hotels, there is a pool area,

a very well equipped gym as well as a very elegant Spa. The hotel has nine

restaurants offering a very refined cuisine. We were hosted for lunch at

Dunes Caf and I sampled the service and the delicious food (a huge variety

of fresh fish and sea food) and I must say it was second to none.

Al Barsha 4* hotelsEmirates Grand Hotel

This is the only hotel belonging to Emirates Company. It is set in a very

convenient location close to the main attractions of the city. I was quite

impressed with the common areas of the hotel: the lobby, the restaurants,

the rooftop but much less with its rooms. All the rooms of this hotel comewith a fully furbished kitchen: I do not think this would be considered as a

plus by European clients.

Holiday Inn Dubai Al Barsha:

This hotel is with no doubts a real winner when compared to its next-door

competitor Emirates Grand Hotel. Set in the vibrant location of Al Barsha,

it is at walking distance from the opulent Mall of the Emirates. This Holiday

Inn is unique and looks like a 5 star hotel and nothing like a four star. The

lobby is impressive, something to remember, very spacious and bright

with modern glass lifts offering an amazing view over the lobby area. The

hotel has a huge variety of international restaurants quite famous among

locals and, most of the time, fully booked. We had the real pleasure to

taste the lovely food served in one of the many restaurants. The style of

the rooms is contemporary and minimal; each one offers amazing

panoramic views over the city. The poolside area offer great views of

golden Jumeirah Beach and the iconic sail of the Buri Al Arab Hotel.

Jumeriah 5* hotels continued on page 39

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Shirley Community Centre (SCC)

Activities at the Centre

AM PM

Monday Available Youth Activities to start next month

Tuesday Available Zumba with Angelina 1.30 - 2.30pm

Zumba with Emma 6 - 7pm

Tenshin Tsunami Ryu 7 - 9pm

Wednesday Available Racquet Club 4 - 5pm

Shirley Table Tennis Club 7.45 - 9.45pm

Thursday Available Fit n Funky 2 - 3pm

Racquet Club 4 - 5pmZumba with Angelina 6 - 7pm

Legs, Bums & Tums 7 - 8pm

Road Cycling Club 8 -10pm

Friday Available GKR Karate 6 - 7.30pm

Youth Activities to start next month

Saturday Shirley Saturday School Available

Sunday Shrublands Christian Fellowship

Care Direct UK and Living Hope Project are now running activities for

Older Adults in the south end part of the Centre each Friday afternoon.

Please contact them on 8776 2562 or 07590 202547 for further details.

Shirley Saturday School for GCSE and AS/AL tuition has now opened.

Places are still available: please contact Dr Lawrence on 07417 436130or email [email protected] for further details.


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There are now 3 Zumba classes

at the Shirley Community Centre

Angelina on Tuesday 1.30 to 2.30pmand Thursday 6.00 to 7.00pm

Emma on Tuesdays from 6.00 to 7.00pmCome and have fun with us!

What the Centre offers

The main hall is complemented by a well equipped kitchen, there are two other

rooms, and a separate room suited to smaller committee meetings.

These premises are ideally placed in a residential area and are well served by

two bus routes. There is some on-site parking,

The Centre is available most mornings and the early part of each afternoon. Itis also very popular for private parties at weekends.

To hire the Centre, please contact 020 8777 4298 on Thursdays between 9.30

and 11.30am or email [email protected]. There is also a website,

www.shirleycca.com, to keep you abreast of events .

Midweek charges are 10 per hour (40 for a whole morning or afternoon, 50for a whole evening) or 250 for private parties on a Saturday or 350 on a

Sunday. The small Meeting Room cost is 5 per hour at any time.

Shirley Saturday School - Give your child a head start10am to 1.30pm at The Shirley Community Centre,

Shrublands Avenue, CR0 8JA

AS/A2 Chemistry, Biology - Science KS3 - Science GCSE

(Core, Additional and Triple),

Maths, GCSE, KS3 English GCSE, KS3 We specialise in providing personalised tuition for our students.

We provide for students with varying abilities.

We advise and help A level students in their application to

Universities.

An early start with us is a big step to your childs success.

Do not wait until your child starts struggling in school before

deciding to get extra help!

For further information, please contact Dr Lawrence on 07417 436130

or email [email protected]
http://www.shirleycca.com/http://www.shirleycca.com/http://www.shirleycca.com/


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www.shi r leye lec t r ica l .com

Nadia NazirA freelance website developer

available to assist youwithin your budget.

Businesses, Individuals,Students , Non-Profit

From small to big projects,tailor-made as per your

requirements.

Contact for free enquires on

[email protected]

www.nadianazir.com

www.
http://www.shirleyelectrical.com/http://www.nadianazir.com/http://www.shirleyelectrical.com/http://www.nadianazir.com/


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The 10 winners of the Prize Draw SurveyWhich of the following would YOU like to

see at the Centre?

will receive their prizes.

There will also be a presentation of theresults of the survey and displays from the

users of the Centre.

Join us for a

Halloween themed Event

at the

Shirley Community Centre on29th October 2011 at 7.30pm.

Free entrance and light

refreshments.

Bring your own drink.

Dress up if you like!


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QUIZ NIGHTon Saturday 12 November

at the

Shirley Community Centre

All proceeds to

PicturebyPicturePartnership,

Shirley

Checkwww.shirleycca.com

for further details
http://www.shirleycca.com/http://www.shirleycca.com/


39/51

Jumeriah 5* hotelsDubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa

Visiting this resort was quite a unique experience: after having seen so much

concrete here, it is amazing to see green space with its 14 restaurants,

disco clubs.The green areas are very well proportioned with the rest of the

resort. The pool area and the beach are unique. The style of the rooms isvery net and simple. I see this resort as the perfect spot for the European

market.

Amway Rotana

This elegant hotel is an example of unique style and offers anything a top

client would look for. There are numerous restaurants offering a wide variety

of international cuisine from sushi to pizzas. The only doubt I have is that

there arent enough green areas compared to the height of the building: thewhole area gives me a claustrophobic feeling.

Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa

I did not really appreciate the style of this hotel, which I find too opulent and

rich. The rooms are very dark and I did not like the style, I do think that at

this kind of budget Jumeirah offers a huge number of hotels far superior to

the Habtoor Grand.

and now a bit about Al Ola Tours LLCThey are one of the pioneers in tour operating businesses

based in Dubai, UAE. They started their business 15 years

ago and, since then, they have grown from a small travel

agency into one of the most well-known tour operators in

the UAE. Meeting their customers satisfaction is a source of great pride to

them. They design their products and services so that their customers may

fully enjoy a great experience of everything the UAE offer. They use their

own buses and their hand-picked suppliers (Hotels and cruises). They

organise conferences, seminars and events with creative, new ideas whilst

making sure that you may enjoy a flawless and detailed organisation of your

projects. Al Ola Tours LLC also provides services in Thailand with an office

in Bangkok and Egypt with an office in Cairo.

If you are interested in Dubai as a destination for your future holiday or

business trip, please do contact me, Giovanna, on [email protected] me on020 8777 0416 or 07515 483699

39


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About Andrew Dunsmore

of Picture Partnership, ShirleyOf the many joys of Christmas one is to enjoy the company of family and friends

and another is to remember, and be remembered by, those whose company we are unable to share at this

time. Memories of previous Christmases and growing families come to mind and are shared and come alive

again with photos. In our studio we can make now your memories for the future and do it in time for youto send copies to your family and friends. These can be mounted in an album for your own records or to

delight family and friends for years to come.

40

www.picturepartnership.co.uk.
http://www.picturepartnership.co.uk/eventshttp://www.picturepartnership.co.uk/events


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Now Online at www.shirleylife.comand very soonin print

SAVE OURLIBRARIESand make yourvoice heard!!!

27 January 2011

Ifyoustaysilent

CLOSED

November 2011

Marcia Coke author of A Healthier You will give a talk on

Monday 31 October from 2 to 3.15pm. She will talk

bout how eating certain foods can circumvent certain

iseases and disorders.

Monthly Adult Reading Group on Monday 14

November from 7pm. The group will discussA Week in

Decemberby Sebastian FaulksRhymetime at 10am. Singing for babies and their

parents and carers on the following Fridays: 4, 11, 18

nd 25 November

Wiggle and Jiggle at 11am. Singing for toddlers and

heir parents and carers on the following Fridays: 4, 11,

8 and 25 November

Storytime from 2.15 to 2.45pm. Stories and crafts for

3-7 year olds on the following Thursdays: 3, 10, 17 and24 November

Rock and Rhyme at 10am. Singing for babies &

oddlers and their parents and carers on the following

Saturdays: 5, 12, 19, and 26 November

Stories and Craft Sessions from 2.45 to 3.45pm. For

4-9 year olds and their parents and carers on Saturday

5 November

Chatterbooks, a fun and exciting reading group for 8-11ear olds, restarted as a monthly group. Come in on

Thursday 3 November and sign up!

Games Club from 2.30 to 4.30pm. Do you like playing

ards, dominoes, chess and other board games? Come

nd join us. Every Tuesday on 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29

November

Craft Workshops & Card Making from 2.30 to

4.30pm. There will be a charge of 3 to cover the costof materials. Tuesday 8 November

Stitch, Knit and Natter from 2.30 to 4.30pm. Get

ogether with other knitters for a cup of tea and a chat.

Beginners welcome. Friday 4 November

Whatonearth

willhappento

ourLibraries?

POLICESUR

GERY

TheShirleySa

ferNeighbourhood

TeamsDrop-inSurgeryon

Saturday22Novembe

r

from10.00

to11.00am.


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A room without books is like a body without a soulMarcus T. Cicero

Icould give up many things but I would never give

up books. I have lots of books, written in many

languages. They have been part of my life and have

followed me everywhere. I have miniature books too

but the one I received as a gift from Jill was unique

and linked to Cecily Mary Barker, a Croydonian:

A Flower Fairy Treasury, fully readable with pictures.

I have two miniature bookcases of Italian and other

classics, from Gaius Valerius Catullus Carmina to Carlo

Collodis Pinocchio but, as you can see from the pictures,

the books are much larger.


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You can read more on Croydon - Confusion Central by

clicking on the following linkhttp://thatwomansblog.blogspot.com/

Shirley Library and all Libraries in Croydon are in it together.
http://thatwomansblog.blogspot.com/http://thatwomansblog.blogspot.com/http://thatwomansblog.blogspot.com/


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www.cariaddollshousefurnishings.com

Jill LatterJill LatterJill LatterDOLLS HOUSE FURNISHINGS

CariAd

DollsHouseFurnishings
http://www.cariaddollshousefurnishings.com/http://www.cariaddollshousefurnishings.com/http://www.cariaddollshousefurnishings.com/http://www.cariaddollshousefurnishings.com/


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Wickham Studio offers professional Hairdressing and Nail services in a relaxing and

friendly atmosphere. We have a member of the team to suit any individual and

welcome all clients from one to one hundred.

As well as being passionate about hair and offering honest and professional advice

to help you make the best of your locks, we offer BioSculpture

gel manicures and mini, classic and luxury manicures.

Also on offer is Fake Bake spray tanning only 18.00 the best

value for miles around. We are the only local salon to have the

wonderful Flabelos exercise machine, the ultimate 10 minute workout.

In 2009 Wickham Studio were awarded 4 Stars in the prestigious Good Salon Guide.

Please call 020 8777 2714 to book an appointment.

We look forward to welcoming you to our salon.

Lynn MacAskill, GCF182 Wickham Road

Shirley, CroydonSurrey CR0 8BG

t: 020 8654 0073

f: 020 8656 3360

e: [email protected]

www.fishframes.co.uk

Picture Framers & Art Gallery

Open Tuesdays to Saturdaysfrom 10 am to 5 pm
http://www.fishframes.co.uk/http://www.fishframes.co.uk/http://www.fishframes.co.uk/


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Trendy Toes Now HereOnly 17.50

As unique as you are.Call 8777 2714 to book your appointment.

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Documents

SL October 11