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Glenn Murray chases Messi in goalscoring stakes

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CRYSTAL Palace striker Glenn Murray took his season's tally to 27 league goals on Tuesday night by grabbing the first strike in a 2-1 win over Bristol City.

The 29-year-old is now the second highest league goalscorer in the top two divisions of Europe's five best leagues – behind the best player in the world, Lionel Messi, and he has laughed off suggestions of a possible England call-up.

The national boss Roy Hodgson watched Palace thump Middlesbrough 4-1 last Saturday, during which Murray scored two goals in either half, but the hitman says there would be a few unhappy players if he were to pull on the Three Lions shirt.

"I'm sure there would be a few English Premier League strikers fuming if I got ahead of them, but I wouldn't be expecting to be either," he said.

"I wasn't aware [Hodgson] was watching until afterwards but I don't think it occurs to me as it's all about Wilfried Zaha.

"I think when Jay Bothroyd got called up, they might have been short of strikers or players in the Premier League not doing well.

"There are a lot similar to me with Championship strikers going up to the Premier League but the likes of Rickie Lambert and Grant Holt would be fuming.

"I think it's probably out of the question."

Murray has now scored 21 times at Selhurst Park this season, including two hat-tricks, but he got the ball rolling against Bristol City after 34 minutes, converting at the far post from Mile Jedinak's fantastic diagonal pass.

And Stephen Dobbie made it two with a sumptuous free-kick in the second half by bending the ball over the wall and into the top corner in front of the Holmesdale Stand.

"We deserved the three points and we just got down to business and we've done our job," said Murray. "I've just got to stay alive in the box and believe I'm going to score. Selhurst seems to be the place I'm scoring my goals.

"I've got one extra year [on my contract].

"I'm enjoying my football here, who wouldn't be? It's a great place to be and I want to stay."

The game started at a slow pace but Palace began to up the ante after 15 minutes and created the better chances.

Yannick Bolasie, playing against his former side, was booed by the small section of City supporters but he nearly grabbed a wonderful opener when a scissor-kick looped over goalkeeper Tom Heaton but crashed back off the crossbar.

But Murray converted first time from Jedinak's brilliant long pass to give Palace a deserved half-time lead.

Ian Holloway's men continued to attack the relegation-threatened side in front of the Holmesdale and substitute Dobbie made the game relatively safe when he curled home a brilliant free-kick from outside the box for his first Palace goal.

Julian Speroni still had to stay alert as he kept out Richard Foster's long range effort, while Kevin Phillips, who also came off the bench, nearly grabbed his third goal in three games but hit the crossbar.

With four minutes of stoppage time added on, Palace were comfortable up until the final kick of the game when a harmless cross was headed into his own net by Parr.

The full-back looked to caress the ball back to Speroni but the ball looped over the Argentine.

Glenn Murray chases Messi in goalscoring stakes


Stephen Dobbie has eyes for an automatic spot for Crystal Palace

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STEPHEN Dobbie believes Palace will be in the play-offs at the very least by May.

"At this time of the year you've got to put a run together," he said.

"Luckily in my time at Blackpool and Swansea we did that, but the chance for automatic promotion is fantastic so we'll be looking to push on.

"I can see similarities to this team and Blackpool.

"It's the same kind of system under the gaffer and that's not changed in the three seasons I've worked with him.

"When you go to the play-offs it's kind of a lottery, so if we can get automatic that would be great. If it doesn't work out, I'm sure we'll be in the play-offs.

"The gaffer is great fun but he knows his football.

"To work under him every day, you never know what's going to happen."

Meanwhile, he said that the return of central midfielder Mile Jedinak helped Palace in the win against Middlesbrough last weekend.

"With Mile back, he strengthened the midfield and it let Wilfried Zaha and Jonny Williams go and do what they want," he said. "They know they've got strength behind them. Since I've been here, Wilf's been fantastic."

Stephen Dobbie has eyes for an automatic spot for Crystal Palace

Wilfried Zaha a great role model

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JUST a year after an unknown academy product called Wilfried Zaha made his debut for Palace in August 2010, Jonny Williams announced his arrival on the scene by coming on as a second half substitute against Coventry City at Selhurst Park.

Two appearances later he scored his first goal for the club in a 2-1 win in the League Cup against Premier League side Wigan Athletic in September 2011.

Fast-forward a year-and-a-half and we have seen Zaha make his England debut as a substitute against Sweden in November and secure a £15 million move to Manchester United in last month's transfer window.

And Williams says he and everyone at Palace are "proud" to have another success story through the club's famed academy.

"Wilfried's been a great role model for everyone at Palace, to come all the way through the youth system," he said.

"It's special for me to see his journey as well and be a part of that. It's great to see what he's achieved – a £15 million move to Manchester United.

"For an academy product it's great for him and the club. We're all proud of him, so hopefully he can keep doing what he's doing and hopefully we'll get promoted as well."

With a few Palace fans looking at Williams to fill Zaha's boots as their creative drive going forward, the youngster is quick to dismiss any expectations put upon him and insists he tries to play his own way.

"I'm not an exact replacement for Wilfried as we play in different positions, and we're different players," he said.

"I enjoy playing with him and when he's gone it will be a shame.

"It's also weird to think one day I'll be playing against him.

"But I don't really feel pressure, I just go out and play my game.

"The manager tells me to get on the ball and play, so that's what I try and do – I don't really try to think about it too much."

With Palace boss Ian Holloway renowned for his attacking brand of football, some will see that as beneficial to Williams progressing further, but it was former manager Dougie Freedman who gave him the opportunity to make a name for himself.

With Freedman moving on to Bolton Wanderers in October, what are they like to play for?

"They've got different styles of playing but I've enjoyed playing under both," Williams said.

"I was gutted to be injured when Ian Holloway came to the club in November, but he spoke to me and gave me great support.

"I was really excited to come back and play under him. I've enjoyed it so far and hoping to carry it on for the rest of the season."

Wilfried Zaha a great role model

South Croydon Catholic school 'must do better'

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A CATHOLIC school has been told it still requires improvement – four months after it was initially warned by Ofsted.

Regina Coeli Catholic Primary school, in Pampisford Road, South Croydon, was visited for another inspection on January 28.

A report on the latest inspection was released this week, which says although the school accepts it must improve, more needs to be done for it to become a good school.

The Ofsted inspector reported: "There have been no significant changes since the recent inspection.

"The school development plan addresses the main areas that need improvement. It is underpinned by separate plans for improving literacy and numeracy. However, some of this planning is imprecise."

Ofsted will continue to monitor the school until its next inspection.

Glenn Murray gives England boss gentle nudge

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CRYSTAL Palace thumped Middlesbrough 4-1 at Selhurst Park on Saturday, with top goalscorer Glenn Murray scoring an absolute beauty in front of England manager Roy Hodgson.

Even though the national boss was more likely to have been watching Wilfried Zaha, he would have walked away from SE25 having seen one of the best strikes Selhurst Park has witnessed this season.

"I'm happy at the end of the game," boss Ian Holloway said. "The first half I was a bit disappointed. I challenged the lads I thought we didn't move it quickly enough and they've been looking a lot better than that this week."

It was the Eagles that took the lead after just nine minutes when Wilfried Zaha made great strides down the right, beating his marker and delivering a ball across the six-yard box for Murray to tap home his 26th goal of the season.

Just three minutes into the second half Palace extended their lead.

After Jonny Williams had won a corner, Dobbie sent the ball towards the far post for Murray, who headed back into mix and Peter Ramage was on hand to fire the ball home on the turn.

It was his fourth goal of the season and you would have thought he was a striker with such an accomplished finish.

However, if that took you by surprise, it got even better nine minutes later when Murray scored an absolute belter in front of the Holmesdale Stand.

Picking the ball up 20 yards out, he teed the ball up onto his left foot and unleashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner.

It was arguably his best strike of his 27 goals this season - and what a way to do it in front of the national boss. Was he really there to watch Zaha?

Middlesbrough gave themselves a lifeline on 80 minutes when Faris Haroun latched onto a ball inside the box before slotting the ball under Speroni.

But Phillips killed the visitors off when he scored his second goal in consecutive games with a left-footed finish from another Zaha assist.

Palace: Speroni, Richards, Parr, Ramage, Delaney, Dikgacoi (Butterfield 76), Jedinak, Williams (Phillips 70), Dobbie (Bolasie 81), Zaha, Murray.

Croydon hair salon picks up awards at Rush 'Oscars'

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A CROYDON hair salon has picked up two awards at its chain's annual "Oscars" held in London.

Rush Salon, in Croydon, received the awards at the ceremony held recently in central London.

Lisa Wakefield was crowned beauty therapist of the Year while the salon itself was awarded the prestigious beauty salon of the year.

The Rush Oscars were held at Tiger Tiger nightclub in Haymarket.

Each award was presented to the winners by Oritse Williams, a singer in boyband JLS.

Albert Adomah says Crystal Palace move would be 'sideways step'

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BRISTOL City winger Albert Adomah says it would have been a "sideways step" if he had moved to Palace in the January transfer window.

The Ghana international was subject to a couple of bids from the Eagles, but both were rejected by the Ashton Gate club.

But he says that while he is playing week in, week out in the Championship, he is not interested in a move to another club in the same division, adding that his next career move would be to a Premier League club.

"No disrespect to Palace, but my aim is to get into the Premier League," he said.

Croydon Council recovers £166,000 from conman in landmark case

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CROYDON Council has recovered £166,000 gained from rogue trader offences, in a landmark case.

The council conducted its first-ever cash forfeiture investigation into the activities of Patrick Delaney, 28.

Last September Delaney, of Bishopsford Road, Morden, was given a suspended prison sentence for trying to con an elderly Croydon woman out of £3,000 for work on her house.

An investigation was initially launched under the Proceeds of Crime Act into Delaney's assets, to establish what gains were made as a result of his criminal activity.

This led officers to a bank safety deposit box containing £166,000 in cash, mainly in £50 notes.

Three months later Delaney's cousin, Jeremiah Sheridan, came forward to say the cash was his.

Sheridan claimed the money was part of a personal injury payment awarded to him in 2002, following a car accident, which he said he had given to Delaney's father to look after.

Yet the council's case was that Sheridan, 28, had spent all his injury compensation money by 2003, and that some of the notes seized were printed years later, in 2008 and 2009.

Last Thursday, at Tower Bridge Magistrates' Court, a judge agreed that, on the balance of probabilities, the money was from criminal activity and that the cash should be forfeited.

The council will receive half of the money and the remainder will go to the Treasury.

Council deputy leader Dudley Mead said: "This is a landmark case for the council as it is Croydon's first cash forfeiture. Where money is thought to have been gained illegally, Croydon residents will expect nothing less than for the council to launch a thorough investigation to try and recover it.

"It is rare that these types of cases are carried out by local authorities, so it is a credit to our financial investigators for bringing this case to a conclusion."


New Addington village green bid should be refused, lawyers tell council

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A BID to register more of the Central Parade area as a Village Green should be refused, according to lawyers advising the council.

New Addington resident Michael Fuller made the bid in September 2011 for the car parks and paved areas to the west side of the parade to be classified as a Village Green.

If successful, the land could only be used for recreation and community gatherings.

But lawyers George Laurence and Simon Adamyk say that requirements for village greens have not been met.

In his application for the car park areas, Mr Fuller had said: "The land of this application was conveyed to Croydon Council at no cost before the Second World War with the council covenanting to use this land for public purposes and open space.

"Since the 1950s this land has been used for free unrestricted public use for both minor recreational pastimes and large community gatherings."

But in their advice to the council, the lawyers said there was "no evidence" to support the idea of making the land a Village Green.

They added that the council, which owns the land, cannot reconsider a case it has already judged.

It decided in 2008 the land should not be a Village Green, and rejected another bid from Mr Fuller in August 2011 after he did not present enough evidence.

His 2008 bid did succeed, however, in having green space around the parade classified as a Village Green, scuppering interest from Tesco to develop on the site.

The council's corporate service committee will meet to consider the lawyers' advice on Monday at 6.30pm in the town hall.

Nurse at Sutton college suspended for turning up to work drunk

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A NURSE caught filling a water bottle with vodka at a college has been suspended for a year.

Susan Dempsey was seen by colleagues transferring the alcohol into her plastic bottle while on duty at the Orchard Hill College in Sutton.

When challenged, Dempsey said: "Oh my goodness, did you think I was drinking?"

She claimed both bottles contained water but The Nursing and Midwifery Council found Dempsey had turned up to work drunk and put patients at "unwarranted risk of harm".

Determining that her actions amounted to misconduct and that she was not fit to work without restrictions, the conduct and competence hearing concluded that she be suspended for 12 months.

NMC panel chairman Ian Luder said on Tuesday: "Although there is no evidence of any patient harm as a result of Ms Dempsey's actions, the panel had little difficulty in concluding that by attending work whilst unfit or under the influence placed patients at unwarranted risk of harm.

"Her actions not only had the potential to impact on patient care directly but could have also affected her colleagues."

At the time of the incident on September 1, 2010, Dempsey was working for the college which provides care for vulnerable students suffering from epilepsy autism and severe learning difficulties.

The NMC hearing heard she was seen by a colleague filling a water bottle from a vodka bottle.

On being challenged by the colleague, she stated that both bottles contained water.

Dempsey now has 28 days to appeal her punishment.

Peter Knott delighted as his Midwives deliver

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OLD Midwhitgiftian had an encouraging victory against visitors Eastleigh, prompting their delighted coach Peter Knott to praise their intelligent decision-making in the last quarter to secure the game.

Mids had an opportunity to take the lead in the first three minutes, but it was Eastleigh who opened the scoring when Mids were in at the side of a ruck and centre John Lynch struck a sweet penalty goal.

Eastleigh had most of the possession but they were not allowed to settle all afternoon by a number of terrier-type performances from the Old Boys. Matt Farlow was everywhere and snuffed out countless Eastleigh moves, and scrum-half Jake Bacon was again in the thick of things.

Despite losing their own lineout a number of times, Mids kept harrying and Eastleigh coughed up the ball on numerous occasions.

Rob Farmer was always lively in the centre and, in a flash of brilliance, he intercepted an Eastleigh pass and ran from his own 10m line, keeping his feet well to avoid some last-ditch tap tackling, to score by the posts after 27 minutes. Dan Crouch converted and Mids had stolen an unlikely 7-3 lead.

This gave them confidence and, playing at a much faster pace than their opponents, they dominated the last ten minutes of the half.

Eastleigh restarted with more purpose and regained their dominance in the scrum. They forced Mids off their own ball and pressured the defence into conceding a number of penalties. But Lynch missed an easy kick and then a harder one.

When the visitors had an opportunity to pin Mids in the corner with the next penalty, they missed touch and prop Nathan Bacon fielded the ball and went on one of his favourite charging runs to raise the siege.

Eastleigh continued to press but could not find a way through the excellent home defence, until Lynch put up a huge kick to the corner which was perfectly placed for the winger to come in and score. He followed this kick with an excellent conversion from far out.

However, Mids were not to be denied and a charge upfield gave Jake Bacon the chance to kick ahead. The ball was spilled straight into the arms of Gareth Pritchard and he ran straight for the touchdown. Crouch added the extras and Mids knew there were points to be gained if they kept up their performance.

This they did admirably, with Mark Handley playing like a giant, turning over possession, converting defence into attack and giving inspired leadership.

Eastleigh kept up the onslaught but Mids took three of their attacking lineouts in succession, two through the athletic Dave Spedding and the third through the peerless Handley.

Lock Iain Munro was another solid presence.

For the last six minutes, they defended stoutly with 14 men after Andy Edwards was carded. They frustrated Eastleigh, not least when they mauled the ball forward for three valuable minutes as the clock ticked towards the final whistle.

Peter Knott delighted as his Midwives deliver

Whitgiftians hang on for win

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THERE was all to play for in this fixture at Croham Road last Saturday as the teams were only two places apart in the league.

And the early exchanges left few people doubting the final result. Whitgiftians were totally dominant and opened the scoring with a straightforward penalty from scrum-half Ollie England.

Fly-half Andy Marshall then scored twice, and full-back Rob Butcher crossed the line to round off a fine break in the centre by Quintin Keanie.

The second half started in a similar vein, and within minutes, Butcher had crossed the line for his second try, converted by Ollie England. With the score standing at 29-0, Whitgiftians relaxed and Freemen's, chasing a huge deficit, seized every opportunity that came their way. Within minutes, they had scored two tries from short-range raids.

To OW's disbelief, Freemen's then put together a good spell of possession, handling and running that resulted in a further two tries, reducing the gap to only three points.

A penalty that would have levelled the scores was missed, and this brought the Whitgiftians back to life. After a splendid rolling maul, OW's Miles Daly crossed the line.

Freemen's gained possession again from the restart and tore down the field to out-flank a seemingly non-existent Whitgiftian defence. A successful conversion closed the gap to a single point – and the home side was mightily relieved to hear the referee's final whistle.

Whitgiftians hang on for win

'Croydon International' suggestion for Gatwick airport gets mixed reaction

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STEVE O'Connell has opened up a can of worms by suggesting one of the world's busiest airports takes the name 'Croydon International'.

The Kenley councillor and Croydon Greater London Authority member was hit with a mixture of anger and ridicule when a link to our story was last week posted on the Facebook page of the Crawley News, our sister paper. But not everyone thinks Mr O'Connell has his head in the clouds. Mike Fisher, leader of Croydon Council, welcomed the name change as something which could be of potential benefit to the area's regeneration.

He said: "Gatwick very much serves Croydon. It is the economic hub [of the borough]. If it gets people talking about Croydon then that's a good thing."

Richard Ottaway, MP for Croydon South, has said that although he is happy with the name Gatwick, he would welcome the name change.

He said: "Gatwick is important for the Croydon economy, particularly for my constituency. It is probably the largest employer in my constituency.

"It's something which I don't underestimate."

Mr O'Connell last week raised the issue of a name change at a Greater London Authority meeting

He said: "Gatwick is Croydon's first and best international connection, and it only makes sense to link it by name to this recognisable part of London."

Mr O'Connell also confirmed that he had spoken to Stewart Wingate, chief executive of Gatwick, about renaming the airport.

However, Croydon Central MP Gavin Barwell said that a name change was not a likely outcome, and added that talks about making developments to Croydon's airport capacity should be a priority.

"Extending the airport, increasing its capacity and jobs and the connection to other airports – that's where I think the focus should be," he said.

"I don't really think the renaming is going to happen."

Matthew Sims, chief executive of the Croydon Business Improvement District, expressed indifference to the airport idea and thinks attention should be focused on the town's bright future instead.

"Croydon has a wonderful future ahead of it and a lot of potential," he said.

"The hope is that Croydon will become a major economic centre… I think the important thing is to hold on to the fact that we have two major businesses [Westfield and Hammerson] coming to Croydon."

Mr O'Connell's idea has not gone down well in Crawley, the borough where the airport is located.

Crawley MP and fellow Tory Henry Smith branded the suggestion "utter nonsense", while residents used our sister title's Facebook page to ridicule the idea.

Rob Beadle called Mr O'Connell a "dope", while Theresa Anne Gunner wrote: "Maybe we should send him a map! Typical idiot politician."

Brian Miles wrote: "Croydon has, or rather did have an airport, it is now a trading estate. Anyway, how far is Croydon from Gatwick, about 20 miles or so?"

'Croydon International' suggestion for Gatwick airport gets mixed reaction

Great Croydon Bake Off attracts 500 to Old Town

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BAKING buffs from across the borough came together for the first ever Great Croydon Bake Off last weekend.

The event, which was inspired by the popular BBC programme The Great British Bake Off, had the first of its four rounds on Saturday in a specially-erected marquee in Old Town.

More than 500 Croydon residents went to see the event throughout the day.

The event kicked off at noon, where attendees were treated to succulent savoury and sweet bakes by the four contestants.

Coulsdon-based One Of A Kind Cake Company also held a workshop, ensuring residents got a good taste of what is on offer in Croydon.

Award-winning baking professionals, Tim Fisher and Sean Coughlan, were the judges for the day, and eventually crowned Kimberley Scott-Matthews as the winner, thanks to her cheddar cheese scones with apple and thyme chutney and orange and cranberry bakewell tart with Cointreau icing.

Kimberley will now go through to the final on October 19. She said: "I had an excellent time.

"There was a surprisingly relaxed atmosphere and it was wonderful to chat to members of the public while baking.

"It was also great to meet the other very talented contestants, they all did a fantastic job so it must have been a very close contest.

"I am very much looking forward to the next event, I'll be checking out the competition for the final."

The other three participants also cooked some tasty treats.

Neil Ridulfa made cauliflower cheese galettes and apricot jam gingerbread tarts, while Geoff Ranson cooked a red onion and shallot tarte tatin with warm spiced chocolate fondants and rose cream.

Deborah Mussel made a pear, walnut and blue cheese savoury muffin with a snow peaked chocolate, chestnut and orange truffle cake.

Organiser Christo Matthews said: "Everyone who came commented on the positive, friendly and encouraging atmosphere at the event, with many people chatting to complete strangers and exchanging contact details over coffee at the end.

"It was a triumph. Everyone had a great day from the bakers to the attendees.

"The support I've received from residents and businesses has been inspiring. There's a very real thirst for exciting, fun events like this in Croydon.

"For the Spring Bake Off I'm looking to deliver an even bigger day. I am in talks with some quite large companies which I hope will make the bake-offs happening throughout the year even bigger and star-studded events."

MP Gavin Barwell, who came along, said: "The Bake Off is a great thing.

"The more community events we can have like this, the better. It is great for the town. This is an area of the town with real potential as well."

If you would like to participate in the summer event or you would like your business to sponsor the Bake Off, e-mail contact@christopm.com

Great Croydon Bake Off attracts 500 to Old Town

Tributes to former Croydon mayor Derek Millard

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A FORMER Mayor of Croydon renowned for his "infectious smile" has died, aged 75.

Derek Millard, who passed away last Friday, served as a ward councillor for Purley from 1986 to 2010 and as Croydon mayor between 2007 and 2008.

The father of two had lived in Purley with his wife, Bunty, for the past 46 years, having been born in Sydenham Road, Croydon. Family, friends and former colleagues from across the borough paid tribute to the retired stockbroker.

His son, Andrew Millard, said: "From a relatively humble beginning – his father was a sales clerk and his mother a school teacher – he achieved great success in numerous ways, and with his infectious smile has been described as determined, honest, fun, honourable, supportive, eager, willing and a great man.

"He saw himself as Mr Purley, and he was."

A founder of the European Options Exchange, Mr Millard retired aged 49. He was elected to the council in 1986.

Council leader Mike Fisher said: "It's always sad to lose a former colleague, and to lose Derek in quick succession to the death of Pat Hecks [another ex-mayor] doubles the blow.

"He was an integral and well-known member of the community he served for so long.

"The thoughts of all of us are with Bunty, and her and Derek's children and grandchildren."

Croydon South MP Richard Ottaway, who was chosen as Parliamentary candidate by a selection committee chaired by Mr Millard, remembered a close friend who was "always hungry for a challenge".

Mr Ottaway said: "He wanted to play golf and so he set off and attained a very good standard. He wanted to race motorcars and so he went off and became a good amateur racer.

"It was that same spirit that saw Derek achieve a great deal for the Conservative Party – we were incredibly lucky to have him on our team."

Grandfather-of-five Mr Millard was also a member of the Purley and Woodcote Residents' Association and served as a governor at Woodcote High School in Coulsdon, where head teacher Mark Southworth, recruited to the school by an appointment panel including Mr Millard, said he had been invaluble in helping the school progress.

Tarsem Flora, chairman of Purley and Woodcote Residents' Association, described Mr Millard as "one of the best" Croydon mayors. He added: "I have lost a good neighbour. Purley has lost an extremely popular, intelligent and respected personality."

Mr Millard's funeral will take place on March 4 from 10am, at the Croydon Minster.

Tributes to former Croydon mayor Derek Millard


Caterham musician went from busking in Croydon to touring the world

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HE'S gone from busking in Croydon town centre to following in the footsteps of Elvis in Vegas.

But Caterham chart star Si Cranstoun didn't just make a career from his days entertaining shoppers – he found love too.

Six years after a girl came over to Si with a twinkle in her eye and his CD in her hand, the pair are now married with two children.

Si, of Church Hill, Caterham, recalls: "I was busking with my brother six years ago and this girl came over with her father and bought our CD.

"Then she came back again and bought another one. I told her to e-mail me to see what she thought of it, though I kept it quiet that I thought she was the most beautiful girl I'd ever seen."

Dozens of e-mails later, Si and his future wife Tamu met at East Croydon Station on their first date.

Now, they're married with two children; one-year-old Kaius and four-year-old Tiva.

Crooner Si found fame performing with his brother Tyber in ska band The Dualers.

The two brothers spent much of the new millennium busking in Croydon's high street, selling CDs and trying to get their music heard.

Si is now touring all over the world, but has found time to come back and play at Fairfield Halls next month.

He said: "People around the area knew who we were because we were always playing, we did functions for the council and finally got a hit in the chart with our song Kiss On The Lips.

"We were unsigned and we did it all off our own back. I loved it and my brother is still playing with the band and they're doing brilliantly, but in 2010 I decided to branch away and do something that was more suited to my voice."

Si left The Dualers to pursue a solo career in vintage rhythm and blues, and now performs the music he loves at venues worldwide.

"It's a very American sort of music, very rock and roll, and my voice is much more suited to it," he said.

"Now I'm going to Las Vegas and Australia with my six-piece band and I'm kind of pinching myself that I'm able to do this and make a living off it. It's hard work but it's so lovely to be able to do it. This is the second time I've been invited to play in Vegas and it will be brilliant to finish the tour there."

Despite touring around the globe, Si hasn't forgotten his roots. He said: "I'm so glad to be playing the Fairfield Halls, it was the first big gig I had with the Dualers so it's rather fitting."

"Tamu will be there with the buggy, along with all the other mums and their buggies. I think they're my target audience."

Si Cranstoun will be playing the Stand! Concert at the Fairfield Halls on March 1, at 8pm. Tickets are £12. For details, visit www.sicranstoun.com

Caterham musician went from busking in Croydon to touring the world

Allianz Global Assistance boss welcomes Croydon Occupiers Forum

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THE boss of one of Croydon's largest companies has welcomed the formation of a new group designed to ensure existing firms are not ignored in the rush to regenerate the town.

Mike Webb, chairman of Allianz Global Assistance, has sounded warnings that the company may be forced out of Croydon in the future if it cannot recruit more skilled staff locally or if moves to attract more businesses to the town fail.

But he said this week that the formation of the Croydon Occupiers Forum, a new voice for existing companies, will aid communication with the council and ensure their views are heard as new developments move forward.

Mr Webb said: "We hope that the occupiers of Croydon see the forum as a valuable way of working together for the benefit of the companies of Croydon and the people who work for them, the town centre itself and the inhabitants of the town.

"There are so many bodies making a huge effort to improve Croydon – such as Croydon Commitment, the BID and the Portas Pilot Scheme – and we are keen to make sure that what we do is complementary to their work.

"We want to encourage more companies to stay in Croydon and also more businesses to come here and restore its traditional position as London's back office."

Croydon Occupiers Forum is a joint initiative between the Develop Croydon Forum and the Croydon Business Improvement District (BID).

Its next meeting will be held in the late spring and anyone wishing to attend is asked to ring 020 8760 7968 or e-mail Natasha@developcroydonforum.com

Allianz Global Assistance boss welcomes Croydon Occupiers Forum

Croydon man charged with murdering teen to appear at Old Bailey

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A MAN from Croydon charged with stabbing a 16-year-old boy to death will appear at the Old Bailey on Monday. Romell Martin, 21 and of Fairgreen Road in Thornton Heath, appeared at the City of London Magistrates' Court in Westminster yesterday (Thursday). He has been charged with murder, and was remanded in custody until Monday. Emergency services were called to Albon House, a block of flats on Neville Gill Close in Wandsworth, in the early hours of Sunday. Peter Hagan, who was from Brixton, was found on the ground floor of the stairwell.

Croydon man charged with murdering teen to appear at Old Bailey

Woman killed in Purley car crash was 'perfect mother, wife and person', says husband

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THE husband of a woman mowed down by an out-of-control car says his wife was "the perfect mum, the perfect wife, and a perfect human being".

Kremena Mersinkova, 40, died after a red Citroen Saxo ploughed into her as she walked along Godstone Road, in Purley, at 4am on Saturday.

She was walking with her husband Plamen, 45, who escaped with minor injuries.

The couple, who only moved to this country last March and, until recently, lived in Barmouth Road, Shirley, were on their way home from University College Hospital, in Euston, where they worked as cleaners.

They made it as far as Purley by bus, before looking to walk the rest of the way to their new home in Whyteleafe.

Mr Mersinkov paid a touching tribute to his wife.

He told the Advertiser: "She was the perfect mum, the perfect wife; she was a perfect human being.

"It's the biggest loss for us as a family that we could possibly suffer, nobody could ever replace her, and will ever replace her in our hearts.

"Her future is gone and our loss is infinite."

Mrs Mersinkova was the mother of two daughters, Rosemary, 16, who lived with her parents in Whyteleafe, and Vicky, 21, who is studying in the family's native Bulgaria.

The couple first settled in Shirley with friend Dilianka Dimitrova, who said: "It is so sad; I still can't really believe it happened. She was the kind of person who always had a smile, even if she was sad you'd never know because she always had a happy face.

"She had that attitude about everything in her life."

Close family friend Hristo Na Plamen Priatel added: "I am a very old friend of the family, over 25 years, and it is a terrible shock.

"We're all very sad, as are her two daughters, it is an awful time."

The three occupants of the car, two men aged 25 and 26, and a 20-year-old woman, were all taken to St George's for treatment and later discharged.

The driver, aged 25, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, and on suspicion of driving with excess alcohol. He was taken to a south London police station and later bailed to return in April, pending further inquiries.

Detective Sergeant Mick Woollard, who is investigating the incident, said: "This was a horrendous collision where an innocent hardworking wife and mother has lost her life.

"Her family are in complete shock and cannot believe this has happened."

The cleaning company which employed Kremena Mersinkova and her husband have paid tribute to the couple. Gary Tate, from CMF, said: "They were a lovely couple, she was lovely and so hardworking. "It's just unbelievable. I got the phone call telling me what had happened at 5am on Saturday, and you know no one would do that but you think it was a prank caller, you know? You think someone's winding you up. "As a company, we are thinking of her family and her husband, who is also a lovely man. You don't really know how they can move on from this. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 020 8285 1574.

Woman killed in Purley car crash was 'perfect mother, wife and person', says husband

'Forget Wilfried Zaha, only one man is really irreplaceable'

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A VITAL six points from two home games on the trot was just what Palace needed to reinforce our claim to an automatic promotion spot, writes Stephen Bridle.

Currently sitting in fourth place, four points from second and nine from the top, we've put ourselves in a very favourable position – and with 13 games left to play we've not picked a bad time to start finding form.

Following the unexpected success of the Eagles this campaign taunts of "one man team" are not uncommon – but which man?

We've got a strong squad and since Holloway's dealing in the January window we've got decent cover for most positions.

There's one man in our squad though, that is irreplaceable. That man's name is Glenn Murray.

With 27 league goals to his name at the time of writing, the 29-year-old sharpshooter, who joined Palace on a free from the south coast is the second top scorer in Europe – behind only Ballon d'Or holder Lionel Messi.

There are other key players in the squad that we'd really struggle without.

Jedinak springs to mind as the obvious choice; but it is Muzza, with his tireless work rate, absolute professionalism and keen eye for goal who is most vital to the way that we play.

When you're playing with one centre-forward you need an outlet.

Someone with a physical presence able to hold up the ball and bring other players into the game; scoring goals doesn't half help too.

We're lucky to have him, especially considering what a shrewd piece of business his signing turned out to be, and with new contract talks opening, scoring goals for Palace could be on the cards for a while yet.

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