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'I gave birth - then my baby was taken out of my arms'

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FOR most mothers, giving birth is followed by endless cuddles, finger-clutching and bonding time with their new arrivals.

But when Elmaz Korimbocus gave birth on June 1 last year, daughter Soraiya was immediately whisked away to a specialist ward, leaving Elmaz sick with worry.

Born six weeks prematurely, Soraiya needed urgent help to beat respiratory distress syndrome caused by underdeveloped lungs.

Elmaz, 29, told the Advertiser: "I quite honestly think it is one of the worst things anyone can go through. You build up to giving birth and holding your baby.

"But I had a second to hold her and they had to take her away.

"The staff then took a picture of her which they gave to me so I could have have a photograph of her."

Tiny Soraiya finally came home about three weeks later and, nearly a year on, is now doing well, freeing up some of her mother's attention for a new mission.

The single mother, currently living with her parents in Norbury, says there is too little information readily available for parents of premature babies – something she hopes to help change.

She will be taking part in a sponsored buggy push later this month in aid of premature baby charity Bliss, who provided vital help during her stay at Croydon University Hospital.

Elmaz, a diagnostic radiographer at Broomfield Hospital, Essex, said: "The emotional support needs to be there for anybody with a premature baby.

"It is a very difficult thing to go through and there is not that much information out there – you are left not knowing anything.

"You see this tube and that tube, but you are not given the explanation of what they are for.

"When I had Soraiya, nothing was prepared at all. I had clothes, but they were all for zero to three months, and she was too small. It was a big rush."

The first few weeks were especially agonising as Soraiya's breathing problems worsened.

Elmaz said: "She was doing well for a while and they said she was not that bad and was quite a good size for her gestation age.

"But one morning I walked in and I could see the grave faces on the doctors and the nurses and I could tell straight away something was wrong.

"It was almost a miracle. Just a week from almost dying to then saying she could come home the week after."

Elmaz is hoping to push a double buggy 5km around Regent's Park on May 25 for Bliss, holding both Soraiya and her son Zakariya, 2.

"Bliss invests a lot into research about the effects of being premature," she added.

"My daughter was actually quite lucky in terms of what I saw other babies go through on the ward."

To sponsor Elmaz, visit www.justgiving.com/Elmaz-Korimbocus

'I gave birth - then my baby was taken out of my arms'


Fresh row over Coulsdon MOT garage plans

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A BITTER battle has resumed between a business owner and residents living next to his proposed MOT garage.

Monza Garage owner Paul Norris has reapplied to Croydon Council for permission to use the land at the southern end of Edward Road for the six-day-a-week garage.

His proposal was thrown out last year by a planning inspector, who backed residents' claims that it would be unbearably noisy.

But Mr Norris insists his latest plans would not be too loud and has put forward a report which he says proves this.

In his submission to Croydon Council, he writes: "The survey was compiled by DM Thomas Esq, who has a masters degree in acoustics.

"The findings are such that the conclusion of the report is that the changes applied for would not give rise to undue levels of noise."

Neighbours have pledged to "vigorously oppose" the new application, saying it would cause "unacceptable impairment of quality of life".

In a joint statement sent out by representative Angela Applin, they said the proposals would cause "significant, unabating smell and air pollution" nearby and "unrelenting industrial noise".

They added: "There are currently several MOT testing centres in Coulsdon, three within five minutes' walking distance of proposed site.

"An industrial site should not be permitted within a residential area, particularly in view of the Coulsdon Masterplan's aims to revitalise and upgrade the centre of Coulsdon.

"The proposed development would detrimentally change the character of an historic Victorian/Edwardian area of Coulsdon.

"Residents are hoping for strong support in opposing this application from the general public, especially people in the Coulsdon locality."

The campaigners said they feared "unacceptable traffic congestion", although the planning inspector did not accept that would be the case.

Mr Norris says, if he gets permission, the garage would open from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 1pm Saturday.

His application excludes bodywork and spraying, and he has said there will not be any work on Sundays or bank holidays.

Croydon Council is inviting views on the plans until May 23 and expects to make a decision by June 21.

Mr Norris has told the council's planning team in his proposals that the new occupant of number 54 Edward Road "appears happy with the proposal".

Fresh row over Coulsdon MOT garage plans

Lottery luck shines on Croydon

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IF YOU'RE thinking of a flutter on the Lottery this weekend, you may have a better chance than you'd expect of winning a few quid.

The National Lottery has revealed that Croydon is one of the luckiest towns in the country, when it comes to scooping the jackpot – or at least a nice little earner.

The CR postcode is ranked 16th for the amount of big prize-winners (£50,000 or above) per head of population in the last three years.

And it seems Croydon is getting luckier, as this represents a vast improvement from its ranking of 48th across the 19 years of the Lottery since its 1994 launch.

To date, 177 people in the CR postcodes have won sums of at least £50,000, with 14 Croydon millionaires created by picking all six numbers correctly.

Town newsagents say they serve hundreds of people every day, trying to join the ranks of Croydon Lottery winners.

B Patel, owner of the YRB Newsmarket on George Street, said: "Everybody wants money, don't they?

"We sell three to four thousand tickets each week.

"Our customers don't buy lots of tickets each either, maybe just one or two."

And while Mr Patel has not met any millionaires, he said he had heard about lots of big winners.

He added: "Plenty of people have won thousands of pounds. One of my customers won £100,000 but that is probably the most."

Uday News, in Wellesley Road, which is run by husband and wife Uday Kumar and Supreetha Uday, normally sells 2,000 tickets per week but a lot more for the big draws.

Mrs Uday said: "You see an upturn in trade depending on the size of the prize.

"Pensioners come here every single week to buy tickets, even if they have never won anything.

"They don't ever moan about it, they just come back and buy their ticket. But I don't think they want the money for themselves.

"They always say they would give it to charity if they won or maybe to their family."

The National Lottery's statistics include both winners who have chosen to go public with their windfall and those who have shunned publicity.

A Lottery spokesman said: "Maybe The Old Palace, the home of the Archbishops of Canterbury for over five centuries, has given Croydon a dose of divine luck."

Lottery luck shines on Croydon

Riot Damages Act to be reviewed

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A LAW which failed victims of the August 2011 riots is to be reformed.

Dozens of people whose homes or business in Croydon were burned down or ransacked were left facing financial ruin because of the outdated Riot (Damages) Act (RDA). The legislation, established more than 125 years ago, enables victims of a riot to claim compensation from the police even if they are uninsured.

Submitting a claim proved a time consuming and convoluted process and, after the disorder, an independent panel called for the law to be amended.

Nearly two years on, there are still at least 40 unresolved cases in the borough, more than any other affected area.

Policing Minister Damian Green announced the law would be revised to make it "fit for purpose".

An independent review will assess the definition of a riot, who should be liable and what levels of compensation are suitable.

While the Government claims only 2 per cent of uninsured claims have not been settled, in March the Advertiser highlighted eight cases where families had been left on the brink of ruin.

Riot Damages Act to be reviewed

Crystal Palace issued 'poogate' apology by Brighton chief

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CRYSTAL Palace Football Club have been issued an apology from arch-rivals Brighton & Hove Albion after reports of excrement were found in the Eagles' dressing room last Monday for their Championship play-off clash at the AMEX Stadium.
Seagulls manager Gus Poyet was left outraged by the actions of the perpetrator(s) and sent out an email to all Brighton employees to tell them what he thought of the disgusting act.
And in an email sent by Brighton's Chief Executive Paul Barber on Monday evening, he confirmed the club have now apologised to Palace.
"It's clearly been a challenging week for our club," Barber wrote in the email sent out to season-ticket holders.
"Defeat at home to our biggest rivals in a play-off semi-final, the suspension from work and pending investigation of three members of our staff, and the revelation of an unsavoury incident that took place in our visitors' dressing room last Monday.
"These events have led to some unwelcome headlines that we all would have preferred not to have been reading during the last week.
"Understandably, many supporters have asked me, both in person and in writing, about recent events - and, in particular, how and why they have happened. At this point, I'm unable to give you answers to all the questions you may have.
"What I can say to you is that every football club faces a variety of challenges at different points in its history.
"We are no exception and I can assure you that we will address each of these challenges as you would expect and want us to, namely, professionally and with as much as dignity as possible.
"We apologised to Crystal Palace as soon as the vandalism in their dressing room was discovered, and again more formally a few days after the match.
"As a result of what happened, please rest assured we have reviewed our internal procedures to guard against this ever happening again.
"On other matters, you will appreciate that I'm unable to comment further at this time."
Palace ended up winning 2-0 thanks to a brace from star winger Wilfried Zaha and are preparing to face Watford in the Championship play-off final next Monday.

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Crystal Palace issued 'poogate' apology by Brighton chief

Croydon travel news: May 21

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Public travel networks are reportedly running smoothly first thing this morning with no major incidents, although there are a few road issues. Those travelling by car towards the M25 are being warned about queueing traffic clockwise between J4, A21 (Orpington) and Clacket Lane Services. In the roadworks area. The M25 in Surrey is also experiencing slow traffic clockwise between J10, A3 (Wisley Interchange) and J11, A317 (Chertsey). Southern Rail is reporting a good service across its network. A good service is also operating across the tube and tram networks.

Croydon travel news: May 21

Croydon's MPs give their support to introdue gay marriage

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Croydon's MPs gave their backing to gay marriage proposals in parliament last night, with the Government's bill to receive its final Commons reading today. The Government's same-sex marriage bill is to receive a third and final Commons reading after surviving resistance from Tory opponents on Monday night. A proposal, which would have delayed the new law, to also allow straight couples to take up civil partnerships was defeated by 375 votes to 70. MPs instead backed a Labour plan to consult on civil partnership changes soon, rather than after five years. Gavin Barwell, MP for Croydon Central, Steve Reed, MP for Croydon North, and Richard Ottaway, MP for Croydon South, were all among the majority. Gay couples could now marry in England and Wales as soon as summer 2014. While MPs gave their support in principle to gay marriage in February, proposed amendments to the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill are being discussed over two days with a third reading to take place later today. If approved, it is expected to face further opposition when it goes to the House of Lords on Wednesday.

Croydon's MPs give their support to introdue gay marriage

Five people escape flats after fire in Kings Dry Cleaners, South Norwood

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FIVE people fled their homes after the dry cleaning shop downstairs caught fire. Firefighters were called to King's Dry Cleaners in High Street, South Norwood, at 7.04am today. A London Fire Brigade (LFB) spokesman said five people had left the flats above before firefighters arrived. He added the shop floor sustained about 25 per cent fire damage, but no injuries were reported. A firefighter who attended the scene said the fire had started in the back of the shop. The cause of the fire is being investigated. Four engines, from Croydon, Woodside and Beckenham, attended.

Five people escape flats after fire in Kings Dry Cleaners, South Norwood


Learn how to make a bramble basket in a day

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On 20 June an experienced basketmaking teacher will be running a one-day course that will allow anyone to walk away with their own hand-made natural bramble basket.

The session lasts from 10.30am to 4.30pm and the group will be heading of from the scout hut in Dunley Drive New Addington to forage in the nearby woods for raw materials.

To book a place (costing £35) either e-mail biodiversity@croydon.gov.uk or call 020 8726 6000 ext 64952.

Learn how to make a bramble basket in a day

Carshalton College student through to the World Skills Final Games Development Competition

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Carshalton College students, Sean Covell and Laura Nelson took part in this year's Regional Heats at The World Skills UK Games Development Competition on Wednesday 8 May 2013.

The World Skills Games Development Competition was founded by five Colleges including Carshalton College. The Games Development Competition aims to increase awareness of the industry and highlight the level of skill in this area within Colleges.

The top ten competitors from the two regional heats have made it through to the final competition which will take place at The Skills Show in November 2013. Carshalton College Games Development student, Sean Covell rose to the challenge at the London regional heat and has secured his place as one of the final ten competitors. Sadly, Laura's score fell 2% below the top ten and she is on the reserve list should any competitors withdraw.

Mark Gatehouse, Tutor says, "The World Skills Games Development Competition has become a highly regarded competition that challenges students and showcases the talent and level of skill in this area. We are delighted Sean has made it through to the finals and believe he will be a strong contender. Most of all I am delighted that the hard work of all the students and our specialist teaching staff ( Kieran O'Donnell and Michael Davies ) has led us to the final for the third year running! More impressive is that judging from the score chart almost any of our current students would have achieved a place in the National top twenty! " 

The Skills Show, organised by WorldSkills UK is one of the largest skills and careers events in the UK. The show hosts a range of skills competitions, awards and activities. Visitors get to watch young talented individuals take part in the WorldSkills UK Competitions and have the chance to get involved themselves. There is also a plethora of jobs, training and careers advice available.

We wish Sean the very best of luck at the finals in November.

Carshalton College student through to the World Skills Final Games Development Competition

Play-off trophy coming to The Whitgift Centre tomorrow

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THE PLAY-OFF trophy that Crystal Palace and Mile Jedinak hope to get their hands on next week will be at The Whitgift Centre on Wednesday afternoon. Palace fans can queue up for their picture with the Npower Championship Play-Off final trophy in the Whitgift Square between 1pm and 3pm. Promotion could be worth an estimated £120million if The Eagles return to Selhurst Park with the trophy next week. It is the trophy's last stop before it travels to Wembley for Palace's showdown with Gianfranco Zola's Watford on Bank Holiday Monday.

Play-off trophy coming to The Whitgift Centre tomorrow

South Croydon community stalwart dies

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A PILLAR of the South Croydon community who ran a successful business, was a star of local rugby and contributed much to charity has been remembered for his endless compassion and kindness.

Gerald Bowthorpe, 74, was a member of the Old Whitgiftian Association, having been to the school as a teenager.

In his youth, Mr Bowthorpe had been a talented rugby player for England Schools, Surrey and The Old Whitgiftian RFC.

He played at Twickenham on numerous occasions and was renowned for his fearsome tackling and sportsmanship.

According to his son Nigel, could have played professionally, but decided to remain loyal to his local Whitgiftian Rugby Club.

Later on, he became the managing director of the family business, One Complete Solution (OCS) which manages cleaning and maintenance work.

Nigel has remembered his father for his personal touch and "pure genius" with people.

"He would always help people out, whether it was giving them a lift up the road or helping out someone in trouble," he said.

"He was interested in things at home like gardening and cooking.

"He had this wonderful ability with people and seemed to know everyone in the Croydon community. It's a very rare gift and he could really tap straight into people's souls."

Mr Bowthorpe and his wife Diana, both regulars at Sanderstead United Reformed Church, met in 1967 and got married a year later. They lived in Croham Manor Road for their entire 45 years together.

Mrs Bowthorpe said: "He was so involved in the rugby club and OCS and they are desperately sad to see him go.

"We have lived here our entire lives but it is because he did so much work for other people that everyone knew him."

Mr Bowthorpe died on March 30.

More than 500 people came to pay their respects to him at a thanksgiving service held on April 25.

The funeral was organised by Rowland Brothers.

South Croydon community stalwart dies

Coco recovering from Purley Way pitbull attack

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A DOG brutally savaged by two pitbulls on Purley Way last month is on the road to recovery.

Ranu Jhoollun was walking her dog Coco, a two-and-a-half-year-old golden retriever, on the playing fields at Purley Way, when the pitbulls set upon her beloved pet.

Karen Davison, the practice manager at Ann Nelson Vets in Pampisford Road, South Croydon, said she thought Coco was dead in her kennel when she walked in after the attack.

"She was really at death's door and I have never seen such horrific injuries on a dog," she said.

However, thanks to a some pioneering new treatment, Coco is now on the mend.

"Her liver was failing and we were about to put her down when a new piece of equipment called K-Laser that we are using began to work," Karen added.

"It appears to be amazing for wounds and she looks completely healed – usually it takes months.

"When I came into the clinic after the weekend she had been brought in, she looked up and wagged her tail having been lying there unable to move a few days before.

"It's a testament to her nature that she has pulled through."

Coco's owner Ronan Pigott, from Purley, said: "We are so relieved she is OK. She has some wounds at the back of her neck but is otherwise fine and is still playing with other dogs."

Coco recovering from Purley Way pitbull attack

Antoinette says: let them eat cake

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POST-RIOT funding has given a Purley woman the chance to set up her dream cake shop.

Antoinette Frucilla, 37, who moved over from Canada to be with her husband in 2005, believes Purley has nothing like her new shop, Dolce Dolce, on offer, and that demand will be high.

The Foxley Lane resident told the Advertiser: "I started a cake-decorating course when I moved here.

"Then I began making cakes for weddings out of our kitchen and last December, one of them featured in the magazine Harper's Bazaar.

"Costco got in touch to see if I wanted to start selling my cakes online but they thought I already had a premises.

"That was when I was walking through Purley and saw 10 High Street empty and thought it would be perfect – both for the town and for my business."

However, Antoinette had no capital behind her and went looking online for funding and loans.

She explained: "I came across a lot of scams at the beginning, you have to be very careful.

"Then I found GLE Croydon Loan Fund team who did 15 hours work with me creating a business plan and then put me through a two-hour interview.

"In the end, they loaned me £13,000 to cover the deposit, a few months' rent, initial heating bill and things like that. I couldn't have done it without them."

After the August 2011 riots, the GLE Croydon Loan Fund was promoted by the council and made £250,000 available to boost trade in the borough.

The team also provided a source of advice and offered help with negotiating insurance claims, banking and business planning.

The pastry chef said she will be selling cupcakes, pastries and biscuits – as well as cakes – in a "'Marie Antoinette boutique"-style shop.

Antoinette said she was planning an opening for June 1, with a possible free event, and will also be taking part in the Purley Festival this year.

Antoinette says: let them eat cake

A22 crossing has 'made road more dangerous'

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KENLEY parents claim the new crossing on the A22 is pointless and might even have made the road more dangerous.

The crossing was put in by TfL last month after three years of campaigning, which was triggered by an accident on the Godstone Road in 2010.

The group, Kenley Needs A Crossing (KNAC), handed TfL a petition of more than 2,000 signatures, which kick-started a consultation.

At the time, the group asked for either pedestrian traffic lights or a zebra crossing but after months of wrangling, TfL claimed neither would be possible.

Instead, pedestrian islands have been built so that schoolchildren have somewhere to wait in the middle of the road during the rush hour.

However, mothers taking their children to school have complained that the new crossing is waste of time.

Liz Gilkas, who has a child at Roke Primary, said: "We wanted a crossing on Hayes Lane. We all think that it's public money and therefore they should have done what we asked.

"As for the crossing on Godstone Road, why couldn't they have put in a zebra crossing like we asked?"

Tracey Field, who has children at Riddlesdown and Roke, said she was concerned for her older child crossing Godstone Road.

"It's really hazardous. The majority of traffic does not stop or slow down," she said.

"Yes, they have widened the bit on Hayes Lane a bit but cars come zooming up and around the corner and it is still dangerous."

Sharon O'Driscoll said there should be a lollipop lady at the crossing if TfL were not going to provide proper road restrictions.

She added: "I worry about it because of the bus stop just after the crossing – children pile off it and just head across the road without using the new crossing so it's made no difference to safety."

However, local councillor and Greater London Assembly member Steve O'Connell defended the crossing, saying he had not received any complaints and he was convinced the original KNAC group were happy with it.

He said: "I think it's a good scheme and the mothers in the campaign think it is the right facility. It will be tested out as TfL will monitor the success of the crossing."

Lynn Stanley, a member of KNAC, said: "Ultimately, it would have been lovely to have a zebra crossing or lights.

"But TfL made it clear that this was as much as we were going to achieve.

"It's disappointing that people aren't happy with it but we did what we could."

A TfL spokesman said it would be conducting a survey of the crossing to see if any safety concerns raised in the consultation needed to be addressed.

The report is due to be released in the next few weeks.

A22 crossing has 'made road more dangerous'


Palace defender hails Dougie Freedman for saving career

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CRYSTAL Palace defender Damien Delaney has hailed former boss Dougie Freedman for believing in him last summer after his release from Ipswich Town.
And in Friday's 12-page Wembley pullout in the Croydon Advertiser, plus Ian Holloway's column, Delaney reveals what was going through his mind last year and how close he came to quitting the English game.
"I had played against Dougie a few times and then he had also tried to take me on loan a couple of times too," said Delaney, who was called up to the Republic of Ireland squad on Wednesday morning.
"I knew from speaking to people in the game what kind of guy he was. He had to do a bit to get my head back on because I'd made my mind up what I was going to do.
"He's a really good guy and I will forever be indebted to him – I never thought I'd be playing in a play-off final."
For the interview in full with the defender, do not miss Friday's Croydon Advertiser, including a whole load of interviews from current and past players, board members and columnists.

Palace defender hails Dougie Freedman for saving career

Palace boss praises experienced players ahead of Wembley play-off

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CRYSTAL Palace boss Ian Holloway has praised the older members of his squad ahead of Monday's Championship play-off final. The Eagles manager says that even when some of them haven't played regularly this season, they've all been extremely professional and he would like them to experience another crack at the Premier League with the rest of the team next season. Holloway said: "Kevin Phillips, need I say more? Anybody who wants to be a footballer should watch him and look at him because he's a credit to his profession, the way he's looked after his body. "And whether I pick him or not, the way he strikes the ball, the way he cares about the team, he's just perfect. "It's more about the players who have been here this season like your Jedinak's, Delaney's and Ramage's. "Just recently Danny Gabbidon has come in the team for Ramage, but the way he's taken that, they're just wonderful people. "The squad have got a great work ethic and I'd love for some of them who haven't already to experience what that feels like being up there in the Premier League with the difference it gives you."For the interview in full with Holloway, do not miss Friday's Croydon Advertiser in a special 12-page pull-out edition, including a whole load of other interviews from current and past players, board members and columnists ahead of Wembley. And of course, Holloway's exclusive column will continue to feature on the back pages.

Sanderstead squash veteran wins first trophy in 38 years

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A SANDERSTEAD squash veteran has finally won his first tournament – after 38 years of trying.

When Gerry Murphy first started competing, Harold Wilson was Prime Minister and the Sex Pistols played their first gig.

But, after a four-decade wait for success, he finally emerged triumphant – at the golden age of 65.

Since joining Warlingham Squash and Racketball Club back in 1975 as a fit 27-year-old, Gerry has entered all the club's annual squash tournaments – singles, doubles, handicap and eventually veterans – but never came out on top; until now.

In a hard-fought final on April 27, he overcame Ron Terry, 15 years his junior, two sets to nil in the handicap tournament.

Tournament organiser Mick Arnold said: "Perseverance certainly paid off in the end for Gerry.

"We had an awards ceremony afterwards when he bought a few drinks for members and had a few bought for him."

Mr Murphy said of his maiden victory: "I can't believe it.

"Finally I have my name up on the club honours board."

Sanderstead squash veteran wins first trophy in 38 years

Fairfield Halls steward reaches 50 years of service

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A FAIRFIELD Halls steward who only volunteered because he wanted to watch a few free shows is celebrating his 50th anniversary at the famous venue.

Ron Morris, 84, is marking a milestone this week – but admits he didn't expect to stay for so long.

The Wallington resident said: "I never planned to stay for 50 years. I just wanted a better view for some of the concerts.

"I like the place, though, because it's always been a friendly organisation. We don't get as many big names as we might have once, but it's still a very popular place."

Although he has never been paid for his stewarding, Ron will be given the ultimate honour for reaching 50 years of service – the Number One badge.

The classical music fan has lots of anecdotes from the venue's history, including a day with a group of Scientologists.

He said: "They held a conference there but they wouldn't let anyone else in the room, not even stewards.

"It was all a bit secretive but they were also very pleasant."

A chance encounter with royalty was another highlight.

Ron, a retired engineering draughtsman for British Rail, said: "Princess Margaret was here for something quite a long time ago.

"I went in and couldn't believe it. I was telling my colleague that it was her and he walked in the room and said 'that's not her, that's a look-alike'. But I was right."

Ron, who is married to Catherine, 83, has also had to deal with bomb scares and a camera show that almost turned into riot.

He added: "Kodak were holding some event and were giving out free tickets. They invited far too many though and ended up having about 5,000 people in a room that only fits 2,000.

"It almost turned very ugly."

Fairfield Halls steward reaches 50 years of service

Elderly fitness fanatic turns 100

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A WOMAN who remained a fitness fanatic well into her 90s has celebrated turning 100. Violet Underwood marked her centenary on April 27 at Red Court Nursing Home in Stanhope Road, along with four generations of her family and friends at a tea party. In the afternoon, Violet was joined by her sister aged 98, other family members and a group of eight ladies from Emanuel Church who remembered Violet from her days actively participating in the church's programme of activities, including the weekly exercise programmes. Violet was inwell known for attending these classes well into her 90s, although she made no attempt to offer a demonstration at the reunion. Although she has lived most of her life in central London, she spent 15 years in Croydon and was a regular worshipper at church.

Elderly fitness fanatic turns 100

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