Quantcast
Channel: Croydon Advertiser Latest Stories Feed
Viewing all 5354 articles
Browse latest View live

Crystal Palace 2 Leicester City 2: Gabbidon and Dobbie strikes pegged back by Foxes

0
0
CRYSTAL Palace were held to a 2-2 draw by Leicester City this afternoon in a lively encounter at Selhurst Park.

The Eagles remain fifth in the Championship and are now on 67 points, but a win would have been a huge boost to guarantee a play-off position.

Danny Gabbidon set the ball rolling for Ian Holloway's side but the Foxes grabbed their first equaliser thanks to Andy King.

Palace regained the lead thanks to Stephen Dobbie with a fine finish, but yet again, Leicester pegged them back courtesy of a Chris Wood goal.

On a sunny afternoon in SE25, the Eagles were denied the opening goal after seven minutes when Stephen Dobbie whipped in a dangerous free-kick and the ball took a nick of Leicester's Matty James to force an outstanding reaction save from Kasper Schmeichel.

Aaron Wilbraham then tried his luck from outside the box but the Danish stopper held easily, before the Foxes had a good chance themselves when Jeffrey Schlupp headed tamely down at goal from close range but it was dealt with by Julian Speroni.

Soon after, good work from Dobbie on the left saw the midfielder deliver towards the far post for Wilbraham but it was just too high for the forward to connect with his head.

Chances became limited midway through the half, with Dobbie striking the wall from a decent free-kick position, before Dean Moxey received a booking for tugging Anthony Knockaert, who would have had a chance to run down the wing.

But the Eagles finally made the breakthrough on 26 minutes thanks to Danny Gabbidon, who rose to plant a firm header into the corner of the net following a great delivery from Dobbie.

Alex Marrow then tried his luck from range, before Leicester threatened to equalise on a number of occasions soon after through Chris Wood and Knockaert in particular.

But it was Andy King who got the visitors back on level terms on 37 minutes when Lloyd Dyer cut the ball back to the midfielder from the left, and he got to the ball before Gabbidon to set himself and fire past Speroni.

Meanwhile, at the other end, Schmeichel had to be at his best again to deny Palace before half-time when he tipped over a deflected effort from Alex Marrow.

Murray had a chance early on in the second period, but it was striker partner Wilbraham who went closer soon after when rattled the crossbar with a firm header from Dobbie's free-kick..

But Palace's pressure paid off on 67 minutes when they regained the lead thanks to Dobbie, who curled home from the edge of the box following Murray's lay-off.

However, Leicester were again back on level terms soon after when a slip in defence from Damien Delaney allowed Wood to close in on goal and fire an effort past Speroni.

Palace continued to have chances through Dobbie and Wilbraham soon after, before Yannick Bolasie and Stuart O'Keefe came on for Dobbie and Marrow.

And Eagles boss Ian Holloway threw on veteran striker Kevin Phillips as a last throw of the dice in search of the winner with six minutes of normal time remaining.

But they couldn't muster a winner and were left to make do with a point.

Next Saturday they travel to relegation-threatened Blackburn Rovers.

Palace: Speroni, Ward, Moxey, Gabbidon, Delaney, Zaha, Dikgacoi, Marrow (O'Keefe 78), Dobbie (Bolasie 75), Wilbraham (Phillips 84), Murray.

Subs Not Used: Fitzsimons, Ramage, Moritz, Banton.

Attendance: 18,563


By Croydon Advertiser Sports Reporter Mark Ritson

Crystal Palace 2 Leicester City 2: Gabbidon and Dobbie strikes pegged back by Foxes


Father of Umar Tufail says he doesn't blame his son for brother's murder

0
0

A FATHER whose eldest son was "executed" because of a gangland feud involving his brother has told the Advertiser: "My boy is not to blame."

Umar Tufail, 25, was shot in the head outside his home in South Norwood in revenge for his brother Amir stabbing rival gangster Sanchez Thomas.

Thomas and his best friend Kyrone Daley, both 19, were jailed for a total of 47 years on Wednesday after being found guilty of murder at the Old Bailey.

Following the life sentences, Sajid Tufail said Amir's role in the lead-up to the killing had been exaggerated, adding: "I don't blame him for what happened – he's carrying enough guilt."

But he admitted there was a long-running "history" between his son - who goes by the nickname Renz and was a member of Croydon gang Block Cartel - and Thomas.

Their feud began when Amir threatened Thomas, known as Limitz and a member of rival street gang Squeeze Section, with a knife in Regina Road, in October 2011, before stabbing him in the arm near the sports shop where he worked in Tooting in March 2012.

"I know my son – he doesn't have it in him to stab anyone," said Sajid.

"The problem is the victim or victim's family don't get a say in the court process. Instead the criminals get to make the allegations and Amir can't defend himself. Sanchez Thomas obviously said a lot of things. But let's look at the facts. It was in broad daylight. Tooting is an extremely busy place. It was near where he worked. It was near the hospital and there was lots of CCTV. Amir wouldn't do anything like that. He didn't have any weapon.

"Amir has been honest with me and admitted he had a run in with Sanchez Thomas a few times. He beat him up once because he started on him. But that doesn't give him the right to execute his brother."

The court heard how Thomas pulled alongside Umar, who was sitting in a car outside his home, at around 4.30pm on July 15 last year.

According to Daley, who was sitting in the front passenger seat, Thomas repeatedly accused Umar – who looked strikingly like his brother – of "being Renz".

Even when Thomas established the man in the car was not his rival, he pulled a handgun from underneath his seat and shot him in the head.

Umar, who worked as a delivery driver and had no involvement in gangs, died the next day in hospital.

Amir, who was playing computer games in an upstairs bedroom, immediately believed he was the intended target, telling a police officer in the minutes after the killing: "I have a lot of enemies".

Daley and Thomas, both from Unity Close, West Norwood, were found guilty of murder under joint enterprise. Thomas was ordered to serve a minimum of 25 years and Daley will spend at least 22 years behind bars.

Sajid told the Advertiser after the murder that he would forgive his son's killers but has now changed his mind due to their lack of remorse.

He said: "I shall never forgive and never forget them. I didn't invite them into my life but they came in anyway and destroyed it.

"In some ways I wish they had the death penalty, but perhaps it's better for them to suffer in prison."

Father of Umar Tufail says he doesn't blame his son for brother's murder

STEVE REED MP: Croydon Council should be "ashamed" over tax rise

0
0

THE Government says that councils have a "moral duty" to freeze council tax at a time when household budgets are under so much pressure.

The vast majority of councils across London are doing precisely that to help local people cope in these difficult times.

Households right across Croydon are feeling the pinch with costs for heating, housing, food and travel soaring way above inflation and many people worried about their job or income.

It all makes our Conservative council's decision to force through a 1.85 per cent council tax hike look very out of touch with reality as their increases are due to come into effect this month.

But the council say they have no option.

They say they are forced to dip their hands into Croydon residents' purses and wallets because there are vitally important things to spend the money on.

How surprising, then, to find out that the council's spending priority is not schools, older people, police or street cleaning – but spending millions of pounds on brand new office furniture for the shiny new glass-and-steel headquarters they've built for themselves in the town centre.

If you're a Croydon council-tax payer, you might not be pleased to know that every penny of the extra money the council's taking off you will be spent on swish new office furniture to make council chiefs' lives a little more comfortable.

Never mind the bills you're struggling to pay; they've prioritised themselves instead.

They could have decided to move the existing office furniture out of their old headquarters and into the new one at a fraction of the cost.

But no, Croydon Council have decided to help themselves to your hard-earned cash and spend it on themselves.

Quite simply, they should be ashamed of themselves.

STEVE REED MP: Croydon Council should be

New Addington dad-of-three runs London Marathon for kids' charity

0
0

A FATHER of three will be joining thousands of others pounding the streets of London today..

Kevin Hann will be running the London Marathon to raise money for the Starlight Children's Foundation, which grants wishes for seriously ill children.

The 46-year-old from Lodge Lane, New Addington, said it would be his fourth marathon but he was spurred to run for the charity this time after the death of his father last November.

He said: "I wanted to do something in his memory and for people who were not as fortunate as him – he did not have a bad innings – and I thought kids were probably the most important thing in our world."

Mr Hann started running after the birth of his youngest daughter, 12.

"When my daughter was born I could not run up a flight of stairs – I had to hang on for dear life," he said.

"I just thought 'if I never do anything I am never going to see her grow' so that is what prompted my lifestyle change."

The computer specialist is hoping this race will be less disaster-struck than previous attempts.

He said: "In previous ones I was ill with flu, and I twisted my ankle on the third mile.

"I did 23 miles on one twisted ankle which required three visits to hospital.

"My boss said he did not know whether to discipline me or take his hat off."

To sponsor Kevin, visit is uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KevinHann-starlight-fundraising-page

Are you running in this weekend's marathon? Send your story and pictures to newsdesk@croydonadvertiser.co.uk

New Addington dad-of-three runs London Marathon for kids' charity

Can Croydon's railways cope with passenger boom?

0
0

FOR ANYONE who has stood underneath a rush-hour armpit or been late for work because you could not squeeze yourself on to the train, the figures make for depressing reading.

Rail journeys are increasing to and from almost every station in the borough, according to figures from the Office of Rail Regulation, with the trend set to continue for the foreseeable future.

Use of Croydon stations increased by an average of eight per cent in a year - 2,432,467 extra entries and exits - excluding Coulsdon Town, which had a 67 per cent jump.

That unusual spike may be explained by special circumstances, but industry analysts are predicting an overall rise nationally of 35 per cent over the next 30 years.

Rail bosses are scrambling to cater for the rising demand, lengthening platforms, adding carriages and increasing services where possible.

Southern Railway spokesman Chris Hudson said the company ordered 130 new train carriages in December 2011, which will start operating at the end of this year as ten-car trains on routes into Victoria through Norbury, Gipsy Hill and Hackbridge.

Mr Hudson added that station platforms have been extended to cater for the longer trains, and another 40 carriages were ordered in December last year, for use yet to be determined on the railway's network. Croydon Council said it is also talking to Network Rail about increasing capacity at East and West Croydon stations.

"In terms of increases in passenger numbers going forward, it's very difficult to predict as there are so many influencing factors which decide whether a person uses the train or not," said Mr Hudson

"However, going on previous years, an increase in line with the current rate would not be an unreasonable expectation."

London TravelWatch, the watchdog for transport users in and around London, says stretching and tinkering may soon no longer be enough.

"Many of Croydon's stations are being lengthened and will benefit from longer services shortly," said spokesman Richard Freeston-Clough.

"London Overground has provided extra capacity, and Southern – through the Department for Transport -has ordered further additional rolling stock.

"There is always more to be done, but we are probably down to major interventions such as entirely new tunnels etc to provide significant extra capacity rather than marginal differences now."

Mr Freeston-Clough added the group had lobbied for the Uckfield line to be electrified, so carriages could be moved around more easily, improving capacity.

"At the moment capacity between East Croydon and London Bridge is a real problem, as some trains are only two coaches long," he said.

"We have pressed for platform and train lengthening which is imminent, as well as access improvements."

With train travel costing by most accounts a small fortune, the reasons for the increase in journeys may be not be immediately obvious.

But analysts point to a correlative drop in car use, along with more leisure trips being taken thanks to Oyster and Travelcard season tickets.

"Existing demand is probably even higher but some of it will be suppressed demand with passengers choosing alternative modes due to the overcrowding," added Mr Freeston-Clough.

At the sharp end of the trend, in Coulsdon Town, the station's name from the historic Smitham has put the stop on the map, some say.

"People know where the station is now," said Charles King, chairman of the East Coulsdon Residents' Association, who supported the change when it was made in May 2011.

Others put the station's boom – 467,004 entries and exits were recorded there in 2011/12, compared to 279,496 in 2010/11 – down to extra services added there in December 2010.

Late night and evening trains were added between Victoria, London Bridge and Tattenham Corner on Fridays and Saturdays, and extra all-day services on Sundays.

Peter Appleford, secretary of the East Surrey Transport Committee, said the group was pleased extra carriages for some area trains were also on their way.

"People have complained in light of overcrowding; it can get unpleasant with people jammed together," he said.

"By the time the Tattenham Corner train reaches Purley it is already full in the rush hour."

That prospect was creeping up on passengers waiting for the 7.06am service to London Victoria on Wednesday.

Jai Patel, 28, from Coulsdon, said: "I have used the station for 15 to 16 years – I just live around the corner.

"It is not bad in the morning, not too bad at all, but it is pretty crowded by the time you get to East Croydon."

Chris Hewett, 55, said: "Normally I drive to work. It can get very squashed."

Can Croydon's railways cope with passenger boom?

London Marathon gets extra police presence

0
0

POLICE presence at today's London Marathon has been increased in the wake of the atrocities in Boston.

The annual 26.2 mile race around the capital starts this morning (Sunday, April 21) in Blackheath, South East London.

Chief Superintendent Julia Pendry revealed on Friday that several hundred additional police officers have been drafted in to help patrol the event.

The 37,000 participants in London are expected to show solidarity with those affected by the Massachusetts attack. There will a 30-second period of silence before the start- and runners are being encouraged to wear black ribbons.

Virgin London Marathon has pledged to donate £2 for every finisher in today's event to The One Fund Boston - set up to raise money for the victims of the explosions.

Members of the public coming to the capital are being asked to make sure that they keep their belongings with them to avoid triggering security alerts.

Men taken to hospital after car crash in Foxley Lane

0
0
THREE men have been taken to hospital after two vehicles crashed at the junction of Foxley Lane and Little Woodcote Lane, Purley, this morning.
A 34-year-old was taken to St George's Hospital, Tooting, as a priority after the 6.30am crash, said a spokesman for the London Ambulance Service.
Two others were treated for minor injuries and taken by ambulance to Croydon University Hospital, she added.
Firefighters helped extricate two of the men from their van which had tipped on its side, said a spokesman for Purley's green watch.
Firefighters from Purley, Wallington and Croydon attended the scene, with the area closed to traffic for about one hour, he added.

Art attack earns New Addington kids some sweet treats

0
0

FINE painting skills earned these youngsters some extra chocolate over Easter.

Children won chocolate eggs in the twice-yearly art contest at Burgess Boys Pet Care Centre.

Shop owner Ken Burgess said the contest, which had an Easter animal theme, attracted some 60 entries, with six-year-old Kizzie crowned the winner.

"Her entry was very well done and she used lots of imagination, lots of colour," he said.

Mr Burgess has run the art contests at his Central Parade shop for more than 30 years.

"It is useful for the mums during the holidays; it gives the kids something to do," he said. "Plus, it brightens up our shop."


Probe blames key figures for NHS Croydon cash crisis

0
0

AN INVESTIGATION into financial turmoil at NHS Croydon will blame individuals for the trust's £28 million overspend, it emerged this week.

The report into the scandal was not due to be published until next week but its conclusions have been accidentally leaked by the council.

Its release could prove embarrassing if, as sources have suggested, the final version is watered down following a threat of legal action from key figures criticised by the report.

The South West London Joint Health and Scrutiny Committee was established after a £1 million independent investigation into the primary care trust's finances uncovered mismanagement but found no one responsible.

In response, five south London councils, led by Croydon, set up an enquiry to find out what really happened.

Its final report was delayed last month after directors who refused to give evidence before the committee, including former chief executive Caroline Taylor, threatened to sue for defamation.

However, its conclusions have now been revealed in a document due to go before Monday's full council meeting. They include:

The misstatement of accounts arose from the actions of individuals rather than from a systems failure

The committee disagrees with the conclusion that there was no evidence of personal gain

In fact there were "significant motivations and opportunities for personal gain"

The conclusions were leaked in the scrutiny and strategic overview committee's annual report, which was published on the council's website. All references to the findings have since been deleted.

From the short extract, it appears the joint committee's attempts to uncover the truth of why NHS Croydon posted a £5 million surplus in 2010/11 when it had actually overspent by £23 million, have been sunk by the lack of cooperation from senior figures, including two Croydon councillors. The report will admit that "without satisfactory evidence" it was unable to support the claim the scandal had no adverse affect on patients and the money was spent on healthcare.

The Advertiser understands the initial draft contained appendices featuring copies of potentially revealing communications between the committee and those who refused to take part. However, these documents may not make it into the final report which is due to be published next Thursday (April 25).

Even the first draft refers to those who would not give evidence by code, rather than their actual names.

Heathfield councillor Jason Cummings, the chairman of the committee, said: "The conclusions published online are not the final report and could be subject to change. As such I'm not prepared to comment at this stage."

Sean Fitzsimons, an Addiscombe councillor and member of the committee, said: "These are a very bland set of recommendations that are very watered down from the original set. Hopefully the final version will be a bit more explicit."

Students from Riddlesdown Collegiate reminisce about their recent History trip to Krakow and Prague

0
0

The fantastic trip to Krakow and Prague began with a haunting experience of an Auschwitz concentration camp. After an emotional tour of the camp, which included seeing gas chambers and the death wall, we returned to the city of Krakow. With our memories of Auschwitz still raw, we visited the Galicia museum which documented Jewish History and listened to a very interesting talk from a camp survivor. Finishing our time in Poland with a fun Easter Egg Hunt, we packed up and arrived in Prague after a 9 hour coach journey.

 

The first day in Prague was spent visiting a Castle and a Staropramen Brewery, our knowledge of the trip was then put to test during a heated quiz in the evening. On the following day we toured the Old and New Town of Prague and even had enough time to go shopping! The last night was a memorable one, spent in one of Prague's infamous Jazz Clubs which ended our trip on a high. We would like to thank Miss Brown for the fantastic and unforgettable trip. We would also like to thank Miss Akhavan, Mr Edwards, Mr Phillips and Miss Neal.
By Hannah Dwyer, Sam Burry and Rhys Isaac


 

Former director of public health "profoundly worried" by lack of accountability at NHS Croydon

0
0
A FORMER health chief has blasted senior NHS officials for refusing to take part in an investigation into a financial scandal at Croydon's now defunct primary care trust (PCT).
Speaking ahead of the release of the report into the £28 million overspend on Thursday, Dr Peter Brambleby, described the lack of accountability shown by figures such as the trust's former chief executive, as "profoundly worrying".
Dr Brambleby stepped down as Croydon's director of public health in February last year due to his concerns over the way in which NHS Croydon's finances were being managed.
It later emerged that the PCT had posted a £5 million surplus in 2010/11 when it had actually overspent by £23 million.
Five councils across south London set up a inquiry after a £1 million independent investigation uncovered mismanagement but found no on responsible.
However, its attempts to get to the truth have been hampered by a refusal to take part from key figures, such as former chief executive Caroline Taylor and Mark Phillips, the deputy director of finance who made unwarranted adjustments to the accounts while working "largely unsupervised".
Two current Croydon councillors also declined to give evidence
 "It's profoundly worrying when senior offiers of the NHS do not see the need to account to the population they serve for their stewardship of NHS funds and services," Dr Brambleby told the Advertiser after the initial findings of the report were accidentially published online.
"It is just as worrying when the supervisory tier, in this case NHS London, appears to have distorted the truth in its briefings to the public and to ministers.
"No system is safe unless people accept personal responsibility when things go wrong and then work to fix them.
"As councillors have found, systems are run by accountable individuals. It is important that those individuals are called to account and learn from this mistake."
NHS Croydon was replaced by Croydon Clinical Commissioning Group as part of health reforms which were rolled out at the start of April.
The South West London Joint Health and Scrutiny Committee's report is due to be published following a final meeting on Thursday (April 25)

Former director of public health

Steve Parish: Ink has not touched the paper on Murray contract

0
0
CRYSTAL Palace co-chairman Steve Parish has revealed striker Glenn Murray has yet to physically signed a new contract.
However, it is understood that all parties are "happy" and "it's all been agreed".
"I think there are some formalities to be done," Parish exclusively told Advertiser Sport.
"It's just a case of getting everyone together to get it signed with a few bits and bobs.
"But it's all agreed and we're very happy. We're just not ready to launch it yet on our club website as the ink hasn't touched the paper.
"Phil Alexander (chief executive) sat down directly with Glenn, and Glenn is capable of speaking up for himself, he doesn't hide behind anyone, he's a proper man.
"That's where we are with Glenn."

The contents of this article must not be reproduced without the permission of the Croydon Advertiser.

Follow me on Twitter for the latest Palace news, exclusives and live match updates at www.twitter.com/AdvertiserSport
Palace fans on Facebook, have your say on our page at www.facebook.com/AdvertiserSport
Watch our exclusive away videos following Palace around the country on our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/AdvertiserSport

Crystal Palace supremo: Luis Suarez bite is "embarrassing"

0
0
CRYSTAL Palace co-chairman Steve Parish has questioned why Luis Suarez would want to bite an opponent and has labelled his actions on Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic yesterday as "embarrassing".
Suarez has since come out and issued an official apology through Liverpool's club website and on his personal Twitter account, but Parish now believes the striker is a "marked man".
"I've seen a picture of it," he told Advertiser Sport this morning.
"When you were six-years-old, didn't you used to bite? Or if you were in a fight, didn't you resort to biting?
"It's not a very manly thing to do, is it? It's a bit embarrassing. What makes you bite someone?
"In my position, you feel sorry for the people around him, the manager, the chairman and the fans of Liverpool.
"You don't need players doing those type of things because it's hard enough as it is given all that aggravation.
"The problem is, once you get highlighted, then the press and the pundits go after you.
"He could have scythed somebody down two-footed, and now it says 'kick out the cannibal' on the back of one tabloid this morning.
"He's marked man, that's the problem."
Parish believes it's vital a club finds out why a player would do something harmful to an opponent and to see if there were any influences before taking action.
"I think you need to understand the full story, but in this case the club will fine him and the Football Association will do something.
"I think you've got to talk to the player and understand the context to see if there were any mitigating circumstances.
"Clubs have normally got a policy for these kind of things, so you've got to follow that.
"If you apply different punishments for different things as you see fit, I think you're in a world of pain with managing the squad as it becomes all subjective.
"He has come out and apologised, but it isn't the nicest thing to come out and do.
"For me, people are on his case and it's a strange, strange thing to do.
"Hopefully he learns his lesson."

The contents of this article must not be reproduced without the permission of the Croydon Advertiser.

Follow me on Twitter for the latest Palace news, exclusives and live match updates at www.twitter.com/AdvertiserSport

Palace fans on Facebook, have your say on our page at www.facebook.com/AdvertiserSport

Watch our exclusive away videos following Palace around the country on our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/AdvertiserSport

Crystal Palace supremo: Luis Suarez bite is

Parr out for 'three to four' months, says Palace co-chairman

0
0
CRYSTAL Palace co-chairman Steve Parish has confirmed that left-back Jonathan Parr is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines with ankle ligament damage.

The Norweigan was on the end of a tough tackle from Ipswich Town's Richards Stearman last Tuesday and was substituted soon after.

"Jonny Parr won't be fit for Saturday at Blackburn, he's out for the rest of the season," Parish told Advertiser Sport.

"I think the minute he went over at Ipswich, he doesn't moan, does he?

"He was so obviously in pain and he's now out for four months, and the crowd there were all booing him.

"I had a chat with him in the dressing room on Saturday and he said it's looking at around 3-4 months."

The contents of this article must not be reproduced without the permission of the Croydon Advertiser.

Follow me on Twitter for the latest Palace news, exclusives and live match updates at www.twitter.com/AdvertiserSport
Palace fans on Facebook, have your say on our page at www.facebook.com/AdvertiserSport
Watch our exclusive away videos following Palace around the country on our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/AdvertiserSport

Bensham Manor special school reaches new heights following Ofsted report

0
0
A SPECIAL school is helping pupils climb new heights according to its latest Ofsted report. Bensham Manor, in Thornton Heath, has moved from 'satisfactory' to 'good' following an inspection in March. Ofsted was particularly impressed with standards of behaviour which were described in the report published today (Monday) as 'outstanding'. Head teacher Phil Poulton told the Advertiser: "The school has been on a bit of a journey for the last few years but we seem to be coming out of it really strong." Each of Bensham Manor's 164 pupils, aged 11 to 16, has a statement of special educational needs. Around 40 per cent have moderate learning difficulties, with an increasing number who are autistic. Ofsted praised levels of attainment across the school, including those on the autistic spectrum, linked to teaching which consistently reaches the same level. Students were found to be making good progress in developing skills in literacy and numeracy, nurtured by well-planned lessons which feature a wide range of activities. Encouragingly Bensham Manor's sixth form has also been praised for "preparing students well for life beyond the school". Ofsted were particularly impressed by the standard of behaviour at the school. "Staff have a caring and supportive approach that enables students to feel safe, learn social skills and develop self-confidence," the report explained. The education watchdog said the passionate leadership of head teacher Phil Poulton is "driving rapid improvement in both learning and personal development". "I felt we were doing really well because we had built up our exam results both in 2011 to 2012," said Mr Poulton. "It's about the distance travelled. They come in at a low level and make very good progress. "Most of our children come from our sister school St Nicholas but those that don't can find the transition difficult. I think we've become a lot better at helping them to adjust. "I'm also really pleased our autistic provision has been recognised as really strong, that our middle managers have really stepped up and we now have fantastic governors who are genuinely interested in the kids." The stats make for impressive reading. Bensham Manor's attendance is 93 per cent, 90 per cent of its lessons are judged to be good or better and, in the past three years, every pupil who has left the school has gone on to a college course or post-16 provision. In order to become an outstanding school, Bensham Manor's teachers have to do more to understand how pupils perform in comparison with others elsewhere in the country and improve the standard of ICT lessons. Parent Frances Stanley, whose daughter is currently in Year 8, said: "I think the report is quite good. She has made good progress and enjoys going to school."

Bensham Manor special school reaches new heights following Ofsted report


Beulah Road: Nine-year-old boy injured in car crash

0
0
A NINE-year-old boy has been injured in a car crash in Beulah Road, Thornton Heath.
The boy is conscious and breathing and is being treated at the scene by paramedics, said a London Ambulance Service spokesman at c.6.30pm. 
An ambulance was called to the road at 5.36pm, the spokesman added.
Transport for London is warning of delays and diversions to the Route 450 bus around Beulah Road and Parchmore Road. 
No other injuries have been reported.
Updates to follow...

UPDATE: Beulah Road: Boy taken to hospital following car crash

0
0
A BOY has been taken to hospital with a head injury following a car crash in Beulah Road, Thornton Heath, just after 5.30pm today.
A spokesman for the London Ambulance Service said the boy was taken to St George's Hospital, Tooting, as a priority.
He is believed to be nine years old, she added.
Transport for London says the 450 bus is now running normally following diversions.
No other injuries have been reported.
Did you see what happened? Call 07899 096 602 / 01737 783 821 or email newsdesk@croydonadvertiser.co.uk

Croydon Harriers' boys begin season with narrow victory

0
0

ATHLETICS: Croydon Harriers' boys' team got their Ebbisham League campaign off to the best possible start last Sunday with a narrow three-point win.

The squad only gained one 'A' event win during the afternoon, but it was the team's overall depth that proved the crucial difference, reflected in the club's seven 'B' event wins.

It was Reuben Vaughan who secured Croydon's sole victory in the 75m hurdles, winning in 14.5sec.

In the pick of runners-up placings, Meikhi Hemans (U13 boy's 100m, 13.8secs), Chuks Ajeh (U15 boy's 100m, 12.0secs), debutant Jordan O'Dongo (U13 1500m, 5:29.2), Reegan Boyce (U15B triple jump, 10.64m) and Kieron Connor (U15 1500m, 4:46.7) all impressed.

The 4x200m relay teams brought the curtain down on the day with two solid runners-up finishes.

The final results were Croydon 175, Herne Hill 172, Kingston 147, Holland 115, Sutton 85, Hercules Wimbledon 67.

Elsewhere in the Crawley Open, Emma Fossett enjoyed a double win in the U17 women's javelin (32.05m) and hammer (28.55m).

West Croydon church welcomes new parish priest

0
0

A CHURCH in West Croydon will welcome a new Parish Priest next week.

The Reverend Father Michael Scanlon, who takes over following the death of Father David O'Regan, will officially be inducted as the Parish Priest of St Mary's Catholic Church, on Wellesley Road, West Croydon next Sunday, April 28.

More than 2,000 parishioners attend the Croydon church every Sunday. He said: "I hope to continue the good work of my predecessor and I hope that I will prove to be a benefit to the community."

Father Michael, who is moving from Greenwich, said he is looking forward to the challenge and recalled his time on the streets of Woolwich, sending people home during the 2011 summer riots.

He added: "I was sorry to see what happened to Croydon on that same night. It is a shame so many people got caught up in it."

Father Michael already has a date set for a conversation with young people of the parish as well with the local MP in the coming weeks.

He added: "It's early days yet – these things take time."

The service takes place at 6pm.

WANNABE YUMMY: Playing the kids at their own game

0
0

CLEANING my house is like brushing my teeth with chocolate spread. It starts off great but sooner or later something will fall out.

Returning home to what looks like a bombsite the chances are the fallout is going to me versus 'them' tonight.

I dodge toys, shoes and a skateboard as I make my way toward the kitchen. I am bound to find one of the little culprits in there. To my surprise I find it empty of human life but covered with the day's activities. With my detective's nose I see a spot of cake-making has taken place alongside one of Stepson's science experiment kits. Fantastic.

I find dishes stacked dangerously high, glasses of unfinished drinks and breadcrumbs covering every unit. Oh and a pretty smear of jam across the floor for good measure. Ergh…

A note stuck to the fridge catches my eye. Daddy has taken the messy people out to meet his Aunt for dinner. Nice work Hubster.

My blood boils.

I wouldn't mind if I hadn't spent the previous evening tidying, cleaning and abusing the kitchen with bleach. I hadn't managed to sit on the couch until gone eleven. Adding to my woes my nails were ruined too.

I had cautioned the clan before work this morning, surprising them with the knowledge that mopping up their mess is not my favourite pastime. They had seemed to acknowledge my words of warning but by the look of things their ears must have been on Mum Mute.

That's it. The worm has turned. No more Mrs Nice Mum. The Cleaning Claws are out.

Not only will I refuse to pick, wash or clean up a single thing for anyone else, I am gonna play the little rats at their own game.

Kicking off my shoes in the path of the front door. I start my mission to slob. My coat falls to the floor. I leave it. The contents on my handbag drops out over the couch. I ignore it. I drink my tea 'forgetting' the mug on the table. I leave the newspaper draped over the TV then helpfully drop the remote down the sofa. Hit them where it hurts, I chuckle.

Moving to the bathroom I use up the toilet roll and don't replace it. Using every last drop of bubble bath I run myself a soak. I now have enough bubbles in the tub to wash a rugby team.

Next, I strip off and dramatically toss all my clothes across the hallway, bathroom and even cheer as I ping my bra onto a door ... There's something quite liberating about not putting them all in the wash basket neatly. I could get used to this.

Diving into the soapy suds I splash around creating as many puddles as possible. Resting my head back I intend to indulge myself until my fingers turn to prunes.

Two minutes into my bathing antics I hear a rumble by the front door. The rats are back! I giggle to myself at the shock sounds coming from the hall.

Then I hear it; there is a voice I know well suggesting that I should really take more care where I leave my things.. Husband's Aunt has accompanied the family home for a cuppa. No!!! I can hear her gasps of horror at finding my bra hanging off one of the doors.

I sink under the bubbles and scream inside..

Family: 1

Mum: 0

Who needs toothpaste when you can have chocolate spread?

WANNABE YUMMY: Playing the kids at their own game

Viewing all 5354 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images