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TIA SHARP: Stuart Hazell's letter from jail

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THE man accused of murdering schoolgirl Tia Sharp wrote to his father from prison to say her death was an "accident." Stuart Hazell added he "should have gone about this a different way and told police everything." At the top of the letter, sent from HMP Belmarsh, he wrote "forgive me x". The letter was intercepted by prison authorities, and read by the prosecution to jurors at the Old Bailey yesterday (Friday). Hazell, 37, denies murder. The trial continues. Here is the full text of his letter: Dear Dad, I am probably the last person you want to hear from. Every thing in papers ain't true they twist and make their own shit up, what happened I will explain but put it this way, it was an accident. I panicked, stupid I know but for my stupidity I am looking at 15-18 years. I regret it every second of every day and there's nothing I can do about it. I think about taking my own life because if I don't someone will that is definite. I'm classed as a Cat A prisoner - never thought this would ever happen. I hope you not getting aggro because of me, you know I'm not the bad person everyone's saying. I can't sleep can't eat I wish I could turn back the clock. I sorry to of lied to you but didn't know what to do. If you rip this up or don't want to know me again I wouldn't blame you. Christine got arrested. She had nothing to do with this I loved her with all my heart and soul. God I hate myself - I should of gone about this a different way told the police everything. Their trying to say it is sexual but I promise it wasn't, It was an accident and I was a prick to do what I done. If I had the chance I would end it all now. I got no money, no fags, no hope it's the Hazell curse and I only got myself to blame and that will stick with me till my time comes which won't be long. I just want you to know I love you all, I know Christine and family will never forgive me and I know what's coming and I deserve it. I want to ask you a favour and one favour only send me a little bit of money and I will never ask anything of you ever again. One mistake and my whole world has collapsed, my own fault I know but don't listen to the papers like everyone else. I will tell you in time. I love you all - no doubt you will hear I'm in Old Bailey soon. Tell Sarah and Marc and kids I'm sorry, and Mum Darren and family. May god have mercy on my soul even thought I don't deserve it. Love always Your son Stuart xxx I'm sorry truly, truly sorry xxx If you want a V.O (visiting order) let me know dad with all your details xx

TIA SHARP: Stuart Hazell's letter from jail


Two children taken to hospital following car crash in South Norwood

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TWO children have been taken to hospital following a car crash in South Norwood. The girls, aged 9 and 10, suffered suspected spinal injuries when the car they were travelling in was hit from behind by another vehicle. Firefighters from Woodside station had to cut the girls free after the crash in Sangley Road at 22.53pm yesterday (Friday). Red watch manager Kevin Webber said: "The children were injured when another car shunted into the rear of the car. "We sent four engines to the scene and we had to cut away the front passenger door so they could be removed without moving their backs." The girls were taken to King's College Hospital, in Denmark Hill. Two other people in the car are not believed to have been injured. The driver of the other vehicle was unhurt.

You now choose the future of your NHS.

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I am writing this as a follow-up to my previous article on Section 75 and how our NHS is being privatised. To explain to you, the punter, what is now happening to your NHS.

I am assuming I have documented everything correctly, but if I have missed something then by all means comment.



There are some worrying events happening out there at present.  Mutuals are being made out to be the same as Co-Ops.  And, quite frankly, they're not.  This is a business thing.


A Co-Op is  firm owned by all of it's workers ( minimum 75% of the firm is owned by the workers ).  Profits are shared, the workers decide their fate, it's all very ground up & democratic. The Workers & managers between them own a majority of the vote, and everyone has an equal say.  It's all very fair.  There are usually more workers than managers, so Co-Ops are very much worker led.


Mutuals are not done this way.  Mutuals are part owned by workers, managers, and sometimes shareholders as well.  The problem with mutuals is usually that the workers, although more in number, only own a small share of the firm.  Say 20% of it.  This means they only have 20% of the vote.  So if management and/or shareholders stand united ( they own 80% of the firm using the above example ) those workers can be ignored.  Which means, in plain English, workers in a mutual have next to no say in how the firm is run.  It's all rigged so that management retain control at all times. It is not a worker led environment like a Co-Op.


Co-Ops are sold to people on the idea that workers have a stake, so will work harder to help you. Mutuals are now being sold on the same argument, even though in reality those workers are pretty much powerless to effect change.  It's rather deceptive.  If the managers in a Mutual are only interested in profits & shareholders then they won't be very interested in the service.  And the workers won't be able to stop them as they ( the managers ) pay themselves huge bonuses whilst running down the service.  You have to be very careful with mutuals.


One of these mutuals is Circle Health.  Part owned by workers, so working for you apparently.  Apart from the bit where they aren't controlled by the workers at all ( the workers only own 49% of it ), and have Shareholders to pay off ( the 51% that controls the firm ).  This one is all about the bankers.


Remember, a Shareholder is a loan you can never pay off.  It's one of the most expensive forms of Investment you can get.  Bank Loans are faaaar cheaper.  And if a Bank has refused to lend you the money for your new investment/ project, thus forcing you to float on the Stock Exchange & get some Shareholders in, well, are you sure your new project was a good idea?


Our Care Homes were Privatised a good few years ago.  And in came the Shareholders.  Our Care Homes are now buried in debt, having to pay off Shareholders as well, and also pay shockingly low wages.  Those low wages now mean that what was once a profession like Nursing ( caring for OAP's in a skilled & professional way, which involves dedicating your life to skill & study ) is now a profession like cleaning ( go in, do the job, go home, leave when better wages are offered elsewhere ).  In Croydon they are run by Care UK now, and wages for Caring staff dropped by 40% pretty much overnight due to this.  Erm…  It should be pretty obvious how bad this is for the end user, when they have a glorified cleaner looking after them instead of a proper qualified experienced Nursing type. And that's our Care Homes.  This is what they are now due to this Privatisation. Run down & ramshackle.  Given to the Private Sector, stripped of most things of value, and what is left now is a burned out shell.


This is the future our NHS now faces due to the decisions made by The Torys & Lib-Dems.  They claim Labour started the process, but we did not.  We certainly experimented with out-sourcing when in power ( Croydon IAPT for example ), and learned a lot from what did & didn't work ( Croydon IAPT going to The Priory was a failure after all ).  But we oppose what the Torys & Lib-Dems have done with this new NHS act, as we know what does and doesn't work ( due to our experiments when in govt ).  And mass-out-sourcing just doesn't work.  It never has done.  There hasn't been a successful Privatisation yet. Selling off a whole dept to a Private provider is not a very good idea.


BT was sold off.  You now have an ancient phone line that can't run proper Broadband services like ADSL 2+ unless you are lucky enough to be next door to the exchange.  The copper network is underinvested in to pay for Shareholders, whilst prices are kept low.


Universities are now being sold off.  Tuition Fees have trebled due to this.  Can you afford University now?


Gas & Electricity were sold off as well.  Shareholders make a fortune, bumper profits are declared, and we pay more and more for the same old gas & electricity to fund this Banker bonanza.  It's the same for the Trains you'll find.


British Aerospace used to make a profit for the Taxpayer that paid for, amongst other things, our NHS. It was sold, still makes a profit, but those profits now pay for holidays for Shareholders instead.


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The Torys & Lib-Dems ignored our experiment results and are pushing onwards with even more of this failed out-sourcing/ Privatisation ideology.


The new NHS system the Torys & Lib-Dems have brought in is designed around 2 things.  'Choose& Book', where you choose who does your medical treatment from a list of providers in your area, and Any Qualified Provider ( AQP ).  Any Qualified Provider is the clincher, as this is the list of providers deemed good enough to do the work in your area you then choose from.  Some of them are Private Firms, and some are the old Public Sector you know and use.


As I explained in my previous article if too many opt to use Private firms under AQP then the old Public Sector places ( like Mayday ) will start to go out of business.  They won't get enough patients coming in, will still have bills to pay, and will start to spiral downwards financially towards bankruptcy if they can't attract enough Private work.  And, most likely, they will then be taken over by Private Providers.


There are 3-4 Private Hospitals in Croydon, and only one Public one ( Mayday ).  If those 3-4 Private ones pick up a few punters each from Mayday the hit Mayday takes is 3-4 times as big as the hit people leaving Shirley Oaks ( for example ) would take.  Mayday is at a significant disadvantage in this new market the Torys & Lib-Dems have created,


So, in the end, if too many people use the Private firms listed under AQP there will be no Public firms left.  And you'll end up with a Care Home situation where wages start to drop ( along with staffing levels in some cases ) and debts pile up to feed the Shareholders. And ultimately quality of care will go out the window as the firms will be able to declare that 'the market has changed', and that they can't provide a good level of care on the old NHS rates.


Recently Care Homes have started demanding more money from The Council to do the same work they have always done.  Arguments about how the market has changed and they have to charge more now, as I said above.  In plain English this money paid at present was good enough when the Homes were in Public 'not for profit' hands, so what has changed?  Well, the Care Homes now have massive debts and Shareholders to support, where as Public Sector & 'not-for-profit' firms don't ( and never have done ).  And that is all very expensive to carry.  It's an extra bill you take on when you employ these firms.  They are financially now in a bad way due to this extra bill.  Due to what the market did to them.  Exposing a vital service to the market has never worked, and always damages the end-user ( our ) experience.  It only helps Bankers& Shareholders.  The same ones that fund The Tory party.


It was the decisions of these Private managers that left us in this state with our Care Homes.  They chose to get the Shareholders in, and chose to borrow excessively as well.  They also chose to pay bumper bonuses to themselves, whist paying the staff seriously low wages and wrecking what was a profession akin to nursing ( low wages mean the quality staff leave ).


Do you honestly want this kind of manager getting hold of your hip replacement or bunion removal as well? Do you want a low paid person ( most likely a trainee if wages are low ) removing your cataracts?  Are you happy with all the skilled nurses leaving due to rock-bottom wages or low staffing levels ( working them so hard they burn out ) ultimately creeping in? This is something you need to decide on.  There are various ways to make a profit in healthcare, and usually it's by using either cheaper ( less skilled ) staff, or not enough staff.  Both of which will harm the end user ( us ).


If you want your NHS Privatised use 'choose & book' to choose Private providers. If you want your NHS to stay Public and/or 'not for profit' then choose your old providers like Mayday and the like.  If you're not sure on what is Public Sector& what is Private simply ask your GP.


This is genuinely your choice.  And in a free market some people will try to bamboozle you to get your money ( like how dodgy builders can cause a lot of trouble ).  If you choose a bad firm then you may not get a great experience in the long-term.  Seek advice on this one.  It really is this important.


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This is my fear.  I expect a large chunk of people to say 'Wooo! Choice!' and wander off into Private clinics under AQP not realising or caring that they are undermining the old Public Providers.  They may have read about Mid Staffs & decided that all NHS Hospitals are dangerous for example, as the Govt hasn't been very truthful on this one really.


Those old Public Providers are what force the market to pay decent wages as well.  So when those Public Providers are gone there will be no proper competition on wages anymore.  The market will simply stagnate, like what happened with the utility bills.  You'll then have to pay more or lose quality, as there will be no Public Sector left to use to remove the Private Providers that are now demanding more cash.  Once the Public Sector is gone that's it, it's gone for good.  You'll have to rebuild it from scratch.  Which is seriously expensive.


Or stay with the naff Private providers that are now demanding more cash to feed the Shareholders.


So, much as Mayday is far from perfect, it's vital that it survive.  Or our long-term healthcare will actually get worse if Mayday goes the way of the Dodo.  The 'profit motive' ( making a profit to feed the Shareholders & Bankers ) is what wrecked our Care Homes after all.  A failed Tory policy they are now trying to repeat with your NHS.


Be careful what you choose. Your vote really does count now.






Christian Wilcox is the Chair of the Croydon Mental Health Forum ( politically neutral ), an NHS Executive ( Advisory ) for the South London & Maudsley ( politically neutral ), and works for the Labour Party privately.

You now choose the future of your NHS.

Former Crystal Palace star Ben Watson wins the FA Cup for Wigan

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FORMER Crystal Palace star Ben Watson is the toast of Wigan, after scoring the goal which earned the Premier League strugglers their first FA Cup Final win. The ex-Eagles midfielder headed in the only goal of the game in the last minute, as Wigan beat Manchester City 1-0 at Wembley. The 27-year-old had only been on the pitch for a short period, having come an as a substitute in the 81st minute. Midfielder Watson began his career at Palace, making 169 appearances during six years at Selhurst Park. He was part of the Eagles' play-off winning side of 2004, then playing a key role as Palace fought an ultimately unsuccessful battle to stay in the Premier League under Ian Dowie. Watson, who has just returned from a spell on the sidelines with a broken leg, joined Wigan four years ago. His spell at the club has been punctuated by various injuries, plus loan spells at QPR and West Brom. Wigan's victory against last year's champions has been hailed as one of the biggest FA Cup Final shocks ever. Roberto Martinez's side lie 18th in the Premier League with just two games left, meaning the cup winners could well by playing Championship football next season.

Former Crystal Palace star Ben Watson wins the FA Cup for Wigan

Olympic gymnast Louis Smith visits Riddlesdown Collegiate

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AN OLYMPIAN turned ballroom dancing champion was the star attraction at a Purley school on Tuesday.

Pupils at Riddlesdown Collegiate were treated to a visit by silver medallist Louis Smith.

The gymnast, who competed at London 2012, is currently on a tour of schools around the country, in which he gives a talk to selected aspiring gymnasts and footballers.

Helen Lye, the school's head of marketing, said: "He was an excellent speaker and advised students how to juggle their sport with school subjects.

"The students asked him a lot of questions about training and diets and they found him very helpful.

"We have many pupils who are serious about their football and a group of girl gymnasts too."

Since winning Olympic silver on the pommel horse last summer, Smith, 24, has proved to be a hit on our TV screens by winning the latest series of BBC show Strictly Come Dancing.

Olympic gymnast Louis Smith visits Riddlesdown Collegiate

Aruna Dindane leaves Crystal Palace after failing to prove fitness

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PALACE assistant boss Keith Millen has confirmed that recent signing Aruna Dindane has now left the club after failing to prove his fitness for the Championship run-in.

But he revealed the club will take their time to look at trialist Dean Parrett despite the midfielder suffering concussion in Monday's 5-5 draw at Stoke City for the U21 development team.

"Dean got injured at Stoke City this week after colliding with the goalkeeper," Millen said.

"He was concussed and he had to have his tests on his head, but he's been given the all-clear thankfully.

"Normally, it takes 14 days before he can play again after an injury like that, but he's done well in the last couple of games so we'll have to look at that.

"I think Aruna Dindane's contract with us was until we got to the play-off final at the end of the month.

"I'm not sure whether it's been cancelled, but he's not with us any more. He's finished with us now as we've got the squad we need for the final push.

"It's just a shame Stephen Dobbie can't play in our play-off games now but it's great we've got him permanently for next season."

On Tuesday, Millen and the rest of the Palace squad attended the club's end-of-season awards and the assistant said there has been a very positive reaction to the new home and away kits for next season.

And he believes the new club badge is a symbol of the strides Palace are making moving forward.

"It looks a lot more modern and up to date," said Millen.

"I thought it looked good on the new kit as well so I like it. It's got that strong feeling that the eagle has landed, if you like. It lands on the ball, so it looks good.

"The squad and management are happy with the new kit, especially with the away one as it looks different.

"I think it just shows how the club is progressing, and I've only been here six months, but you can just see they're trying to keep improving on and off the pitch.

Mile Jedinak picked up the player of the year award and Millen said despite Glenn Murray running him close after scoring more than 30 goals, he felt the Australian, who he admits he did not know too much about before he came to the club, deserved it. "Mile has been a fantastic captain of this group and great to work with day in, day out, and then Glenn scored 30 goals, which is a great achievement," he said.

"Glenn's probably got enough awards but I'm glad Mile got it because he's sort of an unsung hero.

"Before I came to Palace, I wasn't aware of Mile's talent.

"We knew of him as he played against my teams and he was a tough midfielder, but it's until you work with him and see him around the group and the respect the players have for him, he sets high standards and expects everyone else to follow.

"You want that from your captain, but people don't see what he does off the field - he's been massive for us.

"Mile has taken up that mantle from Paddy McCarthy so he probably deserves that recognition."

And Croydon-born Millen believes the 28-year-old is the best holding midfielder in the Championship, while he wouldn't look out of place in the Premier League either.

"His type of game, he's got a certain way of playing which would suit certain teams and certain systems - he's a very good controlling holding midfielder," said the assistant.

"He's the best I've seen actually of being that defensive midfielder that breaks play up. He is the best in the Championship in that position without a doubt.

"I'm sure he would love to lead the team out at Wembley if we made the play-off final. To do that, he's a very proud man and it would mean a lot to him and the players.

"You don't get this chance very often so I'm sure he and the others will give everything they've got.

"The lads are buzzing, they're fit and well and looking forward to the games."

Aruna Dindane leaves Crystal Palace after failing to prove fitness

SPECIAL REPORT: One year to go until Croydon Council elections

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A CAT has appeared among the pigeons in the Croydon political scene, following Ukip's success in county council elections outside London last week.

Local campaign experts are working hard to judge just what impact Nigel Farage's party could have when voters in Croydon go to the polls to elect a new council next May.

The need for careful examination has become all the more important as the expected polling day will be May 22, chosen to coincide with the European elections.

The run-up to polling day will see Ukip's key anti-EU policies getting maximum publicity, and there is a fear among the other main parties that the Ukip European election vote could have a knock-on effect locally.

There is no doubting already that Croydon's ruling Tories believe they will suffer most if this happens.

Both the Tories and Labour are adamant there is no chance of the traditional two-horse race in Croydon being usurped by a Ukip takeover or a sudden upturn in support for the Lib Dems or the Greens, who will be standing in all wards.

But council leader Mike Fisher is not dismissing what effect a Ukip surge in votes could have on his four-seat majority.

He said: "There is no doubt Ukip has an attractive message for some Conservatives in Croydon.

"What I will be saying to people at a local level about who runs the council is that there are only two choices – Conservative or Labour – and if you want to make a protest by voting for Ukip, you run the risk of ending up with a Labour council."

The other headache facing the Tories will be a common problem – the phenomenon of the anti-Government mid-term vote.

Cllr Fisher believes the Tories must work to combat this by emphasising their record since they came to power in 2006.

He said: "What it comes down to is trust from the electorate."

Cllr Fisher claimed council tax rises had been kept to a minimum, recycling rates had almost trebled, schools had continued to improve, and frontline services had been maintained while the council had been making substantial efficiency savings.

He said: "I am happy to pit our track record against anybody."

Conversely, it is the Tories' record that Labour leader Tony Newman believes will favour his party next May. He said: "We are keen to fight on Cllr Fisher's record, but we are putting a different interpretation on it."

Waddon will, as usual, be a key seat, on which control of the council could again hinge.

And Cllr Newman – who previously led the council before Labour's defeat in 2006 – is confident what he calls the "broken promise" of the ward's three Conservative councillors not to support plans for an incinerator in the area will rebound on them.

Labour will also attack the Tories' decision to spend £120 million on building the council's new headquarters in Fell Road.

On the potential threat posed by Ukip, Cllr Newman said: "It may sound like a cliche, but we are absolutely not taking any vote in Croydon for granted."

Labour successes in wards like Addiscombe and South Norwood in 2010 were influenced by the larger turnout, as the council elections coincided with the general election.

The party will be mindful that a reversion to the usual 30 to 40 per cent turnouts in local elections could affect majorities in the marginal wards.

It is probably why Cllr Newman is also keen to seen the election fought on local issues.

He said: "We are at a stage where, quite rightly, we have got to answer the question what we would do."

That agenda is likely to include looking for alternatives to incineration to dispose of waste, building more new housing, taking a pro-active role in job creation and insisting on the London Living Wage being paid not just to council staff, but to those work for firms with council contracts.


Ukip is looking to put up a candidate in every ward for next year's council elections in Croydon, writes Georgie Keate:
PETER Staveley, Ukip's prospective candidate for the 2015 general election in Croydon Central, believes his party can win the seat - despite polling just 997 votes in 2010. Mr Staveley, a transport consultant who lives in Davidson Road, Addiscombe, has high hopes for the party's future. Speaking about last week's results, where Ukip won 42 council seats nationally, Mr Staveley said: "This is a big moment for Ukip. It demonstrates that people are no longer content with the three main parties, who all have very similar policies and fail to represent their voters' interests." The 51-year-old says he has his sights on Gavin Barwell's Croydon Central seat at the next general election, even though the Tories polled nearly 19,000 more votes than Ukip in 2010. "There is every possibility that Ukip could win Croydon Central in 2015," he added. "If there is the same swing with the two most popular parties from 2010 as Eastleigh saw in their recent by-election, then we would have a 1,000 majority," he argued. On next year's local elections, Mr Staveley said: "We are gathering together a list to put one candidate in every ward. I am hopeful that there will be no overall majority in the next local elections and Ukip will hold the balance of power." Last November Winston McKenzie, the party's candidate in the Croydon North by-election, caused national outrage when he said gay people should not be able to adopt, while the party's views on immigration and Europe have been criticised by many. However, Mr Staveley said: "It's not immigrants we are against but the current immigration policy." "Winston McKenzie will be standing for Croydon North in 2015. He came from Jamaica and is black as they come so I don't see how we are racist." In response, Gavin Barwell told the Advertiser: "I think it is pretty arrogant to presume you will win an election, I certainly will not."
HOW THE ELECTION WORKS
ALL 70 seats on Croydon Council will be contested when voters go the polls in a year's time. Voting in London boroughs takes place every four years, unlike in surrounding districts where elections are held annually, with a third of councillors seeking re-election each time. In 2010, the Conservatives won 37 seats and Labour 33, with the Tories concentrated in the south of the borough and Labour in the north. Key wards next year are likely to be Waddon, Fairfield and Ashburton, where Labour will be mounting concerted campaigns to win, and Addiscombe and South Norwood, where the Conservatives will be seeking to wrestle back marginal seats lost to Labour last time round. The Liberal Democrats have little record of success in Croydon, while the Greens, led by familiar face Shasha Khan, will hope to benefit from the strength of anti-incinerator feeling.

SPECIAL REPORT: One year to go until Croydon Council elections

In Pictures: Crystal Palace 0 Brighton 0

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CRYSTAL Palace are potentially 90 minutes away from a place in the Championship play-off final - but they face an uphill battle after Friday's first leg with Brighton. The match at Selhurst Park finished goaless, with Palace coming back strongly in the second half after the visitors had dominated the first period. In a further blow, the Eagles lost their top scorer Glenn Murray to a serious looking knee injury. As the build-up continues to tonight's second leg at the AMEX Stadium, here's some photos from the first match between the arch-rivals, courtesy of Neil Everitt.

In Pictures: Crystal Palace 0 Brighton 0


Croydon blood donors recognised for their 100th donations

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TWO dedicated blood donors from Croydon, who have saved up to 600 lives between them, were recognised at a recent awards ceremony run by NHS Blood and Transplant.

The lifesaving efforts of 72 blood donors from across the Croydon area were honoured with crystal awards at the ceremony, which took place at the Croydon Park Hotel.

Paul Coomber and David Walden were worthy of particular recognition, after both being recognised for their 100th blood donation.

Mr Coomber said: "My desire to help others was what motivated me to register as a blood donor and I have continued giving blood for so long as I feel a sense of pride in the fact that I have made a difference.

"Someone I know is currently having chemotherapy and I am dedicating this award to her in the hope that she will benefit from a stranger's blood donation."

Mr Walden added: "I donate blood as it is a good thing to do and it helps to save lives."

Each blood donation can potentially save the lives of up to three people.

So if a donor has given blood 75 times they have potentially helped save the lives of up to 225 patients.

John Canning, from NHS Blood and Transplant, said the donors' efforts took "immense loyalty and compassion."

He added: "I would like to congratulate both these donors for their achievement and hope that they continue to give blood and inspire others to donate."

Croydon blood donors recognised for their 100th donations

Business expo to showcase the best of Purley

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A DATE has been set for Purley's first-ever business expo to promote local firms.

The event – which was thought up by Simon Cripps, the new chairman of Purley Business Association – will be held on June 25 at the United Reformed Church.

The expo will have more than 40 stands and a range of business-related seminars, which will look at improving the fortunes of Purley.

Tory MP Richard Ottaway will be opening the event, while there will also be a visit from the NatWest mobile business school, which has pledged support for both start-ups and established businesses.

Mr Cripps said: "This is incredibly exciting, we have got great support and interest in the event already. There is a superb team behind us and a new invigorated vibe in the business community"

The expo will be held in the same week as the Purley Festival, in an effort to attract as many people to the event as possible.

Mr Ottaway said Mr Cripps' plan was a great initiative to support and promote Purley businesses.

"In tough economic times, this will be a fantastic boost to our local economy," he said.

The Purley Business Association is still looking for sponsors for the event – a main sponsor to put up £400, three sponsors of £225 and various smaller sponsors of £150.

Anyone interested in being involved should e-mail info@purleybusiness.co.uk

Business expo to showcase the best of Purley

Women to run Race for Life in memory of former Croydon College student

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LYDIA Page was diagnosed with the rare neuroendocrine cancer on Boxing Day in 2010.

Tragically, just over a year later, cancer took her life – aged just 23.

Now, 15 of her friends and family have joined forces to form Lydia's Ladies, a running team who will take part in Croydon's Race for Life, in aid of Cancer Research UK, at Lloyd Park on July 21.

Emma Myers put the team together after becoming firm friends with Lydia's mum, Sue, when the pair worked together at Croydon Connexions Centre.

Sue and Emma then started to work at Croydon College together, and their children Lydia and Dan started there too, and began to date when they were teenagers.

Emma, 48, explained: "I've known Lydia since she was about 13. She was always such a joy to be around and grew up to be a lovely, thoughtful, caring, independent young woman.

"She was like part of my family; she was even my bridesmaid when I married my husband Roger in 2006.

"Daniel always adored her and none of us could quite come to terms with the fact that someone so full of life could die so young."

Now Emma, Sue and their fellow Lydia's Ladies have issued a rallying cry against cancer as they urge all women to join them at the Croydon event.

Lydia, who lived in Holmesdale Road, South Norwood, and later Cecil Road, Croydon, received a BTEC Diploma in Fashion from Croydon College and went on to study photography at Nottingham Trent University.

But just a three months into her second year at university, she was diagnosed with cancer.

"It was such a shock, because she was really enjoying her studies and student life," said Emma.

"But in typical Lydia style she knuckled down and got on with her treatment. We all thought she would sail through."

Following chemotherapy, Lydia went back to her studies in Nottingham, but her condition worsened and she lost her battle with the disease last January.

"Her death hit everyone very hard," said Emma. "Many of us assumed she would be OK because she was young and had her whole life ahead of her. I certainly underestimated how random and cruel cancer can be."

Despite her illness, Lydia ran the Race for Life in Croydon in 2011, which has now inspired Emma to run in her memory this year.

She explained: "Lydia was an inspiration. She knew how ill she was and yet concentrated all her efforts on getting around the course and raising as much money as she could for research into life-saving treatment so that other young people wouldn't have to go through the same thing as her.

"Race for Life meant a lot to her, we therefore thought it was a fitting tribute to carry on taking part in the event in her name."

Lydia's mum Sue, who now lives in Wandsworth, is also setting up a charity in her daughter's name, to make young people more aware of the symptoms of bowel and neuroendocrine cancers, which mainly affect the lungs and intestines.

To sponsor the girls, visit www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/lydias-ladies8

This year's Croydon Race for Life will take place on Sunday, July 21, at Lloyd Park If you'd like to take part, visit www.raceforlife.cancerresearch uk.org for details

Women to run Race for Life in memory of former Croydon College student

Kenley Hotel is 'granted licence' and set to reopen

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THE Kenley Hotel looks likely to reopen within a month, as its owner claims a new licence application will be accepted.

The pub closed down on February 22, amid fears it had succumbed to the recession.

However, the Advertiser discovered the council had ordered the pub to shut because landlord Chris O'Reilly had closed down the company that held the licence the year before.

However, this week it emerged that a new licence application has been submitted to Croydon Council and will be accepted, according to a council officer, after no representations were received against it.

Star Pubs & Bars, the pub's owners, are now the company applicants on the new licence application.

A company spokesman said: "We applied for a licence and are very happy that it will be accepted. We have a number of things to do and hope to reopen the pub in three to four weeks."

The spokesman refused to confirm the identity of the pub's new landlord, but hinted at continued involvement for Mr O' Reilly, adding: "Chris and Aimee O'Reilly are independent businesspeople.

"He is the leaseholder and she is the designated premises supervisor, so they will be working together."

The Advertiser has made several attempts to contact Mr O' Reilly, but has received no answer at the hotel.

Chris Stanley, acting chairman of the Kenley and District Residents' Association, is pleased the village pub is reopening, but added: "The landlord, whoever that turns out to be, needs to work out how to get punters through the door. It's an established feature of the community and it would be better if people had more involvement with it."

Kenley councillor Steve O'Connell, who occasionally uses the pub, agreed that the future of the Kenley Hotel lay in it becoming a community hub.

He said: "It needs to be open all day and offer teas and coffees and lunch, as well as good ale in the evenings. We need a prosperous shopping parade in Kenley and having a good pub helps a lot."

The Advertiser previously reported how public records showed Mr O'Reilly had voluntarily struck off Hotelier Inn Ltd from the Companies Register in April last year.

Kenley Hotel is 'granted licence' and set to reopen

Who ate all the lettuce? Crystal Palace fitness club a hit with fans

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EAGLES fans are ditching the terrace pies and getting fit – thanks to a scheme introduced by the promotion-chasing club.

The Crystal Palace Foundation has come up with a way of turning its larger fans into lean, mean Palace-supporting machines with the Eagles Fitter Fans Club.

It has been run by 29-year-old Rob Perrett for two years, with members losing a combined weight of 1,300 lbs in that time.

Supporters are encouraged to join, to not only lose weight but also learn how to live a healthier life in general.

Mr Perrett explained: "We've had a great response from fans of Crystal Palace who end up joining the club. Some guys have lost a lot of weight, and some men have not only lost weight but have cured former health problems; the club has had a really big effect on their life.

"We weren't sure if it would be too popular at first but now we have had many groups go through the ten-week course. Then, many of them carry on with us after as they have enjoyed it so much."

The free course, which caters for men aged 40 or over, includes sessions of fitness training at Selhurst Park and lessons about nutrition and diet, all with ongoing support from the club's coaches.

Members also get the chance to meet Palace players and legends in regular question and answer sessions.

Mr Perrett said: "We felt there was a lot of opportunity for women in Croydon to lose weight with clubs and that kind of thing, but there wasn't much geared towards men, who often need some help to get started.

"I think that's why it's been so successful. Not only do the guys get healthier but they also meet like-minded Palace fans and get to play a bit of football as well."

Richard Green, 53, has lost three and a half stone since joining two years ago.

He said: "I can't say enough good things about the Fitter Fans Club. Not only has it changed my life health-wise, but socially it's brilliant, we've all made great friends.

"I'm a driving instructor but I would miss an hour of work every week just so I could get to the club, that's how much I enjoy it. We also get to play a football game at Selhurst Park each May, and how many men over 50 get to do that? It's really changed my life around."

For further information or to book your place on the course, call Rob Perrett on 020 8768 6047 or email rob.perrett@cpfc.co.uk

Turn to the back pages for a preview of Palace's crucial play-off clash with Brighton and more on the club's new badge and player of the year.

Goodbye burgers, hello broccoli - the fitter fans tell their stories...
Andy Burton, 53, has lost almost two stone, by drinking less and cutting his portion sizes:
"I was in the first group of the Fitter Fans Club, but we still gel with everyone who that has joined since. "I feel so much healthier but it's also the social side of it as well. We see each other every Thursday and have curry nights and play football; we have become really good friends. It helps that we all have a shared love for Crystal Palace but now it's gone beyond that. I'm so glad I joined."
John Harris, 49, joined the club 18 months ago, and has lost almost two stone:
"I was putting on weight and getting really out of shape and I just decided it was time to do something about it. "My father had leukaemia which weakened his heart, and he died of a massive heart attack. They had to keep monitoring me for the same thing as I was so unhealthy, but now they aren't worried about my heart at all as I've got so much healthier. "I have made great friends with everyone at the club, even visiting France with another member as we have a shared interest in the First World War and the trenches."
Richard Green, 53, has lost three and a half stone by ditching fry-ups and white bread:
"I really enjoyed the initial ten sessions, a lot of it was theory-based and taught us how to eat better and how to effectively exercise. "Now I feel like a different person. I'm a driving instructor and before when my students had a test I would go to the cafe. Now I go and do a 40-minute walk, and it's just become a part of my routine. I have new habits that will last a lifetime."

Who ate all the lettuce? Crystal Palace fitness club a hit with fans

Waddon angler breaks world record by catching 45.5kg fish

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IT WEIGHS 45.5kg, it lived in a French lake and it was netted ... by a double glazing expert from Waddon.

This photo shows the largest carp caught in the history of angling and the man who proudly snared it, 57-year-old Colin Smith.

Mr Smith, of Waddon Park Avenue, was on a fishing holiday on the Etang de Saussaie – a famous carp lake in France – when he netted the monster.

The record-breaker, who has fished at the eight-acre lake on and off for ten years, was on holiday with his son Mark and four friends.

He was buoyed by winning first choice of peg – where anglers stand to fish – and spent the first day trying out some tactical moves, successfully catching two carp weighing 23.5kg and 16kg.

The next day, he caught three more bigger fish, but it was on the fourth day, April 24, that he struck gold.

Mr Smith's rod let out a high-pitched shriek as the line span out, having caught the shark-sized carp.

After toiling with the Etang de Saussaie Monster for almost half an hour, Mr Smith wrestled the carp into shore, where it was scooped up by his son Mark, 31, in a 42-inch net.

A modest Mr Smith told the Advertiser: "I broke the world record but it was still a fish at the end of the day.

"I'm not a part-time fisher and the whole reason I go is for something like this to happen.

"It's very hard to describe the feeling you get when a fish is on the end of the line but it keeps me going back to it every year.

"I didn't set my sights on catching a fish that size but we knew it was in the lake somewhere."

The protocol on the fishing lake is notoriously rigid and Mr Smith had to have his prize carp weighed before hoisting it up in his arms for a photo.

After that he had to let it go and release it back into the lake, where it swam off happily.

According to the lake's proprietors, it is not the first time the king carp has been caught – it was netted two years ago, at 40kg, by the director of a fishing tackle company.

Mr Smith, who said the catch took a total of 25 minutes, added: "My personal best before was just over half that size so it's a bit of both luck and skill.

"We took good care of the fish and put it back. I could only pick it up because of the adrenalin."

Waddon angler breaks world record by catching 45.5kg fish

Surrey spinner Gary Keedy feels "fitter at 38 than 28"

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GARY KEEDY has warned young cricketers to start considering sooner rather than later what they are going to do after their sporting career ends.

Keedy has spent the last six years studying to become a physiotherapist, and as well as giving him an occupation when his career ends, the 38-year-old believes he is fitter than ever thanks to a better understanding of the human body.

"I qualified about a month ago and I'm just slowly getting together all my certificates, five-and-a-half years it has taken me," Keedy said.

"But in terms of my own playing career it is something that has helped me understand my body a little bit more.

"I've talked about age being a barrier, but at 38 I feel fitter and stronger than I did at 28.

"The sports medicine side of cricket is a lot more advanced than it has ever been and I want to use that to my advantage and play certainly well into my 40s."

And Keedy, who spent 17 years at Lancashire, has called on young cricketers to think about their future beyond cricket – admitting his career has flown by.

"I think any young cricketers now should be thinking about what they want to do when they finish because, believe me, ten years has just flown," Keedy said.

"All of a sudden you are in a position where you are wondering what you are going to do if you aren't playing cricket.

"It has taken me seven years; I did two years at Open University, and it has put me in a position to at least be ready.

"I want to work in sport, as many physiotherapists do, and having 20 years already in professional sport I would like to think I have a bit of a head-start."

However, he is not moving into full-time physiotherapy just yet and the experienced bowler, who joined Surrey from Lancashire this summer, insists the Kia Oval was the only place he wanted to go.

"My circumstances changed last year, I wasn't playing and I want to play as much cricket as I can at the end of my career. I didn't think twice about coming," Keedy said.

"When I first made the decision to ask Lancashire if I could leave, Surrey was it, I didn't speak to anyone else, Surrey was the club."

Surrey spinner Gary Keedy feels


Crystal Palace academy director hails "fantastic" season

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CRYSTAL Palace Academy director Gary Issott insists the new U21 development league has been crucial in the development of his young Eagles.

"This season has been a fantastic experience for everyone at the club," he said.

"We've had the chance to play some good teams at some great venues.

"The new rules have helped bridge the gap between youth and first-team football.

"The standard of these games have improved dramatically and the new format allows players to showcase their ability to a wider audience."

The revolutionary three-tiered elite competition is ranked on academy status, which has seen Palace pitted against the best in the Premier League.

"The trip to St James' Park where we were up against the likes of Gabriel Obertan has been a brilliant learning curve," said Issott.

"In recent weeks we've beaten table-topping Reading and our 4-3 away victory against Manchester City was a particular highlight."

Despite losing 1-0 against Bolton in their final home game of the season, Issott was keen to draw attention to a number of promising performances.

"It's great to see the younger players playing well," said Issott. "These boys are perhaps playing above their normal ability range so it is great to see them thriving on this stage."

Issott reserved special applause for 17-year-old midfielder Hiram Boateng, who manager Ian Holloway recently declared would be part of his pre-season plans in the summer.

"I thought it was the best game Boateng's ever played for the U21 side," said Issott. "He was strong, commanding and a real driving force in the middle of the pitch."

England U17 international Reise Allassani was another player who caught the eye.

"Reise has great balance and technique on the ball." said Issott. "When he drifts inside, he can influence the game a lot more. We just have to work with him to use the ball better and play those killer balls."

The changes have not only benefited the young starlets, with first-team players Stuart O'Keefe, Darcy Blake and Aaron Wilbraham using the competitive games to work their way back into the senior squad.

Issott concluded that the atmosphere around the club has been great and the manager insists a play-off position has been a huge improvement from the past few years.

"If you had offered the club a play-off place at the start of the season we would have grabbed it with both hands," he said.

Crystal Palace academy director hails

Croydon Travel Update: May 13

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7.10am: THE Godstone Road (A22) is closed southbound between St James' Road and Downs Court Road, due to an accident. Transport for London is warning to expect delays in the area. The Route 407 bus is being diverted. There are no reported delays on Southern trains or the London tube network.

Croydon singer Cherelle Basquine through to next stage of The Voice

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CHERELLE Basquine has progressed to the live shows of BBC talent contest The Voice. Millions of viewers last night (Sunday) saw the year-old carer, from West Croydon, triumph in the 'battle' round of the show. Cherelle was pitted against Welsh singer Elise Evans in the sing-off, with the pair performing Pixie Lott's chart hit It's All About Tonight. The four judges were divided on who performed best but the decision rested with the pair's mentor Tom Jones, who opted to send thje Croydon girl through. Cherelle will now go forward to perform in the live shows, with the winner of The Voice earning themselves a record deal. She initially made it through the audition stages despite receiving mixed reviews for her performance of Cheryl Cole's Call My Name, a song she later told the Advertiser she didn't want to perform.

Croydon singer Cherelle Basquine through to next stage of The Voice

Man in court charged with forcing dog to sexually assault woman

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A MAN has appeared in court accused of forcing his dog to sexually assault a woman. Michael Foster, 35, allegedly forced the animal on to his victim at a barber shop in West Croydon. He appeared at Croydon Magistrates' Court last Friday charged with nine offences, all at the hairdressers, between March 31 and May 1, 2012. Foster, of St James's Park, Croydon, faces two counts of sexual assault of a woman over the age of 16 and three of rape. He is also charged with sexually assaulting a woman with a bottle and as well as three counts of causing a female to engage in sexual activity, two with a dog. Foster, who did not indicate a plea, was remanded in custody until his next appearance at Croydon Crown Court on May 24.

Man in court charged with forcing dog to sexually assault woman

Palace supremo: Glenn Murray set for midday scan on knee

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CRYSTAL Palace striker Glenn Murray could be out of action for 6-9 months with what looks like a cruciate injury to his knee, Advertiser Sport understands.

The hitman suffered the blow in the second half of Friday's Championship play-off first leg match against Brighton & Hove Albion and was given extensive treatment by the club's medical staff after being stretchered off.

And Eagles co-chairman Steve Parish told Advertiser Sport this morning: "Glenn is set for an MRI scan at midday. These can take up to an hour-and-a-half, then the doctors need to look at it before making a decision.

"It might not be until tomorrow or later in the week that we'll know for sure. Of course it's a huge blow, injuries are part and parcel of the game."

And Parish admitted the club will look to delve into the transfer market if Murray's injury is long term.

"I think we'd have to (get another striker) but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it," he said.

"It depends how long Glenn is out for - if it is a cruciate, that is around 6-9 months out with no complications."

Jonny Williams suffered cramp in his hamstring during Friday's game but he is set to return to the starting XI for tonight's second leg at the AMEX Stadium, while Palace have no further injury worries to deal with 72 hours on.

Aaron Wilbraham looks set to play up front on his own, but boss Ian Holloway may tinker with his side should he wish to include the experienced Kevin Phillips as another attacking option.

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

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Palace supremo: Glenn Murray set for midday scan on knee

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