New online community creates a WoW buying experience for Beckenham locals

Beckenham and Bromley borough residents can now check out local businesses and services before they buy, thanks to a new website that lets them search social media reviews as well as those listed on the site itself, WoW Bromley: www.wowbromley.co.uk.

The WoW Bromley site, which stands for ‘Word on the Web Bromley’, is unique in the way it captures reviews from Facebook, Twitter and Google+ for the businesses listed, as well as allowing people to post their own reviews direct on the site. This means users can view a wide selection of reviews – and they can contact reviewers direct – before they make a buying decision.

WoW Bromley is the brainchild of Lynda Wright, owner of Baccarat Hair Design in Beckenham and co-founder of the successful local Twitter hashtag (#) community, #BeckBromFL. She came up with the idea of WoW Bromley to bring the success of the hashtag to a wider audience and got together with developers Steve Spice and Ian Robb to create the site.

Lynda explains: “When we started the #BeckBromFL hashtag some three years ago to help local businesses and residents connect, we had no idea it would become one of the most successful Twitter communities in the UK! We now want to share this success with other locals who may not be on social media, so we’ve created WoW Bromley to be a useful, unique, easy to use and fun way of searching for local businesses and services.”

Users can currently search for businesses and offers, read the reviews and ask questions to reviewers. But the site is intended to be more than just a business listings site – there are plans to add local events, jobs, property for sale/let and local news to the site soon.

“We have lots of plans for local content that will engage our users and make WoW Bromley a successful online community hub,” adds Lynda.

Within its first week, the site registered over 1,300 unique searches and already has nearly 300 Bromley-based businesses listed, with numbers growing daily. These include small and micro businesses, as well as big names such as Bromley College and The Churchill Theatre.

Businesses based in the Bromley borough can have a listing for free. All listings showcase social media feedback across Twitter, Facebook and Google+ platforms and invite organic reviews from visitors. There is also the option to pay for an enhanced listing and those businesses based outside the borough but trading extensively within it can have a listing for a small monthly fee.

For more information, to sign up as a user or to list your business, visit www.wowbromley.co.uk

Have your say – Residents’ Forum and Open Meeting – 8pm Tues 20 Oct 2015 Venue 28 (opposite Library and The Spa)

Our Association is holding a joint Open Meeting with the West Beckenham Residents’ Association. Between our associations we cover the whole of Beckenham and so have invited a panel of councillors from every Ward to take your questions.

Come along and direct your concerns to the panel. Join us from 7.45pm, at the Venue 28 (formerly known as The Studio) 28 Beckenham Road (opposite Beckenham Library and The Spa).

We look forward to seeing you there.

Closure of road junction at Lawn Road and Copers Cope Road

Some residents may have received a letter advising of the decision to trial the closure of the road junction at Lawn Road and Copers Cope Road. This came as some what of a surprise to our Association as previously we had been advised (and published in our newsletter) by Bromley Council that the favoured scheme to deal with the notorious accident hotspot at the junction of Copers Cope Road, Bridge Road and Lawn Road was:

to leave the junction almost the same with possible minor adjustments to curb lines
the whole junction to be re-tarmaced with coloured anti-skid covering
and possibly using 2 sets of warning signs

Noting there was not enough room for a mini roundabout at the junction unless Lawn Road was closed and such a closure may have a detrimental to affect on traffic flows in surrounding roads.

Our ward councillors subsequently met with the Council Traffic engineers and it was decided to install a mini roundabout requiring the closure of the Lawn Road junction with Copers Cope Road.

Naturally we are very pleased the Council and ward councillors are taking action to make the junction of Copers Cope Road, Bridge Road and Lawn Road safer. However, we have raised our concerns with our ward councillors and Bromley Council that this decision was taken without sufficient consultation of local people. As far as we are aware there has been no formal consultation at all, which seems remiss for such a significant change to the road layout.

That aside it does not mean the proposal is not an effective solution to the accident hotspot and we are keen to hear your views. The Council are planning to implement the proposal imminently so any feedback (positive and negative) should be provided to the Council and ward councillors as soon as possible. We would be grateful if you could copy us in also.

Bromley Council emails: john.joyce@bromley.gov.uk, angus.culverwell@bromley.gov.uk
Ward Councillors emails: russell.mellor@bromley.gov.uk, stephen.wells@bromley.gov.uk, michael.ticker@bromley.gov.uk
Our email: chairman@coperscope.org.uk

Stamp & Postcard Fair – 9.30 to 4pm Saturday 24 October 2015, Langley Park Boys School

Flower Beds at Thorton’s Corner and sale of toilet block

The Copers Cope Area Residents’ Association have successfully registered the flower beds and surrounding land not built upon at Thornton’s Corner as an Asset of Community Value (which means the Council have to offer it to the community before selling it privately). The main purpose of doing so was to ensure the community was informed if any additional land was sold alongside the toilet block (concerns were raised of corner being redeveloped with a larger footprint than the existing toilet block).

Unfortunately no community groups were able to submit a bid to acquire the toilet block. This is not surprising as it would not cost effective to continue to run the building as a toilet and the cost of repurposing the building would be prohibitive. The toilet block is now up for sale (it does not include any additional land), the particulars can be found below. Hopefully the new purpose of the building will enhance the High Street.

Beckenham_WC_SALES_PARTICULARS_17th_September_2015

If no buyer is found the building will be demolished, we will ensure to engage with the council if demolition will occur to see if the building can be utilised or influence what will go in its place to enhance Thornton’s Corner

Croydon Road Rec Bandstand bid to lottery fund submitted!

Message from the Friends of Croydon Road Recreation Ground

The grant application to The Heritage Lottery Fund for the refurbishment of our bandstand was submitted by the London Borough of Bromley in partnership with The Landscape Group, the Council’s greenspace contractor, and The Friends on 14th September 2015.

This marks a major milestone in the project to restore the bandstand to its former glory. The application includes restoration costs as well as a series of community events and activities. This was a first stage application to HLF’s Heritage Grant programme and, if successful, we will be invited to complete a second and final application.

The Friends would particularly like to thank The London Borough of Bromley and The Landscape Group for their help and encouragement and their hard work in putting together this bid.

We expect to hear the outcome during December and will let you know as soon as we have confirmation.

Many thanks for your continued support.

Friends of Croydon Road Recreation Ground

Petition to stop cuts to local neighbourhood policing.

A petition to help stop the cuts to Community Support Officers (PCSO’s) in London (including Beckenham and Bromley Borough Police). Please sign the petition (ignore the part about a donation at the end). Once signed please pass on to friends, family and neighbours.

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/save-neighbourhood-policing-in-london

Sunshine for Market On The Green – tomorrow 19 Sep 2015 on Beckenham Green

Sunshine is due for Market On The Green tomorrow. It will be a packed day with over 50 stalls (we have some great new ones and many of our favourites) of local produce and craft, Horse Trick Show (yes real live horses on the green), vintage fair ground rides, face painting, pony rides and free live entertainment on stage. Find our more here.

Entertainment

11.00 – Rodeo Dave’s Western Trick Riding – action packed horse trick show.
11.30 – RA Parade – songwriter and musician.
12.oo – Hayley Ince – vocalist.
12.30 – Rodeo Dave’s Western Trick Riding – action packed horse trick show.
13.00 – Churchfield’s Primary School Choir.
13.30 – Martin Ericson – 60s and 70s Soul and Motown
14.00 – Hayley Ince – vocalist.
14.30 – Rodeo Dave’s Western Trick Riding – action packed horse trick show.
15.00 – Martin Ericson – 60s and 70s Soul and Motown

The above information correct at time of writing but may be subject to change.

2 weeks to go until Market On The Green – Sat 19 Sept 2015

The September Market On The Green is the biggest yet with over 50 stalls selling local produce and craft and lots of yummy food for lunch – jerk chicken, gourmet burgers, wood fired pizza, hog roast, speciality pies, sausage rolls, cakes, chocolate, artisan breads, handmade sauces and conserves, hand painted cards, handmade children’s and adult jewellery, Kent apple juice and cider, locally produced fruit gin, plants and seeds, rare breed lamb & pork, free range poultry, hand-painted scarves and ponchos, adults and children’s clothing, candles, fruit and veg, Kent strawberries, handmade fudge, pottery, ceramics, soaps and gifts.

The live entertainment includes Churchfield’s Primary School Choir and we are pleased to welcome back Rodeo Daves Western Trick Riding Show. Come along and check out the horse display on Beckenham Green at 11.30, 12.30 and 2.30pm. There will also be pony rides available for the kids.

There will be a Vintage Fairground by Bottons Family Funfair , face painting by Tiger Dragon Butterfly, Sand Art & Crafts by KME crafts.Check out the complete line up for the event at on our website.

352 and 354 Sunday Bus Service will commence on Sunday 20 September 2015

The Copers Cope Area Resident’s Association has been a long and strong campaigner for a 352 and 354 Sunday Bus Service (with petitions, lobbying and co-ordinating local support). Great news, we received the following message from TfL:

We recently consulted on proposals to introduce a Sunday service on routes 352 and 354.

We received 630 responses to the consultation. There were 619 responses from members of the public and 11 responses from stakeholders. There was generally good support for the proposals.

After carefully considering all responses, we have made a decision and we will be introducing a Sunday service on both routes 352 and 354. The Sunday service will commence on Sunday 20 September 2015.

For further information regarding this decision, please visit our website.

Conversation Pieces a Beckenham Concert Band & Langley Park Boys Performance – 1.30pm Monday 14th September 2015, St Barnabas Church Beckenham

Conversation Pieces: Words and Music Uniting the Generations by Langley Park Boys School – 1.30 p.m. Monday 14^th September 2015, St. Barnabas Church Beckenham.

This is a concert performed by young musicians from Langley Park Boys School playing alongside professional musicians from Everyone Matters, a charity that brings together people of all ages through music.

Tea and cakes will be served after the concert. There is no charge for this concert or for the refreshments.

This event is particularly aimed at older people in the local community but all are welcome.

Venue: St. Barnabas Church, Perth Road, Beckenham, BR3 6PP

Further information or to reserve a place please email: events@stbarnabasbeckenham.org or phone: 020 8650 3393

Please note that there is wheelchair access to the church but the toilet facilities are in the adjacent hall which has no wheelchair access and are reached via two flights of steps. The steps down to the toilets have handrails.

The Foxgrove Social Club in Westgate Road is closing

A hidden gem in Westgate Road, The Foxgrove Club was funded and built by local residents in 1907 and has managed by club members ever since, is sadly due to close on 30 September 2015.

We understand that the club has been in an ongoing dispute with Lewisham Council regarding the annual rent and that recent rent increases are unaffordable for the social club.

At this point we are not aware what Lewisham Council intends to do with the building we will let you know when we find out more.

Survey regarding Mental Health Services in the borough – have your say by Wednesday 26 August 2015

Healthwatch Bromley have asked our Residents’ Association to pass on information about this survey. They are trying to reach as a wide a cross-section of individuals in Bromley borough and are contacting many community groups.

Bromley Mental Health Survey please fill in by 26th August 2015

One in six adults is known to suffer from mental ill-health caused by mild to moderate depression and a range of anxiety disorders. In Bromley, adults can get help for mental health conditions in various ways, of which two are listed here:

a) If you are aged 18 and over, you can self-refer or get your GP to refer you to ‘Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT)’ which helps people suffering from depression and a range of anxiety disorders (including panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder, excessive worry, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or phobias).

b) If you are struggling to find or stay in work due to your mental health problems and are aged 18+, you can self-refer to Bromley’s Mental Health Employment (MHE) service. They support people in recovery from mental health problems to find or stay in work, by offering personalised flexible services.

Both of these services – IAPT and MHE – are going to be under review as new contracts will be issued in 2016. The organisations that pay for theses service (NHS Bromley CCG and Bromley Council) want to know your views on current services provided by Improving Access to Psychological Therapies and Mental Health Employment. They also want you to help decide future local provision. We, Healthwatch Bromley and Lewisham, has been asked to run this survey with local residents to find out what you think about these services. Healthwatch Bromley gives people a powerful voice locally and nationally, by helping you to get the best out of your local health and social care services. So this covers people who use services now and those who might need to use services, in the future.

Who should fill in the survey? How can you do it?

Your opinion does and will matter. You could be a current IAPT or MHE user. You might have heard about the service informally. You might have a friend or family member who has used it. You might know someone with depression and anxiety who has not wanted to get help. Whatever your viewpoint, please consider filling this survey in, as long as you are aged 18 or over, live or work in Bromley, and want to change things for the better! You have until Wednesday 26th August 2015 to fill it in. We want to know what ‘good’ mental health support looks like for those suffering from depression and a range of anxiety disorders in Bromley, as well as those needing to find work.

Use this website link to fill in the Healthwatch Bromley and Lewisham survey: www.surveymonkey.com/r/bromleymentalhealth

Please do pass this email and link to family and friends to complete too. It will take you from 8 to 15 minutes to complete, depending on how much you have to say. The survey provides instructions on which questions to complete, to guide you. Please complete the survey as thoroughly and honestly as possible. You can skip sections that do not apply to you. If you prefer to attend a focus group, there is one being held at Beckenham Beacon on the 26th August 2015 – you can attend the morning 10-12pm or the afternoon 2-4pm. Please email for more info.

What happens next? I have more questions….

All the information you provide is secure and anonymous (If you provide any contact details these will be separated from survey results). All responses will come back directly to HWBL to be collated, analysed and put into a report for NHS Bromley CCG. You can ask for a copy of this at the survey end. Lastly, when you reach the end of the survey, you will find information listed on local and national support for people struggling with depression or anxiety disorders

If you want to call someone to discuss this survey or get someone to ask you the questions by phone, please email comment@healthwatchbromley.co.uk or leave a message on 07511 774613.

If you have questions about broader issues raised by this survey, please call HWBL on 020 8315 1916.

Beckenham Concert Band Performance in aid of the homeless – 7.30pm Saturday 5th September 2015, St Barnabas Church Beckenham

Saturday 5th September – 7.30 p.m.: Performance by the Beckenham Concert Band in aid of The Passage charity for the homeless. Tickets from tickets@passage.org.uk or 020 7592 1856

Clockhouse FunFest – 4pm to 9pm Friday 14 August 2015

Copers Cope Police Newsletter August 2015

Hello and thank you for reading this months Copers Cope Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) newsletter.

The team details and ward map along with other useful information can be accessed at http://content.met.police.uk/Team/Bromley/CopersCope

Your team includes

PS 48py Mark Shrubsole
PC 128py Steve Allen, Dedicated ward Officer ( DWO )
PCSO 7256py Julie Oldfield, Dedicated ward Officer ( DWO )

Local Information

Information has been brought to our attention regarding the “Metro” newspaper being delivered to residential addresses. The papers have either been left on door steps or have been posted partly through letter boxes. It is not known who has been doing this and this could possibly be used as a marker to let criminals know who is in or who is out.

I therefore ask if you see any papers sticking out of letter boxes or on door steps of yours or neighbouring property to remove or push any mail completely through the letter box.

The Metro has been contacted and they have not organised any deliveries to residential addresses. They are also going to be sending a Metro representative to Beckenham Junction BR Station to see if anyone is removing quantities of newspapers.

On Thursday 23rd July Copers Cope & Shortlands safer neighbourhood team officers were involved in a speed camera operation in several roads in the Beckenham area.

I am pleased to say that the vast majority of drivers drove at the correct speed.

The roads that were picked resulted from speaking with residents whilst out on patrol and when speaking to residents during our public surgeries.

On the same day we had officers in Costa Coffee shop in the High Street where we spoke and gave crime prevention in regards to mobile phone thefts.

If there is any information you would like to share with the Copers Cope safer neighbourhood team and residents of Beckenham in relation to crime then please e-mail us using the address on the bottom of this letter.

Local Events

There has been a couple of events that have taken place at Beckenham Green which have been enjoyed by the local community.

The Harris Academy had a “Word Fest” where there was music, poetry and stalls and we most recently had the “Market on the green” where there were stalls and a fun fair.

There will be more markets taking place on Saturday 19th September and Saturday 5th December.

Crime

Our ward priorities are:

Burglary
Motor vehicle crime Robbery – personal property

Our promises are:

ASB related to alcohol Shoplifting
Traffic

In the month of July there has been a few burglaries and vehicle crimes, however the number of reported offences have been dropping over the last couple of months. Please be vigilant and be aware now it’s the summer holidays, keep a eye on your neighbours property if they are away and push through any post that maybe sticking out of their letter box.

In order to lower crime in the worse effective areas on the borough there has been pro active patrols and operations by Police Officers and Police Community Support Officers. This has seen crime such as burglary and motor vehicle crime fall.

Neighbourhood Watch

Copers Cope ward would like to have a neighbourhood watch co-ordinator(s) on every street. If you know of anyone who wishes to take part please find information on info@bromleynwa.org.uk

If you know anyone who has set up a neighbourhood watch please can you send me their e-mail address so I can send them our monthly letter.

Panel Members

We are looking for local residents to join our ward panel. There are 4 meetings a year and panel members help decide on the wards promises and discuss local issues.

If you would like to have your say on how your local community is policed please contact us for details.

Street Surgery

Our next surgeries are on the following dates:

Wednesday 5th August 2015 between 3.00 p.m & 4 p.m at Waitrose Southend Road.
Saturday 12th September 2015 between 10.00 a.m & 11.00 at Waitrose Southend Road.
Saturday 17th October 2015 between 10.00 a.m & 11.00 a.m at Waitrose Southend Road.

Come and talk to your local Officers and discuss your concerns and for crime prevention information.

Crime Prevention Burglary

Front Door Security: Doors should be solid timber, not hollow, a minimum of 44mm thick, supported by three 100mm ( 4” ) hinges. The frame to be of sound timber, securely bolted or screwed to the walls every 600mm ( 23” ) around the whole frame.

– Fit a good automatic deadlocking latch cylinder lock a third of the way down the door.

– Fit a British Standard 3621 mortise deadlock with boxed staple a third of the way up the door ( avoiding joints in the timber ).

– Strengthen the door frame with metal reinforcement. A “ London Bar “ on the lock side and a “ Birmingham Bar “ on the hinge side.

– Fit a letterbox cowl / basket to prevent fishing for keys or access to lock handles.

Back Doors: Fit a British Standard 3621 mortise sash lock halfway up the door ( avoiding joints in the timber ).

– Fit key operated bolts to top ( max height 1.5m ( 4’ 11” ) and bottom of the door.

– Reinforce any weak door panels with either sheet metal or 9mm plywood.

Double French Doors: Fit key operated bolts to the top and bottom of each door securing it to the frame.

– Fit hinge bolts or interlocking hinges to any outward opening door.

Patio Doors: Fit patio door locks at the top and bottom of the opening section of the patio door.

– Fit an anti-lifting device to prevent the door being lifted and moved.

Window Security:

Sash Windows: Fit 2 key operated sash stops to the upper window. The maximum window opening should be 100mm ( 4” ) to allow ventilation when the house is occupied.

Casement ( Hinged ) Windows: Fit key operated locks on the opening side. If replacing windows fit those that have achieved British Standard 7950 and have laminated glass 6.4mm thick in ground floor and accessible windows.

Gardens: Secure your rear gardens by locking gates and fixing trellis to the top of fences. Trellis should support climbing plants but not climbing intruders.

Sheds: Secure your shed or ensure that tools that may prove useful for breaking in ( e.g. forks and spades ) are secured elsewhere.

Please if you can take simple steps to help prevent these offences take place, lock all windows and doors of your house even if you leave for just a few minutes. If you have an alarm please use it.

When you leave your car please lock it and use your alarm or immobiliser if you have one and take any valuables with you.

Further information is available from http://www.met.police.uk/bromley and follow the link to Crime Prevention.

Mobile Phones

Please consider using the immobilise website to register your mobile phone. It only takes a couple of minutes and it’s completely free. If your phone is lost or stolen you’re much more likely to get it back and possibly help catch a thief as well. http://www.immobilise.com

Cash Point Machines

Please be aware of your surroundings if and when you use a cash point machine. Be vigilant of people near you when entering your PIN and don’t allow yourself to be distracted if some body tries to talk to you whilst you are using the cash point. If uncertain, use another machine.

Pedal Cycles

With summer here many people will be using their bikes more often. Please remember to lock your bikes and consider getting it security etched and registered.

Scams

Copers Cope work closely with Trading Standards if you have been or know someone who may have been a victim of a rogue trader or any mass marketing scam then please report this to the Police.

If you think you have a rogue trader at your front door call Bromley Trading Standards on their rapid response number 07903852090.

Thank you for your time reading this letter, if we can be of further assistance please do not hesitate to call or e-mail us and we will get back to you as soon as possible and we will be more than happy to help.

If you need police for an urgent matter where you are in danger or fear always dial 999. If you wish to see a police officer for a non emergency matter, then please dial 101

Copers Cope Safer Neighbourhood Team Telephone 0208 721 2772
E-Mail Coperscope.snt@met.police.uk

Location of Beckenham Starbucks revealed

You may recall back in April the Copers Cope Area Residents’ Association spotted an advert hiring staff for a new Startbucks in Beckenham. There has been much speculation as to where the coffee shop will be located and Starbucks have been tight lipped.

A planning application for change of use from retail to food has revealed that Starbucks will be going into the old Kitchen Range shop next to the closed Ardec shop.

There is also a planning application in to change Ardec to a restaurant.

Edinburgh Fringe Comedy comes to Beckenham – 8pm Fri 24 July at Venue 28

Jody Kamali, a Beckenham Based Comedian and Actor is performing his forthcoming Edinburgh Fringe show this friday and would love local people to come along and support local comedy, much needed in Beckenham.
The show will be at the newly reopened Venue 28 (next to the SPA on Beckenham Rd) and Copers Cope Area Residents’ Association members are being offered £3 tickets (usually £7) via this secret link.

http://www.wegottickets.com/sct/FcehPHYXJJ

Show details:
JODY KAMALI – SPECTACULAR!

An Exhilarating character comedy show set in the world of a travelling circus. Expect high doses of inventive physical comedy and a variety of wondrous characters who strive to be nothing but….spectacular!
Beckenham based Jody is a regular on the sketch and variety circuit. Apart from working with Harry Hill on his latest madcap comedy show, he will be appearing the forthcoming highly anticipated British Feature film ‘Golden Years’ alongside Bernard Hill.

‘Brilliant, original visual comedy’ Harry Hill

ANNA MORRIS – IT’S GOT TO BE PERFECT

The critically acclaimed character comic and star of ITV2’s ‘Bad Bridesmaid’ and BBC1’s ‘Outnumbered’ presents a preview of her Edinburgh show, featuring her most loved character. Georgina the Bridezilla (from the viral hit YouTube series, Georgina’s Wedding Blogs) is getting married, and you’re invited to the wedding…rehearsal. Come along if you dare, but be warned…this bride will let NOTHING get in the way of her perfect day…

“Spot-on, darkly comic characters. Comedy gold” – Huffington Post

“Beautifully crafted comedy” – Independent

★★★★ – The Stage

★★★★ – Herald

★★★★ – Broadway Baby

★★★★ – Sunday Herald
Show starts 8pm. Till 10:30pm. There will be a 20 minute interval.

Doors open 7pm. There will be a bar available to buy drinks.

Next weekend is Market On The Green – 18 July 2015 on Beckenham Green

The July Market On The Green gets active with have-a-go mini tennis and high octane Kung Fu displays. As usual we have a great line up of free live entertainment from 11am to 3.30pm: courtesy of Seventh Heaven Promotion we have The Lost Folk Collective, The Tin Men, Franck Alba School of Music and Lori May Spear. Plus local songstress and Bianca Nicholas and a Beckenham Community Choir.

There will be 40 market stalls selling local produce and craft and lots of yummy food for lunch including a gourmet burger van rocking it in an old classic Citron van. Come along for handmade sauces and preserves, hand painted cards, handmade children’s and adult jewellery, Kent apple juice and cider, speciality pies, sausage rolls, Scotch eggs, sandwiches and cakes, artisan breads, locally produced fruit gin, plants and seeds, rare breed lamb & pork, free range poultry, children’s toys, hand-painted scarves and ponchos, adults and children’s clothing, candles, organic fruit and veg, Kent strawberries, handmade fudge, soaps and gifts.

Also there will be face painting by Tiger Dragon Butterfly, a Pizza Making Competition by Sapore Vero and a children’s fun fair. See you at the Market.

If you live in Beckenham become a member of your local residents’ association. It’s just £3 a year, this small subscription fee makes a huge difference to the success of the Association and helps us keep this not for profit market going. The above information correct at time of writing but may be subject to change.