Beckenham Junction to Blackfriars Service restored in 11 Dec 2022 timetable

Success for CCARA Chair and local Cllr Chloe-Jane Ross!

After 18 months of campaigning Southeastern have agreed to restore the Beckenham Junction to Blackfriars service that was cancelled during the pandemic.

Worried that Southeastern would quietly drop the Blackfriars service which it cancelled during the pandemic, Chloe-Jane started the campaign to save it some 18 months ago. She set up an on-line petition calling for the restoration of this service, it grew to over two thousand signatures and highlighted the overwhelming support for the restoration of this service. She has been meeting with Southeastern regularly to make the case for the service on behalf of local people.

After months of lobbying Southeastern, other Councillors, the local MP, London Assembly members and anyone that would listen, it’s brilliant to report that the new timetable from 11 Dec 2022 includes 5 trains in the morning from Beckenham Junction to Blackfriars and 2 back in the evening.

Chloe-Jane said: “Beckenham is an excellent transport hub, and this is one of the reasons that people choose to set up home here. I’m delighted to have been able to make a strong case to Southeastern (with a 2000+ petition, thank you) and they’ve listened to us. The return of this service will make a huge difference to many commuters.”

“I’ve had regular meetings with Southeastern and was presented with different statistics being used to assess use of the service. But what these stats didn’t show was the different choices commuters were making in the absence of the Blackfriars service. Southeastern’s data did not show the true demand for the service, and in the end the Head of Operations agreed with me on this.”

“This has been a brilliant community campaign, thank you to everyone that supported it”.

Health: Become an Engagement Assurance Committee Public Member

South East London (SEL) Integrated Care System are seeking to recruit public members to join the Engagement Assurance Committee to fill the a vacancy in Bromley. The individuals appointed will have an important role in contributing to provide assurance on engagement in projects and programmes which are carried out on behalf of the system across south east London. Find out more at: https://letstalkhealthandcareselondon.org/seleac

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – tribute, thanks and condolence

The Copers Cope Area Residents’ Association and West Beckenham Residents’ Association pays tribute and thanks to the remarkable life and service of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We send our condolences to the those she loved and those that loved her.

Information about mourning arrangements, floral tributes and book of condolence can be found at https://www.royal.uk/mourning-and-condolence-arrangements-royal-residences

An online Book of Condolence for those who wish to leave messages is available on the Royal website: https://www.royal.uk/send-message-condolence.

Know Your Numbers! Blood Pressure Awareness Week 5-11 September 2022


Every day in the UK, 350 people have a stroke or heart attack that could have been prevented. 6 million people in the UK have high blood pressure and don’t know it. Could you help us find them? During Know Your Numbers week there will be free blood pressure checks across Bromley. Find your nearest one or visit a local pharmacy. For more information, visit www.bromley.gov.uk/bloodpressure

ROAD WORKS: Manor Road, closed for 3 nights from 2nd Aug 2022 for Thames Water works

Thames Water will be closing Manor Road, Beckenham for up to three consecutive nights from Tuesday 02/08 whilst they complete essential sewer lining and sewer cleaning works.

The road will be closed between 20:00-06:00 on each night. Manor Road will be closed between the junctions of Beckenham High Street and Bevington Road. Traffic will be diverted via High Street and Bromley Road in both directions.

Starts today 23 July: 9-day closure of line between London Victoria and Beckenham Junction – Plus industrial action

Industrial action: Wednesday 27 and Saturday 30 July

Industrial action is due to take place on our network by the RMT union on Wednesday 27 July, and ASLEF union on Saturday 30 July.

There will be a limited service running on the rail network on Wednesday 27 July and some routes will be closed. Please only travel by train if necessary. If you are travelling expect severe disruption and plan ahead.

There will be no services running across our network on Saturday 30 July. Please do not try to travel by train on this day.

If you travel by train on the day after industrial action, please expect disruption, plan ahead and allow extra time to make your journey.

You can find out more about how the industrial action on Wednesday 27 July and Saturday 30 July will affect our services here

23 – 31 July: London Victoria to Beckenham Junction/Shortlands line closure – service information

Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 July: There will be no trains between Shortlands and London Victoria via Herne Hill. Customers can travel to London Victoria from Bromley South via Denmark Hill. A replacement bus service will also run from Bromley South to Denmark Hill via Herne Hill, calling at all stations except Brixton.

Monday 25 – Friday 29 July: No trains between Beckenham Junction and London Victoria. There will be a twice-hourly shuttle train service between Beckenham Junction and Orpington. Customers can travel to Bromley South for trains to London Victoria via Denmark Hill. A replacement bus service will run between Beckenham Junction and Denmark Hill, via Herne Hill, calling at all stations except Brixton.

Service changes at Beckenham Junction due to industrial action

Tuesday 25 July: Due to the RMT industrial action on Wednesday 27 July, the Beckenham Junction to Orpington train service will stop at 22.00 and a replacement bus will run instead, calling at Beckenham Junction, Shortlands, Bromley South, Bickley, Petts Wood, and Orpington.

Wednesday 27 July: The replacement bus service for the line closure that runs between Beckenham Junction and Denmark Hill, via Herne Hill (except Brixton) will continue to run during the industrial action. There will also be a replacement bus service calling at Beckenham Junction, Shortlands, Bromley South, Bickley, Petts Wood and Orpington.

Thursday 28 July: Following the RMT industrial action, an early morning replacement bus service will run between Beckenham Junction and Orpington, calling at Shortlands, Bromley South, Bickley, Petts Wood and Orpington. The first shuttle train service between Beckenham Junction and Orpington will run after 08.30. Change at Bromley South for services to Victoria via Denmark Hill. A replacement bus service will also run from Beckenham Junction to Denmark Hill, via Herne Hill, calling at all stations except Brixton.

Friday 29 July: No trains between Beckenham Junction and London Victoria. There will be a twice-hourly shuttle train service between Beckenham Junction and Orpington. Customers can travel to Bromley South for trains to London Victoria via Denmark Hill. A replacement bus service will run between Beckenham Junction and Denmark Hill, via Herne Hill, calling at all stations except Brixton.

Saturday 30 July: Due to industrial action by the train drivers’ union, ASLEF, there will be no trains across the Southeastern network. The replacement bus service for the line closure will run from Bromley South to Denmark Hill, via Herne Hill, calling at all stations except Brixton.

Sunday 31 July: There will be no trains between Shortlands and London Victoria via Herne Hill. Customers can travel to London Victoria from Bromley South via Denmark Hill. A replacement bus service will also run from Bromley South to Denmark Hill via Herne Hill, calling at all stations except Brixton.

Replacement bus service summary:

Saturday to Sunday

  • Denmark Hill and Bromley South, calling at all stations between Herne Hill and Bromley South, except Brixton.

Monday to Friday

  • Denmark Hill and Beckenham Junction, calling at all stations between Herne Hill and Beckenham Junction, except Brixton.

Tuesday evening from 22.00, Wednesday all day and Thursday morning until 08.30

  • Beckenham Junction to Orpington, via Shortlands, Bromley South, Bickley, Petts Wood, and Orpington.

You can view bus times in the online journey planner.

Download the replacement bus station stops map

Ziggy Stardust Family Funday and High Street Trail tomorrow Sat 16 July 2022

Join us on Beckenham Green for a Ziggy Stardust inspired Market On The Green. Plus High Street Trail – find the Bowie Dolls in the High Street and win a prize. Ziggy Stardust, was David Bowies famous alter-ego he created when living in Beckenham 50 years ago.

  • When: 10am to 5pm on Saturday 16 July 2022
  • Where: Beckenham Green (next to St George’s Church, Beckenham High Street, BR3 5JG, near Beckenham Junction Station and Tram link)
  • What: live entertainment, fair rides with ferris wheel, spoken word tent, street food, market stalls, kids craft tent and much more. Check out the full schedule here
  • Get into the vibe: come along in the in style of the 1970s or 80s iconic decades. Prizes given for the best dressed.

Ziggy Stardust Dolls have popped up in the High Street

You may have spotted these fellows in some of the shop windows in Beckenham High Street ahead of the Ziggy Stardust High Street Trail which is part of the Ziggy Stardust Family Funday being held on Beckenham Green on 16 July.

You can join the free trail on Saturday 16 July. Pick up a playing card from organisers tent on Beckenham Green or participating shops on the day. If you find all the dolls you can claim a prize (while stocks last).

How to spot and avoid scams – WBRA AGM speaker Rob Vale

West Beckenham RA held its AGM on 4 July, at Christ Church Hall. The guest speaker, Rob Vale, gave an entertaining talk on the many new ways that criminals are always trying to get our bank details. Advice on how to spot rogue traders and scams and what to do if you are targetted can be found on the LB Bromley website at

https://www.bromley.gov.uk/trading-standards/rogue-traders-scams/1

 

If you suspect a neighbour or family member is being targetted, you can phone the Rapid Response number 07903 852090 and if possible the team will try to get an officer to attend while the perpetrator is still there. 

You can also sign up to receive scam alerts from the team. When LB Bromley see a new scam, they will send out this alert direct to you. 

https://www.bromley.gov.uk/ScamAlertSignUpForm

Rob also asked that anyone who is close to a vulnerable adult to complete the survey on “Safeguarding”. The Bromley Safeguarding Adults Board is responsible for making sure there are the right services in place to keep vulnerable adults safe from harm and abuse.   It is made up of health and social care professionals and the police. The Board also has representation from private, voluntary and independent organisations.   

https://bromleysafeguardingadults.org/p/how-we-can-help/how-you-can-help-1

 

Entertainment Line Up – Ziggy Stardust Family Funday, 10am to 5pm Sat 16 July on Beckenham Green

The line up for the live entertainment is taking shape…

  • 11.00am – The Pips, band from Harris Beckenham Secondary School
  • 12.00pm – Songstress Sarah Baker
  • 12.30pm – Anne Stewart performs a Bowie poem
  • 12.45pm – Beckenham Theatre Youth Group
  • 13.00pm – Songstress Sarah Baker
  • 13.45pm – Skylark Dance School performance
  • 14.15pm – Scott Fuller, David Bowie Tribute Act
  • 15.00pm – The Deleates, Band from Langley Park School for Boys
  • 16.00pm – Scott Fuller, David Bowie Tribute Act
  • 16:30pm – community sing-a-long

Street food, market stalls, free kids craft tent, spoken word tent, fair rides including a Ferris Wheel, and much more… check out the market page here.

Ziggy Stardust High Street Trail – Sat 16 July 2022

As part of the Ziggy Stardust Family Funday being held on Beckenham Green on 16 July, we have a free Ziggy Stardust Trail in the High Street.

Will you be able to find all the Ziggy Stardust Dolls in the shop windows? 

If you find them you can claim a prize (while stocks last). Pick up a playing card from organisers tent on Beckenham Green or participating shops on the day.

West Beckenham RA Annual General Meeting

The AGM will be held at 8pm on Monday 4 July, at Christ Church Hall, Fairfield Road, Beckenham.

Guest Speaker will be Rob Vale, Head of Trading Standards LB Bromley, who will speak about scams and how to spot and avoid them.

CCARA members are welcome to attend, as are new members for either Association!

Ziggy Stardust Family Funday 16 July 2022

Market on the Green is back and with lots of Stardust! We’ve teamed up with Kat Webb, Bowie enthusiast and founder of ‘In Ziggy’s Footsteps – The walking tour of Bowie’s Beckenham’. Together we won a Bromley Council Cultural Grant to bring you a fabulous family fun Day celebrating the 50th anniversary of Ziggy Stardust, which David created as his famous alter-ego when living in Beckenham.

  • When: 10am to 5pm on Saturday 16 July 2022
  • Where: Beckenham Green (next to St George’s Church, Beckenham High Street, BR3 5JG, near Beckenham Junction Station and Tram link)
  • What: street food, live performances, market stalls, funfair, free kids entertainment, spoken word tent, community sing-a-long and much more…

Find out more here.

Development plans: former Beckenham Theatre site – 13 Jun 2022 online consultation – 14 June 2022 drop-in session.

Plans are now being consulted on for a 20 unit block of flats to replace the former Beckenham Theatre. The developers have not lodged a formal planning application with the Council yet.

Online webinar: 6.30pm – 8pm on Mon 13 June register here.

Drop in session: 4pm to 8pm, Tues 14 June,  the Beckenham Methodist Church, Bromley rd BR3 5JE.

Let us know your views by email to planning@coperscope.org.uk.

Find out more about the development at https://46bromleyroad.co.uk/