Free entertainment at Market On The Green next Saturday 10 May 2014

Come along to the Market on Saturday, buy some goodies, have some lunch and enjoy some free local entertainment between 11am and 3pm.

  • Princess Elsa (lookalike) from the movie Frozen will be on stage at 11am for some high energy singing and dancing (courtesy of Brilliant Birthdays)
  • Kids can join in with complimentary Mini Tennis sessions provided by Beckenham Cricket Club 
  • Pastime Historical Dance – humble but rowdy peasants from the 15th and 16th centuries.
  • FUNdamentally Gospel – Beckenham pop, soul, gospel and world music choir. 
  • Bianca –talented and soulful solo artist
  • Beckenham’s very own Kent Stage Academy perform a medley of songs from the musical “Godspell”.

 

May_2014_A6_Postcard

 

Another Free School in Beckenham?

pengeandcatorcouncillors's avatarPenge and Cator Councillors

Ravensboure School are proposing to establish a new secondary school in the Beckenham area.  There will be presentations tomorrow (Thursday 24th April and next Thursday 1st May) at the Beckenham Public Halls in Bromley Rd (opposite St George’s Church)  from   6-00pm until 9-00pm.  For more information, please go to www.thebeckenhamacademy.info

 

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Crystal Palace to redevelop Copers Cope road training ground

The Evening Standard report:

Crystal Palace manager Tony Pulis also revealed that Palace will start redeveloping the club’s training ground after securing survival. Work at their Beckenham base will begin in the summer as Palace look to establish themselves as a Premier League club.

Pulis added: “In four or five years, if it is managed properly, you will turn up here and it will be a different set-up. There is so much to be done at the club, from the ground to the training ground, the organisation, everything has got to change and step up a level. “I have spoken to [co-owner] Steve Parish and there are certain things that are going to happen almost immediately when the season finishes. “Everywhere needs upgrading. Every pitch is going to be resurfaced, for example. There is loads of work to be done”.
 

The full article can be found on the Evening Standards website: Tony Pulis plays down chances of winning award despite Crystal Palace heroics

 

Winning Poems in the Beckenham Library Valentines Poetry Competition

Congratulations to 11 year old Jessica Lloyd and Mrs Dervish who won the the children’s and adult Beckenham Library Valentines Poetry Competition.

 

I Love You So Much Little Nephew
I love you so much little Nephew
But it feels like I never get to see you,
We may be separated in real life
Although I will never forget you,
You will be in my heart
Although not in sight.

We could be on different planets,
In separate worlds,
Or even different universes
You may not know it,
But you wiII be in my heart
Although not in my sight.

We are family, we both know that,
So we won’t always get along, that is fine with me,
But we try to work things out
Due to separation
So you will always be in my heart
Although not always in sight

I love you so much little Nephew
But it feels like I never get to see you,
We may be separated in real life
Although I will never forget you,
You will be in my heart
Although not in sight,
You will always be in my heart
Although not in sight.

By Jessica Lloyd. Age 11

My Valentine

You opened the page
of my life and
like a book
that read the moment of
each feeling and
like a coloured silk thread
you spun a picture
that made a story
turn into love.

By Ms S Dervish

2 weeks to go – Market On The Green 10am to 4pm, Sat 10 May 2014, Beckenham Green

Our spring market is jam packed with over 38 stalls of local produce and craft. Some of our favourites have returned, All Things Saucy, Sauced by Marina, Dine Thyme pastries, Howards of Kent vodka, Nip from the Hip gin, Hemmings Bakehouse, Layhams Farm, Marsh Produce meats, Tiger Spring Tea and Norbiton Cheese.

New produce to the market are Potash Farms cobnuts (Kentish walnuts), Sweet Nostalgia Fudge, The Chocolate Hut, Eat’n’Mess Cakes, Sylvia and Terry Chocolates and Yumptious cakes and tarts.

For lunch why not try some soul food at Colonel Toms, hog roast at Oink Oink, venison burgers at Godmersham Game, or some sweet galettes at Ty Janick. Gourmet coffee available at Cafe Santiago.

There is a great selection of craft stalls, Beckenham made Millbrook Pottery, Little Woollies London crochet and knitting supplies, Pretty Peculiar retro handcrafted framed pictures, Framerstamp framed stamps, Botanicals in Pencil hand painted cards, Tara Jewels jewellery, Sandglass Fusion fused glass art, Sevenoaks Candle Co and Karen O’Reilly Cards and Craft.

There will be face painting by Tiger Spring Dragonfly and a children’s fun fair too.

Free entertainment 11am to 3pm on the stage:
-Clumsy Clown from Brilliant Birthdays returns for some high energy singing and dancing for the kids.
-Pastime Historical Dance – humble but rowdy peasants from the 15th and 16th centuries.
-FUNdamentally Gospel – Beckenham pop, soul, gospel and world music choir.
-A performance from Beckenham’s very own Kent Stage Academy
-Mr & Mrs Becks will be making an appearance.

If you live in Beckenham become a member of your local residents’ association. 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. Find out more about us and the market on our website.

Hope to see you there.

Copers Cope Area Residents’ Association

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

Beckenham Town Centre Improvements March/April 2014

The Beckenham Town Centre Team (TCT*) have presented the following list of suggested improvements to the Council led Working Group for the public realm improvements:

  • Beckenham Green – Beckenham Green is a community meeting place akin to a European Town Square, recent events on The Green have been successful in creating community spirit and increased footfall on the High Street. The funding for the following amenities to be considered: Stage cover; water tap; storage shed; new refuse and dog litter bins to be placed considerately for events on the Green.
  • Town Clocks – The cost of repairing the clocks has been obtained –  request funding be allocated so the work can be undertaken this summer?
  • Barclays Bank Planter – Barclays have indicated they will remove the planter, suggest this space be utilised as a community space (perhaps a sculpture?)
  • Bus Shelters – location and style of bus shelters to be reviewed to maximise pedestrian space. The bus shelter outside Wimpy is set back from the kerb creating a bottleneck for pedestrians. The bus shelter outside Em & Lou’s (previously Raggios) could be moved along a few metres toward Marks and Spencer where the pavement is much wider. Request TfL consider different styles of shelter
  • Improvement to High Street alleyways – request funds be allocated to clean, light, resurface, name and sign all the access ways to the High Street (including behind Sainsbury’s) The TCT are researching a list of potential names for each alleyway.
  • Heritage water pump – The pump outside Haks Barbers to be restored.
  • Trees – More trees to be planted throughout the Town Centre.
  • War Memorial – Clean up, remove surrounding wall and landscape the roundabout to include at least one bench. Options for a direct crossing to the War Memorial should be investigated.
  • Step-free-access to shops – 60% of shops in Town Centre currently are not step free, improvements should include making access to shops level wherever possible.

At the last meeting of the Working Group it was agreed to formally take forward:

  • Beckenham Green stage cover
  • Beckenham Green storage unit
  • Beckenham Green water tap/utilities
  • Beckenham Green replacement bins and dog litter bins
  • Refurbishment of the heritage water pump outside Haks Barbers
  • Repair of the town centre clocks
  • Naming of the alleyways

It was noted that the following proposals from the TCT will be captured as part of the overall major scheme design:

  • Location and style of bus shelters
  • Trees
  • War Memorial
  • Consideration for step free access to shops.

It was noted that there were not enough funds to improve all the alleyways to the High Street, the Council Officers have identified the following as a priority:

  • The Mews
  • Covered entrance to Lidl
  • Pedestrian entrance to Sainsbury’s
  • Burrell Row alley
  • Pedestrian alley to cinema car park

CCARA requested the designers look on the areas outside Barclays Bank, the Post Office, the Odeon car park exit on Rectory Road and the War Memorial as a significant focal point for improvements. This was agreed and the Council will ask the designers to work up some options for this gateway into the town centre.

If you have seen anything in other town centres you think would work well in Beckenham (for example materials, street furniture, landscaping, street art, etc) please send us a picture and we will pass them on to the designers. It would be great to get a mood board of ideas from local people.

The TCT are working on a list of potential names for all the alleyways which we will share for comment before it has been finalised.

Times Scales

  • The £14k project to declutter the High Street of unnecessary street furniture and signage has been commissioned and will be taking place over the coming months.
  • The redesign of the junction at Rectory Road, Albemarle Road and the High Street is due to take place in June/July 2014.
  • The survey work and traffic modelling for the major scheme improvements should be finalised by July, the design work by September, the formal consultation on the final design should be in October/November 2014 and the scheme signed off in December/January. Work on the major improvements will not start until 2015.

To find out more about the scheme come along the Copers Cope Area Residents’ Association’s Market On The Green when the Council and designers will be showcasing the project in an exhibition bus.  The dates for the Markets are Saturdays 10 May, 12 July and 20 Sep 2014.

 

*The TCT is chaired by the Copers Cope Area Residents’ Association and has representatives from the Beckenham Business Association, Beckenham Rotary Club, Beckenham Town Centre Manager, Bromley Cyclists, Bromley Road School, Bromley Mobility Forum, Churches Together, , Central Beckenham Residents’ Association Copers Cope Ward Police, Friends of Kelsey Park, The Beckenham Society, Waitrose Beckenham and the West Beckenham Residents’ Association.

 

 

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The Capricious Clarinet – 7.45pm Sat 10 May 2014, St George’s Church

The Capricious Clarinet with soloist Jon Carnac – Saturday 10th May 2014 7.45pm

Mozart Adagio and Fugue in C minor K546

Finzi Clarinet Concerto in C minor op 31

Elgar Lullaby from “Scenes from the Bavarian Highlands” op.27 (arr. Simon Baggs)

Elgar Elegy op.58

Elgar Woodland interlude from “Caractacus” op.35 (arr. Simon Baggs)

Grieg Holberg Suite op 40

Jon Carnac – SGCO Principal clarinet

Simon Baggs Guest conductor

Dominic Moore Leader

Find out more about the SGCO at http://sgco.co.uk/

Book in advance from The Beckenham Bookshop and St. George’s Church Office (Monday to Friday until 3.30pm). Best seats will be reserved for pre-concert sales. Tickets also available on-line at http://www.stgeorgesbeckenham.co.uk and on the door.

St. George’s Church is on the corner of High Street and Bromley Road, Beckenham.

Digital Photography Workshop – Sat 3rd May 2014, Kelsey Park

There are places available on the Kelsey Park Digital Photography workshop. Learn how to take stunning photographs at the Park. The workshop is suitable for both beginners and those wanting to improve their photography.

Only six places are available so booking is essential. To book, visit Mark Monckton’s website at
http://www.markmonckton.co.uk/kelsey-park-workshop-2014.php

Bromley Community Engagement Forum amalgamated into the new Safer Neighbourhood Board

Our Association attended the last Bromley Community Engagement Forum (BCEF) on 17th March. The BCEF has been amalgamated into the Safer Neighbourhood Board (SNB). Much praise was given for the organisation that has regularly brought key people of the community together and instigated initiatives such as the Crime Summit, Youth and Specialist Schools Conferences, and Community Outreach Days.

The new Borough Commander, Chief Superintendent Chris Hafford, attended to introduce himself and take questions despite it being his first day in post, and described some of his previous experience in Bexley, Southwark and Greenwich within the community context.

Moving to the changeover, Cllr Tim Stevens (BCEF Exec & Portfolio Holder for Community Safety) explained the format and constitution of the new Safer Neighbourhood Board are still being worked on. Four members of the outgoing BCEF Executive Committee will be joining the SNB when it officially starts in April 2014, with BCEF Chairman Terry Belcher becoming SNB Vice-Chair, and BCEF Operations Manager Amanda Evans transferring her role to the SNB.

The intention is to continue with established events, such as the Crime Summit, Awards Evening and Public Meetings, but to be more localised. Six meetings per year are to be held in different venues around the Borough to hold the Safer Neighbourhood Partnership to account and to discuss local issues, with relevant people providing information. Bromley Officers will be present only if invited to provide information. Cllr Stevens said, ‘the Board will have to listen to and represent residents’.

The Copers Cope Residents’ Association has offered to host one of these meetings for Beckenham. We will let you know when and where in due course.

Public Meeting: Beckenham Trees and Copers Cope AGM tomorrow night Thursday 27 March

Our Annual General Meeting and Open Meeting will be held at 8pm Thursday 27 March 2014 NOT Wednesday 26 March as advertised in our Express Newsletter.

We would be most grateful if you could pass this on to any friends and neighbours who attend our meetings.

Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused.

We look forward to seeing you next Thursday.

——————————

Public Meeting: Beckenham’s Trees and Copers Cope AGM – 8pm Thurs 27 March 2014, Beckenham Public Hall

Our guest speaker is Mark Byfield, Arboricultural Officer from Bromley Council. Mr Byfield will give a talk and presentation about trees in Beckenham. His role is out in the field so expect his talk to cover first hand issues of looking after Beckenham’s and the Borough’s trees.

The Annual General Meeting of the Copers Cope Area Residents’ Association from 8pm to 8.30pm. Mark Byfield, LBB Arboricultural Officer from 8.30pm to 9.30pm. Residents will also have an opportunity to address any Councillors and MP in attendance.

All local people are welcome to attend. We hope to see you there.

Beware Catalytic Converter Thefts

Thieves in the Bromley Borough are stealing Catalytic Converters from parked vehicles. Often, the damage to the vehicle far outstrips the value of the platinum in the Converter and causes great inconvenience to the vehicle owner. If you can, park your car/van off the road, ideally in a garage (if you have one) or on a driveway with the rear backed up closely to a wall to limit access.

Your Say! In developing Bromley Borough’s Local Plan

Bromley Council are consulting on their Local Plan until 24 March 2014.  The Local Plan required by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 sets out the vision and objectives for the Borough in 2030 and the strategic and more detailed policies used in determining local planning applications together with a proposals map and specific site proposals. The links below provide further information.

Information about the Local Plan

Direct link to the Local Plan

Below are some points we have considered the plan could include:

  • A policy on all Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs). There has been an increase of planning applications to convert properties into HMOs in Beckenham, stronger planning policies are required to ensure HMOs are of a descent standard. Other boroughs have such polices.
  • A stronger policy on converting offices to flats to ensure Beckenham retains office workers which boost the High Street economy.
  • A policy that requires planning applicants for shop fronts to ensure the cables and water pipes on the party walls are maintained. Beckenham High Street has a number of poorly maintained party walls between shop fronts.
  • More robust polices on locally listed building, tall buildings and skyline to ensure the character of Beckenham is retained.
  • A policy on protecting natural heritage (the plan refers only to built heritage) such as Beckenham’s heritage tree stock.
  • Securing additional commuter rail services in London (more services from Beckenham to Blackfriars and beyond, plus Beckenham to Clapham Junction)

If you wish to comment on the plan you may do so online at the link below, or by email to ldf@bromley.gov.uk.  You may also wish to share your comments with us by email to chairman@coperscope.org.uk

Online Consultation Portal: http://bromley-consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal/lpdpd/lpdpdc

 

Change of date for our Public Meeting and AGM – now 8pm Thurs 27 March 2014, Beckenham Public Hall

Our Annual General Meeting and Open Meeting will be held at 8pm Thursday 27 March 2014 NOT Wednesday 26 March as advertised in our Express Newsletter.

We would be most grateful if you could pass this on to any friends and neighbours who attend our meetings.

Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused.

We look forward to seeing you next Thursday.

——————————

Public Meeting: Beckenham’s Trees and Copers Cope AGM – 8pm Thurs 27 March 2014, Beckenham Public Hall

Our guest speaker is Mark Byfield, Arboricultural Officer from Bromley Council. Mr Byfield will give a talk and presentation about trees in Beckenham. His role is out in the field so expect his talk to cover first hand issues of looking after Beckenham’s and the Borough’s trees.

The Annual General Meeting of the Copers Cope Area Residents’ Association from 8pm to 8.30pm. Mark Byfield, LBB Arboricultural Officer from 8.30pm to 9.30pm. Residents will also have an opportunity to address any Councillors and MP in attendance.

All local people are welcome to attend. We hope to see you there.