Free Lego Workshop for Children – limited spaces – Saturday 15 February 2014 Beckenham –

On Saturday 15 February Beckenham High Street is hosting a Pop Up Lego Workshop in one of the vacant shops.  The people from Lego will be creating a huge Lego themed piece with the help of up to 100 children.  Each child will get 20 minutes to create a model that will be included in the themed piece. Residents and shoppers will be able to see the model take shape throughout the day, so if you are in the High Street keep an eye out for the event.

Spaces are limited and must be pre-booked for before the event on Saturday 15 February through Winkworth Estate Agents (127 High Street, Beckenham BR3 1AG) in person or by email to awatson@winkworth.co.uk . Children must be accompanied by an adult.

 

FILMBOX Beckenham’s Community Cinema – Spring Programme 2014

FILMBOX Community Cinema at Langley Park Centre for the Performing Arts, Beckenham, BR3 3BP

JANUARY 2014

Wed 29 January 2014 – ‘Sunshine on Leith’ (Dexter Fletcher, 2013) – Jane Horrocks and Peter Mullan.

FEBRUARY 2014

Thur 13 February 2014 – superb classic comedy ‘Some Like it Hot’ (Billy Wilder, 1959) – Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon.

Wed 26 February 2014 – ‘Rush’ (Ron Howard, 2013) – Daniel Bruhl and Chris Hemsworth
MARCH 2014

Thurs 6 March 2014 – ‘Philomena’ (Stephen Frears, 2013) – Judi Dench and Steve Coogan.
Wed 19 March 2014 – An evening presentation by the BBFC on film classification.

Thursday 27 March 2014- Leonard Bernstein’s classic musical on film ‘West Side Story’ (Wise/Robbins, 1961) plus live musical introduction.

APRIL 2014

Wed 2 April 2014 – ‘Gravity’ (2D) (Alfonso Cuaron, 2013) – George Clooney & Sandra Bullock

Thurs 24 April 2014 – Film tbc (possibly ’12 Years a Slave’ or ‘American Hustle’)

MAY 2014

Wednesday 7 May 2014 – ‘Cinema Paradiso’ (1988) – 25th Anniversary Directors’ Cut (released 2013)

Thur 22 May 2014 – Film tbc (possibly ‘Inside Llewyn Davies’ or ‘Nebraska’).

Tickets: £7/8 (non-members), £4/5 (members and under 19s) – 2 screens.

Licensed bar/cafe opens at 6.40pm, film programme begins at 7.30pm. Free car parking.

Full details and booking info: http://www.LangleyFilmbox.wordpress.com

Email: LangleyFilmbox@gmail.com

Spring Programme 2014

JANUARY 2014

Wed 29 January 2014 – ‘Sunshine on Leith’ (Dexter Fletcher, 2013) – Jane Horrocks and Peter Mullan.

FEBRUARY 2014

Thur 13 February 2014 – superb classic comedy ‘Some Like it Hot’ (Billy Wilder, 1959) – Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon.

Wed 26 February 2014 – ‘Rush’ (Ron Howard, 2013) – Daniel Bruhl and Chris Hemsworth
MARCH 2014

Thurs 6 March 2014 – ‘Philomena’ (Stephen Frears, 2013) – Judi Dench and Steve Coogan.
Wed 19 March 2014 – An evening presentation by the BBFC on film classification.

Thursday 27 March 2014- Leonard Bernstein’s classic musical on film ‘West Side Story’ (Wise/Robbins, 1961) plus live musical introduction.

APRIL 2014

Wed 2 April 2014 – ‘Gravity’ (2D) (Alfonso Cuaron, 2013) – George Clooney & Sandra Bullock

Thurs 24 April 2014 – Film tbc (possibly ’12 Years a Slave’ or ‘American Hustle’)

MAY 2014

Wednesday 7 May 2014 – ‘Cinema Paradiso’ (1988) – 25th Anniversary Directors’ Cut (released 2013)

Thur 22 May 2014 – Film tbc (possibly ‘Inside Llewyn Davies’ or ‘Nebraska’).

Tickets: £7/8 (non-members), £4/5 (members and under 19s) – 2 screens.

Licensed bar/cafe opens at 6.40pm, film programme begins at 7.30pm. Free car parking.

Full details and booking info: http://www.LangleyFilmbox.wordpress.com

Email: LangleyFilmbox@gmail.com

£3.2 million for Beckenham Town Centre Improvements

Bromley Council’s second bid to the Transport for London (TfL) Major Improvements Fund has been successful. £3.2 million will be invested in Beckenham to improve our town centre, with a focus on improving the balance between cars, bicycles and pedestrians.

Over the coming months the Council will be revisiting the design concept and consulting local people.  The Working Group will be reinstated and, of course, the Copers Cope Area Resident’s’ Association will attend and keep you updated.

Safer Neighbourhood Panel (SNP) / Community Advisory panel update Jan 2014

The SNP has been renamed to the Community Advisory Panel (CAP), although, the term Safer Neighbourhoods will also remain in use. Under the new system, for local policing Wards are unchanged but are now in clusters. The Copers Cope area comes within the north west borough cluster together with Shortlands, Crystal Palace, Kelsey, Eden Park, Clockhouse and Penge.

The aim is to be flexible in policing so that officers may be deployed where needed.

There is a move to employing predictive crime mapping, maintaining crime prevention/reduction as a high priority using a proactive and high visibility approach.

Copers Cope has two dedicated officers, with a current team of seven additional officers plus special constables, and new officers currently being recruited. This Ward’s team still operates out of the Albemarle Road office.

A second name change is from Ward Priorities to Ward Promises – as before, up to three areas of crime will be set for our local police to focus on over the weeks between the Panel meetings.

On 16th January the Promises were set as (a) Serious acquisitive crime (SAC) and (b) driving offences. Just two were set this time because SAC includes all types of burglary and robbery, and driving offences covers a range of issues, from using mobile phone while driving, not wearing seatbelts, through to speeding and  bad practice at zebra crossings, etc.

A local resident had asked for traffic issues around the entrance to Ella Close (off Rectory Road) to be raised by the CCARA representative. This was duly discussed, and the local Sergeant agreed to make observations, including speed testing the stretch of road.

Our residents are welcome to ask us to bring crime issues to the attention of the CAP and to suggest Promises for the next meeting on 27th March by emailing chairman@coperscope.org.uk

80 year old Oak Tree saved

Bromley Council have ruled that the Tree Preservation Order on a Heritage Oak Tree in Crab Hill should remain. The application to fell the tree was refused on the following grounds:

1) The oak tree is considered to make an important contribution to the visual amenities of this part of the Downs Hill Conservation Area and its loss would be seriously detrimental to the amenities of the area as a whole.
2) The Council considers that insufficient evidence has been submitted to justify the felling of the oak tree and alternative works, such as the installation of a root barrier have not been fully investigated.

The trees were said to have contributed to subsidence, however local residents believed subsidence was caused by the clay soil and felling the tree would not alleviate any subsidence issues. Determined local residents were able to demonstrate that the experts did not have enough evidence to conclude the tree was at fault. For more information please see the Council website:

(12/03084/TPO) – 10 Crab Hill, Beckenham

Beckenham’s Heritage Trees have been under treat in recent years, a number lost due to development or subsidence claims such as this. Not all our heritage trees are under a Tree Preservation Order, whereby you must apply to the Council to fell or pollard them,  the ones that aren’t are more at risk. If you have a old or mature tree in your road why not contact the Council to see if it is covered by a Tree Preservation Order and if not whether it should be.  You can do this online at the link below.

Tree Protection Orders

Rise in garage burglaries in Beckenham

Local Police have advised of a rise in garage burglaries in Beckenham recently, mainly garages en bloc behind blocks of flats. Officers have been leafletting the area and talking to residents with the following advice:

How secure is your garage?

We have recently seen an increase in garage burglaries in your area recently. We are tackling this with uniformed patrols in and around your area. However there are steps you can take to prevent and deter the Burglars. Burglars will generally look for a garage that is insecure or in disrepair. Make sure you have a strong door on your garage capable of withstanding entry by brute force.

  • Consider fitting an alarm to your garage or shed
  • Mark your property with a UV marker pen
  • Use http://www.immobilise.co.uk to record the serial numbers of your electrical items
  • Keep a record of the property in the garage/shed including photographs. This will assist in recovery of your property.
  • Secure the property inside your garage to a wall or consider padlocking several items together
  • A garage defender can be used on up and over garage doors
  • A security bar can be installed externally providing a visible deterrent and will prevent the door opening and protect the hinges and the lock

If you would like a crime prevention visit please email us on coperscope.snt@met.police.uk

Please be vigilant and if you see something suspicious call police or 101 or in an emergency 999.

Sunday 26th January Bird Spotting Walk, Beckenham Place Park

Sunday 26th January Bird Spotting Walk organised by Friends of Beckenham Place Park
Meet at the mansion on portico steps at 9.30am. This walk does what it says on the tin. A wander through woods, meadow and by the river to see/hear any avian residents or visitors.

About the Friends Events: All events are free, but any donations to funds are much appreciated. Most last about 1-2 hours, but you can join in for as long or as little as you like. It is advisable to wear stout walking shoes as the paths do get very muddy. Walkers are individually responsible for their own safety during our events. Minors are welcome, but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Dogs are welcome, if kept under control. Walk leaders always carry water and a mobile phone. Find out more at the link below.

Friends of Beckenham Place Park

Cycle Safety Survey

Cyclists are invited to participate in a London Assembly consultation on cycle safety. The survey asks if cyclists felt more or less safe over the past year and for views on what should be done to make cycling safer. The survey, which will be used at the Assembly’s transport committee meeting at City Hall on December 10th, can be accessed at the link below.

Cycling in London

New Litter Bins Around Beckenham High Street

LBB have installed attractive new litter bins on and around the High Street that hopefully will encourage people to keep Beckenham’s environment cleaner – they’ve certainly smartened up the area.

New recycling bins are currently being ordered too to replace the ones outside Sainsbury’s and Waitrose entrances.

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Spend £10 or more and get £5 back in participating Beckenham Shops – 7 Dec 2013

If you have an American Express card you can register it for the American Express “Small Business Saturday” promotion running on 7 December 2013. You can get back £5 if you spend £10 or more in a participating local small shops. For Register your card at: Amex Shop Small

Here are some of our shops listed as participating on the Amex Shop Small website:

  • Alexia Hair Studio
  • Antonios Grooming
  • Beckenham Off Licence
  • Branded
  • Chas Normam Cameras
  • Chom Chom
  • Ellis & Edwards Opticians
  • Furley and Baker
  • Ice Clinic
  • Jumping Bean
  • La Rascasse
  • Mae Ping
  • Nene Resturant & Bar
  • Patricks
  • Pierluigis Resturant
  • Regal Dry Cleaners
  • Sea Salt
  • The Curry Cottage
  • Villagers Fine Sausages

Talented Beckenham Singer competes to appear on Christmas Day TV

Bianca Nicholas from Beckenham, needs support to win the John Lewis ‘Reworked’ Christmas TV commercial that will put one aspiring musician on Christmas Day TV.

Check out her competition entry on YouTube, it has got over 12,000 views already. It would be amazing if we could get it to 20,000+ and help Bianca win.

Somewhere Only We Know (Cover) – John Lewis Reworked Competition Entry – Bianca Nicholas

You can see Bianca live this weekend, she is performing at 2pm at our Market On The Green. Click here for further details about this weekends Christmas Market.

Complete survey to support the restoration of the Bandstand in Croydon Road Recreation Ground

The Friends of Croydon Road Recreation plan to approach the Heritage Lottery Fund, in conjunction with The London Borough of Bromley, with a bid for funding to restore the Bandstand in the Recreation Ground.

To raise the significant sums required, they need to demonstrate to potential funders that the public have been consulted and that they support any proposal. The London Borough of Bromley have produced a survey, the results of which will be used to support an application, in the first instance, to the Heritage Lottery Fund to restore the structure and improve this public facility.

You can complete they survey below, it will only take a few minutes of your time.

Bandstand Survey

The Mince Pie Trail Walk, Beckenham Place Park, 1.30pm Thurs 5 Dec 2013

Thursday 5th December THE MINCE PIE TRAIL. Meet on mansion steps 1.30pm. A short walk around the park with a mince pie and a soft drink to keep the cold at bay.

About The Friends Events. All events are free, but any donations to funds are much appreciated. Most last about 1-2 hours, but you can join in for as long or as little as you like. It is advisable to wear stout walking shoes as the paths do get very muddy. Walkers are individually responsible for their own safety during our events. Minors are welcome, but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Dogs are welcome, if kept under control. Walk leaders always carry water and a mobile phone.

Find our more at the link below.

Friends of Beckenham Place Park

Entertainment Line Up for Christmas Market On The Green – 12 noon to 6pm Sat 7 Dec 2013

Come along and enjoy the entertainment at our Christmas Market On The Green.  As well as the local produce and craft stalls, there will be a fun fair, a beautiful Snow Fairy Stilt-Walker, Nanny Christmas and of course Father Christmas.  The stage will be buzzing between 12 noon and 6pm with the following acts:

  • Beckenham Chorale – local choir based at St George’s Church
  • Urban Prophecies – local Beckenham band, a blend of hip hop, rock, and a light sprinkle of pop
  • Bianca – soulful solo artist
  • The Candy Girls – 1940/50s harmony trio
  • Martin Ericson – singer
  • Jazz Trio

Don’t forget the ‘George to George’ Candlelit Procession at 4.30pm and the Christmas Light Switch on at 5.15pm.  See you there.

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