Bend it round Beckenham – free cycle ride – Sun 21 July 2013

Get out on your own or with family for a free local bike ride. A charming 11 mile ride encorporating some hills on surfaces made for cycling. This circular ride will take you through the quieter. On your travels around the heart of Beckenham town you will pass the historic Kent County Cricket Ground and Beckenham Palace.

Bend it round Beckenham

Save the date – Market On The Green 10am to 4pm Sat 3 Aug 2013, Beckenham Green

Our next market is bigger and better…..

We have more hot food with Oink Oink Hog Roast, our very own Villagers Sausages is doing a BBQ, a speciality tea and coffee stall by Cafe Santiago plus previous attendees Deli Jerk Chicken, Ty Janick crepes and galettes and Global Fusion Bakery, so plenty for lunch.

There will be three sessions of children’s entertainment by  Brilliant Birthdays, Clumsy Clown and Superman will be at the Market all day, local Beckenham band Urban Prophecies are playing.  Keep checking our website as we are confirming entertainment and music performers over the next couple of weeks. The day will be jam packed with things to keep the family entertained and the kids busy.

We have some new stalls, Dine Thyme, Ella Jane Designs, Godmersham Game, H&RH Escargot, Icing on the Cake and Sand Glass Fusion. Plus many returning stalls,  Holwood Farm Shop and Deli, Howards of Kent, Layhams Farm Shop, Marsh Produce, Munchkin Kitchen,  Nip From The Hip, Norbiton Cheese, Organically Prepared – Back to Eden,  Pretty Peculiar,  ‘Sauced’ by Marina , The Happy Apple,  The Tiddly Pomme at Brogdale , Tiger Spring Tea, Tutor Doctor.

See you on the 3rd August, please share the flyer below with your friends, family and neighbours.

Market_On_The_Green_Flyer

New sign, new name, free chips – tomorrow Sat 6 July Beckenham High Street

Naming of Thornton’s Corner, and Beckenham’s New Town Signs – 

All are welcome to join dignitaries, guests and residents when the crossroad at Manor Road & High Street is officially given the name Thornton’s Corner after Beckenham campaigner Tom Thornton – Saturday 6 July, 10am corner of High Street and Manor Rd, next to The Beckenham.

After a short ceremony in front of the newly installed Beckenham Town Sign the Town Crier will lead the walk to the War Memorial for the installing of the second new Town Sign… and to mark Thornton’s publication of the Beckenham Journal, our High Street fish & chip shop, The Big Catch, will be handing out free ‘newspaper’ cones of chips between 10.30am -11am and 2pm and 2.30 while stocks last.

The new Town Signs are the first of the planned improvements for the High Street with more to come over the summer months.

Find out more about Tom Thornton at the link below.

Tom Thornton

REFUSED – Planning application to demolish The Lodge Southend Rd

A planning application to demolish The Lodge (on the corner of Park Road opposite South Park Court) and build a 3-storey block of modern flats in its place has been refused by Bromley Council on the following grounds:

“The proposal by reason of the amount of site coverage by buildings and hard surfaces, constitutes a cramped overdevelopment of the site, which together with the bulk and siting of the proposed three storey building would be detrimental to the character and appearance of the Southend Road Conservation Area”.

Council Plans for transport in Beckenham

Bromley Council are considering lobbying for an extension of the DLR from Lewisham to Bromley, extension of the Tramlink to Crystal Palace and  then a link from Beckenham junction to Bromley. It was noted the Tramlink extention from Beckenham Junction to Bromley was likely to be some way into the furture and that getting the DLR extended to Bromley was the highest priority. See link below for further information, page 13 of the Environment Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee Report of 16 April 2013.

Report

Improved transport links are much welcomed, however some residents have expressed concerns about linking Beckenham and Bromley by tram, as the route will likely go through the residential roads  in the Beckenham Place Park Conservation Area and the 227 bus route already covers this route well already. Others would like to see improved train links from Beckenham Junction to Clapham Junction and  more direct trains from Beckenham Junction to Blackfriars/Kings Cross St Pancras at peak times (especially in the evening). Please let us know your views to pass on to our Councillors, email chairman@coperscope.org.uk

 

Beckenham Beacon Stakeholder Discussion Group Meeting May 2013

In May we attended the first Beckenham Beacon Stakeholder Discussion Group. We would like to think this group was a result of the Public Meeting our Association held with West Beck RA about the future of the Beacon in Nov 2012 and the huge turn out of residents – your support really made a difference. Apologies for being late on reporting this, but there was a delay on the Minutes.

The main purpose of the Group is to review current health services provided at the Beckenham Beacon and consider how these services (and others) can be developed to fully utilise the site. The Group mainly consists of health professionals and GPs, and both our Association and West Beckenham Residents’ Association attend to represent residents. The Beacon is currently occupied by the following organisations:

  • Bromley Clinical Commissioning Group 13% (office and meeting space, Patient Referral Centre)
  • South London NHS Trust 45.50% – this is the part that will be taken over by King’s College Hospital (Children’s Outpatients, Pain Clinic office, Physiotherapy & Surgical Appliances, Community Midwives, and offices, some of which are unused)
  • Bromley Healthcare 24.30% (Speech and Language Therapy, Bromley Wellbeing, District Nursing/Health Visiting)
  • Elm House Surgery 9.54%
  • Cator Medical Centre 6.84%
  • Bite cafe 0.74%

There was much discussion on unused space in the Beacon and under utilised space that could be used better. The main question is what to fill it with? The Group has asked us to canvass residents on what services they would like to see in the Beacon:

  • What existing services would you like to see expanded or have longer opening hours?
  • What new services would you like to see in the Beacon?
  • There may also be some services you would prefer to be moved out of the Beacon. Perhaps other sites have better facilities or perhaps you already have to go to another site for one part of your care and would prefer to have all your care done on one site.

The following suggestions and points were raised at the meeting:

  • Concerns were raised that Radiology (xray) and Diagnostics Department may not continue. It was assured that King’s are interested in providing these services but are unsure about the demand, due to a lack of data from SLHT they will need to undertake a scoping exercise. King’s are not intending to expand the Radiology service at this point but it may be an option longer term. It was noted that Radiology could benefit from an improved appointment system. Radiology services should also be open at the weekends, at present patients attending the Minor Injuries Unit or Urgent Care Centre at the weekend have to be sent to the PHUH for an xray.
  • Blood services have no appointment system and consequently patients often experience long waits. It was noted that the Blood services is usually quieter in the afternoon, however patients may not be aware of this. The complexities of implementing an appointment system were discussed, we asked that at minimum there should be morning and afternoon appointment blocks.
  • The children’s blood service should be in the same department as adults, currently children are treated separately. The BCCG is looking into setting up cardiology services, diagnostics and community clinics at the Beacon.
  • Cardiology and cardiac rehab is a top priority to be put into the Beacon.
  • Neurology services will be provided by King’s at the Beacon.
  • It has been raised whether antenatal services remain and the Beacon and King’s have suggested a full scoping exercise to find out demand. • We asked that the Urgent Care Centre have extended hours up to 10pm (12pm was discussed but was not possible).
  • We asked for a Fracture Clinic, noting the long journey to the PRUH for anyone with a fracture and the many sports clubs in Beckenham.
  • We raised the issue of car parking, ie not enough and payment on exit. It was advised that it is unlikely anything can be done as this had been fully explored as part of the new build and that planning restrictions would prevent what is required for a pay on exit system.
  • We raised whether inpatient beds will be provided at the Beacon and it was confirmed that Intermediate beds would not be put at the Beacon as they would require a host of additional services not provided at the site.
  • There is still an Audiology Department but no Audiologist, it was advised that there is scope to improve this as this is under used.
  • Learning Disability service was requested.
  • Sexual Health patients complain of appointment slots and long waits to be seen, extended appointments requested.
  • Dermatology services need extended hours on Saturdays to meet demand.
  • Physiotherapy services requested as Orpington hospital where they are currently provided is closing.
  • Ophthalmology requested as Orpington hospital where they are currently provided is closing.
  • Holiday jabs service requested.
  • One stop Social Care Service requested.
  • Children & Young People Services requested.

This discussion group is your opportunity to have your say about the services provided in the Beacon. Please email us at chairman@coperscope.org.uk with your comments and we will pass on your comments to the Group at the next meeting in July

Planning application to demolish 11 The Avenue and build flats.

A planning application to demolish 11 The Avenue Beckenham BR3 5DG and build a 3-storey block of flats in its place has been submitted.  Details can be found on Bromley Councils website at the link below:

11 The Avenue

Any residents who wish to comment on the planning application must do so ASAP, the application is due to be decided on 21 June so you will need to get comments in quickly. You can comment by email to planning@bromley.gov.uk (Reference: 13/01444/FULL), however you must ensure that you provide your full name and address including your post code. Failure to provide these details will mean your comments will not be not accepted.

 

Kelsey Park Centenary Event Tomorrow 2pm to 5pm

Saturday June 15th 2013 2 to 5 p.m.

Bring a picnic and help The Friends of Kelsey Park celebrate. There will be bands and choirs, free entry and many children’s activities which will make this day a joyous and memorable occasion.

The park we know and enjoy today was opened almost 100 years ago in 1913, but its history can be traced back as far as the 12th century when the Kelsey area was owned by the Lord of the Manor of Beckenham.

For more information follow the link below.

Friends of Kelsey Park

Kent County Cricket Ground Update June 2013

We contacted Leander Sports and Leisure who have outline planning permission to redevelop and regenerate Kent County Cricket Ground on Worsley Bridge Road to get an update.

The site is still being redeveloped and a detailed planning application will be submitted to Bromley Council for a decision by the end of the summer (hopefully September). Leander have confirmed that subject to Council approval work will start on that site as soon as possible and that this will involve bringing heavy machinery on to the site. Leander have appointed a contractor (Galliford Try plc) and their architects (Paul Davis & Partners Architects) are currently outlining a program of works.

Sadly little cricket will be played on the site this year due to the planned works. However Leander have retained the groundsman and have advised that having previously won the County Out Ground of the Year Award they have no intention of letting the ground deteriorate.

Yellow Pages – message from Safer Neighbourhood Team

Yellow Pages will start their deliveries soon and would like to make you aware that if they cannot be posted through the letterbox they will be left outside the front door.

Please can you bring this to the attention of residents and anyone going away for a few days can a neighbour arrange for them to take it in/move it etc? Delivery is due to commence on 27/6/13 for roughly 2-3 weeks.
Copers Cope SNT 0208 721 2772

Planning application to demolish The Lodge Southend Rd

A planning application to to demolish The Lodge (on the corner of Park Road opposite South Park Court) and build a 3-storey block of modern flats in its place has been submitted. The Lodge is a building of character in a conservation area. There are also a number of mature trees on the site including 2 two ancient cedar trees currently under a Tree Protection Order that may be affected. Details can be found on Bromley Councils website at the link below:

The Lodge

Any residents who wish to comment on the planning application must do so ASAP, the application is due to be decided on 19 June so you will need to get comments in well before this date. You can comment by email to planning@bromley.gov.uk (Reference: 13/01364/OUT), however you must ensure that you provide your full name and address including your post code. Failure to provide these details will mean your comments will not be not accepted.

BBC documentary about Bromley Borough residents and their gardens is looking for participants.

Do you live in or near Bromley? Have you and your family lived here for long? And do you love your garden? We are making a BBC Four TV documentary about the suburban garden and are looking for people who have a special connection with their area and lots of memories of being in the garden. Maybe your parents moved to the area from the City of London when you were a child, or perhaps you moved here when you started having your family. Maybe you remember the Anderson shelter in your garden, or you have just fitted your garden with a sunken trampoline for the kids. Any stories are very welcome. Please contact ASAP, or by the 14th June 2013.

Email Susie@wingspanproductions.co.uk or call 0207 428 8719

Look out for Oak processionary moth on local Oak Trees

The larvae, or caterpillars, of Oak processionary moth (OPM) are a pest because they pose a threat to oak trees and to human and animal health. OPM caterpillars can strip whole oak trees bare of leaves, leaving them vulnerable to attack by other pests and diseases, and less able to withstand adverse environmental factors such as drought and flood. The caterpillars have thousands of tiny hairs contain an urticating, or irritating, substance called thaumetopoein, from which the species derives part of its scientific name. Contact with the hairs can cause itching skin rashes and, less commonly, sore throats, breathing difficulties and eye problems. This can happen if people or animals touch the caterpillars or their nests, or if the hairs are blown about by the wind. Further information about OPM can be found on the Forestry Commission website:

Oak Processionary Moth

Last July a significant outbreak of OPM was discovered in the grounds of Royal Bethlem Hospital, at the Shirley end of Beckenham, in Monks Orchard Road. 4000 nests were removed from the Bethlem site alone. Within 24 hours Bromley tree officers also discovered 3 infected trees situated on Council property, and the nests were removed. Fortunately the number of local infected oaks has not risen as yet. However it is at this time of year that the grey hairy caterpillars are most likely to be seen ‘processing’ in their hundreds one behind the other on branches or along the ground.

The Bromley/Croydon OPM outbreak is being managed separately from other outbreaks in west London and elsewhere. The policy here is eradication while we still have a realistic chance of success. The Forestry Commission is currently co-ordinating a programme of chemical treatment to all infected trees in the London area and those within a 50 metre buffer zone of them. Specialist contractors are working around the clock in order to treat all the infected trees within the short window of opportunity in the caterpillars life cycle when the chemical is effective. The chemical, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), is derived from a micro-organism which occurs naturally in soil. It has been selected because it only affects a small range of species, namely just certain types of caterpillars. It is harmless to humans and animals such as dogs, cats and farm animals.

Please check any local oak trees that you know of. If you find or suspect OPM on a tree DO NOT TOUCH IT or go near it, please report it immediately.  The contact details for reporting OPM are as follows:

  • If oak is on public land – 020 8464 3333 Extn 3225 Julian Fowgies, Bromley Council
  • If oak is on private land – 0131 314 6414 Forestry Commission Plant Health Section

Presenting the Alexander Piano & SGCO String Quartets – Sat 29 June 2013 – St George’s Church

The SGCO’s next concert is at 7.45 pm Saturday 29 June at St George’s Church, Beckenham.

Presenting the Alexander Piano & SGCO String Quartets

  • Mozart Piano Quartet no.2 in Eb K493
  • Brahms Piano Quartet no.3 in C minor Op.60
  • Schubert String Quartet no.12 in C minor, ‘Quartettsatz’ D703
  • David Alexander – Piano
  • Peter Graham – Violin SGCO
  • Miriam Eisele – Viola SGCO
  • Ben Rogerson – Cello SGCO
  • Dominic Moore – Violin Musical Director SGCO

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.ukand on the door.

St. George’s Church is on the corner of High Street and Bromley Road Beckenham BR3 1AX.

Coronation Garden Fete, Saturday 29 June 2-5pm St Paul’s Church, Brackley Road, Beckenham

Coronation Garden Fete, Saturday 29 June 2-5pm, St Paul’s Church, Brackley Road, Beckenham BR3 1RB. Raising money for St Christopher’s Hospice and the St Pauls Away Weekend. 

  • Free Entrance – 50p for programme includes winning prize number
  • Food & drink – Cream Teas, Sandwiches & Cakes, Chocolate Fountain & Popcorn, Barbeque Burgers & Sausages
  • Entertainment – Live Music & Singing, Children’s Games, Treasure Hunt, Crafts & Face Painting
  • Homemade produce – Cakes & Fruit Pies, Jams & Chutneys, Plants
  • Competitions – Make a Crown Fit for a Queen, Create a Red, White & Blue Flower Arrangement, Design Your Own Garden on a Tray, Guess the Weight of the Cake, Guess the Number of Sweets in the Jar

For more information telephone 020 8650 0501 or visit www.stpaulbeckenham.org.uk