Overview
The Council has two virtual meetings on Thursday (Planning) and Monday (Cabinet). The Museum of Croydon has a virtual exploration of VE Day on Friday. Th Cabinet will review the actions it and its partners have taken on COVID. Misex news continues different ways residents even as young as four are supporting NHS staff and the vulnerable. Debate has started on the extent to which social deprivation affects the death rate partly because of the analysis now being undertaken by the Office of National Statistics. Trade unions and TfL are very concerned about the risks involved in coming out of lockdown, especially in relation to buses and the Underground in London. Debate about the future agenda for the post-COVID period has started particularly around cycling, walking, air pollution, [public transport and the width of pavements. The TUC is arguing for a new plan for jobs. The final section features notes on Croydon cultural and history including about Samuel Coleridge-Taylor.
VIRTUAL EVENTS
Thursday 7 May. 6pm. Council Planning Committee & Planning Sub-Committee
Applications to the considered: 22 Lynne Close South Croydon; 24 Coulsdon Court Road, Coulsdon; 63 Whytecliffe Road South, Purley; and land R/O 5-6 Oaklands Gardens, Kenley. Papers can be accessed at:
https://democracy.croydon.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=136&MId=1950
Friday 8 May. 11am-1pm. Remembering VE Day
Find out how Croydon celebrated VE day with the exhibitions, movies and more live on the Museum of Croydon Twitter Feed – https://twitter.com/MuseumOfCroydon and on its website:
11am: Introduction by Borough Archivist Lindsay Ould
11.15: Home Front project led by Digital Drama and
funded by National Heritage Lottery Fund to capture memories from WW2 and to create new soundtracks for some of the Museum’s historic film
11.30: “Home Front Film Croydon”, using film shot
in Croydon in 1943 alongside memories from some residents
11.45: Online Exhibition of Objects from the Croydon Collections. This will include items from the archives and paintings by John Harris Valda and Norman Partridge, Croydon Artists whose work was influenced by their WW2 experiences
12 noon: Lindsay will share the experience of Croydon
residents from the collections and will answer questions from the public
12.30: Find out about objects from WW2 from our Handling collection
12.45: Launch of Home Front VE day film. This is a new film created with film from other London Boroughs with a soundtrack recorded by residents in Croydon as well as Merton, Camden, Kingston, Hounslow and Ealing
1pm. Event Finish
http://news.croydon.gov.uk/museum-of-croydons-online-ve-day-celebration
Monday 11 May. 6.30pm. Council Cabinet
Its main discussion will be on the COVID crisis with long report for Jo Negrini, Chief Executive and Rachel Flowers, Director of Public Health.
The other items are: Outcome of the Ofsted Inspection of Early Help and Children’s Social Care; Children, Young People & Families Plan; report on consultation on proposals to renew the private sector housing Selective Licensing Scheme in Croydon; recommendations arising from Scrutiny; response to recommendations arising from Scrutiny; Investing in our Borough (manly contracts re-children’s and health services, architect for new New Addington Centre); and Parking ICT Case Management System & ANPR Cameras Procurement.
The full papers can be accessed at:
https://democracy.croydon.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=183&MId=1882
I will do a post later this week on the details of the COVID 19 report.
Croydon COVID-19 News
Deaths in Care Homes
Based on the report to Cabinet on 11 May OnLondon has highlighted the number of deaths in Croydon care homes.
www.onlondon.co.uk/croydon-covid-19-care-home-deaths-soar-beyond-100
Croydon Has Received n£20m in COVID-19 Funding
Croydon has been allocated £19,926,231 in COVID-19 funding from the Government in two tranches: £9,420, 138 and £10,506,093. Analysis of the distribution in London can be read at
www.onlondon.co.uk/how-has-the-latest-covid-19-financial-help-for-london-boroughs-been-shared-out
More Online Support From Council And Partners
http://news.croydon.gov.uk/wealth-of-wellness-to-boost-your-health-during-the-lockdown
http://news.croydon.gov.uk/free-online-courses-to-help-residents-back-into-work
Croydon road closures to help improve road safety during lockdown
https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/croydon-road-closures-to-help-improve-road-safety-during-lockdown
Quiz To Aid Mental Health
www.justbecroydon.org/be-happy/every-mind-matters
Death of Croydon Moorfields Doctor
Ophthalmologist Dr Paul Kabasele, 58, who had worked for Moorfields Eye Hospital at Croydon University Hospital site for more than a decade, died at King’s College Hospital on April 24.
www.standard.co.uk/news/health/nhs-doctor-warned-coronavirus-danger-a4431066.html
The Food Bank Heroes Of Thornton Heath
Croydon teacher Rowenna Davis explains at:
www.onlondon.co.uk/rowenna-davis-the-food-bank-heroes-of-thornton-heath
Three Children Decorate Tree
Mylie, Honey and Monroe Mullinder, aged between three and eight, created the ‘Happy Tree’ in Kings Wood, Sanderstead shortly after the lockdown was announced on March 23.
www.mylondon.news/news/south-london-news/london-coronavirus-colourful-croydon-tree-18181216
4 Year To Cut Off Hair
https://www.mylondon.news/news/south-london-news/croydon-youngster-just-4-pledges-18191871
Croydon Teenager Writes About Lockdown Experience
Croydon Volunteer Police Cadets Complete 26-hour Exercise Challenge For NHS
Queues In North End
www.mylondon.news/news/south-london-news/gallery/pictures-show-huge-queues-outside-18184350
High Rise In Domestic Abuse Cases
In six weeks – mostly during lockdown – police were called to 562 reports of domestic abuse offences in Croydon – equivalent to 13 a day. In the six weeks up to April 19 there were 200 domestic abuse arrests – almost five a day.
www.mylondon.news/news/south-london-news/london-coronavirus-shocking-numbers-cases-18185547
COVID-19 And Social Deprivation
The Office of National Statistics has analysed COVID deaths by the smaller areas within wards (called super output areas). Up to 17 April these show:
- Upper Norwood 13
- Waddon 13
- Central Croydon & South End 12
- Purley Downs & Lower Sanderstead 12
- Thornton Heath Ponds 12
- Beulah Hill 11
- Bensham Manor west & London Road 10
- Norbury Park & London Road 10
- Thornton Heath central 10
A map showing these and the deaths in other parts of Croydon can be seen at:
Inequalities Explain Croydon’s Large COVID Numbers
Speaking at a virtual meeting on Wednesday 29 April, chief executive of Croydon University Hospital, Matthew Kershaw, said that factors contributing to the high rate, included age, gender, ethnicity, deprivation and co-morbidities – meaning one or more additional conditions affecting people. Analysis from the health trust shows that the community in Croydon has “many pre-existing conditions” and compared to the average Londoner, people in Croydon have a higher rate of conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
www.mylondon.news/news/south-london-news/london-coronavirus-real-reason-croydon-18182727
Winter Deaths From Cold
Coulsdon based Barry Todman, Secretary of the London Region of the National Pensioners Convention reminds us of one aspect of deprivation. Last year 22,300 older people died from cold related illnesses in the UK. ‘At the November demonstration to protest at those deaths, we had trouble in getting any media coverage. If we are allowed to again demonstrate later in the year, I wonder whether we might garner more media interest?’
Moving Out Of Lockdown
Council To Survey Businesses
The Council is to survey businesses about their needs as he easing of lockdown approaches.
http://news.croydon.gov.uk/council-launches-business-survey-ahead-of-lockdown-being-lifted
The Limits Needed On Public Transport
Sadiq Khan said he was “really worried” people using public transport will be at risk of infection if the lockdown is eased.
A Transport for London (TfL) report shows:
- the current service would be able to handle 30,000 passengers with 2m distancing boarding every quarter of an hour.
- even with a 100% service and two metre social distancing, only 50,000 passengers could board every 15 minutes.
- even with a reduced one metre social distancing and a full service, the Tube could handle only 80,000 passengers boarding every 15 minutes.
Need To Stagger Construction Sites Hours
Trade Unions are demanding that London building sites stagger start and finish times so thousands of workers are not travelling en masse on the same buses and tubes spreading of coronavirus on London’s bus and transport system. They are calling on Transport for London (TfL) and the Mayor of London to help ensure construction employers comply with the unions’ demands.
Can Croydon Council discuss through the Develop Croydon partnership negotiating agreement on staggering on sites in the Borough?
Trade Unions Seek Workers Protection
Trade unions are at the table with Governments across the UK and Ireland, and with other our sister unions, on talks over what a safe and effective back to work programme looks like. Len McCuskey, General Secretary of Unite, says: ‘Just as they have throughout this crisis, three principles will guide us through these talks and govern the judgements your officials make on your behalf: your safety; your income; and your job security.
We recognise that the task before the governments is an enormous one and that the right calls have to be made to avoid further death and ill health and to avert a deep recession. We are therefore committed to contributing fully to the back to work discussions, ensuring that ministers and employers hear your voice at the table.
However, we will not be driven by any desire for a media-friendly soundbite. Your safe working comes first….
We are in the very early stages of discussion, with much progress yet to be made before your union can be confident that the plans to re-open the economy put you, your safety and your communities first.’
What Happens After COVID?
Public Behaviour And Rising Air Pollution
Many questions arise about how people will behave after the crisis is over.
- Will more choose to drive in order to not come into close contact with other people?
- Will the 25% increase in on-line shopping be sustained with more delivery vans on the road.
If both of these happen then congestion and air pollution will increase, creating further problems for the health of those with respiratory conditions.
If more people cycle will the toll of accidents increase? Will more cyclists ignore the safety of pedestrians by riding on pavements?
TUC’s New Plan For Jobs
www.tuc.org.uk/research-analysis/reports/new-plan-jobs-why-we-need-new-jobs-guarantee
Will the Croydon Labour Administration back this plan, and adapt its economic strategy. It is going to have to review it in the light of the economic effect of the crisis, and particularly the threat by BA to withdraw from Gatwick, and Virgin’s decision to do so. The Council has put a lot of faith in Gatwick expansion, which has continued despite its recent Carbon Zero policy. It is clearly an issue that needs to be considered by its Climate Change Commission.
International Workers’ Day
The TUC marked the day with a social media campaign using the hashtag #Thankaworker and we have challenged the government to #Thankaworker in 5 ways. It must:
- Ban zero-hours contracts
- Increase sick pay to real living wage
- Award a fair pay rise for public sector workers
- Set a £10 national minimum wage for everyone now, abolishing age exemptions
- Bring outsources workers back into the public sector
It also posted film resources at
There is a short film of international musicians expressing international solidarity at
www.tuc.org.uk/news/may-day-international-solidarity-concert
The Future Of Public Transport Post COVID
Heidi Alexander, the London Mayor’s Deputy for Transport and Deputy Chair of Transport for London, discusses at:
We Need Space For Social Distancing On Our Streets
Green GLA member Caroline Russell argues the case at:
www.onlondon.co.uk/caroline-russell-we-need-space-for-social-distancing-on-our-streets
General Croydon News
Landlord Licensing Scheme To Be Renewed
The Council has announced the plan to renew the private sector landlord licensing scheme.
http://news.croydon.gov.uk/renewed-landlord-licensing-scheme-set-for-council-approval
Work Underway To Create New Matthews Yard
https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/talk-of-the-the-town-art-hub-st-matthews-yard-in-croydon
Croydon Cultural & History Notes
222 London Road & Co-operative Banking
The latest posting by Kake is about the history of the building which currently has halal meat shop on the ground floor, but previously for nearly the whole of the 20th century a bank before being converted into a restaurant and finally into a shop. This is an important posting as it tells the story of Thomas Farrow. He and his wife Beatrice had been living in Croydon since the early 1890s, and he had become active in local religious life, including in the foundation of the Croydon Religious Discussion Society. He founded Croydon Mutual Credit and Deposit Bank, and then Farrow’s Bank, which became part of National Westminster.
https://london-road-croydon.org/history/0222-supreme-butchers.html
Red Rope – The Socialist Walking And Climbing Club
Croydon socialists who are into walking and climbing may be interested to know about Red Rope.
www.redrope.org.uk & redropelondon.wordpress.com
London Mozart Players Online
http://londonmozartplayers.com/athome
Fairfield Halls’ 2019 panto Cinderella has won Best Set Design at The Great British Pantomime Awards for set designed by Mark Walters and Nina Dunn last year.
https://mail.yahoo.com/d/folders/1/messages/42491
“Croydon is firmly back on the pantomime map” – British Theatre Guide.
Folk and Protest etc
‘The broadside has lost one of its effectiveness on the political scene. ‘Time That You Told Them to Go’, written by Kenneth Younger, M.P., Croydon, Surrey from a car equipped with amplifier. The Labour candidate was returned with an increased majority.’ (From The Folk Revival, Skiffle and Protest Songs of the early 1960s website at:
https://jot101.com/2015/07/the-folk-revival-skiffle-and-protest-songs
Cicely Barker
http://jot101.com/2015/07/cicely-mary-barker
Mina Hubbard
The Canadian feminist and explorer was run down by a train while crossing the tracks near Coulsdon South station in 1956.
http://jot101.com/2015/05/mina-hubbard
Croydon Librarian Berwick Sayers on Annotation
http://jot101.com/2014/06/berwick-sayers-on-annotation-i
http://jot101.com/2014/06/berwick-sayers-on-annotation-2
John Grindrod
The Croydon author of Concreptopia has a post reflecting on Fairfield Halls in the past and future.
http://dirtymodernscoundrel.blogspot.com
Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears
On 20 December 1964 Benjamin Britten conducted the English Chamber Orchestra in his Nocturne (for tenor and orchestra), with Peter Pears as soloist, and with Mozart’s Symphony no 40 in G Minor. It was recorded in 1965.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p014g22f
www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/8019977–benjamin-britten-conducts-mozart-britten
Arthur Davison’s Children’s Concerts
In 1966, the Canadian conductor, who had made his home near Croydon, started up a series of children’s concerts at the Fairfield Halls. One concert featured Britten’s Noyes Fludde. One of those who took part reminiscences at:
https://annabookbel.net/britten-centenary-my-memories-of-noyes-fludde
Stefan Szczelkun’s Website Postings, include
https://szczelkuns.wordpress.com/2018/02/12/agit-disco-25-tsuyoshi-kizu
‘Greatness’ in a Time of Covid
‘Call Mr Robeson’ Tayo Aluko, whose test performance of his developing George and Samuel Coleridge-Taylor show in the Croydonites Theatre Festival was cancelled because of the crisis, has written a poem about COVID. This was on the first edit of this posting but has now be transferred to its own posting.
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor on the Net
Music Director Kalena Bovell discusses Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s early career.
www.facebook.com/watch/?v=912765855779683
Lone Forest Maiden
Pianist Asiya Korepanova plays on
www.trendsmap.com/twitter/tweet/1254925409625530370
“Deep River”
Violinist Josh Henderson plays on
Othello Suite
Review of Chineke! performance last Noember.
www.standard.co.uk/go/london/arts/chineke-haimor-review-london-southbank-a4373131.html
H. G. Turners’ painting of Coleridge in 1882
Two videos of works by Coleridge
www.democraticunderground.com/10311961
CD of English Piano Trios
Rosalind ELLICOTT (1857-1924) Piano Trio No. 1 in G (1889); Samuel COLERIDGE-TAYLOR (1875-1912) Trio in E minor for piano, violin and cello (1893); Rutland BOUGHTON (1878-1960) Celtic Prelude: The Land of Heart’s Desire (1921); James Cliffe FORRESTER (1860-1940) Trio: Folk Song Phantasy (1917); Henry Waldo WARNER (1874-1945) Trio for piano, violin and cello, Op. 22 (1921)
Performed by Anima Mundi (Kenji Fujimura (piano), Rochelle Ughetti (violin), Noella Yan (cello))
2017, Music Auditorium, Clayton, Australia. DIVINE ART DDA 25158
www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2020/Feb/English_trios_DDA25158_MC.htm
Spotlight on Coleridge
https://shadesofnoir.org.uk/spotlight-on-samuel-coleridge-taylor-1875-1912/
Thanks to readers and others for the trade union information (especially Peter Spalding) and the images via Facebook.
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