240 Hayes Review Winter 2020 by HKVA

HAYES REVIEW Winter 2020 No 240

HAYES REVIEW Winter 2020 No 240 Hayes Village Association Editorial Readers may have noticed a change of tack regarding our recent front covers. You would be right to think that we are now approaching cover design in much the same context as the national press use their headlines – to focus attention on the most immediate and controversial issues. In our last issue we highlighted the falling numbers in local organisations; now we spotlight the juxtaposition of the periodicals with the world of the computer. How far then does the image of a teenager reading the Review and a senior citizen browsing her computer challenge the accepted view that, while our youngsters are accused of burying their faces in mobiles and laptops, their grandparents are left to bewail the lack of face to face communication with their grandchildren. Self-evidently, youth are the future and increasingly need a platform to articulate their hopes and concerns – look no further than Greta Thunberg. Perhaps the Review, together with similar publications, might just be the platform some ‘local Greta Thunberg’ is looking for?

Trading Places We are still fortunate in having a relatively stable situation in all our local shopping centres. We still live in hopes of seeing new establishments in Chilham Way, whilst there have been no recent alterations in Hayes Street. In Station Approach the same premises remain vacant whilst SKD Tyres have moved into the premises recently operating as a motorbike retailer. So far we have never recorded the fortunes of the establishments in Addington Road so to begin with we welcome Katie’s Kitchen. This cafe has recently joined a supermarket, a chiropodist, a printer, an Indian restaurant and a fish and chip shop amongst others. We hope that with our support all our local establishments continue to flourish. Shirley Savage, HVA Local News Co-ordinator

Feature yourself in print! While the Review continues to depend on its excellent regular contributors for its very existence, contributions from its readership are equally important and most welcome, bringing as they do a wider range of features which serve to further enhance our reading interest and enjoyment. The deadline for providing copy to the Editor for the Spring edition of the Review is Tuesday 11 February 2020. So, plenty of time to get your piece together.

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HAYES REVIEW Winter 2020 No 240 87 Years of the Hayes Village Association Generally it is not appreciated how much Hayes Village Association has done over the years in respect of social events, in addition to the hard work put into planning and combatting anti-social activities, which needed to be put before the appropriate authorities. The Association was founded in 1933 and one of its first achievements was to revitalise the Horticultural Society and Hayes Players. Some of the early social events have been lost in the mists of time; the first Children’s Christmas Party was held in the Village Hall in 1949 and carried on until 1989 when lack of numbers forced a closure. An Olde Tyme Dance was held in 1952 and several Barn Dances from 1986 to 1997, all in the Village Hall. 1954 saw the start of Military Whist Drives once a fortnight but the need for this activity died out in 1975. We arranged an annual Quiz for twenty two years from 1992 – 2014. In 1975 the Youth Club section was started and continued until 1979, when once again lack of interest forced a closure. The Glebe Tennis Club playing in the Library Gardens, was reformed with our help in the early 1980’s and is still going strong today. Our first celebratory Exhibition was held in 1973 to commemorate the Association’s 40th Anniversary, with photographs and exhibits from old Hayes. Twenty years later an Exhibition was held for our Golden Jubilee with the Railways of Hayes being the main theme. Among several events, the main attraction was a Midsummer Carnival with floats from many organisations travelling through Hayes and finishing on Hayes Common with stalls and entertainment. A similar carnival event was arranged for the Millennium, while also that year we had other events including a History of Hayes Exhibition in the Village Hall, a Concert at Baston School and a Brass Band Concert in Hayes School. In 2014 we arranged a very successful three day World War Exhibition in the Village Hall, with photographs and exhibits from both conflicts. We were successful in bringing BBC’s Question Time to the Village Hall in 1998. Three Antique Valuation Days with Catherine Southon were arranged between 2015 and 2018 in the Village Hall and Hayes Free Church. From 1980 to 2003 we provided a plant stall at Countryside Day, opposite The Greyhound at Keston, which earned welcome funds for the HVA together with other aforementioned events, much of which went to charities. For the children, three very successful Easter Egg Hunts took place in the Library Gardens between 2017 to 2019 and these will hopefully continue. A Treasure Hunt, walking round Hayes Village and then the Common, was well attended in July 2018. In 2001 the HVA, in conjunction with Hayes Traders, initiated Hayes Lights at Christmas in Station Approach, later taking over fully and then, in 2006, passed over to a

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HAYES REVIEW Winter 2020 No 240 committee consisting of Hayes residents and a few of our members, though we still donate every year. In 2010, due to reduced manpower and lack of finances, which included payment to the council for closing off Station Approach, the event was moved to the New Inn. In 2000 we supported the newly formed Friends of Hayes Common, followed by Friends of Hayes Parks in 2003. We have donated sums to both groups over the years as they go from strength to strength. And what a splendid job they are doing. In December 2001 Hayes Free Church held their first Christmas Tree Festival. We participated by decorating a tree, a tradition we have continued every year since. In 2002 we took over the Summer Fete in the Library Gardens from Hayes Conservatives. The event moved to Baston School in 2008 and in 2009 we passed the responsibility of running the event to a committee from several Hayes organisations including the HVA. In 2014, the new school no longer required our presence and so, thanks to the generosity of Charles Wimble, we were able to relocate to his property at Old Baston Field. A Front Garden Competition has been run by the HVA since 1993 up to the present. We financed and erected the Village sign outside the Old Church Schools in 2002, and for the Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Diamond Jubilee in 2012, we erected the clock in Station Approach with donations from the people and organisations of Hayes. Two notice boards in Station Approach and one on Hayes Street were erected in 2016/17. We also erected a flagpole outside the Village Hall in 2017. To celebrate the end of the First World War, our members, with the help of our residents and organisations, made and donated poppies which were displayed outside the Village Hall and Hayes Library railings. All these events take a great deal of effort and many volunteers. Sadly these numbers are gradually dwindling, so the need for new active committee members is an urgency if we are to be able to carry on looking after the Village and your interests in the environment. The Association owes a debt of gratitude to the very many folk who over the years have arranged these events and those who have supported us. The help comes in various forms, but without it Hayes would not be the pleasant and comfortable area in which we are privileged to live. We thank them all and hope that their and your support will continue for all time.

Peter G. Harrold, HVA Vice-President

HAYES REVIEW Winter 2020 No 240 The Trust makes grants in support of people living in Hayes for the following purposes:

• Support for people who are suffering hardship or distress;

• Support for people who are sick, convalescent, disabled or infirm;

• Support for the aged; • Support for people needing financial assistance to support their education;

• Support for advancement in life; people needing financial assistance to help enter into or develop their role in a trade, profession, occupation or service. Hayes (Kent) Trust is a local charity registered with the Charity Commission. Registered Charity No. 221098

The Trust has funds available to support people who live in Hayes and who are in some kind of need.

The Trust makes grants to individuals, as well as charities and other voluntary organisations based or operating in Hayes. The Trustees, who are all local people, meet on a regular basis to discuss applications for grants. If you would like to make an application, please write a letter to:- The Hon. Secretary, , Kent Hayes (Kent) Trust c/o The Rectory , Hayes Street, BromleyBR2 7LH

HAYES REVIEW Winter 2020 No 240 Community Matters Planning At the time of writing there is little to report on the planning front and we await the councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision on the sheltered accommodation at 34 West Common Road. HVA Planning Committee

Hayes Fair Saturday 6 June 2020 As we start the new year thoughts quickly move to the Summer Fair on 6 June. Owing to various retirements we are looking for some new helpers for this year. We are looking for the following: New Committee members: we meet in the Chairmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house in Baston Road 6 times a year, generally on the last Wednesday evening of the month, in October, January, March, April, May, together with a closure meeting in late July/early August. We would welcome new members. Please email charles.wimble@baston.demon.co.uk if you would like to help organise the largest annual event in Hayes. Stewards and helpers: we urgently need stewards and helpers to assist on the day of the Fair. We would welcome potential stewards who could offer a two hour stint on the day somewhere between 8.00 am and 6.00 pm. If you can help please email harroldgrimani@btinternet.com. Plant Stall: we are looking for someone, preferably a keen gardener, to furnish and run a plant stall. This involves obtaining spare plants from family and friends, growing some yourself and setting-up and running the stall on the day. As with all the profits we generate, all the money raised from this stall (after expenses) will be donated to a local charity. Please contact charles.wimble@baston.demon.co.uk if you are interested. This year we have decided once again to publish the Fair programme on-line but we will also be producing a full paper programme which will be delivered to every household and business in the Hayes area towards the end of May. We really hope there are people out there who can offer us a few hours of their valuable time to help support this wonderful annual family event. Charles Wimble, Chairman Hayes Fair Committee

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Youth in the Community â&#x20AC;&#x201C; news from Hayes School Student Council Youth voice and democracy are a massive part of the way the school operates at Hayes so it is a real pleasure to be a member of the student council. So far this term school council meetings have started as a great success and a number of issues have already been debated. The Year 11 cohort have recently suggested they would like mental health provision at the school altered in order to better reflect student needs and this is something they

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HAYES REVIEW Winter 2020 No 240 will be actively looking into over the next few months alongside members of staff. In addition, Years 7, 8 and 9 have been looking at participating in more community and charitable events, while the 6th form have been looking at ways of making improvements to the 6th form areas for future students. A whole school initiative moving forward will be focusing on sustainability and ways in which the school can reduce its impact on the environment. Ben Frost, Year 11 Bromley Youth Council The Bromley Youth Council (BYC) operates in the majority of Bromley schools with a number of elected school representatives meeting to campaign on issues that matter to young people. Hayes School has three of these representatives. Each year, the BYC holds a manifesto event where students from schools across the Borough are invited to vote on the topics they would like to see the Youth Council campaign on. This year’s campaigns have been voted as ‘Put an End to Knife Crime’ and ‘Mental Health’ and the BYC have been actively campaigning on these topics to raise awareness and encourage discussion. As part of their ‘Put an End to Knife Crime’ campaign, youth councillors recently completed a sponsored walk from City Hall to Bromley Civic Centre (a total of 9.3 miles). They raised funds for the ‘For Jimmy’ foundation (a charitable organisation founded by the parents of Jimmy Mizen following his murder at a shop in Lewisham which works to discourage violent crime across the country) in order to provide informative workshops around the impacts of violent crime to schools in Bromley. In addition to this, some of the Youth Councillors recently provided an update on their campaigns at the Bromley Crime Summit where they presented to members of the community and senior police officers to promote the positive action of the youth council. Further to their above campaign, youth councillors have devoted a lot of time to their mental health campaign and are looking to receive mental health first aid training. They are also planning to hire a bus to visit town centre locations in the Borough for young people to visit and discuss any concerns, as well as to signpost any other support and guidance young people may need whilst raising awareness of their campaign. Nathan Ward, Year 8

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HAYES REVIEW Winter 2020 No 240 Head Boy/Head Girl team The Hayes student leadership team were busy towards the end of last term organising events such as the Year 7 disco which was a massive success, raising money for UNICEF. Furthermore, the team planned and negotiated the Christmas party which is an exciting time for Years 12 and 13 to bond and get to know each other in a more relaxed environment. Included in the weekly meetings that have taken place, the team has been discussing and managing prefect duties and responsibilities.

The focus this year is leadership and the variety in leadership roles. Leadership isn’t always about one person giving out orders in a controlling manner but can also be within a team. Leaders are as dependent on their co-workers as the co-workers are on the leader. Leadership is about negotiation with various parties and negotiating ideas. It can also be seen in the smallest of ways such as caring for one another. Naomi Owolabi, Year 13 Student Leadership Team Poems from the English dept. Below is a selection of poems from Year 13 as part of their poetry work. Fine, thanks, you? Society is dead Society is dead, Nothing but cogs in a machine, With the occasional bout of Terrorism, The cogs grind our thoughts and prayers, But it’s all just cold indifference. The sighing, The crying, The dying, Noise to the machine, We choke and we gasp and we stare, And for a second the heart strings tug, But it’s still just cold indifference. The buzz of the screen keeps the cogs a’ turning, And the turn of the cog keeps the screen a’ whirring, Love, Shock, Outrage, But it’s all just cold indifference.

Oliver Horne, Year 13

Are you okay? Backs full of knives, There’s a filter over our lives. Once black and white, Now grey, I repeat, we are not okay. Though our thumbs are up, We’re forever on trial, All we can do is sit here and smile. We cannot win, Life is tough, We’re never good enough. You might act concerned, I know the truth won’t get me anywhere, So, we are all okay Don’t listen to what I say, Carry on, go on, have a good day.

Amber Taylor, Year 13

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HAYES REVIEW Winter 2020 No 240 Winter is arriving Winter is arriving Endless seasons in the studio, but she can’t lose progress. No. Concealing herself from the world until she is worthy. Mirrors begin to magnify her imperfections as sunlight encompasses the decaying leaves outside. As the wind strips the ground bare of life, she churns, rumbles and pirouettes. Hoping the movement will be mistaken for fuel, for food. Her eyes fixed on the overbearing flesh strapped to her carrion. Bones shaking, weaker than the leaves on the trees as they fall. Weaker than her bloody throat as it burns with her intestinal gasoline. Hoping the fire will end the grumbling. She tells herself to stop, Inhaling sweat, devouring Hallucinations as her body continues to withstand starvation. Her cuts turning to blood, blood turning to scars, like the mirroring rivers starting to freeze, piercing the life below . Still, her stomach remains in drought, her stomach remains empty. Winter is arriving. Ellie Sparrey, Year 13 How to never give up You have to feel when it’s not tangible You have to believe it when you can’t see it You must adjust the unchangeable When you’re confined you must be free-est Dumped in the ocean you need to come out dry, despite blackmail and menace you need to be sly, dance in the storm be your best throughout life, delve into others’ minds always try to see eye to eye An eye for an eye makes the world blind, a tooth for a tooth leaves a dentist unassigned, that makes you the last hope for humankind, if you give up you’re an apprentice to your own mind. Lewis Wint, Year 13

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HAYES REVIEW Winter 2020 No 240 Growing Old in Hayes Bromley FC It’s Saturday afternoon at Hayes Lane. ‘At’ because ‘Hayes Lane’ is one of the names for the home ground of Bromley Football Club – others include ‘The Ravens’ Nest’ and whichever firm is currently sponsoring the ground. I am joined on the terraces by two grumpy old men, both of whom have been regularly watching Bromley FC far longer than I have and I only started going 23 years ago. After the welcoming handshakes we quickly settle into our pre-match ritual. We moan about the team selection, we moan about the referee, we moan about the players’ strip (with their names printed in gold on white shirts so we cannot read them) and we moan about the new sprinkler system that seems to spend more time watering the crowd than the grass. If any supporter turns up with a drum we moan about that as well. By the time the game kicks off we are fully geared up to cope with the ensuing 90 minutes of play (plus ten minutes for time-wasting). We each have our specialities as Bromley football supporters. One of us concentrates on the referee, one concentrates on the fourth official and one concentrates on the visiting team’s manager. We stand between the dugouts to ensure that the vision of our targets is not impeded and that we are able to make our vocal contributions at the precise moment they are most likely to be heard and have the greatest impact. Our standard refrains are as follows: to the referee – “Do you share a flat with all the other bad referees who come here?”; to the Fourth Official – “What IS your point?” and to the visiting team’s manager – “Get back in your box! Stop trying to bully the ref and the fourth official!”. Sadly for us, Bromley FC have been playing really well lately and we get very little opportunity to use technical terms like ‘woeful’ and ‘not worth two bob’ about our own team. Instead we find ourselves shouting “Stick it in the onion!” and “Gosh, that was good!” (Actually, we rarely use ‘Gosh’, more often it’s “...............”). Being at Hayes Lane has become a really exciting experience over the years. The crowds now exceed two thousand, the new covered stand looks magnificent and the quality of play on the artificial pitch is certainly of Football League standard. As it should be, Bromley FC are now only three divisions away from The Premiership. Not many villages can boast having a National League team within their vicinity nor one that has been top of the league this season. If you want to know what being a fan of Bromley FC was like in the old days, go and see

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HAYES REVIEW Winter 2020 No 240 the comedy film ’The Bromley Boys’, based on a book written by a legendary Bromley fan, Dave Roberts. Indeed, any of Dave’s books are well worth a read, even if you do not enjoy or understand football. If you want to know what being a fan of Bromley FC is like today, come on down to Hayes Lane. You will see famous teams like Halifax, Notts County and Wrexham (all now in the same Division as Bromley) and you will hear singing the like of which the Lorelei could only dream. Come on you Ravens! Oh goodness me, that was woeful. O.F.

75th Anniversary of World War II On the eve of the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, 88 year old local resident, Colin Willis recalls the Blitz in Hayes. It is 80 years since Hayes experienced the Blitz with all its terror and hardship. Close to both Biggin Hill and Croydon Airports the air war from July 1940 had initially taken place above the heads of the villagers. The first bombs fell on Hayes on 30 August with damage to 44 Baston Road and on 5th September to houses in Pickhurst Rise and Hayes Hill. The first casualties came early in the morning of 6 September when 101 Bourne Way was destroyed killing 3 people. We have recently heard from Colin Willis who recalls the start of the Blitz on 7 September 1940 as one of the most chilling events of the war. ‘It had been a fine warm day. My father had been on early shift (6.00 am – 2.00 pm) and we had been sitting in the garden [Hurstdene Avenue]. Gradually there was a growing sound of many aircraft. As the sirens hadn’t sounded, we at first assumed they must be ‘ours’, but when the massive formation came into sight we knew they were the enemy. My father’s shocked “They’ve got through” impressed the overall danger on me. As darkness fell the sky to the NE turned orange and red, clearly over a huge area. A few stray bombs fell on Hayes, but to judge by our neighbours, the population was deeply shaken. Chief Warden Melville quickly obtained a desk job as an officer in the RAF. His wife Connie, also a warden, admitted to a panic attack. Trevor Woodman’s book Wartime Hayes contained the names of several people I had known or had contact with. I was reminded that, as a Wolf-Cub, I had also acted as a ‘casualty’ for rescue-service training. I remembered the AA guns on the Common were remarkably close to the road and that we would chat to the soldiers. My mother’s parents came from their North London home to the supposed rural safety of Kent and had a flat in Glebe House Drive, so were there when a house nearby was destroyed.’

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HAYES REVIEW Winter 2020 No 240 Colin was later evacuated. If any of you have memories, letters or anecdotes from the experiences of the people of Hayes in 1940 we would be pleased to receive them.

Campbell’s Garage A garage was one of the first buildings at the northern end of Station Approach when the development of the area started in the 1930’s. Originally known as Surridge’s it opened in 1932 but changed in 1933 into Hugh K Campbell’s ownership and became known as Campbell’s. Campbell’s Garage in 1952 (with thanks to Bromley Historic Collections) Motor racing enthusiasts have recalled that in the 1950’s and 60’s the garage became a magnet for them as it was then owned by George Henrotte who, in 1953, built his own racing car, the Ettorne. In the early 1960’s he ran the Gemini Formula Junior. In 1966 he founded Piper Cars, a name said to be inspired by the logo of Campbell’s garage which was a kilted bagpiper. Working with engineer Bob Gayler and designer Tony Holder, a number of racing cars were produced and exhibited at the 1966 Racing Car Show. Peter Collins recently recalled going into the garage’s cellars where there was a dynamometer to test the racing car engines. “It was fairly claustrophobic but at least the noise didn’t get out!” The Company soon outgrew its car production capacity in Hayes but continued to produce camshafts and other performance parts under the name Piper Cams until later moving to Ashford. More details can be found under the Memories section of hayeskenthistory.co.uk. Please let us know if anyone has any further reminiscences about Campbell’s Garage.

Jean Wilson

HAYES REVIEW Winter 2020 No 240 Notes from Coney Hall Village The initials BBAG probably won’t mean much to anyone unconnected to the local riding fraternity, but for horse owners and riders it means ’Bromley Bridleways Access Group’, first formed in 1976 by Dennis King of the Mounted Police and his wife Marjorie. They gathered together a small group of horse riders, frustrated by the lack of permissible off road riding routes in this green Borough of ours. Even in those days the Council’s priorities did not include bridleways, but after lengthy negotiations and provided BBAG raised their own funds, the Council, with some scepticism, agreed to support their endeavours. The word spread to the riding establishments: JB Stables, Keston Court Stables, Rangers, Wickham Court Stables, Fortune Bank Stables, North Pole Stables, Hayes Street Farm and Bromley Liveries. Then, as now, the number of horses totalled in the region of 400 and fund raising began. There were Sponsored Rides, Gymkhanas, Tack Auctions, Boot Sales, Jumble Sales, Lectures, Dressage Competitions, Quiz Nights and Race Nights. If it was legal, BBAG. tried it! But even to clear, re-surface and re-fence an existing but neglected bridleway cost several thousand pounds – even using volunteers. However, the Council slowly began to accept that BBAG was serious in its endeavours and support followed but plain sailing it was not. Results were slow, support from riders waxed and waned, land owners were reluctant to consider a bridleway or even a permissive ride (which they could close at their discretion without warning) and there was heated local opposition to the idea of riders on Hayes Common with broken glass being scattered along the proposed new track. Safety barriers and signing were pulled down and walkers, who by law are entitled to walk our bridleways, complained that horses create mud in the winter time. And they get their footpaths for free! But with quiet persistence BBAG soldiered on and the network of off road riding tracks gradually became a reality, albeit somewhat fragmented, and the fund raising goes on. A new bridleway or permissive ride is a great achievement but also something of a liability. It needs to be kept free of ‘overhang’ and overgrowth and needs re-fencing and re-surfacing in due course – work often carried out by volunteers. BBAG. is now affiliated to The British Horse Society, giving access to professional and legal advice and the Group are participating in the nationwide survey to locate and map all riding tracks, past and present before they are lost for ever. So, if you drive by horse riders on the road, do give them a moment’s time and a little space and pass quietly – they are still very much part of our rural scene. Stella Etheridge

HAYES REVIEW Winter 2020 No 240 Local Groups and Societies The Hayes Players The story concerns the fortunes of the Keller and Deever families. During the war, Joe Keller and Herbert Deever ran a machine shop which made aeroplane parts. Deever was sent to prison because the firm turned out defective parts, causing the deaths of many men. Keller, however, went free and made a lot of money. The twin shadows of this catastrophe and the fact that the young Keller son was reported missing during the war dominate the action. The love affair of Chris Keller and Ann Deever, the bitterness of George Deever returned from war to find his father in prison and his father's partner free, are all set in a structure of almost unbearable power. The climax showing the reactions of a son to his guilty father is a fitting conclusion to a play which is electrifying in its intensity. Mike Ashman, Chair The Hayes Players

Friends of Hayes Common Having had a long rest over the summer months we have been rather frustrated in our efforts to get going on the Common again. After a promising start resuming work between West Common and Baston Roads we had to cancel a precious morning for the first time anyone can remember. One of our members has just got a meteorologist job with the Met Office down in Exeter and ever since then we seem to have had rain!

On our next session we cleared a good area of dense holly but once again were thwarted with a lack of wind and very soggy branches so the fire only got going at the end of the morning. However we keep on battling through the dense thicket and hopefully in a few months you will be able to see some absolutely beautiful old trees if the canopy is anything to go by. Luckily 5 November brought out one of our biggest work groups and we managed to make a real impression on the site. It was so satisfying letting the light into areas that have been swallowed up by the holly forest for many years. Sparklers at coffee time brought out the child in us all!

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During the summer some of our members helped FoHP tidying up the extensive flower beds around the Village Hall and uncovering the beautiful wall along the churchyard. We also had a couple of cooling sessions hauling leaves, logs and rubbish out of the ponds in the Knoll. In October Allan, Richard and I led two groups of Guides and all their leaders plus a few parents on an autumn walk through the Common. Starting on the old cricket ground the light soon disappeared as we entered the woodland much to the delight of the girls. I think some of the commuters who usually have a lonely walk home were quite bemused to find themselves being accompanied by 20+ lively girls! Despite the dark we could show them some of the historical sites such as the old workhouse and some of the sites we have been working on, explaining what we are doing to protect and preserve the Common. Thank you for all the lovely comments you have given us about the Common and please do get out there and enjoy walking. As always, please do email Allan tabraham518@gmail.com or our secretary Ian ithomas12@compuserve.com to find out when and where we are next working if you would like to join our group. We meet every other Tuesday morning for a couple of hours fortified with a hot drink and chocolate biscuits.

Clare Britton, FoHC

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HAYES REVIEW Winter 2020 No 240 Friends of Hayes Parks Although Autumn is now well and truly with us â&#x20AC;&#x201C; cold weather, wind and rain, we can remember those lovely hot days and the work carried out to make the parks a place of beauty and relaxation. The FoHP with sterling help from the FoHC carried out the annual two pond clearing sessions focussing on the ponds in the Knoll and Husseywell. All manner of discarded litter, household treasures and many pieces of wood and leaves were removed and now with Autumn, the leaves are rapidly falling to end up in the ponds again. A large tree trunk from a fallen tree was removed from the pond in Husseywell, taking much effort during which some members of the team got their feet wet. Members of the FoHP and FoHC cleared a large section of tree in Husseywell which was hanging precariously above the main path near the playground; it had been ripped from the top of the tree in a high wind, the first of a number of winds. Later winds also sent a limb falling to the ground from the Sweet Gum tree (Liquidambar) in the circular bed at the Pickhurst Lane entrance to the Knoll â&#x20AC;&#x201C; this too was removed by the Friends. Work was undertaken to improve security by repairing broken fencing which had allowed after hours access to Husseywell resulting in part in a summer period of vandalism within the park. A programme of work by the FoHP and FoHC pruned the ever growing bamboo stands in the Knoll, cutting back nettles and brambles and keeping open the paths enjoyed by all. The summer left a legacy of weeds which provided continuous work in the Library Gardens, along with the never ending litter picking and flower dead heading required. I hope by the time you read this you will have enjoyed the lovely Autumn colours and visited your local parks. Debbie Palmer, FoHP

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HAYES REVIEW Winter 2020 No 240 Friends of Pickhurst Park and Green (FoPP) The FoPP have been busy with regular litter picking around Pickhurst Green, the lane to the cottages and Pickhurst Recreation ground. Litter continues to be a problem in this very busy area and several instances of fly tipping have occurred along the lane behind Pickhurst School. At least two motor bikes have been abandoned and set on fire, presumably stolen as the number plates had been removed and the resulting debris presented a hazard to children and dogs. Work has continued to keep paths open and clear of brambles and obstacles such as fallen branches which are now being rapidly covered by falling leaves. In a recent strong wind, a large section of the old willow at the lower end of the Green fell across a main path through the woods used by many and propped itself in trees and on the school fence. The tree is marked with an ancient red dot harking back to times when the Council took more interest in trees. The FoPP spent time making this safe and cutting and tidying the resultant wood and branches and opening the path once again. The FoPP would like to thank all those silent helpers who pick up litter on their walks around the park and special thanks to the silent helper who cut up the large trunk of the fallen tree. It is with their help that the area is kept beautiful for all to enjoy.

Debbie Palmer, FoPP

Hayes Horticultural Society Gardening notes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; January to April 2020 The garden might be looking pretty bedraggled but there are still bags of things to do, such as environmentally mulching, not burning, Christmas trees in January or forcing rhubarb and planning vegetable crop rotations for the coming season. February is the time to get out the secateurs. First cut back deciduous grasses then prune winter flowering shrubs along with hardy evergreen hedges and wisteria. Prepare too, vegetable seed beds, divide snowdrops and chit potato tubers.

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HAYES REVIEW Winter 2020 No 240 With mid March producing frequent sunny days, protect new spring shoots from slugs, lift and divide overgrown clumps of perennials and plant shallots, onion sets and early potatoes. By all means mow the lawn, but please don’t shave it as so many do. Just set the blades high. Don’t even try if the ground is very soft, or during spells of cold drying winds. As for April, protect fruit blossom from late frosts. Sow new lawns or repair bare patches, likewise hardy annuals. Finally, if you’ve stored vegetables and fruit for winter, especially potatoes and apples, watch out for rot. And don’t forget to firm down the roots of roses and shrubs. Winter winds can play havoc. Sow hardy annuals, herbs and wild flowers outdoors. And strictly speaking . . . keep weeding! John Ruler, Vice-President Hayes Horticultural Society

Hayes Christmas Lights The Hayes Christmas Lights event grows every year in popularity and some would say that this is reflected in the increased crowd numbers. This year was no exception. Throughout 2019 we have been busy fundraising to bring our wonderful Hayes community a festive, fun filled day. Programmes were handed out in Hayes Station prior to the big day, to all the local shops (including Hayes Street) and posters and banners were put around to spread the word. This year we continued to invite our local shop businesses to compete in the ‘Best Christmassy Shop Window’ competition. There were some very beautiful displays that helped make our streets dazzling! The competition is judged by all of the Hayes Lights Committee and our winner was Klinik Beauty. Well done and thank you to all the shops for the tremendous efforts made. On the day of the event, the Committee and a good number of local volunteer helpers began by wrapping up very warm, although the weather was not going to spoil our day. Inside The New Inn, the Grotto was set up ready for Father Christmas and his team of Elves, and the beautiful raffle prizes displayed. The outside area began to fill up with stall holders and some new offerings to our event. This was all assisted by our fantastic stewards who were happy to get stuck in. The sound system was set up under our new Gazebo with our ‘new sponsor’ Hurstway in full view. At 3.00 pm I, as chairperson, officially opened the event and then passed over to our new MC, Jo Torrie to get the party started. Santa and his team of Elves settled into the Grotto to meet the eager children and make some dreams come true. There were various outstanding stage performances carried out by our local schools whose pupils

HAYES REVIEW Winter 2020 No 240

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HAYES REVIEW Winter 2020 No 240 sang in front of cheering crowds and proud parents and it was an honour to have them perform for us. Churches Together in Hayes Choir sang traditional Christmas songs and many joined in the carols too. At 5.00 pm precisely the lights were switched on by the Mayor of Bromley Cllr Nicholas Bennett, assisted by the Elves. Huge cheers roared out as we saw Station Approach light up. The winner of the Best Christmassy Shop window, Klinik Beauty was awarded with a certificate and prize to place proudly in their shop window. The raffle was drawn with our lucky winners scooping up some amazing prizes. Thank you to Jo Horniblow, Barbara Angell, Tracey (Barbara’s daughter), Roger and Sue Vincent-Townsend, Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward and Kenneth Green Associates for the raffle donations On behalf of the Hayes Lights Committee, I would like to thank Hayes Village Association for their continued support, all the volunteers that gave their time up for the day to support us, Hayes Life Facebook and all the management and staff at The New Inn for giving us the opportunity to host the event again this year. Ashley Hewett-Brown, Chairperson Hayes Christmas Lights

West Wickham Rotary We have been involved in a number of community activities in the months leading up to the end of November, which West Wickham have included our 25th Annual Fireworks Display in support of local schools, community projects and charities; our Christmas Fair in support of St. Christopher’s Hospice and we also held a number of events in support of polio eradication on World Polio Day in October 2019. We are actively planning new service activities which we hope to introduce in support of youth and education. Socially, we have had a full range of speakers and subjects including a talk by a 94 year old naval aviation veteran of WW2, a visit to St. George’s RAF Chapel of Remembrance for a talk by the inaugural Director, ’Life at Number 10’ and a history of ‘The Great Houses of Shirley’. We also arranged, along with other nearby Rotary clubs and Zero to Hero Runners, a really memorable and successful fundraising event for Meningitis Now and Deaf Plus. This was held on behalf of local Rotarian and runner Mike Martineau who some of you may know. Mike was struck down for the second time in his life with meningitis in September 2018, leaving him in a wheelchair and with other medical complications, but with an unbroken spirit. This was a way of saying “thank you” for the assistance Mike received. Find out more about Rotary and helping in your local community in 2020. Call Ian Leach on 0773 0029526 or email at ianleach216@gmail.com.

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HAYES REVIEW Winter 2020 No 240 Biggin Hill Memorial Museum Biggin Hill Memorial Museum, located alongside St George’s RAF Chapel of Remembrance on the former RAF Station, tells the story through the personal experiences of those who served and fought there and the community who supported them. The objects in the museum collection are directly associated with these people and include uniforms, medals, personal articles and letters, while interactive displays and personal tablets allow visitors to explore further information and commentaries.

The story began over 100 years ago when the RAF moved their Wireless Testing Park from low-lying Dartford to farmland on the North Downs. The high altitude and strategically important location between London and Europe destined RAF Biggin Hill to become the most important airfield in the Battle of Britain of 1940, and Winston Churchill’s ‘strongest link’ in the chain of defence for the Capital. The first aeroplane landed on the newly established field in February 1917 and so began a legendary 40 years of RAF aviation.

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Registered Osteopath D Frances Lumley BSc(Hons) Ost

* For all musculo-skeletal problems * Expectant mothers * Children and babies also treated * Home visits available 211 Bourne Vale, Hayes, Bromley, Kent BR2 7LX Telephone for appointments: 020 8462 8027

HAYES REVIEW Winter 2020 No 240 The new museum building surrounds St George’s Chapel which was built in 1951 to preserve the legacy and remembrance of the 454 fighter pilots and crews from 52 Squadrons who served and died flying from Biggin Hill Sector during the Second World War. The chapel was built at Churchill’s insistence after the original one, dedicated in 1943, accidentally burned down in 1946. Its walls have 12 beautiful stained-glass windows designed by Sir Hugh Easton and it is a perpetual memorial to The Few. The year 2020 marks the 80th anniversary of the air battle in the skies over our lands and led to the name that will go down in British military history beside Trafalgar and Waterloo. Following Nazi Germany’s military ‘blitzkrieg’ invasion through the Low Countries into France in May 1940, Prime Minister Winston Churchill told Parliament on 17 June that the Battle of France was over and the ‘Battle of Britain’ was about to begin. His words gave that title to the first great battle between nations to be decided entirely in the air and a battle between numerically unequal opponents. Hitler knew he had to destroy the RAF in order for his invasion of Britain to succeed and the summer months saw desperate action by the RAF Spitfire and Hurricane pilots against overwhelming numbers of Luftwaffe fighters and bombers, even while their airfields were targeted

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Email address: ocs.hayes@hotmail.com

HAYES REVIEW Winter 2020 No 240 and almost put out of use. Only from early September did a change of German tactics to start bombing London relieve the pressure on the airfields and on September 15, forever Battle of Britain Day, did the RAF turn the tide and Hitler’s planned invasion of our shores was cancelled. We always enjoy welcoming both new and returning groups – as well as individuals! – to the museum and we are open from Tuesday through to Sunday, morning or afternoon. We offer a reduced entry fee for groups over 8, and a further discount for over 16. The entry fee includes the use of a personal discovery tablet which enables you to learn about the museum Collection and also to hear personal war stories first hand. An additional feature for groups is that a private tour of the museum can also be arranged. You would be hosted throughout the tour by one of our knowledgeable guides and hear in-depth information and descriptions about both our heritage and museum exhibits. We are also able to provide catering packages for your visit, ranging from tea and biscuits on arrival, to buffet lunches, and/or afternoon cream teas, all of which are held in the unique Nightingale Café. Further details can be found on our website bhmm.org.uk or by contacting us directly at groupbookings@bhmm.org.uk. We look forward to welcoming you in 2020!

Notices St Mary’s Parish Church St Mary’s Church in Hayes, Kent is part of the Church of England. The church embraces people of all ages and backgrounds. For over 800 years, people have worshipped in the Church within which are memorials to some of the famous residents of Hayes, including the two Prime Ministers, William Pitt and his son, known as William Pitt the Younger. At the back of the Church is a peaceful graveyard, in which the memorial to Sir Everard Hambro can be found.

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HAYES REVIEW Winter 2020 No 240 Families at St Mary’s New families are very welcome to come along to Church Services and the Church activities below: Fresh Start: is a short, fun service for children aged 0 – 6 where children are encouraged to join in with the colouring activities, short story and songs. It is held on the second Sunday of each month from 9.15 am to 10.00 am. Toddler Group: is held every Tuesday (term time only) from 1.30 pm to 3.00 pm in the Old Church Schools (opposite the library gardens). There are toys, crafts and refreshments and costs £1.50 per family. Mum’s Coffee Morning: this new group runs on the first and third Tuesday of the month from 10.00 am to 11.30 am (including school holidays) in the Meeting Room at the back of the Church. This is a chance for mums to have a hot cup of tea or coffee and chat with other mums whilst the children play. Mini Music: is for pre-school children/babies with their parents/carers and is held on the second Thursday of the month (term time only) from 1.45 pm to 2.45 pm in the Meeting Room at the back of the Church. There is an hour of songs, rhymes, a short story and refreshments. Sunday Services: during the Sunday services there are two children’s groups – Sunbeams for 3 – 5 year olds and Blaze for 6 – 11 year olds. Children are welcome to attend these groups whilst parents remain in the main service. Under threes are welcome to sit and play on the carpeted area at the back of the Church. Further details regarding the Church and the various activities and groups, including a guide to what is on during the week, can be found on the website: www.stmaryshayeskent.co.uk. Clare Scriven

Biggin Hill Concert Band We had a busy autumn rehearsing new pieces for all our Christmassy events. Our festive concert season got underway at the end of November with Pick of the Pops held up at the Warren with a wonderfully full hall. Feather boas, 1950’s glasses, outrageous 1970’s fashions and 1980’s ‘boppers’ were the order of the day as we whisked through the decades from Dixieland to Glenn Miller and then on to the Beatles and Sinatra. A quick dress change from a stunning 1950’s creation to a sleek black number for our conductor and we were back to Shirley Bassey, Stevie Wonder, Abba, Whitney and a little disco and funk. A blast on the tuba which sent our drummer’s music flying started our concert to open the Cudham Parish Church Christmas Tree Festival. We treated the audience to some of our concert repertoire mixed with Christmas favourites – Jingle Bells and Jungle Drums

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HAYES REVIEW Winter 2020 No 240 certainly being among of these. With some carols for everyone to sing along to, mulled wine and mince pies and a beautifully decorated church it was a magical evening. Nearer to Christmas we played carols in the Blacksmith’s Arms for all the customers to join in; we had great fun doing this in 2018 and there were some pretty impressive singers! A date for your diary this year will be Sunday 28 June when we will be performing at Ightham Mote and it would be lovely if you could join us for a picnic on the lawn. We rehearse on Monday nights from 8.15 pm until 9.45 pm at the Warren so please email Martin at m.purser@mpthewarren.com for more details and check us out on social media. Our website is bigginhillconcertband.co.uk. Clare Britton BHCB

Hayes Village Association Annual General Meeting Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Association will be held in Hayes Village Hall on Thursday 2 April at 8.00 pm. Our speaker this year from Transport for London will be talking about the proposed Bakerloo Line extension.

What’s On All events take place in the Village Hall unless listed otherwise

Regular Events Group 88 (Social Group for the over 60s)

Every Monday 8.00 pm – 10.00 pm Rosary Church Hall (with weekend events)

Activities Group for the Elderly

Every Tuesday 2.00 pm – 3.30 pm Hayes Free Church

Hayes Men’s Fellowship

1st Wednesday of the month 2.30 pm Old Church Schools

Hayes Over 60s Club

Every Thursday 1.30 pm – 4.00 pm

Hayes (Kent) Flower Club

2nd Friday of the month (not Aug & Dec) 2.00 pm

Hayes Library Opening Hours

Tuesdays and Fridays: 9.30 am – 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm – 6.00 pm Saturdays: 9.30 am – 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm

HAYES REVIEW Winter 2020 No 240 Other Events For more details of HVA events go to www.hkva.org.uk Date

Group

Title

Sat 1 Feb

Safer Neighbourhood Team

Java And Chai Tea Rooms

10.00 –

Mon 3 Feb

Safer Neighbourhood Team

SJ’s Croydon Road

10.00 –

Wed 5 Feb

Hayes (Kent) WI

A Magician

Sat 8 Feb

Safer Neighbourhood Team

Drop-In Surgery – Fair Acres Estate Manager’s Office Lemare Lodge, Bromley

2.00 pm

Wed 19 –

The Hayes Players

All My Sons

7.45 pm

Wed 26 Feb Hayes (Kent) Evening

Norway – Cruising the Coast

7.45 pm

Thur 27 Feb Hayes Horticultural Society

Annual General Meeting

8.00 pm

Wed 4 Mar

Hayes (Kent) WI

Life of Richard III

Sat 7 Mar

Hayes Horticultural Society

Quiz Night, £12pp inc fish & chips samanthasiberry@hotmail.com

7.30 pm

Sat 21 Mar

Hayes Horticultural Society

Spring Show

2.30 pm

Wed 25 Mar Hayes (Kent) Evening

62nd Birthday & AGM

7.45 pm

Wed 1 Apr

Hayes (Kent) WI

My Life Among the Great Train

Thur 2 Apr

Hayes Village Association

Annual General Meeting

8.00 pm

Wed 22 Apr Hayes (Kent) Evening

Easy Exercises—Pat Marshall

7.45 pm

Sat 16 May

Plant Sale

Hayes Horticultural Society

Time

10.00 am

2.30 –

HAYES (KENT) VILLAGE ASSOCIATION Founded 1933 Principal Officers 2019 – 2020 Chair C Wimble 020 8462 0771 Secretary D Taylor 020 8462 4664 Treasurer G Jaynes 020 8462 2967 Review Editor B McEwan 020 8462 413346 Review Advertising S Howe 020 8462 7331

HAYES REVIEW Winter 2020 No 240

All articles in the Review are copyright and do not necessarily represent the views of the HVA, nor does the advertising of goods and services in the Review imply any endorsement of those goods and services by HVA. Hayes Quarterly Review. Published by Hayes (Kent) Village Association, 5 Hartfield Crescent, West Wickham BR4 9DN Printed by Imprint, 48tel 07538 434 496