South Kenton and Preston Park Residents Association
SKPPRA
Newsletter Autumn 2013
In this issue
Steeped in history...
4Local news
In March 1937 the committee representing the residents of the Estate published a Preliminary Report, telling residents about their ideas for the newly formed Association. It proved very popular and in September 1937 the first newsletter was published. It had over 40 pages and was well supported by advertising. Then as now, we need our advertisers to make our newsletters viable. Over the years the issues ranged from over 40 pages to a single sheet! Tough times and good times for the committee, and editors had their work cut out as funds fluctuated. Despite all that, we have an unbroken line of newsletters only interrupted by the war years! Our archives are an immensely valuable document of local history. You no doubt can image how difficult it was for me to get on with life rather than reading all about our local history. I simply could not resist and had to put a few items in this and, no doubt, future issues. Enjoy! Trixi
4Helga Wolff, author 4Beware of scams 4Diamond Jubilee 1996 4It’s a Rat’s Life 4Obituaries 4Wandle and Ducomble
Christmas Party, Sunday, 8th December 5pm - 7pm
For all the latest news visit www.skppra.co.uk
Bryan Maher & Co
ESTATE AGENTS & VALUERS
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188 Preston Road, Wembley HA9 8PA tel: 020 8904 8904 fax: 020 8904 8984 email: info@bryanmaher.co.uk
SKPPRA
Newsletter
Autumn
2013
Good News & Information Backdrop of London and other stories by Helga Wolff Helga’s new book was successfully launched on 1st October at Wembley Library, Brent Civic Centre. Helga who taught most of her life has published several books before. This new book is a collection of her reminiscences of life in post-war London, together with fictional stories triggered by people she has encountered in her long and remarkable life. What makes this extra special to us is that Helga has lived in our area for over 35 years. Her late husband George was also involved in SKPPRA. He joined the committee in Spring 1985 and later on served as chairman. If you would like to buy a copy of Helga Wolff’s book, please contact her on 020 8908 4958. The book costs £12.60, but if you are one of the more mature people, you can purchase it for £6.30! Welcome to Reverend Trevor Goddard and his family On the 5th September Rev Goddard was licensed as the new Parish Priest of The Church of the Annunciation. He has a great sense of humour which became evident at the gathering afterwards. We wish him and his family all the best. Wembley Event Days - Apart from looking out for the information at the entrances to our Estate, you can also check them on our website www.skppra.co.uk. SKPPRA Christmas Party Some time to go yet, but plans are in hand for our Party on Sunday, 8th December 5pm - 7pm at The Windermere Pub. (If you want to prop up the bar after 7pm that is fine by the landlord!) We have a few surprises in store. We will also draw our raffle that afternoon. Make sure you buy your raffle tickets when your Road Steward comes to your door. Be lucky and collect your winnings at the party! Preston Park Primary School Plans for the extension have been drawn up. Planning permission will be sought and residents will have the chance to put their views. New Tea Dancing at Brent Civic Centre on Mondays. 020 8937 4340. Citizens Panel Brent wants to recruit more people. Interested? Phone 020 8937 1073. Electoral register Contact 020 8937 1372 to ensure your name is on the register. Brent Bulky Waste Collection - 020 8937 5050. 3
SKPPRA
Newsletter
Autumn
2013
Scams, spam - if in doubt, throw it out - don’t respond! It is difficult to be suspicious when a pleasant person calls who wants to help you. Criminals are getting very sophisticated and we have to be mistrustful. Here is Anne’s story: “I received a phone call today from a Sergeant at a London police station, saying that they had two men in custody who had on them a bank card which seemed to relate to our household. I was asked to check if I still had mine. He gave his name and number, the police station and a reference number for the case. As I was writing all this down, he suggested that I call 101 (the nonemergency police number) and ask to be put through to him, so that I knew he was calling from the police station. I did so, but from a different phone and talked to the real police. Anne One, Fraudsters Nil. If I'd phoned from the same phone, these fraudsters stay on the line and send a noise down like a dialling tone, so you think you're dialling the police. Then one of them talks to you like you have just rung them and puts you through to the original person. Then they try to get your bank details, or arrange to send a taxi round to collect your card.” Emails are now commonplace and so are spam mails; they tell us that money is due to us or a tax refund from the Tax Office. Scam mail, out! I recently received a phone call telling me that my credit card had been used fraudulently and to dial 0 to learn more. I immediately put the phone down, but it worried me. I logged into my account and contacted customer services via my mobile. In this case it was a genuine call from them. I did complain saying they must find a better way to warn their customers. Be suspicious, stay safe. Trixi
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30 years Experience - Reasonable Rates 4
Bryan Maher & Co
ESTATE AGENTS & VALUERS
Free no obligation valuation of your home Fully qualified Estate Agents with technical awards in residential sales Full double page colour advertising in the area’s leading local newspapers Prominent high street location ensures vast amounts of walk-in clients Long opening hours We will not be beaten on fees
188 Preston Road, Wembley HA9 8PA tel: 020 8904 8904 fax: 020 8904 8984 email: info@bryanmaher.co.uk
SKPPRA
Newsletter
Autumn
2013
It’s a Rat’s Life The brown or grey rat can be up to 25cm long with a tail of about the same length. Over the last 200 years it has spread to every continent except Antarctica making it one of the most successful mammals after humans. Indeed, with rare exceptions, the brown rat lives wherever humans reside, particularly in urban areas. Rats are a very smart - and I do mean smart. I’d like to tell you more in a follow-up article. Rats are normally suspicious of new food sources and will only eat a small amount to see what happens and then come back for more later. Difenacoum is a fairly potent poison, so any brand containing this is a good bet. Place bait boxes close to where you think your rodent problem is, preferably close to a fence, remember top up your bait boxes daily, because once a rat has a food source they keep coming back. If your boxes go untouched then it's time to get smart. Put some peanut butter in the bait box, and if this starts to disappear keep topping it up for a few days; the rats will start to see the bait box as a reliable source of food. Then change to poison! Unfortunately rats also love the peanuts from our bird feeders... Eric B We have received reports of sightings of rats in our area, in public and private spaces. You can contact the Council or a private Pest Controller. Please send me any helpful information which I will distribute to residents. Trixi Our advertisers are very important to us as their support helps with our funds. Please consider and contact them when you are interested in what they offer.
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SKPPRA
Newsletter
Autumn
2013
WANDLE and DUCOMBLE A neighbour once asked me why, if I liked living in London - which I do - did I spend so many Saturdays getting away from it. Was this a challenge? Most people who live north of the Thames are unfamiliar with Tramlink, London's only tram service, extending from Wimbledon to Beckenham. At one point the tram is clunking through the streets of Croydon; a little later it may be speeding through the woods of Lloyd Park. Earlier this year I took the tram to Phipps Bridge to explore Morden Hall Park and almost immediately found myself in a meadow. Further exploration revealed a rose garden, a collection of historic buildings, a friendly cafĂŠ/restaurant, a garden shop and an exhibition space housed in the former stable block. The park, originally the estate of G.E. Hatfeild, was bequeathed by him to the National Trust in 1941. To quote one of the booklets, 'It survives as an oasis of tranquillity amidst a busy London suburb, an island of green, intersected by an intricate network of watercourses.' These watercourses all link up to the River Wandle, and this, for me, was the big discovery. The Wandle is a fast-flowing tributary of the Thames. Sourced at Waddon Ponds and at Carshalton, at one time it powered some 90 watermills for industries as varied as tanning, gunpowder manufacture, weaving and snuff making. Today the river is host to the Wandle Trail, a 14 mile walking and cycle route. On my first visit I walked upstream to Mitcham, not much more than a mile, but taken at a leisurely pace because of all there was to see. There are several weirs on the river creating slow moving water, ideal for wildfowl. I remember the instance when a pair of Canada Geese (cont. page 8)
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SKPPRA
Newsletter
Autumn
2013
(cont. from page 7) with their six goslings slowly crossed the path in front of me to enter the water. I have also sampled other parts of the trail but have not begun to appreciate all that it has to offer. For those interested in history, the Wandle Industrial Museum is the key. Situated less than half a mile north of Mitcham (Tramlink) in the Vestry Hall Annexe, London Road, it is staffed by volunteers and is open only on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons. For an embarrassingly small entrance fee we can learn about the Surrey Iron Railway, about Liberty's fabrics, and how tanning is a smelly business. The Trail itself is shown in detail on a handy leaflet (folded A2). At the time of writing this is out of print, but it can be downloaded at www.merton.gov.uk/leisure/visiting/attractions/wandletrail.htm. Now; the Central Bar at the Royal Festival Hall could not be more different. Most Fridays at 1 o'clock there is a free performance of popular music, played against a background of lunchtime activity with toddlers scampering around. On 7th June the performer was singer Gabrielle Ducomble, accompanied by a guitar player and pianist from her band. At first it was the pianist who held my attention as he attacked the keys with assurance and variety of touch. Then, such was the fullness of the sound - was there a backing track? - I turned to the guitar. The spectrum of sounds that can be produced by a skilled performer was a revelation to me, and it drew applause, jazz fashion, whenever the end of a solo passage was signalled. I am not normally a jazz enthusiast, but this was sheer pleasure to listen to. Afterwards I bought the CD and Gabrielle signed the sleeve for me. DMP 7.8.13
Wedding and Event Photography
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SKPPRA
Newsletter
Autumn
2013
A Sixty Year Summary 1936 - 1996 BY 1936, when the increasing population of “Preston Park Estate” decided to form their own Residents’ Association, the building of the house properties, roads and other amenities had already been in progress for eight years. The main contractors were Clifford Sabey and F. C. Costin, who specialised in construction of three bedroom properties of the “Mock Tudor” and other designs typical of the period. In the latter part of the completion of the Estate - between 1935 to 1939 - the development was carried out by “Preston Park Estates Ltd”. The area represented “Metroland” concept of a new, outer London suburb with easy access to town centres and surrounding countryside. This had attracted young married couples on moderate incomes; many with young, growing families. They had common social interests in what was a period of no television, no video recorders or computers, very few private cars and certainly no holidays abroad! Self-help and self-reliance was the order of the day. Consequently, the Residents’ main priority was to provide an active Association which not only represented them in consultations with the Local Authority; but in particular would provide a basis for group social activities. The inaugural meeting was held in Preston Park School (in College Road) and attended by some 300 local residents. From its concept the members decided that the Association was to be non-political and non-sectarian. This principle has remained in effect during the past sixty years. A committee was elected and Road Stewards recruited. Within a few weeks the residents were (through their Association) making strong representations to the Wembley Council Officials about proposed “Rezoning of a certain part of Preston Park Estate for industrial purposes” (i.e. adjacent to Carlton Avenue East), which the residents considered would be detrimental to the house properties and welfare of the residents. This confirms that even in those days the local planners had little awareness of the effects of adverse developments upon a residential area! Backed by the support and enthusiasm of its members, the Association quickly organised social and leisure activities to cater for individual interests. These consisted of regular whist drives, tennis, bowls and cricket clubs; plus social events and dinner dances. These were well attended. One must realise that in 1936 there was no official provision for these activities in the locality. Preston Park with its recreational facilities, as now exists, was not landscaped or finally completed until 1940. It is only during very recent years that Brent Council has provided a properly designed playground area for the children. (Extract from the Diamond Jubilee edition 1996) Continued in future issues. Trixi
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SKPPRA
Newsletter
Autumn
2013
Obituaries Rosemary Nichols It is with sadness that I report the death of Rosemary Nichols aged 82, on 8th July 2013, at Oak Lodge Nursing Home, Oakley, near Basingstoke. Born in Millom, in the county of Cumberland she moved to London in 1958 working in various catering establishments as a cook. In most recent years, together with her late husband Arthur, she was very involved in the many activities and organisational roles at Methodist Central Hall Westminster. It was only then in December 2012 because her health was failing fast that she finally accepted that she needed consistent help. Therefore, earlier this year she made the move to Oak Lodge for care she required and to be closer to all her family. Rosemary was a delightful lady, friendly and unassuming in nature and will be missed by all her family, friends and neighbours in and around Montpelier Rise. She will be missed by me also, ending a long family association particularly following her husband’s death in 2007. It was my pleasure to collect her on Sunday mornings and together attend morning service at the Methodist Central Hall Westminster. Katie Jones Cliff Lock We are very sad to inform you that Cliff Lock passed away after a long illness. Cliff was a very active Road Steward. Last year the committee decided to present him with a well-deserved Certificate of Service in recognition of 25 years as a Road Steward. Our sympathies go to his wife Joan.
SKPPRA Committee for 2013/14 - Officers Chairman, Michael 020 8904 1750, chair@skppra.co.uk Treasurer, Julia 020 8908 0094, treasurer@skppra.co.uk Chief Road Steward, Sagar 020 3371 0259, roadstewards@skppra.co.uk Newsletter Editor, Trixi 020 8904 4795, editor@skppra.co.uk Website Manager, David 020 8904 2387, website@skppra.co.uk Minutes Secretary, Clare, 020 8904 9699, clarestringfellow@btinternet.com Social Secretary, Noel 07791 620219, noel_hehir@hotmail.com Committee members Linda Green, 020 8908 0173, lrg@skppra.co.uk Sean Mendis (co-opted), sean.k.mendis@gmail.com Alfred Tyndale, 07984 160588, 020 8904 3264 10
SKPPRA Road Stewards Autumn 2013 1. Allonby Gdns 1 - 16 2. Ambleside Gdns 1 - 47 3. Ambleside Gdns 2 - 48 4. Arnside Gdns 1 - 28 5. Carlton Ave East 131 - 173, 160 - 200 6. Carlton Ave East 175 - 213, 202 - 252 7. Carlton Ave East 215 - 233, 254 - 314 8. College Rd 1 - 22 9. College Rd 23 - 64 10. Coniston Gdns 1 - 25, 2 - 26 11. Coniston Gdns 27 - 51, 28 - 56 12. Conway Gdns 1 - 35 13. Derwent Gdns 1 - 39 14. Ennerdale Gdns 1 - 27 15. Fernleigh Court 1 - 10 16. First Avenue 1 - 32 17. Glendale Gdns 39 - 69, 44 - 56 18. Glendale Gdns 1 - 37, 2 - 42 19. Grasmere Ave 1 - 37, 2 - 50 20. Grasmere Ave 39 - 67, 52 - 100 21. Grasmere Ave 69 - 111, 102 - 140 22. Grasmere Ave 129 -137, 212 - 284 23. Grasmere Ave 113 -127, 142 - 210 24. Logan Rd 1 - 67 25. Logan Rd 2 - 56 26. Longfield Ave 1 - 18 27. Lulworth Ave 1 - 24 28. Montpelier Rise 1 - 21, 2 - 22 29. Montpelier Rise 23 - 47, 24 - 36 30. Montpelier Rise 38 - 92, 49 - 85 31. Rydal Gdns 1 - 37, 2 - 42 32. Rydal Gdns 39 - 69, 50 - 74 33. Second Avenue 1 - 23 34. Third Avenue 1 - 31, 2 - 40 35. Thirlmere Gdns 1 - 41, 2 - 40 36. Thirlmere Gdns 41 - 63, 42 -100A 37. Thirlmere Gdns 65 - 101, 102 - 136 38. Warren Close 1-4 39. Windermere Ave 1 - 27, 2 - 52 40. Windermere Ave 54 - 102 41. Windermere Ave 29 - 67, 146 - 194 42. Windermere Ave Flats & Shops 43. Windermere Ct 1 - 24, 25 - 48 44. Woodford Place 1 - 30 CHIEF ROAD STEWARD
Mrs M Perrin, 2 Windermere Ave Dave Owen, 19 Ambleside Gdns Dave Owen, 19 Ambleside Gdns Ankit Patel, 35 Grasmere Ave Cathy Hayes, 7 Montpelier Rise Mrs Roopal Patel, 187 Carlton Ave East VACANT Mr V Patel, 12 College Rd Mr & Mrs Verma, 57 College Road Pat Baker, 11 Coniston Gdns Mrs Preety Bhudia, 1 Coniston Gdns VACANT David Glyn-Williams, 13 Derwent Gdns Anna Ray, 11 Ennerdale Gdns Mr Peter Cain, 4 Fernleigh Court Mrs Vandana Joshi, 5 Montpelier Rise Brenda Manbauhar, 14 Allonby Gdns Jacky Davies, 11 Glendale Gdns Lynn O’Connor, 82 Grasmere Ave VACANT Iris Fenn, 23 Rydal Gdns Jackie O’Donoghue, 18 Ennerdale Gdns VACANT Mr Alvin Wright, 51 Logan Road VACANT VACANT Alfred Tyndale, 12 Lulworth Ave Mrs J Leon-Soon, 18 Montpelier Rise Mrs V Roig, 29 Montpelier Rise Mrs D Bhanji, 70 Montpelier Rise Ms Maeve Cronin, 38 Rydal Gdns VACANT VACANT Julia Mitchell, 7 Allonby Gdns Mrs D Bhanji, 70 Montpelier Rise Mrs D Bhanji, 70 Montpelier Rise Mrs D Bhanji, 70 Montpelier Rise Mr Alvin Wright, 51 Logan Road Jan Able, 42 Windermere Ave Mr Selveratnam, 76 Windermere Ave Jan Able, 42 Windermere Ave Mrs M Perrin, 2 Windermere Ave Mr Selveratnam, 76 Windermere Ave Mr Weigan Wilson, 8 Woodford Place Sagar Patel, 187 Carlton Ave East
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