27 March 2014

by Marzia Nicodemi-Ehikioya
These Shirley poppies
grew on Rev. Wilks grave in
St. Johns graveyard, Shirley
Marzia Nicodemi-Ehikioya
Editor, linguist, outspoken campaigner
on local and national issues. Loves opera,
books and libraries.
Russell Elliott
Passionate believer and advocate of
alternative - Just cos something has
always been done a particular way
doesnt make it the best!
Robert Dil
Graphic Design Consultant and
Co-owner of TD Studio in Addiscombe.
Loves making music & diving.
Andrew
Dunsmore
Top London photographer, runs
Picture Partnership in his Shirley
Studio or on location. He helps
you take better pictures.
Nathalie Baron
Ayurvedic therapist, loves natural
remedies, nature, books & writing
Nadia Nazir
IT Consultant and Interior
Decorator, loves to sew, knit
and bake.
Helen Campbell-MacDonald
Practitioner of alternative medicine
and regular contributor to
Alternatives page.
Jill Latter
Miniaturist, Shirley resident for more
than 50 years, makes beautiful
cakes.
Tom Dunsmore
Family man. Retired engineer. Has
worked abroad. Speaks Spanish.
Enjoys travel.
Charles Park
of Planning Partnership Ltd, Shirley.
The man to look for if you want
something special for your home.
3
Contents
Shirley Life 5
Lets Talk about the Broken Window by Editor 11
What you need to know about Smart Meters 1
A picture from Shirley 16
About Round Up 19
The blackboard 23
9 ways to re-use your tea bag 24
Useful websites 26
9 Ways to Put Coke to Work in Your Home and Reasons Not to Drink it 28
Slimming World 33
The Moat and The Goat 34
Police Matters 38
1 Hour Free Parking Parking 40
I-522: Your Right to Know 42
Save the David Lean Cinema Campaign 44
Andrew Dunsmore, Picture Partnership, Shirley 46
Shirley Library: April Activities 50
Green Thumb 53
Pothole #39 54
Document: A Letter Before the Claim 64
Front Cover: Spring in Shirley
Editorial Team
Nathalie Baron, Tom Dunsmore, Jill Latter, Marzia Nicodemi-Ehikioya
(Editor), Andrew Pelling, Russell Elliott (Advertising Consultant), Robert Dil
(Graphic Design Consultant) and Nadia Nazir (Website Administrator).
Contacts
T: 07940 415532

E: shirleylife@rocketmail.com

W: www.shirleylife.com
Blog: http://shirleylifeblog.wordpress.com
4
http://www.gardenofpomegranates.com/
Community
Shirley Life is an independent
magazine that aims to raise
awareness for our environment. We
know that A man who moves a
mountain begins by carrying away
small stones. We believe that many
hands make this job quicker and
easier. That is why we want to involve as many people as possible.
Smart meters
I could not make Mike Mitchams lecture but I started researching the
Smart revolution and its implications. It is strange that those who are
so concerned about telecommunication masts seem to be totally silent
about the meters. Read the poster on page 15 and find out more on
http://stopsmartmeters.org.uk/a-reminder-your-rights-in-relation-to-smart-meters/
Big energy firms are pushing hard to sell Smart Meter with advertising
campaigns online and offline, integrated social media/direct mail
campaigns. They want to sell them to us on the spurious and totally
unsubstantiated benefits of placing our utility supplies on the web. They
think that we all live in cyber space.
Please be aware that you do not have to accept Smart Meters in your
home. Charles Hendry MP (former Energy minister) was reported to say:
We believe that people will benefit fromhaving smart meters, but we will
not make them obligatory. If people are concerned about the
electromagnetic issues, they will not be required to have one. We have
been willing to give assurances to Hon. Members on that account.
David Camerons Secretary of State for Energy & Climate Change,
Edward Davey MP, issued a public response to the DontSmartMeter.me
campaign in which he stated the following: We believe smart meters
will bring important benefits to consumers However, there will not be
a legal obligation on individuals to have one.
Gas meters were upgraded in part of my road last year but
work stopped just before reaching our household. I knocked
on my neighbours door to ask which kind of meter was
installed: they confirmed it was the old style meter. We have
an ancient one positioned in the most awkward corner but we
will be keeping it and resist any changes until the matter has
been thoroughly investigated. Somebody, somewhere is making a mint.
5
TD STUDIO
353 LOWER ADDISCOMBE ROAD
CROYDON - SURREY CR06RG
T - 020 8656 0555 / 0888
E - T DPRI NT @BT CONNECT . COM
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Our environment
What is an Environmental Visual
Audit (EVA)?
1 looking for anything that is
detrimental to the area such as
graffiti, fly tipping, damage to the
highway, excess litter or anything
we feel that should not be as it is.
2 recording the information and
forwarding it onto whomever is
responsible for the issues e.g.
Streetcare Team or Highways
Team and expect them to take
action for the issues within their
remit.
Environmental Visual Audits (EVAs) are used by Police together with their
partner agencies such as local Councils, schools, fire service and
residents, to identify problems in the area such as litter, graffiti, vandalism,
and fly-tipping.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KusKnEJnFg
An EVA is not a litter picking exercise where a small group cleans a small
area and makes no real difference because, fundamentally, only tackles a
single aspect of anti social behaviour, littering, without engaging with the
community.
Many residents have grown
accustomed to vandalism and fly-
tipping and think that they cannot
change the situation.
On Sunday 23 March 2014, I was
driving around Shirley to have an
idea of the state of the roads (see
pages 54 to 56.)
I came across fly tipping and a
wrecked street cabinet, all in the
same locality.
Enough was enough. What next?
Picture taken on 23 March 2014
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8
Editor
We can do something and we will.
Just watch this space.
We all need to play a part in our Community.
A Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) can be set up to deal with key
issues that have been identified by the community after consultation.
NAGs are volunteer working groups made up of representatives from the
community. These include local residents, the Police, Croydon Borough
Council and other organisations, such as local businesses, community
groups, Neighbourhood Watch Groups (NHW), schools and other
voluntary organisations. A bit of a tall order in Croydon where
fragmentation rules but we will try.
International Womens Day
In Italy, to celebrate the day, men give yellow
mimosas to women. I miss this tradition and the
smell of this beautiful plant. There are no mimosas in
the UK and I received yellow roses this year. It is the
thought that counts.
Round Up
Jill Latter said: I am no authority on this topic and have no personal
experience of this problem, however I worked for a farming magazine
publisher many years ago, when GMO first became a discussion topic.
It became evident to me that Monsanto introduced glyphosate-
resistant crops (GMO crops) to make the use of Round Up as a weed
killer a world seller. Read more about Round Up on page 19.
A story behind a tree
One might not think much about the tree on the cover
but there is a story I would like to tell.
Once upon a time there was a beautiful tree in the same
spot but decay set in and it died. Another tree was
planted by Croydon Council but did not survive in spite
of the loving care it received from a resident.
A third tree was planted and seems to be growing
healthily. I hope to see it thrive in years to come. A road
without trees is sad.
9
Editor
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020 8656 9596
Personal service at its best
and you get exactly
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11
LETS TALK ABOUT
THE
INCINERATOR,
AGAIN!
A formal notice was issued to Sutton Council that a Judicial Review is to be sought over
the decision to build a multi-million-pound waste incinerator on Beddington Lane, on
the borough boundary with Croydon.
Shirley Life has consistently opposed any plans to
build an incinerator near people or, indeed, at all.
We are now asking our readers, wherever they may
be in the world, to read the letter before the
claim on pages 64-72 and donate whatever they
can possibly afford to the campaign through
http://www.stoptheincinerator.co.uk/
It is our world that will be destroyed and we need
to send a strong message to those who treat us
with contempt and call us scaremongers.
http://youtu.be/2OdkSCjYel0
Mass burn incineration is an outdated and unsustainable technology and
there are major questions about its effect on peoples health. This case is
just one of many which local people are bringing across the UK to stop an
army of waste incinerators being built when councils should be focused on
cleaner renewable energy and recycling.
I was puzzled when I read a press release on the Council website, dated
Thu, 02 January 2014, that:
Councillor Phil Thomas, cabinet member for environment and highways
(sic), said: The boroughs recycling figures continue to improve thanks to
the help of local residents. The Christmas and New Year period generates
a lot of extra waste, so its an important time of year to reinforce the
12
www. shi r l eyel ect r i cal . com
A contemporary cafe with great food
served in a pleasant and friendly
atmosphere at 219 Wickham Road,
in the Library Parade
13
recycling message. Thats why weve made things as easy as possible for
residents to recycle as much as they can, and to carry on their great work
into 2014 and beyond.
I question the recycling figures put out by Croydon Council: Christmas
trees were still lying around in Shirley at the end of February. The 28
February issue of Shirley Life refers. I also see a lot of contaminated items
in the cursed recycling boxes with flying lids.
Please also read carefully the following document published by DEFRA:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-authority-collected-waste-
management-annual-results and compare the local spin with, allegedly, the
official figures. The details
highlighted in the pictures are
interesting to look at because we
need facts and figures not
coloured, according to political
hues, inaccuracies. Unless, of
course, all data are inaccurate!
For reference
14
15
Editor
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
ABOUT
You have the Right to refuse a Smart Meter.
NOI
HEALIHY
ln Calilornia over 2,000 complainls wilhin lwo monlhs were
received in relalion lo debililaling heallh ellecls and much higher
bills. The same reporls came lrom 'Smarl' homes in Canada.
Your ulilily provider(s) will requesl access lo your
home lo inslall one or more Smarl Melers.
NOI
CHEAPER
Aclual symploms reporled lrom exposure lo 'Smarl' Melers include.
lnsomnia, Headaches, Palpitations, Seizures, Iatigue, Allergies,
Nausea, vomiting, Tinnitus, Memory & Concentration lmpairment.
NOI
5AFER
for more in!o. vvv.stopsmartmeters.org.uk
design by www.nazca-crealive.co.uk
The nev Gas, EIectricity and Water meters are causing.
Smarl Melers lransmil inlense bursls ol microwave
radialion in your home 24 hours a day.
DAMAGED HEALTH & HIGHER ILL5
SMART METERS!
ABOUT
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

SMART METERS!
ABOUT
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

SMART METERS!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

SMART METERS!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

SMART METERS!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

DAMAGED HEAL
The nev Gas, EIectricity and W

DAMAGED HEAL
SMART METERS!
The nev Gas, EIectricity and W

DAMAGED HEALTH & HIGHER ILL5 DAMAGED HEALTH & HIGHER ILL5
The nev Gas, EIectricity and W
SMART METERS!
ater meters ar

TH & HIGHER ILL5
ater meters ar
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e causing.

TH & HIGHER ILL5
SMART METERS!
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ln Calilor

home lo inslall one or mor
Your ulilily pr Your ulilily pr
ln Calilor
ovider(s) will r
nia over 2,000 complainls wilhin lwo monlhs wer

home lo inslall one or more Smarl Melers.
ovider(s) will requesl access lo your
nia over 2,000 complainls wilhin lwo monlhs wer

e Smarl Melers.
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NOI NOI
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bills. The same reporls came lr
eceived in relalion lo debililaling heallh el
ln Calilor
NOI
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NOI
eporls came lrom 'Smarl' homes in Canada.
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NOI
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NOI NOI
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elalion lo debililaling heallh ellecls and much higher
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NOI
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HEALIHY HEAL HEALIHY HEALIHY IHY
NOI
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NOI

CHEAPER IHY
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IHY IHY CHEAPER

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NOI
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NOI

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lnsomnia, Headaches, Palpitations, Seizures, Iatigue, Allergies,
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lnsomnia, Headaches, Palpitations, Seizures, Iatigue, Allergies,
Aclual symploms reporled lrom exposur
Smarl Melers lransmil inlense bursls ol micr

radialion in your home 24 hours a day
innitus, Memory & Concentration lmpairment.
lnsomnia, Headaches, Palpitations, Seizures, Iatigue, Allergies,
om exposure lo 'Smarl' Melers include.
Smarl Melers lransmil inlense bursls ol micr

radialion in your home 24 hours a day.
Smarl Melers lransmil inlense bursls ol micr
innitus, Memory & Concentration lmpairment.
lnsomnia, Headaches, Palpitations, Seizures, Iatigue, Allergies,
e lo 'Smarl' Melers include.
owave

innitus, Memory & Concentration lmpairment.
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e lo 'Smarl' Melers include.

for more in!o. vvv
You have the
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e in!o. vvv.stopsmartmeters.org.uk
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Right You have the
innitus, Memory & Concentration lmpairment.

.stopsmartmeters.org.uk
to refuse a Smart Meter. Right
innitus, Memory & Concentration lmpairment.
design by www.nazca-cr
to refuse a Smart Meter.
innitus, Memory & Concentration lmpairment.
.nazca-crealive.co.uk
to refuse a Smart Meter.
innitus, Memory & Concentration lmpairment.
International Womens Day, 8 March 2014
International Womens Day, 8 March 2014
18
19
20
What is Round Up?
Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum systemic herbicide used to kill weeds.
It was discovered to be a herbicide by Monsanto chemist John E. Franz
in 1970 Monsanto brought it to market in the 1970s under the trade
name "Roundup", and Monsanto's last commercially relevant United
States patent expired in 2000.
Glyphosate was quickly adopted by
farmers, even more so when Monsanto
introduced glyphosate-resistant crops,
enabling farmers to kill weeds without
killing their crops. In 2007 glyphosate
was the most used herbicide in the
United States agricultural sector, with
180 to 185 million pounds (82,000 to
84,000 tonnes) applied, and the
second most used in home and garden market where users applied 5
to 8 million pounds (2,300 to 3,600 tonnes); additionally industry,
commerce and government applied 13 to 15 million pounds (5,900 to
6,800 tonnes). With its heavy use in agriculture, weed resistance to
glyphosate is a growing problem. While glyphosate and formulations
such as Roundup have been approved by regulatory bodies worldwide
and are widely used, there are concerns about their effects on humans
and the environment.
Glyphosate inhibits an enzyme involved in the synthesis of the aromatic
amino acids tyrosine, tryptophan and phenylalanine. It is absorbed
through foliage and moved to growing points. Because of this mode of
action, it is only effective on actively growing plants; it is not effective as
a pre-emergence herbicide.
Some crops have been genetically engineered to be resistant to
glyphosate (i.e. Roundup Ready, also created by Monsanto
Company). Such crops allow farmers to use glyphosate as a post-
http://www.motherearthnews.com/real-food/gluten-intolerance-from-roundup-herbicide-zw0z1402zkin.aspx
21
emergence herbicide against both
broadleaf and cereal weeds, but the
development of similar resistance in
some weed species is emerging as
a costly problem.
Soy was the first Roundup Ready
crop.
Glyphosate adsorbs strongly to soil
and is not expected to move
vertically below the six inch soil layer;
residues are expected to be
immobile in soil. Glyphosate is readily degraded by soil microbes to
AMPA and carbon dioxide. Glyphosate and AMPA are not likely to move
to ground water due to their strong adsorptive characteristics. However,
glyphosate does have the potential to contaminate surface waters due
to its aquatic use patterns and through erosion, as it adsorbs to soil
particles suspended in runoff. If glyphosate reached surface water, it
would not be broken down readily by water or sunlight.
The median half-life of glyphosate in soil ranges between 2 and 197
days; a typical field half-life of 47 days has been suggested. Soil and
climate conditions affect glyphosate's persistence in soil. The median
half-life of glyphosate in water varies from a few days to 91 days.
Ask yourself why Monsanto is investing millions to prevent
people from knowing what is in their food.
Do they want to play God? No, they are protecting their profits.
Go to page 42: Your right to know.
Vote with your pocket. Every day.
?
ww.riverford.co.uk
23
I want to
teach.
I want to
speak.
I want to
travel.
Hillary Clinton
ww.riverford.co.uk
9 Ways to Re-use Your Tea Bag
Tea leaves have been prized since ancient times for their many
secondary uses and the following are just nine of the numerous things
you can do with your tea leaves:
1 Make odour-absorbing satchels. Black tea has significant
deodorizing properties. Place your tea leaves in fine mesh bags, or
wrap them in cheesecloth, and place these satchels in your
refrigerator, in closets, in the nursery or kids rooms, near pet areas,
or anywhere that you want odours absorbed. A few tea leaves
sprinkled in a litter box can significantly decrease the smelliness factor.
2 Remove food odours and fight bacteria on kitchenware. Rubbing
used black or green tea leaves directly on cutting boards, utensils or
pots can absorb the odours, and also helps to remove bacteria. If
you have garlic odour, for example, lingering on your hands, rubbing
tea leaves directly on your skin before washing can get rid of it.
3 Use as a glass cleaner. Wet tea leaves wrapped in cloth can do
wonders for your mirrors, windows and glass surfaces. Simply wipe
your glass with the tea-filled cloth, and wipe dry with a separate cloth.
4 Enjoy as homemade incense. Cha kouro is a
type of Japanese incense burner specifically
designed for tea leaves. You can use black, green
or herbal teas and infuse your home with the
sweet, relaxing smell of your favorite blend. It is
especially delightful in a meditation area or sitting
room. Alternately, you can boil used tea leaves in
a pot of water on the stove. Add a few citrus rinds
and herb stems to amplify the aroma.
5 Elevate your bathing experience. For a luxurious hot bath, either
add loose tea leaves, or gather them in a mesh satchel and add to
your bathwater. This is both aromatic and soothing to your skin.
6 Soothe minor skin irritations. Apply cooled tea bags or loose tea
leaves to minor burns, bug bites, bee stings and irritated skin. This
technique also works well for sunburn.
7 Sleep soundly on a tea-filled pillow. Save and dry tea leaves in a
large container until you have enough to fill a pillowcase, as tightly or
loosely as you desire. According to traditional Chinese custom,
24
25
sleeping on a pillow filled with tea can help you sleep more soundly,
alleviate headaches and even lower blood pressure. You can also do
this with throw-pillow coverings and arrange on your couch.
8 Make your own unique stationery. In a large pot or bowl, pour
boiling water over used tea bags and allow to cool. Dip the edges of
paper into the bowl to stain them a mild, sepia hue, and lay flat to
dry. You can also drip the tea water onto the paper in whatever design
you choose. To avoid wrinkling, use heavier paper, or paper made for
watercolor paints. If the type of paper you use does not wrinkle when
wet, you can even dye the entire sheet if you wish. This method can
also be used for dyeing yarn and other fabrics.
9 Keep your potted plants from dripping. Placing used tea bags at
the bottom of pots and planters, before adding soil, can help absorb
excess water, and also add nutrients to boost the soil quality.
Tips for buying healthy tea:
Always buy organic tea or you risk that it has been sprayed with
pesticides, Round Up included!
When you purchase your tea, make sure that it has not been treated
with epicholorodyrin (EPI is considered a hazardous chemical).
Avoid tea bags that are mesh like or fancy shapes. These are likely
to contain dangerous chemicals. Loose tea is the best choice of all.
While it may take a little longer to steep, it is well worth the wait. Loose
tea often contains more antioxidant power than bagged teas as well,
which is an added bonus.
Matcha green tea powder is an alternative and can be added directly
to hot or cold water. Matcha is, by far, one of the healthiest teas
available.
Tulsi tea leaves are an Ayurvedic herb that is full of free radical
antioxidants that help fight oxidation in the body. This tea comes in a
variety of flavours, each with its own health benefits.
Remember: As with any food, the less man has tampered with
it, the better it is for your health.
Post scriptum: I discovered loose Green Chai and Mount
Everest tea filters at Javanas in Bruges. 100 filters, S, cost 1
euro. The cheapest filters around in the UK cost 4.90 plus
3.50 shipping on Ebay. Just ridiculous.
-Adapted from The Alternative Daily
Marzia
26
USEFUL WEBSITES
NEWS AND BLOGS
If you want to know what is really going on in Croydon
insidecroydon.com/
If you are interested in police matters
http://inspectorgadget.wordpress.com/
If you are interested in checking facts
http://fullfact.org
FOOD AND HEALTH
Bradleys for the best frozen fish around
(quality, price and great choice)
www.frozenfishdirect.co.uk
For books and health products that might change a few things
in your life for the better
www.credence.org
For organic food on your doorstep, check
www.riverford.co.uk and discover, once more, what real
food
tastes like
For a fun and inspirational blog full of gluten free recipes
http://glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.co.uk/p/site-index.html
If you want to make a difference about better prices, decent
working conditions, local sustainability and fair terms of trade
for farmers and workers in the developing world
http://www.fairtrade.org.uk
Subscribe to www.thealternativedaily.com to receive your
daily source for alternative health news and tips. You can really
learn a lot from this website.
Get the latest natural health news and information from
www.drmercola.com and discover long-term health solutions
to improve your wellbeing
LIFESTYLE AND BEAUTY
For Ayurvedic theraphy, enter the peaceful world of
www.gardenofpomegranates. com and enjoy beauty, the
natural way
When you need a freelance make-up artist, check
www.mimidmakeup.com
For a hairdresser with a difference
www.wickhamstudio.co.uk/
WEBSITES
If you are looking for a reliable person to build your own
website, check www.nadianazir.com
TRAVEL
Before travelling and planning an outing, DO check
www.tripadvisor.co.uk for real feedback
SERVICES
For superb and traditional shoe repairs
www.traditionalshoerepairs.co.uk
For electrical work
www.shirleyelectrical.com
27
28
9 Ways to Put Coke to Work in Your Home and
Reasons Not to Drink it
Did you know that Coca-Cola follows hello as the second
most recognized word in the world?
Did also you know that Coke has an acidity level that is
comparable to that of battery acid?
Perhaps not.
Nostalgia works. An obese Father Christmas stuffing himself with
turkey and washing it down with a Coke should not be attractive but
it is to many. If he drinks the concoction, then it must be safe. Once the
message seeps into our subconscious mind, we are drawn to Coke
and make it a regular part of our diets. Sex appeal or a nurse telling us
that we can trust its quality must have convinced the non Christmas
brigades. Generations, from when Colonel John Pemberton, in 1885,
registered his French Wine Coca nerve tonic, have been drinking it.
The first sales were at Jacob's Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia, on 8 May
1886 when it was initially sold as a patent medicine for five cents a
glass at soda fountains, which were popular in the United States at
the time due to the belief that carbonated water was good for the
health. Pemberton claimed Coca-Cola cured many diseases, including
morphine addiction, dyspepsia, neurasthenia, headache, and
impotence. Pemberton ran the first advertisement for the beverage on
May 29 of the same year in the Atlanta Journal. By 1888, three
versions of Coca-Cola sold by three separate businesses were on
the market.
By the time of its 50
th
anniversary, the soft drink had reached the status
of a national icon in the USA. In 1935, it was certified kosher by Atlanta
Rabbi Tobias Geffen, after the company made minor changes in the
sourcing of some ingredients. On July 12, 1944, the one-billionth gallon
29
of Coca-Cola syrup was manufactured by The Coca-Cola Company.
Cans of Coke first appeared in 1955.
The Coca-Cola syrup formula trade secret is kept well guarded, known
only to a few. What is known is that Coke contains the equivalent of 15
teaspoons of sugar, and that it is easier and cheaper to purchase Coke
in many third world countries than it is to get clean drinking water.
What Coke does to your body
All 15 teaspoons of sugar hit your system in the first 10 minutes of
consuming a Coke. This alone is over 100% of the amount that should
be consumed daily. The astounding sweetness would make anyone
vomit, but for the phosphoric acid which keeps this from happening.
In the first 20 minutes of drinking a Coke, blood sugar skyrockets and
the liver begins to turn the huge amount of sugar into fat. Shortly after,
blood pressure rises and the liver delivers more sugar into the
bloodstream. Pleasure centres in the brain are stimulated in the same
manner as when heroin is used. Within a hour, the body has a sugar
crash.
The carbonation in Coke irritates the stomach lining, and the body
draws calcium from the blood to heal the irritation. The blood, low on
calcium, pulls it from the bones to compensate. The phosphoric acid
also reduces the calcium in bones.
Caffeine in Coke causes insomnia, high blood pressure, irregular
heartbeat, birth defects, anxiousness, breast lumps and has even been
implicated in some forms of cancer.
Clinical studies suggest that drinking soft drinks is associated with
breathing and lung disorders including asthma and chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD).
Other studies show that people who consume carbonated
beverages such as Coke daily have just under a 50% increase
in heart attack and stroke risk, compared to people who do
not drink at all.
What you can do with Coke
I read about 9 ways to put Coke to work in your home and I
tried most of them. It appears that the same ingredients that
30
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destroy your stomach lining, promote obesity and decrease your
calcium supplies can be great household helpers.
I have never liked Coke and it was the first time I bought it. I purchased
6 small bottles.
1 Clean toilet bowls: To clean hard water stains from your toilet bowl,
pour a little Coke into a spray bottle and spray the rings thoroughly.
Let the Coke sit for about an hour in the toilet bowl. For stubborn
stains, use a toilet brush. For extra tough stains, let the Coke sit
overnight. Flush the toilet and see the wondrous work of the
phosphoric acid.
Note: I tried this method and it does work!
2 Remove blood stains: Spray some full-strength Coke on the stain
and let it sit overnight. Wash the piece of clothing as usual.
Note: I tried this method on an old blood stain and it removed it. A
well known product had not.
3 Clean burnt pans: Fill the pan with Coke and allow it to set until the
food is loosened. Use a plastic scraper to remove as much of the
residue as possible. Rinse the pot and wash as usual. If any burnt
residue remains, apply a thin layer of baking soda, and wash again.
Note: I tried on a roasting tin and it worked!
4 Loosen rusty bolts: If you need to remove a rusty bolt, reach for
your Coke. Pour a little cola in a bowl and use it to soak a cloth. It
must be thoroughly soaked in order to do the trick. Fold the cloth
over and cover the bolt entirely. The carbonic acid in the cola will
break down the rust on the bolt. If rust is not totally gone, repeat
again until you see no visible rust.
Note: I have no rusty bolts and could not try.
5 Eliminates slugs and snails: If you have a garden with lots of snails
or slugs, Coke is the ultimate trap. Put a small amount of flat Coke
in a bowl and place in the garden. Like people, slugs and snails are
attracted to the Coke and as with us, the acid causes them serious
damage. Once they slide in the little bowl of Coke, they get more
than they can handle.
Note: I tried this method and had to remove a lot of dead slugs. It
32
32
Drop in at
Orchard Way Primary
School, Shirley, on
Wednesday at 7:30pm
or
Shirley Methodist
Church Hall, Eldon
Avenue, Shirley, on
Tuesdays at 9:30am
Call Orla on
07888 745169
Real food
for real people.
No starvation diets!
was not a pleasant experience and I felt a bit guilty thinking that,
perhaps, they drowned and experienced a slow death.
6 Remove gum from hair: Getting gum stuck in your hair can be
uncomfortable. There are many home remedies in circulation for
removing gum from the hair, including peanut butter, ice cubes and
vinegar. Cola can also be used. If you find your hair sticky and
matted with gum, soak it thoroughly with Coke. Once saturated, the
gum should slide right out.
Note: I did not try this method as I was not prepared to stick gum
to my hair. Besides, I cannot stand chewing gum.
7 Clean grout: If you are tired of your dirty and dingy grout, try pouring
a little cola on it and watch it go to work. Leave it to set for just a few
minutes, and use a stiff bristle brush to scrub it clean.
Note: I tried this method and it works much better than other
chemicals. Furthermore, I had no allergic reaction as I usually do
when using other chemicals.
8 Strip paint off of metal: If you have some painted metal that you
wish to re-finish, skip the commercial paint strippers and let Coke go
to work. Soak a cloth in Coke and cover the area you wish to strip.
Keep the cloth saturated with Coke and in a few days the paint will
wipe right off. This works best for small pieces of metal, as you can
go through a lot of Coke with larger pieces.
Note: I will try this method soon and report back.
9 Neutralize odours in the wash: Adding a half can of Coke in with
your regular laundry detergent will help boost its effectiveness and
leave clothes smelling fresh and super clean. This is especially great
for really tough odors like fish.
Note: I have just tried this method on old dust sheets and it worked
really well.
I enjoy reading articles but always try suggestions out before I decide
to share them. I must say that, at the conclusion of all the above
experiments, I wonder how people can enjoy Coke. The results should
convince even the most avid drinkers never to consume it again.
When I feel like drinking something sparkling, I drink San Pellegrino
water.
33
Marzia
34
Re: The Moat at the Goat
Councillor Toni Letts came back to Shirley last month as a welcome
guest of the Friday Club, a group of senior residents who meet at the
Shirley Community Centre every Friday afternoon.
It was a pleasure to listen to her anecdotes and stories from her long
career. They all enjoyed the afternoon and I sat in a corner for a little
time too.
Toni used to live in Shrublands, Shirley and had written the letter on
the next page on 28 August 1986 to vent her feelings about the
infamous article. She could not believe that her letter was still around.
She said: ... Can I say how distressed I was that a Parish Church
could write such a patronizing article about a part of that Parish within
its Church magazine ... I choose to live on Shrublands - no - not as a
Council tenant, but as a home buyer. ... Please, save us from the
hypocrisy that surrounds any form of discrimination, be it class,
religious or political beliefs, colour, sex or ethnic origin - try and show
solidarity with all our fellow beings - please offer fellowship not divide
- remember OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN is not just Bridle Road but
also Shrublands FATHER. In Christ and in Peace.
The letter from John Wakely to Mr. Plummer, Chair of Shrublands
Residents Association, written ten days later, contains an interesting
observation: You make some excellent points and if some of these
shots find their mark, so much the better.
Nothing much has changed, 28 years later, in the minds of many
residents and the perception of Shrublands as a separate world
lingers on.
Next month, I will start writing
about the birth of the
Shrublands Garden Estate
and the development of the
area.
Please contact Shirley Life if
you can share pictures and
memories.
to be continued
Editor
35
36
The Chestnut Clinic
Specialising in the Identification &
Treatment of Allergic Disorders
Home Visit Service
Tel: 01959 572055
Email: Chestnuthomeopathy@virginmedia.com
Website: www.chestnuthomeopathy.co.uk
63 Steeple Heights Drive, Biggin Hill, Westerham, TN16 3UN
Tel: 020 8688 0844 Mobile: 07860 795836 Email: paul@ccrltd.co.uk
6 Commerce Way Croydon Surrey CR0 4XA
37
38
Police Matters
I look forward to attending the Public
Meeting on Wednesday 9 April 2014
which will be held in a friendly venue,
albeit outside Shirley Ward. It will be
interesting to know the reason.
Shirley Priorities were last updated in
May 2013, nearly a year ago. Anti Social
Behaviour and Burglary are listed as
priorities but there is no mention of
drugs use and/or dealing which is
somewhat surprising. Promises were
added. You can contact the Team on Shirley.snt@met.police.uk.
39
http://content.met.police.uk/Team/Croydon/Shirley
Petition
Shirley has no car parks and red lines
make motorists lives a misery.
Furthermore, TfL, in its wisdom and
without consultation, has set different
times for parking in Wickham Road.
30 minutes are not sufficient to shop,
have a cup of coffee or a hair cut.
As a result, shopkeepers complain that
their trade is suffering because residents
shop in West Wickham or beyond for fear
of heavy fines.
For the love of Shirley, sign the
petition for parking times to be
extended to 1 hour
along Wickham Road at:
Shirley Cafe, 219 Wickham Rd
Picture Partnership, 213 Wickham Rd
Mona Pharmacy, 246 Wickham Rd
42
43
Vote with Your Pocket,
EVERY DAY
Remember, the food companies on the left of the
graphic spent tens of millions of dollars in the last two
labelling campaignsin California and Washington
Stateto prevent you from knowing what is in your
food.
You can even the score by switching to the brands on
the right; all of whom stood behind the I-522 Right to
Know campaign.
Naked Juice
Gerber
Kashi
Ocean Spray
Green & Blacks Organic
Del Monte
Du Pont
Bayer
BASF
Burts Bees
STOP
BUYING THEIR PRODUCTS.
Voting with your pocket, at every meal, matters.
It makes a huge difference.
These
items
are sold
in the
UK
44
MARCH AND APRIL PROGRAMME:
Thursday 27 & Friday 28 March: Basically, Johnny Moped (2013 UK)
Thursday 3 April: 12 Years a Slave (2013 USA/UK)
Thursday 10 April: The Great Beauty (2013 Italy)
Thursday 17 April: Inside Llewyn Davis (2013 USA)
Thursday 24 April: Short Term 12 (2013 USA)
The David Lean Cinema is an intimate, 68 seat venue within Croydon
Clocktower, which over its 16-year history became associated with the
very best in British and World cinema. It was closed in April 2011 as a
result of Croydon councils arts-related cuts.
For more details, email savedavidlean@gmail.com or telephone 020
8656 0168.
MAY PROGRAMME:
We will provide full details of all these films soon, but we are announcing
titles now as some members may like to know asap that there will be a
chance to see them at the David Lean. Tickets will be on sale by Monday
7 April. Note that we are trying a Saturday afternoon screening and we
hope to arrange more of these if it proves popular. All the Thursday films
will be screened in the afternoon and evening as usual.
Thursday 1 May: The Railway Man
Thursday 8 May: Wadjda
Saturday 10 May: Blue Jasmine (afternoon only)
Thursday 15 May: The Invisible Woman
Thursday 22 May: The Rocket
Thursday 29 May: Dallas Buyers Club


SAVE THE DAVID LEAN CINEMA CAMPAIGN
183 SHIRLEY ROAD, CROYDON, CR0 8SA
Tel: 020 8656 0168 Email: adrianw_8-16@tiscali.co.uk


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cinema campaign announces return to the Clocktower, with first David Lean
screenings since 2011
Nearly three years after the cinema closed in April 2011, the Save the David Lean Cinema
Campaign has announced a major breakthrough. Following negotiations with the council,
weekly screenings staffed by Campaign volunteers will commence on Thursday 27 March.
The launch film will be Basically, Johnny Moped, the acclaimed sory ol Croydon's los
legend ol punk rock." It will be followed by a Q&A featuring director Fred Burns, Johnny
Moped and Captain Sensible. The Captain was a Johnny Moped guitarist before he came to
fame in The Damned, bu he also has pernl lneres as lred's lher.
Following two 7.30 pm screenings of Basically, subsequent films will be at 2.30 pm and 7.30
pm on Thursdays. They will be very much in the David Lean tradition, and will include 12
Years a Slave and the Italian film The Great Beauty, both of which are Oscar-nominated.
Campaign chairman Adrian Winchester said: This represents the culmination of an
enormous amount of work by our commlee. 1he uavld Lean lsn' fully reopening yet, but
our screenings will be an important step forward and we hope to expand the programme in
future."
e added: We appreciate he councll's wllllngness o collabore with us and we
particularly thank facilities, Interserve and community partnerships staff for their help and
enthusiasm. Everyone clearly wants this venture to succeed."
The full programme:
Thursday 27 & Friday 28 March: Basically, Johnny Moped (2013 UK)
Thursday 3 April: 12 Years a Slave (2013 USA/UK)
Thursday 10 April: The Great Beauty (2013 Italy)
Thursday 17 April: Inside Llewyn Davis (2013 USA)
Thursday 24 April: Short Term 12 (2013 USA)
For more details, email savedavidlean@gmail.com or telephone 020 8656 0168.
Members will be advised of online booking arrangements and Croydon Visitor Centre at East
Croydon will provide a walk-in box office service. Tickets will also be available at the
Clocktower Arts Bar, from an hour before screenings.

Ticketing arrangements
Tickets for all screenings are 7.50. Concessions (Freedom Pass
holders, full time students, claimants and disabled) 6.
Bookings can be made:
Online: via http://www.davidleancroydon.ticketsource.co.uk/
Telephone: 0333 666 3366 (a 1.50 charge applies, which covers
any number of tickets). Note that staff cannot answer any queries
unrelated to bookings.
In person at Croydon Visitors Centre near East Croydon Station
(08.00 to 18.30 Monday to Friday and 09.00 to 17.00 Saturday).
Cash or card payments are accepted at CVC.
Croydon Clocktower: our Clocktower box office, located next to the
Arts Bar, will be open for one hour before every film and tickets can
be bought there for any film, subject to availability. CASH ONLY.
All the above services close 2.5 hours before any particular film, with
the exception of the Clocktower box office.
Wheelchair bookings: wheelchair places can be booked via all the
above methods. If you wish to book a complimentary seat for a helper,
please request this by emailing: savedavidlean@gmail.com
David Lean mugs now available
We finally have a new item of mechandise to add to our popular
badges, of which over 300 have been sold. We have
produced an attractive mug that features the image
of David Lean from our logo, together with the
words DAVID LEAN CROYDON'. We will post a
photo on our Facebook page soon. A limited stock
will be available from our Clocktower box office on
screening days and there is a special launch price of 7
that will apply until the end of April.
Facebook and Twitter
Our Facebook page is a useful resource for anyone interested in the
Campaign, with photo albums, scans of the latest press coverage, and
screening reminders. http://www.facebook.com/LeanCampaign
For additional reminders and film-related news, follow us on Twitter:
@SaveDavidLean
45
Adrian Winchester
46
Andrew Dunsmore,
Picture Partnership,
Shirley
April 2014 - Picture Partnership are celebrating
5 years in Shirley!
Next month Picture Partnership are celebrating 5 years at our
Studio in Wickham Road and have been immensely proud to be
part of the Shirley strand of shops. With over 25 years
photographic experience, starting predominantly in News and PR,
5 years ago we decided to diversify and, using our strong editiorial
photographic background, together with our great people skills,
we expanded into the family studio portrait side of photography ...
and we havent looked back.
With a strong team of photographers, editors and production
people, (and great tea and coffee makers too) we at Picture
Partnership believe that capturing the people you love on camera
is so much more than just taking a snap shot , it is about feeling
comfortable with the photographer, making the pictures happen
and reflecting the subjects personality and loves, all through a
photo. Most of all, it is about having fun.
Its been an exciting 5 years and our studios have been filled with
engagement couples, couples celebrating wedding anniversaries,
hundreds of babies, all kinds of diverse families, from four
generations (our current record for the biggest family weve shot,
sorry, photographed is 25 people!) to tiny day old babies, and even
a set of middle aged quadruplets! Wed also like to thank all the
animals who have visited our studio to have their very own pet
portraits done weve had cats, dogs, chickens, and even rats (the
nice friendly pet kind thankfully) and weve loved every minute of it.
47
To celebrate our 5 year Anniversary in Shirley, we are giving away
5 portrait sessions to the first 5 readers of Shirley Life who call
us to congratulate us, (please quote PP5
th
Birthday"). On doing
so, you will receive a free portrait session worth 35.00 - this
includes your first 8" x 6" print from your shoot to take home
with you with our compliments. Call us now before you miss out,
these prizes are on a first come, first served basis !
Picture Partnerships well equipped studio is at 213 Wickham
Road, Shirley Croydon, CR0 8TG. We are six doors away from
the Co-op. Call us on 020 8656 4024.
@PPPictures
www.picturepartnership.co.uk
52
SHIRLEY LIBRARY
April 2014
City Read Celebrations and Easter Holidays Events
Barrie McKay will give an illustrated talk entitled The Crystal Palace at War on
Tuesday 1 April from 2.15-3.30pm. Please reserve your place at the library.
World War 1 collage for ages 3+ on Thursday 10 April from 3 to 4.30pm. No need
to book.
Make a felt poppy brooch for ages 5+ on Friday 11 April from 2.30 to 4.30pm. No
need to book.
Storyteller John Kirk will give a theatrical animation of Michael Morpurgo's Private
Peaceful for ages 7+ on Saturday 12 April from 4 to 4.45pm. Please reserve your
place at the library.
Make a peg doll nurse or soldier for ages 4+ on Monday 14 April from 2.30 to
4.30pm. No need to book.
Easter cup cake decorating for ages 5+ on Tuesday 15 April from 2.30 to 4.30pm.
Please reserve your place at the library.
Frank Anderson will give a talk entitled Croydon Airport during World War 1 and
beyond on Tuesday 22 April from 2.15 to 3.30pm. Please reserve your place.
All are welcome at our End of the War afternoon tea on Monday 28 April from 2.30
to 4.30pm.
Free Regular Childrens Activities and Events
Storytime: Every Thursday from 2.15 to 2.45pm .
Rhymetime: Every Friday from 10 to 10.30am.
Once upon a Rhyme: 10 to 10.30am on the following Saturdays: 12 and 26.
Saturday Crafts: 2.30 to 4pm on the following Saturdays: 5 and 19.
Teen Reading Group: is for children aged 11-19 and takes place on Thursday from
4.30 to 5.30pm. Please ask the Library for dates.
Free Regular Activities and Events for Adults
Board games: Do you like playing Scrabble, Monopoly, cards, chess and Battleship?
We have a selection of games which can be used in the library any time.
Monthly Craft Workshop: Card Making on Tuesday 8 from 2.30 to 4.30pm.
Stitch, Knit and Natter from 2.30 to 4.30pm Friday 11 and 25.
Computer sessions for beginners: Learn to set up an email account, use Facebook,
do online shopping, use Word, Excel and Powerpoint or improve your typing skills.
These sessions are offered on Mondays and Tuesdays in the morning and afternoon
and on some Saturday mornings. Please contact the library for further details.
53
Free Wifi - the library now has free Wifi access.
Display boards
Our display boards are available for use free of charge to advertise your club or
society. Please contact Fiona or Irene at Shirley Library on 020 3700 1019 or email
croydon.shirleylibrary@carillionservices.co.uk
Croydon.shirleylibrary@carillionservices.co.uk
READING
GROUP
FOR ADULTS
The group will discuss The Woman Who Went to Bed for A Year by Sue Townsend
on Thursday 20 March from 6 to 7pm.
A funny and touching novel about what happens when someone stops being the person
everyone wants them to be.
The day her twins leave home, Eva climbs into bed and stays there. For seventeen
years she's wanted to yell at the world, Stop! I want to get off. Finally, this is her
chance. Her husband Brian, an astronomer having an unsatisfactory affair, is upset.
Who will cook his dinner? Eva, he complains, is attention seeking. But word of Eva's
defiance spreads. Legions of fans, believing she is protesting, gather in the street. While
Alexander the white van man brings tea, toast and sympathy. And from this odd but
comforting place Eva begins to see both herself and the world very, very differently. . .
Laugh-out-loud . . . a teeming world of characters whose foibles and
misunderstandings provide glorious amusement. Something deeper and darker than
comedy' - Sunday Times
Free monthly talks fom authors or speakers
Please see above for the two talks we've got scheduled for April. Please contact
the library for the details of subsequent talks that we organise every month.
54
http://www.wickhamstudio.co.uk/
54
Sasha is probably the best
hairdresser in town.
She is a true professional.
55
Green Thumb
The weather had just
turned chilly but Green
Thumb arrived for the
Spring Treatment on 26
March.
One must admit that there
is a rather dramatic
improvement in the lawn,
compared to the desolate
state of the same one
year ago.
They applied a fertiliser
that will encourage growth
and colour. A herbicide (not Round up they answered when asked)
was also applied for the control of weeds. The Early Summer Treatment
is scheduled for 4 June but they will come before that if weeds appear.
All Green Thumb staff are very pleasant and friendly. A special mention
should go to Adam, in the office, because nothing is too much trouble
for him.
Shirley Open Gardens 2014
Green Thumb have generously sponsored Shirley Neighbourhood Care
for the past two years for the Shirley Open Gardens.
The event will take place on 28 and 29 June and 6 and 7 September
2014. SNC are looking for new owners to open their gardens to the
public and raise funds for the charity.
Please email snc@cnca.org.uk if you are interested.
56
Pothole #39
Just a few days after the February edition of Shirley Life was
uploaded, the pothole was filled with alacrity. Now we have yet
another patch and the road looks a shoddy mess.
Well, they could have filled the other one too, just some 200
meters away but that would have saved money, so they left it,
57
57
Croydon Council style. We now have many patches in Palace
View. However, many other roads have potholes. Please look at
the pictures on next page taken on Sunday, 23 March 2014.
Which is the road with the worst surface in Shirley? Definitely,
Langland Gardens that should be avoided by cyclists and where
pedestrians should cross with care.
58
Marzia
Back
from
the
Council
No,
thank
you.
Better
spent
in
other
ways
such
as
making
sure
our
tyres
are
safe,
bicycle
tyres
too!
We
are
worth
it!
GB GARDENING SERVICES
All aspects of garden maintenance undertaken
LAWN CARE AND CUTTING
WEEDING, PLANTING AND PRUNING
HEDGE TRIMMING
LEAF CLEARING
FENCE AND SHED TREATMENT
JET WASHING OF PATHS AND PATIOS
NO JOB CONSIDERED TOO SMALL
All your gardening needs catered for using our own
tools. Removing all debris from site and leaving
your garden clean and tidy
ALL AT COMPETITIVE PRICES
FREE NO OBLIGATION
QUOTATIONS
Contact Greg:
Mobile: 07968 404 448
Email: greggiebrown@yahoo.co.uk
Jill Latter Jill Latter Jill Latter
DOLLS HOUSE FURNISHINGS
CariAd
D
olls H
ouse
F
urnishings
CARIAD DOLLS HOUSE FURNISHINGS
Soft Furnishings
www.cariaddollshousefurnishings.com
jilllatter@aol.com
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