Abel Kerr.

The photos above were sent to me last Sunday afternoon - they show the aftermath of the terrible hit and run incident that took place at the pedestrian crossing in Queen's Road in Erith. There have been several accounts of precisely what occurred at just before midday last week, but the accounts differ substantially, and at the time of writing the actual turn of events is still unclear. The readers who submitted photographs were on the scene after the incident took place, and were able to record the reaction - including the arrival and subsequent departure of the London Air Ambulance, which landed in the Erith Riverside Gardens, as can be seen in two of the images above. The Queen's Road pedestrian crossing has been the scene of a number of accidents in the past. Thanks to readers Stuart and Miles for supplying the photos and information regarding the serious incident. If you were a witness to the accident, please contact me at hugh.neal@gmail.com in complete confidence. 

A request has been sent to me by Caroline Field, one of the bosses at Orbit Housing Association; Caroline writes:- "We’re about to select names for the new blocks and roads at Park East. As at Erith Park, we’d like to choose names with a real resonance for local people.  If you’ve got suggestions, either for an individual name, or a theme for the whole development, please contact caroline.field@orbit.org.uk.  We can put names forward but they are scrutinised by the Council who have the last say.  We can’t duplicate names which are used elsewhere in the area.  The emergency services also have a veto if they could cause confusion.  For example, we applied to call the main road through Erith Park ‘Erith Park Road’ but it was turned down in case it was confused with the Recreation Ground.  If they are named after a person, they have to have been dead at least fifty years.  We used up a lot of our ideas at Erith Park so we’d really love some new ones". If you have a suggestion and you would rather not contact Caroline directly, please feel free to send your suggestions to me, and I will ensure that they are passed on. One of the historical names that I have suggested could be used as a new road name is that of Kate Gildersleeves - the first female motorist, and the wife of Edward Butler - the real inventor of the motor car. Kate regularly drove the Butler Petrol Cycle around the local area.

You may recall that last week I wrote about a new company called Violet Daycare, which has applied to take over the former, and very controversial Bright Steps Nursery, which was forcibly closed down by the Police and Ofsted after two court appearances, where the judge found the operators of Bright Steps were incapable of running a child minding business after one of the nursery staff had smacked a child in their care, and the nursery management deleted the CCTV footage to hinder the subsequent enquiry. Since the closedown, a couple of other child minding companies have investigated the space in Electricity House, but until very recently, nobody took the plunge. Violet Daycare have now declared their intent to take on the premises with thirteen staff. After one of my most dedicated investigators has looked into the application, and the new company, it would appear that there could well be something shady going on. My source writes:- "The Applicant - Ms Violet Temisan seems to have been childminding for quite some time, but only from her home address given as (redacted) which just so happens to be within a stones throw away from where Pastor Chris Ogedengbe lives". Chris Ogedengbe is the leader of the African Church which shares Electricity House with the nursery, and she has a major financial interest in the building as a whole. As detailed in previous editions, it is known that the original Redeemed Christian Church of God that occupied the former tyre warehouse portion of Electricity House was wound up, and a new organisation called the King's Gen Foundation then took over. I have discovered that this arrangement did not last long, and the original name then soon was back in use. On top of this, a company called The Praise Embassy Limited was established in 2013, but was dissolved in 2017 and removed from the companies register. If this was not confusing enough, there is also her other active company set up in the Pastor's daughter's name - F Playgrounds Ltd. The new church group is being operated by exactly the same people as before, and that the name change is purely an administrative move to try and avoid enforcement actions by Bexley Council. My source continues:- "Checking with Violet Temisan's Facebook account shows connections with the church of "True Jesus Ministries" which her husband Gabriel appears to be involved with. Violet claims to be Ofsted registered etc. but so far I have been unable to find any record of her details ever being forwarded onto Ofsted. Also interesting that someone with limited assets is in a position to launch her very own business?" Link to the Violet Daycare company financial status report that you can read here. It does seem to me very unusual that a registered company with total assets of less than £2000 could be in a position to undertake the very expensive lease and refurbishment commitments that would be required to open a new nursery in the former Bright Steps space within Electricity House, not to mention, how will they fund the wages for the announced thirteen nursery staff?. What do you think? I make no assumptions, but I have to say that the available evidence does not make the situation look good. I hope that I am incorrect. Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.

I have found out a strong link between a local company and a short lived, but incredibly popular 1960’s offshore radio station (which were erroneously labelled “pirates” by the popular press, but were in fact no such thing, as they operated outside of British territorial waters, and at least until the 1967 Marine Offences Act, were outside of the law). As I have previously written, Erith based Grooms “The Hygienic Baker”, who began in a shop in West Street in Victorian times, became extremely successful, and later moved into dedicated premises in Belmont Road, Northumberland Heath. This massive bakery also featured stables for the horses that pulled their vans, along with a tack room and even a forge for their dedicated Farrier. The bakery is still there nowadays, though it is now owned by Hovis, and the stables are long gone. What I have uncovered this week is that in the mid 1960’s, Rank Hovis McDougall (the company who took over and absorbed Grooms prior to the advent of British Bakeries, and the later name change to Hovis) were a major sponsor and commercial partner with offshore radio station Radio 390. Radio 390 was located on the abandoned Red Sands sea fort, off the coast of Whitstable. The station was the third enterprise to broadcast from the fort – previously it had been used by Radio Invicta from June 1964 until February 1965, followed by KING Radio from March to September 1965. Both these earlier stations were amateurish affairs, and used a relatively low powered one kilowatt AM transmitter feeding into a rather inefficient antenna system. This meant that their signal was not heard over a wide area, and they struggled to gain a decent audience, and consequently they were largely ignored by advertisers. All this changed with the advent of Radio 390, which was a far more slick and professional, and had both a rather more powerful ten Kilowatt medium wave transmitter (which they told people was actually thirty five Kilowatts, but it wasn't), and a huge and very efficient 297 foot tall vertical antenna mean that the signal of Radio 390 was audible all over London and the South East – the most lucrative market in the UK as far as advertising revenue was concerned. The format of the station was also a complete contrast to that played by the ship based offshore giants – Radio London and Radio Caroline; they both played non – stop pop music. Instead, Radio 390 was firmly targeted at housewives. When regular broadcasts began on the 25th September 1965 at 4pm on a wavelength of 388 Metres (773KHz) the musical format was easy listening, smooth classical and big bands – the first track played was “Moonlight Serenade” by Glenn Miller. While other offshore stations had shows lasting two or three hours, Radio 390's schedule contained a number of short programmes. This was more like a BBC schedule than an offshore one. And, although slightly more warm and informal, the presenters had an almost BBC-ish style too, even to the extent that at the end of each show one of the presenters would give a credit (“South Of The Border was introduced by....”) in the manner of a continuity announcer. As Radio 390 grew, other programmes were added to the mix. There was a daily drama serial, “Doctor Paul”, imported from Australia, and bravely scheduled opposite the BBC Light Programme's long-established Mrs. Dale's Diary; and there were shows devoted to musicals, blues, country and light classical music. After only three weeks on the air, the station was receiving some five hundred fan letters a day. By May 1966 National Opinion Polls estimated the station's audience as 2.6 million listeners, a majority of whom were women. This was an absolute goldmine for the advertisers, who flocked to the station in droves. Back in the sixties, it was less common for women, especially once they were married to go out to work; many stayed at home and looked after the children. They had almost complete control over domestic purchases such as brands of food and cleaning materials. The fact that Radio 390 very cleverly targeted this audience meant that advertisers were prepared to pay high rates to get their commercials broadcast; companies that took out ambitious and successful campaigns on Radio 390 included The News of the World, and the magazine Reveille, along with a host of smaller companies, but the biggest of the lot was for Mother’s Pride bread, which was produced by Rank Hovis McDougall in the Northumberland Heath bakery. There is some evidence to suggest that the advertising campaign and programme sponsorship on Radio 390 was so extensive that the baker became an investor and business partner in the radio station during the summer of 1966, though as the Government began to take action to stop the offshore stations, and prepared to introduce the Marine Offences Act, many investors decided to distance themselves from offshore broadcasting altogether. In September 1966, Radio 390 was taken to court for the first in a series of cases where they were accused of broadcasting from within British territorial limits. The cases were fought, and one by one they were lost by the station, they appealed, then lost the appeal; by the summer of 1967 the Marine Offences Act passed into law, and all offshore stations with the exception of Radio Caroline had ceased broadcasting. Radio 390 was also such a casualty. The station is largely forgotten now, but in 1966 it was one of the biggest radio hits in the UK, and had a real connection with the local area, thanks to the power of Mother’s Pride and the Northumberland Heath former Groom's bakery!

Many readers will have seen the sign above, which is located on the side of the Wat Tyler pub in Dartford High Street, as seen in the upper of the two photographs above - click on either for a larger view. The pub is one of the oldest buildings in Dartford. The statement on the sign that Wat Tyler and members of his band drank at the pub before going to London to air their grievances to King Richard II is actually fanciful, tourist serving rubbish. The pub was actually known as the Crown and Anchor until 1966. The pub in any case, whilst very old, was not built until around 100 years after the Peasants Revolt. What is also interesting is that Wat Tyler gets all of the credit and fame for the Peasants Revolt, but in reality he was not even the leader of the group when it started. Here is some background to the Peasants Revolt, and what sparked it. By 1380, medieval Europe was in a shambles. There was plague and famine: The Black Death in 1348 had killed as much as one-half of the entire continent. The Hundred Years War between England and France, meanwhile, was dragging on and on. Religious law held sway, and people lived in ignorance and superstition. There was a rigidly hierarchical social structure that had existed for centuries, which fixed forever one’s place in society—one inherited the job of one’s father, whether it was a farm labourer or pig-keeper, an artisan like a blacksmith or carpenter, or a nobleman. It was a horrible time to be alive. In an odd irony, the devastation wrought by war and plague actually made things better in some ways for the peasantry. With so many people gone, there was now both a large amount of unoccupied land and a severe shortage of peasant labour to work it. The balance of economic power had unexpectedly swung to the favour of the peasantry, and they tried to take full advantage: demands were made for higher pay, better living conditions, and more land. The nobility fought back using pure repression: royal decrees were sent which limited the amount of pay and land a peasant could get and which restricted his movements, forcing him to stay on the manor estate on which he was born and preventing him from leaving to find work elsewhere. As social tensions became ever greater, an explosion was inevitable. In 1381, the English King was Richard II, only 14 years old. The real power lay with the advisors who ruled in his stead—especially with the King’s uncle, John of Gaunt. It was John who decided that the royal treasury needed more money to pay for the interminable war with France, so he created a new “poll tax”. This had nothing to do with an electoral poll: it was a simple head tax, to be paid by every adult male and married female in the country—and the same amount was to be paid by everyone regardless of how wealthy or poor they were. Today, we would consider this to be blatantly unfair—and so did the medieval peasantry. But while modern citizens can protest unfair taxes by voting and petitions, medieval people had no political or social rights at all—they were little better than slaves. Some of England’s peasantry found a way to avoid paying the new poll tax. England’s government depended upon local church records of marriages, births and deaths to keep track of each area’s census, and this record was often incomplete. Sometimes by bribery or favour, but mostly just by oversight and error, many people—as much as one-third of the population in some areas—did not actually appear on the tax rolls and therefore never paid the tax. When the King’s treasurers added up the money, they found that they were short. And so, they made the near-fatal decision to send in “commissioners” to find all the ones who had avoided the tax and make them pay up. The heavy-handed methods used by these commissioners provoked widespread resentment; many people were forced to pay another tax even though they had already paid the first time. On the 2nd June 1381, Lesnes Abbey in what is now known as Abbey Wood, was attacked by a mob of peasants armed with farm tools, led by a man named Abel Kerr, who was from Erith, and thought to have been a fisherman by trade. The Abbey quickly surrendered, and the tax records kept inside were burned. At the same time, other rebel leaders had gathered in the village of Bocking, in Essex, to draw up a manifesto. This was no disorganised mob of bandits and malcontents: it was an extraordinarily well-disciplined group of social rebels who knew exactly what they wanted to achieve, and now formed a comprehensive plan for how to get it. At Bocking they declared that while they had no quarrel with the young King Richard, they sought the removal of many of his advisors, including John of Gaunt. But they also put out a radical new demand: “to have no laws of England, only which they themselves had moved to be ordained”. It was the first time in European history that anyone had demanded that common people have the right to make their own laws. In a series of coded messages, word of the rebellion and its aims was sent to most of southern England. Within a week, the rebels had gathered an army of peasantry led by Abel Kerr - untrained and not well-armed, but large enough to pose a serious threat. Some of its officers were English Army troops who had been ordered to France but had deserted instead. The first target was the castle at Rochester, where a local serf was being held on charges of running away from his manor lord. The rebels took the castle without a fight—the serfs inside had opened the gates and let them in. Other strongholds soon followed. At around this time - records are somewhat imprecise (very few of the people involved in the Peasants Revolt were literate, and history tends to be written by the victors), a new leader of the revolt emerged; a man called Walter "Wat" whose profession was a house roof tiler - and thus got the name Wat Tyler. At this point, the Peasant Revolt took its most amazing turn of all - Wat Tyler and his men, numbering at least 60,000, decided to march on London, capture the Archbishop, and present their demands for reform to King Richard II himself. At the same time, other peasant armies from Cambridge and Essex converged on London (stopping along the way long enough to behead the chief royal tax collector in Essex and burn all the tax rolls). They began to arrive on the evening of June the 12th . As more and more groups of peasants approached, the young King and his councillors fled to the safety of the royal fortress at The Tower of London, the most secure place in the city and impossible for any but the most powerful and well-equipped army to take by force. But once in the Tower, the royal government was itself effectively trapped: the entire population of London at the time was only 40,000 people, and with most of the English Army away fighting in France there was only a small garrison of a few hundred in the city, enough to protect the King inside the fortress, but not enough to go out and drive away the much large peasant army in combat. There then occurred one of the most extraordinary events in English history: the young King Richard II and some of his advisors boarded a river barge and sailed to the place where the peasant army was encamped. Remaining on the boat, safe from possible capture, the King of England began talks with the rebellious peasantry. Unsure of how large the rebellion was, or even what the rebels wanted, Richard II at first simply demanded that the insurgent army should disperse and go home. Instead, the rebels submitted a list of names—high-ranking advisors to the King, many of whom were right there on the boat with him—which they wanted handed over to them for “justice”. Richard refused, and the barge returned to the Tower. The rebels decided to follow him. The demands the peasants wanted were divided into two groups; the first group were:- "End to serfdom (bonded labour). Free market (i.e. serfs could sell produce wherever they liked). Land rent to be reduced to 4d per acre. Free pardon for anyone involved in the uprising". The second group of demands were:- "Abolition of the aristocracy (except for the King). Abolition of the senior clergy (except for John Ball, as the next Archbishop of Canterbury). Local courts. Local police forces". These demands made, Pouring towards London, the peasants were joined by city residents who sympathised with them. On June 13th, the mass of people made their way to the only place where they could cross the River Thames - London Bridge. After entering the city, they killed a number of lawyers at the Courts of Justice and burned the estate house of the King’s uncle John of Gaunt (Gaunt himself was away in Scotland). Gathering up the stores of silver, gold and jewellery there, the rebels neither stole it nor redistributed it: instead, they dumped it all into the Thames. This was not an act of mere theft or looting: it was a conscious and deliberate political protest. By nightfall, the peasants controlled almost all of London. Richard II was now a virtual prisoner inside The Tower of London. Nearly half of the entire country was in revolt. The English peasantry—viewed by the nobility as savages who were barely above an animal level of ability—had organised a nationwide uprising, formed a powerful military force, planned and carried out a targeted campaign of political violence, and now had the royal government itself on its knees. At this point, though, the rebels were still rather naively convinced that the King was not their enemy—was perhaps even a supporter—but was being misled by bad advisors, and could be won to respect the rights of common Englishmen if only they could talk to him. Through a messenger, King Richard, having really no choice, sent word to the rebel leaders: he would ride out and meet them the following day. Then the rebels casually mentioned that they also wanted the heads of several of the King’s advisors. Richard left, promising only that the councillors would “receive justice”. The crowd followed, all the way to the Tower. In 300 years, The Tower of London had never fallen in battle, but when the peasants arrived, they found the gates open, probably by sympathisers. Swarming inside, they quickly found the Archbishop of Canterbury—who they held responsible for the poll tax—and beheaded him in the Tower’s chapel. The treasury minister soon followed. By the end of the day, convinced they had won all their demands, most of the peasant army left London and began the long walk home to the countryside. One small group of rebels remained behind. Led by Wat Tyler, they wanted more, and confronted King Richard the next day.  It is not clear how much of what happened on June 15, 1381, was planned and how much was accidental. With the rebel force now reduced to about 300 men and the hardcore leadership of the revolt in front of him, Richard II, though just a boy of 14, may have seen an opportunity to save his kingdom with his own force of about 200 men, and may have set up the meeting as a trap for the rebel leader, willing to risk everything in a final fight. Wat Tyler and King Richard met on horseback in the centre of the field, with their retinues behind them. As Tyler began to list his demands, a scuffle broke out involving one of the King’s squires. Tyler was attacked by the Mayor of London and stabbed, falling wounded off his horse. And then, just as it seemed that open combat would break out, the young Richard II boldly rode up to the peasant forces and shouted, “You shall have no other King but me—follow me!” He led them off to another nearby field. The wounded Tyler was taken inside a nearby chapel. And then, whether pre-planned or not, the final blow fell. As the peasant force gathered behind the King, every available royal force in London was quickly moved to surround them. Tyler, meanwhile, was dragged out into the street by royal troops and beheaded. The severed head was delivered to the King just as the royal troops surrounded them. The rebels all dropped their weapons and surrendered. With their leader dead, the bulk of their army disbanded, and the belief that the King was on their side shattered, the Peasant Revolt died almost as quickly as it had arisen. King Richard’s retribution was swift. Determined that such a revolt could never happen again, he hunted down and killed every rebel leader he could find — hundreds were executed by “hanging, drawing and quartering”, others were beheaded or hung. Thousands more were unofficially executed by local authorities, without even a trial. Of the rebel leaders, all but one were killed by the authorities. The only survivor was Abel Kerr, who mysteriously disappeared and was never heard from again. Whether he assumed a new identity, or was smuggled out of the country, we may never know. Whilst the story of the Peasants Revolt and the failed coup by Wat Tyler is well known, the leading role of Erith resident Abel Kerr is almost unknown. Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.

Now for the weekly local safety and security updates from Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association. Firstly the report from Barnehurst ward:- "Another burglary free week on Barnehurst Ward, and only three motor vehicle crimes to report. Overnight of Tuesday 14th January there was a theft of a catalytic converter from a Lexus in Parkside Avenue. On the morning of Thursday 16th January at Barnehurst Junior school, Barnehurst Close a victim had her car broken into and her bag taken. And finally between 08:00 and 11:30 on Monday 20th January in Twigg Close a vehicle was broken into and an untidy search conducted however it is believed nothing was taken. The team have been conducting patrols in various drug hotspots which resulted in a known male being searched and consequently arrested by PC Arif outside Sainsbury's on Erith Road. The next community contact session has been arranged for 11am on the Wednesday 5th February at Barnehurst Golf Course. Please feel free to come along and have your say". Belvedere ward:- "There have been recent burglaries reported in areas across the ward in the last few weeks – in New Road where entry was gained via a window at the front of the property and also in Heathdene Drive, Glendale Road and Ashburnham Road, where doors to the rear of each location were damaged substantially in order to gain entry. It appears that (in the case of Glendale and Ashburnham Road) the alleyways between residential properties are being used to access gardens. The team have been regularly conducting high visibility patrols of these alleyways as well as the affected areas. There have been several instances of shoplifting taking place in Albert Road, and from one shop in particular where a male has been acting in a threatening manner toward shop staff in order to obtain alcohol from the shop. The team have been working closely with the shop owner in order to identify the male responsible and will be making further enquiries in the coming days. Also, there have been 5 garages broken into in Tyeshurst Close recently – garage owners were unaware as the garages are not regularly attended. It appears that items were taken from two of the garages. Our next Street a Week event is due to take place on Monday 27th January 2020 at 5pm in Blakemore Way". Bexleyheath ward - from a Neighbourhood Watch member:- "A neighbour received a a scam call during the week. It was from someone claiming to be in connection with his washing machine and said that he needed to renew his insurance. His washing machine is in his wife's name and they don't have insurance so he thought it very odd. The person on the phone wanted him to give his credit card details. The number the call came from was 02033167819. I have looked it up and there isn't a lot of activity reported on this number but there was one person saying they'd received a call about washing machine insurance. Just wanted to let you know so that you could warn others not to be fooled in to giving their credit card details out over the phone". From the Safer Neighbourhood Team:- "Sadly we have had some robberies on the ward this week it appears that there is a group targeting school children for their mobile phones and airpods. This has also been an issue in Welling and as such there has been a heightened police presence in both areas and will be for some time. If anyone has any information regarding the identities of the robbers please do contact 101. Safety advice for any young person at the moment is to go straight home after school". Crayford ward - no report this week. Erith ward - no report  this week. Northumberland Heath ward:- "On the 17th Jan at approximately 20:58hrs the London Fire brigade reported a burnt motor bike, which was unidentifiable in Northumberland Heath Recreation grounds. Residents have also been reporting anti-social behaviour with youths driving Moped on Sussex road, Wheelock Close. Officers were able to identify some of the individuals involved and have now been issued S.59 warnings.( police powers to size vehicles for careless driving). Northumberland Heath have been working with the ASB team within Bexley Council and have completed an application for a new CCTV camera to be placed outside Northumberland Park and Sussex Road. On Saturday the 18 of January a victim had her handbag stolen while walking away from Mill Road to Charlieville Road via an alleyway located to the right of North Heath Social Club. As the victim was trying to pull her handbag away from the suspect , the victim has fallen on the floor and has resulted her receiving injuries including a broken finger and lower arms. A report of theft of number plates at Wilde Road. A catalytic converter has been stolen from a vehicle on Sussex Road. Another catalytic converter has been taken on The Drive, Erith. A witness has provided police with the suspects registration number. There are ongoing investigations being completed. Theft of a motorbike from Becton place. There has been reports of shoplifting at Tesco's on Bexley Road. Unfortunately there has been another report of a Burglary on Eastry Road". Slade Green and Northend ward:- "A pushbike and tools were stolen from a garage in Hazel Road between 17th and 18th of January. If you have a garage, please ensure the locks are secure. An Amazon delivery van was stolen from Slade Green Road at 5.20pm on Sunday 19th January. Fortunately the van and all the parcels were recovered a short while later in Belvedere but the driver has been advised not to leave his engine running while making deliveries. A male was found in possession of drugs in Daleview by PC Telfer on Sunday evening and the necessary warning forms were given to the suspect. PCSO Mark attended Slade ARA retirement group with our Ward Panel chair , Sandra Fox (who works for Barclays Bank) on Tuesday where they gave a talk around phone, internet and bank scams to all the members. Mark also attended Peareswood Primary school on Friday afternoon visiting all the classes during the end of week “Golden Time” where all the pupils have half an hour to take part in various activities of their choosing". From Member of the Public - in Dabbling Close:-"At approximately 12.55 hrs on Wednesday 22nd January a silver Kia pulled up outside my house, two men got out and cut the catalytic convertor off of my Toyota Pruis. This incident was captured on my Ring doorbell. The men were white wearing hoodies, aged in 20-30 and approx. 5'8'' A woman was driving their car". Thamesmead East ward:- "Burglary - Birkdale Close Monday 20/1/20 between 9:30am - 11:00am. Victim arrived home at 12:13 to find the front door smashed open by suspect/s unknown. Victim entered the property and found an untidy search of a bedroom, no other rooms within the property had been disturbed. Catalytic converter Theft - Mangold Way on Friday 17/01/20 between 8:45am – 11:25am from a Toyota Prius; Toyota Auris. Alsike Road – Friday 17/01/20 between 12:05am – 4:51pm.  Motor vehicle crimes - Yarnton Way Saturday 18/01/20 between 3:30am – 2:15pm unknown suspect/s smashed window to vehicle carrying out an untidy search, no property stolen. Hartslock Drive Mon 18/1/20 between 6:43am – 6:44am victim reports a male suspect has kicked the rear passenger door causing a dent. Report crime by calling 101 or in an emergency call 999". West Heath ward:- "One attempted burglary in Exmouth Road on Tuesday January 21/01/20. A male was seen at 01.56am on a ring doorbell trying the door handle before getting in to a car and driving away. No current information in relation to the vehicle. Theft of a catalytic converter from First Avenue on Friday 17/01/2019 at 13.06. The victim's neighbour saw the suspects tampering with the vehicle on their CCTV and alerted Police .A power drill was stolen from a work van parked in Lenham Road between Wednesday 15/01/20 21.20 – Thursday 16/01/20 .Entry to the vehicle was gained by drilling in to the lock on a side door. Last Saturday, we held our quarterly Ward Panel Meeting which was well attended. The panel decided that the current priorities would stay the same Burglary, Motor Vehicle Crime and ASB/ Drugs".

The end video this week features something of a dying industry - the door to door milk delivery. The company Milk and More have their depot in Brook Street, Northumberland Heath. This short film describes the service, and how many of their staff have worked undertaking doorstep deliveries for decades. I wonder if this service can hold out much longer against the giant supermarkets. I certainly hope so. Comments to hugh.neal@gmail.com.

Hastings Villa.

Hundreds of local residents experiencing mental ill-health are being supported by a special Christmas collection project. Employees from Wates Residential’s Park East and West Street construction sites in Erith have shown their support for the local Re-Instate W-rap project by collecting more than 500 items which will make up over 100 care packages. The packages will support disadvantaged residents, including those struggling with their mental health, across south east London this Christmas. Re-Instate provides gift parcels known as W-rap (Well-being, Recovery, Activity Parcels) to people in hospital to aid their recovery journeys. The project was set up after one client said they would find it comforting to have good quality toiletries and entertainment activities during long-term hospital stays. Located in the Erith, the service is run out of St. John’s Church Community Hall, neighbouring Wates Residential’s West Street development. Parcels put together by the national developer’s office and construction site teams will be gifted to people at the Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. The collection included items that could be added to three types of care packages. For those arriving at the Trusts, parcels will be put together by Re-Instate’s W-rap team, volunteers coming from Re-Instate’s Employment Service and Bexley Voluntary Services Council. Parcels will include home comforts that have been donated such as shampoo, face masks and bath bombs. To keep them occupied during their stay, separate activity packages will include items like word searches, playing cards and juggling balls. For those on their way home, parcels with household essentials such as food and toilet roll will be shared out. Wates Residential is working in partnership with Orbit and the London Borough of Bexley to build 320 new homes at Park East in Erith, of which 80 per cent will for affordable rent and shared ownership to ensure a sustainable community for local residents. In addition, 42 mixed tenure affordable properties are due to be completed in spring 2020 on the other side of Erith at West Street, which neighbours the Re-Instate project. Both developments come after the partners completed six years of work on the nearby former Larner Road estate, transforming it into the award-winning, mixed tenure community Erith Park and delivering 587 new homes. As part of their presence across these developments, Wates Residential and Orbit have also pledged to support the local community by providing employment and training opportunities for local residents, delivering a positive lasting legacy in the borough. This has already included the provision of work experience placements, careers advice events, promoting and working with local social enterprises, and a free two week construction and employability skills training course run by Wates called ‘Building Futures’ to help local unemployed adults into work or further training. Paul Nicholls, Managing Director for Wates Residential, said in a press release that:- “Re-Instate’s W-rap project is close to our Park East and West Street sites but it is also a vital service which addresses an issue close to our hearts. We feel passionately about supporting disadvantaged residents as well as those with mental ill-health as we believe that everyone deserves a great place to live. Both the site team and wider Wates Group were really keen to get involved this Christmas so we’re delighted to have been able to collect more than 500 items, from adult colouring books to deodorant and hair brushes, and hope that all of them will bring some comfort to people spending time in hospital over the Christmas period and beyond.” Colette Robinson, W-rap Co-ordinator from Re-Instate, commented:- ’We are very grateful to Wates employees for this collaboration. The items collected will go a long way to making a difference in the communities we live and work within at the time of year when mental health stresses can be high.’’ Feedback to hugh.neal@gmail.com.

People living, working or simply visiting the borough can now start to enjoy a new free public wi-fi service in some of Bexley’s main town centres. As part of a programme that will be rolled out over the next few months, Bexley Council has ‘switched on’ free public wi-fi in Erith, Welling, Sidcup and Crayford town centres.  Bexleyheath and Bexley Village will follow shortly. The network requires a one-time only registration and allows users to experience high bandwidth services free from advertisements. More on this in the weeks to come; I feel that there may be more to this new service than initially meets the eye - time will no doubt tell.

As you can see from the document above - click on it to see a larger version - the somewhat controversial Hastings Villa in Bexley Road, Northumberland Heath has had an application to be locally listed.  In a statement, Bexley Council announced that:- "Hastings Villa at 106 Bexley Road, Erith, DA8 3SP has been nominated as an addition to the Local List, which currently comprises approximately 400 entries. Hastings Villa is a detached residential property on Bexley Road, Erith. The property is one of the remaining in a series of mid-Victorian villas that once lined the north side of this section of Bexley Road. It is an ornate structure framed by a long carriage drive and mature trees. The Council is seeking your opinion on whether Hastings Villa should be added to the Local List. The Council is also seeking any information you may hold about the building and its history. Historical records including photographs are particularly welcome". The application was originally made in 2018, but for some reason it was not enacted then, and has subsequently been resubmitted. Hastings Villa has been the subject of a couple of proposals for redevelopment - specifically the demolition of the existing villa, to be replaced by a block of flats. If the local listing proceeds - as I suspect that it will - this will preserve the existing, historic building.

Over the last couple of weeks I have been featuring stories illustrating the problems with smart door bells, smart door locks and the like, and the ways in which they can be extremely insecure. Indeed Amazon Ring doorbell owner and local software developer Miles, who wrote the original analysis, has forwarded me an article on a further problem with another Ring device - their internal security cameras. The article, from the Digital Trends website reads thus:- "In yet another example of a smart home hack, an in-home Amazon Ring camera was hacked to make inappropriate comments toward a woman in her California home. A Calabasas, California, woman who referred to herself as Tammy told CBSN Los Angeles that she heard a voice coming from her Ring security camera that was located in her bedroom. “Yo, what’s up? How’s your day?” a man’s voice reportedly said, followed by, “Hi, show me some [expletive].” Tammy said the hacker was also able to set off her home’s alarm system. “I knew he was tapping into this camera, he was tapping into my bedroom camera,” she told CBSN Los Angeles. “So it became a little bit overwhelming for a few moments.” “They could have been taking photos of me, they could have been sending those out to the internet,” Tammy said. She said she had had the camera for four weeks and originally bought it to watch her dog. Tammy said she reached out to Ring about the incident, and that they responded via email that the hack was due to a weak password and that she should change her password.  A Ring spokesperson told Digital Trends that this incident was not a result of Ring’s network or systems being compromised. “Recently, we were made aware of incidents where malicious actors obtained some Ring users’ account credentials (e.g., username and password) from a separate, external, non-Ring service and reused them to log in to some Ring accounts. Unfortunately, when the same username and password is reused on multiple services, it’s possible for bad actors to gain access to many accounts,” the Ring spokesperson said. It’s the second time in a week of reports of Ring camera systems being hacked. Last week, a man was able to access a Ring camera located in a little girl’s bedroom. The man was able to talk to the girl in her bedroom, telling her, “I’m your best friend … I’m Santa Claus.” He also told her, “You can do whatever you want right now. You can mess up your room. You can break your TV. You can do whatever you want.” Ring’s security camera has HD video, night vision, and a two-way talk feature, so the hacker was most likely able to not only talk to the little girl, but also see her. While both instances are creepy all-around, it’s an important reminder that if you do have smart home technology in your home, it’s essential to set up two-factor authentication if possible and regularly change your password". One of the problems with what is termed as "The Internet of Things" is that most companies that produce smart devices do so to their own proprietary standards and the devices from different manufacturers won't talk to each other as they use incompatible technology - much in the same way that home computers from the likes of Sinclair, Acorn (BBC) and Commodore back in the 1980's were completely software incompatible with one another. The situation with smart devices may be about to change, however. After years of trying and failing to dominate the smart home market with their own standards, technology giants Amazon, Apple and Google have finally agreed to work on a set of common code that will allow smart home products, from thermostats to cameras to plugs to digital assistants, to work together seamlessly. The new “Connected Home over IP” approach will be developed through a new working group within smart home veteran organisation the Zigbee Alliance, and the broad brush blueprint of the new standard is stark in its obviousness. It will be an IP-based protocol so it can connect directly to the internet rather than require a hub; it will be open-source and royalty-free and allow for end-to-end secure communication; and it will work with core standards like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The new standard should emerge in draft form in late 2020, meaning that 2021 will be the start of a new era in smart home technology, where Alexa talks to Nest and you can have a single app on your phone to talk to everything else. The initial push appears to be to work with digital voice assistants. It means in future you will be able to buy an Amazon Alexa and a Google Nest thermostat and have them work seamlessly together, rather than the current sorry state of affairs where you are never quite sure what will happen. The bad news is that while existing products will still work, you will need to buy all new kit if you want to benefit from full interoperability. So if you have decided to take the plunge and equip your whole house with smart home technology, you would be well advised to wait a year. Please feel free to send comments to hugh.neal@gmail.com. 

Had he survived, Christmas Day 2019 would have been Kenny Everett's 75th birthday. The man who many, including myself, regard as Britain's greatest ever DJ. He was born Maurice James Christopher Cole on Christmas Day 1944 in Liverpool. He attended the same school as offshore radio DJ Mike Aherne and considered joining the church; indeed he did spend some time in a Catholic seminary, but he left under a cloud, having made free with the communion wine. His first paying job was in a bakery. With a passion for radio and playing around with tape recorders, he sent a tape of a home-made programme to the BBC. Having acquired an ability to impersonate everything from The Goons to the opening of the airlocks in Journey into Space, he bought two tape-recorders and began to make his own programmes, interspersing music with bouts of silliness. This interested the Corporation enough to invite him down to London and he was interviewed on the Home Service's Midweek programme. Kenny hoped it would lead to a job with the BBC but it did not. Instead he joined the new offshore station Radio London when it launched at Christmas 1964. Everett was madly seasick at first, but offshore radio suited him: it meant access to studio equipment 24 hours a day (DJs did three weeks on, and a week off), and all the time in the world to invent loopy characters (as the first zoo DJ, Everett was the father of Steve Wright and all the rest). He chose his new name from that of the Hollywood actor Edward Everett Horton, and both his own show and the double headed programme he co-presented with Dave Cash, The Kenny and Cash Show, won a massive following. His writing and tape-editing skills were phenomenal and Kenny was responsible for many of Radio London's more creative advertisements, jingles and promotions. Unfortunately his humour was not always appreciated by the management and he was fired for six months after making fun of the sponsored religious show The World Tomorrow, the station's biggest advertiser. Along with Jerry Leighton from Radio Caroline and Ron O'Quinn from “Swinging” Radio England, Kenny joined The Beatles on their 1966 tour of the USA sending back reports on the concerts, sponsored by Bassett's Jelly Babies. Sharing the same Liverpool background, Kenny developed an obvious rapport with “The Fab Four”. He left Radio London in March 1967 and worked on Radio Luxembourg and the BBC Light Programme, later joining BBC Radio One at its launch. Although hugely popular he was soon in trouble again. He was constantly being told off for criticising the station in the press and when he joked on air that the wife of the then Minister of Transport had passed her advanced driving test by bribing the examiner, it was the final straw. He was sacked. He presented some shows on BBC local radio and others on Radio Monte Carlo International. By 1969, he had married Audrey "Lee" Middleton, a former pop star and psychic better known by her stage name Lady Lee - who had been Billy Fury's girlfriend. Within a decade, he had realised he was gay and they parted but remained friends, and it was she who found him his first boyfriend. It was the launch of London's Capital Radio in 1973 that returned him to the forefront of British broadcasting. Here he was reunited with his old partner Dave Cash and their Breakfast Show helped to establish the new station. From Capital, Kenny moved to BBC Radio 2 and then back again to Capital. Having got a job with the BBC once more, Kenny became so big that he was often to be found hanging out with the very stars whose music he played. One of his closest friends was Freddie Mercury. It was in 1978, at the height of his radio powers, that he moved into TV with a bang. The Kenny Everett Video Show introduced the nation to a host of new, crazy characters, created by the writing team of Kenny, Barry Cryer, American Dick Vosburgh and Canadian Ray Cameron, father of current comic Michael McIntyre. The latest hit singles were featured, often performed by the bands and singers themselves, and all sorts of people were more than happy to appear alongside the anarchic Kenny. From Cliff Richard to Billy Connolly, they would all be struggling to keep a straight face as Everett created mayhem around them. Captain Kremmen, science-fiction hero, punk rocker Sid Snot and lecherous Frenchman Marcel Wave were among his characters. The third series ended with Kenny making a farewell speech as the crew removed the set and background scenery, picking him up and placing him in a dustbin. In the 80s, having fully thrown off his guilt about his sexuality, he took up nightclubbing with a vengeance, and it was on one such evening out that he met Nikolai Grishanovich, the lover from whom he would eventually contract HIV. Grishanovich was one of the two husbands he eventually unveiled to the press (the other was a Spanish waiter, Pepe Flores), and he died of an AIDS-related illness in 1991, the same year as Everett's close friend Freddie Mercury. In 1993 he confirmed newspaper reports that he was HIV-positive but continued presenting shows on Capital Gold until his death of AIDS-related causes on 4th April 1995. A genuinely original talent, a naturally funny man. and a brilliantly skilled editor, he was a disc-jockey whose listeners eagerly awaited his every word Everett was the subject of an episode of BBC Radio 4's "Great Lives" - which you can hear by clicking here. Alongside his radio success, Kenny also enjoyed a television career, starting with Nice Time for Granada in the sixties, later with LWT, Thames TV and the BBC. A radio industry organisation, the Radio Academy, has its own Hall of Fame honouring people who have made an outstanding contribution to UK radio. One of the first recipients was, quite rightly, Kenny Everett. In October 1993 Kenny was the castaway on Radio 4's Desert Island Discs. The programme is still available on the BBC website - click here to listen to it. Everett was fond of animals, and at one stage had a Chihuahua-Yorkshire Terrier cross, two cats, a parrot and several horses. His companion in his last years was a cat called Pussy Cat. By way of recreation, Everett enjoyed needlework.

Now for the weekly local safety and security updates from Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association.

Firstly the update from Barnehurst ward:- "Another week with no burglaries to report. But despite this it has been a busy week for Barnehurst officers who with the help of Bexleyheath and Crayford officers executed a search warrant on the Ward. A substantial amount of class A and class B drugs were found along with a large amount of cash and a firearm. Two males were arrested for possession with intent to supply drugs and possession of a firearm. Both males have since been charged for the drugs offence and one with possession of a firearm. Both males have been remanded to attend court. With Christmas fast looming please can we advise everybody to be vigilant and keep premises and vehicles secure". Belvedere ward:- "The team have recently visited Court Lodge and chatted to several residents in relation to crime prevention. The visit was very well received as many residents were concerned with the security of their homes. We were able to provide advice around this issue – and also supplied window alarms to the residents. We also discussed SmartWater (property marking) which will be implemented in the coming weeks at Court Lodge. We have been carrying out hi visibility patrols of the areas around Upper Park Road (Elmbourne Drive and Heathdene Drive in particular) as there had been reported burglaries in these streets over recent weeks. We have also visited Lesness Heath primary school this week to educate year 6 around internet/ social media safety and online bullying". Bexleyheath ward:- "Friday 13/12/19 Between 1600 – 1815 Burglary Albion Road keys to car on driveway and car stolen. Friday 13/12/19 overnight Theft From motor Vehicle Swanbridge Road Number Plates stolen. Saturday 14/12/19 1550 – 1630 Robbery from male on bus of Airpods Near Asda Broadway. The team have also been involved with a raid on a property in Barnehurst – see their link for the details but a really good job! A man has also been arrested by Asda for repeated begging despite being asked to leave the area several times. It transpires he is not actually homeless and made over £800 pretending to be. If you do wish to help please do not give them money, if they are truly homeless then food or drink is much more appreciated. Please keep yourselves safe this Festive Period there has been several reports of drinks being spiked – ensure you have sight of your drink at all times. Keep your purse and handbag safe whilst out shopping ensuring that zips and clasps are done up, make it difficult for thieves." Crayford ward:- "Thankfully, no burglaries to report this week. But unfortunately two vehicles have been stolen. A red Citroen Berlingo, number plate Y727NGX was stolen from Samos Way between 13.01 and 16.30 on 13th December. A white Transit panel van, number plate NA13YHV was stolen from Lea Vale between 20.00 on 15th December and 07.00 on 16th December, the van also contained a Magliner Gemini Junior Trolley, a three ton Trolley Jack, a breaker bar and a 21mm socket. Number plate NV17EAJ was stolen from a black Nissan Juke whilst parked near Thames Road on 14th December between 14.30 and 22.40. It was reported that on 15th December between 00.20-00.25 a male was approached by another male who intended to rob him, the victim was able to run away and nothing was stolen. A male was arrested on 16th December, initial call to police was that he was knocking things off shelves in shops at Tower Retail Park. On being stopped and searched near Sainsburys he was found to have bolt croppers, a screwdriver and other items and was arrested for going equipped to steal. The team have been very busy this week, on Wednesday a wanted male was located in Crayford High Street and arrested. Crayford officers along with Bexleyheath officers assisted Barnehurst officers with a drugs warrant at an address in Hornbeam Lane. A very significant amount of drugs and a firearm were discovered and two arrests were made. The shops are getting really busy, please remember to put purses away and keep bags zipped up, with wallets please try to keep them in an inside pocket rather than a back trouser pocket, pick pockets are very quick and unlikely to be seen. We would like to wish you peace and happiness for Christmas and the New Year". Erith ward:- "Theft from Vehicles is still an ongoing issues in the Erith area and other areas in the north or Bexley We have been out on the ward leafleting areas this is happening in, giving out crime prevention advice. The best advice we can give is do not leave anything in the car even coins of a low value. Also we have been issuing Smartwater in Erith so far we have given free kits to all residents of the Quarry and have started to deliver kits to Tower Road. If you are an Erith resident and would like a free Smart water kit please Email Erith SNT and we will try our best to give you a kit. Crimes of note: Theft from motor vehicle Saturday 7/12/2019 Callender Road, Theft from motor vehicle Wednesday 11/12/2019 Neptune Road,  Theft from motor vehicle Thursday 12/12/2019, Crescent Road,  Shoplift Saturday 14/12/2019 Farmfoods Ltd, Theft of motor vehicle Tuesday 17/12/2019 Pier Road,  Theft from motor vehicle Tuesday 17/12/2019 Winifred Road". Northumberland Heath ward - no report received this week.

Slade Green and Northend ward:- "An attempted burglary occurred between 1200 and 1600 on Tuesday 17/12/2019 whereby a window was forced at a ground floor flat in Wessex Drive but entry was not gained. Please ensure you lock all your windows before going out and please do not leave any presents on display too as this can be a very busy time of year. If you would like a Smart Water property marking kit, please email the team as we may be able to help. Last weekend PCSO Mark attended Christ Church with Erith SNT for the Christmas tree festival where many local residents were spoken to. This culminated in the Carol service on Sunday evening. Due to Christmas hours and shifts the are no CCS due until next year, dates will be sent out as soon as possible. All of us on Slade Green and Northend SNT would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and peaceful 2020 and we thank you for your continued support in the last 12 months". Thamesmead East ward:- "Burglary Walsham Close, overnight of the Monday 2/12/19 to Tuesday 3/12/19 the property entered , believed the victim had not locked the front door, bag with bank cards/wallet stolen. On Friday 6/12/19 Southmere Drive ,at 4:00am entry gained to property via the front door ,lock broken various items taken. Rushdene Road Tuesday 17/12/19 between 2:45 am – 2:57am Victim was woken by the reflection of a light coming through the bedroom door. A car engine was heard starting up, when the victim went down stairs it was found that a jacket containing 2 sets of car keys and house keys had been taken along with one of the vehicles from the drive. It was noted that the house was secured only by lifting the handle on the front door not locking the door with the key. Vehicle Crime - Tuesday 3/12/19 Kale Road between 12pm – 5:00pm, a catalytic converter was stolen from a vehicle. Thursday 5/12/19 between the hours of 12:00am – 01:30am the front and rear number plates were stolen from a vehicle in Sedgemere Road, The vehicle owner was again a victim with the rear number stolen on the Monday 9/12/19 between 07:30am and 10:45pm. A motor scooter was stolen from outside a property in Curlew Close between the hours of 4:00pm of the Saturday 7/12/19 and 06;00am of the Sunday 8/12/19.The scooter was found and the owner has since had the scooter returned. Sunday 8/12/19 A vehicle parked in Alsike Road was broken into, a mobile phone ,a wallet containing bank cards ,driving licence was taken. Glimpsing Green Wednesday 11/12/19 8pm – 14/12/19 1pm Victim reported Catalytic Converter removed from Toyota Auris by suspect/s unknown. Pointer Close Thursday 12/12/19 7:16am – 7:18am victims stated his vehicle has a slash to the offside tyre made by suspect. MARAN WAY Between Friday 13/12/19 7pm – 10am and Sunday 5/12/19 victim reported Catalytic Converter removed from Toyota Auris by suspect/s unknown. Kale Road Between Saturday 14/12/19 7pm - 8:30am and Sunday 15/12/19 Victim reports front registration plate removed by suspect/s unknown. Overton Road Between Tuesday 17/12/19 9pm – 8am and Wednesday 18/12/19 Victims vehicle broken into property removed by suspect/s. Criminal Damage - On Tuesday 10/12/19 between the hours of 11:00am and 13:00pm, a property in Longfisher Close had the external meter cupboard forced open and the wire ripped out. Good News - An investigation by PC Pruden following the of theft of a charity box, two people were arrested, one charged to attend court ,the other ongoing enquiries". West Heath ward:- "It's a short report this week as we are not able to access CRIS to access crimes over the last week and we are on rest days after today until Friday afternoon. One attempted burglary in Brabourne Crescent between Friday December 13th 9pm – Saturday December 14th at 5pm when the occupant returned to the property to find the front door had been forced causing damage to the frame. Thankfully entry was not gained. Theft of silver BMW from Glenview between 8pm on Saturday December 14th – 8pm on Sunday December 15th. The victim is still in possession of the key. Theft from Newlyn Road Sunday December 15th. No further details at this time. The team assisted the TSG (Tactical Support Group) with execution warrants across several wards. New contact sessions for the coming year will be announced in due course".

The end video this week is a  tour of the William Morris Red House in Bexleyheath. Please send any comments and feedback to hugh.neal@gmail.com.

The Hainault.

Following on from last week's news article about the proposed redevelopment of the old Hainault maternity hospital site in Lesney Park Road - part of the area that I only half jokingly refer to as "The Beverly Hills of Erith". This week I have a response from a Lesney Park Road resident, who, due to the nature of the ongoing situation, needs to keep their identity concealed at this point. The anonymous contributor writes:- "Once again, it seems Bexley council have employed their usual arsenal of double speak, following "The letter of the law versus the spirit of the law". This I find incredibly frustrating particularly given how they handled the Homeleigh debacle (though in fairness that has improved ....somewhat, check the crime statistics). My primary gripe is the removal of effectively all of the mature trees that have grown on the site for decades, their literature explicitly states they intend to minimise the impact to the ecology of the site, yet even a cursory look at their plans vs. the existing site will tell you that is a complete lie. What I also found rather interesting is their statement of community engagement, supposedly I was explicitly consulted, along with the other properties in that part of Lesney Park Road - this is all rather odd as I only discovered this submission via the facebook community group. Neither I, not the neighbours I'd spoken to had any idea of the plans. Funnily enough I did a little research into the author of the post who was very pro-planning - turns out he had a part to play in the Erith Riverside Baths redevelopment. He wasn't terribly sympathetic to concern around the trees, but then again I don't pay his salary. Looking at the plans, I would also firmly bet it is a precursor to redeveloping the Homeleigh care home - it is no coincidence the road leads directly into that site. Oddly I'm not against the redevelopment of the two sites, but unfortunately as with most new-builds they are trying to cram as many people as possible into a small area irrespective of the character and ecology of the area or the residents themselves (see the size of the gardens they are proposing). This week has been particularly busy for me so I've not had time to deeply analyse the proposal, I've left a somewhat lacklustre counter-comment on the application essentially stating the above - I can't imagine it'll come to much given the work that's gone in to the application. My hope is they can scale it back sufficiently the estate retains the mature trees. If you read the Statement of Community Engagement they hosted a consultation with residents on the 18th July (Thursday) between 4pm-8pm - I work in central London and often don't finish to 6-6:30pm, for someone like myself this is a razor thin opportunity to offer key feedback to the application. Their literature even hints at the very fact people couldn't attend - mostly retirees at a guess. Reading further on in the document again the double-speak comes out to play using statistics and accurate, yet equally misleading comments such as "Figure 2 shows that the majority of residents (61 percent) support or strongly support the proposals for new high quality homes in Erith...". This is a complete mistruth, 37 people do not represent the entirely of residents in the immediate area (blimey, Homeleigh which backs directly on to the site must have more than 37 people residing in the property - speaking of which I wonder if they were consulted, if I read this document correctly - no). It all reads rather poorly and quite underhanded when otherwise it could have been a good idea. Given my personal experience with the planning team, hopefully they see through this nonsense. "If anyone wants to object, you still have a window. the planning permission reference is 19/02274/FULM | Demolition of the existing buildings and erection of 25 dwellings comprising 5 x 4 bed, 7 x 3 bed, 5 x 2 bed houses and 8 x 1 bed supported living apartments together with car parking and associated works. | Hainault 35 - 37 Lesney Park Road Erith Kent DA8 3DQ" And this can be done via https://pa.bexley.gov.uk/online-applications ". If you look at the graphic at the top of this article, you can clearly see that the current redevelopment plans for the Hainault site will be at the cost of a number of mature, healthy trees. I agree with the writer that this needs to be brought fully to both the proposed developer and the Council's attention as a matter of priority. We need more trees in the area, not less. What do you think? Leave a comment below, or alternatively Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.

Did you know that there is a connection between a former Plumstead based manufacturing company and the world famous actor and director Clint Eastwood? No? Then read on. Thanks to a long time reader and occasional contributor with a strong interest in local industrial history, who wishes to remain anonymous, and who supplied the following information. Associated Motor Cycles Ltd were a large and successful manufacturing organisation which was based in Plumstead for many years. They owned three major motor bike brands, namely Matchless, AJS and (latterly) Norton, which were designed, manufactured and assembled in their large factory in Plumstead. The founder of the firm that was eventually to become Associated Motor Cycles Ltd was Henry Herbert Collier, an ex Woolwich Arsenal engineering supervisor, who started manufacturing bicycles under the Matchless name at his home in Herbert Road, Plumstead in 1878. Henry Collier had three sons; Henry Albert (known as Harry) and Charles Richard (Charlie) from his first marriage, and Herbert William (Bert) from his second. It was not long until petrol engines were added to the pedal cycles and, when the two eldest joined him in the business, it became H Collier and Sons. There was a most significant change for the company when production outgrew the converted stables that it occupied in Herbert Road at the end of 1912. Business had been good and a new factory was built in a much more suitable location away from the select housing near the common and within easy reach of the Woolwich Arsenal Railway Station. The factory building itself was in Burrage Grove at the junction with Maxey Road. Burrage Grove (the Eastern end of which is now renamed Walker Close) runs parallel to the main Plumstead Road. New offices with a showroom were built fronting Plumstead Road which thus backed onto the new factory premises. The move was made early in 1913 and it proved to be a wise one indeed for these same premises, progressively expanded over the years, were to serve as the home for motorcycle manufacture until the factory finally closed its doors in 1969. At the time of the move Henry was recorded as being the Managing Director while Harry was the Works Manager and Charlie the Manager of the Finishing Department (presumably the Assembly Shop) but it is clear that Harry was becoming the prime designer of the products. During the 1914-18 war, the Plumstead factory was occupied on munitions and aircraft parts, the latter to a degree of accuracy one would expect from a firm whose trade mark had, for so long, been two hands using a micrometer. H H Collier (Senior) died in 1926 and the company became Matchless Motor Cycles (Colliers) Ltd in 1928. In 1928 Matchless expanded their activities by relocating their manufacture of sidecars to a separate factory at Mast Pond Wharf near the Woolwich Ferry. This had once been part of the old Woolwich Dockyard where it had formerly been the prison building. It is believed that the sidecar manufacture was managed by George Alfred Walker, father of AJS and AMC designer Philip Walker. They also made a small number of the Matchless 'Hawk' bodies for the Austin Seven there. In early 1930s, the AJS concern passed into the control of the Matchless company, the models of the old Wolverhampton factory being henceforth produced at Plumstead Road. In 1938, following the acquisition of Sunbeam, the Matchless enterprise, together with its other concerns became Associated Motor Cycles Ltd and in subsequent years James (1952), Norton (1953), and Francis Barnett (1957) came into the AMC fold. Harry Collier, the elder of the brothers, died in 1944 and Bert (the youngest) had been killed in a road accident earlier in the war, leaving "Mr Charlie" as the last of the firm's founders, who was taken ill, whilst still working in the factory, in 1954 at the age of 70, and then taken to his office where he died. The foresight of the Collier family in planning this building was impressive. It was at one time a two storey structure and may have initially only been just a single floor, but by the 1940's it consisted of four floors with an extension on the roof as well. The base structure must have been planned with potential expansion in mind from its inception. In 1966 AMC went bankrupt and was taken over by Manganese Bronze Holdings (who already owned two-stroke engine manufacturer Villiers) and formed Norton-Villiers Ltd to oversee operations. This company then formed a sub-division called 'Norton Matchless Ltd' to market the remaining models. For a couple of years, work at the AMC factory was limited to the production of the few remaining Matchless models and the new Norton Commando, the engines and gearboxes for which were shipped down from Wolverhampton. Then, in late 1968 the Plumstead works at Burrage Grove, were presented with a Greater London Council compulsory purchase order for a major road widening scheme, finally closing in July 1969, with the land that it occupied given over to a housing development. If you were wondering where the connection with Clint Eastwood is in all of this local history, then I suggest that you read the article below - click in it for a larger and more legible image.

Nowadays Norton are a successful independent upmarket motorbike manufacturer. The brand was relaunched in Lichfield in 1988, and in 1989 Norton made an emphatic return to racing when Steve Spray won the British Super Bike Championship on the all-black JPS bike, a victory repeated in 1994 by Ian Simpson on the Duckhams Norton. Norton moved to its current home at Donington Park in 2008 and in 2009 CEO Stuart Garner set the World Speed Record for a Rotary Powered Motorcycle (recording 173mph for a timed mile). You can read more about the modern incarnation of the Norton brand by clicking here for the company website.

The photos above were taken back in June 2016, when local builder Mr Kulvinder Singh illegally demolished the Leather Bottle, a pub said to date from 1643. In 1783, when this was acquired by Taskers of Dartford, it was described as the leather Bottle at Chalk-Stile. There is evidence for the building back to 1751 and the licences are recorded for the pub of this name back to 1726. Despite this great age, according to some sources, the building was not even locally listed - why this never happened is beyond me. Other sources say that it was Grade II listed. Back in 2016, The developers of the site misled and outright lied to local residents - they said that they were merely clearing the car park and a small patch of land next to the historical pub - and their builders were extremely rude, aggressive and abusive to anyone taking photographs of the demolition work. Finally, over three years later, justice has caught up with Kulvinder Singh and his construction company Balmonza Ltd. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched a prosecution agains both Mr Singh personally, and against his company, Balmonza Ltd, which was heard in Westminster Magistrates Court last Monday. The HSE found that no safe system of work existed at the time of the incident. There had been no asbestos survey done before the demolition work began, which meant any asbestos-containing materials present would, during the demolition, have caused asbestos fibres to be released and widely spread. The company had not arranged for gas and electricity supplies to be properly disconnected by the appropriate bodies, leading to a potential risk of explosion or of electrocution of people on site. There were no measures, such as hoarding or fencing, of the site to prevent access to the dangerous activity, or to prevent the ejection of materials from site. The building was on a busy road and pedestrians passing by, including primary school aged children going to and from a school 200 metres away, and traffic were all at risk. Mr Singh's company, Balmonza Ltd was fined £20,000 with £1000 costs for breaches to Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and Mr Singh was personally found guilty of serious breaches of Section 37(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £5000. He was ordered to pay court costs of £1000. Personally, knowing the facts behind this case, and other instances where Kulvinder Singh has ridden roughshod over planning laws and other regulations, such as how back in June of this year another development by the Balmonza Ltd was refused retrospective planning permission after a long fought battle with local residents. The development at the rear of 238 Woolwich Road, which backed onto Abbey Wood was finally rejected, after multiple complaints from local residents and a blatant attempt by Kulvinder Singh to yet again break planning law. Balmonza Ltd had built a huge concrete platform at the rear of the house, and it appeared that they were trying to build an illegal block of flats, actually inside the Abbey Wood. Fortunately after a prolonged and concerted campaign by local residents, led by Malcolm Knight of the excellent Bexley is Bonkers Blog - links above to his photos, this has now been stopped. What remediation work will be undertaken is unclear at this point. I feel that he will treat this prosecution and the subsequent fines as merely the cost of doing business, and I very much doubt that it will deter him from other crimes in the future. All I can say as a summary to this affair is do not deal with Kulvinder Singh, or his company Balmonza Ltd. He is now a convicted criminal and a nasty piece of work to boot. You have been warned.

On a far more positive note, and another construction related story. The first local apprentices have been hired to help regenerate the Park East site in Erith as Wates Residential supports a further seven people with its Building Futures training programme, also held last week in Erith. The first two apprentices are Sam, 25 from Welling, and Sarah, 21 from Bexley, who both join the project as apprentice demolition operatives with Wates Residential’s site subcontractor – Erith Group. Commenting on his new role, Sam said: “This apprenticeship has given me a sense of belonging in society. I feel like I’ve been given a second chance to get my career on track and that I am moving in the right direction now.” The £95 million Park East project, which is being delivered by Wates Residential and Orbit, in partnership with the London Borough of Bexley, will deliver 320 new homes in Erith of which 80 per cent will for affordable rent and shared ownership. As part of the project, the partners have pledged to kick start training opportunities in the area by hiring at least 31 apprentices and at least 25 people in full time employment from the local area. The first two apprentices, as previously mentioned, are Sam and Sarah, pictured above - click on the photo for a larger view, who both join the project as apprentice demolition operatives with Wates Residential’s site subcontractor – Erith Group. Their responsibilities include removing the internal fittings the buildings before they are demolished and ensuring the waste materials are properly sorted and recycled. Sam explained: “Before starting this role, I didn’t realise how much gets recycled during the demolition of a building!” Sam had previously studied a bricklaying course at Bromley College, but decided on a career change soon after finishing his studies. He was encouraged to apply for an apprenticeship by Bexley Mind, who supported him throughout the process. Commenting on his new role, Sam said: “This apprenticeship has given me a sense of belonging in society. I feel like I’ve been given a second chance to get my career on track and that I am moving in the right direction now.” He added: “I love the physical side of my role and the great team that I work with. Everyone at Erith and Wates Residential have been so supportive. The health and safety across the whole Wates site is outstanding and really shows that people care.” Thanks to his new position working with one of the largest demolition contractors in the world, Sam is now saving for his driving licence and aiming to move out of his parents’ home soon. “This is the best job I’ve ever had,” he added. “I am now excited for my future.” Describing her role, Sarah said: “I didn’t think I would progress as quickly as I have and feel truly grateful for the opportunity… Everyone on site has been great with me and it has really changed my perceptions as a woman working on a construction site.” Alongside her apprenticeship, Sarah was awarded her Certificate of Competence for Demolition Operatives and has received additional training in asbestos awareness, manual handling and abrasive wheel certificates. She plans to work her way up through the ranks and sees herself in demolition management in the future. In addition, another of the unique training and employment initiatives that Wates Residential has brought to Erith is its Building Futures programme, which helps unemployed adults gain valuable practical experience and employability coaching to reinvigorate their career prospects. On Friday 25th, seven students successfully graduated from the course. Their two-week training involved visits to both the West Street and Park East developments to gain hands on experience of a construction site. The graduation was celebrated with a certificate presentation ceremony attended by Managing Director of Wates Residential Developments Group David Brocklebank and Leader of the London Borough of Bexley, Cllr Teresa O’Neill. Paul Ellis took part in Building Futures in Erith last week. He described the experience: “I have really enjoyed my two weeks at the Building Futures programme. I have learnt new skills and the tutor from Ixion was so helpful. I would highly recommend that anyone considering a career in construction. I can’t believe how much Wates invests into this programme! I would like to thank them, as I now feel like I can kick start my career and am feeling positive for my future.” The redevelopment of Park East comes after partners Wates Residential and Orbit recently completed six years of work on the nearby Larner Road estate, transforming it into the award-winning Erith Park. Throughout Phase 1 and 2 of work, seven tower blocks were replaced with 587 medium-rise homes, including 329 homes for affordable rent, 114 for private sale and 144 for shared ownership.

Now for the weekly local safety and security updates from Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association. Firstly the report from Barnehurst ward:- "In the past week Barnehurst ward has suffered one burglary in Merewood Road. This occurred on Thursday 24/10/2019 between 11.00am and 02.00pm. It is believed suspects were specifically searching for vehicle keys as other valuable property had been left in the property untouched. Drawers were found left open in the property and a blue California Ocean Volkswagen (Motor caravan) registration number KV68FJJ was stolen from the driveway. Also taken were vehicle keys to a Mini. Suspects gained entry by jumping over the rear fence and smashing a rear window. Between Sunday 20/10/2019 at 05.00am and Monday 21/10/2019 midday a blue challenge Mountain bike was stolen from outside Barnehurst Train Station in Station Approach. On Sunday 27/10/2019 overnight in Parkside Avenue there was a theft from motor vehicle whereby a wallet containing bank card was stolen. The suspect has then gone on a shopping spree using the victim's bank card. Investigations are ongoing. On Tuesday 29/10/2019 again overnight in Parkside Avenue number plates X571JMW were removed from a vehicle by person's unknown. The next community contact session will be held at Barnehurst Golf Club on Tuesday 5th November at 11.00am".

Belvedere ward:- "Today officers from across South East BCU lead by officers from #Bexley Safer Neighbourhoods conducted a disruption operation at #Belvedere BR Station with officers from the British Transport Police. Officers have used knife arches and stop and search and have made 4 arrests. • A 24 year old male has been arrested for possession of an offensive weapon (knife) • A 16 year old male has been arrested for possession of an offensive weapon (Police Style extendable baton) • A 36 year old male wanted for non payment of fines at Camberwell Green Magistrates Court • A 25 year old male wanted to failing to appear at Ealing Magistrates Court after an offence at Heathrow Airport. These operations are conducted at random and without warning across South East London". Bexleyheath ward:- "Wednesday 23/10/19 1515 Purse stolen from handbag in Dorothy Perkins. Sunday 27/10/19 1530 – 28/10/19 1430 Glass taken from wing mirror Martens Avenue Monday 28/10/19 – 2100 Theft From Motor Vehicle Goals Car Park.  Monday 28/10/19 – 1530 Purse stolen from handbag Greggs Broadway. Tuesday 29/10/19 – 1225 Purse stolen from handbag Cancer Research Shop Bexleyheath Broadway. Tuesday 29/10/19 – 1200 Purse stolen from bag inside New Look. Ensure that doors and windows to properties are locked and secured with keys where applicable – revisit home security and lighting now the dark lights are coming.  Please be careful with purse/wallets whilst out shopping, make sure they are secured inside your bags with a zip type handbag. Wednesday 16/10/19 2050 – 2120 Long Lane Co Op – loop device found on cash machine, removed and reported. Thursday 17/10/19 2015 – 2150 Goals Graham Road. Theft From Motor Vehicle. Thursday 17/10/19 1215 The Card Factory – Elderly female has purse taken from handbag – CCTV now in store and images with police. Saturday 19/10/19 1415 – 1420 Broadway rear of shops – Vehicle parked and went shopping, it was blocked in by another vehicle and driver damaged vehicle – arrested at scene. Saturday 19/10/19 overnight – Theft of Number Plates Broadway near Trinity Church. Sunday 20/10/19 2020 hours Males attempting to steal motorbike from drive Park Grove. Sunday 20/10/19 2040 hours Males interrupted whilst opening car doors Sevenoaks Close. Wednesday 23/10/19 1215 Theft of wallet from 93 year old male Broadway Bexleyheath. There has been several businesses targeted over this week for takings left on the premises. Front glass windows have been smashed but CCTV has picked the offender up in one shop and police are tracing suspect. Ensure that doors and windows to properties are locked and secured with keys where applicable – revisit home security and lighting now the dark lights are coming". Crayford ward:- "On Saturday 19th October between 18.45-18.50 a tall IC1 male stole two bottles of Smirnoff Vodka from Crayford Wine in Crayford High Street. The male walked around the counter and reached over the shopkeeper to do so before leaving the shop. At 3.09am on Friday 25th October two males attempted to burgle a home in Buckley Close. The door was opened causing some damage but the residents were alerted by their dog and chased after the suspects who are described as being IC1, both very tall with their faces half covered, they ran off towards Wyatt Road. A silver Vauxhall Vectra was found nearby with the door open, enquiries are ongoing. On Thursday 24th October at 21.00 a man returned to his blue Ford Fiesta parked in Crayford Arrows car park after playing football to find that it had had the rear passenger window smashed, nothing was stolen. Similarly, on Monday 28th October between 19.00-20.00 an I-phone 6 was stolen from a locked glove compartment in a locked Peugeot 307 parked in Perry Street, the driver's door had been forced. A silver Toyota number plate SC06YJD was stolen from Maiden Lane between 16.30 on Thursday 24th October and 6.10 am on Saturday 26th October. A catalytic convertor was stolen from a black Landrover at 1.06am from Optima Park at Thames Road. The suspects were driving a white Ford Fiesta, the incident was captured on CCTV. Number plates were stolen from a silver Nissan Micra between 17.15-19.15 whilst parked in Mount Pleasant Walk, number plates not given on report at this time. Between 16.30 on Friday 25th October and 7.30 on Monday 28th October, suspect(s) have climbed over hoardings and broken in to an electrical cupboard on a building site in Crayford Way. They stole 2 Powerfactor 0.93 Elite Transformers. (1 x 5KVA and 1 x 3 KVA) A Portakabin was broken in to overnight between 18.30 on Monday 28th October and 08.30 on Tuesday 29th October in the Lok'n'store car park at Optima Park, Thames Road, the window was broken and there was an untidy search. Property was stolen from a Mercedes whilst parked in Crayford Road at 15.00 on Sunday 27th October. Three bicycles were stolen from Crayford Retail Park on Tuesday 29th October. The first one was a Red Carerra and was locked up by Sports Direct and stolen at about 14.05. The other two had been left outside Smythes and unfortunately not been chained up, they were stolen by two IC1 suspects who rode them away past Nando's towards Crayford Road. The bikes stolen were a black Carrera Vengeance and a Halford's black B'Twin.  Please note that authorisation for Dispersal has been given between 10.00 on Thursday 31st October and 10.00 on Friday 1st November to deter anti-social behaviour on Halloween and officers will be patrolling the town centre, Town Hall Square and Waterside Gardens area of Crayford. Please call 101 if there is anything we should be aware of. Our next community contact session will take place on Friday 8th November at Crayford Library between 10.00-11.00am, please come along and say hello if you are in the area". Northumberland Heath ward:- "The team continue to patrol in and around Sussex Road to tackle anti-social behaviour. A set of number plates has been taken from a parked and unattended vehicle in Brook Street. If you happen to see registration number WU07BXA please contact police so further enquiries can be made. Should you wish to protect your vehicle from this type of offence drop us a line and we may be able to provide appropriate anti-theft devices. Thanks go out to everyone who attended the ward panel meeting on Tuesday".

Slade Green and Northend ward:- "A burglary took place at around 4am on Friday 25/10 in Chesworth Close. The suspect was disturbed by the resident and ran off. 2 cupboards were left open but nothing was taken. It is unclear how access was gained as no tool marks were left at the scene but the front door was open. If you have a UPVC door please ensure to lock it by making sure that the handle is turned up AND the key is turned. Our police officers have been working with neighbouring wards covering as many areas as possible in Autumn Nights patrols. Several groups have been moved on in the Forest Road and Rainbow Road areas of our ward. These patrols will continue for the next week or so and extra officers are out and about across the borough during Halloween. Our next CCS (community contact session) is not until Saturday 09/11/2019 from 6pm at our SNT Base in Pier Road. At the Ward Panel meeting on Weds evening the promises chosen by the panel were ASB (anti-social behaviour) Rainbow Road, Drugs and Vehicle Crime. These will be in place for three months". Thamesmead East ward:- "Between the 19/10/19 and 27/10/19 , a pedal cycle chained up ,had the frame ,wheel taken and another wheel taken from another bicycle .Suspect/s believed to have climbed over the back gate. Bexley Crime Survey - The Bexley Community Safety Partnership includes the Council, Police, Fire Brigade, Health and Probation who work together to reduce problems of crime, anti-social behaviour and drug and alcohol misuse. To help us decide what should be the partnership's priorities for the next year please tell us what crime and disorder issues cause you most concern in the area you live or work in Bexley by completing the online survey at www.bexley.gov.uk/crimesurvey. it will only take two minutes to complete and is completely anonymous. GOOD NEWS -  While out on routine patrol ,PC Pruden found a stolen Audi A3 was discovered abandoned in Walsham Close, SE28. Checks revealed that it had been stolen, July 2019, Lewisham. The Audi was on false plates, the true identity was established via a Vehicle Identity Number check. The vehicle was recovered to Charlton Car Pound, victim updated. Report crime by calling 101 or in an emergency call 999. Remember, you can also report crime online on our website: https://www.met.police.uk/ To find out more information about our updated privacy practises and how we process your data in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 please visit our Privacy Notice on the Met Police website https://www.met.police.uk/privacy-notice". West Heath ward:- "Unfortunately we have had a burglary in Gipsy Road this week. The victim was away between Saturday October 19th and returned on Friday October 25th just before midnight when they discovered damage to the conservatory door and sliding doors. Thankfully entry not made inside the property and nothing was taken. One attempted burglary in Bedonwell Road on Tuesday October 29th at 04.20am. The occupants were asleep when they were disturbed by the burglar alarm going off. A male was seen on the driveway by the occupant before running to a silver Vauxhall Vectra and making off at speed. One theft of a white transit van on Monday October 28th from a driveway at the Quadrant. The victim was still in possession of the keys. One report of criminal damage to the windscreen of a motor vehicle in Amberley Road on Monday October 28th at 2.30pm. A group of youths threw something at the vehicle which caused chips to the windscreen. This week we teamed up with our neighbouring ward officers to visit shops that sell knives of any description, kitchen knives Stanley knives etc and asked them to sign a responsible retailer agreement in relation to the storage and sale of these items. The team made two arrests this week. One for harassment, and one failure to appear for court attendance".

The end video this week is a bit of local social history. It shows a series of interviews with local people in and around Bexleyheath in 1984. You might even see someone that you recognise. Leave a comment below, or alternatively Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.