08 December 2011

Forest Hill Returns to the 1970s

After a suitable repast of Babycham and a cheese and pineapple hedgehog, the scene was set for Abigail’s Party, at St George’s Church, Vancouver Road, performed by the St. George’s Players.

It was well-cast with an excellent homage to Alison Steadman, with her fabulous gauche and gangly walk. The play was perfectly rehearsed with excellent timing and energy throughout. The story line builds from cringing moment to cringing moment to a fabulous crescendo of sexual tension, frustration and naiveté: set against the sublime character of Sue.

The performance was well lit and the costumes relevant to the decade. The gem of a set was a professional evocation of the era down to the hostess trolley, the 70s lamp and the wallpaper.

The venue is a great one, and lovely refreshments were served by other members and Players. St.George‘s Players put on two plays a year at the church in May and October and details can be found at www.st-georges-players.org.uk

Photo Competition

Local award-winning photographer Paul Murphy chose the winning entries and the overall winning picture came from Yomsa, which showed Honor Oak in warmer times, with a well composed, black and white picture of One Tree Hill Allotments in the summer. Yomsa wins a £20 gift certificate from local delicatessen, Hills & Parkes – so hopefully can keep well stocked up with organic vegetables through the winter!

With only six participants, and a weighting towards pictures of snow, we have had a challenge creating the 12 month calendar!

Please look on the flickr site, http://www.flickr.com/groups/foresthillcompetition/ for the set of fantastic winning entries.

23 Night Out at the Foresters

In the last newsletter we showcased the acoustic night on a Monday night at the Foresters/All Inn One.

This time it was electric when our very own Jake brought his band, Jonah‘s Raft, to the venue for our regular series of events on the 23rd of the month.

We had a great turn out and picked up a few new members while we were at it. Thanks to Lindsay, Andy and Vitor on guitars, Jake on cello and Christophe on cajon and percussion.

Even better connected SE23

The transport committee remains active on many fronts. We continue to be a thorn in the side of the authorities on both the Forest Hill Station underpass and the rail bridge. The promised repairs to the underpass were well below the expected standard and we have now enlisted Cllr John Pashoud in our dealings with the council, and in turn, Network Rail. The repainting of the railway bridge also failed to meet expectations, and we are putting pressure on for this to be completed.

Honor Oak Park Station
Again, ongoing work has fallen well short of our expectations, in particular the embankment and the work on the platforms, which remain tatty. We'll ask Network Rail about landscaping plans for the embankment – if not, then we will be applying pressure to get this important wildlife reserve reinstated.

Lifts are still due at Honor Oak Park Station, probably in 2013 however, the lifts are of limited value if a step ladder is still required for the less agile to get onto and off trains! The step onto trains on platform one must be one of the largest on the network. We will shortly be down with our measuring stick, but it feels like a foot (24 cm). This presents a real challenge for anyone with luggage or a buggy let alone those with less mobility. Not really a good enough answer in the 21st Century.

As we go to press we are considering responses on a number of issues raised with LOROL – later running of trains, fare avoidance, longer platforms, five car trains and the staffing of the new Surrey Canal Road station.

We'll report in the next edition but meanwhile please do share your views with us.
transport@foresthillsociety.com


More tranquil times at Honor Oak. (picture courtesy of Steve Grindlay)

05 December 2011

Improved Recycling in Lewisham

Lewisham residents can now recycle a larger range of materials from the doorstep collection, now including: juice cartons, all plastics, aerosols, and clothes.

More information on Recycle for Lewisham web site

03 December 2011

Christmas Delights

Forest Hill Christmas lights
Saturday 10 December, 3.30 - 5pm, Forest Hill station forecourt
The Society invites young and old to see the lights switched on the Forest Hill Christmas tree and sing carols. Mulled wine, mince pies and more. Get some lovely festive cheer inside you.

Kirkdale Village Pop-Up ChristmasOn Friday 9 and Saturday 10 December, businesses and the local community are hosting a special event. Participating businesses will hold short sessions including singing, yoga, drumming, music, drumming and dancing. There'll also be theatre, fashions shows and more. Info at www.kirkdalevillage.net

Christmas Carols at Horniman GardensSunday 11 December, 5pm - 6pm
Due to on-going work, this will be a smaller event this year so bring your flask and mince pies! See:
http://www.horniman.ac.uk/visit/events/event/christmas-carol-concert-

Magic of Christmas Fair – Mayow ParkOn Sunday 11 December Grow Mayow Community Garden is holding a magical mix of all things festive for all the family from 12-4pm. Children‘s crafts, handmade gifts, carols and more.

New Year’s EveSaturday 31 December at The Railway Telegraph Stanstead Road. See in the new year with the one and only Tippa Irie in concert. 020 8699 6644
Tickets £10 in advance. Open until 3am

LOCAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS(All venues and times to be confirmed, check www.foresthillsociety.com for details)
Sat 28 Jan: Crofton Park Assembly (venue TBC)
Thurs 2 Feb: Perry Vale Assembly
Weds 22 Feb: Forest Hill Assembly
Tues 22 March: Perry Vale Assembly

02 November 2011

Forest Hill Pools Topping Out

Last week saw the Topping Out Ceremony for Forest Hill pools, with the main structure now completed. The project was 'topped out' by the ceremonial pouring of some wine, oil, corn and salt into a suitably prepared recess in the concrete of the first floor.

The pools have been filled with water for testing purposes, as can be seen in the photo. There is still lots of work to do with the building project expected to be completed in the Spring and the pools open to the public in September 2012.

More photos of the construction process can be seen on Flickr.

30 October 2011

Devonshire Road Nature Reserve - Halloween special

Planning: 51-53 Canonbie

The Forest Hill Society has objected to the plans for a development at 51-53 Canonbie Road.
You can view the application here. And you can view the letter of objection here.

Since the submission of the objection some amendments have been included in the plans, in particular removing the parking from the rear of the property and adding three parking spaces to the front of the property, within two metres of ground floor bedroom windows. We have adjusted our objection to take account of these amendments.