HOP and Beyond

Blythe Hill Fields Festival 2011 - (2 July 2011)

noreply@blogger.com (Ghis) — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 12:21:00 +0000

It's in full swing right now so I will let the pictures do the talking:

Brockley Max Festival - 27 May to 4 June 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Ghis) — Sat, 28 May 2011 14:27:00 +0000

Now in its 11th year, the Brockley Max festival is an annual, community festival started by local resident Moira Tait.

The festival is a showcase for a wide range of artists in all media, which provides an opportunity for the broad creative community resident in Brockley, Crofton Park, Ladywell and Honor Oak Park to display its talents to the community and visitors.

There are lots of activities and shows to attend so check the website for all the details or download the programme here!

For more information, please contact moira@maxmediaarts.co.uk.

HOP Mindfulness courses and Meditation evenings in 2011 - May Update

noreply@blogger.com (Ghis) — Wed, 25 May 2011 18:54:00 +0000

Dr Patrizia Collard's next three Wednesday Meditation Evening dates are: 1 June, 27 July and 17 August. The sessions are from 7.30pm to 9.00pm and are held at 45 Lowther Hill, London, SE23 1PZ (Nearest train station: Honor Oak Park).

The meditation evening is suitable for people with a basic knowledge of mindfulness meditation. We practise walking meditation in the garden, sitting and metta meditation. We finish with tea and snacks. The fee is £20 per session. Please contact Dr Collard at drcollard@stressminus.co.uk.

Honor Oak Park Station Refurbished Stairs Open Today

noreply@blogger.com (Ghis) — Wed, 25 May 2011 18:25:00 +0000

The new stairs have been opened to the public today. New benches have now also been installed on the platforms. A big improvemen,t but still a shame that we don't have a ramp for pushchairs and wheelchairs, however apparently Network Rail are planning to install lifts at Honor Oak Park station for 2012/13. This is yet to be confirmed and I will keep you in the loop if I hear more.

Places to Eat and Drink Review - STONE BAR

noreply@blogger.com (Ghis) — Sat, 21 May 2011 09:04:00 +0000

Stone Bar is ideally situated near Honor Oak Park station for a relaxing drink after work and offers Stella and Red Stripe on tap as well as a very good range of cocktails.The menu is a varied selection of Caribbean dishes such as ackee and saltfish tartlets as starter, red jerk pork belly or 24 spice-marinated oxtail for mains and apple and mango crumble for dessert. They also offer a bar menu that we sampled instead with very reasonably prices snacks which we really enjoyed and tasted really fresh.

I also decided to try some of the most exotic martini cocktails on offer. The passion fruit was my favourite but the Appleberry Crumble martini left a great lasting impression (imagine drinking a cocktail just the right side of sweet that tastes like a delicious dessert. It contains apples, berry and gingerbread syrup). Cocktails are Buy One Get One Free from 7pm to 9pm Tuesday to Thursday.

They also had a bring your vinyls night on which was their first and this will now become a regular fixture every second Thursday of the month. This was quite fun and actually made me want to go to a second hand shop and buy some vinyls, as I have left my own small collection behind years ago at my parents. In addition they have a a karaoke night on the first Thursday of the month.

They also cater for parties and can provide either a set menu or a buffet menu.We also asked them if they had any plans to open the bar during the day at the weekend as they have nice sofas to lounge in. This would make an ideal place to meet up on Saturday or Sunday afternoon to catch up with friends as the place is quite roomy too by Honor Oak Park parade standards. They are actually considering it so watch this space!

Current Opening Times:
Bar
Tues - Thurs 5.30pm - 11pm
Fri & Sat 5.30pm - 2am
Sundays available for private hire

Restaurant
Tues - Sat 6pm - 9.30pm

Let's just say that we have decided that Stone was a great place to relax on the parade. We are now completely sold on it and have taken them on their free membership deal!

HOP Mindfulness courses and Meditation evenings in 2011 - Updated

noreply@blogger.com (Ghis) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 20:20:00 +0000

Dr Patrizia Collard will hold Wednesday meditation evenings on 23 March, 13 April and 11 May 2011 from 7.30-9pm at 45 Lowther Hill, London, SE23 1PZ.

The meditation evening is suitable for people with a basic knowledge of mindfulness meditation. We practice walking meditation in the garden, sitting and metta meditation. We finish with tea and snacks. The fee is still £20 per session. Please contact Dr Collard at drcollard@stressminus.co.uk .The nearest train station is Honor Oak Park.

We would also like to remind you of the following dates in 2011:

Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy course:

21/22 May & 18/19 June (over 2 weekends) - information and application form attached

Mindfulness based Teacher Development courses:

8-12 July (level 1) (with Helen Stephenson) - information and application form attached

29 July - 2 August (level 2) - information and application form attached

The above courses take place at 45 Lowther Hill, London , SE23 1PZ . Dr Collard has 3 rooms available for applicants who wish to stay overnight during courses at £30 per night, room only.

Found Canon Memory Card Near Brockley Jack

noreply@blogger.com (Ghis) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 20:14:00 +0000

Alex emailed us to let us know that he has found a camera memory card near the Brockley Jack. See below

"I found a 16GB Sandisk SDHC card on the pavement near the Brockley Jack on Saturday. It's been used in a Canon camera, and seems to contain travel photos from a variety of exotic places. I'm attaching one of the photos from the card. This guy appears several times, so I'm guessing it's his card, or belongs to his partner, or someone who travelled with him.

It's got a lot of stuff on it, and it would be great to see it reunited with it's owner."

Drop us an email if it's yours and we will put you in touch with Alex! We have not attached the photo here but Alex will be able to check that it is the rightful owners from the pictures.

HOP Mindfulness courses and Meditation evenings in 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Ghis) — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 21:04:00 +0000

Dr Patrizia Collard will hold Wednesday meditation evenings on 23 March, 13 April and 11 May 2011 from 7.30-9pm at 45 Lowther Hill, London, SE23 1PZ.

We would also like to remind you of the following dates in 2011:

Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy courses:

11-14 March 2011 (over 4 days)

21/22 May & 18/19 June (over 2 weekends) PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A CHANGE OF DATE

Mindfulness based Teacher Development:

8-12 July (with Helen Stephenson)

29 July - 2 August (level 2)

The above courses take place at 45 Lowther Hill, London , SE23 1PZ . Dr Collard has 3 rooms available for applicants who wish to stay overnight during courses at £30 per night, room only.

Check the website for more information:

www.stressminus.co.uk

Save Honor Oak Park Recreation Ground!

noreply@blogger.com (Ghis) — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 20:14:00 +0000

Southwark Council plan to take our Recreation Ground to use for burials.

If you want to save our park, sign the petition here

see what else you can do, go to

http://honoroakparkrecreationground.blogspot.com/

We, the undersigned:

demand that Honor Oak Park Recreation Ground should stay as an open public green space
call on Southwark Council to abandon any plan to use it as burial
call on local councillors (Southwark and Lewisham) to support residents and park users in protecting our park

BOOTCAMP - Fitness In the Park is Back!

noreply@blogger.com (Ghis) — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 06:10:00 +0000

Get Fit, Lose weight, Shape Up.

Circuit Style Workout with team games and exercises for the whole body

Every SUNDAY morning 8-9am
Rain wind or Shine
Blythe Hill Fields, Lewisham Borough.
£5 per session

All Levels Welcome
Male and Female

Walkers and Runners!

Please bring water and weatherproof clothing

Contact Vicky 0771 2051208
Or check website for more info and other classes
http://www.fitnessformummies.co.uk

Pickwick Estates Looking for Artists to Display Their Art in Their New HOP Premises

noreply@blogger.com (Ghis) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 22:33:00 +0000

The new Pickwick Estates shop at number 47 on the Honor Oak Park parade of shops has just been refurbished. It has left them with one very large and clean wall which they think would make a great display space and they would like to offer the space for local artists to display their work.

The idea is in its infancy but at the moment they are thinking that they could offer an artist the wall space for one month and then they would invite another new artist to display their work the following month and so on.

If anyboby is interested then please contact Chris at chris@pickwickestates.com

One Tree Hill - Bird Survey Walk - Sat 22 January

noreply@blogger.com (Ghis) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 20:10:00 +0000

The Bird Survey Walk will run from 11:00am - 1:00pm and is part of the preparation for the Garden Birdwatch Day events on 29/30 Jan.

Doug Brooks will lead a walk around One Tree Hill, checking bird boxes and recording the birds on the hill.

Refreshments will be available. The group will meet at the gates of St. Augustine’s Church at 11 am. If you arrive later you can find them on the hill or in the Church parish rooms.

Doug will also be giving out survey forms and ID charts for people to carry out their own surveys at home as
it is the Big Garden Birdwatch on 29th and 30th January

Visit the RSPB website at:

http://www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch/

The Friends of One Tree Hill website is at:

http://www.onetreehill.org.uk/

Extend 63 Bus Route to HOP Station - Crofton Park Transport User Group - Next Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Ghis) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 20:08:00 +0000

This is one of the topics to be discussed at the next meeting of the Crofton Park Transport Users Group.

A campaigning group from the Peckham area want to have the 63 bus route extended to Honor Oak Park station and are coming along to get support for this public transport link.

All users of local buses and trains are welcome, even if you don't live in the Crofton Park ward.

Details of the next meeting:

Tuesday 18th January, 7.30 pm

at Ackroyd Centre,

Ackroyd Road SE23

(just round the corner from the Babur Restaurant -
Use the side door at the Brockley Rise end of the building)

The CPTUG was set up and is funded by the local Crofton Park Assembly.

A New School for Lewisham Borough? Primrose House Montessori Primary Campaign

noreply@blogger.com (Ghis) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 20:01:00 +0000

Plans for a Montessori primary free school in Lewisham are taking shape. Inspired by the Montessori teaching method at a local pre-school, a group of local parents are putting together a proposal for a fully state funded primary school following the method. The school would serve children aged 5-11 in mixed age group classrooms.

The borough is battling a massive shortage of reception class places which is set to worsen in the coming years. This initiative will help address that shortage and, the group hopes, create a model that could be replicated across the country.

If you would like to know more about the campaign known as Primrose House Montessori Primary, visit:

http://www.primroseprimary.com

From there you can follow the campaign on Facebook, twitter and even sign the petition:

http://www.gopetition.com/petition/40913/signatures.html

Primrose House is also holding an information day:

Friday 21st January

The Parish Church of St. George,

Vancouver Road, Forest Hill,

London SE23 2AG

You can meet the temporary governors, ask questions, enter the raffle and lend your support to the campaign.

Trains in South London More Disrupted in the Snow Due to "Third Rail System"

noreply@blogger.com (Ghis) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 13:20:00 +0000

According to this BBC Blog, the reason our trains are more disrupted when it snows is because they use the "third rail system". This makes interesting reading but unless the train system is improved, we are likely to continue to suffer delays when it snows and freezes.

From the link above:

"In south London the companies like Southern Railway, Southeastern and South West Trains have to operate using the "third rail system".

That is, the electricity is transmitted to the train using an electrified third rail that the train picks up through a bit of metal called a shoe.

So, while Network Rail have been running "ghost trains" (empty trains) and de-icing trains through the night there comes a point when it doesn't help.

When the snow and ice hits, if the conductor third rail is cold as soon as snow hits it, it freezes. That means there's an insulating layer of ice between the shoe and the rail.

Southeastern have told me the trains automatically shut down to prevent "arcing" of electricity - that could damage electrics and is potentially dangerous."

Hills and Parkes' Stall Outside Honor Oak Park Train Station

noreply@blogger.com (Ghis) — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 19:39:00 +0000

On Saturday we went to check out the new stall outside the station. It was great to meet Jacqui and Emma and sample the delicious food on offer. Hills and Parkes is a great addition to the area and we are wishing them the best! They should hopefully soon secure a permanent local shop, but in the meantime the stall will certainly be very busy as it was all weekend!

The stall will be open from Saturday 6th November onwards near Honor Oak Park station, Saturdays 9am to 5pm and Sundays 10am to 4pm. Hills & Parkes will be selling a range of food all lovingly sourced, sampled and selected for you to enjoy. They also mentioned the possibility of the stall being open on Friday evenings so keep an eye out when coming home on Friday nights!

New Market Stall Near HOP Station - Hills and Parkes Artisan Foods - (Deli Update)!

noreply@blogger.com (Ghis) — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 07:33:00 +0000

Hills & Parkes is a new specialist food stall, which will be located just a few metres from the Honor Oak Park train station. Jacqui and Emma are two local mums who are both passionate about food and our local area. They said:

"We wanted quality food with a provenance on our doorstep so we decided to set up in business together. Whilst struggling for a year to find the right premises we decided to brave the elements and open a market stall."

The stall will be open from Saturday 6th November onwards near Honor Oak Park station, Saturdays 9am to 5pm and Sundays 10am to 4pm. Hills & Parkes will be selling a range of food all lovingly sourced, sampled and selected for you to enjoy.

They will also offer their own unique foodie hampers, a perfect gift for any lover of fine food. Hampers can be bought or ordered at the Hills & Parkes stall and they are happy to deliver to your door free of charge if you live in Honor Oak Park. So come and join them at the Hills & Parkes stall and share their love of all that is best in locally sourced and lovingly produced quality foods!

Honor Oak Park Station Update

noreply@blogger.com (Ghis) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 07:32:00 +0000

Update from Dave:

Following on from our correspondance in August, I have been in touch with LOROL again to find out what, if any, progress has been made with the works at HOP station. Once again, the reply I got was prompt and informative:

"The earthworks are as a result of the illegal fly tipping have been progressing and Southwark Council have removed approximately 40,000 tonnes of waste (some 3,000 lorry loads), including some which required specialist removal. Gareth was pleased to note that the diggers were working this morning and that the council works are approaching completion; this will allow Network Rail (NR) to commence their associated earthwork and retaining wall installation. NR cannot start their work until the council have finished and this is why, at platform level, there has been little progress. On completion onf the NR work Platform 1 will gain approximately one metre in width as a result of the new retaining wall. The whole platform is also scheduled to be resurfaced.

In addition to this work NR are going to use the opportunity to bring forward some planned improvement works for the benefit of our customers and to avoid another period of work in late 2011. This has taken some complex planning which has resulted in a slight delay in the works commencing in ernest. We hope that you appreciate this short delay will minimise the overall level of disruption for station users. The additional works NR will be completing are:

- Renewal of staircases to both platforms
- Repairs to and redecoration of footbridge
- Resurfacing of sections of Platform 2

To allow this work to take place two temporary access ways will be created and work on these is planned to commence on 27 September. The works are scheduled for comlpetion in March 2011. We are currently creating customer information related to this work which will advise our customers of the work.

We are also hoping to carry out some further station improvement works during this time but at present these have not been agreed at present so we are unable to confirm details at present. "

To me, this looks like some short/medium-term pain for some long-term gain. Fingers crossed that the station will be a far better place by the spring.

Fire at Stillness Junior School

noreply@blogger.com (Ghis) — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 13:58:00 +0000

On Saturday 28th August 2010, in the afternoon, one of the school buildings of Stillness School caught fire. The fire reached the roof very quickly and the building has sustained extensive damage. However at present the school is still due to open as planned on Monday 6th September.

"Fire damage at Stillness Junior School - UPDATE
28th August 2010

You may have heard or seen that there has been a fire at Stillness Junior School this afternoon. Unfortunately, the Annexe Building to the front left of the school has been severely damaged and cannot be used. However, at present, we are anticipating that school will start as planned on Monday, 6th September, although there will be adjustments to the classrooms.

We will update this website on a regular basis once we have some more information next week.

Selina Sharpe

Headteacher"

House Prices on the Up Because of the Overground

noreply@blogger.com (Ghis) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 18:16:00 +0000

It is no surprise really as the rest of the world wakes up to the delights of our little corner of South East London. Who would not want to live somewhere with quick transport links to the City and Docklands and the Cultural jewels of the Overground line? Add a mix of some green spaces, good schools and space for your money and you have a perfect combination.

Article in the Evening Standard.

Honor Oak Park Train Station Platform 1 Update

noreply@blogger.com (Ghis) — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 19:07:00 +0000

Thanks to Dave, one of our local residents, we now have an update on the situation of platform 1 at Honor Oak Park Train Station. Dave writes:

After several months with a fence up on platform 1 at HOP station, I wrote to London Overground asking what their plan is, and when the full platform might be restored. LOROL responded and said:

"...these emergency works are connected with land movements as a result of illegal fly tipping next to the station. We alerted Network Rail to the situation following an observation that the platform surface and canopy were being stressed by pressure build up on the embankment behind the platform. The fly tipping had taken place on land owned by the borough council, who have now taken legal action against the responsible party and have arranged excavation works to reduce the pressure on the platform.

London Overground, Network Rail and the Borough Council are working together to ensure that the works are resolved as quickly as possible, so that platform can be fully reinstated as quickly as possible. In the meantime London Overground and Network Rail are actively monitoring passenger levels to ensure that crowding does not become unmanageable."

I asked for a little bit more detail on what they have left to do and was told the outstanding tasks are as follows:

Monitoring of platform movement to confirm that earthworks have been successful.
Construction of a new retaining structure to enable removal of existing sheet piling.
Repairs to canopy and reinstatement of damaged sections of platform

The helpful chap from the Customer Services team also said he would be in touch if he had any updates - or dates for this work to be completed.

We will keep you in the loop here as soon as we hear more.

Fitness in HOP

noreply@blogger.com (Ghis) — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 12:07:00 +0000

Here are a few local links for those interested in getting fitter:

Local Classes:

Oak Tree Yoga

Oaktree Yoga's Tuesday and Wednesday classes are held in the Function Room at The Honor Oak Pub. Variety of evening classes.

Chaithanya Yoga School

Local yoga school a short walk away from Honor Oak Park train station. Classes for all levels + Pregnancy and Mum and Baby classes. Also sells Yoga accessories

Fitness for Mummies:

Exercise classes designed specifically for post natal mums, to help regain shape, strength and fitness, and with a big focus on posture and working abdominal and back muscles. Classes are in St. Saviour's Church Main Hall and in Blythe Hill Fields park.

British Military Fitness:

A bit further away in Peckham Rye Park and for those serious about fitness, outdoor 1h classes.

Hine Tai Chi Schools:Classes at Forest Hill School Community Sports Centre in Bampton Road.

Do Pilates:

Private pilates equipment classes and group sessions at the Sunflower Centre, 81 Tressilian Road.
Mat Classes at St Mary’s Centre (room 1), Ladywell Road, London SE13 7UW (1 minute from Ladywell train station).

Various Classes at the Sunflower Centre:

There are too many to list here so please check the link above!

Local Clubs and Groups:

Aquarius Golf Club:

The Aquarius Golf Club was founded in 1912. The 9 hole course was laid out on the roof and around Beechcroft Reservoir.

Ladies Football:

Every Sunday from 12am - 2pm in Peckham Rye Park (free), all ages and levels. Look out for the orange bibs.

Local Personal Trainers

Marcus Baker Personal Training
Personal training in the comfort of your own home, local parks or private studio.

Shape U Fitness
Vertimax and personal training.

Please let us know if you know any other local classes, clubs, teachers so that we can add them to the list!

New Deli in Honor Oak Park

noreply@blogger.com (Ghis) — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 09:12:00 +0000

A new deli is planned in Honor Oak Park. The people behind this new venture are looking for the input of the local residents with this survey. So please go to the link and let them know what you want!

Blythe Hill Fields Festival 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Ghis) — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 17:17:00 +0000

The Friends of Blythe Hill Fields organised today the Blythe Hills Fields Festival and it was a great success, in this fabulous little park with its amazing views over the City and Docklands.

There were plenty of stands with crafts, food, kids entertainment (donkey rides, football tournament, face painting...) and local groups were represented too, giving an intro to all the local activities on offer.

They also showcased a good line-up of very diverse bands and had organised music workshops.

Fun day with this fabulous weather and great turnout!

Where to Watch the World Cup in HOP

noreply@blogger.com (Ghis) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 19:13:00 +0000

List of the bars and pubs where you can watch the World Cup in HOP. They have TV screens and will be showing the games but check first with them to ensure they are showing the game you want to see:

The Hopscotch:
72 Honor Oak Park, SE23 1DY, Tel: 0208 699 8998
This is a nice little family cafe which turns into more of a relaxed adult bar in the evening but only on Friday and Saturday evenings. Please check with them to see which games they will be showing.

The Stone Bar:
68-70 Honor Oak Park, SE23 1DY, Tel: 0208 291 1447
A lovely Caribbean restaurant and bar serving pints and cocktails (including some lovely virgin cocktails). They also have a bar/snack menu which could be ideal while watching a game.

Trytapas:
37 - 39 Honor Oak Park, SE23 1DZ, Tel: 0208 291 2822
Tapas restaurant and bar. Get into the Spanish mood (after all Spain are the favourite!) while you watch a game.

The Chandos:
56, Brockley Rise, London, SE23 1L, Tel: 020 8314 5920
A larger traditional pub which is likely to be full of football supporters as it usually shows most games during the year and tends to be busy when a big game is on.

The Blythe Hill Tavern:
319 Stanstead Road, SE23 1JB
A bit further away but great if you have spent some time in Blythe Hill park. This is a traditional Irish pub which shows most games during the year.

I cannot find any information on the Brockley Jack or the General Napier to see if they are showing the games so feel free to let me know and I will add the info here. Thanks.