TfL’s London Poppy Day targets record collection of £1.4m

Posted on October 29, 2026 by insidecroydon

Poppy appeal: on the 20th anniversary of London Poppy Day, TfL is hoping to beat last year’s record donation of £1.4m

Transport for London is marking the 20th anniversary of London Poppy Day today in efforts toraise record levels of donations to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal to support the needs of the Armed Forces community, past and present.

Singer Elaine Paige has recorded special announcements for stations across London’s transport network, encouraging donations to the London Poppy Appeal.

There is also poppy-themed roundels at Overground stations, at Victoria Coach Station and Tube stations including Balham and London Bridge. Continue reading →

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Council issues details of tram crash 10th anniversary service

Posted on October 29, 2026 by insidecroydon

The 10th anniversary of the Croydon tram crash which claimed the lives of seven people will be marked with a solemn ceremony in New Addington on Monday, November 9.

Memorial: the stone and plaque on Central Parade has been restored ahead of the 10th anniversary

Dane Chinnery, Donald Collett, Robert Huxley, Philip Logan, Dorota Rynkiewicz, Philip Seary and Mark Smith died when their tram derailed near Sandilands on November 9, 2016.

They were among the passengers on the crowded early morning tram from New Addington heading towards East Croydon when it left the tracks at speed. More than 60 people were injured.

Families of those who died and survivors of the crash are expected to attend the annual public ceremony, held around the memorial that was erected on Central Parade in the aftermath.

The event will take place at Central Parade, New Addington, CR0 0JL at 11am on Monday November 9. Continue reading →

Posted in New Addington North, New Addington South, Sandilands derailment, TfL, Tramlink | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Car crash on Portland Road: man charged after police chase

Posted on October 29, 2026 by insidecroydon

Crashed out: the driver and a passenger were seen fleeing from the scene after they crashed their car into a house on Portland Road on Monday night. Photograph: Ashley Mills

PHOTOSTORY EXCLUSIVE by ASHLEY MILLS

A man from Dagenham has been charged after driving a car into a residential house on Portland Road, South Norwood, at around 11.30pm on Monday following a high-speed police chase.

Two men were seen running from the scene. The police caught one man on nearby Grasmere Road. There were at least six police vehicles and an ambulance at the scene, 353 Portland Road. Continue reading →

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You’ll very much like the rice, jerk chicken and divine lamb

Posted on October 28, 2026 by insidecroydon

Two mayors: opening new restaurants is supposed to be the job of civic mayor, Mohammed Islam (centre, with the gold chain). But somehow Executive Mayor Jason Perry is always available when there’s the chance of free food

A new bar-restaurant on South End has opened, and KEN TOWL definitely liked the lamb

Divine: AYL’s food, especially the suya lamb chops, is recommended

First things first. The suya lamb chops at Anything Yuh Like are divine.

The finely balanced spices complement rather than overwhelm the perfectly cooked, pink-in-the-middle meat.

The jerk chicken is good, too, and the jollof rice that comes with both dishes is perfectly executed and nicely presented.

The menu at AYL is reassuringly short, too, a good sign. After all, every series of Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares included Ramsay telling the restaurant owner to cut down the menu and focus on what they do best. AYL does the food very well.

Unfortunately, apart from a warm welcome from owner Kendra Marful, AYL gets a lot of things wrong.

Marful started Anything Yuh Like from her home kitchen. Having sold her meals through delivery services, and catering at weddings and corporate events, last Saturday she opened her first physical restaurant, at No1 South End, what is now called The Corner House. Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Ken Towl, Pubs, Restaurants | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Kent Gateway and Selsdon roadworks compound tram misery

Posted on October 28, 2026 by insidecroydon

If you thought things were bad enough with half the tram network already closed for planned works to replace stretches of track, things have got even worse this morning, due to a power failure at Therapia Lane.

End of the line: the tram network has been hit by a power outage at Therapia Lane today

With no services from East Croydon to New Addington, Beckenham Junction and Elmers End until November 6, this morning the only operating tram service was a shuttle between Wimbledon and Therapia Lane.

Or as TfL would put it today: “No service between Therapia Lane and East Croydon due to a local power failure and no service between East Croydon and Beckenham Junction/Elmers End/New Addington due to planned engineering work. Good service on the rest of the line.” So that’s alright then.

Continue reading →

Posted in Addiscombe West, Commuting, East Croydon, New Addington North, New Addington South, TfL, Tramlink, Transport | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

CODA presents Spitfire Girls, at Selsdon Hall, Nov 26-29

Posted on October 28, 2026 by insidecroydon

C O M M U N I T Y
A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Continue reading →

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Unpicking the Budget and the Bayeux Tapestry in our podcast

Posted on October 27, 2026 by insidecroydon

The latest episode of the Croydon Insider podcast is now available – free for our paying subscribers as premium content via Patreon, or for purchase on our Spotify page.

It’s another jam-packed episode, with a panel of iC readers going behind the headlines to look into the stories that matter to you.

And it includes top politics pundit Andrew Fisher (the i paper, BBC television and radio and Sky News) previewing what to expect in John Healey’s Budget statement tomorrow. Continue reading →

Posted in Andrew Fisher, Business, Cheryl Fergus-Ferrell, Council Tax, Croydon Council, Croydon Insider, Inside Croydon, Under The Flyover | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

WIN!!! Pair of tickets to see Steeleye Span at Ashcroft Theatre

Posted on October 27, 2026 by insidecroydon

Inside Croydon is delighted to offer a pair of tickets to next week’s long-awaited concert return of Steeleye Span to Croydon as the prize in our latest exclusive subscriber competition.

Steeleye Span will be performing live at the Ashcroft Theatre next Thursday, November 5, and one lucky subscriber and their guest will be their courtesy of the band’s promoters, provided that they can answer one simple question in our prize competition.

Steeleye Span changed the face of folk music forever by taking it into the world of gold discs and international tours. Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Ashcroft Theatre, Fairfield Halls, Inside Croydon, Music | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

How the Romans put snails on the menu on Farthing Downs

Posted on October 27, 2026 by insidecroydon

From Charlie Chaplin to an Olympic athlete, from woolly mammoths to the Suffragettes, the Coulsdon Art Trail pays a tribute to them all.

Tasty treat: the Romans brought snails to Britain 2,000 years ago. ECRA’s finial celebrates their presence on Farthing Downs

And for the latest finial atop a piece of Coulsdon street furniture, the local residents’ association is highlighting one of Farthing Downs’ cherished creatures – the Roman snail.

The Roman Snail, also known as the Burgundy snail, belongs to the Helicidae family and is native to continental Europe. The snail is edible, and was brought to Britain during the Roman invasion 2,000 years ago as part of the legions’ food stock.

Roman snails can be recognised by their globular brown shell, five to six whorls, having a large shell (up to 2inches across) with a ridged texture Their shells can be variable in colour and some can have more prominent markings than others which may be striped. Roman snails are the only species that form a calcified white structure over the mouth of the shell during the winter, called an epiphragm. Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Community associations, Coulsdon, Coulsdon East, Croydon parks, East Coulsdon Residents' Association, History, Wildlife | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

How online sales can help Croydon’s shops stay competitive

Posted on October 27, 2026 by insidecroydon

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With more customers turning to online shopping instead of heading to the high street, independent shops in Croydon are having to adapt. As a result, many businesses are creating online stores to capture audiences further afield.

But, can online sales really help Croydon’s independent shops stay competitive?

Let’s explore the benefits of having an online presence alongside a physical establishment, and how it’s helping brands in Croydon stay ahead of the competition. Continue reading →

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Norwood Grove Centenary Celebration, White House, Nov 7

Posted on October 27, 2026 by insidecroydon

C O M M U N I T Y
A D V E R T I S E M E N T

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Have your voice heard at South Norwood Council Tax meeting

Posted on October 26, 2026 by insidecroydon

A special meeting attended by a local law centre is taking place tomorrow in South Norwood to help military veterans, disabled people, lone parents and those on low incomes with their Council Tax

South West London Law Centres will be at South Norwood Community Kitchen on Portland Road tomorrow, Tuesday, October 27, from 10am to help people with Council Tax.

They will also be discussing the council’s Council Tax Support consultation, which is considering reducing help for severely disabled or unwell residents, lone parents with children under five, disabled working residents and residents on very low income.

One local resident who will be helping to lead tomorrow’s discussion told Inside Croydon: “I am encouraging all residents to respond to this consultation.

“The council is consulting on changes to Council Tax Support and they want to hear directly from us as residents how future support could work for people who may be struggling with household costs. Continue reading →

Posted in Community associations, Council Tax, Croydon Council, Socco Cheta Community Hub, South Norwood, South Norwood Community Kitchen, South West London Law Centres | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Steeleye Span’s Prior arrangements still sounding evergreen

Posted on October 26, 2026 by insidecroydon

KEN TOWL goes all around his hat to interview Maddy Prior, lead singer of Steeleye Span, ahead of their concert at the Ashcroft Theatre on Nov 5

Folk performer: Maddy Prior and Steeleye Span are back in concert in Croydon next week

“We are heavy on sex and death,” says Maddy Prior as we chat about the band that formed in 1970, introduced English folk music to a generation and gave the world All Around My Hat (and not to be confused, of course, with Steely Dan, American yacht-rockers who gave us Ricky Don’t Lose That Number in 1974).

Prior, Steeleye Span’s lead singer since the band was formed, is discussing the songs that they will be performing at the Ashcroft Theatre next week.

Steeleye Span have been a transformative force in folk music, blending traditional sounds with a contemporary edge. I have suggested that their latest album, “Conflict”, attests to a serious, darker side of Steeleye Span. Continue reading →

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Two survive scaffolding collapse on Streatham High Road

Posted on October 26, 2026 by insidecroydon

Weather warning: the scaffolding outside the former Pratts and Payne bar on Streatham High Road collapsed in the high winds of the stormy weekend

Two people were taken to hospital after being trapped under collapsing scaffolding outside the former Pratts and Payne pub on Streatham High Road yesterday.

The incident came after a weekend of high winds and stormy weather that lashed the country, particularly the south-west and Scotland. There have been two reported fatalities.

Across Croydon, the clear-up has begun of several fallen trees or broken branches, though there have been no reports of any injuries arising from the first storms of the season – Storm Austen and Storm Boelo. Continue reading →

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Artisan Craft Market, Glenthorne Ave, Shirley, Sat Nov 14

Posted on October 26, 2026 by insidecroydon

C O M M U N I T Y
A D V E R T I S E M E N T


Continue reading →

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VC hero of Zeebrugge Raid who steered Vindictive safely home

Posted on October 25, 2026 by insidecroydon

Under fire: Capt Carpenter kept HMS Vindictive close to the Zeebrugge Mole for almost two hours while under fierce bombardment. Painting in the Royal Naval College collection at Greenwich

CROYDON CHRONICLES: As we approach the season of Remembrance, DAVID MORGAN has found articles and documents in the Minster archive which tell of the conspicuous gallantry of Captain Alfred Carpenter

On April 27 1918, the Croydon Times hailed Captain Alfred Francis Blakeney Carpenter of the Royal Navy as “Croydon’s naval hero” after the exploits of him, his crew and Royal Marines aboard HMS Vindictive in the Zeebrugge Raid led to him being awarded the Victoria Cross.

Carpenter came from a line of navy officers, with his father, also Captain Alfred Carpenter, living in retirement in the Red House, Sanderstead.

For his homecoming a month later, locals came out in force to welcome Croydon’s conquering hero. Continue reading →

Posted in David Morgan, History | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Ayckbourn’s Neighbourhood Watch, Cryer Arts, Nov 24-27

Posted on October 25, 2026 by insidecroydon

C O M M U N I T Y
A D V E R T I S E M E N T

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Day Of The Dead Supper Club, South Norwood, Tue Nov 3

Posted on October 25, 2026 by insidecroydon

C O M M U N I T Y
A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Continue reading →

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Perry’s plan is rejected by four parties – and Commissioners

Posted on October 24, 2026 by insidecroydon

Blocked: Mayor Jason Perry’s business plan is in tatters after Wednesday’s council meeting

CROYDON IN CRISIS: ‘Zero plan and zero competence’ – Croydon Mayor has his proposed business plan blocked at the Town Hall this week in an embarrassing reverse for the Tories and the council’s interim CEO.
WALTER CRONXITE, Political Editor, reports

Croydon’s failed Mayor, Jason Perry, now can’t even get his own business plan passed at council.

In the week when Labour officials across the country were warned by party HQ not to work with the Greens, Croydon Labour voted with the Greens, and the LibDems and even the grifters of Reform Ltd to block piss-poor Perry’s piss-poor plan.

With absentees on both sides of the Town Hall Chamber, for what was the first meeting of full council in more than three months, when Perry’s business plan for 2026 to 2030 was put to the vote, 39 councillors opposed it with just 27 true blue Tories voting in favour.

The only good thing opposition councillors could find to say about the glossy, 24-page virtual document was that it had been nicely designed.

The business plan is supposed to be part of the council’s policy framework, and is closely connected to the Mayor’s 2027-2028 Budget, where Perry again intends to increase Council Tax by the maximum allowed without need of a public referendum, while making cuts across a range of services. Continue reading →

Posted in Amy Foster, Council Tax, Croydon Council, Mayor Jason Perry, Mike Jackson, Stuart King | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Haunted House Extreme, at Crystal Palace NSC, Oct 30 and 31

Posted on October 24, 2026 by insidecroydon

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Continue reading →

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David Lean Cinema film screenings for November 2026

Posted on October 24, 2026 by insidecroydon

C O M M U N I T Y
A D V E R T I S E M E N T

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‘Utterly outrageous’ proposal to withdraw disabled travel pass

Posted on October 23, 2026 by insidecroydon

Off the buses, and trams and Tubes: Jason Perry is now taking freedom passes away from disabled people

The consequences of the council losing its LTN case in the High Court in March, and with it millions of pounds in fine refunds and lost revenue, now sees Croydon’s failed Mayor taking travel passes from the disabled.
WALTER CRONXITE, Political Editor, reports

As well as wanting to deny Council Tax Support for Croydon’s poorest families, Jason Perry now wants to withhold free travel passes from the borough’s disabled.

This is one of the latest cuts proposed by piss-poor Perry, who has added £300million in extra borrowing at the crisis-hit council since he became Mayor in 2022.

By withdrawing the offer of the travel pass, the council says it could make savings over two years of £140,000 – much less than Mayor Perry will trouser over the same period from his £86,000 annual salary.

Pressure from government-appointed Commissioners – sent in in July 2025 because of Perry’s incompetence – is seeing spending on all or any services that are not legally required being rolled back.

One opposition councillor described the cuts to disabled travel passes as “utterly outrageous”. Continue reading →

Posted in Council Tax, Croydon Council, Mark Adderley, Mayor Jason Perry | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Win tickets for classical ballet The Nutcracker at Fairfield Halls

Posted on October 23, 2026 by insidecroydon

One of the great ballets returns to Croydon with festive season magic, featuring a full live orchestra.

Enchanting: The Nutcracker is full of magical moments

And one lucky Inside Croydon patron, plus a guest, can be at the Fairfield Halls on Saturday November 28 to enjoy Tchaikovsky’s wonderful score married with the beautiful dancing of The Nutcracker.

iC has a pair of tickets to give away in our latest super prize competition.

Imperial Classical Ballet brings The Nutcracker to Fairfield Halls as part of Amande Concerts’ 20th anniversary season.

The Nutcracker will get everyone in the festive mood, whether classical music fans or newcomers to ballet.

A Christmas Eve gift takes Clara into a world of enchanted toys, snowflakes and the Kingdom of Sweets.

Tchaikovsky’s score includes the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Waltz of the Flowers, music that will be familiar to most people even before their first visit to a ballet.

The production pairs classical dancing with costumes and stage settings that follow Clara’s journey from a family celebration into a dream. Continue reading →

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How grassroots rugby brings Croydon’s community together

Posted on October 23, 2026 by insidecroydon

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Grassroots: rugby clubs in and around Croydon play an important role in the community

In Croydon, rugby isn’t just a hobby or form of entertainment. Local rugby clubs do more than their fair share for the community, from giving young people, newcomers and adults more opportunities to get involved in the sport, to bringing the community together and contributing to youth development.

Croydon Wanderers and Trinity are two examples of local clubs that are inspiring people in the area to participate, whether that be as a player, a volunteer or a coach, and solidifying the importance of grassroots rugby clubs as part of the local community. Continue reading →

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Mayor fails to find ‘right’ person for £275,000 CEO vacancy

Posted on October 22, 2026 by insidecroydon

CROYDON IN CRISIS: A year since the vacancy arose at Fisher’s Folly, the Mayor is no closer to recruiting someone for the top job to take over from Katherine Kerswell.
KEN LEE, Town Hall correspondent, reports

Jason Perry has failed again.

Despite dangling a £275,000 salary carrot, no one interviewed for the job of the council’s chief executive was reckoned to be good enough (“with the right experience and leadership”, according to Mayor Perry) to take on the job of running Croydon’s clusterfuck of a council.

It is a year since Katherine Kerswell flounced out of Fisher’s Folly, helped on her way with a £50,000 pay-off approved by Perry so she didn’t have to work her notice period.

And it is four months since the council placed ads in the trade press seeking a new “champion” for Croydon.

And still we are no further forward.

Today, Perry’s bankrupt borough is on its third CEO in just 12 months, with Mike Jackson being paid at least £1,500 per day as an interim. Initially hired for six months, following Perry’s announcement to last night’s meeting of full council, it looks as if Jackson could be in Croydon’s hot seat for a while longer. Kerr-ching!

This is all turning into another costly shambles under the Tory Mayor. Continue reading →

Posted in Commissioners, Conrad Hall, Council Tax, Croydon Council, Elaine Jackson, Jo Negrini, Katherine Kerswell, Mike Jackson, Section 114 notice | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments