BARA

Dulwich Community Hospital has been the subject of many Dulwich Community Council meetings. Save Dulwich Hospital Campaign has been going around for years and there has been community campaigns as recent as this year and all reported in both SL Press and Southwark News only 3 or so weeks ago. Stan Hardy and Ken Hoole are the main campaigners- both are members of the East Dulwich Society. Many local organisations representing all aspects of society have been actively involved in getting the new hospital built. Dulwich is used by Lambeth Residents as well. Currently it houses the Betty Alexander Unit (out patients for older people). Emma the Specialist Memory/Dementia Nurse is also based in the unit

My mother lives in Sheltered Housing in Sydenham. All the tenants got a letter re recycling, when we read through it, Lewisham will not take half the amount of stuff that we in Southwark can recycle. You cannot put plastics other than milk containers in ( no butter/Marg containers, yoghurt pots/plastic trays etc.) At one of the DCC meetings - Veolia gave out details of what can now be included in the recycling bin - now includes foil, aerisol cans (empty) deodrant and shampoo bottles etc. What I would like see is the tetra packs to be included at some point. Some people just do not think about recycling - at work they laugh at me as I regularly check the kitchen bins for tins.bottles plastics to wash out and put in the recycling bin which is about 7 feet away from the general bin - with a large notice outlining what can or cannot go into the bin.

I had contacted James Barber and he already knew about this. The accident you were referring to re another school child was the girl who was run over by a number 12 bus. Coming down from Goose Green down ED Rd to turn right at the Rye has always been a nightmare, I now go down Nigel Road and go right (by Austins Court) so that I can go straight across ED Rd junction. It may take longer but it is at least safer. I have avoided this area for weeks now with the road works as chaotic. I think we should compile a list of all the dangerous crossings in ED and start a campaign for improvements. Unfortunately some of the major roads come under Boris not Southwark Council. Difficult as with Government money to the majority of London Councils being cut back for the next financial year - any council will struggle to get improvements. My list would cover ED Grove/ Lordship Lane. Lordship Lane/Dulwich Common Road ( funding supposed to have been given) Upland /Barry Roads. Court Lane/Carlton Ave/Dulwich Village - despite the give way markings in this area nobody takes any notice.

I think you will find that this problem dates back years. BARA had members complaining several years ago that these coaches were being parked in CP Rd, Landells Road and other side streets as there was no room in Townley. if I recall correctly after we wrote several letters of complaint to Southwark Council Officers - Southwark entered into talks with Alleyns and the coach companies and some form of compromise was reached. I suggest contacting Traffic Section (if it still exsists) at Southwark. I think that this section of the road comes under Village Ward not East Dulwich Ward so Robin C.H. is likely to be one of the councillors - she is good at getting things moving.

Usually when you book a venue you should complete a booking form - this shows if you have just paid a deposit, which will then give you a date to pay balance before the event. Form should be signed and dated by whoever took your booking - a copy to be retained by them plus your copy. In the event of a double book - the person who booked first and has paper evidence to prove it - should get the booking.

There is the Manna Society - have not got details on me as at work, local churches, Southwark Pensioner's Group at Camberwell Green, Age Concern (Walworth Road). Most of the churches will probably have details of local shelter's etc. Good Luck.

Having had the problem of inappropriate urination by bus crews in Etherow Street/Barry Road, Rycott Path and Norcroft Gardens for more than a decade BARA would welcome the reopening of the toilets near the Old Lido site opposite Peckham Rye. Even better would be if they could find a way of allowing the buses to stop/park there for a few minutes to allow the crew to have a (toilet) break. Would planning laws permit a mobile tea wagon to be parked there - it could be a tea and pee place!!

In addition to the above there is the Betty Alexander Suite which provides Out patient appointments for older folk including a 'one stop shop'type service for investigations i.e. falls, OT, Physio, Dementia Clinis and general assessment. Social Services Occupational Therapy service, Social Services Out of Hours Team, Care Home Support Team. SELDOC.It also had a satellite Renal Unit - not sure if that is still there. Site is owned in most part by Southwark NHS -

The snow on Monday was not forcast for London and South East - even lunch time on the news there was no mention of the fact. Like everyone else including James and Southwark Council - we were all caught on the hop. If I recall correctly Dog Kennell Hill and Lordship Lane come under Trasnport for London - surely we should blame Boris!!. As loads of other people have moaned James - it is the side roads which require gritting - Darrell Road, Pellatt and Landcroft were terrible last night - did not help that I had a passenger on crutches and had to find somewhere to park where she could not step out on ice.

James was not deselected, he and Jonathan Mitchell, along with Rosie will be standing for ED Ward. Richard Thomas after many years as a councillor decided that he would not run again. He has been both an 'ordinary councillor' and an executive member and now feels that he must devote his time to his family and work. Unlike MPs, councillors get allowances, only the Executive Members get allowances equivilant of a salary, they still have to work or have an income from another source. There are not many of us who would be willing to do a 35-40 hour week day/paid job and then spend 10 - 20 hours pw on council duties. Dulwich Community Council Meets on Monday 14th 7 pm at Christ Church Barry Road meet your councillors there.

My daughter visted a primary school which got a glowing OFSTEAD but hated it when she looked round. Head was very patronising, the place was unnaturally quiet, children just sitting working at their desks, not communicating with each other. Daughter worked with special needs and asked the Head about the provision in school. Head told her that they had one boy who was autistic and fitted in with the rest of the school because he looked normal and the parents could not tell who had special needs. He got no extra help from the school. Daughter quite horrified at answer, Both grandchildren are doing well at a school which got a middling OFSTEAD report and good special needs provision which they were very open about.

THERE IS A DULWICH COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING AT CHRIST CHURCH BARRY ROAD ON 14TH DECEMBER. SOME ONE SHOULD RAISE IT AS A SOAP BOX ITEM. WRITE INTO AMBROSE WHO MANAGES THIS MEETING AND ASK HIM IF IT COULD BE PUT ON THE AGENDA. SEE COMMUNITY COUNCILS LINK ON SOUTHWARK'S WEBSITE.

My 2 are 13 years apart but I also have a stepdaughter who is 2 years younger than my eldest. My 2 girls now 23 and 36 have been close over the past 8 years. Grandchildren are 10 and 5 and both adore each other. Eldest(girl) takes time with her little brother, he annoys her at times but both are very protective of each other. Other grandchildren boys 13 & 15 always argueing, younger sister almost 9 dominates them both!

I was at a meeting yesterday when Councillors announced increased budget for education. As far as I can tell, this is not for a new school, but to increase existing schools capacity. There is very little land in ED on which to build a school. That is why the Harris Boys School by the Rye took so long to materialise as a more suitable site could not be found. I believe the information about the money has only been announced in the past couple of days.

In our family we have a Victoria Jane, Kathryn, Claire, Helena, Tia, Morgan Heather, Katherine, Sally, Carol. I must admit that I like the names Poppy and Tansy. Also knew a Rowena, Byrony and Clover years ago.

You can find community council agendas, dates and venues of meetings on Southwark council website - just double click on Dulwich CC (or Peckham etc) Also gives you the minutes of last meeting. When you attend the Dulwich CC they aske you to sign in and give address/email. Ambrose is the officer who manages Dulwich Community Council meetings - very helpful guy. he tends to sit at the back of Christ Church ( they use other venues in Dulwich and Herne Hill) near the door. I think Annie may hang out in the Tooley Street Building ring 7525 5000 and ask to be put through to her PA to clarify address. At the next BARA general meeting at the East Dulwich Community Centre Darrell Road, on Tuesday 8th December (8 pm) we will be having a general talk about Transport in the area followed by a small christmas social with nibbles and wine. All welcome.

Knowing James well, he is a very hard working chap with a full time job and a young family. Apart from his surgeries, he is on various council committees. When I spoke wih him a couple of weeks ago at the Dulwich Community Council meeting he had 3 other evening commitments that week. In fact most of the councillors I have known over the years regardless of political parties, have been very busy people, those who are retired or work part time obviously can take on a bit extra if their family circumstances allow for it. I suggest that anyone who feels that they need an answer to a question, consider going along to your community council meeting and submit a question for the Soap Box session - it then gets recorded in minutes and you will get an answer, if not on the night, request that the appropriate official write to you.

Just make sure your insurance company knows of the incident. A friend of mine was involved in an incident where a cyclist was involved, man was taken to hospital but discharged unhurt.police informed her that in view of non injuries they would not be taking it further. Her car suffered no damages so did not inform insurance company. 2-3 years on, had a letter from a solicitor advising that they were taking her to court to claim damages as the cyclist claimed he has been suffering poor health since incident and could not work. Insurance company said they would defend her in court but that she would be liable for all their costs since incident was not reported at the time. case is likely to cost her in excess of ?40.000.

Have a good holiday - I rave about this site to all and sundry - if you want to know what is happening in the area just go to EDF. Well just think of the lack of news in the Southwark News and SL Press for the next couple of weeks!. We will all have to store up the gossip/questions until the site reopens. have a good holiday Mark.

Just to plug again the East Dulwich Discussion 8 for 8.15 pm Tuesday 13th October at the East Dulwich Community Centre. Discussion on Education - school places and buildings. Health and Social Care - Dulwich Hospital and site and other Health and Social Care Issues you wish to raise. Planning - How to influence your neighbourhood. Planning applications- how to object, what the various forms mean etc. Full details have already been placed on the Forum - See East Dulwich Society, Also in Family discussion and What's on in Dulwich Sites. Already been plugged by Pugwash. Joint meeting organised by East Dulwich Society, Barry Area Residents' Association and the East Dulwich Community Centre

If your aunt was an in patient at the hospital, the ward, knowing that she lived alone should have asked her if she wanted a referral to the Hospital Social Work Team. They would need to submit a Section 2 ( which is a referral to SSD) and it would be either the Kingston Team who would have assessed on Merton's behalf, or the referral sent to Merton who should have sent a social worker to the hospital. A Section 5 is sent by the ward to SSD to give a discharge date. It is far quicker to ask whilst in hospital for an assessment of need than to wait until after discharge as local teams go on priority status to assess people. Some boroughs have specialist teams which can provide care for upto 6 weeks. Lewishan have a 'Home from Hospital Team' If there is a need for rehabilitation i.e. exercises to strengthen arm once plaster is off - there are intermediate care teams. It is perfectly reasonable for a Hospital Social Work Team to do an assessment of need to provide a care package for a limited period ( usually whilst people are in plaster and just beyond) this would give personal care twice daily, help with domestic tasks and either meal prep or meals on wheels. There are a number of firms which provide frozen meals - Wiltshire Farm Foods and Oakhouse Foods ( they deliver on a specific day and many people prefer these meals to the MOW.) All SSD have to charge for services and this is means tested. If you have only a state retirement pension and no private pension or savings, it is unlikely that you will have to pay much - most people would be a nil charge. Attendance Allowance is only payable if you have a permanent impairment and need help with personal care. If you have a terminal illness - special rules apply. Some Age Concern Branches have their own carers but obvioulsy these are more expensive per hour. Age Concern should also give you a list of Care Agencies in the area who you can contact directly. Also your aunt should have been seen by an Occupational Therapist who may have been able to provide ( or advise) on equipment/aids. In Kings there is a team of therapists who cover A & E. You should make a formal complaint to the PALS office ( Patient Liasion and Advice) at Kingston (copy to Merton SSD) as your aunt was the subject of a poor discharge, with no assessemnt of her needs etc. Unless the public report 'unsafe/poor discharges' this form of practice will continue. Hope this helps.

BARA covers the area mentioned. We have a representative who sits on the Neighbourhood Housing Forum at Crown House, and also on the Leaseholder Forum. If you pm me with your details I will put you in touch with him.

Just to add to my comments - I feel very safe walking alone at night in the area. Not met anyone who feels unsafe, The bushes/overgrown areas featured as sometimes these obstruct a clear view of the pavement ahead. It may have been a much older person with reduced mobility who initially raised this with the Police. They are more likely to be affected by the fear of crime, rather than crime itself.

My comment was not to say that people feel more nervous since these events. At the AGM, everyone assured Duncan that our perception of the area was just the same as it was. Nobody had become concerned about using the street, those of us who live on Barry Road, are still happy to live there. It was just 'bad luck' that 2 incidents occured in a short space of time. This posting was NOT to make an issue out of the situation, just passing on comments that were made at an AGM which covers the area from Friern Road to Crystal Palace Road. The bulk of Duncan's talk was on other policing issues unrelated to Barry Road. Obviously if some people do feel uncomfortable in certain areas of East Dulwich ( there are very few areas if any which come to mind) here was the opportunity to express them.

At our AGM last night attended by Sgt. Duncan Jackson, he asked local residents their views about walking in the Barry Road area. Were people nervous about using this street, or part of the street in view of 2 murders. Were they apprehensive going out alone or with others either during the day or evening. Duncan felt that some parts of Barry Road could do with brighter lighting and has approached Southwark's environment office re this. Unfortunately, Southwark's officers feel that lighting is adequate for Barry Road. Any comments about Barry Road or other roads in East Dulwich, would be appreciated. Are there particular bus stops in the area where you feel vulnerable due to overgrown trees/bushes etc. Any comments will be passed onto Duncan and the Safer Neighbourhood Police Team.