Apathy in Addiscombe has had its day. Last Saturday, despite miserable wet weather, spirits were high as local residents and businesses seized the chance to make a change, uniting together, eager to promote our area. Cherries Cafe seemed to be serving a double dose of enthusiasm in their excellent coffee, firing our energy for the long day that lay ahead.
The day started with new connections, drawing people from the various parts of Addiscombe together, some of whom had only ever met before through the various hard-working residents associations, but the day was all about working together for Addiscombe.
Combining the practical with the pleasurable, we set off on a five-mile route, not only picking litter but also discovering the hidden gems of Addiscombe. Anne Bridge of Canning & Clyde Road Residents Association imparted nuggets of historical and local interest: the flat where Croydon’s first Olympic medallist, Paul Nihill, lived; the sites of the East India Company’s professors’ cottages, gymnasium and military parade ground; the masonic almshouses of Davidson Road and Clyde Hall, home to Surrey Opera.
The Sir Philip Game Centre, tucked a little out of sight in Morland Avenue, had open doors, filled with children and judo enthusiasts celebrating the annual Croydon Judo Club awards. The SPG Centre is the residence of the Croydon Judo Club and also provides a weekly Friday night youth club, as well as Sunday night Aikido and other activities throughout the week.
Addiscombe In Action were pleased to be joined by our local Croydon Central Member of Parliament, Gavin Barwell, who saw for himself the excellent work the Centre provides and said of the day’s events:
I had a great time at the Addiscombe In Action day on Saturday. It’s clear that a lot of work went into showcasing some great projects going on in that part of our town and the organisers should be commended. Local people working together for the benefit of their community should always be encouraged and I’ll be doing everything I can to support their fantastic work in the future.
The sun broke through on arrival at The Addiscombe Railway Park, where more residents were waiting, keen to take part in the day. Richard Ogden briefly outlined the history of the newly formed railway park and spoke of the work undertaken by volunteers, emphasising the need for further assistance. Jonathan Moore revealed his own hidden guerilla garden, where he grows lavender in redundant railway crucibles, among vegetables and, on the day, a multitude of lively snails. The walkabout followed the Railway Park route to its end and onto The CHASE Residents Association Summer Fayre, where we were once again joined by Gavin Barwell, MP.
The Addiscombe In Action Walkabout is the start of things to come for Addiscombe, having all agreed that we love where we live and we all share the same desire to improve where we live. Our next venture is the Cherry Orchard Arts Fest, scheduled for late October 2012. We are seeking local artists, musicians, performers and poets to bring their creativity to the streets of Addiscombe, to enliven Cherry Orchard Road and our community. For further details contact Susan Oliver at cherryorchardarts@yahoo.co.uk or call 07951 366 143.
Residents For Regeneration 