Croydon - nightlife, accommodation, things to do and general chat

[D'wards]

The number of homeless in Croydon has increased exponentially. I think most people used to stay in the centre but they have moved out, possibly because it feels (is) unsafe for them and centre spots are taken. Possibly people bring pushed out from more central London too.

It's hard to know how to help

Yeah I've been told tents have appeared on the grass verges along Park Hill Road

 

[ATOMIC SUPLEX]

I rarely visit central Croydon these days although I visit the southern outskirts (Kenley, Coulsdon, Sanderstead etc.) regularly. I haven't noticed much has changed over the years in the bits I visit.

D'wards does the homeless guy know about Nightwatch? Croydon Nightwatch | Caring for homeless people in Croydon since 1976

They may be able to help him.

South Croydon and the outskirts that way don't look noticeably any different. If anything even new Addington looks better these days.

 

[May Kasahara]

I dunno what's gone on with that school. Used to literally one of the best girls schools in the country- 100% of pupils would get 6 a-c grade GCSE's (although friends of mine who went there claimed maybe nefarious reasons for this)
Its been there since 1800s. Soon set to close.
I was told it was cos of the whitgift foundation crapping out on Westfield, but I'm not sure

Interesting piece in the most Private Eye:



(Apologies for blurry photo, my phone camera is a bit fucked.)

 

[GarveyLives]

The funeral of the Late Elianne Princess Nana Ama Andam will take place at the New Life Christian Centre in Croydon at 10.30 a.m. until 1.30 p.m on Saturday 11 November 2023. Due to the large numbers wanting to attend, this is an invitation only event.

The funeral procession will start by leaving the family home in Derby Road just after 9.30 a.m. and will move up to London Road, and then up Poplar Walk, before turning right onto Wellesley Road which will be closed to traffic.

They will travel down George Street and then Church Street, where a short stop will be made at Old Palace School, before the procession arrives at the New Life Christian Centre.

Mourners and others wishing to support Elainne's family and friends will be able to pay their respects to Elianne by lining the route of the funeral procession.

The service and reception are invitation only and the burial will be for family members only.

The funeral service will be live streamed on the the New Life Christian Centre website from 10.30 a.m.

 

[D'wards]

Reports of a tasty machete attack outside West Croydon train station. London Road. Sigh

 

[TopCat]

I

You calling me a ghoul?!

It’s an electric soup of flashing blue lights, screaming sirens, murderous youths and people with serious substance issues.

I’m sure though you make the stretch shine when you walk to the station.

 

[TopCat]

The number of homeless in Croydon has increased exponentially. I think most people used to stay in the centre but they have moved out, possibly because it feels (is) unsafe for them and centre spots are taken. Possibly people bring pushed out from more central London too.

It's hard to know how to help

A lot of approaches to rough sleepers involve displacement and disruption.

 

[Callie]

Has anyone had any dealings with or know much about Reclaim Croydon?

They had previously squatted in the abandoned Brick by Brick office on George Street. I've seen them offering free food and books on the High Street and more recently they set up a Autonomous Cafe And Bookshop (ACAB for short of course) in West Croydon where Maplins/Matthews Yard mk II used to be.




Sadly bailiffs came today to evict them but I suspect they will have plenty of other opportunities to set up!

Reclaim Croydon’s free bookshop and café closed by bailiffs

The bailiffs moved in this morning to evict Reclaim Croydon from the former electrical store and failed arts café next to West Croydon Station. Reclaim Croydon had been running the former Matthew&#…

www.google.com

 

[Hoss]

Has anyone had any dealings with or know much about Reclaim Croydon?

They had previously squatted in the abandoned Brick by Brick office on George Street. I've seen them offering free food and books on the High Street and more recently they set up a Autonomous Cafe And Bookshop (ACAB for short of course) in West Croydon where Maplins/Matthews Yard mk II used to be.

View attachment 400282


Sadly bailiffs came today to evict them but I suspect they will have plenty of other opportunities to set up!

Reclaim Croydon’s free bookshop and café closed by bailiffs

The bailiffs moved in this morning to evict Reclaim Croydon from the former electrical store and failed arts café next to West Croydon Station. Reclaim Croydon had been running the former Matthew&#…

www.google.com

Callie First I've heard of them (not that I'm in Croydon any longer) but I like the sound of them and would love to know more!

Edit: They have an Instagram page:

Reclaim Croydon (@reclaimcroydon) • Instagram photos and videos

229 Followers, 7 Following, 15 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Reclaim Croydon (@reclaimcroydon)

instagram.com

 

[brogdale]

Has anyone had any dealings with or know much about Reclaim Croydon?

They had previously squatted in the abandoned Brick by Brick office on George Street. I've seen them offering free food and books on the High Street and more recently they set up a Autonomous Cafe And Bookshop (ACAB for short of course) in West Croydon where Maplins/Matthews Yard mk II used to be.

View attachment 400282


Sadly bailiffs came today to evict them but I suspect they will have plenty of other opportunities to set up!

Reclaim Croydon’s free bookshop and café closed by bailiffs

The bailiffs moved in this morning to evict Reclaim Croydon from the former electrical store and failed arts café next to West Croydon Station. Reclaim Croydon had been running the former Matthew&#…

www.google.com

Sadly, I haven't had any dealings yet but I very much like the cut of their jib

“The simple act of redistributing resources undermines the drive for profit, which is the core of capitalism,” Reclaim Croydon said.

“We say ‘everything for everyone’, not the state’s greedy bosses or corrupt agents.

“We will not stop reclaiming Croydon and can promise the cafe will return soon.”

 

[TopCat]

 

[Guineveretoo]

Has anyone had any dealings with or know much about Reclaim Croydon?

They had previously squatted in the abandoned Brick by Brick office on George Street. I've seen them offering free food and books on the High Street and more recently they set up a Autonomous Cafe And Bookshop (ACAB for short of course) in West Croydon where Maplins/Matthews Yard mk II used to be.

View attachment 400282


Sadly bailiffs came today to evict them but I suspect they will have plenty of other opportunities to set up!

Reclaim Croydon’s free bookshop and café closed by bailiffs

The bailiffs moved in this morning to evict Reclaim Croydon from the former electrical store and failed arts café next to West Croydon Station. Reclaim Croydon had been running the former Matthew&#…

www.google.com

I had not heard of them, and didn’t even know that Matthews Yard had closed again.

I shall look out for them.

And feel a bit sad at Matthews Yard not surviving, but that’s another story.

 

[Guineveretoo]

Has anyone had any dealings with or know much about Reclaim Croydon?

They had previously squatted in the abandoned Brick by Brick office on George Street. I've seen them offering free food and books on the High Street and more recently they set up a Autonomous Cafe And Bookshop (ACAB for short of course) in West Croydon where Maplins/Matthews Yard mk II used to be.

View attachment 400282


Sadly bailiffs came today to evict them but I suspect they will have plenty of other opportunities to set up!

Reclaim Croydon’s free bookshop and café closed by bailiffs

The bailiffs moved in this morning to evict Reclaim Croydon from the former electrical store and failed arts café next to West Croydon Station. Reclaim Croydon had been running the former Matthew&#…

www.google.com

I had not heard of them, and didn’t even know that Matthews Yard had closed again.

I shall look out for them.

And feel a bit sad at Matthews Yard not surviving, but that’s another story.

 

[TopCat]

I
Miss Maplins

 

[Callie]

Guineveretoo Matthews Yard mk III is now down back near their original location near the water pumping castle thingy

They might be members only now, haven't visited yet

Use it or lose it!

 

[Guineveretoo]

Guineveretoo Matthews Yard mk III is now down back near their original location near the water pumping castle thingy

They might be members only now, haven't visited yet

Use it or lose it!

I saw a members only thing but didn’t realise it was in a different place.

I used to visit Matthews Yard quite often in its first venue. It is where I discovered a taste for decaf soya latte, in fact. And I enjoyed watching the venue develop

That was pre-pandrmic though.

I knew they had moved, and that the new venue wasn’t working so well, and that they had stopped being vegan. I didn’t expect them to survive, but had missed that they had gone.

 

[ATOMIC SUPLEX]

I liked both versions of Mathews yard. I have very rarely had a reason to go though. I didn't know there was a MKIII

 

[Callie]

Reclaim Croydon have a new venue if anyone is interested. They seem to keep their Instagram up to date

 

[Callie]

I know some people don't use Instagram so is it helpful to repost here?

 

[Callie]

Open decks night at Riff Raffs next Thursday



I'm gonna have a go if I don't bottle it

 

[BusLanes]

I see Labour is having issues with selection on Croydon East.

Labour stops Croydon East MP selection and launches probe after voter fraud claims

Labour has launched an investigation into the MP candidate selection process in Croydon East

www.standard.co.uk

 

[Miss-Shelf]

I see Labour is having issues with selection on Croydon East.

Labour stops Croydon East MP selection and launches probe after voter fraud claims

Labour has launched an investigation into the MP candidate selection process in Croydon East

www.standard.co.uk

not surprising that this has happened at MP selection. This has been going on at local councillor level for last several years

 

[brogdale]

I see Labour is having issues with selection on Croydon East.

Labour stops Croydon East MP selection and launches probe after voter fraud claims

Labour has launched an investigation into the MP candidate selection process in Croydon East

www.standard.co.uk

It get's better...now with added London Assembly candidate fraud...

Labour Party forced to halt second Croydon selection process

VOTING FRAUD SCANDAL: Plans for nominations of candidates and announcements ahead of next May’s London Assembly elections could be thrown into disarray as party officials step in again. EXCLU…

insidecroydon.com

 

[Callie]

Can you say "conflict of interests" ??!

 

[Callie]

Bit more from our friendly local anarchists



They did an open mic night the other night too.

For shame I still haven't popped in but should be able to next week/weekend

 

[Guineveretoo]

not surprising that this has happened at MP selection. This has been going on at local councillor level for last several years

I was very surprised! I was planning on attending that hustings, and was taking it all very seriously.

What has “been going on at local councillor level for years”?

And where has this been happening? It’s totally passed me by.

 

[Elpenor]

So I’m visiting my uncle in south Croydon on Boxing Day; it’s about a 3 or 4 hr drive from where I live, so I will be on the road quite early.

Before I get to my uncles I am looking for somewhere I can park and go for a walk, ideally having left the M25 at either junction 8 or junction 7, and between the M25 and south Croydon.

I was thinking of Banstead Woods in Coulsdon; but wondering how busy this may be at say around 1030 if it’s a nice day?

Also open to any other ideas.

 

[May Kasahara]

Banstead Woods is lovely. It's always busy with dog walkers, at any time of day, but never so much so that you notice iyswim. We go there a lot and the worst that's happened is we've had to wait 5mins for a parking space. Once you get into the woods it's spacious and beautiful.

 

[Leafster]

There's also Coulsdon Common/Happy Valley/Farthing Downs although it will be just as busy as Banstead Woods. I suspect there's plenty of places to park around the edges. One possibility would be at The Fox on Coulsdon Road but since it's walking distance for me I don't really know what the parking situation is like.

One junction further round (Godstone) and you could park up by Woldingham Station (on Church Road) and walk around Marden Park or anywhere around the outskirts of Woldingham. This will probably be quieter.

One place I'd avoid would be parking at Reigate Viewpoint. The carpark gets very busy at the best of times although walking along that section of the North Downs is beautiful.

 

[Leafster]

Elpenor if you're interested in more details on the Woldingham area, there's the thread I did for the walk around there:

https://www.urban75.net/forums/threads/urban-walk-surrey-hills-16th-october-2022.379213/

I doubt you have time to walk as far as we did but there's details of where to park and a few other bits including suggestions of shorter walks IIRC.