Difficult and Challenging Times
The last few months have been difficult for us all and it looks as though it will continue through the winter months. We hope that you are keeping safe and well.
After the first couple of weeks, NVRA has been ‘off-line’, mainly because we couldn’t ask people to deliver and partly because of technical difficulties. This new blog has been set up, and we hope that it will be a two-way communication. Please comment, write pieces – and if you can, help with the technical side of producing the blog.
MEMBERSHIP & AGM: No membership fees have been charged this year. It is hoped that the shops and businesses that belong to the discount scheme are continuing to honour that. You will understand, however, that it hasn’t been possible to update by keeping in touch with those businesses. If you come across any news of businesses that are actively refusing the discounts, please get in touch, and we’ll try to contact them. The AGM will probably take place in late Spring/early Summer.
During the full lock down the Norbury & Pollards Hill Mutual Aid Group provided huge help to those who were unable to get out. It is continuing to offer help whilst the crisis continues. You can get in touch through their website: https://www.facebook.com/groups/200062807893255/The Cassandra Centre provided a weekly hot meal for elderly and disabled people throughout the lock down period. It is planning to provide a Covid safe service again at Harlow Hall once it is certain all the regulations can be covered.
CO-OP – it is expected that at long last the new Co-op Shop will be open for business before long. However, the developer applied for a gym and flats for the building behind. This has so far been turned down by the Council.
NORBURY LIBRARY – the scaffolding is down, the lift is fitted and it looks as though it will not be too long before the library will be ready to re-open. The service may, however, be very different from the services we have been used to because of the Covid safety measures. July 2021 will see the library’s 90th birthday – let’s hope it’s open, and we can celebrate.
ROAD SAFETY: In spite of numerous complaints, the 20 mile an hour speed limit is poorly observed. The corner kerb on Croindene & Bishop’s Park Roads has been knocked out of place numerous times. It has once again been repaired but it is unlikely to be long before it’s knocked out again by speeding motorists. Following a van badly damaging a resident’s parked car in Oakhill Road, the Council was again approached to begin the consultation to make Oakhill a one way street. A prompt reply indicated that this was unlikely to happen any time soon given the shortage of funds.
KNIT NORBURY TOGETHER You will have seen the knitters activities over the last months – they are planning more decorations for Hallowe’en, Armistice Day, and of course for the Festive Season. If you’d like to know more, contact Brenda, [email protected] or Ann, [email protected]
FESTIVE LIGHTS: Love Norbury reluctantly took the decision recently that it would not be possible to hold a Covid safe Christmas Fayre. There is some excellent news – London Road will be brighter than ever when the festive lights go on in November, thanks to the hard work by Love Norbury member, Anita Konczak.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Saturday 24 November 9.30am – Autumn Clean Up in Norbury Hall Park – everyone is invited to join Scott’s Estate RA in keeping the park looking good. Gloves and litter picks provided.
Sunday 1 November – The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run will be coming through Norbury, probably around 7.30am. Early birds encouraged to welcome these amazing cars back to Norbury after a couple of years when the Run was diverted because of road works.
And, finally, something to read – Local resident, David Clark, has just published the latest in The Norbury Histories series – ‘The Norbury Manor Farm & Norbury Park’. It’s on sale at Showells Newsagents, 1412 London Road, price £1.50.
