Croydon's Zeebrugge VC hero gets his due
The latest Croydon Chronicles history piece tells the story of Captain Alfred Carpenter, who won the Victoria Cross for his part in the 1918 Zeebrugge Raid after steering HMS Vindictive back to safety. It also looks at the welcome he received when he came home to Croydon, drawing on material from the Minster's archive. A good read over a cuppa if you like your local history with a bit of drama. Read more at Inside Croydon.
Quick hits
Weather: A fine, mild day ahead with sunny intervals, a high of about 15°C and a low of 9°C, and almost no chance of rain. Gusts could reach 22mph around midday, and Thursday looks similar. [CHECK: forecast is for Crystal Palace, re-check Croydon before sending] (Met Office)
Trams: Almost half the network is closed for planned half-term works, with full service due back on 6 November. A track fault has also shut Lebanon Road stop and suspended trams between Arena and Elmers End. Check TfL before you travel. [CHECK: exact closed sections and replacement buses not confirmed] (Inside Croydon)
Palace fans: BOXPARK Croydon is screening Fulham v Crystal Palace in the League Cup tonight, with kick-off listed for 7:45pm. [CHECK: confirm kick-off time and that the screening is still on]
Campaign: Save DIY SOS
The BBC has confirmed it will "rest" DIY SOS in 2027 as part of its money-saving cuts, with a cheaper spin-off, DIY SOS Rebuilt My Life, taking its place. The annual Children in Need build is being rested too. The current series is still on BBC One for now (Irish News).
A petition started by David Claydon, a plasterer who worked on the show last year, is asking the BBC board to think again. It argues the show gives families in tough situations a fresh start and brings tradespeople together to volunteer for their community. More than 45,000 people have already signed.
If DIY SOS matters to you, please add your name and share the petition with friends, family and your local WhatsApp groups. Every signature adds to the pressure.
On this week
Today, Wed 28 Oct, 2pm: Craft Club: Make a Paper Camera, free drop-in for families, Atrium, Croydon Clocktower (CR9 1ET).
Today, Wed 28 Oct, 7pm: Restoration Talks, an evening of open conversation about mental health with a professional panel and anonymous audience Q&A. £10 on the door (card only), The Front Room, 37-39 St George's Walk (CR0 1YL).
Thu 29 Oct, 11am: MINULI Makers pumpkin patch craft for ages 2-10, £12, Centrale Shopping Centre (CR0 1TY). Costumes welcome and spaces are limited, so book via Happity.
School Corner
Half-term is nearly over, so here is how to fill the last few days. On Friday 30 October, 9:30am-11am, Little City Croydon and Trainmaster South London are teaming up for a train-track role-play session for little ones at Our Lady of the Annunciation Church Hall, 147 Bingham Road (CR0 7EN), £15 per child. Craft Club returns on Friday at 11:30am with free Creepy Crafts at Croydon Clocktower. [CHECK: Croydon schools' return date, expected Monday 2 November; confirm on the council website]
One for the diary: Good Shepherd Nursery and Primary School in New Addington is holding its Christmas Fair on Friday 18 December from 1:15pm to 5pm. It is free to attend and raising money for the school's outdoor provision, and stalls are still available. Email [email protected] to book one.
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Building a stronger Croydon, together. The Croydon Local Pulse Team.