All we ask in return is that the children wear something Easter or spring related. Or dress as a Penge dino… but whatever you wear, have fun, but take care crossing roads.

The participating businesses are as follows:

Revolution Records

Fun Cuts hairdressers

Dew beauty

Carnival Coffee

Property World

Goldsmiths Arms (starting point)

Kacper polish deli

Designer Drapes

Macks Chemist

Living Well

Home and Happiness

Antonella’s Bistro

Nouvelle hairdressers

Salvation Army

Mabel

Taylor and Abel haberdashery

Chez Yves bistro

Luckys off licence

Himalayan Kitchen

Alexandra pub (starting point)

SE20 Cycles

Ooh La La Treats

Penge General Store

De Niros

Art With Glass

Bridge House (finishing point)

We are incredibly grateful to all of them. Many open especially for the event, at personal cost, and as everyone knows, things are tough economically on High Streets these days.

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As part of the exhibition Tim has erected and installed one silver and nine bronze ‘Manager’ statues in public view around Penge to form the 2023 Penge Sculpture Trail.

Here’s some clues as to what to look for and where….

Happy hunting!

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A group of Penge based actors, they decided to offer weekly escapism from the daily London hustle. If you fancy a giggle they release an original sketch each Saturday at 1pm. Links below.

https://m.facebook.com/RatRunProd

https://mobile.twitter.com/RatRunProd

The sharp eyed amongst you will spot the latest clip was filmed down the Alex and its manager Jozef gets a role.

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The first time some of us became aware of Millie was when she’d appear at random street planting areas at weekends, with her purple bag from the council, tidying up the patch and removing litter.

Since then she has popped up, massively involved, in all sorts of local activities including

- Friends of Cator and Alexandra Park – overseeing the maintenance and wellbeing of two lovely parks

- Penge Food Hub – linking the providers of seasonal ethical food with consumers

- Penge Partners - local community group, responsible for the annual Penge Festival.

Our favourite Millie moment this year was the terrific Paws in the Park, which was an event in Cator Park where hundreds gathered to enjoy an afternoon of dog related fun and competitions.  Millie has since organised Santa Paws, a Christmas themed walk for humans and their furry friends.

Millie does all of this voluntarily, while somehow finding time to have a full time job in healthcare and looking after two lovely bothersome Schnauzers.  She’s great and a deserved winner.

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Rachel Tucker is well known in Musical Theatre circles. However, I was ignorant of her track record and her talent when she and her husband Guy moved in across the road from us seven years ago. Indeed, I was curious and concerned in equal measure back then when I used to see this purposeful brunette looking decidedly green around the gills as she left her house in Penge, South London. She never looked well. It wasn’t until I saw the show Wicked some years later I finally understood her pallor to be the result of the green make-up she wore when playing the part of the most agreeable witch in the West End. She still holds the record as the longest serving Elphaba in London’s production of “Wicked”, having done the part for nigh-on three years in one stint. However, it wasn’t until we went as a family to see her in a one-woman show at the St James Theatre that I really got that she could sing. And she really can sing.

On a cold autumn evening one Sunday last year, an assortment of eclectic folk gathered to enjoy an evening with Rachel and her band. Organised as a fund-raiser for the local theatre where she and Guy are the Artistic Directors, the garden of the Bridge House Tavern, again in Penge, was bedecked with bunting, lights and pub bench tables. That most British of events, torrential rain, had lashed down for much of the day and when we as a family arrived just before 7pm, Guy and others were hastily taping tarpaulin covers to a series of gazebo-type struts. We’d opted for the standing tickets, with the hope we might perch somewhere. There was a full house, the temporary sheeting was offering some shelter from the showers and there was camaraderie in the air. We were braving the elements to enjoy what promised to be a special evening of song.

The band, comprising a pianist, a drummer and a bass player, were perched slightly precariously in front of the rear doors of the pub. They warmed us up briefly and then Rachel arrived through those back doors. It might hardly have been a glamorous entrance and yet somehow it was. I’ve seen Rachel perform a few times now. She lights up an auditorium when she appears and the pub garden of the Bridge House Tavern was no exception. She greeted the audience and apologised for the weather, thanking us for making it out on such a wet and windy evening. She then launched into a programme of show tunes and songs from her current album, ‘On the Road’. The evening was actually ‘Rachel and guests’. At regular intervals she welcomed up onstage various musicians. These included instrumentalists and singers who, under normal circumstances, may well not have made it to Penge in a month of Sundays. However, thanks to Rachel, make it they did and the level of musicianship was of the highest standard. There were some lovely duets, including one with the actress who had played opposite Rachel in ‘Wicked’ as Glynda, the Good Witch of the East. There was also another singer who belted it out with international sass. I can’t recall the names but I can hear their voices even now, writing almost a year later. In and amongst all this talent, one brave soul got up to sing a duet as a prize he’d won through a highest-bid auction. He did pretty well, with Rachel pitching it perfectly so as to support rather than outshine him.

And that, I think, is the attribute that shone out so clearly that evening. I am not of the West End, nor familiar with the ins and outs of showbiz folk. However, I would lay a dollar to a

dime that there are few with Rachel’s singing talent and professional profile who would brave the elements to support a pub theatre venture in the back-end of south London. Despite the wind whipping up at times and unceremoniously dumping gallons of water from the tarpaulins onto the gallant punters seated below, Rachel warmed us all with her infectious combination of humour and care. When her son Ben, a charmingly intelligent four-year-old, invaded the stage at several points during the evening, she managed that dual role of Mum and Main Act superbly well. With husband Guy hovering on standby, as ever, there was back-up should disaster strike. Between them all though, Rachel, Guy and Ben, gave us a private peek at family life on the road and for a short while they made us all feel part of that family.

There were plenty of great musical moments and, to finish, Rachel treated us to that showstopper from Wicked, ‘Defying Gravity’. It showcases her vocal range and transports those who have seen the show to a magical place where witches can and do fly. Here in Penge it was clearly what some of her die-hard fans had come to see. Sitting next to us was Rose from Canada. She had seen Wicked many and several times and was clearly a Fan. Rachel didn’t disappoint her. For me though, the highlight was another solo piece, an arrangement of ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’. As she sang this gentle version of the Elton John classic, I reflected that Rachel doesn’t mind sharing the spotlight but, inevitably, the spotlight does belong to her. She commands it without having to demand it. I know she is looking for a professional life beyond ‘Wicked’, the tale of the two witches from the Wizard of Oz. How smart to include this slightly melancholic version of an iconic song near the end of her set. I can’t speak for anyone else but I was transported from a wet pub garden in Penge to a place where all life was distilled to the purity of the musical voice. It was spellbinding.

I was moved by the evening and vowed to write it up at the time. However, life got in the way. I write now because I have just received a flyer telling me that Rachel is due back to the Bridge House Tavern in Penge on the evening of Sunday 30th September. I doubt she’ll be able to cast any spells in regard to the weather but I know she’ll offer another enchanting evening. I urge you to take your courage in both hands, dress for rain just in case and venture to deepest south London. She’ll not disappoint you.

Jon Preston

The post Rachel Tucker – West End star is back in Penge appeared first on Penge Tourist Board.

PTB: Can you describe the Tour de Penge to those that don’t know it?

Part of the Penge Festival, the Tour starts with the spectacle of hundreds of cyclists setting off en mass down Penge High Street on a Sunday morning . In guided groups we make our way to Greenwich and back following a mostly off road route along paths and parks along the Waterlink Way. It’s a fun ride with plenty of opportunity for the younger riders to stop off for ice creams and a quick play in the playgrounds that line the route. Lots of people don’t know you can get from Penge to the Thames more or less off road, so it’s a bit of an eye opener.

PTB: What can we expect from this year’s Tour?

Usually we stop for lunch in Greenwich, but this year we’ve decided to take just a quick refreshment break before heading back to Alexandra Junior School on Cator Road– the home of Penge CC’s youth section – for a barbecue, more ice cream and a bit of a celebration.

PTB: Do we have to be super fit to take part?

No. The route is flat and should be easy for anyone of average fitness. We’ve had children as young as five complete it, and there’s always the option to do as much as you can before turning back.

PTB: Do we have to wear Lycra?

The only think we insist you wear is a helmet! There will also be Tour de Penge T-Shirts for sale before and at the event with the same design as the poster.

Nor do you need a fancy bike. Two wheels and working brakes will do the trick. Dr Bike will be at Penge Recreation Ground at the start of the ride to sort out any last minute flat tyres.

PTB: Does it take a lot of organising?

Yes! It’s been months in the planning and there are lots of groups involved including Bromley Cyclists, Bromley Council’s Sustainable Transport Team and our neighbouring cycle clubs, including Bromley’s Bigfoot CC. Local police are also helping out with the start of the ride and along the route.

Although we’re in our 11th year, we’ve had teams of riders double checking the route over the past few weeks to make sure all the ride leaders know where to go.

PTB: Tell us about the Penge Cycle Club

We’re perhaps a bit different from some cycle clubs that are dominated by competitive ‘middle aged men in Lycra’ in that we were founded by a group of local parents to teach children how to ride. The adult club was borne from that and has maintained the same friendly ethos. That’s not to say we don’t have some excellent riders, but above everything we’re inclusive and welcome riders of all abilities.

Locally we’re lucky to have support from Designer Drapes, The Blubelle Café, Murray Bros and, of course, Winnie at SE20 cycles.

PTB: What’s the best thing about the Tour?

Where to start. It’s satisfying seeing the younger riders cross the finish line. 16 miles is a long way for some of them and they’re so proud of their achievement. We’ve also had some adult riders who have come along to the Tour de Penge and ended up joining the club as a result. It’s great to get Penge on the cycling map with participants travelling from other areas to take part.

The 11th Tour de Penge takes place on Sunday June 11th, sign on from 8.30am at Penge Recreation Ground. For more details visit:

http://pengecycleclub.org.uk/families/tour-de-penge-sunday-11th-june-2017/

Picture: The 2016 event leaves Greenwich.

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I met my future wife, Lesley, at college and we have been married for almost fifty years, with five grandchildren. As a teacher I always incorporated drama techniques in my teaching and went on to gain a MA in Theatre from Royal Holloway. For several years, in the seventies, I ran a successful Writers Circle at South London Theatre, attracting visits from the National Theatre’s script department. Now retired, after forty glorious years in various London comprehensives, I am doing a PhD in Theatre at Goldsmiths. Last year several of my Penge friends came to see my
practice-as-research play Servants (about Virginia Woolf and her servant) when it was staged there in Studio 3.

For several years I have been Chair of the Friends of Cator Park and Alexandra Recreation Ground. We stage a summer Music in the Park event every year and a pre- Christmas Carols in the Park event followed by mulled wine and mince pies, not to mention arranging bulb-planting sessions in late October. I am also a member of the Penge Forum Executive committee and the Penge Town Team with a special interest in developing the Penge Heritage Trail.

I serve on the committee of Penge Partners with the aim of developing the cultural facet of the Penge Festival. We now have a successful Festival Poetry Competition, an ambitious and thrilling Art Trail, various Ira Aldridge events, a Walter de la Mare talk and walk, and various Bridge House Theatre events, courtesy of Rob Harris, the theatre manager. Guy Retallack suggested we involve the theatre and Rachel Tucker suggested I give my annual Walter de la Mare talk there. It’s also great to have the backing of the Walter de la Mare Society and generous sponsorship from local businesses.

My favourite thing about Penge is the sense of a rich historical past reflected in the buildings, the green spaces and the illustrious people who have lived there.

My least favourite thing about Penge is the run down aspect of some of the areas and the comparative neglect (until very recently) by Bromley Council who seemed unaware of Penge’s charms and narrative history.

You should move to Penge because of the growing vibrant and diverse community, the green leafy spaces, the fascinating architecture and the village atmosphere.

I wish Penge had more bookshops. It used to have an excellent one, Titles, but now we are dependent on charity shops or the (excellent) library.
​
When I fancy a night out in Penge I go to the Bridge House Theatre and maybe have a lovely meal in the pub. We are so lucky to have a professional theatre in Penge.

On a typical Sunday morning in Penge I am likely to attend St Anthony’s Church. Sacred spaces are important to me whether they are in a place of worship, in green open spaces or by the sea.

My favourite bit of Penge trivia is the account of sheep being herded across the former level crossing at Penge East station on their way towards Sydenham.

The thing I wish people knew about Penge is that from either end of the high street you can see a church spire or tower. It evokes a sense of the bygone ‘hamlet of Penge’.

Penge in three words: vibrant, quirky, historic.

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Joel is the deputy news editor at the Metro. He lives in the Alexandra Cottages with his wife and two young daughters.

The thing I like most about Penge is that it’s full of character and charm. Its architecture is modest, yet lovely.

My favourite thing about Penge is the high street. I go shopping there with my eldest daughter. We like to pop into the butcher’s and have a good old chat with them – they’ve known her since she was born. Then we’ll head to the Penge Food Centre for fruit and veg, feta cheese and flatbread.

You should move to Penge because in a few years’ time you might not be able to. It really is up and coming – it’s fabulously well connected transport-wise, and there are more and more nice things to see and do here. People are just starting to realise what a great place it is.

I wish Penge had a bookshop.

If I were Mayor of Penge for the day, I’d sort out the litter problem. It drives me bonkers. I think Penge suffers from being on the edge of the borough – it gets forgotten by the council.

The best thing in Penge for keeping kids entertained is all the green space. There’s so much of it here. We’re just round the corner from Alexandra Recreation Ground, which is lovely. And my daughter loves the dinosaurs and the farm at Crystal Palace Park.

If the dinosaurs in Crystal Palace Park could talk, they’d say, ‘Hey, you’ve got me all wrong – I didn’t look anything like this.’

The thing I wish more people knew about Penge is that it’s not just a funny name. If people knew it, they wouldn’t laugh at it so much.

Read Joel’s blog at http://joeltaylorwrites.blogspot.co.uk/.

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Martin has lived in Penge since 1997. He’s the author of The Making of a London Suburb: Capital Comes to Penge, which tells the story of our little corner of the city, from the late eighteenth century to the late nineteenth.

This period of 100 years sees Penge explode from semi-rural hamlet into a ‘thoroughly urban railway suburb’ and, in his book, Martin explains the main players, events and quirks of fate that make it happen.

If you want to find out how Anerley, with only one resident at the time, came to have a railway station (and why Penge has two), how Penge came to be part of the parish of Battersea or what its Victorian residents did for a living, we suggest you have a read.

In the meantime, here are Martin’s personal reflections on life in SE20…

The thing I like most about Penge is that it’s kind of an unexpected place. Parts of it are so pretty, and yet it’s also seen as a bit of a joke. I thought so too when I first moved here, but I soon got over it.

The most beautiful sight in Penge is the view from the terraces at the top of Crystal Palace Park just as the sun comes up. The park’s one of my favourite places to go for a run.

If I were Mayor of Penge for the day, I’d decree that there had to be a cinema here.

My favourite Penge memory is the first street party we had in my road in 2009. One of the residents spotted a plaque on the side of one of the houses with the date 1889 on it, and decided to organise a street party to celebrate the anniversary of the road being built. We’ve had a party every year since, and it’s great fun.

Penge in three words is wacky, friendly and Victorian (in a good way).

My favourite bit of Penge trivia is that, in the 1860s, Penge had 16 pubs on the High Street between Oakfield Road and Croydon Road. That’s one pub every 44 yards.

The thing I wish more people knew about Penge is that it’s an old and venerable place. It has one of the oldest place names in London – it’s been called Penge (or a variant of it) for over a thousand years. In its heyday it was quite a posh suburb and a desirable place for well-to-do families. And because those affluent families needed servants, it became a working class suburb, too. It’s a place with a fascinating history that tells us a lot about how London developed as a whole.

The Making of a London Suburb: Capital Comes to Penge by Martin Spence is available at Bookseller Crow, 50 Westow Street, Crystal Palace, London SE19 3AF, and other local bookshops.

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Helen, an executive director in the public sector, has lived on St John’s Road for 16 years. She’s the interim chair of the Penge Cycle Club.

My favourite thing about Penge is all the new initiatives that are happening at the moment. I’m especially excited about the Bridge House Theatre – I’m on the advisory board and I’m helping them engage with the community and link in with the local councillors.

My least favourite thing about Penge is the missed opportunity for keeping that amazing market going in Maple Road. We’ve let something precious go there – it’d be great to recreate it.

You should move to Penge because it’s a genuine community. There’s a really interesting mix of people. It’s child friendly – my kids have done really well at the local schools. And there’s a very vibrant creative arts scene developing, too.

I wish Penge had more support from public authorities, including the Council and the NHS. It’s been a neglected part of the London Borough of Bromley for a long time, and there just hasn’t been the investment that other parts of the borough have had. The dynamism we’re seeing at the moment is coming from within Penge, from local people and local businesses.

When I fancy a night out in Penge, I go to Bluebelle Café in Maple Road. My friend Erica runs it, and every six weeks or so they have music nights with amazing live blues and jazz.

On a typical Sunday morning in Penge you’ll find me out on my bike with the Penge Cycle Club.

The best thing in Penge for keeping kids entertained is Go Ride Penge, run by Penge Cycle Club. It’s on Saturday mornings at Alexandra Junior School. We run fun skills sessions and group rides for kids aged 4 and up.

My favourite bit of Penge trivia is that there used to be a button factory on Maple Road that made 300 million buttons a year.

The thing I wish people knew about Penge is that there was a really vibrant creative community here back in the day – and now there is again, with the Bridge House Theatre. More and more people are finding out about it, but I want it to become much better known.

www.pengecycleclub.org.uk

www.bhtheatre.com

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