Fly-Tip Fury, Hidden Art & Brain Health Tuesday 🧠

☀️ MORNING PULSE

🚛 CROYDON'S FLY-TIP FURY

CCTV caught a truck dumping a mountain of construction and garden waste outside Hydro Bros on Sunday afternoon. Owner Steve Wong discovered it hours later and had to pay £1,500 overnight to clear it so he could open Monday morning. Croydon fly-tipping costs the council £1 million a year -- and residents say dumps reappear within 24 hours of removal. The government is tightening waste carrier licences, with custodial sentences of up to five years for illegal dumping from 2027. About time.
(Source: Yahoo News / Daily Mail)

🧠 DEMENTIA ACTION WEEK KICKS OFF

Running 19-25 May across Croydon. Events include a dementia-friendly film screening at the David Lean Cinema (lights on, relaxed atmosphere), health hubs at Scratchley Hall in Thornton Heath and at Purley and Selsdon libraries, and an info stand at Croydon University Hospital. Croydon's Dementia Action Alliance -- including the council, NHS Trust and One Croydon Alliance -- are all involved.
(Source: Croydon Health Services NHS Trust)

⚖️ REFORM'S DODGY CONNECTIONS

A newly elected Reform councillor has been linked to a far-right fraudster, raising eyebrows just days after the local elections. Meanwhile in Sutton, Reform's two new councillors are already making a grab for £32,654 in opposition allowances -- despite not attending their first public council meeting.
(Source: Inside Croydon)

💛 HEARTBEAT

🥚 ART OUT OF HIDING

Croydon artist Sara Hayfa created a series of intricate eggshell artworks in Morocco in 2014. For 12 years, they've been kept private -- never shown, never sold. That changes in June. Hayfa is hosting a free exhibition at Turf Projects in the Whitgift Centre from Wednesday 3 June to Saturday 27 June (open Wed-Sat, 11am-5pm).

"This isn't a commercial sale. It is simply about finally sharing a passion that has travelled across borders and survived years of waiting."

One of those stories that reminds you Croydon is full of quiet brilliance.
(Source: Inside Croydon)

💛 HEARTBEAT

📅 Community Events Tuesday

🍽️ FOOD & LUNCHEON CLUB

Every Tuesday, 12pm-2pm at the Asian Resource Centre, 89 Canterbury Road, CR0 3HA. Healthy grocery bags (£3.50) and hot meals (£3.50). A warm, welcoming space to socialise and meet neighbours.

Contact: 020 8684 3784 | [email protected]
(Source: Asian Resource Centre)

✍️ CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP

Croydon High School is hosting a free taster event for pupils in Years 3-5 (external pupils only), 4pm-5pm today. Fun writing games, character building, and creative activities. A great intro to the school for families considering entry.
(Source: Croydon High School)

🧠 DEMENTIA ACTION WEEK -- ALL WEEK

Dementia-friendly film at David Lean Cinema, health hubs at Scratchley Hall (Thornton Heath), Purley Library and Selsdon Library. Info stand at Croydon University Hospital. Creative activities at the Museum of Croydon throughout May.
(Source: Croydon Health Services NHS Trust)

⚡ Pulse Points

🦫 BEAVERS WATCH -- The rewilding proposal for South Norwood Country Park is still live. 96% of 817 residents surveyed backed it. No location confirmed yet but momentum is building.

🎨 COMING SOON -- Art On Our Doorstep: Croydon's Contemporary Art Fair, 12-14 June at the Whitgift Centre. 30 local artists, workshops, and the unveiling of the Croydon Masterpiece. Free entry.
(Source: Culture Croydon)

💡 Did You Know?

Edmund Grindal -- Archbishop of Canterbury, buried at Croydon Parish Church in 1583 -- has a memorial that was destroyed by fire. A debate is now raging about whether to rebuild his grand tomb or replace it with a brass wall plaque. Grindal held three of the Church of England's greatest offices and is one of Croydon's most significant historical figures. The decision matters.
(Source: Inside Croydon)