PPR has a Steering Group of eight volunteers, elected annually. Here are the main officers for 2020/21.

PPR CHAIR: Christine Claridge

I’ve lived in South Norwood for most of my life, was born at Mayday Hospital, went to the local schools and now work for the local NHS. I regularly volunteer to help out at Portland Road Community Garden and also with Friends of South Norwood Country Park.

PPR VICE-CHAIR: Paul Scott

Like many people in the local area I come from somewhere else – I was born and grew up in Norwich. I moved to South Norwood in 1990 from Brighton where I trained to become an architect. I am now a director of a large London practice where I mainly design ‘social infrastructure’ including schools, hospitals in Africa, and even the new London Bridge Station.

Since 2002 I have been proud to be elected to represent the local community on Croydon Council, lobbying hard to help improve the local area. I was one of the founding members of People for Portland Road and have been its Chair right from the beginning until this year when I stepped down and took up the role of Vice-Chair. It is my role to help coordinate the organisation and work with the steering group and members to develop projects and ideas for how PPR can make a difference. I then help to deliver them. I really enjoy seeing the work we do make the area look and feel better, and bring the community together. It is also a great way to meet new people and make friends.

PPR SECRETARY and TREASURER: Christina Peskett

I’ve lived in South Norwood for over 40 years so have seen many changes.
I’ve been Secretary for PPR for over 10 years and I also carry out the Treasurer role. My role involves organising meetings, keeping records and dealing with all financial transactions. I’m also very involved with the Community Garden at Enmore Road. I love this project and have greatly enjoyed seeing it take shape.
One of the nicest things is to have a chat with local people as they pass the garden and stop to look. South Norwood has a good feel about it at the moment, and we feel very optimistic, as if there are good things coming just around the corner. PPR has helped to create a community spirit by networking, bringing people and organisations together.

OTHER STEERING GROUP MEMBERS: Rachel McKoy, Shuba Rao and Sedley Wilson.