Meet People for Portland Road's Voluntary Officers

PPR has a team of voluntary Officers and committee members who are committed to the improvement of the Portland Road area. We asked them a few questions to find out a little about their involvement with PPR.

Paul Scott - Chair

  • How long have you lived in South Norwood? Originally from Norwich, I moved to South Norwood in 1990 via Brighton, where I had been studying architecture.
  • What's your day job? I’m an Architect, but since May 2002 I have also been a Labour Councillor representing the people of Woodside Ward which includes most of Portland Road.
  • How and why did you become involved in PPR? A few years ago I was working with a group of local residents and business people looking at how the local community could get together to improve this neighbourhood. This group developed into People for Portland Road. Wanting to regenerate Portland Road was one of the main reasons why I wanted to be a councillor. I've always felt that the sadly run down and neglected Portland Road lets it down what is otherwise a great area and yet it has huge potential to be restored and improved. As a councillor and with PPR I’ve been working hard to highlight the problems Portland Road faces, develop solutions to overcome them and then to make sure they are delivered.

Jason E Cooper - Vice Chair

After growing up in the Midlands, and having periods living in Aberystwyth, Croydon, Brighton and Cheltenham, South Norwood is the place where our family has settled . I have now lived here with my family (Lou, Lily & Nye) for about 7 years, and we immediately felt at home, from the friendly community shops, to the country park and the peace and solitude that can bring. I have always believed in fighting for something you believe in and South Norwood is no exception. I want the area to be a place my children are proud to live in and will be sad to leave.

How would I describe myself in 5 words: husband, father, anarchist, atheist and blogger.

Tom Hurcombe - Vice Chair

  • How long have you lived in South Norwood? Since October 1998
  • What's your day job? I am the vicar at St. Mark's of South Norwood
  • How and why did you become involved in PPR? To supprt the local community. I've taken out active interest in the local communities throughout my career. I was heavily involved in the Waterfront regeneration around the Millenium Dome.
  • What is your biggest achievement to date through PPR? Integrating the church with the local community and engaging people in local issues and initiatives.
  • If you could change one thing about Portland Road and surrounding area what would it be? I would make it a more economically viable business place in the context of the rest of the community in which it is set.

William Quagraine - Treasurer

  • How long have you lived in South Norwood? Over 3 years.
  • What's your day job? Business Executive
  • How and why did you become involved in PPR? How: Through Paul Scott. Why: I believe in improving, contributing and developing any area in which I live, work and/or operate.
  • What is your biggest achievement to date through PPR? Being able to convince harsh critics to partake in PPR activities.
  • If you could change one thing about Portland Road and surrounding area what would it be? Safety

Liz Ismail - Communications Officer

  • How long have you lived in South Norwood? All my life, except for time spent away at university or a short spell living in France.
  • What's your day job? I'm Operations Manager for an on board service company.
  • How and why did you become involved in PPR? A couple of years ago I was at a Neighbourhood Partnership meeting and we got talking about the particular issues which the Portland Road area faces. From that meeting People for Portland Road was eventually formed and we have grown from there. I think it is important to work towards aims for the area and to look for positive outcomes - I would dread for us to be seen as a bunch of 'antis'!

Chris Peskett – Secretary

I’ve lived in South Norwood for 37 years so I’ve seen many changes!

My role involves lots of administration. It doesn’t sound like fun but has enabled me to meet many likeminded people who want South Norwood to reach its full potential. Being involved with PPR has given me an insight about where I live and has enabled me to do something positive for my community. I’ve also been involved in running SNAF for many years.

Things I love about living here are the terrific transport links, Crystal Palace FC and South Norwood Country Park.

Heather Hardie - Membership Secretary

I have been a local resident for nearly 30 years and have also worked in Croydon for much of that time. I belong to PPR because I think South Norwood has so much going for it, yet still so much that could be improved.

I'm convinced that getting the local community involved is the most productive way to achieve improvement, and indeed it has often been hugely rewarding.

I have made many local friends over the years of my involvement with PPR and this in itself makes South Norwood a great place to live.

Rita McKay - Fund Raiser

I have lived in Sth Norwood for 32 years and in the near vicinity all my life. I have worked currently as a Pension administrator in a Croydon based company. I work as a volunteer in A & E at Croydon University Hospital, and also do two other voluntary jobs. Main interests are gardening, walking, family.

I am Fund Raiser for PPR, approaching local shops/businesses to request funding/prizes for events raffle draws.

My main aims are to:

  • Promote community spirit, and
  • Help preserve historic buildings in our local area