About Us
Steve Livens- Uncle Beef
Why did I get involved? I am a firm believer In supporting local businesses as we are the heartbeat of our community. I started my business in my kitchen in 2018 and soon expanded and moved into our first shop in Crayford High street in 2019. Covid hit and it put us on the map as a business as we were offering free local deliveries to the community and people stuck with us up until now. In November 2021, we had to move into a bigger premises due to significant growth , fortunately a bigger shop came up just down the High Street.
Fay- Lindy Lou
Having the privilege of running a small business in the centre of Crayford has given us a great view of the community. Knowing some of Crayford’s previous traditions has inspired us to join a group of like minded business folk who have the energy to reinstate events within the town. We hope to bring the community together again and make Crayford a place to be excited about as it grows.
Ella and I took the reins at Vintage Lindy Lou in 2018, five years after it was started up, and our love for the business and guests continues to broaden. Our enjoyment of baking quickly earned us the first of our many food industry awards, with Afternoon Tea being our strength. We regularly impress both local and international guests with our cake and cocktails, and look forward to visits from our lovely regulars and new faces alike.
The eons of Crayford history date back to Domesday with a mention of our St Paulinus Church in the Book itself, through the Roman era which left us with cobbled roads (since covered with bitumen). The town has a rich industrial history, with the river having served businesses by barge; including a tannery, a brick maker, and a silk print. It’s also the root of the first non-stop Atlantic flight race story, with the victorious Vimy aircraft having been built in the Vickers factory which employed probably every townsman at the time and for years to come through World War II
Tracey Bird- Crayford Resident
As a local resident I wanted to give something back to the community “ Crayford community group “ has given me that opportunity.
Manning the arts and crafts stall at our recent event at Waterside was very rewarding and I look forward to helping out and supporting the group and the community in future events..
Denise Spencer- Crayford Resident
I've lived in Crayford for many years and I like being part of the community. Joining the Crayford Community Group has been very rewarding so far - I just went along to the first meeting to see what it was all about, and I'm very glad I did! The event at Waterside was great fun and I loved manning the arts and crafts stall -seeing so many people coming to be part of it was lovely. As a community we have so much going for us - I'm pleased I joined the Crayford Community Group and look forward to seeing it grow.
Stephen Pratt- Crayford Specsavers Director
Why did I get involved with the Crayford Community Group? For me, a happy, engaged community is at the centre of any bustling town. It is my vision that Crayford will be the place to be for a close knit community with exciting, vibrant events through the year.
With a background of homelessness in my late teens, to becoming a Retail Director and Dispensing Optician, I have always been people focused. Most recently I instigated the opening of Specsavers homeless eye clinics in the UK and have been speaking at government events to lobby changes that will allow vulnerable groups to have more equitable accessible care.
I am proud to say that community focus will always form the basis of my life's work.
John Nightingale- Crayford Greyhound Track
I work at Crayford Greyhound Track and have been part of the Crayford community for over 15 years. When the idea of a community group was presented to me, I felt that it was what we needed to really look to improve the area and help create a thriving community.
Being part of this group, I want to support local charities, schools, clubs, businesses, and the community itself. I believe through this group we can plan different events that raise funds for good causes and make improvements to the town really putting Crayford on the map and part of the Bexley Borough.
I am looking forward to seeing what we can do together to really make a difference for Crayford and its community.
Aimee Boden- Crayford Greyhound Track
I got involved in the Crayford Community Group as I work in Crayford at Crayford Greyhound Stadium, and have been for over 4 years now. I hope from this group, we can support so many different aspects of the community, and make Crayford a hot spot for people to attend.
We have some great people who are working in this group, and I can’t wait to see where we go.