Talk:Beckenham

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[edit] A poor effort!

I really cannot believe that this is the best that can be done for Beckenham! Was the river named after the town - or does it just mean stream? Following a rapid "history", which isn't even given a heading, it is simply a series of lists which give little or no feel for the place itself. Taking each paragraph:

• Nearest places: I never quite see the reason for this. With such a built-up area, it is simply not much help. In addition, some of those listed here give no idea just how near they are. Catford is one: yet Bellingham, which is actually nearer, is not included. Surely some thought must be taken to see that the nearness of a place reflects the ease of access to it. It is possible that the most important thing is that it is almost completely part of "greater" Bromley, and the other places are immaterial.
• Nearest railway stations: Beckenham Junction is located near the town centre: OK. Radially, the next stations are: New Beckenham, Kent House, Clock House, Shortlands, and Ravensbourne. Beckenham Hill and Birkbeck are beyond; why not Elmers End and Eden Park? This is not using logic, just a quick look at the map; again, for what purpose?
• Beckenham today: Wow! three sports clubs and a speakers club! There isn't even any text to suggest there might be a little more to say about the town.
• Notable people: OK, although perhaps too jumbled up - historical, pop, etc etc
• References in pop culture: surely there must be some references in other genre? literature? Daniel Defoe & William Cobbett both wrote about it.
• Notable places: OK, so some of these have their own article, but surely those that do not could be included in this article? Even the entries here could have had an explanatory note beside each.

Altogether, a thoroughly unsatisfactory experience. I wish I had time to do more, but I don't know enough about Beckenham - and this article tells me nothing more!! Peter Shearan 19:39, 6 November 2007 (UTC)