Sidcup Spotlight June 2022

SIDCUP SIDCUP BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT MAGAZINE

ISSUE 2 S U M M E R 2 02 2

Spotlight

CONTENTS Voice from Westminster BID news Community Environment Sidcup SNT Skills London Borough of Bexley Events History Remembering when…

News Legal

3 4 5 &10 6 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 15

Welcome

and council officers to discuss our response to these challenges. We are all keen to work together to find practical solutions.

On a positive note, the building formerly occupied by Nationwide has been taken by Starbucks and TSB was occupied some time ago

by Catch. We will be spoilt for choice on where to grab a coffee!

ENQUIRIES Sidcup Partners I Elm Parade, Main Road, Sidcup DA14 5NF Tel: 0208 302 4970 cheryl@sidcuppartners.co.uk https://sidcuppartners.co.uk Media No. 1998 Published June 2022 © Benham Publishing PUBLISHER Ian Fletcher Benham Publishing Limited Aintree Building, Aintree Way, Aintree Business Park, Liverpool L9 5AQ Tel: 0151 236 4141 Email: admin@benhampublishing.com Web: www.benhampublishing.com FEATURES Karen Hall Tel: 07801 788 880 Email: karen@benhampublishing.com EDITOR Jez Davison Tel: 0151 236 4141 Email: jez@benhampublishing.com PRODUCTION MANAGER Peter Wilkinson Tel: 0151 236 4141 Email: peter@benhampublishing.com DISCLAIMER Sidcup Spotlight is published for Sidcup Partners. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in this magazine, Benham Publishing and its agents can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributions in advertising or editorial content. Benham Publishing and its agents cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in web or email links supplied to us..

2

SIDCUP Spotlight

In this summer’s edition of Sidcup Spotlight, we have to report some highs and also some lows in terms of what has been happening in the town centre.

We were disappointed but not surprised to hear that both Barclays and HSBC banks will be closing their branches in Sidcup; this follows the loss of the Nationwide Building Society and the TSB. We have long recognised the potential threat to the town centre from the closure of financial services as we have had such a good representation in this area. The switch to online banking and the lack of a need to operate from a traditional high street location leaves us vulnerable to being left with empty premises in the town.

We recently held a meeting with our MP, Louie French, our three ward councillors, June Slaughter, Cheryl Bacon and Richard Diment,

To add interest to the town centre, Sidcup Partners are working with the Lamorbey and Sidcup Local History Society to create a mural depicting the story of Sidcup. We are in the process of selecting an artist who can interpret the original design concept. Once the artist has been selected, we hope that the mural will be in Nesbitt Walk on the side wall of McDonalds, subject to necessary permissions being granted.

We will also be reinstalling a number of lamp column banners showing famous people from Sidcup which were replaced last year with shop local and website banners.

When this publication arrives on your doorstep, the summer floral displays will be in-situ and we hope they are enjoyed by all.

For up-to-date information on what is happening in Sidcup, please visit our website: www.sidcupparteners.co.uk.

Sidcup Partners is a not-forprofit organisation funded by a mandatory levy paid by local businesses and organisations within a defined area in Sidcup.

VOICE FROM WESTMINSTER

WHIRLWIND START TO A POLITICAL CAREER “It has certainly been a whirlwind,” he says. “I knew that the first six months would be tough in terms of setting up a new office team to help local residents, but I don’t think anyone could have predicted the series of events in recent months.”

Louie French MP has had a whirlwind start to his Westminster career six months after being elected to serve local people across Old Bexley and Sidcup. After proudly delivering the first maiden speech for more than 70 years that promoted Sidcup and its rich history, Louie has since faced the headwinds of the Omicron Covid variant, the war in Ukraine, the political fallout of “partygate” and “beergate” investigations and now there’s the cost of living crisis.

In this context, Louie has had his hands full as he tries to help

“

“Our community response to Ukraine has been amazing and I thank everyone for their efforts, including the BID. We have sent van-loads of aid to Poland and Ukraine, held charity concerts and fundraisers, and local people have very kindly opened their homes. I’ve also been busy helping families to secure visas so they can come legally to the UK. Delays at the Home Office have been frustrating, but we’re getting there.”

“The cost of living situation is very difficult. We were already facing global economic challenges following the pandemic and the war in Ukraine has made many of these much tougher, including the impact of higher energy prices and disruption to food supply. My focus is on helping people and businesses with these challenges, and I expect further announcements in the weeks’ ahead following the Government’s initial £22 billion package of support.”

“Alongside my campaign to STOP ULEZ, which will see local drivers of older vehicles face costs of up to £4,500 per year and will negatively impact Bexley businesses and key workers, I am pleased to have helped local schools and charities secure more funding, to see new trains on the Sidcup line and I hope to share more good news shortly.”

On a personal level, Louie has experienced the upside and downside of political life.

“I genuinely enjoy speaking with people and supporting community initiatives, he says, “although being stopped in the street every day, often for a picture, remains a surreal feeling and keeps me on my toes when trying to catch a train! There’s a darker side to politics, though, especially on social media. Some people write lies about you online and personal threats is sadly something I now have to deal with.”

“But thankfully they are a minority in our lovely community. I’m so proud to be the first homegrown MP for our amazing area and I will keep fighting for everyone. I’m also really excited about the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations and I look forward to joining many of the excellent patriotic events taking place.”

“

Ukrainian refugees fleeing war as part of the wider community response and support local people and businesses with rising costs.

Our community response to Ukraine has been amazing and I thank everyone for their efforts, including the BID. We have sent van-loads of aid to Poland and Ukraine, held charity concerts and fundraisers, and local people have very kindly opened their homes.

SIDCUP Spotlight

3

BID NEWS

DISC Scheme The DISC scheme has been introduced to BID levy payers in May 2022 in order to share intelligence, manage banning schemes efficiently, enhance security awareness, increase engagement levels, communicate with members and provide a link to Police and other DISC users.

Across the UK, DISC for BIDs enables Business Improvement Districts to reduce the impact of, low-level crime and anti-social behaviour on their levy payers’ businesses. The DISC Scheme is free to BID members.

Benefits of the DISC Scheme:

• In partnership with local police

The DISC automated eNewsletter is a uniquely effective and economical way to keep levy-payers regularly and fully informed about BIDsponsored events, emphasizing the benefits that BID brings to its levy-payers: attracting more visitors, driving footfall and helping them build their businesses.

With DISC for BIDs, Business Improvement Districts benefit from all the functions of Disc for Watch Groups, as well as other powerful DISC functions.

An additional feature of Disc for BIDs is its powerful ‘Public Realm’ reporting system. BIDs can configure the system to handle the public realm issues that concern their levy-payers most.

• Real time alerts • Report crimes and antisocial behaviour • Regular newsletters and updates

4

SIDCUP Spotlight

COMMUNITY

SIDCUP BAPTIST CHURCH Main Road

We’d like to share with you just a few of the very many activities that take place on almost every day of the week at our church.

Sidcup Baptist Playgroup: 2022 is a momentous year for our Playgroup as we celebrate our 50th anniversary.

We will have a week of activities for the children to celebrate our Golden Jubilee alongside the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. We are able to use the church garden, and are open Monday to Thursday mornings. At our last Ofsted inspection we were graded ‘Good’. Our waiting list is open for the academic year starting in September 2022.

Community Lunch: We hold a monthly cooked lunch on a Sunday, primarily for people who live on their own or want to meet others. We welcome all; and if you would like to come, let us have your name and phone number (see contact details below).

Photo by Ismael Paramo on Unsplash

OWLS (Older, Wiser, Livelier Seniors) is for those aged 60 or older.

It meets monthly on a Wednesday or Thursday afternoon in the church hall for a cuppa and chat, plus occasional light entertainment. It exists to give local people a chance to socialise in a low-key way. New members are always welcome.

Disabled Christian Fellowship meets on the second Saturday of each month (except August) from 2pm to 4.30pm. We average around 50–60 friends of various abilities who come together to enjoy tea, cakes, chat and a varied programme of entertainment throughout the year.

Frogs provides fun on Fridays for children of primary school years 2–6 during term time, starting at 5.30pm.

There are craft, games and time to talk, with a Bible story and thought for the week. Sometimes we have games evenings and themed evenings – the next themed evening is our ‘survival night’. Frogs stands for Fully Rely on God. Something Crafty, open to all adults, is a once-a-month gathering of crafty people. Come and experience some new crafts – painting, sewing or creating a mini peg-doll queen for the jubilee – and enjoy a chat while you do so. Refreshments provided.

Tuesdays from 7.15pm.

And, of course, our Sunday morning ‘all age’ worship service from 10.30am (special session for children).

If you would like to know more about any of the above activities, just contact me, George Hider, via email (ghider2016@gmail.com) or telephone (020 8306 3670) and I’ll put you in touch with the right person.

SIDCUP Spotlight

5

ENVIRONMENT

SALON SUSTAINABILITY!

As the fight against climate change intensifies, individuals and businesses are all having to do their bit to reduce their carbon footprint.

Salon owner Ina Ellis is certainly playing her part in this mission.

Having run Zone Hair Advisers on Sidcup high street sustainably for the last 21 years, she has now teamed up with Green Salon Collective on a new venture that takes waste from salon owners and recycles, reuses or composts it.

materials or new products made from the waste goes to local charities.

Members of the Green Salon Collective receive starter kits, marketing material, next-day collections and ongoing support.

Ina says: “G.S.C share useful education material on all matters regarding sustainability with the whole hairdressing industry. It’s good for your brand reputation if you act sustainably.

They’ve developed unique accreditation programmes for salons and other businesses in the hair and beauty industry. Salons that achieve Green Salon Collective accreditation can demonstrate to their clients, staff and the wider industry that their business goes above and beyond when it comes to looking after people and the planet.”

Green Salon Collective already has the backing of several big brands, including cosmetics giant L’Oréal.

Ina explains: “In lockdown I had lots of time to think of new ideas and I wanted to do something that would help the environment. They now take waste from the salon and find a use for it. They use hair to clean up oil spills and we generate clean energy using discarded PPE and general waste. We recycle foil, plastic and paper and we even compost salon towels. We thank G.S.C and the support from Sidcup Partners.

G.S.C say: “Essentially, we’re trying to get hairdressers to run and manage their salons in a sustainable way. It’s a fantastic industry to work in but there’s a lot of unnecessary waste, with people pouring toxic hair colour down the sink and throwing hair cuttings in the bin. Our aim is to transform every piece of rubbish – or what people previously thought as rubbish – into something useful.”

6

SIDCUP Spotlight

Ina has also taken steps to reduce the carbon footprint of her own salon.

“We’ve changed a lot in recent years,” she says. “We’ve invested in eco heads that filter and reduce water flow, saving on unnecessary water usage and nowwe recycle 90% of our waste – even the hair.

Green Salon Collective is also benefiting worthy causes in the community. All of the money raised from recycling the raw

“Many people don’t realise how much can be recycled.”

SIDCUP SNT

WORKING TOWARDS PROVIDING SAFER NEIGHBOURHOODS In recent months Sidcup SNT have focused on trying to tackle an increasing problem with distraction thefts at ATMs located on the High Street & at Morrison’s Supermarket. It came to our attention via crime reports and speaking to the local banks that members of the public using these ATMs were either being approached by strangers while using the machines & being distracted or the machines were having devices placed on them, both methods resulting in people having banks cards and money stolen. Sidcup SNT conducted both high visibility & plain clothed patrols in these areas, occasionally drafting in the help of officers from the borough’s tasking team and the Territorial Support Group & managed to intercept & arrest two suspects in the same week for theft & fraud offences. The investigation into both suspects is still ongoing at this time. As a result of these targeted patrols & arrests we have noticed a big decrease in this type of crime although we would still

advise people to stay alert when using cash machines & use the ones inside the bank if they are available.

afterward & has been recalled to prison while he awaits a court date for these latest offences.

Sidcup SNT officers also recognised a male suspected of being involved in the theft of a Fiesta in the Sidcup area. PCSO Steve Graves conducted extensive CCTV enquiries in the local area which helped gather the evidence to arrest this male. After searching his address officers found items which suggests he is involved in a large-scale vehicle crime stealing Ford Fiestas & Ecosports all over South East London & Kent.

Last week the team attended St John’s Church where they held an event welcoming Ukrainian refugees to the borough & networking with various agencies & charities to assist them while staying in the UK.

Thankfully burglaries in the area remain low, however sadly at the beginning of May two cafes were burgled on the same night in the High Street & Main Road.

Typically, burglary investigations do not result in being able to identify a suspect, however in this case thanks to the scenes of crimes officers obtaining some forensic evidence from the scenes & CCTV enquiries a suspect for these burglaries was arrested shortly

Due to the expiry of covid restrictions the team are now starting up street briefings & crime prevention stalls within the community. You may have already seen PCSO Steve Graves on the crime prevention stall in Waitrose or at your street briefing.

If not, there will be plenty more opportunities to catch up with us.

In the coming weeks we hope to see you all at the joint Emergency Services road shows at Sidcup Morrison’s on Tuesday 21st June & Sidcup Tesco on Thursday 23rd June.

SIDCUP Spotlight

7

SKILLS

A SIDCUP

SUCCESS STORY…

Founded in 1899, by the celebrated numismatist (coin collector) and academic, J.W.E Pearce, Merton Court Prep combines academic excellence with a healthy, holistic approach.

Chris Jagger (Mick’s slightly less famous brother), Nick Ferrari, and more recently, footballer Billy Mitchell (Millwall FC).

From small beginnings, the School outgrew its original premises in Selborne Road, Sidcup and moved into a purpose-built school on Knoll Road in 1902.

Over a long and illustrious history, it has provided the bedrock on which so many of its pupils have progressed to long, satisfying, and often, eminent careers.

The School is very proud of all its ‘Old Mertonians’, who include

In 1979, the Price family took over stewardship of the School and have single-mindedly, year-on-year, for over forty years, created the extraordinary combination and variety of onsite facilities, ideal for primaryaged children, that can be seen today.

Merton Court boasts grass and astro pitches, a sports hall, a swimming pool (they were 2018 Primary English Schools’ Swimming Association Champions) and dedicated Science, Music , Art,

ROSE BRUFORD COLLEGE

It has been a busy academic year and we are all pleased to be in a position where we can welcome back larger audience numbers to our student productions and events, and engaging with the local community through commercial hire bookings.

We recently secured significant investment into our sector-leading facilities and will be investing £1.9 million into lighting, sound and extended-reality (XR) stage equipment this year. The investment is funded by a capital grant from the Office for Students – the independent regulator for higher education in England.

We are pleased to share that Rose Bruford College was recently able to offer all students from the Academy

8

SIDCUP Spotlight

of Live and Recorded Arts (ALRA) a place to complete their studies, following the announcement of ALRA’s sudden closure.

We have had much to celebrate with students and graduates being recognised in awards ceremonies across the industry. Firstly, Roddy Lynch, Abigail Middleton and Georgina Cooper who were nominated for the ‘Best Family Show’ at this year’s Olivier Awards ceremony, which took place at the Royal Albert Hall in April 2022. Secondly, Rose Bruford College Honorary Fellow Jenny Beavan won an Oscar for Best Costume Design at the 94th Academy Awards for the film Cruella. Not forgetting, Sorcha Corcoran, a 2015 graduate of our Design for Theatre and Performance BA (Hons) course, who was recognised

Dance and IT areas. What really sets it apart, is its beautiful 17-acre grounds, including a Forest School – part nature reserve, part outdoor activity area, where children can explore, follow trails, build camps and enjoy mud slides and mud kitchens.

All these facilities are for the children’s exclusive use, to make sure they enjoy the best days of their lives.

With over a century’s worth of accumulated wisdom and tradition, the School looks forward with great optimism and excitement to its 125th Anniversary celebrations, in 2024. www.mertoncourtprep.co.uk twice in the 2022 Off West-End Theatre Awards nominations.

We are very proud of our students, past and present. If you would like to find out more about studying for a career in theatre, film, TV, live events or gaming at Rose Bruford College, please visit our website for details and registration.

Are you looking for a space to hire? We have an extensive range of specialist spaces and state-ofthe-art equipment available for hire within close proximity to South London, Kent, and the M25. With the very latest technology in studios and theatre spaces, and impressive architecture and picturesque scenery, we have a range of facilities to meet your needs for any occasion; from TV commercials, alumni gatherings, photoshoots, award ceremonies, conferences, classes, workshops and more. For commercial hire please email bookings@bruford.ac.uk. www.bruford.ac.uk

LONDON BOROUGH OF BEXLEY

NICK O’HARE IS BEXLEY’S NEW MAYOR Cllr Nick O’Hare, who represents Blendon and Penhill Ward, has been elected the Borough’s new Mayor, for the second time.

His daughter and the new Mayoress is Ms Natalie Ford.

Nick is a proud member of Bexley’s Greek community. He moved to England at the age of 13. Later he secured a three-year apprenticeship as a hairdresser, eventually saving enough money to open his own hairdresser’s salon. He moved his business to Welling in 1985.

Nick married his wife Maria in 1981. He taught her hairdressing and the couple have worked together for many years. They have two daughters, Natalie and Leah.

Nick gained a teaching degree at the age of 50, fulfilling a long-held ambition.

The Mayor appointed Cllr Rags Sandhu as Deputy Mayor and his wife Mrs Bal Sandhu as Deputy Mayoress.

The Mayor and Mayoress will be working to raise funds for ‘Avenue’, a specialist charity providing support services for people with autism, learning disability and acquired brain injury.

40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FALKLANDS WAR Throughout the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War, the Royal British Legion (RBL) will be commemorating the service and sacrifice of all those involved.

RBL’s activity began on the 40th anniversary of the start of the Falklands War on 2 April and

culminated in a national event to commemorate the end of the conflict on 14 June.

25 June at St John the Evangelist Church, Church Road, Sidcup. All are welcome to attend.

Local members of the RBL held their own events, including a short service of Commemoration and Remembrance at the Bexleyheath War Memorial on 14 June, where wreaths were laid by the Mayor and the Borough’s Deputy Lieutenant.

30,000 sailors, marines, soldiers, airmen and merchant mariners took part in the Falklands War along with many civilians who supported the war effort. The RBL’s commemorations will honour and remember this great collective contribution as well as the sacrifice of the 255 British personnel who sadly lost their lives.

A major service of remembrance is planned for 11am on Saturday

www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/remembrance/remembrance-events/falklands SIDCUP Spotlight

9

COMMUNITY

SIDCUP PRODUCERS MARKET First Friday of the month 10-2pm

sweet treats, and lots more!

1-Jul - 5-Aug - 2-Sep - 7-Oct 4-Nov - 2-Dec

• Certain stalls offer a refill service • Each stall is constantly evolving in becoming more sustainable and supported by us

Nisbett Walk, Sidcup DA14 6BT ENTRY IS FREE FOR EVERYONE

• Stalls use paper or degradable bags

Come and support Sidcup’s only market!

Up to ten local businesses supporting the local high street selling handmade and produced products, such as: speciality bread, butchers’ meat and sausage, cakes, locally produced honey, bath products, home fragrances, homemade healthy dog treats, handmade Belgian chocolate, eco-friendly products,

• Our markets are in central locations so easier for visitors to come without using their vehicles

This market is under The Producers Market.

We have a firm stance on sustainability: • No single use plastic bags • We use local businesses to reduce product miles

• Businesses use recyclable materials, such as glass jars, recycled card, etc Find us on: FB @TheProducersMarkets Facebook Group: Sidcup Producers Market

Sidcup Partners Ltd are delighted to announce the completion of the Garden of Reflection at St Johns Parish Church. Sidcup Partners were successful in applying to The National Lottery Community Fund to fund the project and received a grant of just over £8,000. The garden will provide a peaceful oasis in the town centre where people of all faiths or none can take time to sit and reflect in a tranquil environment and hopefully provide a sense of wellbeing.

10 SIDCUP Spotlight

EVENTS

This year we launched and took part in FIVER FEST. A campaign run by Totally Locally offering a chance for independent businesses to use their collective power to encourage people back to their town centres. It was Sidcup’s way of saying thank you to customers who supported them during these testing times and to prove once again, that the small local businesses can compete with the online giants, big retailers and the supermarkets. In fact, they beat them hands down in many ways, but most of all their contribution to our local economies.

Twenty-two of our local independent businesses participated offering items for £5 which would usually cost more for one week in March and the feedback was fantastic with some of our businesses even continuing to offer the promotion after FIVER FEST ended. Promotions included

Tea/Coffee and cake, starters, gin and tonic, plants, business flyers and much more. It was a huge success and great to see businesses supporting one another and the community shopping and supporting local. www.totallylocally.org

You should feel proud that during this time you supported and shopped local and put back into OUR LOCAL ECONOMY #thumbsupsidcup

All words & images © Totally Locally Ltd. 2022

SIDCUP Spotlight

11

HISTORY

SIDCUP COMMUNITY GARDEN A JOY FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS

continue to do so) to eradicate the bindweed, oxalis and many other weeds which had taken hold.

Gradually the garden of six years ago has been completely replanted.

The group meets twice monthly from spring to late autumn and monthly at other times, with additional work from others from time to time.

The garden has become a joy for local residents to appreciate, which they clearly do. Moreover, the Garden is a place where volunteers enjoy both working and each other’s company. Many have great gardening knowledge and experience, others have little, but they are keen to contribute too. No-one minds whether you are a skilled and knowledgeable gardener or a mere labourer! A small but dedicated Committee works hard to make the garden sustainable.

With money raised from a supermarket “Bags for Life Scheme” the group had a circular bench installed around an existing tree in the centre of the garden - an attractive feature which encourages visitors to admire the garden and talk to one another.

Sidcup Community Garden at Sidcup Place was the brainchild in 2016 of Rob Leitch. The beautiful rose garden of his childhood had become a place of sad shrubs and he resolved with the consent of Bexley Council to set up a community group which has now created a place of beauty.

12

SIDCUP Spotlight

The Group worked out a plan of campaign to re-design the garden.

While many volunteers provided plants and shrubs, the Group set about to find people and businesses who would sponsor individual beds to provide funds for planting.

Gradually the new garden took shape. The existing planting was dug up. A huge amount of weeds had to be dealt with. Fears that one area was affected by Japanese Knotweed were unfounded. Members of the Group worked extremely hard (and

When lockdown came, there was concern that the garden might suffer. However, with the consent of the authorities, a small group continued to work informally to keep the garden going. They worked well isolated from one another, enjoyed themselves immensely in the glorious weather and saw many local residents, walking round the garden and having socially distanced chats!

The success of the garden has been recognised by awards from London in Bloom, Ruxley Manor, Kent Life and others.

What I suspect means more to those involved is the pleasure they get from working there and the pleasure it gives to others.

SIDCUP’S 70-YEAR EVOLUTION

REMEMBERING WHEN…

Penny Duggan, committee member of the Lamorbey and Sidcup Local History Society, delves through the archives to explore how Sidcup has evolved since 1952 – the year in which the society was formed… the annual tennis tournament, which attracted large crowds, and the August Bank Holiday Horticultural Show. Another popular place for entertainment was the Regal Cinema.

In 1952 Sidcup was a fine residential district with a bustling high street. The town owed its development to the electrification of the railway line in the 1930s, and it was considered to be a good place to live, within easy reach of London and the Kent countryside.

Sidcup Place and the Manor House were both occupied by the offices of Chislehurst and Sidcup Urban District Council. Entertainments organised by the council included

In Sidcup high street, there was enough custom to require several greengrocers, butchers, fishmongers, bakers and stationers. In those days, the early closing day was Thursday. There was an air of class consciousness: upper-class ladies would never go to the high street without wearing gloves. Sidcup was most definitely viewed as a respectable place for posh people to do their shopping! There were ladieswear shops, jewellers, haberdashers, tailors and shoe shops. Next time you’re in the high street, look up at the railings above Iceland and you can still see the ‘B’ for Burtons.

A large department store, Dawsons, was situated at 24-34 High Street, where Better Gym is today. It employed a large number of staff and sold a variety of goods including clothes, haberdashery, bedding,

curtains, carpets, rugs, linoleum, furniture, china and ironmongery.

Perhaps the most noticeable feature of the high street today is the range of restaurants and cafes. A couple of micro-pubs have also been opened and are proving popular with the locals. Back in 1952 the choices were more limited, with The Ruskin and Criterion restaurants, as well as the Black Horse pub.

It’s encouraging to see more independent retailers appearing on the high street. Two hotels have sprung up and we will soon have a new library with a cinema. It’s certainly a very different Sidcup to the 1952 version!

Our society was formed during that year, initially as an offshoot from a local history class that met at Lamorbey Park Adult Education Centre. Originally called the Local History Group, it became a fullyfledged society in 1956 and holds a wealth of information on the town and the fascinating people who’ve inhabited it over the years.

SIDCUP Spotlight

13

NEWS

ROTARY IN SIDCUP What’s Rotary you might ask. Well, simply it is a group of Communityminded people of all ages and backgrounds who work together to assist in the Community and help good causes overseas. We meet formally, informally and socially both to enjoy one another’s company, but also to plan how we might assist locally, nationally and internationally.

We always welcome support and new members. Our Sidcup Rotary Club website (https://www. rotaryclubofsidcup.org) offers more information and we can be contacted on sidcuprotary@gmail.com if anyone is interested.

Despite being a world-wide body, few will know that Rotary has played a major part in working with the

World Health Organisation and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in fighting, and largely eliminating Polio with only 4 cases now known.

Sidcup residents might only have linked us through our Santa Sleigh collections for charity around the streets of Sidcup at Christmas; or seen our members and ‘friends’ litter-picking around Sidcup; or others assisting in maintaining the Community Rose Garden at Sidcup Place. However, these are just a small part of our activities.

Sidcup Partnership and Bexley Music, churches, scout groups, sea cadets and charities serving the community. We also host a lunch annually for such organisations with thanks being expressed by our local MP and/or Bexley’s Mayor.

Over the past 20 years or so we have also donated more than £750,000 to charitable causes at home and abroad and with the recent focus on Ukraine we worked with Bexley Music and Sidcup Inner Wheel to organise a concert to support the Appeal.

This raised over £5,000 to support the cause which supplemented the £16,000 sent in recent months to charities working in Ukraine from funds raised or donated to our Trust.

Whoever you are, whatever your story, you are welcome here.

People may be further surprised to learn that Sidcup Rotarians founded, and are still Trustees of the Friends’ of Queen Mary’s Hospital. We support a London wide Young Enterprise initiative, run a biennial Young Musician event and our members are involved in or have partnerships with a variety to local groups including

We sincerely hope that this article encourages like-minded residents to make contact without commitment.

Whoever you are, whateverYOUR your story, WHOEVER YOU ARE, WHATEVER are welcome her you are, youHERE. STORY, YOUWhoever ARE WELCOME

whatever your story, youWhoever are welcome here. you are,

When you hear the word “church”, what comes to mind?

Hope? Peace? Community? Generosity? Laughter? Justice?

The church we read about in the Bible was full of those things and it’s still our experience today!

From Foodbanks to youth clubs, from debt advice to friendship and community, from Sunday worship services to tackling modern day slavery, the church makes a difference in communities across the UK, and right here in Sidcup too.

Whoever you are, whatever your story, whatever your story, Whoever you are, are welcome here. you are welcomeyouhere. whatever your story,

Whether you are in need of hope, joy and laughter, or if you are just curious to see if those things and When you could hear thepossibly word “church”s what comes to “church” go together, mind? google “Churches in Sidcup” or just Hope?

Peace?

Generosity? go along oneCommunity?

Sunday. If you want Laughter?

Justice? to find out more about us, check out or search The www.newcom.church church we read aaout in the Biale was full of those things and it’s still experience newcomchurch on our social mediatoday! to see yourself.

Fromfor Foodaanks to youth cluass from deat advice

Along with many other churchess we at New Community Church take seriously the words of Jesus to “love our neighaour” and we want to invite you to #trychurch.

you are welcome here.

Whether you are in need of hopes joy and laughters or if you are just curious to see if those things and “church” could possialy go togethers google “Churches in Sidcup” or just go along one Sunday. If you want to fnd out more aaout uss check out www.newcom.church or search to friendship and communitys from Sunday Whoever youtoare, whatever your newcomchurch on social media to see for worship services tackling modern day slaverys yourself. the church makes a di3erence in communities story, you are welcome here. across the UKs and right here in Sidcup too.

Along with many other churches, When you hear the word “church”s what comes Whoever you ares whatever your storys you areto Along New Community Church meets at mind?

Comm we at New Community Church welcome herei Jesus 24 Station Rd, Sidcup every Sunday take seriously the words of Jesus to invite Hope? Peace? Community? Generosity? at 10.30 and 15.30. “love our neighbour” and we want to Laughter?

Justice?

New Community Church meets at 24 Station Rd, Whet invite you to #trychurch.

Sidcup Sunday at 10.30 laugh The churchevery we read aaout in the and Biale15.30. was full of thing it’s churchess still our experience today!

When you hear the word “church”s what comes to Alongthose withthings manyand other we at New googl When you hear the word “church”s what comes towordsAlong with many other ch mind?

Community Church take seriously the of 14 SIDCUP Spotlight mind?

Community Church take s Sunda Foodaanks to youth cluass from deat advice WhenJesus youFrom hear the word “church”s what comes to Along with many othe to “love our neighaour” and we want to Jesus to “love our neighao check mind? to friendship and communitys from Sunday Community Church ta

LEGAL

RG LAW CELEBRATES ITS 15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY RG Law is celebrating it’s 15-year anniversary. We have found a new home on the 5th Floor of Roxby House after several years on the high street at number 25. In 2007 RG started its journey orignally on Back Road and then in 2008 we moved into the old Woolwich building.

We are an equals opportunity employer and we think it is so important to look for the talent we have in and around Sidcup. We want to offer our young people career opportunities with us. We have already offered students from Chislehurst & Sidcup Grammar School, Blackfen Girls and Beths Grammar School work experience placements.

RG is proud of growing their own legal experts because it is not just about what you know it is how you make your customers feel when giving and sharing advice. Customers all over the UK have had the benefit of our conveyancing (the legal process of buying or selling a property) and wills and probate service. We continue to get amazing feedback

from our customers and with over 1300 reviews we continuously look at ways of improving our service.

RG Law has a wills and probate department that recently became a member of ‘Solicitors for the Elderly’ (SFE). We are so keen to promote the importance of having a will and having a lasting power of attorney (LPA) in place. Not just because you have reached a certain age, but because you know that life is very unexpected and you want to give your loved ones as much support as you can should the need arrise.

An LPA is Just like car insurance you do not take it out planning to have an accident, you put it in a draw and plan on never having to use it.

Every customer that instructs RG Law will get the opportunity to have a legacy check. The check will look at all aspects of life and see how best to protect their assests so their family and loved ones inherit as much as they can.

We are actively looking at ways we can help our community, we recently sponsored the Bedford Road street party, the Michelle Sidwell Academy of Dance and the Chislehurst Rotary at their Jubilee Summer Fair.

We continue to offer ongoing support and where required advice to the charity, Evergreen, and their clients.

We are always looking to partner with local businesses so give us a call or better still come in and see us.

SIDCUP Spotlight

15